Total oxidation is a chemical reaction in which organic compounds are completely oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). In the field of catalysis, this catalytically assisted oxidation is called catalytic afterburning, and the corresponding systems are called KNV systems.
Total oxidation can be described as a chemical reaction in which a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen from the air, producing carbon monoxide and water. This reaction takes place using precious metal catalysts at high temperatures, which are, however, lower than those used in thermal oxidation.
Total oxidation is an important process in environmental technology, for example in exhaust air purification for the removal of hydrocarbon residues and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exhaust air purification is crucial for complying with the emission limits according to the German Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA-Luft), which are becoming increasingly stringent.
The process is exothermic and generates heat, the amount of which depends on the organic compounds in the starting material. The heat generated and dissipated can then be used for energy production in industrial applications.
Vorteile der Totaloxidation sind Abbaumöglichkeiten organischer Stoffe ohne die Bildung toxischer Nebenprodukte wie Kohlenmonoxid (CO) oder Russ und Flexibilität im Umgang mit unterschiedlichen Schadstoffen. Unter dem Einsatz von Katalysatoren ist die Totaloxidation energieeffizienter und umweltfreundlicher.
