The aim of the project is to develop a process for the cost-effective recovery of solvents in the printing industry. To date, this has been accomplished on a small scale for specific applications for special solvents or very large airflows; these processes are generally not economically viable.

The project is designed to improve the process, coupled with a broad-based reduction in associated costs for enhancing competitiveness in the new market. In addition to cost-effectiveness, significant savings in carbon dioxide emissions result both from the typically used thermal post-combustion process and from solvent production. By establishing a raw material cycle, it is possible to directly incentivize a cost-effective environmental benefit for the industry.

The first step involves the enrichment of the solvent-containing exhaust air in an adsorption stage. Next, the exhaust air is cleaned and the solvents are added to a considerably smaller airflow, from which they are taken up by an absorbent. Possible absorbent carryover is returned to the original exhaust airflow and undergoes a cleaning process as a result. The solvents recovered from the absorbents can be reused in the production process.

The project was funded by the State of Hesse within the framework of LOEW Funding Line 3 for a total amount of € 900,000. Project partners: Rafflenbeul Anlagenbau GmbH in Langen and Anton Debatin GmbH in Bruchsal.