vxEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
Washington DC 20460
Office of Research and
Development
Washington DC 20460
Superfund
EPA/540/5-90/006 Nov 1990
The Superfund
Innovative Technology
Evaluation Program:
^''
j
Technology Profiles
SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
-------
EPA/540/5-90/006
November 1990
TECHNOLOGY PROFILES
SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
,'iJO S. Doarborn Streo!
Ohioago,, IL 60604,
EPA
RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
26 WEST MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
DISCLAIMER
The development of this document has been funded by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency under Contract No. 68-03-3484, Work Assignment No. 28, to PRC Environmental
Management, Inc. The document has been subjected to the Agency's administrative and peer review
and has been approved for publication as an EPA document. Mention of trade names or commercial
products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
11
-------
FOREWORD
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
(RREL) is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing research, development, and
demonstration programs that provide an authoritative, defensible engineering basis for EPA policies,
programs, and regulations concerning drinking water, wastewater, pesticides, toxic substances, solid
and hazardous wastes, and Superfund-related activities. This publication is one product of that
research and provides a vital communication link between the researcher and the user community.
The Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program, now in its fifth year, is
an integral part of EPA's research into alternative cleanup methods for hazardous waste sites around
the nation. Through cooperative agreements with developers, innovative technologies are refined
at the bench- and pilot-scale level and then demonstrated at actual sites. EPA collects and evaluates
extensive performance data on each technology to use in decision-making for hazardous waste site
remediation.
The success of the SITE Program can be measured by the increased interest in the
technologies within the Demonstration and Emerging Technologies Program. Within the past 2 years,
approximately 90 Records of Decision have specified innovative treatment technologies as part of
the selected remedy. Several SITE demonstration technologies are currently being used at these
Superfund sites and many more are being considered for other sites.
This document profiles 72 demonstration and emerging technologies being evaluated under
the SITE Program. Recently, the developers of three emerging technologies have been invited to
participate in the Demonstration Program. Each technology profile contains a description of the
technology, a discussion of its applicability to various wastes, an update on its development or
demonstration status, and any available demonstration results. This document is intended for
environmental decision-makers and other interested individuals involved in hazardous waste site
cleanups.
E. Timothy Oppelt, Director
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
111
-------
ABSTRACT
The Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) program was created to evaluate
new and promising treatment technologies for cleanup at hazardous waste sites. The mission of the
SITE program is to encourage the development and routine use of innovative treatment technologies
at these hazardous waste sites. The goal of SITE is to provide environmental decision-maker's with
new, viable treatment options that may have performance or cost advantages compared to traditional
treatment technologies.
Five major activities of the component programs are to:
• Conduct and monitor demonstrations of promising innovative technologies to
provide reliable performance, cost, and applicability information for future
site characterization and cleanup decision-making (Demonstration Program);
• Encourage the development of emerging alternative technologies (Emerging
Technologies Program);
• Develop technologies that detect, monitor, and measure hazardous and toxic
substances to provide better, faster and cost effective methods for producing
real-time data during site characterization and remediation (Monitoring and
Measurement Technologies Program);
• Encourage private sector development of firms willing to commercialize EP A-
developed technologies (Innovative Technologies Program); and
• Identify and remove impediments to the use of alternative technologies
(Technology Transfer).
This document is intended as a reference guide for environmental decision-makers and others
interested in the progress of technologies under the SITE Demonstration and Emerging Technologies
programs. The technologies are described in technology profiles, presented in alphabetical order by
developer name. This document was prepared between August 1990 and November 1990.
Each technology profile contains: (1) a technology description, (2) a discussion on waste
applicability, (3) a project status report, and (4) EPA Project Manager and technology developer
contacts. For completed demonstrations, the profiles also include a summary of the demonstration
results and the applications analysis.
Reference tables for the SITE program participants precede the Demonstration and Emerging
sections, and contain EPA and Developer contacts. Inquiries about a specific SITE technology should
be directed to the EPA Project Manager and inquiries on the technology itself should be directed to
the Technology Developer Contact. Both contacts are also listed in the "For Further Information"
section of each technology profile.
IV
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE
DISCLAIMER ii
FOREWORD iii
ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS viii
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM 11
ALLIED SIGNAL CORPORATION 18
AMERICAN COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC 20
AWD TECHNOLOGIES, INC 22
BIOTROL, INC 24
BIOTROL, INC 26
BIOVERSAL USA, INC 28
CF SYSTEMS CORPORATION 30
CHEMFIX TECHNOLOGIES, INC 32
CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT 34
DEHYDRO-TECH CORPORATION 36
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
OBERLIN FILTER COMPANY 38
ECOVA CORPORATION 40
EPOC WATER, INC 42
EXCALIBUR ENTERPRISES, INC 44
EXCAVATION TECHNIQUES AND FOAM SUPPRESSION 46
EXXON CHEMICALS, INC. &
RIO LINDA CHEMICAL CO 48
FREEZE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 50
GEOSAFE CORPORATION 52
HORSEHEAD RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CO., INC 54
IM-TECH 56
IN-SITU FIXATION COMPANY 58
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY/
YWC MIDWEST 60
INTERNATIONAL WASTE TECHNOLOGIES/GEO-CON, INC 62
OGDEN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 64
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
TITLE PAGE
QUAD ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION 66
RECYCLING SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL, INC 68
REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC 70
RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMPANY 72
RETECH, INC 74
RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING LABORATORY 76
SANIVAN GROUP 78
S.M.W. SEIKO, INC 80
SEPARATION AND RECOVERY SYSTEMS, INC 82
SHIRCO INFRARED SYSTEMS 84
SILICATE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 86
SOLIDITECH, INC 88
TECHTRAN, INC 90
TERRA VAC, INC 92
THERMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT 94
TOXIC TREATMENTS (USA) INC 96
ULTROX INTERNATIONAL 98
WASTECH, INC 100
ZIMPRO/PASSAVANT INC 102
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM 104
ABB ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC 109
ALCOA SEPARATIONS TECHNOLOGY, INC Ill
ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LTD 113
BABCOCK & WILCOX CO 115
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE 117
BIO-RECOVERY SYSTEMS, INC 119
BIOTROL, INC 121
BOLIDEN ALLIS, INC 123
CENTER FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESEARCH 125
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES 127
ELECTRON BEAM RESEARCH FACILITY, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI 129
ELECTROKINETICS, INC 131
ELECTRO-PURE SYSTEMS, INC 133
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC 135
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CORPORATION 137
ENVIRO-SCIENCES, INC 139
VI
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
TITLE PAGE
FERRO CORPORATION 141
HARMON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC 143
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY 145
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY 147
IT CORPORATION 149
IT CORPORATION 151
MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC 153
MONTANA COLLEGE OF MINERAL SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY 155
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 157
J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY 159
TRINITY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC 161
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA 163
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON 165
WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY CENTER 167
WESTERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE 169
INFORMATION REQUEST FORM 171
List of Tables
TABLE 1 - COMPLETED SITE DEMONSTRATIONS AS OF NOVEMBER 1990 5
TABLE 2 - SITE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 12
TABLE 3 - SITE EMERGING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 105
vn
-------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Annette Gatchett of the Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio was the
Work Assignment Manager responsible for the preparation of this document. Special
acknowledgement is given to John Martin, Chief of the Demonstration Section, Norma Lewis, Chief
of the Emerging Technology Section, and the individual EPA Project Managers and Technology
Developers who provided guidance and technical input.
Participating in the development of this document for PRC Environmental Management, Inc.
were Lisa M. Scola, Robert I. Foster, Michael J. Keefe, Jack D. Brunner, Jonathan B. Lewis, Aaron
Lisec, Madeline Dec, Carol Adams, Kelly Brogan, and Laurie Gilmack.
vm
-------
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) directed the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish an "Alternative or Innovative Treatment
Technology Research and Demonstration Program." In response, the EPA's Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response and the Office of Research and Development established a formal program
called the Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program, to accelerate the
development and use of innovative cleanup technologies at hazardous waste sites across the country.
Currently, the SITE program is administered by the Office of Research and Development's, Risk
Reduction Engineering Laboratory headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The SITE Program integrates the following five component programs:
Demonstration Program
Emerging Technologies Program
Measurement and Monitoring Technologies Development Program
Innovative Technologies Program
Technology Transfer Program
The Technology Profiles document is a product of the Technology Transfer Program. This
document mainly focuses on the Demonstration and Emerging Technologies Programs, both of which
are designed to assist private developers in commercializing alternative technologies for site
remediation. Figure 1 depicts the process of technology development from initial concept to
commercial use, and shows the interrelationship between these two programs.
COMMERCIALIZATION
DEMONSTRATION
Field-Scale
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
APPLIED CONCEPT
Plot-Scale
Bench-Scale
CONCEPTUALIZATION
Figure 1. Development of Alternative and Innovative Technologies
1
-------
Before a technology can be accepted into the Emerging Technologies Program, sufficient
data must be available to validate its basic concepts. Once it is accepted into the program, the
technology is subjected to a combination of bench- and pilot-scale testing under controlled
conditions. The technology's performance is documented and a report is prepared.
If bench and pilot test results are encouraging, the technology may be accepted into the
Demonstration Program. In the Demonstration Program, the technology is field-tested on hazardous
waste materials. Engineering and cost data are gathered to assess whether or not the technology is
applicable for site clean-up. The Technology Evaluation Report (TER) presents demonstration data
such as testing procedures, data collected, and quality assurance/quality control standards.
A second report, called the Applications Analysis Report (AAR), is prepared to evaluate all
available information on the specific technology and analyze its overall applicability to other site
characteristics, waste types, and waste matrices. As part of the formal SITE Technology Transfer
Program, these reports, as well as videos, bulletins, and project summaries are prepared. This
information is distributed to the user community to provide reliable technical data for environmental
decision-making, and to promote the technology's commercial use.
Currently there are 31 technologies participating in the Emerging Technologies Program and
are divided into the following categories: thermal (4), physical and chemical (19),
solidification/stabilization (1), and biological (7). These projects vary from electroacoustical
decontamination to bench- and pilot-scale studies of a laser-stimulated photochemical oxidation
process. Figure 2 displays the breakdown, by percentage, of technologies in the Emerging Program.
Solidification/
Stabilization
3% ____
""" ' Physical and
Chemical
61%
Biological
23%
Figure 2. Innovative Technologies in the Emerging Program
The Demonstration Program has 42 active developers providing 45 demonstrations. The
projects are divided into the following categories: thermal (9), biological (8), physical and chemical
(19), solidification/stabilization (8), and radioactive waste treatment (1). Several of these
-------
technologies involve combinations of these treatment categories. Figure 3 shows the breakdown, by
percentage, of technologies currently in the Demonstration Program.
Radioactive
Wast» Tnatment
2%
Solidification/
Stabilization
18%
Physical and
Chemical
42%
Biological
18%
Figure 3. Innovative Technologies in the Demonstration Program
To date, 18 technology demonstrations have been completed; several reports have been
published and others are in various stages of production. Table 1 lists these demonstrations, in
chronological order, along with information on the technology transfer opportunities for the project.
OTHER SITE PROGRAMS
Technology Transfer Program
In this program, technical information on technologies is exchanged through various activities
that support the SITE Program. Data results and status updates from the Demonstration and
Emerging Technologies Programs are disseminated to increase awareness of alternative technologies
available for use at Superfund sites. The goal of technology transfer activities is to develop
interactive communication among individuals requiring up-to-date technical information.
The Technology Transfer Program reaches the environmental community through many
media, including:
• SITE brochures, publications, reports, videos and fact sheets
• Pre-proposal conferences on SITE solicitations
• Public meetings and on-site visitors' days
• Seminar series
• SITE exhibit displayed at nationwide conferences
• Innovative technologies program exhibition
• Networking through forums, associations, centers of excellence, regions, and
states
-------
• Technical assistance to regions, states, and remediation cleanup contractors
• On-line information clearinghouses such as: OSWER Electronic Bulletin
Board System (BBS) [help line: 301/589-8368]; Alternative Treatment
Technology Information Center (ATTIC) [System operator: 301/816-9153];
and the Technology Information Exchange (TIX)/Computer On-line
Information System (COLIS).
Measurement and Monitoring Technologies Development Program
This program explores new and innovative technologies for assessing the nature and extent
of contamination as well as evaluating cleanup levels at Superfund sites. Effective measurement and
monitoring technologies are needed to: (1) accurately assess the degree of contamination at a site;
(2) provide data and information to determine impacts to public health and the environment; (3)
supply data to help select the most appropriate remedial action; and (4) monitor the success/failure
of a selected remedy. To date, the program has focused on two major research areas --
immunoassays for toxic substances and fiber optic sensing for in-situ analysis.
The objectives of this program are to:
• Identify existing technologies that can enhance field monitoring and site
characterization;
• Support the development of monitoring capabilities that current technologies
cannot address in a cost-effective manner;
• Demonstrate technologies that emerge from the screening and development
phases of the program; and
• Prepare protocols, guidelines, and standard operating procedures for new
methods.
Several measuring and monitoring technologies were demonstrated in Fiscal Year (FY) 1990.
Technologies demonstrated include a mobile mass spectrometer, on-site ion mobility spectrometry,
transient electromagnetic methods, and immunoassay field kits for chemical identification.
The purpose of the mobile mass spectrometer (MSS) demonstration was to evaluate the
technology for on-site detection of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and water samples. The technology
was developed by Bruker Instruments, Inc. of Billerica, MA. Two Superfund sites in Region 1 were
selected for the MSS demonstration: (1) the Re-Solve, Inc. facility in North Dartmouth, MA; and
(2) the Westborough Township site in Westborough, MA. The MSS was used to analyze VOCs in
water and PCBs in soil samples from the Re-Solve site and PAHs in samples from Westborough.
Demonstration results will be published in FY 1991.
Although four ion mobility spectrometry developers were identified as potential candidates
for SITE demonstrations, no systems were engineered for full-scale environmental monitoring
applications. However, two developers chose to participate in laboratory-based pilot demonstrations
using samples supplied by the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL). Results from
the laboratory demonstrations are expected in early FY 1991.
The transient electromagnetic method (TEM) is a novel method to identify and map
conductive bodies in the subsurface (e.g., buried drums and metal-contaminated plumes). The
EMSL entered into an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence
Berkeley Laboratory to evaluate the performance and applicability of TEM at hazardous waste sites.
The work plan for the project is complete; results are anticipated by the end of FY 1992.
-------
In 1989, RREL administered two demonstrations of MMTP-sponsored immunoassay chemical
identification methods. The success of those demonstrations led to the selection of an immunoassay
field kit for measuring benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) concentrations in water. This field kit
was to be a candidate for a 1990 SITE demonstration. However, the demonstration was postponed
until FY 1991 when a joint demonstration can be pursued with RREL and a private developer.
The MMTP is also responsible for planning and coordinating the Second International
Symposium on Field Screening Methods for Hazardous Wastes and Toxic Chemicals scheduled for
February 12-14, 1991 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For further information, contact Eric Koglin at (702)
798-2432.
Innovative Technologies Program
The aim of this program is to encourage private sector development and commercialization
of EPA-developed technologies for use at Superfund sites. The Innovative Technologies Program
is an outgrowth of early research and development efforts for on-site destruction and cleanup of
hazardous wastes. The Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 authorized the EPA/industry
partnership that is necessary to bring these technologies to commercialization. It reduced the
marketing risk in commercializing these technologies and accelerated their development.
There are currently seven technologies in the Innovative Technologies Program. During
1990, a mobile debris washing system* was demonstrated in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and
Chickamuga, Georgia. For further information on this technology demonstration, contact Naomi
Barkley at (513) 569-7854.
This project is profiled in the Demonstration Program under "Risk Reduction Engineering
Laboratory.
-------
cc
111
m
\
^
*&
\
III
£
f
Jf-S
•If*
i8"
III!
H fi
I
8
UN
|?
^
-------
CC,
in
CO
&
2
CO
3 s
9 o
S
M fH
E.
pplicable
.5
fr
15
^ ="
O J
3 V
Eg
11
Ogde
Ser
San
Die
rch
.!i*
3 g*O
iS",^ g
«
J2
S
ka
"s-i
111 s
Illli
hls
fil-8
3 .2 > S
C S IS ft-
53 -S K tt) tf>
•g.s
* >>
I Is
1'
sl$
«- . «
"§ S jf
(2
Ultrox Internal
Santa Ana, CA
(March 1989)
I If 1
?1SJ
S
•8-&S
»i|
* s £
Q W S
We *t! fill
&t *3 C fc •* >< l£L S> ON
< < £3 C o M tfrfl ca
BJ
i
,
•2 ,2
•O V5
a
fl-Sa
5<§
a?5
-------
\
8
;$
1
llif
I
s.
i.
e"
I Hi
I
III
| ;> °
0.5 I
S^
8
I
I
o g
Ig|^
!°!^
Jla^
lt^ 3
-------
^
a
§
a
8
il?ll
S •= 5 -o 2
Iliilt
E S <^ § & ^
_r
8 '2 6 §•
H S H OT
.&
.
w O
i .if it
fef
55 BS 3;
lit
S'
t
ilif
c £ 6 »
ft (0 ^^
2 -o J; **
E u pa i_
alfl,
d Q (d CU (
|ll <55-
*• 5 g,g
its
1s:
t! S^
II
wj g
35
cd V
u **
PL- V5
|
•a
.a
u
-------
SITE PROGRAM CONTACTS
The SITE Program is administered by EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD).
For further information on the SITE Program in general, or its component programs, contact:
SITE Program
Robert A. Olexsey, Director
Superf und Technology Demonstration Division
513-569-7861 (FTS: 684-7861)
Stephen C. James, Chief
SITE Demonstration and Evaluation Branch
513-569-7696 (FTS: 684-7696)
Demonstration Program.
Emerging Technologies Program
John Martin, Chief
Demonstration Section
513-569-7758 (FTS: 684-7758)
Norma Lewis, Chief
Emerging Technology Section
513-569-7665 (FTS: 684-7665)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Measurement and Monitoring Program
Eric Koglin
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. EPA
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432 (FTS: 545-2432)
10
-------
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The objective of the SITE Demonstration Program is to develop reliable engineering
performance and cost data on innovative, alternative technologies, so that potential users can evaluate
each technology's applicability for a specific waste site. Demonstrations are conducted at hazardous
waste sites (usually Superfund sites) or under conditions that closely simulate actual wastes and
conditions.
Data collected during a demonstration are used to assess the performance of the technology,
the potential need for pre- and post-processing of the waste, applicable types of wastes and media,
potential operating problems, and the approximate capital and operating costs. Demonstration data
can also provide insight into long-term operating and maintenance costs and long-term risks.
Technologies are selected for the SITE Demonstration Program through annual requests for
proposals (RFPs). Proposals are reviewed by EPA to determine the technologies with promise for
use at hazardous waste sites. In addition, several technologies have entered the program on a fast-
track basis. These technologies were primarily ongoing Superfund projects in which innovative
techniques of broad interest were identified for evaluation under the program.
Cooperative agreements between EPA and the developer set forth responsibilities for
conducting the demonstration and evaluating the technology. Developers are responsible for
operating their innovative systems at a selected site, and are expected to pay the costs to transport
equipment to the site, operate the equipment on-site during the demonstration, and remove the
equipment from the site. EPA is responsible for project planning, sampling and analysis, quality
assurance and quality control, preparing reports, and disseminating information. If the developer
is unable to obtain financing elsewhere, EPA may consider bearing a greater portion of the total
project cost.
To date, five solicitations have been completed -- SITE 001 in 1986 through SITE 005 in
1990. The RFP for SITE 006 will be issued in January 1991. The program has 42 active participants
(45 projects), including several fast-track projects, presented in alphabetical order in Table 2 and
in the technology profiles that follow.
11
-------
CM
LJJ
CO
13
I
o
'•E
2
C
o
1
I
o
i
LJJ
CO
,
i
.»
$
*
!
o
s ^3
55 2
EPA Project
Manager
{?«
jl
K
T3
Readily
Biodegradable
Organic Compoun
V
« V
2 g
«
E£
™ 2
Si
uT
St V
*o S
§ 5
ol
Ronald Lewis
513-569-7856
FTS 684-7856
David Allen
201-455-5595
1
"o
fr
Submerged Aerobk
Film Reactor
c
o
'S
S-J
2 2 Z
ft-L
Us I
Non-specific
- <
Z
•o
\
ee
T3
V
il
Laurel Staley
513-569-7863
FTS 684-7863
c
Gregory Gitma
404-662-8156
V
e
$
CQ
a
O
I
_-
i-
"§ ^
Q wf %
Iff
o -c y O
6 S og
«
"O
C
Jl
Norma Lewis/
Gordon Evans
513-569-7665/
513-569-7684
David Bluesteir
415-876-1504
c
o
s _
Integrated Vapor E
and Steam Vacuum
Stripping
0
c
ia
|fS
o o
II
Z&~
III
/ *
Chlorinated and
Nonchlorinated
Hydrocarbons,
Pesticides
i
*
o
E
Z
*T £
to S w
BioGenesis Process
Extraction of Hydn
j= ^
$ ^
iL
ill
•o e
PCBs, Volatile, an
Semivolatile
Organics, Petroleu
Byproducts
^
60 U
3 §
to *
= a
Laurel Staley
513-569-7863 1
FTS 684-7863
Chris Shallice
617-890-1200
Solvent Extraction
.^
I
6<
iJ 6
M n
&~£T
ON ^ 2
U^S-
Q)
5
o
Q.
C
i
n
12
-------
CM
j
1
I
.a
I
P>
_g
1!
!!
Jf 3f
II
.5
S
i
»
8.
f
Jp
High Molecular
Weight Organics
~a
2
^.
K
Soil, Sludge,
Solids, Waste,
Electroplating
Wastes
|1
c
*c
2 S
« A
.s-S?
M 1
a<
-------
1
&
'o
J
>
Applicable
.a
i
o
,
Si
1
Is
?C 2
IS
.£, o
s*
A w
H
1
I
,
'c
&
O
,0
•5
1
1
1
1
M
JO
3 ^
c >o r^
Jr- i
d\ S
i—i^tf)
H
Si.
!
^
Freeze Technologi
Raleigh, NC
(003)
U
'C
g.
c
o
Z
is
"y
i
•o
35
1
o\
v^
E^^E
e
James Hanse;
206-822-4000
c
o
1
3
'&
C
c
.0
GeoSafe Corporal
Kirkland, WA
(002)
„£
Z
tfl
a
u
•o
"V ~S O
T3 Ov S
W »/^
O f^l C^
Q^E
^s rs
o
S
CO
E
S y
0 i-.
Horsehead Resoui
Development Co.,
Monaca, PA
(004)
CJ
'o
&
c
o
Z
1
u
I
•o
53
1
C t^
"3 f^J w
PH to E
3
*5
i?
(2£
^ r4
ffl* W
OM 00
|
3
<0
c
.0
•5
I
u
c
IM-Tech
[formerly Hazcon,
Oakwood, TX
(001)
S
Q
&•-
0 <=
"S g>
ca O
Z
•o
3
So
i
c
J£
t5
li
& th y^
SKE
1
3
is
W (S
2S
«
^
1
BQ
3
C
In-Situ Fixation O
Chandler, AZ
(005)
o
1
a.
5-
1
n
1
14
-------
ill
-a
.•=
3
I Jo!
"8 S rf
ittf!
1
I
il
3
55
|
55
I
&
Ofi
55^
is
•o
I
i
P
K 10
m
rd
569-
513-
FTS
B^1 OJ
O\ *~t
— i
8= wi -53
U *-" ,2 T-<
-=, m CO TT
2
OS °
1*
Is
s
e
e
n ~
II
II
S c
£3
•o
^
1
•o
E
II
3*
gs
u
9
8.
n
2 e
II
tj
2
•o
1
c
I
ron
Mi
H
International
Technology/Y
North Canton,
ntal
Ogden Environ
San Diego, CA
(001)
2
|*d
Il|
5li
g^l^
ycling Scien
rnational, I
ago IL
*
•§>^
o S
p
If IS
l^r
Illl
a
!
WA
Res
Bell
(001
I
i
15
-------
£
c
I
'€
CO
Continued)
Program P
*""" c
CM o
TABLE
)emonstrati
^^
IH
CO
1
j
!
f
li
> 2
Si
h-
&
^
i
"§
h"
cl
T
o
1
13
1
£
wT
If
111
R.C. Eschenbach
707-462-6522
0
s
1
1
iSi
wf
CO
££
Itf5
!« c 'G
lo8"!
"C
&
z
ji
t)
Q
— ^
Qj i co
Michael Taylor
513-782^801
?,
v3
t>a
c
•5
1
1
Oil
c
U
e
c
U
Risk Reduction
Laboratory
Cincinnati, OH
~ -3
NN & O
2. •— ffl
5 5
ill
^
1
Mark Meckes
513-569-7348
FTS 684-7348
—
•S
1
C/j
1"
Howard Wall
513-569-7691
FTS 684-7691
K _
Several Vendors (s<
Technology Profile)
—
g
£ c
i'i
Sfi
U
c
rf a
E o
1 1
C/5 g
Shirco Infrared
Redmond, WA
(001) [2 Demo
•* S
^ *c
ft
^
1 1
S<
tw
6JJ^>
5 "O
lo
Edward R. Bates
513-569-7774
FTS 684-7774
y> s
l«
1|
re £
^.5
§ «
li
ii
&
6
fe
§>
Silicate Techno!
Scottsdale, AZ
(003)
,|
'o
1
*«
s
•o
^3
1
Walter Grube
513-569-7798
FTS 684-7798
Bill Stallworth
71M97-8558
.2
1
<0
55
c
o
1
'•5
1
Soliditech, Inc.
Houston, TX
(002)
o>
1
ex
i
16
-------
C\l
a
J
j
I
1
!
I'9
IJ
.
Is
j?
s
i
l
1
u
1
*«
u
s
a
|
j>
1
1 fc
SSl
in
3
v5
c
u
~£
^l_
fill
.a -o
s i «
Volatile Org
Compounds
Hydrocarbor
^
*
1
&!
W Ov S
•o ^o 13
i2g
cu 1^1 ti.
•c
is
M rjj
^J ri
li
en
c
'5.
o.
•c
u
^
6
S
2
Up
c
u
C
s~\
g
Is
" «f
e 8
S'§
"1
u B. ^-,
'S B g
H (3 §-
•- iS
»T n U
1 1 » 1 1
Mil
^
z.
o
3 'S to
ill
ill
a K
i 4
•o
|
.2 c
*o o
-i
So
c
75
I
!?S
II
£2^
D t2 &
Non-specific
-
cj "S
8,8
vi O
O fl
z<2
&i
il
» •«
IP
ill
£
|S
ts
o3S
c
o
1
2
a
Vi
1
S
c
S
s
Jl
III
'vS
«f
liil
00 °°
li
op
II
lio
^ S o
5-s **
*^ 13
fit
j
c
"s'l
III
1
a
i
5
17
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
ALLIED SIGNAL CORPORATION
[formerly Detox, Inc.]
(Submerged Aerobic Fixed-Film Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This biological treatment system relies on
aerobic microbial processes to metabolize
contaminants present in a liquid waste
stream. The system can treat liquids
containing low concentrations (<20 parts per
million, ppm) of readily biodegradable
materials and yield concentrations in the low
parts per billion (ppb) range.
The biological treatment system consists of
an above ground fixed-film reactor,
supplemental nutrient storage tank and
pump, sump tank with pump, cartridge
filter, and final activated-carbon filter.
High surface area plastic media is used to fill
the reactor, and the water level within the
reactor is set to cover the plastic media.
Bacterial growth is attached as film to the
surface of the plastic media.
The bioreactor is operated on a one-pass,
continuous-flow basis, at hydraulic retention
times as low as one hour. The process begins
(Figure 1) when contaminated water from a
well or equalization tank is pumped into the
bioreactor. The influent waste stream is
evenly dispersed over the reactor packing by
a header-distribution system. As the waste
stream passes through the reactor, the biofilm
removes the biodegradable organics. An air
distribution system below the plastic media
supplies oxygen to the bacteria in the form of
fine bubbles. An effluent water header
system collects water from the bottom of the
reactor after it has been treated. Water exiting
the reactor is first passed through a cartridge
filter, to remove any excess biological solids,
followed by activated carbon treatment, to
further remove any remaining organic
compounds. Depending upon the effluent
water discharge criteria, the cartridge and
carbon filters may not be needed.
Cartridge
Filter
Optional
Carbon
Adsorption
Tank
(optional)
V— if
Sump with
Pump
(optional)
Groundwater Well
Figure 1. Proposed Detox biological treatment system.
November 1990
Page 18
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is typically used to treat
groundwater and industrial process waters,
but is also applicable to contaminanted
lagoon and/or pond waters. The water to be
treated must fall within a pH of 6.5 to 8.5, a
temperature of 60-95°F, and be free of toxic
and/or inhibitory compounds, including
certain metals. Readily biodegradable
compounds such as methyl ethyl ketone
(MEK) and benzene can be treated, along
with some organic chemicals that are initially
more resistant to biodegradation, such as
chlorobenzene. Halogenated compounds
(such as tetrachloroethy lene,
trichloroethylene, and chloroform) are not
readily biodegraded and cannot be treated by
this system.
STATUS:
Treatability tests are being conducted to
determine whether the G&H Landfill NPL
site in Utica, Michigan will be suitable for
the demonstration of this process. If this site
is selected, the demonstration is expected to
start in late Spring or Summer 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
David Allen
Allied Signal Corporation
P.O. Box 1087R
Morristown, NY 07962
201-455-5595
November 1990
Page 19
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
AMERICAN COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Pyretron* Oxygen Burner)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Pyretron* technology involves an
oxygen-air-fuel burner, and uses advanced
fuel injection and mixing concepts to burn
wastes. Pure oxygen, in combination with
air and natural gas, is burned in the Pyretron
burner to destroy solid hazardous waste
(Figure 1). The burner operation is
computer-controlled to automatically adjust
the amount of oxygen to sudden changes in
the heating value of the waste.
The burner can be fitted onto any
conventional combustion unit for burning
liquids, solids and sludges. Solids and
sludges can be co-incinerated when the
burner is used in conjunction with a rotary
kiln or similar equipment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Solid wastes contaminated with hazardous
organics are suitable for the Pyretron
technology. In general, the technology is
applicable to any waste that can be
incinerated. The technology is not suitable
for processing aqueous wastes, RCRA heavy
metal wastes, or inorganic wastes.
STATUS:
A demonstration project was conducted at
EPA's Combustion Research Facility in
Jefferson, Arkansas, using a mixture of 40
percent contaminated soil from the
Stringfellow Acid Pit Superfund site in
California and 60 percent decanter tank tar
sludge from coking operations (RCRA listed
Burner
Nozzle
Oxygen Rich
Combustion
I 1
L»| Oxygen Lean
Combustion
Control
System
Final
Combustion
Figure!.
Pyretron combustion and heating process
flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 20
-------
waste K087). The demonstration began in
November 1987, and was completed at the
end of January 1988.
Both the Technology Evaluation Report and
Application Analysis Report have been
published.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Six polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
compounds were selected as the principal
organic hazardous constituents (POHC) for
the test program -- naphthalene,
acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene,
anthracene, and fluoranthene.
The Pyretron technology achieved greater
than 99.99 percent destruction and removal
efficiencies (DRE) of all POHCs measured in
all test runs performed.
• The Pyretron technology with oxygen
enhancement achieved double the
waste throughput possible with
conventional incineration.
• All particulate emission levels in the
scrubber system discharge were
significantly below the hazardous
waste incinerator performance
standard of 180 mg/dscm at 7 percent
oxygen.
• Solid residues were contaminant free.
• There were no significant differences
in transient carbon monoxide level
emissions between air-only
incineration and Pyretron oxygen
enhanced operation.
• Costs savings can be achieved in many
situations.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
The field evaluations conducted under the
SITE Demonstration Program yielded the
following conclusions:
• The Pyretron burner system is a viable
technology for treating Superfund
wastes.
• The system is capable of doubling the
capacity of a conventional rotary kiln
incinerator. This increase is more
significant for wastes with low heating
values.
• In situations where particulate
carryover causes operational problems,
the Pyretron system may increase
reliability.
• The technology can be an economical
addition to an incinerator when
operating and fuel costs are high and
oxygen costs are relatively low.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
Gregory Gitman
American Combustion Technologies, Inc.
2985 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
Norcross, Georgia 30071
404-662-8156
November 1990
Page 21
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
AWD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Integrated Vapor Extraction and Steam Vacuum Stripping)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The integrated AquaDetox/SVE system
simultaneously treats ground water and soil
contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). The integrated system
consists of two basic processes: an
AquaDetox moderate vacuum stripping tower
that uses low-pressure steam to treat
contaminated ground water; and a soil gas
vapor extraction/reinjection (SVE) process to
treat contaminated soil. The two processes
form a closed-loop system that provides
simultaneous in-situ remediation of
contaminated ground water and soil with no
air emissions.
AquaDetox is a high efficiency,
countercurrent stripping technology
developed by Dow Chemical Company. A
single-stage unit will typically reduce up to
99.99 percent of VOCs from water. The
SVE system uses a vacuum to treat a VOC-
contaminated soil mass, inducing a flow of
air through the soil and removing vapor phase
VOCs with the extracted soil gas. The soil gas
is then treated by carbon beds to remove
additional VOCs and reinjected into the
ground. The AquaDetox and SVE system
(Figure 1) share a granulated activated carbon
(GAC) unit. Noncondensable vapor from the
AquaDetox system is combined with the vapor
from the SVE compressor and decontaminated
by the GAC unit. By-products of the system
are a free-phase recyclable product and
treated water. Mineral regenerable carbon will
require disposal after approximately three
years.
A key component of the closed-loop system
is a vent header unit designed to collect the
noncondensable gases extracted from the
ground water or air that may leak into the
portion of the process operating below
atmospheric pressure. Further, the steam used
to regenerate the carbon beds is condensed and
treated in the AquaDetox system.
Noncoivtensables 1
Figure 1. Zero air emissions integrated AquaDetox/SVE system.
November 1990
Page 22
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes VOCs, including
chlorinated hydrocarbons, in ground water and
soil. Sites with contaminated ground water
and soils containing trichloroethylene (TCE),
perchloroethylene (PCE), and other VOCs are
suitable for this on-site treatment process.
AquaDetox is capable of effectively removing
over 90 of the 110 volatile compounds listed in
40 CFR Part 261, Appendix VIII.
STATUS:
The AWD AquaDetox/SVE system is currently
being used at the Lockheed Aeronautical
Systems Company in Burbank, California. At
this site, the system is treating ground water
contaminated with as much as 2,200 ppb of
TCE and 11,000 ppb PCE; and soil gas with a
total VOC concentration of 6,000 ppm.
Contaminated ground water is being treated at
a rate of up to 1,200 gpm while soil gas is
removed and treated at a rate of 300 cfm. The
system occupies approximately 4,000 square
feet.
A SITE demonstration project was evaluated
as part of the ongoing remediation effort at
the San Fernanco Valley Ground-Water Basin
Superfund site in Burbank, California.
Demonstration testing was conducted in
September 1990. Demonstration results are
currently being prepared and are expected to
be published in early 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Managers:
Norma Lewis and Gordon Evans
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7665 and 513-569-7684
FTS: 684-7665 and FTS: 684-7684
Technology Developer Contact:
David Bluestein
AWD Technologies, Inc.
49 Stevenson Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, California 94105
415-227-0822
November 1990
Page 23
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
BIOTROL, INC.
(Biological Aqueous Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Biotrol Aqueous Treatment System
(BATS) is a patented biological treatment
system that is effective for treating
contaminated ground water and process
water. The system uses an amended
microbial mixture; that is, a microbial
population indigenous to the wastewater to
which a specific microorganism has been
added. This system removes the target
contaminants as well as the naturally
occurring background organics.
Figure 1 is a schematic of the BATS.
Contaminated water enters a mix tank, where
the pH is adjusted and inorganic nutrients are
added. If necessary, the water is heated to an
optimum temperature, using a heat exchanger
to minimize energy costs. The water then
flows to the reactor, where the contaminants
are biodegraded.
The microorganisms, which perform the
degradation, are immobilized in a three-cell,
submerged, fixed-film bioreactor. Each cell
is filled with a highly porous packing material
HEAT
SXCHAPM3SR
BLOWERS
PUMP
Figure 1. Bioreactor Processing System.
November 1990
Page 24
-------
to which the microbes adhere. For aerobic
conditions, air is supplied by fine bubble
membrane diffusers mounted at the bottom
of each cell. The system may also run
under anaerobic conditions.
As the water flows through the bioreactor,
the contaminants are degraded to carbon
dioxide, water, and chloride ion. The
resulting effluent may be discharged to a
Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) or
may be reused on-site. In some cases,
discharge with a NPDES permit may be
possible.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to a wide
variety of wastewaters, including ground
water, lagoons, and process water.
Contaminants amenable to treatment include
pentachlorophenol, creosote components,
gasoline and fuel oil components, chlorinated
hydrocarbons, phenolics, and solvents. Other
potential target waste streams include coal
tar residues and organic pesticides. The
technology may also be effective for treating
certain inorganic compounds such as nitrates;
however, this application has not yet been
demonstrated. The system does not treat
metals.
STATUS:
In 1986-87, Biotrol performed a successful
9-month pilot field test of BATS at a wood
preserving facility. Since that time, several
other demonstrations and commercial
installations have been completed. The SITE
demonstration of the BATS technology took
place from July 24 to September 1, 1989 at
the MacGillis and Gibbs Superfund site in
New Brighton, Minnesota. The system was
operated continuously for six weeks at three
different flow rates.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the demonstration showed that
PCP was reduced to less than 1 ppm at all flow
rates. Removal percentage was as high as 97%
at the lowest flow rate. The Technology
Evaluation Report will be available in
December 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Mary K. Stinson
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837
908-321-6683
FTS: 340-6683
Technology Developer Contact:
John K. Sheldon
BioTrol, Inc.
11 Peavey Road
Chaska, Minnesota 55318
612-448-2515
November 1990
Page 25
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
BIOTROL> INC.
(Soil Washing System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Biotrol Soil Washing- System is a
patented, water-based, volume reduction
process for treating excavated soil. Soil
washing is applicable to contaminants
concentrated in the fine size fraction of soil
(silt, clay, and soil organic matter) and
contaminants associated with the coarse soil
fraction (sand and gravel), primarily
surficial. The objective of the process is to
concentrate the contaminants in a smaller
volume of material separate from a washed
soil product. The goal is that the soil
product will meet appropriate cleanup
standards.
After debris is removed, soil is mixed with
water and subjected to various unit
operations common to the mineral processing
industry. Process steps can include mixing
trommels, pug mills, vibrating screens, froth
flotation cells, attrition scrubbing machines,
hydrocyclones, screw classifiers, and various
dewatering operations.
The core of the process is a multi-stage,
counter-current, intensive scrubbing circuit
with interstage classification. The scrubbing
action disintegrates soil aggregates, freeing
contaminated fine particles from the coarser
sand and gravel. In addition, surficial
contamination is removed from the coarse
fraction by the abrasive scouring action of the
particles themselves. Contaminants may also
be solubilized as dictated by solubility
characteristics or partition coefficients.
The efficiency of soil washing can be
improved using surfactants, detergents,
chelating agents, pH adjustment, or heat. In
many cases, however, water alone is
insufficient to achieve the desired level of
contaminant removal while minimizing cost.
The volume of material requiring additional
treatment or disposal is reduced significantly
by separating the washed, coarser soil
components from the process water and
contaminated fine particles (Figure 1).
MAKE-UP WATER
OPTIONS-
•OFF-SITE DISPOSAL
•INCINERATION
•STABILIZATION
•BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT
FIGURE 1. BIOTROL SOIL WASHING SYSTEM PROCESS FLOWSHEET.
November 1990
Page 26
-------
The contaminated residual products can be
treated by other methods. Process water is
normally recycled after biological or physical
treatment. Options for the contaminated
fines can include off-site disposal,
incineration, stabilization, or biological
treatment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology was initially developed to
clean soils contaminated with wood
preserving wastes such as polyaromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pentachlorophenol
(PCP). The technology is also applicable to
soils contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons, pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), various industrial
chemicals, and metals.
STATUS:
The SITE demonstration of the soil washing
technology took place from September 25 to
October 27, 1989 at the MacGillis & Gibbs
Superfund site in New Brighton, Minnesota.
A pilot-scale unit with a treatment capacity
of 500 pounds per hour was operated 24
hours per day during the demonstration.
Feed for the first phase of the demonstration
(2 days) consisted of soil contaminated with
170 ppm PCP and 240 ppm total PAHS.
During the second phase (7 days), soil
containing 980 ppm PCP and 340 ppm total
PAHs was fed to the system.
Contaminated process water from soil
washing was treated biologically in a fixed
film reactor and recycled. A portion of the
contaminated fines generated during soil
washing was treated biologically in a 3-stage,
pilot-scale EIMCO Biolift™ reactor system
supplied by the EIMCO Process Equipment
Company.
Preliminary demonstration results showed
that PCP levels in the washed soil were
reduced by 91 to 93 percent. Biological
treatment reduced PCP levels in the process
water by 89 to 94 percent. Removal
efficiencies increased as the test proceeded.
Near the completion of the test, PCP removal
was about 92 percent, while PAH removal
ranged from 86 to 99 percent.
The demonstration reports are expected to be
available in the first quarter 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Mary K. Stinson
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837
908-321-6683
FTS: 340-6683
Technology Developer Contact:
John K. Sheldon
BioTrol, Inc.
11 Peavey Road
Chaska, Minnesota 55318
612-448-2515
Fax: 612-448-6050
November 1990
Page 27
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
BIOVERSAL USA, INC.
(Biogenesis Soil Cleaning Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioGenesis™ process uses a specialized
truck, gravity and cyclone separators, and a
bioreactor to wash contaminated soil. The
wash rate for hydrocarbon contamination up
to 5,000 ppm is 25 tons per hour; higher
contamination levels require slower wash
rates. After the first wash, 100 to 200 ppm
of the residuals remain. A second wash
reduces residuals even further. A single wash
removes 95% to 99% of hydrocarbon
concentrations up to 16,000 ppm. One or
two additional washes are used for
concentrations up to 45,000 ppm.
The residuals biodegrade at an accelerated
rate due to contact with BioVersal™, a light,
alkaline, organic formula used to reduce oil
contamination. Figure 1 shows the soil-
cleaning procedure. Twenty-five tons of
contaminated soil are dumped into a mixture
of water and BioVersal. For 15 to 30
minutes, aeration equipment agitates the
on.
K»R
EXCLAMATION
CONTAXDUTD
BOO.
CLEAN
son.
25 Uu/hrar
Washer Unit
omr
WATER
mixture, washing the soil and encapsulating oil
molecules with BioVersal™.
After washing, the liquid products are
recycled or treated, and the soil is dumped out
of the soil washer. The bioreactor processes
the minimal amount of wastewater produced
by the soil washer. Recovered oils are
recycled.
PCBs, metals, and other hazardous materials
are extracted in the same manner, then
processed using specific treatment methods.
All equipment is mobile, and treatment is
normally on-site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to soil
contaminated with volatile and nonvolatile
hydrocarbons. These include asphaltenes,
PCBs, polycylic hydrocarbons, and
epichlorhydrin.
on.
m
RECLAMATION
Oil/Water
Separator
oar
WATER
BioReactor
i
CLEAN
WATER
BUV«rml
CLEANER
WATER
RtoVmkl
DECRADSB
Figure 1. Biogenesis Soil Cleaning Process
November 1990
Page 28
-------
STATUS:
This technology is used commercially in
Europe. The technology was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in July
1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager-
Diana Guzman
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7819
FTS: 684-7819
Technology Developer Contact:
Mohsen C. Amiran
BioVersal USA, Inc.
1703 Victoria Drive
Suite 303
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
708-228-7316
or
Charles L. Wilde
10626 Beechnut Court
Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039
(703) 250-3442
November 1990
Page 29
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
CF SYSTEMS CORPORATION
(Solvent Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses liquified gas solvent to
extract organics (such as hydrocarbons), oil,
and grease from wastewater or contaminated
sludges and soils. Carbon dioxide is the gas
used for aqueous solutions, while propane
and/or butane is used for sediment, sludges
and soils (semisolids).
Contaminated solids, slurrys or wastewaters
are fed into the extractor (Figure 1). Solvent
(gas condensed by compression) is also fed to
the extractor, making nonreactive contact
with the waste. Typically, more than 99
percent of the organics are separated from
the feedwaste. Following phase separation
of the solvent and organics, treated water is
removed from the extractor while the
mixture of solvent and organics passes to the
separator through a valve, where pressure is
partially reduced. In the separator, the
solvent is vaporized and recycled as fresh
solvent. The organics are drawn off from
the separator, and either reused or diposed.
The extractor design is different for
contaminated wastewaters and semisolids. For
wastewaters, a tray tower contactor is used.
For semisolids, a series of extractor/decanters
operating countercurrently is used.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be applied to waste
containing carbon tetrachloride, chloroform,
benzene, naphthalene, gasoline, vinyl acetate,
furfural, butyric acid, higher organic acids,
dichloroethane, oils and grease, xylene,
toluene, methyl acetate, acetone, higher
alcohols, butanol, propanol, phenol, heptane,
PCBs and other complex organics.
STATUS:
The pilot-scale system was tested on PCB-
laden sediments from the New Bedford (Mass.)
Harbor Superfund site during September 1988.
Clean
Sediments
Organic*
Figure 1. Solvent extraction unit
process diagram.
November 1990
Page 30
-------
PCB concentrations in the harbor ranged
from 300 ppm to 2,500 ppm. The
Technology Evaluation Report (TER) was
published in early 1990 (EPA/540/5-
90/002).
Commercial systems have been sold to Clean
Harbors, Braintree, Massachusetts, for
wastewater clean-up; and Ensco of Little
Rock, Arkansas, for incinerator
pretreatment. A unit is in operation at Star
Enterprise, Port Arthur, Texas, treating API
separator sludge to meet Best Demonstrated
and Available Technology (BDAT) standards
for organics.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
This technology was demonstrated
concurrently with dredging studies managed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Contaminated sediments were treated by the
CF Systems Pit Cleanup Unit, using a
liquified propane and butane mixture as the
extraction solvent.
The following test results include the number
of passes made during each test and the
concentration of PCBs before and after each
test:
PCB concentration
Before After
Test2
Test3
Test 4
360 ppm
288 ppm
8 ppm
82 ppm
2S75 ppm 200 ppm
Extraction efficiencies were high, despite
some operating difficulties during the tests.
The use of treated sediment as feed to the
next pass caused cross-contamination in the
system. Full scale commercial systems are
designed to eliminate problems associated
with the pilot plant design.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
The following conclusions were drawn from
this series of tests and other data:
• Extraction efficiencies of 90-98% were
achieved on sediments containing between
350 and 2,575 ppm PCBs. PCB
concentrations were as low as 8 ppm in the
treated sediment.
• In the laboratory, extraction efficiencies
of 99.9% have been obtained for volatile
and semivolatile organics in aqueous and
semi-solid wastes.
• Operating problems included solids being
retained in the system hardware and
foaming in receiving tanks. The vendor
identified corrective measures that will be
implemented in the full-scale commercial
unit.
• Projected costs for PCB cleanups are
estimated at approximately $150 to $450
per ton, including material handling and
pre- and post-treatment costs. These costs
are highly sensitive to the utilization factor
and job size, which may result in lower
costs for large cleanups.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
Chris Shallice
CF Systems Corporation
140 Second Avenue
Waltham, Massachusetts 02154
617-890-1200 (ext. 158)
November 1990
Page 31
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
CHEMFTX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This solidification/stabilization process is an
inorganic system in which soluble silicates
and silicate setting agents react with
polyvalent metal ions and other waste
components, to produce a chemically and
physically stable solid material. The treated
waste matrix displays good stability, a high
melting point, and a friable texture. The
matrix may be similar to soil, depending
upon the water content of the feed waste.
The feed waste is first blended in the
reaction vessel (Figure 1) with certain
reagents that are dispersed and dissolved
throughout the aqueous phase. The reagents
react with polyvalent ions in the waste.
Inorganic polymer chains (insoluble metal
silicates) form throughout the aqueous phase
and physically entrap the organic colloids
within the microstructure of the product
matrix.
The water-soluble silicates then react with
complex ions in the presence of a siliceous
setting agent, producing amorphous, colloidal
silicates (gels) and silicon dioxide, which acts
as a precipitating agent. Most of the heavy
metals in the waste become part of the silicate.
Some of the heavy metals precipitate with the
structure of the complex molecules. A very
small percentage (estimated to be less than one
percent) of the heavy metals precipitates
between the silicates and is not chemically
immobilized.
Since some organics may be contained in
particles larger than the colloids, all of the
waste is pumped through processing
equipment, creating sufficient shear to
emulsify the organic constituents. Emulsified
organics are then solidified and discharged to
a prepared area, where the gel continues to
set. The resulting solids, though friable,
encase any organic substances that may have
escaped emulsification.
Figure I. Process Flow Diagram
November 1990
Page 32
-------
The system can be operated at 5 to 80
percent solids in the waste feed; water is
added for drier wastes. Portions of the water
contained in the wastes are involved in three
reactions after treatment: (1) hydration,
similar to that of cement reactions; (2)
hydrolysis reactions; and (3) equilibration
through evaporation. There are no side
streams or discharges from this process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for contaminated
soils, sludges, and other solid wastes. It can
also be used for base, neutral, or acid
extractable organics of high molecular
weight, such as refinery wastes, creosote,
and wood-treating wastes.
The process is applicable to electroplating
wastes, electric arc furnace dust, and
municipal sewage sludge containing heavy
metals such as aluminum, antimony, arsenic,
barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium,
iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel,
selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc.
STATUS:
The technology was demonstrated in March
1989 at the Portable Equipment Salvage Co.
site in Clackamas, Oregon. Preliminary
results are available in a Demonstration
Bulletin (October 1989). A single draft
report describing the demonstration and
future application of this technology was
completed. The final demonstration report
was completed in early 1990.
From Fall 1989 through Winter 1990,
Chemfix Technologies, Inc.'s subsidiary
Chemfix Environmental Services, Inc. (CES),
applied a high solids CHEMSET® reagent
protocol approach to the treatment of about
30,000 cubic yards of heavy metal-
contaminated waste. The goal of reducing
leachable hexavalent chromium to below
0.5 ppm in the TCLP was met, as well as the
goal of producing a synthetic clay cover
material with low permeability (less than 1 x
10"6 cm/sec). The production goal of
exceeding 400 tons per day was also met.
This included production during many
subfreezing days in December, January, and
March.
In Summer 1990, CES engaged in another high
solids project involving lead.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS
• The Chemfix Technology was effective
in reducing the concentrations of lead
and copper in the TCLP extracts. The
concentrations in the extracts from the
treated wastes were 94 to 99 percent
less than those from the untreated
wastes. Total lead concentrations in
the raw waste approached 14 percent.
• The volume of the excavated waste
material increased from 20 to 50
percent as a result of treatment.
• In the durability tests, the treated
wastes showed little or no weight loss
after 12 cycles of wetting and drying
or freezing and thawing.
• The unconfined compressive strength
(UCS) of the wastes varied between 27
and 307 psi after 28 days.
Permeability decreased by more than
one order of magnitude.
• The air monitoring data suggest there
was no significant volatilization of
PCBs during the treatment process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Edwin Earth
U.S. EPA
Center for Environmental Research
Information
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7669
FTS: 684-7669
Technology Developer Contact:
Philip N. Baldwin, Jr.
Chemfix Technologies, Inc.
Suite 620, Metairie Center
2424 Edenborn Avenue
Metairie, Louisiana 70001
504-831-3600
November 1990
Page 33
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
CHEMICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
(X*TRAX™ Low-Temperature Thermal Desorption)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The X*TRAX™ technology is a low-
temperature (200 to 900° F) thermal
separation process designed to remove
organic contaminants from soils, sludges, and
other solid media (Figure 1). It is not an
incinerator or a pyrolysis system. Chemical
oxidation and reactions are not encouraged,
and no combustion byproducts are formed.
The organic contaminants are removed as a
condensed high BTU liquid, which must
then be either destroyed in a permitted
incinerator or used as a supplemental fuel.
Because of lower operating temperatures and
gas flow rates, this process is less expensive
than incineration.
An externally-fired rotary dryer is used to
volatilize the water and organic contaminants
into an inert carrier gas stream. The
processed solids are then cooled with
condensed water.
The moisture content is adjusted to eliminate
dusting and produce a solid that is ready to be
placed and compacted in its original location.
The feed rate, the dryer temperature, and the
residence time of materials in the dryer can be
adjusted to control the degree of contaminant
removal.
The organic contaminants and water vapor
driven from the solid are transported out of
the dryer by an inert nitrogen carrier gas. The
carrier gas flows through a duct to the gas
treatment system, where organic vapors, water
vapors, and dust particles are removed and
recovered from the gas. The gas first passes
through a high-energy scrubber. Dust
particles and 10 to 30 percent of the organic
contaminants are removed by the scrubber.
The gas then passes through two heat
exchangers in series, where it is cooled to less
than 40°F. Most of the remaining organic and
water vapors are condensed as liquids in the
heat exchangers.
MOOUCT
COO4JNO
•urn T;
Figure I I'ilal-.Scalc X'TRAX Syslcm
November 1990
Page 34
-------
The majority of the carrier gas passing
through the gas treatment system is reheated
and recycled to the dryer. Approximately 5
to 10 percent of the gas is cleaned by passing
it through a filter and two carbon adsorbers,
before it is discharged to the atmosphere.
The volume of gas released from this process
vent is approximately 100 to 200 times less
than an equivalent capacity incinerator. This
discharge helps maintain a small negative
pressure within the system and prevents
potentially contaminated gases from leaking.
The discharge also allows makeup nitrogen to
be added to the system, preventing oxygen
concentrations from exceeding combustibility
limits.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology was developed primarily for
on-site remediation of organic contaminated
soils. The process can remove and collect
volatiles, semivolatiles, and PCBs, and has
been demonstrated on a variety of soils
ranging from sand to very cohesive clays.
Filter cakes and pond sludges have also been
successfully processed. In most cases,
volatile organics are reduced to below 1 ppm
and frequently to below the laboratory
detection level. Semivolatile organics are
typically reduced to less than 10 ppm and
frequently below 1 ppm. Soils containing
120 to 6,000 ppm PCBs have been reduced to
2 to 25 ppm.
The process is not applicable to heavy
metals, with the exception of mercury.
However, stabilization agents can be added
to the feed or treated solids before cooling
for metals treatment. Tars and heavy pitches
create material handling problems.
STATUS:
CWM currently has three X*TRAX systems
available: laboratory, pilot, and full-scale.
There are two laboratory-scale systems being
used for treatability studies. One system is
operated by Chem Nuclear systems, Inc. in
Barnwell, SC for mixed (RCRA/Radioactive)
wastes; and the other by CWM RD&D at its
facility in Geneva, IL, for RCRA and TSCA
wastes. More than 30 tests have been
completed since January 1988. Results from
these laboratory-scale tests included 97.9
percent removal efficiency for soil
contaminated with 805 ppm PCBs.
The pilot-scale system is in operation at the
CWM Kettleman Hills facility in California.
During 1989-90, ten different PCB-
contaminated soils were processed under a
TSCA RD&D permit which expired in January
1990. For soils containing 120 to 6,000 ppm
PCBs, the removal efficiency ranged from 97.2
to 99.5%. Nine of the ten soils were reduced
to less than 25 ppm.
The first Model 200 full-scale X*TRAX
system was completed in early 1990 and is
shown in Figure 1. The system will be used
to remediate 35,000 tons of PCB-contaminated
soil. EPA plans to conduct a SITE
demonstration during this remediation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
Technology Developer Contact-
Carl Swanstrom
Chemical Waste Management, Inc.
Geneva Research Center
1950 S. Batavia
Geneva, IL 60134
708-513-4578
November 1990
Page 35
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
DEHYDRO-TECH CORPORATION
(Carver-Greenfield Process for Extraction of Oily Waste)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Carver-Greenfield Process* is designed
to separate materials into their constituent
solid, oil (including oil-soluble substances),
and water phases. It is primarily intended
for soils and sludges contaminated with oil-
soluble hazardous compounds. The
technology uses a food-grade "carrier oil" to
extract the oil-soluble contaminants (Figure
1). Pretreatment is necessary to achieve
particle sizes less than 3/8-inch.
The carrier oil, with a boiling point of
400° F, typically is mixed with waste sludge
or soil and the mixture is placed in the
evaporation system to remove any water.
The oil serves to fluidize the mix and
maintain a low slurry viscosity to ensure
efficient heat transfer, allowing virtually all
of the water to evaporate.
Oil-soluble contaminants are extracted from
the waste by the carrier oil. Volatile
compounds present in the waste are also
stripped in this step and condensed with the
carrier oil or water. After the water is
evaporated from the mixture, the resulting
dried slurry is sent to a centrifuging section
that removes most of the carrier oil from the
solids.
After centrifuging, residual carrier oil is
removed by a process known as "hydroex-
traction." The carrier oil is recovered by
evaporation and steam stripping. The
hazardous constituents are removed from the
carrier oil by distillation. This stream can be
incinerated or reclaimed. In some cases, heavy
metals in the solids will be complexed with
hydrocarbons and will also be extracted by the
carrier oil.
Rocovraod Dittilliticn
Win Column
Figure 1. Simplified Carver Greenfield process flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 36
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Carver-Greenfield process can be used
to treat sludges, soils, and other water-
bearing wastes containing oil-soluble
hazardous compounds, including PCBs,
PNAs, and dioxins. The process has been
commercially applied to municipal
wastewater sludge, paper mill sludge,
rendering waste, pharmaceutical plant
sludge, and many other wastes.
STATUS:
The process has been successfully tested in
a pilot plant on refinery "slop oil," consisting
of 72 percent water, as well as on a mixed
refinery waste consisting of dissolved air
flotation sludge, API separator bottoms, tank
bottoms, and biological sludge. EPA has
identified the PAB Oil site in Louisiana as a
potential site for demonstrating this
technology. The PAB oil site contains
petroleum wastes and contaminated soils, and
a SITE demonstration is tentatively planned
for January 1991,
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
Thomas C. Holcombe
Dehydro-Tech Corporation
6 Great Meadow Lane
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936
201-887-2182
November 1990
Page 37
-------
5S?=I
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
OBERLIN FILTER COMPANY
(Membrane Microfiltration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This microfiltration system is designed to
remove solid particles from liquid wastes,
forming filter cakes typically ranging from
40 to 60 percent solids. The system can be
manufactured as an enclosed unit, requires
little or no attention during operation, is
mobile, and can be trailer-mounted.
The DuPont/Oberlin microfiltration system
(Figure 1) uses Oberlin's automatic pressure
filter combined with DuPont's special Tyvek
filter material (Tyvek T-980) made of spun-
bonded olefin. The filter material is a thin,
durable plastic fabric with tiny openings
(about one ten-millionth of a meter in
diameter) that allow water or other liquids,
along with solid particles smaller than the
openings, to flow through. Solids in the
liquid stream that are too large to pass
through the openings accumulate on the
filter, and can be easily collected for
disposal.
AIR CYLINDER
The automatic pressure filter has two
chambers — an upper chamber for feeding
waste through the filter, and a lower chamber
for collecting the filtered liquid (filtrate). At
the start of a filter cycle, the upper chamber
is lowered to form a liquid-tight seal against
the filter. The waste feed is then pumped into
the upper chamber and through the filter.
Filtered solids accumulate on the Tyvek
surface, forming a filter cake, while filtrate is
collected in the lower chamber. Air is fed
into the upper chamber at about 45 pounds per
square inch, and used to further dry the cake
and remove any liquid remaining in the upper
chamber. When the cake is considered to be
dry, the upper chamber is lifted and the filter
cake is automatically discharged. Clean filter
material is then drawn from a roll into the
system for the next cycle. Both the filter cake
and the filtrate can be collected and treated
further prior to disposal if necessary.
FILTER CAKE
USED TYVEK10'MEDIA
FILTRATE CHAMBER
WASTE
FEED
AIR BAGS
WASTE FEED CHAMBER
CLEAN TYVEK
MEDIA ROLL
FILTER BELT
Figure 1. DuPont/Oberlin microfiltration system.
November 1990
Page 38
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This treatment technology is applicable to
hazardous waste suspensions, particularly
liquid heavy metal- and cyanide-bearing
wastes (such as electroplating rinsewaters);
groundwater contaminated with heavy
metals; landfill leachate; and process
wastewaters containing uranium. The
technology is best suited for treating wastes
with solid concentrations less than 5,000
parts per million; otherwise, the cake
capacity and handling become limiting
factors. The developers claim the system can
treat any type of solids, including inorganics,
organics, and oily wastes with a wide variety
of particle sizes. Moreover, because the unit
is enclosed, the system is said to be capable
of treating liquid wastes containing volatile
organics.
STATUS:
This technology was demonstrated at the
Palmerton Zinc Superfund site in Palmerton,
Pennsylvania. The shallow aquifer at the
site, contaminated with dissolved heavy
metals (such as cadmium, lead, and zinc),
was selected as the feed waste for the
demonstration. Pilot studies on the ground
water have shown that the microfiltration
system can produce a 35 to 45 percent-solids
filter cake, and a filtrate with non-detectable
levels of heavy metals.
The demonstration was conducted over a
four-week period in April and May 1990.
A Demonstration Bulletin summarizing the
results at the demonstration was prepared in
August 1990. A Technology Evaluation
Report, Applications Analysis Report, and
video of the demonstration are currently
being finalized.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration at the Palmerton
Zinc Superfund site, the DuPont/Oberlin
microfiltration system achieved the following
results:
• Zinc and total suspended solids
removal efficiencies ranged from 99.75
to 99.99 percent.
• Solids in the filter cake ranged from
30.5 to 47.1 percent.
• Dry filter cake in all test runs passed
the RCRA permit filter liquids test.
• Filtrate met the applicable National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System
standard for zinc, but exceeded the
standard for pH.
• A composite filter cake sample passed
the EP Toxicity and TCLP tests for
metals.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
John F. Martin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7758
FTS: 684-7758
Technology Developer Contact:
Ernest Mayer
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
Engineering Department LI359
P.O. Box 6090
Newark, Delaware 19714-6090
302-366-3652
November 1990
Page 39
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
ECOVA CORPORATION
(In-Situ Biological Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Ecova Corporation's bioremediation
technology is designed to biodegrade
chlorinated and non-chlorinated organic
contaminants by employing aerobic bacteria
that use the contaminants as their carbon
source. This proposed technology has two
configurations: in-situ biotreatment of soil
and water; and on-site bioreactor treatment
of contaminated ground water.
A primary advantage of in-situ
bioremediation is that contaminants in
subsurface soils and ground water can be
treated without excavating overlying soil.
The technology uses special strains of
cultured bacteria and naturally occurring
microorganisms in on-site soils and ground
water. Since the treatment process is
aerobic, oxygen and soluble forms of mineral
nutrients must be introduced throughout the
saturated zone. The end products of the
aerobic biodegradation are carbon dioxide,
water, and bacterial biomass.
Contaminated ground water can also be
recovered and treated in an aboveground
bioreactor. Nutrients and oxygen can then be
added to some or all of the treated water, and
the water can be recycled through the soils as
part of the in-situ soil treatment.
Because site-specific environments influence
biological treatment, all chemical, physical,
and microbiological factors are designed into
the treatment system. Subsurface soil and
groundwater samples collected from a site are
analyzed for baseline parameters, such as
volatile organics, metals, pH, total organic
carbon, types and quantities of
microorganisms, and nutrients. A treatability
study, which includes flask and column
studies, determines the effects of process
parameters on system performance. The flask
studies test biodegradation under optimum
conditions, and the column studies test the
three field applications: (1) soil flushing;
(2) in-situ biotreatment, and (3) in-situ
biotreatment using ground water treated in a
bioreactor.
Microbes, nutrients
oxygen source
Biological
Treatment
Clarlfler
Bioreactor
Makeup _
water
Recharge
Recovery
Figure 1. In situ bioreclarnation processes.
November 1990
Page 40
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Biological processes can be applied to water,
soil, sludge, sediment, and other types of
materials contaminated with organic
constituents. The system must be engineered
to maintain parameters such as pH,
temperature, and dissolved oxygen (if the
process is aerobic), within ranges conducive
to the desired microbial activity. The
technology is applicable to chlorinated
solvents and non-chlorinated organic
compounds.
STATUS:
Ecova's planned demonstration of this
technology on a wide range of toxic organic
compounds at the Goose Farm Superfund
Site in Plumstead Township, NJ was
cancelled after the completion of treatability
studies in April 1990. The treatability study
report will be published by January 1991.
Although the demonstration was cancelled at
the Goose Farm site, the technology may be
demonstrated at another hazardous waste site
in the future.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Naomi P. Barkley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7854
FTS: 684-7854
Technology Developer Contact:
Michael Nelson
Ecova Corporation
3820 159th Avenue Northeast
Redmond, Washington 98052
206-883-1900
November 1990
Page 41
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
EPOC WATER, INC.
(Precipitation, Microfiltration, and Sludge Dewatering)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In this first step of this process, heavy metals
are chemically precipitated. The
precipitates, along with all particles down to
0.2 - 0.1 micron, are filtered through a
unique fabric crossflow microfilter
(EXXFLOW). The concentrated stream is
then dewatered in an automatic tubular filter
press of the same fabric material
(EXXPRESS). EXXPRESS filter cakes of up
to 60% (weight per weight) solids are
possible.
Microfiltration involves a proprietary woven
polyester array of tubes. Waste effluent is
pumped into the tubes and forms a dynamic
membrane, which produces a high quality
filtrate removing all particle sizes below 0.2
- 0.1 micron. The membrane is continually
cleaned by the flow velocity, thereby
preventing flux reduction.
Metals are removed via precipitation by
adjusting the pH in the EXXFLOW feed tank.
The metal hydroxides or oxides form the
dynamic membrane with any other suspended
solids. The concentrated stream will contain
up to 5% solids for discharge to the
EXXPRESS. Water recoveries are above 90%
in most cases.
Other constituent removals are possible using
seeded slurry methods in EXXFLOW.
Hardness can be removed using lime. Oil and
grease can be removed using adsorbents.
Nonvolatile organics and solvents can be
removed using seeded, powdered activated
carbon or powdered ion exchange adsorbents.
The concentrate stream produced by
EXXFLOW enters EXXPRESS with the
discharge valve closed. A semi-dry cake up to
1/4 inch thick is formed on the inside of the
tubular cloth. When the discharge valve is
Process Water Recycle
Soils or
Sludges
Containing
Heavy
Metals
Detoxified
Waste
Dewatered
Metal
Concentrate
Figure 1. Schematic of detoxification process.
November 1990
Page 42
-------
opened, rollers on the outside of the tubes
move to form a venturi within the tube. The
venturi creates an area of high velocity
within the tubes, which aggressively cleans
the cloth and discharges the cake in chip
form onto a wedge wire screen. The
discharge water is recycled back to the feed
tank.
In cases where the solids in the raw feed
water are extremely high, EXXPRESS can be
used first, with EXXFLOW acting as a final
polish for the product water.
In special circumstances, chelating agents can
also be used to remove a particular metal.
The leached slurry containing the solubilized
metals is separated by an automatic cake
discharge tubular filter press. The resulting
filtrate is chemically treated to precipitate
the heavy metals in hydroxide form.
Residual organic contamination in this
precipitate can be removed with activated
carbon. Heavy metals in the precipitate are
separated and concentrated by
microfiltration, using an innovative and
flexible woven textile material that can
separate particles as small as 0.1 microns.
The process is capable of handling widely
varying incoming solids concentrations.
The demonstration unit is transportable and
is skid-mounted. The unit is designed to
process approximately 30 pounds of solids
per hour.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to water
containing heavy metals, pesticides, oil and
grease, bacteria, suspended solids, and
constituents that can be precipitated into
particle sizes greater than 0.1 micron. The
system can handle waste streams containing
up to 5% (50,000 ppm) contaminant,
producing a filtrate with less than 1.0 ppm
and a semi-dry cake of 40-60% weight per
weight. Nonvolatile organics and solvents
can also be treated by adding powdered
adsorbents.
Soils and sludge can be decontaminated
through acid leaching of the metals followed
by precipitation and microfiltration. Lime
sludges from municipal, industrial, and power
plant clarifiers can also be treated using this
process.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. The first
application will be on acid mine drainage at
the Iron Mountain Mine Superfund Site in
Redding, CA. in late 1990. Bench-scale tests
have been conducted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Technology Developer Contact:
Ray Groves
EPOC Water, Inc.
3065 Sunnyside, #101
Fresno, CA 93727
209-291-8144
November 1990
Page 43
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
EXCALffiUR ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Soil Washing/Catalytic Ozone Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Excalibur technology is designed to treat
soils with organic and inorganic
contaminants. The technology is a two-
stage process: the first stage extracts the
contaminants from the soil, and the second
stage oxidizes contaminants present in the
extract. The extraction is carried out using
ultrapure water and ultrasound. Oxidation
involves ozone, ultraviolet light, and
ultrasound. The treatment products of this
technology are decontaminated soil and inert
salts.
A flow schematic of the system is shown in
Figure 1. After excavation, contaminated
soil is passed through a 1-inch screen. Soil
particles retained on the screen are crushed
using a hammermill and sent back to the
screen. Soil particles passing through the
screen are sent to a soil washer, where
ultrapure water extracts the contaminants from
the screened soil. Ultrasound acts as a catalyst
to enhance soil washing. Typically, 10
volumes of water are added per volume of
soil, generating a slurry of about 10-20
percent solids. This slurry is conveyed to a
/solid/liquid separator, such as a centrifuge or
cyclone, to separate the decontaminated soil
from the contaminated water. The
decontaminated soil can be returned to its
original location or disposed of appropriately.
After the solid/liquid separation, any oil
present in the contaminated water is recovered
using an oil/water separator. The
contaminated water is ozonated prior to
oil/water separation to aid in oil recovery.
The water then flows through a filter to
remove any fine particles. After the particles
Contaminated
Sol
Decontaminated
SoH
Treated Water
(Recycled)
Figure 1. Excaliber Treatment System Flow Diagram.
November 1990
Page 44
-------
are filtered, the water flows through a
carbon filter and a deionizer to reduce the
contaminant load on the multichamber
reactor.
In the multichamber reactor, ozone gas,
ultraviolet light, and ultrasound are applied
to the contaminated water. Ultraviolet light
and ultrasound catalyze the oxidation of
contaminants by ozone. The treated water
(ultrapure water) flows out of the reactor to
a storage tank and is reused to wash another
batch of soil. If makeup water is required,
additional ultrapure water is generated on-
site by treating tap water with ozone and
ultrasound.
The treatment system is also equipped with
a carbon filter to treat the off-gas from the
reactor. The carbon filters are biologically
activated to regenerate the spent carbon in-
situ.
System capacities range from one cubic foot
of solids per hour, with a water flow rate of
one gallon per minute; to 27 cubic yards of
solids per hour, with a water flow rate of 50
gallons per minute. The treatment units
available for the SITE demonstration can
treat 1 to 5 cubic yards of solids per hour.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be applied to soils,
solids, sludges, leachates and ground water
containing organics such as PCB, PCP,
pesticides and herbicides, dioxins, and
inorganics, including cyanides. The
technology could effectively treat total
contaminant concentrations ranging from 1
ppm to 20,000 ppm. Soils and solids greater
than 1 inch in diameter need to be crushed
prior to treatment.
STATUS:
The Excalibur technology was accepted into
the SITE demonstration program in July,
1989. The Coleman-Evans site in
Jacksonville, FL has been tentatively
scheduled for a SITE demonstration in late
1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7665
FTS: 684-7665
Technology Developer Contact:
Lucas Boeve
Excalibur Enterprises, Inc.
314 West 53rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
212-484-2699
Florida Office:
3232 S.W. 2nd Avenue
Suite 107
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33315
305-763-9507
November 1990
Page 45
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
Excavation Techniques and Foam Suppression Methods
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This project was the result of a joint EPA
effort involving the Risk Reduction
Engineering Laboratory (Cincinnati, OH),
Air and Energy Engineering Research
Laboratory (Research Triangle Park, NC),
and Region 9 to evaluate control technologies
during excavation operations. In general,
excavating soil contaminated with volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) results in
fugitive air emissions.
The area to be excavated was surrounded by
a temporary enclosure (Figure 1). Air from
the enclosure was vented through an
emission control system before being
released to the atmosphere. For example, in
the case of hydrocarbon and SO2 emissions,
a scrubber and a carbon adsorption unit
would be used to treat emissions. An
additional emission control method, a vapor
suppressant foam, was applied to the soil
before and after excavation.
To control these emissions, containment and
treatment technologies were combined during
a SITE demonstration at the McColl Superfund
site in Fullerton, CA.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
These technologies are suitable for controlling
VOC emissions during the excavation of
contaminated soil.
STATUS:
This technique was observed at the McColl
Superfund site in Fullerton, CA in June and
July 1990. Results from the application are
currently being prepared and will be available
in November 1990.
Figure 1. Excavation area enclosure.
November 1990
Page 46
-------
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
An enclosure 60 feet wide, 160 feet long,
and 26 feet high was erected over an area
contaminated with VOCs and SO2. Removal
of the overburden and excavation of
underlying waste was performed with a
backhoe. There were three distinct layers of
segregated waste: 3 feet of oily mud, 4 feet
of tar, and a hard coal-like char layer.
During excavation, 5-minute average air
concentrations within the enclosed area were
up to 1000 ppm for SO2 and up to 492 ppm
for total hydrocarbons (THC). The air
pollution control system removed up to 99
percent of the SO, and up to 50 percent of
the THC.
The concentrations of contaminants in the
air inside the enclosure were higher than
expected due in part to the vapor-
suppressant foam's inability to form an
impermeable membrane over the exposed
wastes. The foams reacted with the highly
acidic waste, causing degradation of the
foam. Furthermore, purge water from
foaming activities impacted operations by
making surfaces slippery for workers and
equipment.
A total of 101 cubic yards of overburden and
137 cubic yards of contaminated waste was
excavated. The tar waste was solidified and
stabilized by mixing with fly ash, cement,
and water in a pug mill. The char wastes did
not require further processing.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Managers:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
and
John Blevins
U.S. EPA, Region 9
Mail Code H-6-1
75 Hawthorne Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94105
415-744-2241
FTS: 744-2241
November 1990
Page 47
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
EXXON CHEMICALS, INC. &
RIO LINDA CHEMICAL CO.
(Chemical Oxidation/Cyanide Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses chlorine dioxide,
generated on-site by a patented process, to
oxidize organically contaminated aqueous
waste streams, and simple and complex
cyanide in water or solid media. Chlorine
dioxide is an ideal oxidizing agent because it
chemically alters contaminants to salts and
non-toxic organic acids.
Chlorine dioxide gas is generated by reacting
sodium chlorite solution with chlorine gas, or
by reacting sodium chlorite solution with
sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid.
Both processes produce at least 95 percent
pure chlorine dioxide.
In aqueous treatment systems (Figure 1) the
chlorine dioxide gas is fed into the waste
stream via a venturi, which is the driving
force for the generation system. The amount
of chlorine dioxide required depends on the
contaminant concentrations in the waste
stream and the concentration of oxidizable
compounds, such as sulfides.
In soil treatment applications, the chlorine
dioxide may be applied in-situ via
conventional injection wells or surface
flushing. The concentration of chlorine
dioxide would depend on the level of
contaminants in the soil.
Chlorine dioxide treatment systems have been
applied to drinking water disinfection, food
processing sanitation, and as a biocide in
industrial process water. Since chlorine
dioxide reacts via direct oxidation rather than
substitution (as does chlorine), the process
does not form undesirable trihalomethanes.
Contamination Source
(Wastewater or Cyanide-laden Soil)
Fillers
Precursor Chemicals
Figure 1. Typical treatment layout.
November 1990
Page 48
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to aqueous
wastes, soils, or any teachable solid media
contaminated with organic compounds. It
can also be applied to groundwater
contaminated with pesticides or cyanide;
sludges containing cyanide, PCPs or other
organics; and, industrial wastewater similar
to refinery wastewater.
STATUS:
The SITE program has accepted two
proposals from Exxon Chemicals, Inc. and
Rio Linda Chemical Company to perform
two separate demonstrations: one of cyanide
destruction and the other of organics
treatment. Site selection for these
demonstrations is currently underway
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Teri Shearer
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7949
FTS: 684-7949
Technology Developer Contact:
Tony Kurpakus
Exxon Chemical Company
4510 East Pacific Coast Highway
Mailbox 18
Long Beach, California 90805
213-597-1937
November 1990
Page 49
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
FREEZE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(Freezing Separation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Freeze crystallization operates on the
principle that when water freezes, the crystal
structure that forms naturally excludes
contaminants from the water molecule
matrix. In this freeze crystallization process,
refrigerant is injected directly into the feed,
thus removing heat until a phase change
from liquid to solid is achieved. Pure
crystals of solute and solvent are formed
separately and are separated from each other
by gravity. The crystals are recovered and
washed with melt-water to remove any
adhering contaminants and then melted in a
heat pump cycle before being discharged
from the plant.
Mixed liquid waste enters the system through
the feed heat exchanger (not shown), where
it is cooled to within a few degrees of its
freezing temperature (Figure 1). The cooled
feed then enters the crystallizer, where it is
mixed directly with boiling refrigerant. The
water molecules are crystallized in the stirred
solution and are maintained at a uniform ice
concentration by continuous removal of ice
slurry (a combination of ice crystals and
liquid) from the crystallizer. The slurry is
pumped to a eutectic separator (also called a
growth tank) where gravity segregates the
crystal of solvent and solute into different
streams. A heat pump/refrigeration cycle
removes refrigerant vapor from the crystallizer
and compresses it so that it will give up its
heat to melt the purified crystals.
Ice slurry from the growth tank is pumped to
the crystal separator, where ice crystals form
a porous pack. The liquid from the slurry is
drained by gravity from the wash column via
screened openings, and is then returned to the
growth tank to transport more ice. Hydraulic
forces generated by the flow of liquid to the
screens in the middle of the ice pack propel
the ice pack upward in the crystal separator.
Melted product is used to transport the ice to
a melter/condenser, where the slurry is melted
and where hot refrigerant gas is condensed.
All refrigerants are soluble in water to some
degree. Consequently, decanters and strippers
(not shown) are used to remove this
refrigerant from the melt, the concentrate, and
any other liquid phases produced from the
process prior to their discharge from the plant.
The strippers operate under vacuum and
Figure I. Simplified Process Schematic.
November 1990
Page 50
-------
contain heaters that generate low-pressure
steam to enhance refrigerant removal, if
necessary.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology will remove both organic
and inorganic as well as ionic and non-ionic
species from contaminated aqueous streams.
It works on both surface waters and ground
waters as well as directly on process wastes
and mixed (radioactive and hazardous)
wastes. As Figure 2 shows, freeze
technologies can process all of the
contaminant types in a single stage. It is also
capable of concentrating residuals to higher
concentrations than other liquid separation
processes.
The process is applicable to free liquids,
whether the liquid is water or an organic
solvent. It can be used in conjunction with
other processes to treat wastes contained in
non-aqueous media. For example,
contaminated soils can be washed to transfer
the contaminant into a liquid medium. The
low concentrations in the washing medium
are concentrated by freezing to allow by-
product recovery or more economical final
destruction.
STATUS:
This project was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in July 1988.
Treatability studies have been completed. A
demonstration of this technology is scheduled
for early 1991 at the Stringfellow Superfund
Site in Glen Avon, California.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Technology Developer Contact:
James A. Heist
Freeze Technologies Corporation
2539-C Timberlake Road
P.O. Box 40968
Raleigh, North Carolina 27629-0968
919-850-0600
c
I O,
N N
C T
R A
E M
A I
S N
I A
N N
G T
S
ORGANICS
VOLATILE [NON-VOLATILE
| STRIPPING
MINERAL
SALTS I METALS
SORPTION
CARBON ADSORPTION ION EXCHANGE
~T
CHEM & BIO OXIDATION
T
CHEM PRECIPITATION
MEMB
i *
RANE PROCESSES |
EVAPORATION, DISTILLATION & CRYSTALLIZATION
FREEZE CRYSTALLIZATION
Figure 2. Waste Treatment Matrix
November 1990
Page 51
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
GEOSAFE CORPORATION
(In-Situ Vitrification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In-situ vitrification (ISV) uses an electrical
network to melt soil or sludge at
temperatures of 1600 to 2000° C, thus
destroying organic pollutants by pyrolysis.
Inorganic pollutants are incorporated within
the vitrified mass, which has properties of
glass. Both the organic and inorganic
airborne pyrolysis byproducts are captured in
a hood, which draws the contaminants into
an off-gas treatment system that removes
particulates and other pollutants of concern.
The vitrification process begins by inserting
large electrodes into contaminated zones
containing sufficient soil to support the
formation of a melt (Figure 1). An array
(usually square) of four electrodes is placed
to the desired treatment depth in the volume
to be treated. Because soil typically has low
conductivity, flaked graphite and glass frit
are placed on the soil surface between the
electrodes to provide a starter path for
electric current. The electric current passes
through the electrodes and begins to melt soil
at the surface. As power is applied, the melt
continues to grow downward, at a rate of 1 to
2 inches per hour. Individual settings (each
single placement of electrodes) may grow to
encompass a total melt mass of 1000 tons and
a maximum width of 30 feet. Single setting
depths as great as 30 feet are considered
possible. Depths of 17 feet have been
achieved to date with the existing large-scale
ISV equipment. Adjacent settings can be
positioned to fuse to each other and to
completely process the desired volume at a
site. Stacked settings to reach deep
contamination are also possible.
The large-scale ISV system melts soil at a rate
of 4 to 6 tons per hour. Since the void volume
present in particulate materials (20-40% for
typical soils) is removed during processing, a
corresponding volume reduction occurs.
Volume is further reduced as some materials
present in the soil, such as humus and organic
contaminants, are removed as gases and vapors
during processing. After cooling, a vitrified
monolith results, with a silicate glass and
microcrystalline structure. This monolith
possesses excellent structural and
environmental properties.
Graphite and
Glass Frit
Starter Path
Contaminated
Soil Region
Vitrified Monolith
(1)
(2)
(3)
(•'igurc I In-Silu Vilnliciition Process
November 1990
Page 52
-------
The ISV system is mounted on three semi-
trailers for transport to a site. Electric
power is usually taken from a utility
distribution system at transmission voltages
of 125 or 138 kV; power may also be
generated on-site by a diesel generator. The
electrical supply system has an isolated
ground circuit to provide appropriate
operational safety.
Air flow through the hood is controlled to
maintain a negative pressure. An ample
supply of air provides excess oxygen for
combustion of any pyrolysis products and
organic vapors from the treatment volume.
The off-gases, combustion products, and air
are drawn from the hood (by induced draft
blower) into the off-gas treatment system,
where they are treated by: (1) quenching;
(2) pH controlled scrubbing; (3) dewatering
(mist elimination); (4) heating (for dewpoint
control); (5) particulate filtration; and (6)
activated carbon adsorption (Figure 2).
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ISV process can be used to destroy or
remove organics and/or immobilize
inorganics in contaminated soils or sludges.
In saturated soils or sludges, the initial
application of the electric current must
reduce the moisture content before the
vitrification process can begin. This increases
energy consumption and associated costs.
Also, sludges must contain a sufficient amount
of glass-forming material (non-volatile, non-
destructible solids) to produce a molten mass
that will destroy or remove organic and
immobilize inorganic pollutants. The ISV
process is limited by: (1) individual void
volumes in excess of 150 cubic feet; (2) rubble
in excess of 10 percent by weight; and (3)
combustible organics in the soil or sludge in
excess of 5-10 weight percent, depending
upon the heat value. These limitations must
be addressed for each site.
STATUS:
Six full-scale demonstrations at the ISV
process have been conducted on radioactive
wastes at the Department of Energy's Hanford
Nuclear Reservation. More than 90 tests at
various scales have been performed on PCB
wastes, industrial lime sludge, dioxins, metal
plating wastes and other solid combustibles
and liquid chemicals. Currently, the
technology has been selected as part of a
Record of Decision (ROD) or equivalent for
use at eight sites within the U.S. and one site
in Europe. Commercial operations began in
November 1990. The SITE Program is
determining which site to use for evaluating
the technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Teri Shearer
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7949
FTS: 684-7949
Technology Developer Contact:
James E. Hansen
Geosafe Corporation
303 Park Place, Suite 126
Kirkland, Washington 98033
206-822-4000
November 1990
Page 53
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
HORSEHEAD RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CO., INC.
(Flame Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Flame Reactor process (Figure 1) is a
patented, hydrocarbon-fueled, flash smelting
system that treats residues and wastes
containing metals. The reactor processes
wastes with a very hot (greater than 2000° C)
reducing gas produced from the combustion
of solid or gaseous hydrocarbon fuels in
oxygen-enriched air. In a compact, low-
capital cost reactor, the feed materials react
rapidly, allowing a high waste throughput.
The end products are a non-leachable slag (a
glasslike solid when cooled) and a recyclable,
heavy metal-enriched oxide. The volume
reduction achieved (of waste to slag) depends
on the chemical and physical properties of the
waste.
HYDROCARBON FUEL
(NATURAL GAS OR COAL)
OXYGEN
EXHAUST
Figure 1. Flame Reactor Process Flow Schematic.
November 1990
Page 54
-------
The Flame Reactor technology can be
applied to granular solids, soil, flue dusts,
slags, and sludges containing heavy metals.
The volatile metals are fumed and captured
in a product dust collection system, the
nonvolatile metals are encapsulated in the
slag. At the elevated temperature of the
Flame Reactor technology, organic
compounds are destroyed. In general, the
process requires that wet agglomerated
wastes be dry enough (up to 15% total
moisture) to be gravity-fed and fine enough
(less than 200 mesh) to react rapidly. Larger
particles (up to 20 mesh) can be processed;
however, a decrease in the efficiency of
metals recovery usually results.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Electric arc furnace dust, lead blast furnace
slag, iron residues, zinc plant leach residues
and purification residues, and brass mill
dusts and fumes have been successfully
tested. Metal bearing wastes previously
treated contained zinc (up to 40%), lead (up
to 10%), cadmium (up to 3%), chromium (up
to 3%), as well as copper, cobalt, nickel and
arsenic.
STATUS:
The Flame Reactor demonstration plant at
Monaca, Pennsylvania, has a capacity of 1.5
to 3.0 tons/hour. The SITE demonstration is
scheduled to be conducted at the Monaca
facility under a RCRA RD&D permit that will
allow the treatment of Superfund wastes
containing high concentrations of metals, but
only negligible concentrations of organics.
The major objectives of the SITE technology
demonstration are to evaluate: (1) the levels of
contaminants in the residual slag and their
leaching potential; (2) the efficiency and
economics of processing; and (3) the reuse
potential for the recovered metal oxides.
Approximately 120 tons of contaminated
materials are needed for the test. The most
likely candidate wastes include mine tailings
or smelting waste such as slag, flue dust, and
wastewater treatment sludges. Pretreatment
may be required to produce a dryer feed and
to reduce the particle size.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Donald Oberacker and Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7510 and 513-569-7783
FTS: 684-7510 and FTS: 684-7783
Technology Developer Contact:
John F. Pusateri
Horsehead Resource Development Co., Inc.
300 Frankfort Road
Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061
412-773-2279
November 1990
Page 55
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
IM-TECH
[formerly Hazcon]
(Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This treatment technology immobilizes
contaminants in soils or sludges by binding
them into a concrete-like, leach-resistant
mass. The technology mixes hazardous
wastes, cement or flyash, water, and a
patented additive called Chloranan that
encapsulates organic and inorganic
molecules.
Contaminated soils or sludges can be
excavated and/or treated in-situ. If
excavated, the waste is screened for
oversized material and fed into a field
blending unit. The blending unit may
consist of concrete ready-mix trucks or huge
batch plants capable of blending 100 tons per
hour.
First, the Chloranan and water are added to
the blending unit. Next, the waste is added
and the ingredients mixed for about one
minute. Finally, the cement or flyash is added
and the whole mass mixed for a final minute.
After 12 hours, the treated output hardens into
a concrete-like mass that binds and
immobilizes the contaminant.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for soils and
sludges contaminated with organic compounds,
heavy metals, oil and grease. These wastes can
be treated together or individually.
Stabilization processes have been designated
Best Demonstrated Available Technology
(BOAT) for metal wastes.
POZ20LANIC
I ADDITIVE I
Figure 1. Solidification/stabilization process diagram.
November 1990
Page 56
-------
STATUS:
The technology was demonstrated in October
1987 at a former oil reprocessing plant in
Douglassville, Pennsylvania. The site
contained high levels of oil and grease (25%)
and heavy metals (2.2% lead), and low levels
of VOCs (100 ppm) and PCBs (75 ppm). A
Technology Evaluation Report (September
1988) and Applications Analysis Report
(May 1990) describing the completed
demon- stration are available. A report on
long-term monitoring will be completed by
1990.
Since the demonstration, the technology has
been used to remediate a sludge with 85% oil
from a refinery lagoon in Alaska; several
organic sludges for refineries on the Gulf
Coast; and a California Superfund site
contaminated with very high levels of heavy
metals.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The comparison of the 7-day, 28-day, 9
month, and 22-month sample test results for
the soil are generally favorable. The
physical test results were very good, with
unconfined compressive strength between
220 to 1570 psi. Very low permeabilities
were recorded, and the porosity of the
treated wastes was moderate. Durability test
results showed no change in physical strength
after the wet/dry and freeze/thaw cycles.
The waste volume increased by about 120%.
However, refinements on the technology now
restrict volumetric increases to the 15-25%
range. Using less additives reduces strength,
but toxicity reduction is not affected. There
appears to be an inverse relationship between
physical strength and the waste organic
concentration.
The results of the leaching tests were mixed.
The TCLP results of the stabilized wastes
were very low; essentially all values of
metals, volatile organics and semivolatile
organics were below 1 ppm. Lead leachate
concentrations dropped by a factor of 200 to
below 100 ppb.
Volatile and semivolatile organic
concentrations, however, did not change from
the untreated soil TCLP. Oil and grease
concentrations were greater in the treated
waste TCLPs than in the untreated waste,
from less than 2 ppm up to 4 ppm.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
• The process can solidify contaminated
material with high concentrations (up
to 25%) of organics. However, organic
contaminants, including volatiles and
base/neutral extractables, were not
immobilized to any significant extent.
• Heavy metals were immobilized. In
many instances, leachate reductions
were greater than 100 fold.
• The physical properties of the treated
waste exhibited high unconfined
compressive strengths, low
permeabilities, and good weathering
properties.
• The volume of treated soils increased.
• The process was economical, with costs
ranging from $40-60 per ton for
processing heavy metals waste, and
between $75-100 for wastes with
heavy organic content.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Paul R. dePercin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
Technology Developer Contact:
Ray Funderburk
IM-TECH
Route 1, Box 250
Oakwood, Texas 75855
1-800-227-6543
November 1990
Page 57
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
IN-SITU FIXATION COMPANY
(In-Situ Bioremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This process increases the quality and
acceleration of biodegradation in
contaminated soils. The specialized
equipment system injects site-specific
microorganism mixtures, along with the
required nutrients, and homogeneously mixes
them into the contami-nated soils. The
injection and mixing process effectively
breaks down fluid and soil strata barriers and
eliminates pockets of contaminated soil that
would otherwise remain untreated.
The process uses a twin, 5-foot diameter
auger system powered and moved by a
standard backhoe. The auger drills into
contaminated soil with hollow shafts,
allowing the microorganism and nutrient
mixture to pass.
The allocation of the microorganisms and
nutrients occurs during the initial auger
action. The auger flights break the soil
loose, allowing mixing blades to thoroughly
blend the microorganism and nutrient
mixture with the soil. This occurs in an
overlapping manner, to ensure the complete
treatment of all contaminated soil. The
mixing action is continued as the augers are
withdrawn. Treatment depth can exceed 100
feet.
Water, nutrients, and bacteria are added to
the contaminant area as needed.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process is applicable to contaminated soils.
Different contaminants may have different
degrees of success. High concentrations of
heavy metals, non-biodegradable toxic
organics, alkaline conditions, or acid
conditions could interfere with the
degradation process. Although volatiles may
volatilize during remediation, it has been
minimized by adding a hood around the auger
assembly and treating the captured gases.
The Dual Auger System was also developed
for the treatment of inorganic contaminated
soils, by injecting reagent slurry into the soil
to solidify/stabilize contaminated waste.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Program in June 1990. EPA is currently
locating a site to demonstrate this project.
November 1990
Page 58
-------
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Edward J. Opatken
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7855
FTS: 684-7855
Technology Developer Contact:
Richard P. Murray
In-Situ Fixation Company
P.O. Box 516
Chandler, Arizona 85244-0516
602-821-0409
November 1990
Page 59
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY/
YWC MIDWEST
(Geolock/Bio-Drain Treatment Platform)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Geolock/Bio-drain treatment platform is
a bioremediation system that is installed in the
soil or waste matrix. The technology can be
adapted to the soil characteristics of the area,
the concentration of contaminants, and
geologic formations. The system is composed
of an in-situ tank, an application system, and
a bottom water recovery system.
The tank, an in-situ structure, is composed of
high density polyethylene (HOPE), sometimes
in conjunction with a slurry wall. An
underlying permeable waterbearing zone
facilitates the creation of ingradient water
flow conditions. The tank defines the
treatment area, minimizes intrusion of off-
site clean water, minimizes the potential for
release of bacterial cultures to the aquifer, and
keeps contaminant concentration levels that
facilitate treatment. The ingradient conditions
also facilitate reverse leaching or soil washing.
Geolock
The application system, called Bio-drain, is
installed within the treatment area. Bio-
drain delivers bacterial cultures, nutrients, and
oxygen or any other proprietary chemical to
the soil profile. Bio-drain acts to aerate the
soil column and any standing water. This
creates an aerobic environment in the air pore
spaces of the soil. The cost of installation is
low, and Bio-drains can be placed in very
dense configurations.
Existing wells or new wells are used to create
the water recovery system for removal of
contaminated soil washing water. By
controlling the water levels within the tank,
reverse leaching or soil washing and the
volume of off-site clean water entering the
system can be controlled and minimized. This
minimizes the potential for off-migration. It
also creates a condition such that the direction
of existing contaminants and bacterial
degradation products is toward the surface.
Figure 1. Geolock / Biodrain
November 1990
Page 60
-------
Conventional biological treatment is limited
by the depth of soil aeration, the need for
physical stripping, or the need to relocate the
contaminated media to an aboveground
treatment system. The Geolock/Bio-drain
treatment platform surpasses these
limitations as well as reduces or eliminates
the health risks associated with excavation
and air releases from other treatment
technologies.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
All types and concentrations of
biodegradable contaminants can be treated
by this system. Through direct degradation
or cometabolism, microorganisms can
degrade most organic substances. Only a
limited number of compounds, such as
Arochlor 1254 and 1260 (PCBs) are resistant
to biodegradation. Also, this technology may
not be applicable to constituents resistent to
degradation, including 1,4 dioxane and high
concentrations of heavy metals.
Extremely dense clays may be difficult to
treat with this technology. Rock shelves or
boulders may render installation impossible.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in August 1990.
Preparation of the Quality Assurance Project
Plan and site selection have begun.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7271
FTS: 684-7271
Technology Developer Contact-
Lynn D. Sherman
YWC Midwest and IET
6490 Premier Avenue, N.W.
North Canton, Ohio 44720
216-499-8181
November 1990
Page 61
-------
Techno/ogy Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
INTERNATIONAL WASTE TECHNOLOGIES/GEO-CON, INC.
(In-Situ Solidification/Stabilization Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This in-situ solidification/stabilization
technology immobilizes organic and
inorganic compounds in wet or dry soils,
using reagents (additives) to produce a
cement-like mass. The basic components of
this technology are: (1) Geo-Con's deep soil
mixing system (DSM), a system to deliver
and mix the chemicals with the soil in-situ;
and (2) a batch mixing plant to supply the
International Waste Technologies' (IWT)
proprietary treatment chemicals (Figure 1).
The proprietary additives generate a
complex, crystalline, connective network of
inorganic polymers. The structural bonding
in the polymers is mainly covalent. The
process involves a two-phased reaction in
which the contaminants are first complexed
in a fast-acting reaction, and then in a slow-
acting reaction, where the building of
macromolecules continues over a long period
of time. For each type of waste, the amount
of additives used varies. Treatability tests
are recommended.
The DSM system involves mechanical mixing
and injection. The system consists of one set
of cutting blades and two sets of mixing
blades attached to a vertical drive auger,
which rotates at approximately 15 rpm. Two
conduits in the auger are used to inject the
additive slurry and supplemental water.
Additive injection occurs on the downstroke;
further mixing takes place upon auger
withdrawal. The treated soil columns are 36
inches in diameter, and are positioned in an
overlapping pattern of alternating primary and
secondary soil columns.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The IWT technology can be applied to soils,
sediments, and sludge-pond bottoms
contaminated with organic compounds and
metals. The technology has been laboratory-
tested on soils containing PCBs,
pentachlorophenol, refinery wastes, and
chlorinated and nitrated hydrocarbons.
The DSM system can be used in almost any
soil type; however, mixing time increases with
fines. It can be used below the water table
and in soft rock formations. Large
obstructions must be avoided.
Pump
Valve
Flow Line
Control Line
Communication Line
Figure 1.
In-«ltu stabilization batch mixing plant
process diagram.
November 1990
Page 62
-------
STATUS:
A SITE demonstration was conducted at a
PCB-cpntaminated site in Hialeah, Florida,
in April 1988. Two 10 x 20-foot test sectors
of the site were treated — one to a depth of
18 feet, and the other to a depth of 14 feet.
Ten months after the demonstration, long-
term monitoring tests were performed on the
treated sectors. The Technology Evaluation
Report and Applications Analysis Report
have been published.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
• Immobilization of PCBs appears likely, but
could not be confirmed because of low
PCB concentrations in the untreated soil.
Leachate tests on treated and untreated soil
samples showed mostly undetectable PCB
levels. Leachate tests performed one year
later on treated soil samples showed no
increase in PCB concentrations, indicating
immobilization.
• Sufficient data were not available to
evaluate the performance of the system
with regard to metals or other organic
compounds.
• Each of the test samples showed high
unconfined compressive strength, low
permeability, and low porosity. These
physical properties improved when
retested one year later, indicating the
potential for long-term durability.
• The bulk density of the soil increased 21%
after treatment. This increased the volume
of treated soil by 8.5% and caused a small
ground rise of one inch per treated foot of
soil.
• The unconfined compressive strength
(UCS) of treated soil was satisfactory, with
values up to 1,500 psi.
• The permeability of the treated soil was
satisfactory, decreasing four orders of
magnitude compared to the untreated soil,
or 10"6and 10"7 compared to 10"2 cm/sec.
• The wet/dry weathering test on treated
soil was satisfactory. The freeze/dry
weathering test of treated soil was
unsatisfactory.
• The microstructural analysis, scanning
electron microscopy (SEM), optical
microscopy, and x-ray diffraction (XRD),
showed that the treated material was
dense, non-porous, and homogeneously
mixed.
• The Geo-Con DSM equipment operated
reliably.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
This technology was demonstrated at a site
composed primarily of unconsolidated sand
and limestone. Conclusions are:
• Microstructural analyses of the treated
soils indicated a potential for long-term
durability. High unconfined compressive
strengths and low permeabilities were
recorded.
• Data provided by IWT indicate some
immobilization of volatile and semivolatile
organics. This may be due to organophilic
clays present in the IWT reagent. There
are insufficient data to confirm this
immobilization.
• Performance data are limited outside of
SITE demonstrations. The developer
modifies the binding agent for different
wastes. Treatability studies should be
performed for specific wastes.
• The process is economic: $194 per ton for
the 1-auger machine used in the
demonstration; $111 per ton for a
commercial 4-auger operation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Mary K. Stinson
U.S. EPA, RREL
Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837
908-321-6683
Technology Developer Contacts:
Jeff P. Newton
International Waste Technologies
150 North Main Street, Suite 910
Wichita, Kansas 67202
316-269-2660
Brian Jasperse
Geo-Con, Inc.
P.O. Box 17380
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
412-856-7700
November 1990
Page 63
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
OGDEN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
(Circulating Bed Combustor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Circulating Bed Combustor (CBC) uses
high velocity air to entrain circulating solids
and create a highly turbulent combustion
zone for the efficient destruction of toxic
hydrocarbons. The commercial-size
combustion chamber (36 inches in diameter)
can treat up to 100 tons of contaminated soil
daily, depending on the heating value of the
feed material.
The CBC technology operates at relatively
low temperatures (approximately 1600° F),
thus reducing operation costs. The high
turbulence produces a uniform temperature
around the combustion chamber, hot
cyclone, and return leg. It also promotes the
complete mixing of the waste material
during combustion. The effective mixing
and relatively low combustion temperature
also reduce emissions of carbon monoxide
and nitrogen oxides.
As shown on Figure 1, waste material and
limestone are fed into the combustion chamber
along with the recirculating bed material from
the hot cyclone. The limestone neutralizes
acid gases. The treated ash is transported out
of the system by an ash conveyor for proper
disposal.
Hot gases produced during combustion pass
through a convective gas cooler and baghouse
before being released to the atmosphere.
Ogden states that the CBC technology can
attain a destruction and removal efficiency
(ORE) of 99.99% for hazardous waste and
99.9999% for PCB waste.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CBC technology may be applicable to
soils, slurries, and sludges contaminated with
halogenated and nonhalogenated hydrocarbons.
The CBC technology was recently applied at
two site remediation projects for treating soils
contaminated with PCBs and fuel oil.
Cooling
Water
Aih Conveyor
System
Figure 1. CBC procen diagram.
November 1990
Page 64
-------
STATUS:
The CBC technology is one of seven
nationwide incinerators permitted to burn
PCBs. A test burn/treatability study of
waste from the McColl Superfund site was
conducted in March 1989. Results from this
pilot-scale demonstration are currently being
reviewed by EPA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Joseph McSorley
U.S. EPA
Air & Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory
Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-2920
FTS: 629-2920
Technology Developer Contact:
Brian Baxter
Ogden Environmental Services
10955 John J. Hopkins Drive
San Diego, California 92121
619-455-2613
November 1990
Page 65
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
QUAD ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(Chemtact™ Gaseous Waste Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Chemtact™ system uses gas scrubber
technology to remove gaseous organic and
inorganic contaminants through efficient
gas-liquid contacting. Droplets of a
controlled chemical solution are dispersed by
atomizing nozzles within the scrubber
chamber. Very small droplet sizes (less than
10 microns), along with a longer retention
time than traditional scrubbers, results in a
once-through system that generates low
volumes of liquid residuals. These residuals
are then treated subsequently by
conventional techniques.
Gas scrubbing is a volume reduction
technology that transfers contaminants from
the gas phase to a liquid phase. The
selection of absorbent liquid is based on the
chemical characteristics of the contaminants.
Two mobile pilot units are currently available:
a two-stage, 800 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
system; and a one-stage, 2,500 cfm system.
This equipment is trailer-mounted and can be
transported to waste sites.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be used on gaseous waste
streams containing a wide variety of organic
or inorganic contaminants, but is best suited
for volatile organic compounds. The system is
applicable for use with source processes that
generate a contaminated gaseous exhaust, such
as air stripping of ground water or leachate,
soil aeration, or exhausts from driers or
incinerators.
Figure 1. Mobile 2,500 CFM pilot scrubbing unit.
November 1990
Page 66
-------
STATUS:
EPA is currently locating a suitable site to
demonstrate this technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
Harold J. Rafson
Quad Environmental Technologies Corporation
3605 Woodhead Drive, Suite #103
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
312-564-5070
November 1990
Page 67
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
RECYCLING SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
[formerly American Toxic Disposal]
(Desorption and Vapor Extraction System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Desorption and Vapor Extraction System
(DAVES) uses a low-temperature, fluidized
bed to remove organic and volatile inorganic
compounds from soils, sediments, and
sludges. Contaminated materials are fed into
a co-current, fluidized bed, where they are
well mixed with hot air (about 1,000 to
1,400° F) from a gas-fired heater (Figure 1).
Direct contact between the waste material
and the hot air forces water and
contaminants from the waste into the gas
stream at a relatively low fluidized-bed
temperature (about 320 ° F). The heated air,
vaporized water and organics, and entrained
particles flow out of the dryer to a gas
treatment system.
The gas treatment system removes solid
particles, vaporized water, and organic
vapors from the air stream. A cyclone
separator and baghouse remove most of the
particulates in the gas stream from the dryer.
Vapors from the cyclone separator are cooled
in a venturi scrubber, counter-current washer,
and chiller section before they are treated in a
vapor-phase carbon adsorption system. The
liquid residues from the system are
centrifuged, filtered, and passed through two
activated carbon beds arranged in series.
By-products from the DAVES treatment
include: (1) approximately 96 to 98 percent of
solid waste feed as clean, dry solid; (2) a small
quantity of centrifuge sludge containing
organics; (3) a small quantity of spent
adsorbent carbon; (4) wastewater that may
need further treatment; and (5) small
quantities of baghouse and cyclone dust.
Figure 1. Process flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 68
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can remove volatile and
semivolatile organics, including
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
and pentachlorophenol (PCP), volatile
inorganics (tetraethyl lead), and some
pesticides from soil, sludge, and sediment, In
general, the process treats waste containing
less than 5 percent total organic
contaminants and 30 to 90 percent solids.
Nonvolatile inorganic contaminants (such as
metals) in the waste feed do not inhibit the
process but are not treated.
STATUS:
EPA is currently selecting a demonstration
site for this process. The wastes preferred
for the demonstration are harbor or river
sediments containing at least 50 percent
solids and contaminated with PCBs and other
volatile or semivolatile organics. Soil with
these characteristics may also be acceptable.
About 300 tons of waste are needed for a
two-week test. The demonstration may
potentially be held at the selected
demonstration site or wastes may be
transported to a facility in Arizona that is
owned by the developer. Major test
objectives are to evaluate feed handling,
decontamination of solids, and treatment of
gases generated by the process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering LAboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
William C. Meenan
Recycling Sciences International, Inc.
30 South Wacker Drive
Suite 1420
Chicago, IL 60606
312-559-0122
November 1990
Page 69
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
[formerly Motec, Inc.]
(Liquid/Solid Contact Digestion)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This process uses liquid-solid contact
digestion (LSCD) to biodegrade organic
wastes. Organic materials and water are
placed in a high energy environment, in
which the organic constituents are then
biodegraded by acclimated microorganisms.
The system consists of two or three portable
tank digesters or lagoons (Figure 1): (1) a
primary contact or mixing tank; (2) a
primary digestion tank; and (3) a polishing
tank. Treatment time may be ten days or
more, depending on the type and
concentration of the contaminants and the
temperature in the tanks.
In the primary contact tank, water is mixed
with influent sludge or soil. The mixing
process is designed to achieve a 20 to 25
percent solids concentration. Water is
obtained either from the contaminated source
or a fresh water source. Emulsifying
chemicals may be added, and pH is adjusted
to increase the solubility of the organic phase.
After water is added, the batch mixture is
transferred to the primary digestion tank,
where acclimated seed bacteria are added, and
aerobic biological oxidation is initiated. Most
of the biological oxidation occurs during this
phase.
When the biodegradation reactions decrease
significantly, the batch mixture is transferred
VOLATILE EMISSIONS
3000 OAL. TANK
CIRCULATION
TANK TRANSFER PUMP
(TYPICAL OF «)
Figure 1. Mobile pilot-scale liquid solids contact treatment system.
November 1990
Page 70
-------
to the polishing tank for final treatment.
Once the pH has been readjusted in the
polishing cell, co-metabolites and nutrients
are added to maintain and enhance the
biomass. In this phase, organic constituents
are degraded to target concentration levels.
Because the system runs on a negative water
balance, water is added throughout the
process. Once target levels are reached, the
supernatant from the polishing tank is
recycled to the primary contact tank, and
biological sludge is treated in prepared bed
solid phase bioreactors.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is suitable for treating
halogenated and nonhalogenated organic
compounds, including some pesticides and
herbicides. LSCD has been demonstrated on
liquids, sludges, and soils with high organic
concentrations.
STATUS:
The developer is seeking private party co-
funding for a 3 to 4 month demonstration on
petroleum or coal tar derived wastes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
Randy Kabrick
Remediation Technologies, Inc.
1301 West 25th Street, Suite 406
Austin, TX 78759
512-477-8661
November 1990
Page 71
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMPANY
(BEST Solvent Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Solvent extraction is potentially effective in
treating oily sludges and soils contaminated
with hydrocarbons by separating the sludges
into three fractions: oil, water, and solids.
As the fractions separate, contaminants are
partitioned into specific phases. For
example, PCBs are concentrated in the oil
fraction, while metals are separated into the
solids fraction. The overall volume and
toxicity of the original waste solids are
thereby reduced and the concentrated waste
streams can be efficiently treated for
disposal.
The BEST process is a mobile solvent
extraction system that uses one or more
secondary or tertiary amines (usually
triethylamine (TEA)) to separate
hydrocarbons from soils and sludges. The
BEST technology is based on the fact that
TEA is completely soluble in water at
temperatures below 20° C.
Centrifuge
Screened
Contaminated
Soil
Because TEA is flammable in the presence of
oxygen, the treatment system must be sealed
from the atmosphere and operated under a
nitrogen blanket. Prior to treatment, it is
necessary to raise the pH of the waste material
to greater than 10, creating an environment
where TEA will be conserved effectively for
recycling through the process. This pH
adjustment may be accomplished by adding
sodium hydroxide. Pretreatment also includes
screening the contaminated feed solids to
remove cobbles and debris for smooth flow
through the process.
The BEST process begins by mixing and
agitating the cold solvent and waste in a
washer/dryer (Figure 1). The washer/dryer
is a horizontal steam-jacketed vessel with
rotating paddles. Hydrocarbons and water in
the waste simultaneously solvate with the cold
TEA, creating a homogeneous mixture. As the
solvent breaks the oil-water-solid bonds in the
Condenser
Centra te
Solids
Tank
1
\
•}
1
Spent
Solvent
1st
Wash
2nd
Wash
^
Clean
Solvent
t
TT
Chiller
Figure 1. BEST soil cleanup unit schematic.
November 1990
Page 72
-------
waste, the solids are released and allowed to
settle by gravity. The solvent mixture is
decanted and fine particles are removed by
centrifuging. The resulting dry solids have
been cleansed of hydrocarbons but contain
most of the original waste's heavy metals,
thus requiring further treatment prior to
disposal.
The liquids from the washer/dryer vessels
containing the hydrocarbons and water
extracted from the waste are heated. As the
temperature of the liquids increases, the
water separates from the organics and
solvent. The organics-solvent fraction is
decanted and sent to a stripping column,
where the solvent is recycled and the
organics are discharged for recycling or
disposal. The water phase is passed to a
second stripping column, where residual
solvent is recovered for recycling. The water
is typically discharged to a local wastewater
treatment plant.
The BEST technology is modular, allowing
for on-site treatment. Based on the results
of many bench-scale treatability tests, the
process significantly reduces the
hydrocarbon concentration in the solids.
Other advantages of the technology include
the production of dry solids, the recovery
and reuse of soil, and waste volume
reduction. By removing organic
contaminants, the process reduces the overall
toxicity of the solids and water streams. It
also concentrates the contaminants into a
smaller volume, allowing for efficient final
treatment and disposal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The BEST process is applicable for most
organics or oily contaminants in sludges or
soils, including PCBs (see Table 1).
Performance can be influenced by the
presence of detergents and emulsifiers, low
pH materials, and reactivity of the organics
with the solvent.
Tabtel
SPECIFIC WASTES CAPABLE OF TREATMENT
USING SOLVENT EXTRACTION
RCRA Listed Hazardous Wastes
Creosote-Saturated Sludge
Dissolved Air Rotation (DAF) Roat
Slop Oil Emulsion Solids
Heat Exchanger Bundle Cleaning Sludge
API Separator Sludge
Tank Bottoms (Leaded)
Non-Listed Hazardous Wastes
Primary Oil/Solids/Water Separation Sludges
Secondary Oil/Solids/Water Separation Sludges
Bio-Sludges
Cooling Tower Sludges
HP Alkylation Sludges
Waste FCC Catalyst
Spent Catalyst
Stretford Unit Solution
Tank Bottoms
Treated Clays
STATUS:
The first full-scale BEST unit was used at the
General Refining Superfund site in Garden
City, Georgia. Solvent extraction is the
selected remedial action at the Pinnete's
Salvage site in Maine and is the preferred
alternative at the F. O'Connor site in Maine.
The demonstration of the BEST process under
the SITE Program is pending selection of an
appropriate site.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Edward Bates
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7774
FTS: 684-7774
Technology Developer Contact:
Paul McGough
Resources Conservation Company
3006 Northup Way
Bellevue, Washington 98004
206-828-2400
November 1990
Page 73
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
RETECH, INC.
(Plasma Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Centrifugal Reactor is a thermal
treatment technology that uses heat from a
plasma torch to create a molten bath, which
detoxifies contaminants in soils. Organic
contaminants are vaporized and react at very
high temperatures to form innocuous
products. Solids melt and are incorporated
into the molten bath. Metals are retained in
this phase. When cooled, this phase is a
non-leachable matrix.
As the diagram of the reactor (Figure 1)
shows, contaminated soils enter through the
bulk feeder. The interior of the reactor (the
reactor well) rotates during waste processing.
Centrifugal force created by this rotation
prevents waste and molten material from
flowing out of the reactor through the bottom.
It also helps to transfer heat and electrical
energy evenly throughout the molten phase.
Periodically, a fraction of the molten slag is
tapped, falling into the collection chamber to
solidify.
Gases travel through the secondary combustion
chamber, where they remain at a high
temperature for an extended period of time.
This allows for further thermal destruction of
any organics remaining in the gas phase.
Downstream of the secondary combustion
chamber, the gases pass through a series of air
pollution control devices designed to remove
particulates and acid gases. In the event of a
process upset, a surge tank has been installed
to allow for the reprocessing of any off-gases
produced.
FEEDER
PLASMA TORCH
EXHAUST
STACK
SECONDARY
COMBUSTION
CHAMBER
Figure I. Plasma Reactor Process Diagram.
November 1990
Page 74
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Liquid and solid organic compounds can be
treated by this technology. It is most
appropriate for soils and sludges
contaminated with metals and
hard-to-destroy organic compounds.
STATUS:
A demonstration is planned for late 1990 at
a Department of Energy research facility in
Butte, Montana. During the demonstration,
the reactor will process approximately 4,000
pounds of waste at a feed rate of 100 pounds
per hour. All feed and effluent streams will
be sampled to assess the performance of this
technology. A report on the demonstration
project will be available after its completion.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
R.C. Eschenbach
Retech, Inc.
P.O. Box 997
100 Henry Station Road
Ukiah, California 95482
707-462-6522
November 1990
Page 75
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING LABORATORY
(Debris Washing System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology was developed by RREL staff
and PEI Associates, Inc. to decontaminate
debris currently found at Superfund sites
throughout the country. The Debris Washing
System (DWS) was demonstrated under the
Innovative Program and will be
commercialized by PEI Associates, Inc.
The DWS consists of 300-gallon spray and
wash tanks, surfactant and rinse water holding
tanks, and an oil/water separator. The
decontamination solution treatment system
includes a diatomaceous earth filter, an
activated carbon column, and an ion exchange
column. Other required equipment required
include pumps, stirrer motor, tank heater,
metal debris basket, and particulate filters.
The DWS unit is transported on a 48-foot
semitrailer. At the treatment site, the DWS
unit is assembled on a 25 by 24 foot concrete
pad and enclosed in a temporary shelter.
A basket of debris is placed in the spray tank
with a forklift where it is sprayed with an
aqueous detergent solution. An array of high
pressure water jets blast contaminants and dirt
from the debris. Detergent solution is
continually recycled through a filter system
that cleans the liquid.
The wash and rinse tanks are supplied with
water at 140° F, at 60 psig. The contaminated
wash solution is collected and treated prior to
discharge. An integral part of the technology
is treatment of the process detergent solution
and rinse water to reduce the contaminant
concentration to allowable discharge levels.
Process water treatment consists of particulate
Sup 1 - Spr.y CyeH
Step 2 . WMh Cycle
Step}-Rinse Cycle
PE Filler
WatoiTieatmentSfep
Pump
Activated Cvboo
Figure 1. Schematic of the pilot-scale Debris Washing System.
November 1990
Page 76
-------
filtration, activated carbon adsorption and
ion exchange. Approximately 1,000 gallons
of liquid is used during the decontamination
process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The DWS can be applied on site to various
types of debris (metallic, masonry, or other
solid debris) that is contaminated with
hazardous chemicals such as pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, and other
metals.
STATUS:
The first pilot-scale testing was performed at
the Region 5 Carter Industrial Superfund site
in Detroit, MI. PCB reductions averaged 58
percent in batch 1 and 81 percent in batch 2.
Design changes were made and tested on the
unit prior to additional field testing.
Field-testing occurred using the upgraded
pilot-scale DWS unit at a Region 4 PCB-
contaminated Superfund Site in Hopkinsville,
KY, during December 1989. The results
were promising. PCB levels on the surfaces
of metallic transformer casings were reduced
to less than or equal to 10 micrograms
PCB/100 cm2. All 75 contaminated
transformer casings on-site were
decontaminated to U.S. EPA acceptable
cleanup criteria, and sold by Region 4 to a
scrap metal dealer.
The unit was also field tested at another
Superfund Site in Region 4, the Shaver's
Farm site in Walker County, GA. The
contaminants of concern were Dicamba and
benzonitrile. Fifty-five gallon drums cut
into sections were placed in the DWS and
carried through the decontamination process.
Results from this study are currently being
prepared.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Naomi Barkley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7854
FTS: 684-7854
Technology Developer Contact:
Michael L. Taylor
PEI Associates, Inc.
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246
513-782-4801
November 1990
Page 77
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
SANIVAN GROUP
(Soil Treatment with Extraksol)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Extraksol is a mobile solvent extraction
technology. This batch process extracts
organic contaminants from the soil using
nonchlorinated, non-persistent organic
solvents. The solvents are regenerated by
distillation and the contaminants are
concentrated in the distillation residues.
The three treatment steps — soil washing,
soil drying, and solvent regeneration —
occur on a flatbed trailer. The extraction
fluid (solvent) is circulated through the
contaminated matrix within a tumbling vat
to wash the soil. Controlled temperature and
pressure optimize the washing procedure.
Hot inert gas dries the soil.
The gas vaporizes the residual extract fluid
and carries it from the tumbling vat to a
condenser, where the solvent is again
separated from the gas. The now solvent-
free gas is reheated and reinjected into the soil
as required for complete drying. After the
drying cycle, the decontaminated soil may be
returned to its original location.
Distillation of the contaminated solvent
achieves two major objectives: (1) it
minimizes the amount of solvent required to
perform the extraction by regenerating it in a
closed loop, and (2) it significantly reduces the
volume of contaminants requiring further
treatment or off-site disposal by concentrating
them in the still bottoms. A schematic of the
process is shown in Figure 1.
Contaminated Solvent
Contaminated Sol
Extraction Cyel»
Drying Cycle
Bottoms To
Disposal / Recycling
Figure 1. Simplified Schematic of Extraksol ™ Process
November 1990
Page 78
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process extracts organic contaminants
from solids. It has been successfully tested
in a number of pilot projects on a range of
contaminants, including PCBs, PCP, PAH,
MAH, pesticides, oils, and hydrocarbons.
The process has the following soil
restrictions:
Maximum clay fraction, 40%
Maximum water content, 30%
Maximum size if porous material, 2
inches
Maximum size if non-porous material,
1-2 feet
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
program in June 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Mark Meckes
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7348
FTS: 684-7348
Technology Developer Contact-
Peter Z. Colak
Sanivan
7777 Boulevard L.H. Lafontaine
Anjou (Quebec)
H1K 4E4
514-355-3351
November 1990
Page 79
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
S.M.W. SEIKO, INC
(In Situ Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Soil-Cement Mixing Wall (S.M.W.)
technology involves the in-situ fixation
stabilization and solidification of
contaminated soils. Multi-axis overlapping
hollow stem augers (Figure 1) are used to
inject solidification/stabilization (S/S) agents
and blend them with contaminated soils in-
situ. The augers are mounted on a crawler-
type base machine. A batch mixing plant
and raw materials storage tanks are also
involved. The machine can treat 90 to 140
cubic yards of soil per 8-hour shift at depths
up to 100 feet.
The product of the in-situ S/S technology is
a monolithic block down to the treatment
depth. The volume increase ranges from 10
to 30 percent, depending on the nature of
the soil matrix and the amount of fixation
reagents and water required for treatment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to soils
contaminated with metals and semivolatile
organic compounds (pesticides, PCBs, phenols,
PAHs, etc.).
The technique has been used in mixing soil,
cement, or chemical grout for more than 18
years on various construction applications,
including cutoff walls and soil stabilization.
STATUS:
This project was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in June 1989. Site
selection is currently underway.
WATER TANK
SILO
FIXED MASS
SMW REAGENT
MIXING AND
CONTROL PLANT
PERIMETER CUTOFF
WALL (OPTIONAL)
BERM
Figure 1. Schematic of SMW In-Situ Fixation of Contaminated Soil at Depth.
November 1990
Page 80
-------
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Technology Developer Contact:
David S. Yang
S.M.W. Seiko, Inc.
100 Marine Parkway
Suite 350
Redwood City, California 94065
415-591-9646
November 1990
Page 81
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
SEPARATION AND RECOVERY
SYSTEMS, INC.
(Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses lime to stabilize sludges
with high levels of hydrocarbons. No
hazardous materials are used in the process.
The lime and other chemicals are specially
prepared to significantly improve their
reactivity and other key characteristics.
Sludge is removed from a waste pit using
conventional earthmoving equipment and
mixed with lime in a separate blending pit.
The temperature of the material in the
blending pit rises for a brief time to about
100° C, creating some steam. After 20
minutes, almost all of the material is fixed,
but the chemicals mixed in the sludge
continue to react with the waste for days.
The fixed material is stored in a product pile
until the waste pit has been cleaned. The
waste is then returned to the pit and
compacted to a permeability of 10 cm/sec.
The volume of the waste is increased by 30
percent by adding lime.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to acidic sludges
containing at least 5 percent hydrocarbons
(typical of sludges produced by recycling
lubricating oils). The technology can also
stabilize waste containing up to 80 percent
organics. The process tolerates low levels of
mercury and moderate levels of lead and other
toxic metals.
\
Pro
i
\ Com
\ Treate
Hurt ^tf
1
AcidiC Lime
Sludge Limo
__y \ v v /
d Waste/ \ /
Waste Pit Blending Pit
Figure 1. Process flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 82
-------
STATUS:
EPA is seeking a suitable site to demonstrate
this technology. A SITE demonstration is
planned for spring/summer 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Walter Grube
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7798
FTS: 684-7798
Technology Developer Contact:
Joseph DeFranco
Separation and Recovery Systems, Inc.
1762 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, California 92714
714-261-8860
November 1990
Page 83
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
SfflRCO INFRARED SYSTEMS
(Infrared Thermal Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The electric infrared incineration technology
(originally developed by Shirco Infrared
Systems, Inc. of Dallas, Texas) is a mobile
thermal processing system that uses
electrically-powered silicon carbide rods to
heat organic wastes to combustion
temperatures. Any remaining combustibles
are incinerated in an afterburner. One
configuration for this mobile system (Figure
1) is comprised of four components: an
electric-powered infrared primary chamber,
a gas-fired secondary combustion chamber,
an emissions control system, and a control
center.
Waste is fed into the primary chamber on a
wire-mesh conveyor belt and exposed to
infrared radiant heat (up to 1850° F)
provided by the horizontal rows of
electrically-powered silicon carbide rods
above the belt. A blower delivers air to
selected locations along the belt and can be
used to control the oxidation rate of the
waste feed.
The ash material that drops off the belt in
the primary chamber is quenched using
scrubber water effluent. The ash is then
conveyed to the ash hopper, where it is
removed to a holding area and analyzed for
PCB content.
Figure 1 Peak Oil incineration unit process diagram
Volatile gases from the primary chamber flow
into the secondary chamber, which uses higher
temperatures, greater residence time,
turbulence, and supplemental energy (if
required) to destroy these gases. Gases from
the secondary chamber are ducted through the
emissions control system. In the emissions
control system, the particulates are removed in
a venturi scrubber. Acid vapor is neutralized
in a packed tower scrubber. An induced draft
blower draws the cleaned gases from the
scrubber into the free-standing exhaust stack.
An emergency stack is installed prior to the
venturi scrubber system so that if the
temperature control system and its interlocks
fail, the emissions control system will not be
melted by the hot gases.
The scrubber liquid effluent flows into a
clarifier, where scrubber sludge settles out for
disposal, and through an activated carbon
filter for reuse or to a POTW for disposal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for soils or
sediments with organic contaminants. Liquid
organic wastes can be treated after mixing
with sand or soil. Data evaluated during the
Application Analysis suggest that additional
preprocessing may be needed to meet suitable
ranges for various waste characteristics, as
follows:
--Particle size, 5 microns to 2 inches
--Moisture content, up to 50% (wt.)
--Density, 30-130 Ib/cf
--Heating value, up to 10,000 Btu/lb
--Chlorine content, up to 5% (wt.)
--Sulfur content, up to 5% (wt.)
--Phosphorus, 0-300 ppm
-pH, 5-9
--Alkali metals, up to 1% (wt.)
November 1990
Page 84
-------
STATUS:
EPA conducted two evaluations of the
infrared system. An evaluation of a full-
scale unit was conducted from August 1 to 4,
1987, during a removal action by Region
IVat the Peak Oil site, an abandoned oil
refinery in Tampa, Florida. During the
cleanup, a nominal 100-ton per day system
treated nearly 7,000 cubic yards of waste oil
sludge containing PCBs and lead. A second
demonstration of the system, at pilot scale,
took place at the Rose Township-Demode
Road site, an NPL site in Michigan, from
November 2 to 11, 1987. Organics, PCBs,
and metals in soil were the target waste
compounds to be destroyed or immobilized.
The pilot-scale operation allowed the
evaluation of performance under varied
operating conditions. In addition to Peak
Oil, infrared incineration was used to
remediate PCB-contaminated materials at the
Florida Steel Corporation Superf und site, and
is being used on PCB-contaminated soil at
the LaSalle Electric NPL site in Illinois.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The results from the two SITE
demonstrations are summarized below.
• In both tests, at standard operating
conditions, PCBs were reduced to less
than 1 ppm in the ash, with a DRE for
air emissions greater than 99.99%
(based on detection limits).
• In the pilot-scale demonstration the
RCRA standard for particulate
emission (180 mg/dscf) was achieved.
In the full-scale demonstration,
however, this standard was not met in
all runs due to scrubber inefficiencies.
• Lead was not immobilized; however, it
remained in the ash and significant
amounts were not transferred to the
scrubber water or emitted to the
atmosphere.
• The pilot testing demonstrated
satisfactory performance with high
feed rate and reduced power
consumption when fuel oil was added
to the waste feed and the primary
chamber temperature was reduced.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
Results from the two demonstrations plus
eight other case studies indicate:
• The process is capable of meeting both
RCRA and TSCA DRE requirements
for air emissions. Operations on waste
feed contaminated with PCBs have
consistently met the TSCA guidance
level of 2 ppm in ash.
• Improvements in the scrubber system
resulted in compliance with RCRA and
TSCA particulate emission standards.
In some cases, restrictions in chloride
levels in the waste and/or feed rate
may be necessary to meet particulate
emissions standards.
• Based on recent commercial operations,
projected utilization factors range from
50% to 75%.
• Economic analysis and observation
suggest a cost range from $180/ton to
$240/ton of waste feed, excluding
waste excavation, feed preparation,
profit, and ash disposal costs. Overall
costs may be as high as $800/ton.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Howard O. Wall
U.S. EPA, RREL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7691 (FTS: 684-7691)
Technology Developer Contact-
John Cioffi
Ecova Corporation
3820 159th Avenue, NE
Redmond, WA 98052
206-883-1900
Technology Vendor Contacts:
George Hay
OH Materials Corporation 419-423-3526
Richard McAllister
Westinghouse Haztech, Inc.
404-593-3803
November 1990
Page 85
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
SILICATE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
(Solidification/Stabilization with Silicate Compounds)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses silicate compounds for
two types of solidification/stabilization
applications: (1) one that fixes and solidifies
organics and inorganics contained in
contaminated soils and sludges; and (2)
another that removes organics from
contaminated water. For soils and sludges,
proprietary silicate reagents selectively
adsorb organic and inorganic contaminants
before the waste is mixed with a cement-
like material to form a high-strength, non-
leaching cement block (monolith). For
water, the same reagents can be used in
conjunction with granular activated carbon
to remove organics from the ground water.
The resulting waste material is then
solidified by the first technology.
In this combined technology, the type and
dose of reagents depend on the waste
characteristics. Treatability studies and site
investigations are conducted to determine
reagent formulations.
The process begins with pretreating
contaminated waste material. Coarse material
is separated from fine material (Figure 1) and
sent through a shredder or crusher, which
reduces the material to the size required for
the solidification technology. The waste is
then loaded into a batch plant. The waste is
weighed, and the proportional amount of
silicate reagent is added. This mixture is
conveyed to a concrete mixing truck, pug mill
or other mixing equipment where water is
added and the mixture is thoroughly blended.
The treated material is then placed in a
confining pit on-site for curing, or cast into
molds for transport and disposal off-site.
A self-contained mobile filtration pilot facility
is used to treat organic-contaminated ground
water. The contaminated water is passed
through a column filter containing the silicate
reagent. The high molecular weight organics
are separated from the water in this step. The
effluent from this column filter is then passed
through a second column filter containing
granulated activated carbon for removing low
molecular weight organics.
Figure 1. Contaminated toil process
flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 86
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be applied to soils and
sludges contaminated with metals, cyanides,
fluorides, arsenates, ammonia, chromates,
and selenium in unlimited concentrations.
Higher weight organics in ground water,
soils, and sludges — including halogenated,
aromatic, and aliphatic compounds — can
also be treated by this process. However, the
process is not as successful for low molecular
weight organics such as alcohols, ketones and
glycols and volatile organics.
STATUS:
A demonstration of this technology is
scheduled to occur during October or
November 1990 at a woodtreating site near
Fresno, California. Contaminants at the site
include pentachlorophenol, chromium,
copper, and arsenic.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Edward R. Bates
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7774
FTS: 684-7774
Technology Developer Contact:
Steve Pegler
Silicate Technology Corporation
Scottsdale Technology Center, Suite B2
7650 East Redfield Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
602-941-1400
November 1990
Paged?
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
SOUDITECH, INC.
(Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This solidification/stabilization process
immobilizes contaminants in soils and
sludges by binding them in a concrete-like,
leach-resistant matrix.
Contaminated waste materials are collected,
screened to remove oversized material, and
introduced to the batch mixer (Figure 1).
The waste material is then mixed with: (1)
water; (2) Urrichem -- a proprietary
chemical reagent; (3) proprietary additives;
and (4) pozzolanic material (flyash), kiln
dust, or cement (cement was used for the
demonstration). Once thoroughly mixed, the
treated waste is discharged from the mixer.
Treated waste is a solidified mass with
significant unconfined compressive strength,
high stability, and a rigid texture similar to
that of concrete.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is intended for treating soils
and sludges contaminated with organic
compounds, metals, inorganic compounds, and
oil and grease. Batch mixers of various
capacities are available to treat different
volumes of waste.
INTERNAL VIEW OF MIXER
FRONT END LOADER
(LOADING CONTAMINATED SOILI
TREATED WASTE
Figure I. Solidilech processing equipment.
November 1990
Page 88
-------
STATUS:
The Soliditech process was demonstrated in
December 1988 at the Imperial Oil
Company/Champion Chemical Company
Superfund site in Morganville, New Jersey.
This location formerly contained both
chemical processing and oil reclamation
facilities. Wastes treated during the
demonstration were soils, filter cake, and
oily wastes from an old storage tank. These
wastes were contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons, PCBs, other organic
chemicals, and heavy metals.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Key findings from the Soliditech
demonstration are summarized below:
• Chemical analyses of extracts and
leachates showed that heavy metals
present in the untreated waste were
immobilized.
• The process solidified both solid and
liquid wastes with high organic content
(up to 17%) as well as oil and grease.
• Volatile organic compounds in the
original waste were not detected in the
treated waste.
• Physical test results of the solidified
waste samples showed: (1) unconfined
compressive strengths ranged from 390
to 860 psi; (2) very little weight loss
after 12 cycles of wet/dry and
freeze/thaw durability tests; (3) low
permeability of the treated waste; and
(4) increased density after treatment.
• The solidified waste increased in
volume by an average of 22 percent.
The bulk density of the waste material
increased by approximately 35 percent
due to solidification.
• Semivolatile organic compounds
(phenols) were detected in the treated
waste and the TCLP extracts from the
treated waste but not in the untreated
waste or its TCLP extracts. The
presence of these compounds is believed to
result from chemical reactions in the waste
treatment mixture.
• Oil and grease content of the untreated
waste ranged from 2.8 to 17.3 percent
(28,000 to 173,000 ppm). Oil and
grease content of the TCLP extracts of
the solidified waste ranged from 2.4 to
12 ppm.
• The pH of the solidified waste ranged
from 11.7 to 12.0. The pH of the
untreated waste ranged from 3.4 to 7.9.
• PCBs were not detected in any extracts
or leachates of the treated waste.
• Visual observation of solidified waste
showed dark inclusions approximately
1 mm in diameter. Ongoing
microstructural studies are expected to
confirm that these inclusions are
encapsulated wastes.
A Technology Evaluation Report was
published in February 1990 in two volumes.
Volume I (EPA/540/5-89/005A) is the report
itself and Volume II (EPA/540/5-89/005B)
contains the data to accompany the report. An
Applications Analysis Report is scheduled for
publication in late November 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Walter E. Grube, Jr.
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7798
FTS: 684-7798
Technology Developer Contact:
Bill Stallworth
Soliditech, Inc.
1325 S. Dairy Ashford, Suite 385
Houston, Texas 77077
713-497-8558
November 1990
Page 89
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
TECHTRAN, INC.
(Combined Chemical Binding/Precipitation
and Physical Separation of Radionuclides)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This chemical binding and physical
separation method involves rapid, turbulent,
in-line mixing of a proprietary fine powder
(RHM 1000) containing complex oxides and
other reactive binding agents. RHM 1000
absorbs, adsorbs, and chemisorbs most
radionuclides and heavy metals in water,
sludges, or soils (pre-processed into slurry),
yielding coagulating, floculating and
precipitating reactions. The pH, mixing
dynamics, and processing rates are carefully
chosen to optimize the binding of
contaminants.
Water is separated from the solids using a
reliable, economical, two-stage process based
on: (1) particle size and density separation,
using clarifier technology and microf iltration
of all particles and aggregates; and (2)
dewatering, using a filter press, to produce a
70 to 85 percent dry filter cake with the
concentrated radionuclide(s), heavy metal(s),
and other solids. The filter cake is collected
and stabilized for disposal.
Figure 1 shows a diagram of the steps
employed in this process for water. The
amount of RHM 1000 required for processing
ranges from 0.1% to less than 0.01%,
depending on the application.
The process is designed for continuous
through-put for water (50-1500 gal/min) or
batch mode sludge and soil processing (300
tons per 8 hr. day). This technology can
accommodate trace levels, naturally occurring
radioactive materials (NORM), and low-level
radioactive wastes. The equipment is trailer-
mounted for use as a mobile field system.
Larger capacity systems could be skid-
mounted.
CONTAMINATED
WASTE
WATER
PRIMARY
SOLIDS
SEPARATIONS
GLEAM
-**-WATER
OUT
; SECONDARY :
| SOLIDS :
i SEPARATIONS |:
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of Continuous Throughput for Removing
Radiounuclides and Heavy Metal Contaminated Wastewater.
November 1990
Page 90
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology can be used for: (1) cleanup
and remediation of water, sludges, and soils
contaminated with radium, thorium, uranium
and heavy metals from uranium mining/
milling operations; (2) cleanup of water
containing NORM and heavy metals from oil
and gas drilling; and (3) cleanup and
remediation of man-made radionuclides
stored in underground tanks, pits, ponds, or
barrels. This technology is not applicable to
water containing tritium.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the EPA
SITE Demonstration Program in July 1990.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is working
with the EPA to evaluate the TechTran's
chemical binding and physical separation
process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7697
FTS: 684-7697
Technology Developer Contact:
Tod S. Johnson
TechTran, Inc.
7705 Wright Road
Houston, Texas 77041
713-896-8205
November 1990
Page 91
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
TERRA VAC, INC.
(In-Situ Vacuum Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In-situ vacuum extraction technology is the
process of removing and treating volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) from the vadose
or unsaturated zone of soils. Often, these
compounds can be removed from the vadose
zone before they contaminate ground water.
In this technology, a well is used to extract
subsurface organic contaminants. The
extracted contaminant stream passes through
a vapor/liquid separator, and the resulting
off-gases undergo treatment, before being
released into the atmosphere. Removing
VOCs from the vadose zone using a vacuum
is a patented process.
The technology uses readily available
equipment such as extraction and monitoring
wells, manifold piping, a vapor/liquid
separator, a vacuum pump, and an emission
control device, such as an activated carbon
canister. Once a contaminated area is
completely defined, an extraction well is
installed and connected by piping to a
vapor/liquid separator device.
A vacuum pump draws the subsurface
contaminants through the well, to the
separator device, and through a treatment
system consisting of activated carbon or a
catalytic oxidizer before the air stream is
discharged to the atmosphere. Subsurface
vacuum and soil vapor concentrations are
monitored using vadose zone monitoring wells.
The technology does not require soil
excavation, and is not limited by depth. The
technology works best at sites that are
contaminated by liquids with high vapor
pressures. The success of the system depends
on site conditions, soil properties, and the
chemical properties of the contaminants. The
process works in soils of low permeability
(clays) if the soil has sufficient air-filled
porosity. Depending on the soil type and the
depth to ground water, the radius of influence
of a single extraction well can range from tens
to hundreds of feet.
Typical contaminant recovery rates range
between 20 and 2,500 pounds per day, and are
a function of the degree of contamination at
the site. Typically the more volatile the
organic compound, the faster the process
works. The process is cost-effective at sites
where contaminated soils are predominantly
above or below the water table; dual vacuum
extraction systems have been designed for
both vapor and ground-water recovery
(Figure 1).
X
./
Primary
Activated
Carbon
Canisters
Figure 1. Process diagram for in-situ vacuum extraction.
November 1990
Page 92
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to organic
compounds that are volatile or semivolatile at
ambient temperatures in soils and ground
water. Contaminants should have a Henry's
constant of 0.001 or higher for effective
removal.
STATUS:
The technology was first applied at a
Superfund site in Puerto Rico, where carbon
tetrachloride had leaked from an
underground storage tank. In-situ vacuum
extraction processes have been used at more
than 100 waste sites across the United States,
such as the Verona Wells Superfund Site in
Battle Creek, Michigan, which contains
trichloroethylene and contaminants from
solvent storage and spills. A field
demonstration of the process was performed
as part of the SITE Program at the
Groveland Wells Superfund site in
Groveland, Massachusetts, which is
contaminated by trichloroethylene (TCE).
The Technology Evaluation Report and
Applications Analysis Report have been
published.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The in situ vacuum extraction demonstration
at Groveland Wells Superfund site used four
extraction wells to pump contaminants to the
process system. Four monitoring wells were
used to measure the impact of treatment on
site contamination. During the SITE
demonstration, 1,300 pounds of volatile
organics, mainly TCE, were extracted during
a 56-day operational period. The volatiles
were removed from both highly permeable
strata and low permeability clays. The
process achieved nondetectable levels of
VOCs in the soil at some locations at the test
area. The VOC concentration in soil gas was
reduced 95 percent.
APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS
SUMMARY:
The Terra Vac system was tested at several
Superfund and non-Superfund sites. These
field evaluations yielded the following
conclusions:
• The process represents a viable
technology to fully remediate a site
contaminated with volatile organic
compounds. Cleanup to non-
detectable levels in soil can be
achieved.
• The major considerations in applying
this technology are: volatility of the
contaminants (Henry's constant), and
the site soil porosity.
• The process performed well in
removing volatile organic compounds
from soil with measured permeabilities
to 10"8 cm/sec.
of
Pilot demonstrations are necessary at
sites with complex geology or
contaminant distributions.
Based on available data, treatment
costs are typically $40 per ton, but can
range between $10 and $150 per ton
depending upon requirements for off-
gas or wastewater treatment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Mary K. Stinson
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837
908-321-6683
FTS: 340-6683
Technology Developer Contact-
James Malot
Terra Vac, Inc.
356 Fontaleza Street
P.O. Box 1591
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00903
809-723-9171
November 1990
Page 93
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
THERMAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
(Production of Fossil Fuel from Petroleum-Based Sludges)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The process is a mobile, low-temperature,
recycling process that produces solid fossil
fuel from otherwise hazardous, oily
petroleum sludges (Figure 1). A thick,
sticky tar or waste is converted into a light,
organic liquid and a solid cake, which can be
more easily handled. A screw flight dryer
(auger) dries the petroleum sludges, resulting
in a fossil fuel product. Other by-products
include a light hydrocarbon liquid and water.
These condense from vapors emitted during
the heating stages of the process.
Hydrocarbons are recycled and the water is
treated before release.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process is applicable to petroleum
sludges. The sludge must not have a low pH
and must be dewatered to a maximum of 50%
to 60% moisture. The sludge must be screened
to prevent large debris from entering the
dryer.
Feed
(1)
To
Condenser
(2)
PROCESSOR
(3)
Heater
To Fuel Collection
(1)
Sludge
(2)
Vapors
(3)
Fuel
Figure 1. TWM Process Flow Diagram.
November 1990
Page 94
-------
STATUS:
Pilot scale tests have been conducted on
hazardous petroleum refinery sludges. This
technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in June 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
Technology Developer Contact-
George Lane
Thermal Waste Management
237 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-525-9722
November 1990
Page 95
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
TOXIC TREATMENTS (USA) INC.
(In-Situ Steam/Air Stripping)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In this technology, a transportable
"detoxifier" treatment unit is used for in-situ
steam and air stripping of volatile organics
from contaminated soil.
The two main components of the on-site
treatment equipment are the process tower
and process train (Figure 1). The process
tower contains two counter-rotating hollow-
stem drills, each with a modified cutting bit
5 feet in diameter, capable of operating to a
27-foot depth. Each drill contains two
concentric pipes. The inner pipe is used to
convey steam to the rotating cutting blades.
The steam is supplied by an oil-fired boiler
at 450°F and 450 psig. The outer pipe
conveys air at approximately 300°F and 250
psig to the rotating blades.
Steam is piped to the top of the drills and
injected through the cutting blades. The
steam heats the ground being remediated,
increasing the vapor pressure of the volatile
contaminants and thereby increasing the rate
at which they can be stripped. Both the air
and steam serve as carriers to convey these
contaminants to the surface. A metal box,
called a shroud, seals the process area above
the rotating cutter blades from the outside
environment, collects the volatile
contaminants, and ducts them to the process
train.
In the process train, the volatile contaminants
and the water vapor are removed from the
off-gas stream by condensation. The
condensed water is separated from the
contaminants by distillation, then filtered
through activated carbon beds and
subsequently used as make-up water for a wet
cooling tower. Steam is also used to
regenerate the activated carbon beds and as
the heat source for distilling the volatile
contaminants from the condensed liquid
stream. The recovered concentrated organic
liquid can be recycled or used as a fuel in an
incinerator.
iroud
f
"D
ti^
/ |
\
\
j^ k
-.---
f
«vwn
^.
zr
« D
1 . c
Off
c"l Suction ,
^Blower
• — Treated
Water
Steam
Generator
ecycleAIr
>fnpff*cc9or
Cyclone -T
Demiater L
.Scrubbing
System
1
\
. Activated Carton
System
J 1 Reheat
] H T Syitem
-J Ca»
, Coolin
Water
Purifies tk>
n
i
Evapantiv
Cooler
e
L
6
Contaminant
Condenser
t
^.
Recc
. Hvdrocarl
^Coaleacef
Separator
vered
xm
/
Figure 1. Typical detoxifer lyitem proceH
now diagram.
November 1990
Page 96
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to organic
contaminants such as hydrocarbons and
solvents with sufficient vapor pressure in the
soil. The technology is not limited by soil
particle size, initial porosity, chemical
concentration, or viscosity.
STATUS:
A SITE demonstration was performed the
week of September 18, 1989 at the Annex
Terminal, San Pedro, CA. Twelve soil
blocks were treated for VOCs and SVOCs.
Various liquid samples were collected From
the process during operation, and the process
operating procedures were closely monitored
and recorded. Post-treatment soil samples
were collected and analyzed by EPA 8240
and 8270. In January 1990, 6 blocks which
had been previously treated in the saturated
zone were analyzed for EPA 8240 and 8270
chemicals. Currently, the Technology
Evaluation Report has obtained EPA
clearance for publication. The Application
Analysis Report is being prepared.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The following results were obtained during
the SITE demonstration of the technology:
• Greater than 85 percent of the VOCs
in the soil were removed.
• As much as 55 percent of SVOCs in
the soil were removed.
• Fugitive air emissions from the process
were very low.
• No downward migration of
contaminants occurred due to the soil
treatment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
Technology Developer Contact:
Phillip N. LaMori
Toxic Treatments (USA) Inc.
151 Union Street
Suite 155
San Francisco, California 94111
415-391-2113
or
P.O. Box 789
San Pedro, CA 90733
213-514-0881
November 1990
Page 97
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
ULTROX INTERNATIONAL
(Ultraviolet Radiation/Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIFnON:
This ultraviolet (UV) radiation/oxidation
process uses UV radiation, ozone (O3) and
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to destroy toxic
organic compounds, particularly chlorinated
hydrocarbons, in water. The process
oxidizes compounds that are toxic or
refractory (resistant to biological oxidation)
in concentrations of parts per million or
parts per billion.
The Ultrox system consists of a reactor
module, an air compressor/ozone generator
module, and a hydrogen peroxide feed
system. It is skid-mounted and portable, and
permits on-site treatment of a wide variety
of liquid wastes, such as industrial
waste waters, ground waters, and leachate.
The reactor size is determined from the
expected wastewater flow rate and the
necessary hydraulic retention time to treat the
contaminated water. The approximate UV
intensity, and ozone and hydrogen peroxide
doses are determined from pilot-scale studies.
Influent to the reactor (Figure 1) is
simultaneously exposed to UV radiation,
ozone, and hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the
organic compounds. Off-gas from the reactor
passes through an ozone destruction
(Decompozon) unit, which reduces ozone
levels before air venting. The Decompozon
unit also destroys gaseous volatile organic
compounds (VOC) stripped off in the reactor.
Effluent from the reactor are tested and
analyzed before disposal.
Trealed Off Gas
Reactor Off Gas
Catalytic Ozone Decomposer
TREATED
EFFLUENT
TO DISCHARGE
Hydrogen Peroxide
from Feed Tank
Compressor
Figure 1. Isometric view of Ultrox system
November 1990
Page 98
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Contaminated ground water, industrial
wastewaters and leachates containing
halogenated solvents, phenol,
pentachlorophenol, pesticides, PCBs, and
other organic compounds are suitable for this
treatment process.
STATUS:
A field-scale demonstration was completed
in March 1989 at a hazardous waste site in
San Jose, California. The test program was
designed to evaluate the performance of the
Ultrox System at several combinations of
five operating parameters: (1) influent pH,
(2) retention time, (3) ozone dose, (4)
hydrogen peroxide dose, and (5) UV
radiation intensity. The Technology
Evaluation Report was published in January
1990 (EPA/540/A5-89/012). The
Applications Analysis Report is being
published and should be available in
December 1990.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Contaminated groundwater treated by the
Ultrox system met regulatory standards at
the following operating conditions:
Retention time
Influent pH
Ojdose
H,O, dose
UV lamps
40 minutes
7.2 (unadjusted)
110 mg/L
13mg/L
all 24 operating at 64 watts each
Out of 44 VOC samples, three were chosen
to be used as indicator parameters. The
VOC removal efficiencies at these conditions
are presented in Table 1.
TABLE!
PERFORMANCE DATA FDR RBTROOUCIBLB RUNS
Mean Influent
(Ul/L)
65
11
43
170
1,1-DCA
1,1,1-TCA
Total VOCl
Run 12
TCfe 52
1,1-DCA 11
1,1,1-TCA 33
Total VOC. ISO
Run 13
TElf" 49
1,1-DCA 10
1,1,1-TCA 3.2
Total VOC« 120
Mean Effluent
(Ut/U
1.2
53
0.75
16
OSS
3.8
0/43
12
0.63
0/49
20
Percent Removal
98
52
83
91
99
65
87
92
99
58
85
83
Removal efficiencies for TCE were about 99
percent. Removal efficiencies for 1,1-DCA
and 1,1,1-TCA were about 58 percent and 85
percent, respectively. Removal efficiencies
for total VOCs were about 90 percent.
For some compounds, removal from the water
phase was due to both chemical oxidation and
stripping. Stripping accounted for 12 to 75
percent of the total removal for 1,1,1-TCA
and 5 to 44 percent for 1,1-DCA. Stripping
was less than 10 percent for TCE and vinyl
chloride, and was negligible for other VOCs
present.
The Decompozon unit reduced ozone to less
than 0.1 ppm (OSHA standards), with
efficiencies greater than 99.99 percent. VOCs
present in the air within the treatment system,
at approximately O.I to 0.5 ppm, were not
detected after passing through the
Decompozon unit.
Very low TOC removal was found, implying
that partial oxidation of organics occurred
without complete conversion to CO2 and H2O.
The average electrical energy consumption was
about 11 kW/hour of operation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7665
FTS: 684-7665
Technology Developer Contact-
David B. Fletcher
Ultrox International
2435 South Anne Street
Santa Ana, California 92704
714-545-5557
November 1990
Page 99
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
WASTECH, INC.
(Solidification/Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This solidification/stabilization technology
applies proprietary bonding agents to soils,
sludge, and liquid wastes containing volatile
or semivolatile organic and inorganic
contaminates to fix the pollutants within the
wastes. The treated waste is then mixed with
cementitious materials and placed in a
stabilizing matrix. The specific reagents
used are custom-selected based on the
particular waste to be treated. The resultant
material is a high-strength, non-leaching
monolith that can be placed into the ground
without double liners or covering caps.
The process uses standard engineering and
construction equipment. Since the type and
dose of reagents depend on the waste's
characteristics, treatability studies and site
investigations must be conducted to
determine the proper reagent mix. The
process begins with a front end loader
and/or a backhoe excavating the waste
material.
Material containing large pieces of debris must
be prescreened. The waste is then placed, in
measured quantities, into a pug mill or other
mixer (see Figure 1), where it is mixed with a
controlled amount of water and reagent. From
there, the waste-reagent mixture is transferred
to the cement batcher, where it is mixed with
dry blends of a pozzolanic mixture. The
operation does not generate waste byproducts.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology has treated a wide variety of
waste streams consisting of soils, sludges, and
raw organic streams, such as lubricating oil,
aromatic solvents, evaporator bottoms,
chelating agents, and ion exchange resins, with
contaminant concentrations ranging from ppm
levels to 40% by volume. It can also be
applied to mixed wastes containing radioactive
materials along with organic and inorganic
contaminants.
n n i n n i i n i i
Figure 1. On-Site Remediation Project Flow Diagram.
November 1990
Page 100
-------
STATUS:
EPA is in the process of selecting a site for
the technology demonstration. Treatability
studies are currently underway on two wastes
— an oily waste and a wood preserving
waste. An additional treatability study was
conducted on mixed organic and inorganic
wastes from three sites. A demonstration is
currently planned for late 1990 on a site in
Georgia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Terry Lyons
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7589
FTS: 684-7589
Technology Developer Contact:
E. Benjamin Peacock
Wastech, Inc.
P.O. Box 1213
114 Tulsa Road
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
615-483-6515
November 1990
Page 101
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM
ZIMPRO/PASSAVANT INC.
(PACT"/Wet Air Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Zimpro/Passavant Inc. has developed a
treatment system that combines two
technologies: the PACT* treatment system
and wet air oxidation (WAO). The PACT*
system uses powdered activated carbon
(PAC) combined with conventional biological
treatment (e.g., an activated sludge system)
to treat liquid waste containing toxic organic
contaminants. The WAO technology can
regenerate the PAC for reuse in the PACT*
system. The system is mobile and can treat
from 2,500 to 10,000 gallons of wastewater
per day. Larger stationary systems, treating
up to 53 million gallons per day, are already
in operation.
In the PACT* system, organic contaminants
are removed through biodegradation and
adsorption. Living microorganisms (biomass)
in the activated sludge system are contained in
liquid suspension in an aerated basin. This
biomass removes biodegradable toxic organic
compounds from the liquid waste. PAC is
added to enhance this biological treatment by
adsorbing toxic organic compounds.
The degree of treatment achieved by the
PACT* system depends on the influent waste
characteristics and the system's operating
parameters. Important waste characteristics
include biodegradability, adsorbability, and
concentrations of toxic organic compounds and
inorganic compounds, such as heavy metals.
POLYMER
EFFLUENT
ASH TO DISPOSAL
Figure 1. PACT system with WAO.
November 1990
Page 102
-------
Major operating parameters include carbon
dose, hydraulic retention time of the aeration
basin, solids retention time of the biomass-
carbon mixture, and biomass concentration
in the system. Liquid wastes fed into the
PACT* system should have sufficient
nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) and
biodegradable compounds to support the
growth of active biomass in the aeration
basin. The temperature of the waste should
be in the range of 40° F to 100° F, and the
influent pH in the range of 6 to 9. Solids
retention times affect both the concentration
and type of biomass in the system; these vary
from 2 days to 50 days. Hydraulic retention
times affect the degree of biodegradation
achieved and typically range from 2 hours to
24 hours for relatively dilute wastes, such as
contaminated groundwater, up to several
days for concentrated wastes and leachate.
Carbon doses vary widely, depending on the
biodegradabili ty and adsorptive
characteristics of the contaminants in the
waste. Higher PAC concentrations improve
the settleability of the PAC-biomass mixture
and reduce air stripping of volatile organic
contaminants.
Excess solids (PAC with adsorbed organics,
biomass, and inert solids) are removed
periodically from the system through the
system's clarifier (settling tank) or thickener
(see Figure 1). These excess solids are
routed to the WAO system reactor to
regenerate the spent PAC and destroy
organics remaining in the biomass.
Temperatures and pressures in the WAO
system will be about 480° F and 800 to 850
pounds per square inch, respectively. After
treatment in the WAO system, the
regenerated PAC may be separated from the
ash formed from destruction of the biomass
and returned to the aeration basin for reuse.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to municipal
and industrial wastewaters, as well as ground
water and leachates containing hazardous
organic pollutants. According to the
developer, the PACT* system has
successfully treated a variety of industrial
wastewaters, including chemical plant
wastewaters, dye production wastewaters,
pharmaceutical wastewaters, refinery
wastewaters, and synthetic fuels wastewaters,
in addition to contaminated groundwater and
mixed industrial/municipal wastewater.
In general, PACT* system can treat liquid
wastes containing wide ranges of biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) — 10 to 30,000 parts
per million (ppm) — and chemical oxygen
demand (COD) — 20 to 60,000 ppm. Toxic
volatile organic compounds can be treated up
to the level where they interfere with biomass
growth, about 1,000 ppm. The developer's
treatability studies have shown that the PACT
system can reduce the organics in
contaminated groundwater from several
hundred ppm to below detection limits (parts
per billion range).
STATUS:
Plans are underway to secure wastewater for
the system to treat. Several sites have been
studied for suitability.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
John F. Martin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7758
FTS: 684-7758
Technology Developer Contact:
William M. Copa
Zimpro/Passavant Inc.
301 West Military Road
Rothschild, Wisconsin 54474
715-359-7211
November 1990
Page 103
-------
EMERGING PROGRAM
The Emerging Technologies Program provides a framework to encourage the bench-and
pilot-scale testing and evaluation of technologies that have already been proven at the conceptual
stage. The goal is to promote the development of viable alternatives available for use in Superfund
site remediations.
Technologies are solicited for the Emerging Technologies Program through Requests for Pre-
Proposals. Four solicitations have been issued to date — in November 1987 (E01), July 1988 (E02),
July 1989 (£03) and July 1990 (E04). Cooperative agreements between EPA and the technology
developer require cost sharing. Projects are either a one or two year research effort. The selection
of E04 final projects will be in early 1991.
Emerging technologies may then be considered for the SITE Demonstration Program, for field
demonstration and evaluation. Currently, three technologies from the first group of proposals (E01),
The Colorado School of Mines' wetlands project, Bio-Recovery System's biological sorption, and the
Western Research Institute oil recovery technology have been invited to participate in the
Demonstration Program. Four additional technologies are completing their research efforts this year
and are potential candidates for future demonstration projects. Other emerging technologies that
have promising results may also "feed" into the Demonstration Program.
The Emerging Technologies Program participants for both completed and ongoing projects
(31 total) are presented in alphabetical order in Table 3 and in the technology profiles that follow.
104
-------
o
I
i
^^
8>
CO
3«
I
i1
f
£
g
CO
»•!
Ila
sli
•o
1
5.S e
C c tn
cX
c
V
E <
S *
•5 2
.
I
O
5
£.;
Bioscrubb
£
|
e
o
s
3
mical T
Ultrafiltrati
Che
Ultr
J5
1
Laurel S
513-569-
«,
i2
nce
1-9
La
21
I
i
•S 2
i§!
«P
-iSg
Q£E
H.S. Muralidl
614-424-5018
.a
L
13
£ <5
23 s
= 1
f §
£ O
•i I
|°'s"
^Sfc.
I
?!
3 -g
2 -
1-.
•a •
•Sgi
£ii
|2|
/C >n I
a
O,
De
505
o
&
!£¥
-4 jy, S
111
Q Kfc.
I
Jeffrey Pe
612-488-251
o
is
|
i e
it
Jl
i
6
1
||
?i
arta K. Ric
3-569-7783
John Lees
414^75-386
£*.
Jiff
£
JD
I
I
I
u
z
105
-------
! i
•+= CL
ft
s
5
i
IT
<
.a
S>
Q
o
V
§,
I
fi .9
u
!i
is1
|*«
11
I
55
1
1-
1
8
c
O
^
8
s
Ul
2
u
03
V
a
1
l|l
<3 6
0> £
KO
i
c
s§ ..
.152
|g
= i
h
M
Elect ro-Osmosi
Electrokinetics
Baton Rouge, LA
(EOS)
.§
c
O
<§
s
z
1
3
"o wl
* &
11
1|1
«
Ifl C
ill
in
l§~
I^i
1
£o
c^
O ^B
I
1
II
Alternating Cu
Electrocoagulal
Electro-Pure Systems, 1
Amherst, NY
(E02)
u
c
sl
f
c
o
£
z
o
« t-
? "
li
||1
Q *^ 2
s!SE
S
|
*3
O ^?
1
a
o
Laser Induced
Photochemical
Destruction
2 I
e v
Energy and Environme
Engineering, Inc.
East Cambridge, MA
(E01) [Project Compl
.a
c
a,
o
ts
8
2
1
CQ
tf
g
C
a
o
&
OJ)
53
^
1
Ov
K|?
3 f~ 4
05 JO *
'S^S
fS^E
^
|a
s^
o 2
dP
E
1
t/i
I
2
e
Energy and Environme
Research Corporation
Irvine, CA
(E03)
I
106
-------
CO
a
,
I
f
!
c
O!
9T
i
n
ft
t-
t-
'
|u
PCBs, Other
specific Orgai
Compounds
Z
«-
c
u
g
•3
c/5 ^
- *^
-II
5
i
S. Jackson Hubt
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Werner Steinei
201-361-8840
^
c ..
Low Energy Solve
Extraction Process
Enviro-Sciences, Inc.
Randolph, NJ
(E02)
Non-specific
'S
a,
Sir
o
JB
i
s
a"
|
Tj w
*" 4J
J2 *o
^1
Randy Parker
513-569-7271
FTS: 684-7271
i
Emilio D. Spin
216-641-8580
f
8
(2
Waste Vitrificatioi
Electric Melting
Ferro Corporation
Independence, OH
(EOS)
.a
if
z
J2
S
3
S. Jackson Hubt
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
1
William C. We
205-821-9253
60
e
J
i
? I
— *"* «J
2x «r TV
•5* V) U,
Harmon Environmen1
Services, Inc. (former
Envirite Field Service
Auburn, AL
(E01) [Project Com
I
O
8
<
z
1
*••
Annette Gatchel
513-569-7697
FTS: 684-7697
u
3
a
O
fl
J§?
%
§
P
Fluid Extraction-
Biodegradation Pr
*
"X
c
O
•sri
!
i
."2 w
*S •—
c/5 ^
2£
o
•o"
'5
5
•o"
I
Ten Shearer
513-569-7949
FTS: 684-7949
Amir Rehmat
312-567-5899
§
g
c
•a
Fluidized Bed
Agglomeration/Inc
_o
"Q
C
3
O
•Sri
lei
Non-specific
.£
2
u
^*
1
&
"§
55
-
S
Ronald Lewis
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Robert D. Fox
615-690-3211
c
.2
Batch Steam Disti
Metal Extraction
IT Corporation
Knoxville, TN
(E02)
!•!
PCBs, Other
Specific Orga
Compounds
<
Z
I
u
Randy A. Parke
513-569-7271
FTS: 684-7271
Robert D. Fox
615-690-3211
1
CQ
0
Photolytic/Biologi
Detoxification
IT Corporation
Knoxville, TN
(EOS)
"S-o
Halogenated
Nonhalogena
Compounds
<
Z
u
1
VI y.
§c
s
o w
e
Paul R. dePercii
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
i
*•» f)
O?
W)
cq
IM 4>
*** -— ^
Membrane Proces
Removal of Volat;
Organics from
Contaminated Air
1
CO
fe
Membrane Technolof
Research, Inc.
Menlo Park, CA
(E02)
107
-------
E
» g
CD
i
i
i
1
•*•
45 .s
^fc *
>2
v_ ft\
If
J!
>
o
•*
1
X
1-
1
i
c
o
I
c
H
M
| 2
3s
t/i
c
o
j3
V)
3
O
O
3
cr
"C
W f*J
§»3£
«KE
1
Theodore Johl
406-496-4112
V
§
*3
C*
Q
•p
X
•o
y
8.
•|
e
c
2
•o
1
13 §
llll
a
i
o
S
.8
1
o
c
8
2
(A
S
tj
is
*j
f t&
8
2
eg
c
2
Q
•o
'I
JC
0
g
il
o
'0
Frank T. Cam
803-777^512
;o
^
0
§
I>
••"
2
2 v.
.t: o
11
eg
c
f
University of South Cai
Columbia, SC
(E03)
2
1
uT
a
*^ i_,
^ - a
"o *» I
B! «
82."
||l
|||
c
Mark Benjami
206-543-7645
c
,«
S
U
'&
•o
. bti
s.s
University of Washingti
Dept. of Civil Engineer
Seattle, WA
(E02)
O
"c
«
E?»
rs "°
O c
Si
3 E
$6
<
z
w
(0 1-1
*r ^5
ll|
all
«!
isl
J^2
5KE
Abbas Zaidi
416-33&4605
c
_g
^9
k
&
5
fti
^
I
^ S
|j o
U d1
a
Wastewater Tech. Cent
Burlington, Ontario
(E02)
di!
Qa&&
<
§
— ^
S
•rj
§ «N
Kii
4J V) ..
a^S
uJ^E
1
£
U—
0
u
^
J*
PN
•s
|§
c 2
a!
8 -
3 t>
Western Research Insti
Laramie, WY
(E01) [Project Compl
at
1
Q.
I
II
z
108
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ABB ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
(Two-Zone Plume Interception In-Situ Treatment Strategy)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ABB Environmental Services, Inc. treats a
mixture of chlorinated and nonchlorinated
organic solvents in saturated soils and ground
water by applying its Two-Zone Plume
Interception In-Situ Treatment Strategy.
The first zone is anaerobic and promotes the
reductive dechlorination of highly
chlorinated solvents, such as
perchloroethylene. Immediately
downgradient is the second zone, where
special aerobic conditions encourage the
biological oxidation of the partially
dechlorinated products from the first zone,
as well as other compounds (Figure 1).
The first step of the treatment strategy for
compounds such as perchloroethylene and
trichloroethane is to encourage partial
dechlorination by stimulating the growth of
methanogenic bacteria in the saturated soil.
This is accomplished by providing the bacteria
with a primary carbon source, such as glucose,
and with mineral nutrients, such as ammonia
and phosphate. Methanogenic bacteria are
considered to be ubiquitously distributed in
saturated soils.
At the completion of the (anaerobic) first step
in the treatment process, all of the more
highly chlorinated ethenes and ethanes (PCE,
TCE, and TCA) in the contaminated plume
are converted to less chlorinated forms (DCE,
DCA) by methanogenic bacteria. At a point
downgradient, oxygen is reintroduced to the
ground water. Following this, methanotrophic
CONTAMINANT
SPILL
UNSATURATED
ZONE
SATURATED
ZONE
BEDROCK
OXYGEN &
NUTRIENTS
BIOLOGICAL
BARRIER
GROUNDWATER
FLOW
Figure 1. Two-Zone Plume Interception In-Situ Treatment Strategy.
November 1990
Page 109
-------
bacteria, growing on methane and oxygen,
are expected to oxidize the DCE and DCA to
CO2 and biomass.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This in-situ treatment technology is
applicable to solids and liquids containing
chlorinated and nonchlorinated solvents.
STATUS:
In preparation for eventual field testing,
optimal treatment parameters will be
determined by simulating the two-zone
treatment in bench-scale soil aquifer
simulators. Particular objectives of this
testing are to: (1) understand the factors that
affect the development of the bioactive
zones; (2) demonstrate the treatment of
chlorinated and nonchlorinated solvent
mixtures using the two-zone process; and (3)
develop a model for use in the design of
field remediations. These investigations
began in September 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
Margaret Findlay
ABB Environmental Services, Inc.
Corporate Place 128
102 Anderson Road
Wakefield, MA 01880
617-245-6606
November 1990
Page 110
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ALCOA SEPARATIONS TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Bioscrubber)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This bioscrubber technology digests
hazardous organic emissions from soil, water,
or air decontamination processes. The
bioscrubber contains Alcoa's activated
carbon medium as a support for microbial
growth. This unique medium with increased
microbial population and enhanced
bioactivity provides effective conversion of
diluted organics into carbon dioxide, water,
and other non-hazardous compounds (Figure
1).
The bioscrubber can handle large volumes of
air streams containing trace volatile organics
that cannot be treated effectively and/or
economically with existing technologies.
Almost complete removal of hazardous
organics has been demonstrated in a lab-scale
feasibility study.
The efficiency of the bioscrubber is attributed
to the fact that the carbon medium is tailored
to balance macro- and micro-porosity. The
macroporous volume provides sufficient
internal porous surface area for microbial
• Hydrocarbon
Filter
o
House Air
Bio
Columns
I
MnnlA
Infrm Bid Analyw
Portable
Figure 1. Schematic of Bench-Scale Unit showing
Four Bio-Scrubbers in Parallel Operation.
November 1990
Page 111
-------
growth. This is contrary to existing carbon
media, which allow limited microbial growth
on only the external surface. The
microporous surface provides sufficient
adsorption sites to concentrate the dilute
organic vapor onto the carbon surface for
effective biological digestion.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The bioscrubber technology can be used to
remove organic emissions from soil, water,
or air decontamination processes.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Program in July 1990. Initial
project preparations, such as equipment
purchase and preliminary experimental
design, are underway. During 1991, bench-
scale data should be available, followed by a
pilot-scale installation in late 1991 or early
1992.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Naomi Barkley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7854
FTS: 684-7854
Technology Developer Contact:
Paul K. T. Liu
Alcoa Separations Technology, Inc.
181 Thorn Hill Road
Warrendale, PA 15086
412-772-1332
November 1990
Page 112
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LTD.
(Chemical Treatment/Ultrafiltration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Ultrafiltration can be applied in combination
with chemical treatment to selectively
remove dissolved metal ions from dilute
aqueous solutions. A high molecular weight
chelating agent is added to the incoming
waste solution to form macromolecular
complexes. The metal ions can then be
easily removed.
Usually, each chelating polymer is marked
particularly for one metal cation or for a
group of similar cations. Once the polymer
is added, the solution is processed through an
ultrafiltration membrane system that collects
the macromolecular complexes (retentate) on
the membrane but allows uncomplexed ions,
such as sodium, potassium, calcium,
chloride, sulfate, and nitrate, to pass through
as filtered water (permeate). The filtered
water can be recycled or discharged
depending upon the metal removal
requirements. A removal efficiency
approaching 100 percent can be achieved for
metal ions in groundwater.
The retentate, which constitutes about 5 to 20
percent of the feed volume, contains the
separated heavy metal ions and must be
treated further. The retentate is either
solidified to prevent the release of toxic metals
back to the environment; or recycled through
the treatment process for further volume
reduction.
Following solidification, the retentate will be
more resistant to leaching due to its low salt
content and the presence of chemicals that
retard the migration of toxic metals.
Based on pilot-scale test results, the
transportable full-scale unit was designed and
constructed. It includes all necessary controls
and auxiliary equipment. The installed unit
has overall dimensions of 5 ft. wide x 7 ft.
long x 6 ft. high.
Retentate
Metal Cations
Macroligand
Polymer
I
Ultrafiltration
Membrane
Macromolecular
Complex
f
Permeate
Figure 1. The concept of selective removal of heavy metals from leachate.
November 1990
Page 113
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The combination chemical-ultrafiltration
treatment process is intended for use on
toxic metals in groundwater. Ultrafiltration
has so far been applied exclusively to the
removal of colloidal solids and fairly large
molecules. The technology may potentially
be used to separate toxic heavy metals ions,
such as cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury,
selenium, silver and barium (as an in-situ
formed precipitate), from groundwater at
Superf und sites. Other inorganic and organic
materials present as suspended and colloidal
solids may also be removed.
Unlike conventional precipitation
technologies, process research has
demonstrated that the combined metal ion
complexation/ultrafiltration technique does
not require precipitate handling, and thus
may be more applicable to feed streams with
low concentrations of metals (a few ppm),
and with large variability in metals
concentration and pH.
STATUS:
Bench-scale tests were conducted using
cadmium, lead, and mercury at different pH
levels, membrane types,polyelectrolyte types,
and polyelectrolyte concentrations. The test
program produced optimum conditions for
the dominant variables and provided
additional verification of the process to
remove soluble metal cations from solution.
Adding excessive amounts of polyelectrolyte
did not enhance the metal separation, and at
alkalinity levels the improvement in
separations observed were minimal. Further
evaluations of the polyelectrolyte types did
not produce appreciable significant
differences for the selection in pilot-scale
tests.
A hollow fibre configuration for the
ultrafiltration membrane was chosen for the
pilot-scale unit to provide permeate rates in
the range of 500 to 1000 US gal/day. The
pilot-scale test program was designed to
obtain engineering design data to permit the
construction of a transportable field test unit
capable of producing up to about 10,000 US
gal/day permeate.
Pilot-scale tests were completed using the
system chemistry conditions established by the
bench-scale tests. A three-level factorial on
key hydraulic variables was used to determine
the optimum region of operation. Depending
on the operating conditions, metal removal
efficiencies ranged from 85 to 99%. The test
program also provided information on long-
term process efficiencies, effective processing
rates, fouling potential of the membrane, and
simple cleaning procedures to restore the
membrane performance. Unlike the bench-
scale test results, some metal loss occurred
within the pilot-scale unit, and higher
polyelectrolyte concentrations were required.
After the in-house tests are completed, a field
demonstration will be conducted in September
1990 on ground water at a uranium tailings
site near Elliot Lake, Ontario. The technology
will be assessed for its potential to remove and
reduce toxic metal ions present in the
groundwater from the tailings impoundment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
John F. Martin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7758
FTS: 684-7758
Technology Developer Contact:
Leo P. Buckley
Atomic Energy of Canada, Ltd.
Waste Management Technology Division
Chalk River Nuclear Labs
Chalk River, Ontario KOJ IJO
Canada
613-584-3311
November 1990
Page 114
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.
(Cyclone Furnace)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This cyclone furnace technology is designed
to decontaminate wastes containing both
organic and metal contaminants. The
cyclone furnace retains heavy metals in a
non-leachable slag and vaporizes and
incinerates the organic materials in the
waste.
The treated soils resemble natural obsidian
(volcanic glass), similar to the final product
from vitrification.
The cyclone furnace (Figure 1) is designed to
achieve very high heat release rates and
temperatures by swirling the incoming
combustion air. High swirling action
efficiently mixes air and fuel and increases
combustion gas residence time. The treatment
unit is fired with natural gas. Fly ash and
particulates from the waste are retained along
the walls of the furnace by the swirling action
of the combustion air, and are incorporated
into slag that forms along the furnace walls.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to solids and soil
contaminated with organic compounds and
metals.
COAL CHUTE
CRUSHED COAL
1/4" SCREEN MESH
TERTIARY
AIR INLET
SCROLL
BURNER
CYCLONE BARREL
Figure 1. B&W pilot cyclone furnace.
November 1990
Page 115
-------
STATUS:
This emerging technology is in the Phase I
testing stage. In 1990, combustion and
slagging conditions will be optimized for the
U.S. EPA Synthetic Soils Matrix (SSM). The
teachabilities of the metals in the resulting
slag will be tested.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7863
FTS: 684-7863
Technology Developer Contact:
Lawrence P. King
Babcock & Wilcox Co.
Alliance, Ohio
216-821-9110
November 1990
Page 116
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
(In-Situ Electroacoustic Decontamination)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is used for in-situ
decontamination of soils containing
hazardous organics by applying electrical
(direct current) and acoustic fields. These
direct currents facilitate the transport of
liquids through soils. The process consists of
electrodes (an anode and a cathode) and an
acoustic source (Figure 1).
The double-layer boundary theory plays an
important role when an electric potential is
applied to soils. For soil particles, the
double layer consists of a fixed layer of
negative ions that are firmly held to the solid
phase and a diffuse layer of cations and
anions that are more loosely held. Applying
an electric potential to the double layer
displaces the loosely held ions to their
respective electrodes. The ions drag water
along with them as they move toward the
electrodes.
Besides the transport of water through wet
soils, the direct current produces other effects,
such as ion transfer, development of pH
gradients, electrolysis, oxidation and
reduction, and heat generation. The heavy
metals present in contaminated soils can be
leached or precipitated out of solution by
electrolysis, oxidation and reduction reactions,
or ionic migration. The contaminants in the
soil may be cations, such as cadmium,
chromium, and lead; and anions, such as
cyanide, chromate, and dichromate. The
existence of these ions in their respective
oxidation states depends on the pH and
concentration gradients in the soil. The
electric field is expected to increase the
leaching rate and precipitate the heavy metals
out of solution by establishing appropriate pH
and osmotic gradients.
When properly applied in conjunction with an
electric field and water flow, an acoustic field
Figure 1. Electroosmocil principle.
November 1990
Page 117
-------
can enhance the dewatering or leaching of
wastes such as sludges. This phenomenon is
not fully understood. Another potential
application involves recovery well clogging.
Since contaminated particles are driven to
the recovery well, the pores and interstitial
spaces in the soil can become plugged. This
technology could be used to clear these
clogged spaces.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Fine-grained clay soils are ideal. The
technology's potential for improving non-
aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminant
recovery and in-situ removal of heavy metals
will be tested on a pilot-scale using clay
soils.
STATUS:
Second-year funding for the project has not
been approved. Phase I results indicate that
electroacoustical decontamination is
technically feasible for removal of inorganic
species, such as zinc and cadmium, from
clayey soils, and only marginally effective
for hydrocarbon removal. An EPA report
for the first year investigation is available
through the National Technical Information
Service. The EPA report number is
EPA/540/5-90/004.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Diana Guzman
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7819
FTS: 684-7819
Technology Developer Contact:
H.S. Muralidhara
Battelle Memorial Institute
505 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
614-424-5018
November 1990
Page 118
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
BIO-RECOVERY SYSTEMS, INC.
(Biological Sorption)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The AlgaSORB™ sorption process is designed
to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous
solutions. The process is based upon the
natural affinity of the cell walls of algae for
heavy metal ions.
The sorption medium is comprised of algal
cells immobilized in a silica gel polymer.
This immobilization serves two purposes: (1)
it protects the algal cells from decomposition
by other microorganisms; and (2) it produces
a hard material that can be packed into
chromatographic columns which, when
pressurized, still exhibit good flow
characteristics.
The system functions as a biological ion-
exchange resin to bind both metallic cations
(positively charged ions) and metallic
oxoanions (large, complex, oxygen-
containing ions with a negative charge).
Anions such as chlorides or sulfates are only
weakly bound or not bound at all. Like ion-
exchange resins, the algae-silica system can
be recycled. However, in contrast to current
ion-exchange technology, the components of
hard water (Ca*2, Mg+2) or monovalent
cations (Na+, K+) do not significantly
interfere with the binding of toxic, heavy
metal ions to the algae-silica matrix.
Once the media is saturated, the metals are
stripped from the algae using acids, bases, or
other suitable reagents. This produces a
small volume of very concentrated metal-
containing solutions that must be further
treated to detoxify them.
Figure 1 shows a prototype portable effluent
treatment equipment (PETE) unit, consisting
of two columns operated in series. Each
column contains 0.25 cubic feet of
AlgaSORB. The unit is capable of treating
flows of approximately one gallon per
minute (gpm).
Larger systems have been designed and
manufactured to treat flow rates greater than
100 gpm.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is useful for removing metal
ions from ground water or surface leachates
that are "hard" or contain high levels of
dissolved solids. Rinse waters from
electroplating, metal finishing, and printed
circuit board manufacturing industries can
also be treated.
The system can remove heavy metals such as
aluminum, cadmium, chromium, cobalt,
copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury,
molybdenum, nickel, platinum, silver,
uranium, vanadium, and zinc.
Figure 1. The PETE unit.
November 1990
Page 119
-------
STATUS:
The AlgaSORB™ sorption process was tested
on mercury-contaminated ground water at a
hazardous waste site in Oakland, CA, in the
fall of 1989.
Testing was designed to determine optimum
flow rates, binding capacities, and the
efficiency of stripping agents.
The final report (EPA 540/5-90/005a) is
now available. Bio-Recovery Systems has
been invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program.
The process is being commercialized for
ground-water treatment and industrial point
source treatment. Treatability studies are
required.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Naomi P. Barkley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7854
FTS: 684-7854
Technology Developer Contact:
Dennis W. Darnall
Bio-Recovery Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 3982, UPB
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
505-646-5888
November 1990
Page 120
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
BIOTROL, INC.
(Methanotrophic Bioreactor System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Methanotrophic Bioreactor System is an
above-ground remedial technology for water
contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons.
Of particular interest are the chlorinated
aliphatics, such as trichloroethylene (TCE),
dichloroethylene (DCE) isomers, and vinyl
chloride. TCE and related compounds are the
most frequently occurring ground water
contaminants in the country and are the
primary contaminants of concern at numerous
Superfund sites. Given that conventional
treatment methods, such as air stripping and
activated carbon filtration, are falling into
increasing disfavor, it would be of tremendous
significance if a cost-effective biological
treatment technology were successfully
commercialized.
TCE (Figure 1) and related compounds pose a
difficult challenge to biological treatment.
Unlike alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons (for
example, BTEX), they cannot be used as
primary substrates for growth by bacteria.
Their degradation depends upon the process of
cometabolism which is attributed to the broad
substrate specificity of certain bacterial
enzyme systems. Although many aerobic
enzyme systems are purported to cooxidize
TCE, BioTrol claims that the methane
monooxygenase (MMO) of methanotrophic
bacteria has the most promise.
Since 1985, BioTrol has sponsored research at
the University of Minnesota under Drs.
Richard Hanson and Lawrence Wackett on
methanotrophic degradation of halogenated
hydrocarbons. Methanotrophs are bacteria
that can utilize methane as a sole source of
carbon and energy.
COMETABOLISM OF TCE
TCE
November 1990
Page 121
-------
Although it is known that certain
methanotrophs can express MMO in two
different forms: a soluble form or a
particulate (membrane bound) form. BioTrol
research results have led to a patent pending
on the discovery that the soluble form is
responsible for extremely rapid rates of TCE
degradation. Results from BioTrol
experiments with Methylosinus trichosporium
indicate that the maximum specific TCE
degradation rate is 1.3g TCE/g cells (dry
weight)/hr, which is 100-1000 times faster
than those reported for other systems. These
high rates can be maintained for extended
periods by adding sodium formate as a
supplemental electron donor. Figure 2 shows
a typical TCE time-degradation curve.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to water
contaminated with halogenated aliphatic
hydrocarbons, including TCE, DCE isomers,
vinyl chloride, dichloroethane (DCA) isomers,
chloroform, dichloromethane (methylene
chloride), and others.
STATUS:
In July 1990, EPA awarded BioTrol a
Cooperative Agreement under the SITE
Emerging Program. The agreement provides
for up to two years of development and
testing. Of particular interest in the current
program are the chlorinated aliphatics, such
as trichloroethylene (TCE), dichloroethylene
(DCE), and vinyl chloride.
Bench-scale experiments on two system
configurations will be conducted during the
first several months of the program. Later in
the first year of the project, pilot-scale testing
will be initiated in the field on the most
promising concept. The pilot-scale test will
collect data, primarily during the second year,
to show the feasibility of the bioreactor
technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
David L. Smith
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
Jeffrey Peltola
BioTrol, Inc.
11 Peavey Road
Chaska, Minnesota 55318
612-448-2515
M.t. OB3b, 0.8 g (dry wt)/L
10 15
Time, min
20
Abiotic controls
Active cells
November 1990
Page 122
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
BOLBDEN ALLIS, INC.
(PYROKTLN THERMAL ENCAPSULATION Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology improves conventional
rotary kiln hazardous waste incineration by
introducing inorganic additives with the
waste to promote incipient slagging or
"thermal encapsulating" reactions near the
kiln discharge end. The thermal
encapsulation is augmented using other
additives in the kiln or in the air pollution
control baghouse to stabilize the metals in
the flyash. The process thermally treats soils
and sludges contaminated with both organics
and metals. The advantages of this process
include (1) immobilizing the metals
remaining in the ash; (2) producing an easily
handled nodular form of ash; and (3)
stabilizing metals in the flyash, while
avoiding the problems normally experienced
with higher temperature "slagging kiln"
operations (Figure 1).
The heart of this process is thermal
encapsulation. It traps metals in a controlled
melting process operating in the temperature
range between slagging and non-slagging
modes, producing nodules of ash which are
1/4 to 3/4-inch in diameter.
Organic waste is incinerated in a rotary kiln.
Metallic wastes (in particular, metals with a
high melting point) are trapped in the bottom
ash from the kiln by adding fluxing agents
that promote agglomeration via "controlled
nodulizing." As proved by EP Toxicity/TCLP
tests, this PYROKILN THERMAL
ENCAPSULATION Process can reduce metals
leaching to levels below EPA requirements.
Metals with low melting and vaporization
temperatures, such as lead, zinc, and arsenic,
are partitioned between the bottom ash and
the flyash. Those that are concentrated in the
flyash are stabilized, if necessary, by adding
Contaminated
Bulk Materials
Secondary I Quencher
combustion /
Chamber /
FueU
Decontaminated
Material*
Figure 1. The Pyrokiln System.
November 1990
Page 123
-------
reagents to the kiln and to the air pollution
control system to reduce metals leaching to
below EPA limits. Another advantage of
this process is that it reduces both the total
dust load to the air pollution control system
as well as the amount of particulate
emissions from the stack.
The use of fluxing reagents is a key element
in this technology. These are introduced into
the kiln in the proper amount and type to
lower the softening temperature of the ash.
Proper kiln design is required to allow the
outlet of the kiln to function as an ash
agglomerator. Good temperature control is
required to keep the agglomerates at the
correct particle size, yielding the desired 1/4
to 3/4-inch size nodules. The production of
nodules, rather than a molten slag, avoids a
multitude of operating problems, such as ash
quenching, overheating, and premature
failure of refractory. It also simplifies
cooling, handling, and conveying of the ash.
The controlled nodulizing process
immobilizes metals with high boiling points.
Lead, zinc, and other metals with lower
vaporization temperatures tend to leave the
kiln as a fine fume and can be removed in
the air pollution control system. Reagents
can be injected into the kiln, the air
pollution control devices, or a final solids
mixer for stabilizing fines collected from the
gas stream.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to soils and
sludges. The process can destroy a broad
range of organic species, including
halogenated and nonhalogenated organics and
petroleum products. Metallic compounds
which may be encapsulated or stabilized
include antimony, arsenic, barium,
beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper,
lead, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, and
zinc.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in March
1990. The process will be further developed
in batch tests and a continuous flow pilot-
scale kiln to be conducted at Boliden Allis,
Inc.'s Process Research and Test Center in Oak
Creek, Wisconsin.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7783
FTS: 684-7783
Technology Developer Contact:
John N. Lees
Boliden Allis, Inc.
1126 South 70th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53214
414-475-3862
November 1990
Page 124
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
CENTER FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESEARCH
(Acid Extraction Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Acid Extraction Treatment System
(AETS) is a soil washing process that uses
concentrated acid as the wasting medium.
Hydrochloric acid is used to extract
contaminants from soils. Following
treatment, soil may be disposed or used as
fill material (Figure 1).
The first step in the AETS is to separate
large particles and gravel from the soil. The
sand and clay/silt fractions (< 4 mm) are
retained for treatment. Hydrochloric acid is
slowly added to a water and soil slurry to
achieve and maintain a pH of 2. Precautions
are taken to avoid lowering the pH below 2
and disrupting the soil matrix.
When the extraction is complete, the soil is
rinsed, neutralized, and dewatered. The
extraction solution and rinse water are
regenerated. The regeneration process
removes entrained soil, organics, and heavy
metals from the extraction fluid. Heavy
metals are concentrated in a form potentially
suitable for economic recovery. Recovered
acid is recycled to the extraction unit.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Although the AETS will extract organic
contaminants from soil, its principal
application is to remove heavy metals.
HEAVY METALS
TREATED SOL
Figure 1. Flow Diagram for AETS Process.
November 1990
Page 125
-------
STATUS:
This technology has been tested in the
laboratory on a limited, bench-scale basis.
The AETS has been successfully applied to
soils contaminated with organics, but has not
been fully developed for the effective
removal of heavy metals. Current plans
include using the AETS on samples of
contaminated soil from Superfund sites.
Further experiments will be performed to
establish optimal operating parameters for
the extraction unit and to refine the
regeneration/recovery process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Diana Guzman
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7819
FTS: 684-7819
Technology Developer Contact:
Stephen W. Paff
Center for Hazardous Materials Research
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-5320
November 1990
Page 126
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES
(Wetlands-Based Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The constructed wetlands-based treatment
technology uses natural geochemical and
biological processes inherent in a man-made
wetland ecosystem (Figure 1) to accumulate
and remove metals from influent waters.
The treatment system incorporates principal
ecosystem components found in wetlands,
including organic soils, microbial fauna,
algae, and vascular plants.
Influent waters, which contain high metal
concentrations and have low pH, flow
through the aerobic and anaerobic zones of
the wetland ecosystem. Metals are removed
by filtration, ion exchange, adsorption,
absorption, and precipitation through
geochemical and microbial oxidation and
reduction. In filtration, metal flocculates
and metals that are adsorbed onto fine
sediment particles settle in quiescent ponds, or
are filtered out as the water percolates through
the soil or the plant canopy. Ion exchange
occurs as metals in the water come into
contact with humic or other organic substances
in the soil medium. Oxidation/reduction
reactions that occur in the aerobic/anaerobic
zones, respectively, play a major role in
removing metals as hydroxides and sulfides.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The wetlands-based treatment process is
suitable for acid mine drainage from metal or
coal mining activities. These wastes typically
contain high metals concentrations and are
acidic in nature. Wetlands treatment has been
applied with some success to wastewater in the
Darn-
Anaerobic
Zone
Aerobic
Zone —7
Zone —7 uant —y
\! - • ./ " "**• *" - ," ' .'H.'J-I | ^-*^^^^ -xi'J* j'^V'-'J^''*''
Figure 1. Typical wetland ecosystem.
November 1990
Page 127
-------
eastern regions of the United States. The
process may have to be adjusted to account
for differences in geology, terrain, trace
metal composition, and climate in the metal
mining regions of the western United States.
STATUS:
Second-year funding for the project under
the Emerging Technologies Program has
been approved. A pilot-scale system has
been built to assess the effectiveness of
constructed wetlands in treating the effluent
from the Big Five Tunnel near Idaho
Springs, Colorado. Optimum results from
two years of operation are given below.
pH raised from 2.9 to 6.5
Cu reduced to below detection limit
Zn reduced by 97%
Fe reduced by 80%
Al, Cd, and Pb decreased 90-100%
Co and Ni decreased 50%
Biotoxicity to fathead minnows and
Ceriodaphnia reduced by factors of 4
to 20
This technology has been invited to
participate in the SITE Demonstration
Program. Candidate sites include mineral
mining sites.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Edward R. Bates
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7774
FTS: 684-7774
Technology Developer Contact:
Thomas Wildeman
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, Colorado 80401
303-273-3642
November 1990
Page 128
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
, INC.
(Electro-Osmosis)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetic soil processing is an in-situ
separation/removal technique for extracting
heavy metals and/or organic contaminants
from soils. The technology uses electricity to
affect chemical concentrations and
groundwater flow. In electro-osmosis (EO),
the fluid between the soil particles moves
because a constant, low DC current is
applied through electrodes inserted into a
soil mass.
Figure 1 presents a schematic diagram of the
process, the electrical gradients, and the ion
flow. A comparison of flow with and without
EO in clays is also depicted. The efficiency of
electro-osmotic water transport under EO
varies with the type of soil. Figure 1 also
shows that EO can be an efficient process for
pumping contaminants from fine-grained, low
permeability soils.
Studies of the electrochemistry associated with
the process indicate that an acid front is
Cos Veil
Cos Vent
t
I] Outflow
Inflow
CURRENT,I
V|
ELECTRIC V|
POTENTIAL,
HYDRAULIC
POTENTIAL, <
ION FLOW
(INITIAL) (H*
1 « 0
Soiuroled Specimen
Anode
EO Flow (-)
Coinode
I * Constant
f>, (suction )
(eon»tonf),
Electro-Osmotic Flow. Q8
Qe - ke ' 'a ' ja
kg = electro-osmotic permeability
ig = electrical gradient
A = area.
Hydraulic Bow, Q^
k^ = hydraulic conductivity
ih = gradient
Ratio of Two Rows
ii i\ h
A Comparison of Two Flows in Clays
ke » 1 x 10's (crrVsec)/(v/cm)
kj, » 1 x IQ^cnVsec
ia = 1 v/cm (typical for field application)
ih a 1 (selected for comparison)
i.,.000
Figure 1. Electrokenetics Process Fundamentals.
November 1990
Page 129
-------
generated at the anode. In time, this acid
front migrates from the anode towards the
cathode. Movement of the acid front by
migration and advection results in desorption
of contaminants from the soil. The
concurrent mobility of the ions and pore
fluid under the electrical gradients
decontaminates the soil mass. This
phenomena provides an advantage over
conventional pumping techniques for in-
situ treatment of contaminated fine-grained
soils.
The current state-of-the-art indicates that
the process is more efficient in saturated
conditions. Therefore, sites with high
ground water tables are favored in the
developmental phase of the technology. The
process will lead to temporary acidification
of the treated soil. However, equilibrium
conditions will be rapidly reestablished by
diffusion once the electrical potential is
removed.
Studies have indicated that metallic
electrodes may dissolve as a result of
electrolysis and introduce corrosion products
into the soil mass. However, if the
electrodes are made of carbon or graphite,
no residue will be introduced in the treated
soil mass as a result of the process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This is an in-situ separation technique for
extracting heavy metals, radionuclides, and
other inorganic contaminants. Bench-scale
laboratory data demonstrate the feasibility of
removing Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and
TCE, BTEX compounds and phenol from
soils. Limited bench-scale field tests
demonstrated that the method removed Zn
and As from clays and sandy clayey deposits.
Pb and Cu were also removed from dredged
sediments.
STATUS:
Bench-scale laboratory studies investigating
the removal of heavy metals precipitates,
radionuclides, and organic contaminants will
be completed by the end of 1991. The
influence of organic matter in soil on
contaminant removal efficiency will also be
studied. Pilot-scale field studies investigating
removal of radionuclides and organics will be
completed by the end of 1992. The
technology will be available for full-scale
implementation upon completion of the pilot-
scale studies.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Diana Guzman
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7819
FTS: 684-7819
Technology Developer Contact:
Yalcin B. Acar
Electrokinetics, Inc.
Louisiana State University
South Stadium Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
504-388-3992
November 1990
Page 130
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ELECTRON BEAM RESEARCH FACILITY
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
(High Energy Electron Irradiation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
High energy electron irradiation of water
solutions and sludges produces a large
number of very reactive chemical species,
including hydrogen peroxide. The reactive
species that are formed are the aqueous
electron e" ), the hydrogen radical (H«), and
the hydroxyl radical (OH«). These short-
lived intermediates react with organic
contaminants, transforming them to non-
toxic byproducts. The principal reaction that
e" undergoes is electron transfer to halogen-
containing compounds, which breaks the
halogen-carbon bond and liberates the
halogen as an anion (e.g., Cl" or Br"). The
hydroxyl radical can undergo addition or
hydrogen abstraction reactions producing
organic free radicals that decompose in the
presence of other hydroxyl radicals and
water. In most cases, the chemicals are
mineralized to CO2 and H^O and salts.
Lower molecular weight aldehydes and
carboxylic acids are formed at very low
concentrations in some cases. These
compounds are biodegradable end products.
In the electron beam treatment process,
electricity is used to generate a high voltage
(1.5 MeV) and electrons. The electrons are
accelerated by the voltage to approximately 95
percent of the speed of light and are then shot
into a thin stream of water or sludge as it falls
through the beam. All reactions are complete
in less than one tenth of a second.
The electron beam and waste flow are
adjusted to deliver the necessary dose of
electrons. Although this is a form of ionizing
radiation, there is no residual radioactivity; the
system is "cold" within seconds after leaving
the beam.
The full-scale facility in Miami, FL can treat
more than 170,000 gallons per day. The
facility is equipped to handle up to 6,000-
gallon tank trucks of waste for treatability
studies.
«»»K»»W«aKRRR>«tRW«»««ro«R«RRR»»«8««»tR^^
Vault
BtfWUMt
Dud
Influwt
Uno
Figure 1. Electron Beam Research Facility.
November 1990
Page 131
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This system has been found effective in
treating a large number of common organic
chemicals. These include trihalomethanes
(such as chloroform), which are found in
chlorinated drinking water; chlorinated
solvents, including carbon tetrachloride,
trichloroe thane, tetrachloroethene,
trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene,
ethylene dibromide, dibromochloropropane,
hexachlorobutadiene, and hexachloroethane;
aromatics found in gasoline, including
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene;
chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzenes; phenol;
and the persistent pesticide dieldrin.
The technology is considered applicable for
removing a variety of hazardous organic
compounds from aqueous waste streams and
sludges with up to 8% solids.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in June
1990.
The reactive species formed in the electron
beam process are known to react with many
organic compounds. The major questions to
be answered are: (1) what is the
effectiveness of the electron beam in
removing complex mixtures of hazardous
organic chemicals from aqueous solutions
and sludges prior to discharge? and (2) what
organic reaction byproducts are formed?
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Franklin R. Alvarez
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7631
FTS: 684-7631
Technology Developer Contact:
William J. Cooper
Drinking Water Research Center
Florida International University
Miami, Florida 33199
305-348-3049
or
Thomas D. Waite
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida 33124
305-284-3467
or
Charles N. Kurucz
University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida 33124
305-284-6595
November 1990
Page 132
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ELECTRO-PURE SYSTEMS, INC.
(Alternating Current Electrocoagulation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In this technology, an alternating current
electrocoagulator imposes an electric field on
stable suspensions and emulsions and
rearranges surface charges, which in turn
facilitates particle flocculation and
separation. Liquid/liquid and solid/liquid
phase separations are achieved without the
use of expensive polyelectrolytes. The
process is also free of the excess waste solids
attributed to chemical aids.
This technology is used to break stable
aqueous suspensions containing submicron-
sized particles up to 5 percent total solids. It
also breaks stable aqueous emulsions
containing up to 5 percent oil.
Figure 1 depicts the basic alternating current
electrocoagulation (AC/EC) process. An
electrocoagulator provides alternating current
through aluminum electrodes spaced at
nominal distances of 1/2 to 2 inches. The
electrocoagulator is small, has no moving
parts and can usually be integrated with
existing processes as a pre-treatment or
polishing step.
Coagulation and flocculation occur
simultaneously within the electrocoagulator
and continue in the product separation step.
The redistribution of charges and onset of
coagulation occur within the coagulator as a
result of exposure to the electric field and
dissociated catalytic precipitation of aluminum
from the electrodes. This activity occurs
rapidly (often within 30 seconds) for most
aqueous suspensions. Aqueous emulsions take
a little longer, approximately 2 minutes. Once
the redistribution of charges and the onset of
coagulation occur, treatment is complete and
the suspension/emulsion may be transferred
by gravity flow to the product separation step.
Product separation is accomplished in
conventional gravity separation and/or decant
vessels. Coagulation and flocculation continue
until complete phase separation is achieved.
Generally, the rate of separation is faster than
with methods that employ chemical
flocculants, and the solids are often more
dense than those resulting from chemical
treatment. Waste is removed using surface
skimming, bottom scraping, and decanting.
Vent or
Treat Gas
Aqueous
Suspension
or Emulsion
•fi-
Control
Feed
Rate
A.C.
COAGULATOR
Solid
Product
Separation
• Air for
Turbulence
Figure 1. Alternating current electrocoagulation basic process flow.
November 1990
Page 133
-------
In many applications, electrocoagulator
performance may be improved by mixing the
suspension/emulsion as it passes through the
electric field. Turbulence can be induced by
diffusing small air bubbles through the
suspension in the space between the
electrodes. System designs can include air
emission controls, using available
conventional technologies as necessary.
After the product separation step, each phase
(oil, water, solid) is removed for reuse,
recycling, further treatment or disposal. The
technology can be employed in conjunction
with conventional water treatment systems,
including those relying on metal
precipitation, membrane separation
technologies, mobile dewatering and
incineration units, and soil extraction
systems. A typical decontamination
application, for example, would result in a
water phase that could be discharged directly
to a stream or to a local wastewater
treatment plant for further treatment. The
solid phase, after dewatering, would be
shipped off-site for disposal, and the
dewatering filtrate recycled. Any floatable
material would be reclaimed, refined, or
otherwise recycled or disposed of.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AC/EC technology can be applied to a
variety of aqueous-based suspensions and
emulsions typically generated from
contaminated ground water, surface run-
off, landfill leachate, truck wash, scrubber
solutions, treated effluents, and extract
solutions. The suspensions include solids
such as: inorganic and organic pigments,
clays, metallic powders, metal ores, and
natural colloidal matter. The emulsions
include an array of organic solid and liquid
contaminants, including petroleum-based
byproducts.
AC/EC has been used to remove fines from
coal washwaters and colloidal clays from
mine ponds in capacities up to 750 gpm. It
has also been used to remove suspended
solids and heavy metals from pond water and
creosote-based contaminants from ground
water.
STATUS:
Two surrogate wastes were developed and
characterized using standardized test material
provided by RREL, Edison.
Pilot-scale equipment has been designed and
constructed. Major operating parameters have
been defined. Additional parameters that
influence treatment performance have been
noted and are being tested. Experiment results
indicate that AC/EC can effect aqueous/solid
phase separations comparable to chemical
flocculent addition. With AC/EC, filtration
times and sludge volumes were reduced.
Efforts during the second year will
concentrate on pilot-scale performance trials,
mass balance constituent loading, and
experiments using Superfund-type wastes to
provide an enhanced understanding of the
AC/EC technology for use at Superfund sites.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Naomi Barkley
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
.Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7854
FTS: 684-7854
Technology Developer Contact:
Clifton W. Farrell
Electro-Pure Systems, Inc.
10 Hazelwood Drive, Suite 106
Amherst, New York 14228-2298
716-691-2610 (office)
716-691-2613 (lab)
November 1990
Page 134
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC.
(Laser Induced Photochemical Oxidative Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is designed to
photochemically oxidize organic compounds
in wastewater by applying ultraviolet
radiation, using an Excimer laser. The
photochemical reactor can destroy low
concentrations of organics in water. The
energy is sufficient to fragment the bonds of
organic compounds, and the radiation is not
absorbed to any significant extent by the
water molecules in the solution. The process
is envisioned as a final treatment step to
reduce organic contamination in ground
water and industrial wastewaters to
acceptable discharge limits.
The overall reaction chemistry uses hydrogen
peroxide as the oxidant in the reaction:
CaHbX + (2a
aCO
where
0.5(b - 1))H2O2
HX
hv
H2O
is
CaHbX
component in the
a halogenated toxic
aqueous phase. The
reaction products are carbon dioxide, water,
and the corresponding halogen acid HX.
The existing process equipment has a capacity
of 1 GPM when treating a solution containing
32 ppm of total organic carbon. It consists of
a photochemical reactor, where oxidation is
initiated; and an effluent storage tank to
contain reaction products (Figure 1).
The skid-mounted system can be used in the
field and stationed at a site. The exact
makeup of the process will depend on the
chemical composition of the ground water or
wastewater being treated.
Typically, contaminated ground water is
pumped from a feed well through a filter unit
to remove suspended particles. The filtrate is
then fed to the photochemical reactor and
irradiated. The chemical oxidant (H2O2) is
introduced to the solution to provide hydroxyl
radicals required for oxidation.
The reactor effluent is directed to a vented
storage tank, where the CO2 oxidation product
is vented. An appropriate base (such as
CaCO,) may be added to the storage tank to
neutralize any halogenated acids formed when
treating fluids contaminated with halogenated
hydrocarbons.
Filtrate
Extraction
Well
Reinjectiofi
Welt
Figure 1.
Diagram of the pilot scale
laser-stimulated photolysis procea.
November 1990
Page 135
-------
The reaction kinetics depend on:
a) toxicant concentration;
b) peroxide concentration;
c) irradiation dose; and
d) irradiation frequency.
Table 1 presents typical reaction times for
given levels of destruction for several
toxicants of concern.
TABLE 1
DESTRUCTION OF TOXIC ORGANICS BY
LASER-INDUCED PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDATION
Compound
Benzene
Beniidine
Chlorobenzene
Chlorophenol
Dichloroethene
Phenol
Reaction
Time (hrs)
96
288
114
72
624
72
ORE
.chieved
0.91
0.88
0.98
1.00
0.88
1.00
Where
Cta* = Contaminant Concentration in to
reactor, with irradiation
C^* = Contaminant Concentration out of
reactor, with irradiation
Cj,, = Contaminant Concentration in to
reactor, no irradiation
Coul = Contaminant Concentration out of
reactor, no irradiation
WASTE APPUCABIIJTY:
This technology can be applied to ground
water and industrial wastewater containing
organics.
Typical target compounds tested, in which
positive results (>95% destruction removal
efficiency (DRE)) were obtained, include
chlorobenzene, chlorophenol, phenol,
benzene, and dichloroethene.
Table 2 lists the compounds destroyed by
UV/Ozonation processes which can be
treated successfully by Laser-Induced
Photochemical Oxidative Destruction.
TABLE 2: COMPOUNDS TREATED WITH UV/OHDATION
Elben Poticidei Aromatic Amine*
BTEX Curie Acid Completed Cyanido
Phenol TCA Potynudear Aromalia
TCE DCA Drain
PCE MeCU Hydrazine
DCE Cmob RDX
Potynitrophenoli PCBc M Dioxane
Ketonet PCP EDTA
Vinyl Chloride TNT Hydrazine
STATUS:
The process is now entering the initial phases
of commercialization, with the company
offering to conduct treatability studies for
prospective clients. Funding is also being
sought to construct a full-scale pilot facility
for a SITE program demonstration.
Preliminary cost evaluation shows the process
to be very competitive compared to other UV
oxidation processes and carbon adsorption.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
James H. Porter, L. Don D. Streete
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
East Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141
617-666-5500
November 1990
Page 136
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CORPORATION
(Hybrid Huidized Bed System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Hybrid Fluidized Bed (HFB) system treats
contaminated solids and sludges by (1)
incinerating all organic compounds, and (2)
extracting and detoxifying volatile metals.
The system consists of three stages:
1. Spouted Bed -- A spouted bed rapidly
heats solids and sludges to extract volatile
organic and inorganic compounds. The bed's
design retains larger soil clumps until they are
reduced in size, but allows fine material to
quickly pass through the primary stage. This
segregation process is beneficial because
organic contaminants in fine particles vaporize
very rapidly. The decontamination time for
large particles is longer due to heat and mass
transfer limitations.
The central spouting region is operated with
an inlet gas velocity of greater than 150 ft/sec.
This creates tremendous abrasion and grinding
action, resulting in the rapid size reduction of
the feed materials through attrition. The
spouted bed operates between 1500° F and
1700° F, under oxidizing conditions.
2. Fluidized Bed Afterburner -- Organic
vapors, volatile metals, carbon, and fine soil
particles are carried from the spouted bed
through an open-hole type distributor, which
forms the bottom of the second stage Fluidized
Bed Afterburner (FBA). The fluidized bed
afterburner provides sufficient retention time
and mixing to incinerate the organic
compounds that escape the spouted bed,
resulting in a destruction and removal
efficiency >99.999%. In addition, this stage
contains bed materials that absorb metal
vapors, capture fine particles, and promote the
formation of insoluble metal silicates. A
slightly sticky bed is advantageous because of
its particle retention properties.
3. High Temperature Particulate Soil
Extraction System — Clean processed soil is
removed from the effluent gas stream with
one or two hot cyclones. The clean soil is
extracted hot to preclude the condensation of
any unreacted volatile metal species. Off-
gases are then quenched and passed through a
conventional baghouse to capture the
condensed metal vapors.
Generally, material handling problems create
major operational difficulties for soils cleanup
devices. The HFB uses a specially designed
auger feed system. Solids and sludges are
dropped through a lock hopper system into an
auger shredder, which is a rugged, low rpm
feeding/grinding device. Standard augers are
simple and reliable, but they are susceptible to
clogging due to compression of the feed in the
auger. In this design, the auger shredder is
close-coupled to the spouted bed to reduce
compression and clump formation during
feeding. The close couple arrangement locates
the tip of the auger screw several inches from
the internal surface of the spouted bed,
preventing the formation of soils plugs.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to soils and
sludges contaminated with organic and volatile
inorganic contaminants. Non-volatile
inorganics are not affected.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in July 1990.
November 1990
Page 137
-------
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Teri Shearer
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7949
FTS: 684-7949
Technology Developer Contact:
D. Gene Taylor
Energy & Environmental Research Corp.
18 Mason Street
Irvine, California 92718
714-859-8851
November 1990
Page 138
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
ENVIRO-SCIENCES, INC.
(Low Energy Solvent Extraction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Low Energy Solvent Extraction Process
(LEEP) uses common organic solvents to
extract and concentrate organic pollutants
from soils, sediments and sludges. The
contaminants are leached from the solids
with a hydrophilic (water miscible) leaching
solvent and are then concentrated in a
hydrophobic (water immiscible) stripping
solvent. While the leaching solvent is
recycled internally, the hyrdrophobic
stripping solvent containing all the
contaminants is removed from the process
for destruction. Decontaminated solids and
water are then returned to the environment.
A solvent pair applicable to almost every
type of organic contaminant has been
identified. These solvents are readily
available and inexpensive. Most organic
contaminants of interest have a very high
solubility, and particles of earth materials
such as soils and sediments have fast settling
rates in the selected solvents. The hydrophilic
solvent is able to remove the otherwise
impermeable water film surrounding the solid
particles. These characteristics allow for high
leaching efficiencies at high leaching rates.
Due to the low latent heat value and the low
boiling point of the leaching solvent, it can be
recycled at a low energy cost.
The LEEP technology is capable of operating
at ambient conditions and involves simple to
use, heavy-duty equipment. In general, the
design of LEEP allows for a wide range of
processing conditions, which enables the
process to achieve required cleanup levels for
virtually every organic contaminant.
The leaching of the contaminated materials
takes place in a heavy duty, multistage,
counter-current paddle washer. The number
of stages is a function of operating conditions,
which can be adjusted to match site-specific
parameters. The required cleanup levels can
thus be achieved without multiple passes of
Figure 1. LEEP Technology Flow Diagram.
November 1990
Page 139
-------
the same material. Also, the sectionalized
design of the leaching unit allows the
simultaneous use of different leaching
solvents.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process was originally designed to
remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
from sediments. However, it has been
shown to have much broader applications,
including petroleum hydrocarbons,
polyaromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, wood
preserving chlorophenol formulations, and
tars.
LEEP is applicable to a wide range of solid
matrices, containing particle sizes from 1/2"
to the submicron range and having water
concentrations from a few percent to 90%+.
LEEP has been used in bench-scale
treatability studies to successfully
decontaminate the following wastes:
• PCB contaminated solids:
- Sediments from the Hudson River and
Waukegan Harbor contaminated with
PCBs (1242 and 1254) and mineral oil
- Topsoil contaminated with PCBs
(1260)
Surface cover from an electric utility
containing PCBs (1260) and mineral
oil
- Subsoil consisting of silt and clay
contaminated with PCBs (1260)
• Refinery sludges:
- Rainwater impoundment sludge
- Slop oil emulsion solids
• Oil contaminated solids:
- Subsoil contaminated with cutting oil
used in metal machining
- Fill material contaminated with fuel oil
• Manufactured gas plant sites:
- Soil contaminated with tar
STATUS:
The process concept was developed in 1987
under a U.S. EPA research grant. The
technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in June 1989.
Bench-scale process optimization and
engineering and construction of the pilot plant
have been completed during the summer of
1990.
The technology developer (ART International,
Inc.) has conducted bench-scale treatability
studies. These will be followed by pilot plant
feasibility studies on materials from the
Hudson River and from sites of several
industrial clients. The same approach is to be
taken with material from Superfund sites;
several projects are planned for the near
future.
ART International, Inc. has obtained a
treatability study permit from the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP) to conduct bench-scale and pilot-
scale treatability studies at the ART
International facility.
The first trailer-mounted commercial unit is
scheduled to be available by the end of 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Technology Developer Contact:
Werner Steiner
ART International, Inc.
273 Franklin Road
Randolph, New Jersey 07869
201-361-8840
November 1990
Page 140
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
FERRO CORPORATION
(Waste Vitrification Through Electric Melting)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Vitrification technology converts
contaminated soils, sediments, and sludges
into oxide glasses, rendering them non-
toxic and suitable for landfilling as a
nonhazardous material. Inorganic and toxic
species are chemically bonded into an oxide
glass and are changed chemically to a non-
toxic form.
Two requirements must be met to
successfully vitrify soils, sediments, and
sludges: (1) the development of glass
compositions tailored to the waste being
treated; and (2) the development of a glass
melting technology that can convert the
waste and additives into a stable glass
without producing toxic emissions.
Because of a low toxic emission rate, an
electric melter may be more advantageous than
a fossil-fuel melter for vitrifying toxic wastes.
In an electric melter, molten glass, an ionic
conductor of relatively high electrical
resistivity, can be kept molten through joule
heating. As a consequence, electric melters
process waste under a relatively thick blanket
of feed material, which limits the emission of
hot gases (Figure 1). This blanket essentially
forms a counter-flow scrubber for volatile
emissions. In contrast, fossil fuel melters have
large, exposed molten glass surface areas from
which hazardous constituents can volatilize
into the ambient air. Typical experience with
commercial electric melters has shown that the
loss of inorganic volatile constituents (e.g.,
B2O3 or PbO), which is high in fossil fuel
GLASS-MAKING
MATERIALS
Electrode
some dust
& volatiles
FRIT, MARBLES, etc.
Steel
DISPOSAL
Figure 1. Electric Furnace Vitrification.
November 1990
Page 141
-------
melters, is significantly reduced. Because of
its low emission rate and small volume of
exhaust gases, electric melting is a promising
technology for incorporating high-level
nuclear waste into a stable glass.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Vitrification presents a viable option for
stablizing inorganic components found in
hazardous waste. In addition, the very high
temperature involved in glass production
(approximately 1500°C) will decompose
organic material in the waste to relatively
harmless components, which can be removed
easily from the low volume of melter off-
gas.
STATUS:
Initial testing, scheduled for late 1990 to
early 1991, will focus on developing a glass
chemistry suitable for synthetic soil matrix
SSM IV as defined by RREL Risk Control
Branch. A synthetic soil has been chosen to
alleviate permitting complications that would
arise with the excavation and transport of a
Superfund site waste. EP Toxicity and
TCLP protocols will be used to define glass
compositions that would convert the
hazardous waste into nonhazardous waste.
Glass properties required for melter
operation will also be measured.
Electric melter trials will begin once the
glass composition is established. Initial trials
will be conducted in a laboratory melter with
a maximum melting rate of 20 pounds/hour
of glass product. The trials will establish
initial operating conditions and provide
operational experience that will be used to
scale the technology to a pilot melter capable
of producing glass at a rate of
100-200 pounds/hour. Final evaluations of
the product glass and the emission rate will
be obtained from these pilot melter trials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7271
FTS: 684-7271
Technology Developer Contact:
Emilio D. Spinosa
Research Associate
Ferro Corporation, Corporate Research
7500 East Pleasant Valley Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-641-8580
November 1990
Page 142
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
HARMON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC
(Soil Washing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Solvent washing is a method of cleaning soils
contaminated with heavy organic
compounds, such as PCBs (polychlorinated
biphenyls) and chlorodibenzodioxins
(dioxins). This method is based on a
patented solvent blend that has successfully
reduced PCB concentrations in soil to less
than 2 ppm, the level at which soil can be
placed at the site without containment. The
solvent used in soil washing is critical to the
success of the system. It should be
immiscible with water (so that the water
naturally found on the soil will be displaced)
and be able to break up soil clods without
grinding or shredding. Depending on the
solvent used, this technology can be tailored
to remove most organic constituents from
solid matrices.
The solvent washing process is analogous to
dry-cleaning clothing (Figure 1). A
soil/solvent contactor is used to mix
contaminated solids with a solvent. The
mixture is agitated for an appropriate length
of time (usually one hour), and then the
solvent with the dissolved organic contaminant
is drawn off. A fraction of the solvent
remains mixed with the solids. The solvent is
typically removed by subsequent washes until
the solid is sufficiently decontaminated.
The solvent from each wash is delivered to a
reclamation system, where it is distilled. The
contaminant is concentrated as a still bottom.
The still bottom, a small volume of the
original soil, and a liquid residue can be
further treated off- or on-site depending on
economics and other considerations. Once the
Soil/Solvent Contactor
Water Separator
Water
Figure 1. Simplified procea schematic.
November 1990
Page 143
-------
desired level of decontamination is achieved,
the residual solvent is removed from the soil
by steam stripping. To facilitate this
removal, a solvent with a high vapor
pressure should be used.
Aqueous discharges of this process are
limited to non-contact cooling water and the
water that is initially present in the soil. The
latter discharge is a very clean, low-volume
material that typically does not require
additional treatment prior to discharge.
Unlike high-temperature processes such as
incineration, this process leaves the soil
matrix unchanged. The technology produces
clean soil suitable for sustaining vegetation.
Process equipment is mobile, operates at low
temperatures, is totally enclosed (thereby
producing virtually no air emissions) and
generates very few residual wastes.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology has been shown to
successfully clean metal foil, paper and sand,
clay soils, high-organic soils, and soils mixed
with organic matter (such as leaves). It can
be applied to soil contaminated with high
molecular weight organic compounds,
including PCBs and dioxins. Although the
work to date has emphasized PCB
decontamination, tests show that the
technology can also remove
chlorodibenzofurans and most types of
petroleum products and oils.
STATUS:
Second-year funding for the project has been
approved. Laboratory and pilot-scale
programs are complete, and an interim report
has been prepared.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
S. Jackson Hubbard
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7507
FTS: 684-7507
Technology Developer Contact:
William C. Webster
Harmon Environmental Services, Inc.
1530 Alabama Street
Auburn, AL 36830
205-821-9253
November 1990
Page 144
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation
(FEED) Process is a three-step process for
the effective remediation of organic
contaminants from soil (Figure 1). It
combines three distinct technologies: (1)
fluid extraction and separation, which
removes organics from contaminated solids;
(2) separation, which transfers pollutants
from an extract to a bio logically-compatible
solvent; and (3) biological treatment, which
degrades organic pollutants to innocuous
byproducts.
Contaminants must first be extracted from
the soil. Excavated soils are placed in a
pressure vessel and extracted with a
recirculated stream of supercritical or near-
supercritical fluid.
Following extraction, organic contaminants
are collected in a separation solvent. Clean
extraction solvent is recycled to the extraction
stage. The separation solvent containing the
contaminants is sent to the final stage of the
process, where biodegradation is used to
degrade the waste to carbon dioxide and
water.
Biodegradation is achieved in above-ground
aerobic bioreactors, using mixtures of bacterial
cultures. Cultures are selected based on site
characteristics. For example, if a site is
contaminated primarily with polyaromatic
hydrocarbons, such as naphthalene, phen-
anthrene, fluorine, pyrene, and others,
cultures able to grow at the expense of these
hydrocarbons are used in the biological
treatment stage.
Contaminated
Solid*
Extraction Solvent
with contaminants
Stage 1
EXTRACTION
Extraction
Solvent
Decontaminated
Solid*
Pressure
Reducing
Separation
Solvent
Stage 2
SEPARATION
Recycled
or
Cleaned
Extraction
Solvent
Compressor
Make-up
Extraction
Solvent
Separation Solvent
with
Contaminants
Stage 3
BIOLOGICAL
DEGRADATION
Water,
carbon
dioxide,
and
blomass
Figure 1. Overview of the Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation Process.
November 1990
Page 145
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes organic compounds
from contaminated solids. It is more
effective on some classes of organics, such as
hydrocarbons (for example, gasoline and fuel
oils), than on others, such as halogenated
solvents and PCBs.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in July
1990. The developer is preparing the work
plan and quality assurance project plan for
U.S. EPA approval.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
W. Kennedy Gauger
Institute of Gas Technology
3424 South State Street
Chicago, IL 60616
312-567-3947
November 1990
Page 146
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(Fluidized Bed Cyclonic Agglomerating Incinerator)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) has
developed a two-stage, fluidized
bed/cyclonic agglomerating incinerator based
on a combination of technologies developed
at IGT over many years. In the combined
system, solid, liquid, and gaseous organic
waste can be efficiently destroyed while
solid inorganic contaminants are combined
within a glassy matrix suitable for disposal in
an ordinary landfill.
The first stage of the incinerator is an
agglomerating fluidized-bed reactor, which
can operate either under substoichiometric
conditions or with excess air. The system
can operate over a wide range of conditions,
from low temperature (desorption) to high
temperature (agglomeration), including the
FINES
RECIRCULATtON
gasification of high BTU wastes. With a
unique distribution of fuel and air, the bulk
of the fluidized-bed is maintained at 1500-
2000° F, while the central spout temperature
can be varied between 2000 and 3000° F.
When the contaminated soils and sludges are
fed into the fluidized bed, the combustible
fraction of the waste undergoes a rapid
gasification/combustion, producing gaseous
components. The solid fraction, containing
metal contaminants, undergoes a chemical
transformation in the hot zone, and is
agglomerated into glassy essentially
nonleachable pellets.
The gaseous products leaving the fluidized bed
may contain unburned hydrocarbons, furans,
dioxins, and carbon monoxide as well as the
products of complete combustion, carbon
FLUE GAS
TO HEAT
RECOVERY OR
TREATMENT
AOOLOMERATEO
RESIDUE
OXIOANT . FUEL
Figure 1. Schematic of Two-Stage Fluidized-Bed/Cyclonic
Agglomerating Incinerator.
November 1990
Page 147
-------
dioxide and water. The product gas from
the fluidized bed is fed into the second stage
of the incinerator, where it is further
combusted at a temperature of 1600 to 2200°
F. The second stage is a cyclonic
combustor/separator which provides
sufficient residence time to oxidize carbon
monoxide and organic compounds to carbon
dioxide and water vapor, with a combined
destruction removal efficiency greater than
99.99%.
IGT's two-stage fluidized bed/cyclonic
agglomerating incinerator is not an entirely
new concept, but rather an improvement
based on experience with other fluidized bed
and cyclonic combustion systems. The
patented sloped grid design and ash
discharge port in this process were initially
developed for IGT's U-GAS coal gasification
process. The cyclonic combustor/separator
is a modification of IGT's low emissions
combustor.
WASTE APPIJCABILITY:
This two-stage incinerator can destroy
organic contaminants in gaseous, liquid, and
solid wastes, including soils and sludges.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in July
1990. The developer is currently preparing
a quality assurance program plan. The batch
6-inch diameter fluidized-bed unit is
currently being modified for testing to
establish operating regimes for soil
agglomeration. A 6-ton per day pilot plant
unit is being designed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Teri Shearer
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7949
FTS: 684-7949
Technology Developer Contact:
Amir Rehmat
Institute of Gas Technology
3424 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois 606016
312-567-5899
November 1990
Page 148
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
IT CORPORATION
(Batch Steam Distillation/Metal Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Batch Steam Distillation/Metal
Extraction treatment process is a two-stage
system to treat soils contaminated with both
organics and inorganics. This technology
uses conventional, readily available process
equipment, and does not produce hazardous
combustion products. Hazardous materials
are separated from soils as concentrates,
which can then be disposed of or recycled.
After treatment, the soil is decontaminated
and may be returned to the site.
Volatile organics are separated from the feed
waste (soil) by direct steam injection (Figure
1). The resulting vapors are condensed and
decanted to separate organic liquids from the
aqueous phase. The soil is then transferred
as a slurry to the metals extraction step
(Figure 2). Condensed water from this step
can be recycled through the system after
further treatment to remove soluble organics.
"1CTCLI W»TM FHOH
After the volatiles are separated, heavy metals
are removed from the soil slurry by
hydrochloric acid. After contact with the
acid, the solids are settled out, and the acid
solution containing the metals is pumped out.
Most heavy metals are converted to chloride
salts in this step. This stream is then charged
to a batch distillation system, where
hydrochloric acid is recovered. The bottoms
from this still, containing the heavy metals,
are precipitated as hydroxide salts, and drawn
off as a sludge for off-site disposal or
recovery.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process is applicable to soils contaminated
with both organics and heavy metals.
-JH —
usnc
Olljj ,
umi
r 1
'
,
»'
~"!
<
AQUKOUS
a
M-
i —
=
SOIL
Off IITC DlfKJttl.
SOIL SLUHHY TO
MITAL fXTHACTION VIM1L
1ATCM DISTILLATION VI«*IL
Figure I. Bitch itcfla distillation step.
Figure 2 MeUlt t
November 1990
Page 149
-------
STATUS:
Bench-scale tests have shown that batch
steam distillation of three soils was effective
in reducing a wide range of chlorinated and
BTEX volatiles to below detectable limits
(~25 ppb). Heavy metal extraction
efficiency was unaffected by hydrochloric
acid strength. Conditions for the pilot tests,
scheduled for the third quarter of 1990, have
been established. Analytical procedures must
be refined.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7856
FTS: 684-7856
Technology Developer Contact:
Robert D. Fox
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
615-690-3211
November 1990
Page 150
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
IT CORPORATION
(Photolytic/Biological Soil Detoxification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is a two-stage, in-situ
photolytic/biological detoxification process
for shallow soil contamination. The first
step in the process is to degrade the organic
contaminants using ultraviolet (UV)
radiation. Degradation is enhanced by adding
detergent-like chemicals (surfactants) to
mobilize the contaminants. Photolysis of the
original contaminants is expected to convert
them to less resistant compounds. Biological
degradation, the second step, is then used to
further destroy the organic contamination
and detoxify the soil. The rate of photolytic
degradation is several times faster with
artificial UV light than with natural sunlight.
When using sunlight for soil with shallow
contamination, the soil is tilled with a power
tiller and sprayed with surfactant (Figure 1).
Tilling and spraying is repeated frequently to
expose new surfaces. Water may also be added
to maintain soil moisture. UV lights with
parabolic reflectors are suspended over the soil
to irradiate it. After photolysis is complete,
biodegradation activity is enhanced by adding
microorganisms and nutrients and by further
tilling the soil.
When these techniques are applied to soils with
deep contamination, the excavated soil is
treated in a specially constructed, RCRA-
compliant shallow treatment basin.
The only residue from this combination of
technologies is soil contaminated with both the
end metabolites of the biodegradation
processes and the surfactants that are used.
The surfactants are common materials used in
agricultural formulations.
Figure 1. Photolytic Degradation Process Using Sunlight.
November 1990
Page 151
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology destroys organics,
particularly dioxins, PCBs, and other
polychlorinated aromatics, and PAHs.
STATUS:
Bench-scale testing will take place during
the last half of 1990 and the first half of
1991; pilot tests in the following year. Two
contaminated soils will be tested -- one with
PCBs and one with dioxin. The test soils and
the necessary permits are being sought.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Randy A. Parker
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7271
FTS: 684-7271
Technology Developer Contact:
Robert D. Fox
IT Corporation
312 Directors Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37923
615-690-3211
November 1990
Page 152
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
(Membrane Process for Removal of Volatile Organics
from Contaminated Air Streams)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses synthetic polymer
membranes to remove organic contaminants
from gaseous waste streams. Organic
contaminants are recovered in liquid form
and may be recycled or disposed off-site.
Solvent-laden contaminated air at
atmospheric pressure contacts one side of a
membrane that is permeable to the organic
material but impermeable to air (Figure 1).
A partial vacuum on the other side of the
membrane draws the organic vapor through
the membrane. The organic vapor is then
cooled and condensed. The small volume of
air that permeates the membrane is recycled
through the system.
The treated stream may be vented, recycled
for further use at the site, or passed to an
additional treatment step. For more dilute
waste streams, a two-stage process is required.
Organic vapor is concentrated tenfold in the
first stage, and an additional tenfold in the
second stage.
The system is transportable and is significantly
smaller than a carbon adsorption system of
similar capacity. The process generates a clean
air stream and a pure liquid product stream
that can be incinerated. Disposal problems
associated with adsorption technologies are
eliminated.
Vent or
further treatment
Solvent-
depleted air
Solvent-
enriched air
Condenser
Liquid flolvcnt
Figure 1. Schematic of a simple one-stage solvent vapor
separation and recovery process.
November 1990
Page 153
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Membrane systems are applicable to most
airstreams containing halogenated and
nonhalogenated contaminants. Typical
applications would be the treatment of air
stripper exhaust before discharge to the
atmosphere, reduction of process vent
emissions such as those now regulated by
EPA source performance standards for the
synthetic organic chemical manufacturing
industry, and recovery of CFCs and HCFCs.
Effectiveness depends on the class of organic
compound.
STATUS:
The process has been tested on the bench
scale and has achieved removal efficiencies
of greater than 90% for selected organics.
This technology has been successfully field
demonstrated in three industrial processes,
including CFC recovery from process vents,
and halocarbon blowing agent recovery in a
flexible foam manufacturing operation. The
technology has been tested on air streams
contaminated with a wide range of organics,
in concentrations of 100 to 40,000 ppm. The
treatment of contaminated air streams
generated at Superfund sites is considered to
be a good opportunity to demonstrate this
technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Paul R. dePercin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
FTS: 684-7797
Technology Developer Contact:
Dr. J. G. Wijmans
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
415-328-2228
November 1990
Page 154
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
MONTANA COLLEGE OF MINERAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
During the past decade, large mechanical
flotation cells (aerated-stirred tank reactors)
have been designed, installed, and operated.
In addition, considerable effort has been
made to develop column flotation technology
in the United States and elsewhere, leading
to a number of industrial installations.
Nevertheless, for both mechanical and
column cells, the specific flotation capacity
is generally limited to 1 to 2 tons per day
(tpd) per cubic foot of cell volume.
In contrast with conventional flotation
equipment, the Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone
(ASH) being tested by Montana Tech will
have a specific flotation capacity of at least
100 tpd per cubic foot of cell volume.
Standard flotation techniques used in
industrial mineral processing are effective
ways of concentrating materials. However,
metal value recovery is never complete. The
valuable material escaping the milling process
is frequently concentrated in the very fine
particle fraction. The ASH was developed
under Dr. Jan Miller's research group at the
University of Utah during the early 1980's to
achieve fast flotation of fine particles in a
centrifugal field.
The ASH consists of two concentric right-
vertical tubes with a conventional cyclone
header at the top and a froth pedestal at the
bottom. The inner tube is a porous tube
through which air is sparged radially. The
outer tube serves as an air jacket to provide
for even distribution of air through the porous
inner tube.
OVERFLOW
UNDERFLOW
SLURRY
Figure 1. Air-sparged hydrocyclone.
November 1990
Page 155
-------
The slurry is fed tangentially through the
conventional cyclone header to develop a
swirl flow of a certain thickness in the radial
direction (the swirl-layer thickness) and is
discharged through an annular opening
between the insides of the porous tube wall
and the froth pedestal. Air is sparged
through the jacketed, inner porous tube wall
and is sheared into small bubbles that are
radially transported, together with attached
hydrophobic particles, into a froth phase that
forms on the cyclone axis. The froth phase
is stabilized and constrained by the froth
pedestal at the underflow, moves towards the
vortex finder of the cyclone header, and is
discharged as an overflow product.
Hydrophilic particles (water wetted)
generally remain in the slurry phase and are
discharged as an underflow product through
the annulus created by the froth pedestal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is designed for treating
mining industry wastes, to remove toxic
materials and recover low-concentrations of
metals in a commercial environment.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in June
1990. A cooperative has been signed.
Currently, a quality assurance plan is being
prepared.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Eugene F. Harris
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7862
FTS: 684-7862
Technology Developer Contact:
Theodore Jordan
Montana College of Mineral
Technology
West Park Street
Butte, Montana 57901
406-496-4112
Science
November 1990
Page 156
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(Ghea Associates Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The technical approach of the Ghea
Associates process is to use selected
surfactants (detergent-like chemicals) in
water solution to extract both inorganic and
organic contaminants from the soil. The
resulting mixture is purified by separating
out the surfactant/contaminant complex, and
splitting it into a surfactant fraction, which
is recovered for repeated use, and a
contaminants fraction.
The cleaning power of surfactants comes
from the presence of both hydrophilic
("water-liking") and lipophilic ("oil-liking")
groups on the same molecule. Therefore,
surfactants can link an oily contaminant with
the water, pulling it from its matrix the way
laundry soap (a detergent) pulls soil from
cloth into the wash water. Surfactants enable
water to hold large quantities of oil
contaminants by forming "micelles", tiny
capsules of surfactant filled with the
contaminant.
A variation uses surfactants to form stable
bubbles, which can lift heavy particles to the
top of the solution; this is called "foam
flotation." This process combines "foam
flotation" with ultrafiltration to achieve
complete recovery of the surfactants from the
surfactant/contaminant complex, as well as the
reduction of dissolved metals.
After extraction, solids are filtered out of the
washing solution. These solids are rinsed and
disposed of after they are confirmed to be
pure. The temperature or pH of the solution
is changed so that the surfactant/contaminant
separates from the water. The water is again
treated and recycled through the system or
discharged to the sewer. The surfactant is
separated from the contaminants and also
recycled. The contaminated fraction will be
disposed of according to federal regulations.
This process uses the appropriate surfactant or
surfactant mixtures to separate the
contaminants of interest. Dosages, mixing
Contaminated
Soil
Extraction
S/L Separation
Surfactant
Ultrafiltration Retentate
Ultrafiltration
Liquid
Air Flotation
Clean
Soil
Liquid
Phase Separation
Air Flotation
Retentate
Surfactant/
Tar Complex
Desorption
Surfactant
Recycle
Clean Water Tar
Figure 1. Process flow diagram.
November 1990
Page 157
-------
time, and the precise means of separating the
fraction of the wash water will vary with the
situation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to mixtures of
widely varying compositions, including
organic, inorganic, volatile, and nonvolatile
contaminants.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in July
1990. The developer is preparing the work
plan and quality assurance project plan for
U.S. EPA approval. Treatability test results
are shown in Table 1.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7697
FTS: 684-7697
Technology Developer Contact:
Itzhak Gotlieb
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering
Newark, New Jersey 07102
201-596-5862
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF TREATABILITY TEST RESULTS
(Concentration* in ppm by weight)
System
BTX in water
Trinitrotoluene in Water
PHC in Soil
PCBg + PHC in Soil:
PCB
PHC
Tar Contaminated Soil:
Benzo-a-pyrene
Benz-k-fluoran
Chrysene
Benzoanthracene
Pyrene
Anthracene
Phenanthrane
Fluorene
D ibenzofuran
1-Me-Naphthalene
2-Me-Naphthalene
Cobalt
Nickel
Chromium
Total Tar
Untreated
Sample
2750
180
3540
130
5600
28.8
24.1
48.6
37.6
124.2
83.6
207.8
92.7
58.3
88.3
147.3
40
105
320
6wt. 99.6
81.7
>99.8
>99.7
>99.9
>99.9
>99.9
>99.9
>99.8
98.5
>99.9
81.3
78.6
65.6
>99.9
November 1990
Page 158
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY
(Anaerobic Biological Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology involves the bioremediation
of soils and sludges contaminated with
nitroaromatics. Nitroaromatic compounds,
particularly nitrotoluenes used as explosives,
have become serious environmental contam-
inants at military locations nationwide.
Pesticides are another example of
nitroaromatic environmental contaminants.
Considerable work during the 1970s
indicated that complete biodegradation of
2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and similar
highly nitrated compounds did not occur.
Biological reductions (R-NO2-> R-NCH R-
NHOH-* R-NH2) and polymerization
reactions appeared to occur, but actual
degradations of aromatic nuclei generally
were not observed.
This previous work involved studies of
aerobic systems, such as activated sludge and
thermophilic composts, and pure culture
studies of aerobic fungi and bacteria, such as
pseudomonads. Some studies examined pure
cultures of anaerobic bacteria (Veillonella
alkalescens) with similar results.
Recently, it was discovered that anaerobic
microbial mixtures can completely destroy
many recalcitrant chemicals, such as
chloroform, benzene, chlorophenols, that had
been considered essentially nonbiodegradable
under such conditions. Extensive work with
such microbes indicates that these systems are
capable of complete mineralization of
nitroaromatic pollutants.
Anaerobic microbial mixtures have been
developed for both the pesticide dinoseb (2-
sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) and TNT. These
mixtures completely degrade their target
molecules to simple, nonaromatic products
over a period of a few days. Transient
formation of reduced intermediates (e.g.,
amino-nitrotoluenes) is observed. The
consortia of microbes function at Eh's of
-200 mV or more negative.
Inject anaerobic culture
plastic liner
Figure 1. Cut-away view of the pilot-scale treatment.
November 1990
Page 159
-------
Figure 1 is a cut-away view of the pilot-
scale treatment unit; it can treat
approximately 50 cubic meters of soil. The
biodegradation process involves adding
starch to flooded soils and sludges. An
anaerobic, starch-degrading bacteria also
may be introduced. After anaerobic
conditions are established (at Eh equal to -
200 mV), the nitroaromatic-degrading
anaerobic microbial consortia will be
injected to initiate nitroaromatic-pollutant
destruction.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is designed to treat soils
contaminated with nitroaromatic pollutants.
Anaerobic microbial mixtures have been
developed for the pesticide dinoseb and for
TNT.
STATUS:
Bench-scale processes have been developed
and will be scaled up to pilot size under the
Emerging Technologies Program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Wendy Davis-Hoover
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7206
FTS: 684-7206
Technology Developer Contact:
Douglas K. Sell
J.R. Simplot Company
P.O. Box 15057
Boise, ID 83715
208-389-7265
November 1990
Page 160
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
TRINITY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Ultrasonic Detoxification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The detoxification process consists of five
stages: classification; caustic addition;
ultrasonic irradiation; product testing;
separation and neutralization.
Contaminated material such as soil, gravel,
sludge, rags, paper, and plastic is first sized
(crushed, milled, or cut) to pass through a
1-inch screen. The sized materials are
augured from a temporary storage hopper
into a mixing tank.
The mixing tank is capable of combining up to
two 12-cubic-yard batches. Contaminated
solids are mixed with water and caustic. A
wetting agent is also added to permit the
caustic solution to permeate the solids easily.
The slurry formed is then pumped through a
series of ultrasonic transducer flow-cells,
where the slurry is destroyed by ultrasound.
Trinity Environmental Technologies, Inc. uses
ultrasonic energy (high frequency sound
waves) to produce an alternating adiabatic
compression and rarefaction of the liquid
media being irradiated.
Decontaminited Sol
MUnfTank
Primary SettPn
Dried. NooKEd Non-Hazardous Soil
Figure 1. Process Flow Diagram for Ultrasonically Assisted
Soil Detoxification Process.
November 1990
Page 161
-------
Micro-voids form in the rarefaction part of
the ultrasonic wave. These micro-voids
contain vaporized liquid or gas that was
previously dissolved in the liquid. This
phenomenon is called cavitation.
The compression part of the wave violently
collapses the micro-voids, producing high
local pressures of up to 20,000 atmospheres
and attaining transitory temperatures of up to
10,000 degrees Kelvin. Cavitation is believed
to be the dominant driving force in the
chemical dehalogenation of hazardous
materials. The region of highest cavitation is
between 1 and 50 kHz.
The treated slurry is next pumped into a
holding tank and continuously mixed before
a representative sample is drawn. When an
analysis of the slurry shows the solids are
decontaminated, the solids are separated from
the decontaminated solution.
A polyelectrolyte or other flocculation aid is
used to separate most of the soil from the
slurry. Any suspended solids are filtered out
of the solution recycle stream or reprocessed.
After caustic neutralization, the solids are
completely dewatered and suitable for
replacement at the excavation site (in the case
of soils) or sanitary landfill (in the case of
contaminated clothing, rags, etc.). The by-
products are non-hazardous.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology can be used for detoxifying
PCB-contaminated solids, soils, and sludges.
Dichlorobenzene, PCBs, and other chlorinated
compounds have been successfully
dehalogenated to date. Compounds that are
analogs to PCBs, such as polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, can also be
destroyed with this process. Removing the
halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, etc.)
from hazardous organic compounds reduces or
eliminates their toxic properties.
The process can be operated at Trinity's TSCA
approved facility. The stationary unit will be
a test-bed for evaluating material from
different PCB sites. The data gathered from
this operation will be used to determine
operational parameters for mobile processing
units sent to the sites to complete the
detoxification of the PCB-contaminated soil.
The expected processing cost for PCB-
contaminated soils is $300 to $400 per ton.
STATUS:
In approximately 12 months, Trinity will have
a 1 to 10 ton per hour processor for handling
PCB-contaminated solids.
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in July 1990.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Managers:
Norma Lewis and Kim Kreiton
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 4S268
513-569-7665
FTS: 684-7665
Technology Developer Contact:
Duane P. Koszalka
Trinity Environmental Technologies, Inc.
62 E. First Street
Mound Valley, Kansas 67354
316-328-3222
November 1990
Page 162
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
(In-Situ Mitigation of Acid Water)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology addresses the acid drainage
problem associated with exposed sulfide-
bearing minerals (mine waste rock,
abandoned metallic mines, etc.) and is an
innovative technique for the in-situ
mitigation of acid water. Acid drainage
forms under natural conditions when iron
disulphides (such as fool's gold) are exposed
to the atmosphere and water and
spontaneously oxidize to produce a complex
of highly soluble iron sulfates. These salts
readily hydrolyze to produce an acid, iron,
and sulfate enriched drainage that adversely
affects the environment.
The reclamation strategy works by
modifying the hydrology and geochemistry
of the site. This is accomplished through
land surface reconstruction and selective
placement of limestone.
The technique can be applied to any site
located in a humid area where limestone is
available as a neutralizing medium. Limestone
is used as the alkaline source material because
it has long-term availability, is generally
inexpensive, and is safe to handle. For the
chemical balances to be effective, the site
must be located in an area of rainfall
sufficient to produce seeps or drainages that
continually contact the limestone. Thus
rainfall helps to remediate the site, rather than
increasing the acid drainage.
The overall conceptual model is presented in
Figure 1 and is applicable primarily for mine
construction. Surface depressions are
constructed to collect surface runoff and
funnel the water into the waste rock dump
through "chimneys" constructed of alkaline
material. Acidic material is capped with
impermeable material to divert water away
from the acid cores. Through this design,
some acid production can be tolerated, but the
net acid load will be lower than the alkaline
load, resulting in benign, non-acid drainage.
MINE/BACKFILL CONSTRUCTION DESIGNED
TO MINIMIZE ACID PRODUCTION
MANIPULATION of ACID and ALKALINE STRATA
and HYDROLOGY
Figure 1. Conceptual Model for the Abatement of Acid Drainages.
November 1990
Page 163
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is designed to neutralize acid
drainage from abandoned waste dumps and
mines.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technologies Program in March
1990. Pilot-scale studies expected to be
completed by the summer of 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Roger C. Wilmoth
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7509
FTS: 684-7509
Technology Developer Contact:
Frank T. Caruccio
Department of Geological Sciences
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-4512
November 1990
Page 164
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
(Adsorptive Filtration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses adsorptive filtration to
remove inorganic contaminants (metals) from
the liquid phase. An adsorbent, ferrihydrite,
is applied to the surface of an inert
substrate, such as sand, which is then placed
in a vertical column (Figure 1). The column
containing the coated sand acts as a filter
and adsorbent. Once the adsorptive capacity
of the column is reached, the metals are
removed and concentrated for subsequent
recovery using a pH-induced desorption
process.
The sand is coated by heating it in an acidic
ferric nitrate solution to 110° C. The
resulting ferrihydrite-coated sand is
insoluble at pHs above 1. As a result, acidic
solutions can be used in the regeneration step
to ensure complete metal recovery. There has
been no apparent loss of treatment efficiency
after tens of regeneration cycles.
In addition to substantially reduced operating
costs. The advantages of this technology over
conventional treatment technologies for metals
are that it: (1) removes metals present as
complexes, including metals complexed with
some organics; (2) removes anions; and (3) acts
as a filter to remove suspended matter from
solution. In fact, coated sand is a better filter
media than plain sand.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process removes inorganic contaminants
from aqueous waste streams. It is applicable
to aqueous waste streams with a wide range of
contaminant concentrations and pH values.
Influent
Regeneration
"Polish"
pH2.0
f To Metal Recovery
Effluent fo Discharge
or Recycle
t Valve
(§) Pump
Figure 1. Schematic of Proposed Treatment System.
November 1990
Page 165
-------
STATUS:
Synthetic solutions containing 0.5 ppm of
Cu, Cd, or Pb have been treated in packed
columns with retention times of 2 minutes.
After approximately 5,000 bed volumes were
treated, effluent concentrations were about
0.025 ppm for each metal, indicating a 95%
removal efficiency. The tests were stopped
at this point, even though the metals were
still being removed; in other experiments the
capacity of the media to adsorb copper was
about 7000 mg per liter of packed bed.
When the columns were regenerated, the first
batch of regenerant solutions contained about
500 ppm of metal each in the case of Pb or
Cd, representing a concentration factor of
about 1000 to 1. The copper data have not
been analyzed yet. At a flow rate yielding a
2-minute retention time, it would have taken
10,000 minutes, or about 7 days of
continuous flow operation, to treat the 5,000
bed volumes. However, because the system
was not run continuously, treatment actually
spanned a period of about three weeks.)
Regeneration took about 2 hours.
The system has also been tested for treatment
of rinse waters from a copper etching
process at a printed circuitboard shop. The
coated sand was effective at removing
mixtures of soluble, complexed Cu and
particulate Cu, as well as Zn and Pb, from
these waters. When two columns were used
in series, the treatment system was able to
handle fluctuations in influent Cu
concentration from less than ten up to
several hundred mg/L.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7665
FTS: 684-7665
Technology Developer Contact:
Mark M. Benjamin
University of Washington
Department of Civil Engineering
Seattle, Washington 98195
206-543-7645
November 1990
Page 166
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGY CENTER
(Cross-Flow Pervaporation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Pervaporation is a process for removing
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from
contaminated water. Permeable membranes
that preferentially adsorb VOCs are used to
partition VOCs from the contaminated water.
The VOCs diffuse from the membrane/water
interface through the membrane and are
drawn off by a vacuum pump. Upstream of
the vacuum pump, a condenser traps and
contains the permeating vapors, with no
discharge to atmosphere (Figure 1). The
condensed organic vapors represent only a
fraction of the initial wastewater volume,
and may be sent for disposal at significant
cost savings. Industrial waste streams may also
be treated with this process and solvents may
be recovered for reuse.
A modular separation unit has been
constructed in which wastewater flows across
the outside of a hollow fiber membrane. In
this configuration, the vacuum pump is
applied to the inside of the fiber. This design
provides very high packing densities and
specific surface areas that only very fine
granular carbon can surpass. Modules can be
constructed to minimize pressure drop and
fouling, which is uncontrollable with loose fill.
Therefore, pretreatment can be minimized.
Module(s)
Contaminated
Water
Condenser
Treated
Water
Vacuum
Pump
VOC rich
Condensate
Figure 1. Pervaporation process.
November 1990
Page 167
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Pervaporation is applicable to aqueous waste
streams (ground water, lagoons, leachate, and
rinse water) contaminated with VOCs, such
as solvents, degreasers, and gasoline. The
technology is applicable to the types of
wastes currently treated by carbon
adsorption, air stripping, and reverse osmosis
separation.
STATUS:
Work is currently progressing on in-house
characterization of several wastewaters. The
final pervaporation design is anticipated for
January 1991.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
John F. Martin
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7758
FTS 684-7758
Technology Developer Contact:
Abbas Zaidi
Wastewater Technology Centre
867 Lakeshore Road, Box 5050
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6
Canada
416-336-4605
November 1990
Page 168
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING
PROGRAM
WESTERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Contained Recovery of Oily Wastes)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Contained Recovery of Oily Wastes
(CROW) process recovers oily wastes from
the ground by adapting technology presently
used for secondary petroleum recovery and
for primary production of heavy oil and tar
sand bitumen. Steam and hot water
displacement are used to move accumulated
oily wastes and water aboveground for
treatment.
Injection and production wells are first
installed in soil contaminated with oily
wastes (Figure 1). Low-quality steam is then
injected below the deepest penetration of
organic liquids. The steam condenses,
causing rising hot water to dislodge and
sweep buoyant organic liquids upward into
the more permeable soil regions. Hot water
is injected above the impermeable soil
regions to heat and mobilize the oil waste
accumulations, which are recovered by hot-
water displacement.
When the oily wastes are displaced, the
organic liquid saturations in the subsurface
pore space increase, forming an oil bank. The
hot water injection displaces the oil bank to
the production well. Behind the oil bank, the
oil saturation is reduced to an immobile
residual saturation in the subsurface pore
space. The oil and water produced is treated
for reuse or discharge.
In-situ biological treatment follows the
displacement and continues until ground-
water contaminants are no longer detected in
any water samples from the site. During
treatment, all mobilized organic liquids and
water-soluble contaminants are contained
within the original boundaries of oily waste
accumulations. Hazardous materials are
contained laterally by ground-water isolation
and vertically by organic liquid flotation.
Excess water is treated in compliance with
discharge regulations.
Injection Weil
Production Well
Steam-Stripped
Water
Low-Quality
Steam
Residual Oil ' • I
Saturation .''.'.'.
Hot-Water
Reinjection
Absorption Layer
Oily Wastes and
Water Production
_J
. • Hot-Water •
. Displacement
Originaoily Waste
Accumulation
.' .' Hot-Water'
Flotation •
Steam
Injection
Figure 1. CROW process schematic.
November 1990
Page 169
-------
The process removes large portions of oily
waste accumulations; stops the downward
migration of organic contaminants;
immobilizes any residual saturation of oily
wastes; and reduces the volume, mobility and
toxicity of oily wastes. It can be used for
shallow and deep contaminated areas, and
uses the same mobile equipment required by
conventional petroleum production
technology.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology could be applied to
manufactured gas plant sites, woodtreating
sites and other sites with soils containing
organic liquids, such as coal tars,
pentachlorophenol solutions, creosote, and
petroleum byproducts.
STATUS:
This technology was tested at the laboratory
and pilot-scale. The tests are expected to
closely resemble previous laboratory tests in
tar sand bitumen recovery using steamflood
technology. A number of hot water leaching
tests have been completed.
A final draft report was prepared and is
currently undergoing EPA review.
This technology is invited to participate in
the SITE Demonstration Program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Eugene F. Harris
U.S. EPA
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
513-569-7862
FTS: 684-7862
Technology Developer Contact:
James Speight
P.O. Box 3395
University Station
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
307-721-2011
November 1990
-------
INFORMATION REQUEST FORM
The EPA Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory is responsible for testing and evaluating
technologies used at Superfund site cleanups. To receive publications about these activities, indicate
your area of interest by checking the appropriate box(es) below and mail the top half of this sheet
to the following address:
Technical Information Manager
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
(Ma 15) Q Superfund
(Ma 16) Q Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE)
Program
Name
Firm
Address
City, State, Zip Code
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue two Request for Proposals during the
coming year; one in January 1991 for the Demonstration Program (SITE 006), and the other in July
1991 for the Emerging Technologies Program (£05). To receive these RFPs, indicate your area of
interest by checking the appropriate box(es) below and mail the bottom half of this sheet to the
following address:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Attention: William Frietsch, III
(006) Q Demonstration Program RFP
(E05) Q Emerging Technologies Program RFP
Name
Firm
Address
City, State, Zip Code
------- |