• • Numerical simulation of toluene dispersion matched experimental data within a maximum average error of -3.9%, validating the CFD model for predicting VOCs behavior in industrial settings.
• • Existing hood inlet velocities ranged from 0.04 to 0.2 m/s, indicating severe maldistribution; this leads to fugitive emissions and necessitates redesign for uniform capture.
• • At a design air volume of 2700 m³/h per vulcanizer, the enclosed hood achieved a toluene concentration of 80 mg/m³ versus 63 mg/m³ for the semi-enclosed hood, demonstrating superior capture efficiency for hot fumes.
• • After optimizing the semi-enclosed hood with soft curtains and a height of 1200 mm, and adding 900 mm gradual reducers, branch air volume deviations were reduced to -0.44% and 0.38%, with individual hood deviations below 10%, achieving negative pressure balance and effective collection.