FAQ’s

FAQ about the system

What types of aerosols can be processed with the DESPRAY system?

Most Aerosol can be processed in the DESPRAY system with some acceptions. Here is a list of acceptable Aerosols for processing.

What size cans can the DESPRAY system process?

From as small as medical inhalers to 1Litre cans

Why does the DESPRAY system run a batch type process?

The only way to ensure proper Non Oxygen atmosphere is to process in a closed Oxygen monitored system. This ensures safe operation as well as 100% control of gas capture.

How does the DESPRAY technology compare to shredding or can puncturing technologies?

A closed – loop Oxygen monitored system not only ensures safe-operating parameters within the system, it is also the most effective method of removing the suspended gases and transforming them along with the remaining propellants to a useable liquid gas form. This simply cannot be accomplished properly, efficiently or at all in one of the other processing methods.

Then why do other technologies claim that they capture the gas on their websites and technical literature?

There are many other technologies that either shred or puncture or crush the Aerosol cans and let the gas escape from the process and run it through a carbon filter straight out to atmosphere.  This is not gas capture. Almost all of these claims are not capturing the gases at all, but instead Gas filtering before releasing back to atmosphere. They simply capture portions the VOC molecules only in a simple carbon filter, but they do not capture the gas for reuse in waste to energy or for further recycling. This is not to be confused with actual technology that recompresses the Aerosol gases back to liquid fuel form. Also in almost all of these processes, the suspended gases within the liquids are not removed and dissipate to atmosphere over time.

Can the DESPRAY system process construction type spray foams?

Yes, but only in small-predetermined amounts. ? Factory approval is necessary.

Can the DESPRAY system process plastic aerosol cans?

Yes; however, plastic cans may need to be sorted and processed in batches as to not contaminate the metal stream and reduce its recycling value.

What are the different models?

Our models range from our smallest unit Micro 500 (.5 cubic Metre per hour) all the way up to our largest system DS5000 (5.0 cubic metres per hour) 

Can it handle expandable foams?

No, expandable foams are not accepted at this time. However; DESPRAY is currently working on a solution for this product. If interested, please contact us for further information.

FAQ about aerosols

Is a fully used Aerosol can empty? How much gas remains?

No. A spent or used Aerosol is not empty! A residual amount of propellant still exists in the can. On average a typical Post consumer or spent Aerosol can still has 15% contents and Gas remaining in it after disposal. Considering 15 Billion Aerosol cans per year are consumed per year, this is a huge environmental concern. That doesn’t even include Full cans, off Spec cans and stale dated cans.

What are current methods of recycling Aerosols?

Shredding, puncturing, crushing, incineration, and landfilling are typical methods of attempting to recycle Aerosols. None of these technologies has the safety factor as well as the ability to capture the gases and remove the suspended gases from the liquid.

Suspended gases in Liquids? What does that mean?

Up to 25% of the Aerosol propellant is locked within the liquid molecules of the Aerosol can until dispersed to the atmosphere. The DESPRAY system uses heat, time and pressures to remove these suspended Aerosol gases from the liquid. This can only be done in a “Closed loop system”. Shredders, puncturing, crushing, and landfilling let all of these gases free to the atmosphere. Any post processing Carbon filters don’t capture them for recycling or waste to energy purposes.

If this is true, then why does the DESPRAY system use a carbon filter?

The DESPRAY carbon filter is only used on the lid opening and brick opening chutes for less than .5% of the cycle time. It is not used for the processing of the cans. It is only used before the process starts and after the process is over. At this time the access loading door opens and the Brick ejection chute opens. The suspended VOC, s are directed through a carbon capture system, not the gases.

Do I have to sort the Aerosols cans before processing in the DESPRAY system?

Yes. Some level of sorting of the cans needs to be done pre processing. A simple sorting table or other sorting method is necessary to keep out large metal objects and unwanted foreign objects.

What is the BTU rating of the captured gases?

The BTU rating of the captured liquid Gases range from 12,400 BTU per pound to 19,900 BTU per pound. This BTU figure Depends on the mixture of propellant gases which include Propane, Butane and DME

What type of aerosols can it take and cannot?

Expandable foams are not acceptable along with a few other specialty spray cans. Contact us for further information.

FAQ about costs

What are the maintenance costs to run and maintain the system?

Estimated 10  – 15 USD per hour. Service packages available upon request.

What type of Return on investment would be expected from a DESPRAY system?

A DESPRAY representative will work diligently with your team to prepare a proper ROI for each client. All clients and regions have different parameters and economics that affect the ROI. Contact sales@despray.com

What is the price range?

There are many factors when it comes to pricing. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

What is the hourly service rate?

We estimate 10 Euro per running hour which includes consumables

How much per year?

This depends on the make and model. Please contact us for more information.

What is the expected return on investment?

Depending on the region, incentives and gate fees per ton we see a wide variety of ROI. This can be roughly calculated with our DESPRAY ROI calculator. We see ROI ranges from as low as 6 months to as high as 3 years. Haz waste and fuel prices are increasing, which even benefits ROI more positively. The DESPRAY unit produces high quality fuel as a biproduct.

FAQ about support

How long does installation and set up take?

7 – 10 days including training

What is the life expectancy of a DESPRAY system?

10 – 15 years is expected with proper maintenance and upgrades.

How much labor is required to operate the system?

1 person can effectively load and operate this system. 2 X 205 Litre drums are loaded onto the automatic dumping unit every 15 minutes. Then the process button is pressed. The system works automatically from there. This leaves plenty of time for forklift drum handling along with liquid and LPG handling, assuming pre sorting is completed.

What type of special training is required to operate the DESPRAY system?

DESPRAY Factory training will be available upon installation and afterwards if necessary

What are the lead times to get this setup?

Production lead times are approximately 8 months – 14 months. Once the system is in place and connected to power and N2, on-site installation and training takes around 7-10 business days on average

Does it require special training/education to use?

Yes. DESPRAY offers full training with installation and set up as part of our package.

How many people does it take to operate?

The smallest unit can operate with 1 operator which is consistent throughout the complete product range.
On all models above the Micro 500, we recommend a second operator for can sorting requirements to ensure machine product input stream is acceptable. Labor is also required to pre-sort the waste stream to ensure no foreign objects and undesirables

FAQ about safety

What happens if unwanted chemicals and foreign objects are not sorted and enter into the system?

If large metal objects are not sorted and find there way into the system, the mechanical system will stall and the system will stop and go into “fault “mode until the jam is cleared.

If unwanted chemicals get into the process, the system will automatically stall and add nitrogen to bring the working atmosphere back to safe conditions. The system will not process in a non-safe Oxygen rich atmosphere. It will “hold “until a safe operating atmosphere exists within the closed loop system.

What safety features are built into the DESPRAY system?

Internal Oxygen monitoring system in the process chamber. This is controlled by closed loop electronics via the DESPRAY program and HMI systems ensure a no oxygen-processing atmosphere. No cans can be processed in an explosive atmosphere.
Custom designed DESPRAY program ensure no outside influence can change operating parameters without Proper access codes or Service mode codes.
Mechanical Safety gas “over – pressure” relief valves are installed in all gas lines and components.
External Oxygen and nitrogen monitoring systems ensure safe operator working atmosphere in machine vicinity.
Proper safety gates and rails in all critical areas.
Safety interlocks are on all doors and access points.
All components are specified to operate in Zone 2 and are Atex compliant
A Last chance over pressure blow out disc is installed in case of extreme situations or Isothermic reactions which could possibly occur due to accidental chemical mixtures.
Learn More about DESPRAY’s Safety Features.

Do you need to drain the cans or puncture the cans before processing?

No draining or prepuncturing is necessary. They can be processed simply by dumping the 205-litre drum into the DESPRAY system with the Automated drum tipper. Cans can be mixed full or empty or partially full.

What are the safety features?

We have more than 30 safety features including O2 sensing, VOC detection, blow out discs, close loop feedbacks, preoperational purge, prioritized programming, programming interface, emergency stops in strategic locations, safety fencing and gates, Hi/Lo warnings tied directly to programming, and more.

Do you require a special building permit?

In most cases yes. It is recommended to check with your local authorities for regulations. DESPRAY does offer a shelter roof and climate control for installation for outside applications. This can result in less installation costs.

Can it be run in different weather conditions?

Yes. The system can be operated from -10C (14F) to + 45C (115F).

Other FAQ

What are the consumables?

Electricity – 45 KWH., Nitrogen – 4 cubic meters per hour @ atmospheric pressure. Liquid flush if you choose this option.

What jurisdiction requirements does the DESPRAY system meet?

We will work with all clients in all Countries and Regions to ensure that we meet your local, regional and country requirements.

Do you offer custom design?

Yes. We design to customer and country specifications.

What are the consumables?

Liquid N2 or as an alternative a nitrogen generator would be sufficient, electricity power, and shear blade replacement, carbon

What is the footprint (how much space)?

The footprint of a standard DS1500 (most common model) is 30 Feet (9 Metres) X 15 feet (5 Metres) which includes bins, safety gates and liquid holding tanks

How much electricity does it use?

The smallest Micro unit consumes 10 KWH of electricity. The standard DS 1500 60 KWH. The largest unit DS5000 consumes 100KWH. It should be noted that this power consumption can be offset completely if the captured gases are used on-site with a gas /electric generator.

What kind of permits are needed?

Please consult your local authorities for specific permits that are required in your area.