DALLAS,
United States Office of Research and EPA/600/9-90/052
Environmental Protection Development December 1990
Agency Washington, DC 20460
vvEPA Abstracts of
™^f Phase I and Phase II
"• Awards
Small Business
Innovation Research
Program
1990
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EPA/600/9-90/052
December 1990
Abstracts of Phase I and Phase II
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
1990
Phase I Awardees
Program Solicitation
D000001M1
Phase II Awardees
Program Solicitation
D000002M1
Office of Research and Development
Office of Exploratory Research
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Disclaimer
This brochure has been reviewed and approved for publication in accordance with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency policy. Any mention of trade names or commercial products in the brochure does not in any
manner constitute endorsement or recommendation for its use.
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Table of Contents
Introduction vi
Abstracts of Phase I Awards 1
A. Drinking Water Treatment 1
1. Electrochemical Enzyme Immunoassay to Study Alternative Drinking
Water Treatment 1
Enzyme Technology Research Group, Inc.
Durham, NC 27701
2. Removal of Chlorine Dioxide By-Products from Drinking Water 1
Novatek
Oxford, OH 45056
B. Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Pollution Control 1
3. Novel Cleanup of Metal Working Wastewaters 1
S.R. Taylor & Associates
Bartlesville, OK 74003
4. Emulsion Liquid Membrane Extraction of Phenolics from Industrial Wastewaters 2
TDA Research, Inc.
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
D. Solid and Hazardous Waste Disposal 2
5. Dehydrohalogenation of Complex Hazardous Organic Wastes for Destruction
and Resource Recovery 2
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
Denver, CO 80216
6. Recycling of Solid Zinc Phosphating Process Waste 2
Chemical Reclamation Technologies
Strongsville,OH44136
7. Determination of Solids Residence Time Distribution in Continuously Fed, Shallow Fluidized Beds:
Towards the Development of a Fuel Efficient Contaminated Soils Incinerator 2
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
East Cambridge, MA 02141
8. Steam Reforming of Municipal Wastewater Sludge 3
Manufcaturing and Technology Conversion International, Inc.
Columbia, MD 21045
9. Recovery of Liquid Hazardous Wastes from Carbon Adsorption Steam Regeneration Streams 3
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
10. Development of a Hierarchy for Solvent Recovery of Selected Organics from Activated
Carbon (AC) and Feasibility of a New Regeneration of Spent AC 3
Professional Analytical & Consulting Services, Inc. (PACS)
Coraopolis, PA 15108
11. Application of Pulse Combustion in Solid and Hazardous Waste Incineration 4
Sonotech, Inc.
Atlanta, G A 30318
12. Innovative Hazardous Ryash and Industrial Process Dust Vitrification Technology 4
Vortec Corporation
Collegeville, PA 19426
iii
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13. Reclamation of Soils and Soil Leachates Contaminated with Heavy Metals 4
Bio-Recovery Systems, Inc.
Las Graces, MM 88003
14. Innovative Method for On-Site Regeneration of Spent Carbon 5
Chem Char Research, Inc.
Columbia, MO 65211
15. A Novel Absorbent-Reagent for HC1 Control in On-Site Disposal of Regulated Medical Waste 5
EnviMed Services, Inc.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
E. Mitigation of Environmental Pollution Problems at Superfund Sites 5
16. Biodegradation Enhancement of Petrogenic Wastes 5
ECOVA Corporation
Redmond, WA 98052
F. Control of Acid Rain Precursors 5
17. Catalyst System for Treatment of Flue Gases from Power Plants 5
PCP Consulting and Research, Inc.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
18. Dry Scrubbing of SOx and NOx Over Lathanide-Oxygen-Sulfur Compounds 5
ElectroChem, Inc.
Woburne, MA 01801
19. Feasibility Study of a Pulse Combustor Combined NOx and SO2 Control Technique 6
Altex Technologies Corporation
Santa Clara, CA 95054
20. Variable Porosity Radiant Burner Concept/Demonstration 6
Refractory Composites
Whittier, CA 90606
H. Air Pollution Control 6
21. Reduction of Indoor Air Pollution by Membrane Stripping of Waterborne Radon Gas 6
Arete Technologies
Harvard, MA 01451
22. Ultrasonic Precipitator 6
Behnken and Associates, Inc.
Brookville, OH 45309
23. A Process for Elimination of Paints Emitting Volatile Organic Compounds 7
JP Laboratories, Inc.
Piscataway, NJ 08854
24. Treatment of CFC and HCFC Emissions from Industrial Refrigerators 7
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
25. Catalytically Stabilized Thermal Incineration of Volatile Organic Compounds 7
Precision Combustion, Inc.
New Haven, CT 06511
26. On-Board Generation of Ignition Improvers for Methanol Diesels 7
TDA Research, Inc.
Wheat Ridge, CO 08833
27. Total Oxidation of Contaminated Level Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons over Aerogel Catalysts 8
ElectroChem, Inc.
Woburn, MA 01801
I. Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention 8
28. Liquid Metal/Cold Metal Bond Enhancement in a Magnetostrictively Stressed Substrate 8
AVCA Corporation
Sylvania, OH 43560
29. Suppression of Cyanide Formation in Hall Process Potlining 8
EMEC Consultants
Export, PA 15632
IV
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30. Automated Mixing and Application of Agricultural Chemicals 8
MAIS, Inc.
Hettinger, ND 58639
31. Valuable Products from Coal Burning Wastes 9
Science Ventures, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92123
J. Oil Spill Prevention, Cleanup, and Restoration Technology 9
32. Robotic Inspection of Crude Oil Carrier Tanks 9
American Research Corporation of Virginia
Radford,V A 24143-3406
Abstracts of Phase n Awards 10
Topic D. Solid and Hazardous Waste Disposal 10
33. Innovative Incineration Technology for Fiberglass Manufacturing Solid
and Hazardous Waste Disposal/Recycling 10
Vortec Corporation
Collegeville, PA 19426
34. Pilot-scale Field Implementation of Surfactant Flushing of Hydrophobic
Refractory Organic Compounds 10
Eckenfelder, Inc.
Nashville, TN 37228
35. A Novel Idea for Photo-Conversion of Hazardous Chlorocarbon Industrial Wastes
to Usable Hydrocarbon Fuels 10
M.L. Energia, Inc.
Princeton, NJ 08542
Topic F. Control of Acid Rain Precursors 11
36. Pilot-Scale Demonstration of a Pulse Combustion In-Furnace NOx Reduction Control Technique 11
Altex Technologies Corporation
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Topic G. Process Instrumentation from Improved Pollution Control 11
37. A Proposed Continuous Monitor for Stack Emissions or Process Effluents
with Recorder/Controller Function 11
Moduspec Company
Wayland, MA 01778
Topic H. Air Pollution Control 11
38. Fast Lightoff Catalytic Converter 11
Precision Combustion, Inc.
New Haven, CT 06511
39. Trace Metal Emission Control and Ash Stabilization in Incinerators 12
PSI Technology Company
Andover, MA 01810
40. Diesel Emission Oxidizer (DEO) System for the Control of Paniculate Emission from Diesel Engines 12
Converter Technology, Inc.
Jackson, MI 49201
41. Control of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Industrial Processes 12
Catalytica, Inc.
Mountain View, CA 94043
Topic I. Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention 13
42. Hydrocarbon Recovery from Petroleum Transfer Operations 13
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
43.High-Speed Recycling Process for Phosphate Industry Waste 13
Science Ventures, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92123
Alphabetical List of Awardees 14
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Introduction
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Small Business Innovation Research Program
This brochure contains abstracts of the Phase I awards and Phase II awards made in 1990 by the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. The SBIR Program funds high-risk research in EPA
program areas that could lead to significant opportunities and public benefits if the research is successful.
The EPA SBIR Program encourages proposals in advanced application areas in the field of environmental engineering and
environmental monitoring instrumentation, where it is directly connected to pollution control processes. Objectives of the
three-phase program, in addition to supporting high-quality research, include stimulating technological innovation,
increasing the commercial applications of EPA supported research, and improving the return on investment from Federally
funded research for its economic and social benefits to the nation.
The SBIR Program is highly competitive. In 1990, the SBIR Program received 434 Phase I proposals which resulted in 32
awards. Phase I provides up to $50,000 for six months to determine, as much as possible within these limitations, whether
the research idea appears technically feasible, and whether the small firm can do high-quality research. If the project achieves
these goals sufficiently, and excels competitively, this then justifies larger government support in Phase II. The Phase I final
report serves as a base for follow-on funding commitment discussions assisting in ascertaining success.
Phase n is the principal research effort for those projects that appear most promising after the first Phase and averages
$ 150,000 for a period of one to two years.
In 1990, the 11 Phase II awards were selected from 24 Phase II proposals resulting from the 27 Phase I awards made in 1989.
Phase III is the product (or process) development phase, and involves follow-on non-Federal funding, such as from venture
capital or large industrial firms, to pursue potential commercial applications of the government-funded research. No SBIR
funds are provided in Phase III.
Donald F. Carey, Program Manager
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Exploratory Research (RD-675)
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 382-7445
VI
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ABSTRACTS OF PHASE I AWARDS
SBIR
1990
A. Drinking Water Treatment
1. Electrochemical Enzyme Immunoassay
to Study Alternative Drinking Water
Treatment
Enzyme Technology Research Group, Inc.
710 West Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 683-3161
Dr. John P. O'Daly, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 4 Amount: $49,978
Alternatives to chlorine disinfection in drinking water treat-
ment are being investigated. Both current and new methods
of disinfection may cause reactions with organic contami-
nants in the water and lead to dangerous by-products. There
is a need for measurement devices that provide on-site, real-
time measurement of by-products to assist in the develop-
ment of alternate water treatment methods. For this purpose,
the researchers propose to evaluate and develop a new
biosensor design that combines advantages of immunoas-
say and electrochemical response. The specific objective of
the Phase I work is to prove the principle of electrochemical
enzyme immunosensors to detect organic by-product for-
mation in water. The proposed biosensor consists of three
major elements; an electrical conducting layer having im-
mobilized enzyme, a gel layer containing polyclonal or
monoclonal antibody and other necessary reagents, and the
electronic components used in the readout of the signal. The
expected result is an immunoelectrode for measuring or-
ganics in water, based on the principal of coupling the
immunochemical reaction to the electrode response using
an electrochemically active mediator. The three researchers
who submitted this proposal have collaborated successfully
to develop prototype enzyme-based biosensor technology
which will be a crucial component for the research and
development described in this proposal. Practical electro-
chemical sensors that employ immunochemical detection
will have broad commercial viability for applications in the
fields of clinical chemistry, veterinary medicine, agriculture,
environmental monitoring, and pollution control.
2. Removal of Chlorine Dioxide By-
products from Drinking Water
Novatek
10 West Ross Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
(515) 523-1545
Dr. Bernard P. Bubnis, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 5 Amount: $50,000
The 1986 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act
requires 99.99% inactivation of Giardia. Water treatment
facilities that utilize surface water will have to use ozone or
chlorine dioxide to be cost effective in meeting the new
regulations.
The specific aims of this project are to evaluate the proce-
dures for elimination of chlorite ion and chlorate ion by-
products when chlorine dioxide is used in drinking water
treatment. These specific aims are: 1. improve analytical
methodology and instrumentation; 2. removal of C1O2" and
C1O3' by using appropriate chemistry; 3. tuning C1O2'
generators for maximum chlorine dioxide production.
Novatek will develop analytical methods and instrumenta-
tion for the accurate determination of low level concentra-
tions of chlorite ion and chlorate ion resulting from the
generation and/or use of chlorine dioxide in the purification
of drinking water. Novatek will also develop technology for
the removal of chlorite ion from drinking water by using
appropriate oxidation-reduction chemistry. Finally Novatek
will develop the necessary expertise and service personnel
such that it can routinely visit water treatment facilities in
the United States and provide the above services by carrying
out the appropriate chemical analyses, chlorine dioxide
generator tuning and training in the new analytical instru-
mentation and methodology.
B. Municipal and Industrial Wastewater
Treatment and Pollution Control
3. Novel Cleanup of Metal Working
Wastewaters
S.R. Taylor & Associates
516 SW Kaw
Bartlesville, OK 74003
(918) 337-0264
Dr. Scott R. Taylor, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 6 Amount: $49,550
Current metal cutting and finishing operations use skim-
ming and filtration to try to separate wastes from their water
based cutting fluids. The residual liquid from the filtration
consists of ultrafine metal particles containing hazardous
heavy metals like lead, zinc, and cadmium and a tightly
emulsified oil-in-water phase. This sludge is not amenable
to further treatment and must be hauled off as hazardous
waste. Also, at this level of cleaning, the water phase is not
clean enough to discharge and must be controlled within the
plant Furthermore, this liquid does not have the same
properties as freshly prepared solutions. Hence, the cost of
this problem to industry is much more than the apparent
disposal cost Ultrasonic coalescence can promote rapid
agglomeration of paniculate in a fluid. Once the particles
are agglomerated, they can be efficiently separated by
centrifugal or gravity separation. S. R. Taylor and Associates
propose to use its combined experience with ultrasonics and
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multiphase coalescence processing to develop ultrasonic
coalescence for separating oil and ultrafine metal particles
from metal working wastewaters, to determine the appro-
priate operating conditions for successful coalescence, and
to use this method to regenerate typical metal cutting fluids.
Phase I studies will focus on demonstration of feasibility
and preliminary design studies providing the support for the
Phase II prototype development and actual continuous flow
testing.
4. Emulsion Liquid Membrane Extraction
of Phenolics from Industrial
Wastewaters
IDA Research, Inc.
12421 West 49th Avenue, #6
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 422-7819
Mr. John D. Wright, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 8 Amount: $50,000
Phenolic compounds are the primary wastewater treatment
challenge found in the aqueous effluents from petroleum
refineries, coal conversion processes, petrochemical pro-
duction, and the manufacture of phenols and related chemi-
cals. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) separations are a
developing technology with high potential for cost-effective
removal and recovery of phenolic compounds. Unlike cur-
rent treatment technologies, ELM processes can almost
completely remove phenolics, both high and low concentra-
tion feed streams, while producing a concentrated solute
level in the stripping phase, simplifying final recovery.
Further, ELM offers independent control over the solvent
operating characteristics and affinity for phenol, allowing
the design of a much less expensive process. The objective
of the proposed research program is to evaluate the technical
and economic feasibility of the ELM process for treatment
of industrial wastewater streams. The final result of the
two-phase research project will be a pilot-scale unit oper-
ating on actual phenolic wastewaters to determine the
operating characteristics of the system and accurately esti-
mate the process economics.
D. Solid and Hazardous Waste Disposal
5. Dehydrohalogenation of Complex
Hazardous Organic Wastes for
Destruction and Resource Recovery
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 320-6151
Dr. Richard L. Angstadt, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 8 Amount: $49,565
The production of halogenated organic compounds (HOCs)
and of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in the United States,
produces about 200 million pounds of refractory, hazardous
waste per year. Due to its low fuel value, corrosivity, and
hazardous metals content, the waste is poorly suited for
disposal by incineration and is banned from disposal in
landfills. Previous hazardous waste disposal research, spon-
sored by EPA, has identified wastes in this class as deserving
priority consideration for disposal technology development.
This Phase I proposal addresses the technique of
dehydrohalo-genation as it applies to the cost effective
destruction of both waste streams and/or recovery of con-
version products (e.g., carbon tetrachloride, perchloroeth-
ylene). The proposal draws upon extensive experience in
handling spent CFC catalyst at Chemical and Metal Indus-
tries and upon handling of waste HOCs by the principal
investigator. The proposed tests will demonstrate the
technical feasibility of using aqueous NaOH to
dehydrohalogenate actual mixed HOC and CFC waste
streams. Handling requirements for gaseous and liquid
byproducts and solid waste products will be defined. Ad-
equate operational data will be collected to establish the
relative effectiveness and the economics of the technology
and to provide a basis for the further development of the
technology.
6. Recycling of Solid Zinc Phosphating
Process Waste
Chemical Reclamation Technologies
20749 Parkwood Lane
Strongsville, OH 44136
(216) 572-9225
EPA Region 5 Amount: $47,110
A method for recycling zinc phosphating process waste is
proposed. About three million pounds of solid chemical
waste is generated annually from zinc phosphating in North
America. The waste is an inorganic mixed zinc/iron tertiary
salt of phosphoric acid. Toxicity levels vary but most
wastes contain nickel, chrome, lead, and other toxins in
small quantities. The method depends upon continuous
removal of iron as the central mechanism of the recovery
process. The waste is converted to an aqueous solution of
primary zinc phosphate. By adjusting the concentration of
various additives, a product equivalent to the original zinc
phosphating feed stock may be created. A method of con-
version of the separated iron to ferrous oxide is also proposed.
Both end products have a proven market. The proposed
process does not generate waste products of its own.
7. Determination of Solids Residence Time
Distribution in Continuously Fed,
Shallow Fluidized Beds: Towards the
Development of a Fuel Efficient
Contaminated Soils Incinerator
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
East Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 666-5500
EPA Region 1 Amount: $50,000
Soils contaminated with toxic chemicals pose a threat to the
environment, in that the chemicals may be slowly released
and incorporated into the food chain. High temperature,
thermal oxidation offers one method of decontaminating
these soils. However, because of the normally low concen-
trations of contaminants absorbed on soils, fuel is required
to heat the soil mass to temperatures near 2,000°F.
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Current thermal treatment processes are inefficient in their
use of fuel because of failure to recover heat from the
decontaminated soils and fuel gases leaving the combustion
zone of the incinerator. A unique, thermally efficient, staged,
fluidized bed concept has been developed which reduces
treatment costs by affecting a high degree of heat recovery
from effluent streams leaving the combustion stage. The
foundation of the concept is based upon two assumptions:
1. that thermal equilibrium can be attained between con-
tacting gas and solid streams in shallow fluidized beds; and
that, 2. solids residence time distribution in shallow fluid-
ized beds do not approach well-stirred behavior, and thus
may be suitable for the attainment of high destruction
efficiencies without requiring extraordinarily long residence
on the combustion stage.
In previous research, assumption One was verified. This
proposal effort is designed to verify the second assumption.
Its successful conclusion will lead to the construction and
operation of a small pilot unit which will be used to verify
the advantages of the entire concept.
8. Steam Reforming of Municipal
Wastewater Sludge
Manufacturing and Technology Conversion International,
Inc.
P.O. Box 21
Columbia, MD 21045
(301) 982-1292
Mr. David W. Warren, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $49,987
The MTIC indirect steam reforming process offers a cost
effective alternative to the existing waste-to-energy incin-
eration of municipal sludge waste (MSW) or refuse-derived
fuel (RDF). The process has the potential for resolving
many of the environmental issues associated with incin-
eration, especially in the control of chlorinated dioxins and
furans as well as emissions of toxic metals; particulates and
sulfur and nitrogen oxides. The process is a relatively low-
temperature (1250°F) process which inhibits the formation
of chlorinated dioxins and furans as well as the condensa-
tion of metals upon fly ash normally encountered in con-
ventional incinerators. The waste-to-energy process produces
a hydrogen rich gas of medium Btu content close to natural
gas. The reduction in solid waste is anticipated to be greater
than 70% with characteristics considerably more benign
than power plant ash.
The Phase I effort is focused upon a series of feasibility
tests utilizing wastewater sludge, RDF and/or MSW in its
existing pilot-scale reactor, processing the waste as an
alternative to incineration. These tests will also provide a
characterization and disposition of the chemical species
from the feedstock in the product streams of the steam
reformer, e.g., product gas and solid waste residues.
9. Recovery of Liquid Hazardous Wastes
from Carbon Adsorption Steam
Regeneration Streams
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road, Suite 103
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 328-2228
Dr. J. G. Wijmans
EPA Region 9 Amount: $50,000
Carbon adsorption is a widely used technique to remove
and concentrate VOCs from diluted air and water streams.
Periodically carbon beds are regenerated with steam. The
results of this regeneration after cooling, is a concentrated
mixture of hazardous compounds and water. Common and
particularly troublesome stream condensates are those con-
taining mixtures of chlorinated solvents and water-miscible
(hydrophilic) solvents. The presence of the chlorinated
solvents makes solvent reclamation very difficult and the
entire stream must be treated as a hazardous waste and sent
to incinerators fitted with appropriate scrubbers for disposal.
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc., proposes to
develop a pervaporation process to selectively remove the
chlorinated solvent from the stream. Reclamation of solvents
from these two separate streams is then straightforward.
The process will be demonstrated with acetone-methylene
chloride-water mixtures in Phase I. A small bench-scale
integrated system will be built and operated in Phase II on
solvent mixtures of increasing complexity.
10. Development of a Hierarchy for Solvent
Recovery of Selected Organics from
Activated Carbon (AC) and Feasibility
of a New Regeneration of Spent AC
Professional Analytical & Consulting Services, Inc. (PACS)
409 Meade Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 262-4222
Dr. Henry G. Nowicki, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $50,000
This potential new process for regeneration of spent activated
carbon (AC) is based on using superdesorbers (SD) to
remove AC adsorbates followed by selective removal of the
SD. This process has potential to recover and reuse AS
adsorbates and AC and recycle the SD. Needed feasibility
studies are: load AC with known adsorbates, use SD to
displace and recover adsorbates from AS, quantitate and
compare SD desorption efficiency from variety of AC
adsorbates, remove selectively SD from AC, and evaluate
extent of AC regeneration using industry standard ASTM
Iodine number protocol. This process should help remove
present limitations to AC regeneration because it could
occur in-situ and reduce handling of spent AC and help
small waste generators, as well as large.
There is a need to recycle, reuse and control wastes at the
site of production or use local facilities. Presently, these
wastes are incinerated or stored in landfills away from the
site of production. The activated carbon industry is based
on passing waste water, contaminated air or water, and
process streams through beds of AC to meet regulatory or
self-imposed effluent specifications. This process results in
concentration of pollutants onto the AC. The spent AC is
then transported to thermal reactivation facilities or
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landfilled. This SBIR proposal is aimed at developing an
in-situ chemical/physical regeneration process for spent
AC. This may result in recovery/reuse of adsorbates. Re-
covered toxicants may be manageable with chemical means
at the site of production, due to their relatively pure form.
Incineration and landfilling may be reduced. Phase I con-
sists of development of a solvent hierarchy to recover
known AC adsorbates using four different solvents.
11. Application of Pulse Combustion in
Solid and Hazardous Waste Incineration
Sonotech, Inc.
575 Travis Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 525-8530
Mr. Martin Scarborough, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 4 Amount: $49,967
The objective of this study is to demonstrate that the
performance of incinerators can be improved by retrofitting
them with a pulse combustor which will excite acoustic
pulsations within the system. Based upon evidence provided
by related studies, these pulsations are expected to increase
the mixing rate between the fuel and oxidizer, and the burn
rate of waste; improvements which are expected to increase
the incinerator output, increase the degree of destruction of
hazardous substances, and reduce the required amount of
excess air. The proposed studies will investigate the incin-
eration of three surrogate wastes (PVC, a mixture of toluene
and corncob, and a mixture of fuel oil no. 5 with corncob)
in a small scale incinerator equipped with a frequency
tunable, pulse combustor. Tests will be repeated under the
same operating conditions with the pulse combustor oper-
ated in a steady and a pulsating mode. Investigated pa-
rameters will include the flow rates of the fuel and air, the
type and amount of waste, and the amplitude and frequency
of pulsations. The performance of the incinerator will be
determined from measured time dependencies of the exhaust
flow temperature, CO CO2, O2, THCs and soot concentra-
tions, and the amplitudes and frequencies of pulsations in
the combustor and incinerator. The effect of pulsations will
be determined from comparisons or the incinerator perfor-
mance with pulsations present and absent in the system.
12.lnnovative Hazardous Flyash and
Industrial Process Dust Vitrification
Technology
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
(215) 489-2255
Dr. W. Francis Olix, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $49,985
The disposal of all types of wastes, municipal, medical, and
industrial, is a significant and increasing problem facing the
world environment today. Most of the waste being gener-
ated is currently being landfilled; however, as many as one-
third of the currently active landfills could reach capacity in
the next four years. As the capacity of the landfills decreases
and the landfilling costs increase, incineration becomes an
attractive means of volume reduction. However, one
byproduct of the incineration process, flyash, contains a
high concentration of heavy metals which have to be
disposed of in hazardous waste landfills at a significant
increase in cost to the incinerator operators and, ultimately,
the public. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incinerators
alone produce approximately 450,000 to 800,000 tons of
flyash annually. Disposal of this flyash in hazardous waste
landfills could cost from $100 million to $800 million
annually, depending on the location of the landfills.
The development of an advanced flyash/dust vitrification
system is proposed as a means of eliminating the flyash
disposal problem associated with incineration. The technol-
ogy being proposed is based on advanced in-flight suspension
glass melting technology being developed by Vortec Cor-
poration for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Phase I of the development program will verify the technical
and economic feasibility of flyash vitrification in an ad-
vanced cyclone melting system via testing with a pilot-scale
facility. The system will vitrify the material in such a
manner as to produce a product which will meet the criteria
for disposal in a non-hazardous landfill and may have a
commercial value.
13. Reclamation of Soils and Soil Leachates
Contaminated with Heavy Metals
Bio-Recovery Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 3982, UPB
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(505) 646-5192
Dr. James Michael Hosea, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 6 Amount: $49,924
Soil washing or flushing has been shown to be an effective
method for removing heavy metals from metal-contaminated
soils at Superfund sites. Sandy soils can often be washed
with water to mobilize metal ions in an aqueous phase, but
for clay soils or soils which contain insoluble metal com-
pounds, e.g., lead sulfate, other additives such as chelating
agents (EDTA) are used to effect transfer of metal ions to
the aqueous phase. EDTA, however, complexes with in-
nocuous metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron), and EDTA-
heavy metal complexes are difficult to remove from the
aqueous phase. Bio-Recovery Systems has developed a
proprietary process to circumvent these difficulties using a
chelating agent (MLA) which has little or no affinity for
innocuous metal ions and which has a higher affinity for
many toxic metal ions than does EDTA. Furthermore, the
heavy metal-MLA complexes can be removed from the
aqueous phase by sorption on AlgaSORB™ resins, a pro-
prietary biomass developed by Bio-Recovery. Thus, the use
of MLA as a soil washing agent and the use of AlgaSORB™
will be tested to recover the MLA metal ion complexes in
order to ascertain if this approach will yield a more cost
effective treatment for metal-contaminated soils at Super-
fund sites than current methods.
Since simple water washes have been effective for mobili-
zation of metals in sandy soils, solutions resulting from
simple water washing will be treated with AlgaSORB™ to
determine metal removal efficiency.
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14.lnnovative Method for On-site
Regeneration of Spent Carbon
Chem Char Research, Inc.
T-16 Research Park
Columbia, MO 65211
(314) 882-2822
Ms. Audrey McGowin, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 7 Amount: $49,997
Phase I will determine the feasibility of a simple, cost
effective process for the on-site regeneration and reactiva-
tion of spent carbons. The spent carbons may contain
hazardous components, both organic and inorganic. The
regeneration is accomplished with an innovative thermal
process which produces highly reactive chemical species at
high temperature on the surface of the carbon matrix where
the impurities are sorbed. In the process, the impurities are
destroyed and the carbon is reactivated in good yield. The
energy driving the process is obtained directly from the
carbon oxidation.
The advantages to the process are (1) it is energy self-
sufficient, (2) it can be run on large or small scale, (3) the
yield of regenerated carbon is good, and (4) the apparatus
is simple and can be trailer-mounted for on-site use.
Phase I involves determination of (1) the process param-
eters for optimal carbon regeneration, (2) the behavior of
different carbons and compounds sorbed, (3) an estimate of
the quality of regenerated carbon, and (4) the number of
cycles in which carbon can be reused. Phase I effort will
identify the critical operational and cost parameters, which
will provide the basis for developing a scaled up prototype
in Phase II.
15.A Novel Absorbent-Reagent for HCI
Control in On-site Disposal of Regulated
Medical Waste
EnviMed Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6503
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 896-2193
Dr. Paul H. Kydd, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 2 Amount: $50,000
On-site disposal of Regulated Medical Waste can offer
major economic and other benefits to health care providers.
HCI emissions pose a considerable technical problem in the
design of on-site units. A solid absorbent can offer significant
advantages in cost and simplicity relative to the conventional
wet scrubbing approach in HCI control. The proposed
Phase I program will investigate the feasibility of four
approaches to creating such an absorbent and will evaluate
the performance of the resulting samples.
E. Mitigation of Environmental Pollution
Problems at Superfund Sites
16.Biodegradation Enhancement of
Petrogenic Wastes
ECOVA Corporation
3820 159th Avenue, NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 883-1900
Dr. William Mahaffey, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 10 Amount: $50,000
The proposed research will develop an in situ process which
will enhance the rate and efficiency associated with the
biodegradation of hydrophobic organic chemicals at mili-
tary installations and Superfund sites. Research activities
will focus on identification of chemical or biological emul-
sifiers (surfactants) which will enhance the bio-availability
of such petrogenic wastes as creosote, coal tars, town gas
wastes, and thus enhance the biodegradation. Particular
emphasis will be placed on the enhanced degradation of
recalcitrant and/or highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as pyrene and/or benzo(a) pyrene.
An optimized system for surfactant production and in situ
biodegradation of PAHs will be developed. Factors such as
compound mobilization versus biodegradation, oxygen and
nutrient demands, as well as rate and efficiency data for
PAH biodegradation will be defined. Information will be
developed in a phased approach. Phase I will identify a
process which enhances biodegradation rates of the targeted
compounds through increased bio-availability. Phase II will
optimize the parameters needed to field-evaluate the pro-
cess. Parameters include use of consistant organisms,
chemical emulsifiers and rates of biodegradation. Successful
application of this technology will reduce the cost of cleanup
of Superfund sites contaminated with PAHs.
F. Control of Acid Rain Precursors
17. Catalyst System for Treatment of Flue
Gases from Power Plants
PCP Consulting and Research, Inc.
P.O. Box 5943
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 921-2053
Dr. Partha Sarathi Ganguli, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 2 Amount: $44,992
A catalyst system using a special support material is pro-
posed for simultaneous treatment of gaseous pollutants
SO2, CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons as well as paniculate
matter in flue gases from power plants. Preliminary ex-
periments on one of the proposed catalysts show promising
results for simultaneous conversion of gaseous pollutants.
Phase I research and development program proposes reac-
tion kinetic studies with prepared catalysts to understand
the potential and limitation of the catalyst system for
treatment of power plant emissions.
18. Dry Scrubbing of SO and NOX Over
Lathanide-Oxygen-Sulfur Compounds
ElectroChem, Inc.
400 W. Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801
(617) 932-3383
Dr. Vinod Jalan, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $50,000
Existing processes for combined removal of SO^NO, from
combustion gases have not been proven to be particularly
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effective in meeting current emission standards. Selective
catalytic reductions for NOx removal are available, and are
effective in reaching current emission standards, but they
are prohibitively expensive in many applications because of
the high initial cost of the catalyst and its replacement.
ElectroChem proposes to investigate cerium oxide doped
with lanthanum oxide and/or strontium oxide to (1) develop
a sorbent capable of 90% or more desulfurization of flue
gases typical of those obtained by the combustion of run-of-
mine high sulfur coal, (2) study the rates of sulfation at
temperature of 350 to 750°C, (3) demonstrate that the
sulfated cerium oxide can be regenerated with the release of
concentrated SO2 which can be economically converted to
elemental sulfur or sulfuric acid, and (4) demonstrate that
cerium sulfate can be an inexpensive catalyst for the reduc-
tion of NOx.
This proposal deals specifically with improved technology
for the removal of SO2 and NOx from offgases generated by
the combustion of fuels in boilers, internal combustion
engines, and from Integrated Gasifier Combined Cycle
(IGCC) power plants.
19. Feasibility Study of a Pulse Combustor
Combined NOX and SO2 Control
Technique
Altex Technologies Corporation
650 Nuttman Road, # 114
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 980-8610
Dr. John T. Kelly, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $49,526
Effective, low-cost and retrofittable combined NOx and SO2
emission controls are needed to allow the widespread use of
coal while not adversely impacting the environment.
Reburning or In-Furnace NOx Reduction (IFNR) and Dry
Sorbent Injection (DSI) are* relatively economical and
retrofittable NOx and SO2 control techniques. However, these
techniques are restricted in application by the limited time
within the furnace for injectant processing, dispersion, and
reaction. The proposed Pulse Combustor NOx and SO2
Reduction (PCNSR) technique overcomes these limita-
tions, by utilizing pulsating flow to optimally calcine the
sorbent and gasify the coal prior to rapidly dispersing the
sorbent and fuel in the furnace gases. PCNSR system, very
good NOx and SO2 control and burnout can be achieved for
inexpensive limestone sorbent and coal reburning fuel.
Because the device is simple and converts combustion
energy directly to flow momentum, system costs are low.
The purpose of this Phase I program is to demonstrate, by
experimental and analytical means, combined N0x and SO2
reduction at lower costs using the PCNSR technique. In the
Phase I effort, an existing pulse combustor test facility and
sorbent capture and combustion computer models will be
used to assess PCNSR system SO2 control, NOx reduction
and burnout performance. The performance results will be
combined with preliminary economic analyses to show the
feasibility of the concept.
20.Variable Porosity Radiant Burner
Concept/Demonstration
Refractory Composites
12220-A Rivera Road
Whittier, CA 90606
(213) 698-8061
Mr. Marc G. Simpson, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $49,459
A variable porosity silicon carbide ceramic foam is devel-
oped for burning of fossil fuels. The concept employs
bilayered radiant burner observed subsurface low N0x
combustion results and analytical modelling of porous radi-
ant burners to design a new material concept. Based on
projected performance of 300% reduction in NOx with a
factor of 2 increase in radiant efficiency is achievable. The
homogeneous graded porosity material is designed to pro-
hibit flashback, stabilize combustion below the hot surface
and prevent mechanical failures observed in bilayered ra-
diant burner materials. Cost of this exciting material con-
cept is 1/2 of current radiant burners.
H. Air Pollution Control
21. Reduction of Indoor Air Pollution by
Membrane Stripping of Waterborne
Radon Gas
Arete Technologies
15 Withington Lane
Harvard, MA 01451
(508) 456-3852
Dr. Stephen L. Matson, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $49,815
Radon-222 in indoor air has been identified as a pervasive
pollutant and a significant health threat. Arete Technologies
proposes to investigate a membrane-based system for miti-
gating the indoor air pollution problem to which waterborne
radon gas can contribute. The system, which operates at
water supply pressure, avoids the problems of radioactivity
buildup and spent carbon disposal associated with GAC
adsorption, and it is simpler, quieter, and much smaller then
diffused bubble aeration. In addition to these performance
advantages, membrane stripping promises to be very cost-
competitive if not significantly less expensive than conven-
tional approaches.
In Phase I, the investigators will screen and evaluate candi-
date hollow-fiber membranes; assemble test modules; and
design, construct, and operate a laboratory-scale radon
removal system on both clean Rn-containing water and Rn-
laden groundwater containing high levels of iron and sedi-
ment. With the aid of Phase I data, they will refine their
membrane, module, and system designs and be in a position
to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the
approach.
22. Ultrasonic Precipitator
Behnken and Associates, Inc.
475 Arlington Road
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Brookville, OH 45309
(513) 883-4043
Mr. Ralph J. McLean, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 5 Amount: $49,990
The air we breathe is polluted mainly by the factories and
vehicles that are an integral part of modern technological
society. The continued research for better control of the
factors that effect environmental quality and public safety,
must be intensified. Behnken and Associates, Inc. personnel
have discovered a concept that offers a significant contribu-
tion toward eliminating air pollution from the primary
sources. The concept consists of the creation of an ultrasonic
radiation field across the smoke stacks, exhaust pipe, etc. to
coagulate smoke/exhaust particles and thereby create greater
mass particles that due to increased weight will ball and be
collectable; thereby precipitating air pollutants.
This Phase I program is directed toward the understanding
of the properties of aerosols and interactions with ultrasound.
The strategy to be pursued is to emphasize a theoretical
approach with sufficient experimentation to demonstrate
the concept. The overall objectives of this Phase I program
are to determine the preliminary feasibility of the ultrasonic
precipitator concept and to provide direction for Phase II
prototype development and field testing.
23. A Process for Elimination of Paints
Emitting Volatile Organic Compounds
JP Laboratories, Inc.
26 Howard Street
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(201) 968-6650
Dr. G. N. Patel, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 2 Amount: $49,859
A novel process and formulation are proposed for pre-
treatment of plastic surfaces. The formulations are inexpen-
sive, nontoxic and nonpolluting. When plastic parts are
immersed in the formulations, the surfaces of plastics will
become receptive to waterborne paints. The adhesion of
waterborne paints is expected to be better than that obtained
with solventborne paints. Millions of gallons of solventborne
paints are used to coat plastic parts used in automotive,
business machine and other industries. The proposed pro-
cess will eliminate the volatile organic compounds emitted
by the solventborne paints.
24. Treatment of CFC and HCFC Emissions
from Industrial Refrigerators
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road, Suite 103
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 328-2228
Mr. J. Kaschemekat, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $50,000
CFCs emitted as purge streams from large industrial refrig-
erators are a considerable environmental problem and an
economic loss. Membrane organic vapor recovery systems
appear to be able to treat these streams. A membrane unit
could recover CFC for reuse in the refrigerator, and produce
a CFC-depleted airstream for venting. In the Phase I pro-
gram, existing membranes would be fabricated into high-
pressure modules and evaluated with model CFC/air streams.
In a Phase II program, a laboratory prototype system would
be constructed and operated over a range of operating
conditions and for sufficient time to demonstrate the unit's
reliability.
25.Catalytically Stabilized Thermal
Incineration of Volatile Organic
Compounds
Precision Combustion, Inc.
25 Science Park
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 786-5215
Dr. William Pfefferle, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $49,956
A unique gas turbine/VOC incineration system based on
catalytically stabilized (CST) incineration is proposed, of-
fering both very low net costs and ultra high destruction of
organics in any organic fume or air stream, including those
laden with particulates (whether organic, such as cotton or
grain dusts, or inorganic submicron particles). The system
will provide improved destruction compared to alternate
approaches, such as GAC, catalytic oxidation and thermal
incineration, and at the same time through its electricity-
generating configuration will generate sufficient electricity
to reduce net costs well below those of the alternate systems.
Phase I will involve laboratory testing of the combustor
component of the system as well as preliminary system
design. Several VOC streams will be tested. Destruction
efficiency greater than 99.9999% is expected and organic
submicron size paniculate matter will also be combusted. In
Phase II, a field prototype will be built and operated.
26.On-board Generation of Ignition
Improvers for Methanol Diesels
TDA Research, Inc.
12421 West 49th Avenue, #6
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 422-7953
Mr. Michael Karpuk
EPA Region 8 Amount: $50,000
Methanol fueled diesels are an attractive means of meeting
the stringent 1994 diesel paniculate standards, and are a
topic of intense industrial interest. Unfortunately, because
of methanol's autoignition temperature is high and its
ignition delay is long, some means of improving its ignition
is required if it is to be used in a diesel engine. The best
current method, use of high exhaust gas recirculation with
a glow plug assist reduces fuel economy, increases the
complexity and cost of the engine, and increases maintenance
costs. A promising solution is the on-board generation of
the gaseous ignition enhancer di-methyl ether (DME). This
system will require minimal modifications to the engine
design and will not degrade the thermal efficiency of the
engine. However, no quantitative information is available
on how to integrate DME into the combustion process, and
on its effect on emissions. Therefore, TDA Research will
measure the amount of DME required for efficient opera-
tion as a function of engine load and speed, and to deter-
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mine the effect of DME aspiration on the emissions of CO,
NOx, unburned hydrocarbons (particularly methanol and
formaldehyde), and particulates.
27. Total Oxidation of Contaminated Level
Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons Over
Aerogel Catalysts
ElectroChem, Inc.
400 W. Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801
(617) 932-3383
Dr. Vinod Jalan, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $50,000
The objective of this Phase I project is to study the feasi-
bility of a catalytic oxidation of contaminant level volatile
organic hydrocarbons using novel aerogel catalysts. The
advantages of using the proposed catalytic combustion
process is that it can operate at a lower temperature than the
conventional incinerators thus controlling NOx emissions. It
will also be more efficient in obtaining virtually 100%
conversion than any conventional methods and it will be
smaller in size than any conventional incinerator.
Advanced preparation techniques of aerogel catalysts will
be used to prepare different multicomponent catalytic sys-
tems for higher activity and stability. The major advantages
of this preparation procedure is that metallic components
can be combined in any proportion and that it produces high
surface area and highly porous materials. The information
gathered will be used to design a catalytic system that
would optimize the total oxidation of hydrocarbons in terms
of final products and their distribution.
I. Waste Reduction and Pollution
Prevention
28. Liquid Metal/Cold Metal Bond
Enhancement in a Magnetostrictively
Stressed Substrate
AVCA Corporation
5855 Monroe Street
Sylvania, OH 43560
(419) 885-2822
Mr. W. Vaughn Baltzly, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 5 Amount: $50,000
A new method of applying thin, electrically conductive
films to a substrate as a replacement for continuous strip
electroplating (CSEP) is desirable from an environmental
standpoint as a means of limiting chemical and metallic
contamination of wastewater and the economic costs of
treatment.
AVCA Corporation has done preliminary design work on
a method and apparatus for generating thin films by levita-
tion of electrically conductive materials in an electromag-
netic containment device and transfers them to a ferrous
substrate passing under the device on a continuous basis as
a replacement for CSEP.
A question that must be answered before further develop-
ment of the levitation portion of the design takes place is the
quality of the bond achieved by the direct application of a
liquid metal to a relatively cold ferrous substrate. Prelimi-
nary research indicates that such bonds are worthwhile.
AVCA Corporation has designed a supplemental process
of enhancing these bonds that can be dovetailed into the
levitation portion of its design that involves reliquefaction
of the film while subjecting the substrate to a strong
magnetostrictive effect.
This research proposal involves the construction of a bench
top device for testing the magnetostrictive interaction and
for modelling the entire process for the purpose of deter-
mining instrumentation requirements.
29. Suppression of Cyanide Formation in
Hall Process Potlining
EMEC Consultants
R.D. 3, Roundtop Road
Export, PA 15632
(412) 325-3260
Dr. Rudolf Keller, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $50,000
Spent potlining from industrial primary aluminum produc-
tion cells is a designated hazardous material because of its
cyanide content. Over 100,000 tons of this material are
annually landfilled in the United States.
It would be desirable to avoid the formation of cyanide
during the operation of the cells. EMEC Consultants pro-
pose to investigate the conditions at which cyanides form
and migrate within the cell. It is hoped that ways to
eliminate the formation of cyanide can be identified. A
possible, proprietary approach is already outlined in the
proposal. The experimental investigation of its feasibility
is prepared in Phase I, then planned to actually be initiated
on industrial electrolyzers in Phase II.
30. Automated Mixing and Application of
Agricultural Chemicals
MAIS, Inc.
P.O. Box 1033
Hettinger, ND 58639
(701) 567-4531
Mr. Michael H. Magnuson, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 8 Amount: $46,275
Current methods for applying agricultural chemicals, such
as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, require premixing
of concentrated chemicals with water and pose problems of
disposing of the unused mixed chemicals and the premix
tank wash solution in an environmentally acceptable man-
ner. In addition, current sprayers cannot adjust concentra-
tions for changes in sprayer speed. The objective of MAIS,
Inc. is to develop a micro automated injection system
(MAIS) to solve these problems by mixing the chemicals as
they are pumped to the spray boom and using an electronic
microprocessor to calculate and control the amount of each
chemical.
Phase I research and development will design and construct
a prototype of the mixing system including the valves,
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pumps, manifold, mixing chamber, and microprocessor
controller. Phase II will confirm the design with field
testing and will develop a commercially manufacturable
product based on the Phase I prototype.
31. Valuable Products from Coal Burning
Wastes
Science Ventures, Inc.
8909 Complex Drive, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 292-7354
Mr. Douglas H. Laird, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $50,000
Coal combustion flue gas that is desulfurized with lime or
limestone results in 30-35 million tons per year of gypsum-
like waste. This presents a disposal problem which could be
eliminated by conversion into marketable commodities.
Science Ventures has been experimenting with a new high-
speed chemical process to solve a related environmental
problem. Their FLASC process recovers sulfur values from
phosphogypsum for recycle to the wet phosphoric acid
process. Synthetic aggregate for concrete is produced.
The proposed process would use similar entrained, slagging,
mildly reducing conditions and equipment to produce cement
and sulfuric acid for sale. Some of the coal ash would also
be consumed this way.
Very fast conversion rates of these processes promise re-
duced capital costs per unit of products. In addition, fresh
FGD waste requires substantially less fuel than do natural
or other byproduct gypsums.
Phase I crucible tests will prove cement quality, and test the
practicality of entrained slagging equipment. If results are
positive, Phase II can progress rapidly using existing bench
scale apparatus.
J. Oil Spill Prevention, Cleanup, and
Restoration Technology
32. Robotic Inspection of Crude Oil Carrier
Tanks
American Research Corporation of Virginia
542 First Street, P.O. Box 3406
Radford.VA 24143-3406
(703) 731-0655
Dr. R. J. Churchill, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $50,000
The inspection of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) for
structural reliability is an important environmental concern.
These large vessels transport crude oil in such quantities
that the consequence of an oil spill due to a broken weld are
very serious. Improved techniques are needed to inspect
VLCC tanks for defects such as cracks in seams, corrosion
and failed structural members. The cost of inspection is
high because the ship must be taken out of service and
brought to a repair facility. American Research Corporation
of Virginia proposes to remedy this situation by developing
a robotic system incorporating magnetic eddy current and
video camera inspection. Signals due to cold working of
metal components will be used to assess the damage state
of tank materials. The program is innovative in applying
scanning eddy current and signal analysis techniques to
achieve the Phase I objective of developing an eddy current
scanning systems, fabricating welded samples, collection
and analysis of data and specification of a remote inspection
system for tank evaluation. Phase I will consist of a proof-
of-principal demonstration of the eddy current inspection
and specification of the robotic system. The Phase II pro-
gram will involve demonstration of a prototype system on
a mock-up oil carrier tank.
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Abstracts of Phase II Awards
SBIR
1990
Topic D. Solid and Hazardous Waste
Disposal
33. Innovative Incineration Technology for
Fiberglass Manufacturing Solid and
Hazardous Waste Disposal/Recycling
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
(215) 489-2255
Dr. W. Francis Olix, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 3 Amount: $149,992
The production of insulation fiberglass results in substantial
quantities of waste products which must be disposed of in
hazardous waste landfills in some states. The cost of
landfilling these materials at a single plant is often in excess
of $1 million/yr which, in the end, is passed on the American
consumers and takes up valuable landfill space. The devel-
opment of an innovative advanced incinerator/glass melter
is proposed as a means of eliminating the solid/hazardous
waste disposal problems associated with the production of
insulation products. The technology being proposed for the
solid waste incineration/melting is based on advanced in-
flight suspension glass melting technology being developed
by Vortec Corporation for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Phase I of the development program verified the technical
and economic feasibility of producing a recyclable cullet
from waste insulation fiberglass by oxidizing the organics
contained in the waste material and melting the material in
Vortec's advanced Cyclone Melting System (CMS) via
testing with a pilot-scale unit. Vortec Corporation is con-
tinuing the research initiated in Phase I by performing
additional fiberglass waste incineration/melting tests with
its pilot-scale CMS to demonstrate production of cullet of
consistent chemistry over extended duration operation, to
improve and optimize the system for recycling several
classes of waste insulation fiberglass materials, and to
demonstrate that the innovative process can meet emissions
regulations with respect to products of incomplete com-
bustion (PIC). Vortec proposes to perform stack gas and
scrubber water sampling and analysis necessary to identify
the concentrations of PICs and particulates in the effluents
from the Vortec CMS during the waste incineration/melting
operations. Under this program, Vortec also proposes to
sample and analyze the cullet produced during the waste
incineration/melting operations to verify that the chemistry
of the cullet is consistent over the extended duration opera-
tion and meets fiberglass manufacturers' criteria for cullet
feedstock to their primary furnaces.
34. Pilot Sclae Field Implementation of
Surfactant Flushing of Hydrophobic
Refractory Organic Compounds
Eckenfelder, Inc.
227 French Landing Drive
Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 255-2288
Dr. Ann N. Clarke, Mr. Robert D. Mutch, Jr., Principal
Investigators
EPA Region 4 Amount: $149,909
This research is targeted towards the field scale feasibility
testing of in situ surfactant flushing (ISSF). Field data for
the very promising remedial technologies essentially do not
exist. This lack is frequently cited in the literature. Not only
will this proposed research provide this much needed infor-
mation, but it will also test a surfactant recycle/reuse system
which further enhances the technology (capable of treating
a broad menu of chemical constituents at hazardous waste
sites) from an economical perspective. The proposed re-
search also includes the development of preliminary (1
well) field feasibility of ISSF prior to the more costly
multiple well (injection, extraction, monitoring) pilot-scale
testing; development of rapid reliable analytical techniques
for field monitoring; development of improved suspended
solids handling; and verification of the field scale math-
ematical model.
35. A Novel Idea for Photo-Conversion of
Hazardous Chlorocarbon Industrial
Wastes to Usable Hydrocarbon Fuels
M. L. Energia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1468
Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 799-7970
Dr. Moshe Lavid, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 2 Amount: $150,000
Hazardous waste disposal is one of the main concerns of the
Environmental Protection Agency. The dominant process
for treatment of an important toxic waste - chlorocarbons -
has been incineration. However, the intolerable quantities
of polychlorinated hydrocarbons (PCHC) detected in effluent
of incinerators have raised serious doubts as to the wide
application of this technology. Utilization of a reducing
atmosphere can dramatically decrease the concentrations of
PCHC and totally eliminate phosgene in the emission, but
it creates unacceptable amounts of solid carbon.
M.L. Energia, Inc., proposes a novel method for safe
conversion of halocarbons that has the potential to alleviate
these problems. Photo-initiation will be used to reduce the
overall activation energy barrier for chlorocarbon reduction
to hydrocarbons and hydrogen chloride. As a result of the
photochemical step, dechlorination can be accomplished at
10
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relatively low temperature. This will circumvent soot for-
mation which is characteristic of higher temperature ther-
mal processes and will substantially reduce energy cost.
During Phase I, photo-induced dechlorination was unam-
biguously demonstrated: representative chlorocarbons
(CH3C1, CH2C12> CHC13, CC14, CH3CC13) were converted to
chlorine-free hydrocarbons at moderate temperature and
with absence of soot. Because of these dramatic and con-
vincing results, a Phase II comprehensive research program
is proposed. It will consist of three major efforts: (1) Phase
I kinetic studies will be extended to achieve a deeper
understanding of the photo-initiated dechlorination
mechanism; (2) a prototype photochemical reactor for pilot
studies will be designed and constructed; and (3) the proto-
type will be tested in-depth to evaluate efficiency, to optimize
conversion and to determine cost. Then, if all is successful,
the process will be commercialized in collaboration with a
private company under a Phase III program, for which a
Follow-on Funding commitment has been obtained.
Topic F. Control of Acid Rain Precursors
36. Pilot-Scale Demonstration of A Pulse
Combustion In-Furnace NOX Reduction
Control Technique
Altex Technologies Corporation
650 Nuttman Road, #114
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 980-8610
Dr. John T. Kelley, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $149,987
Effective, low-cost and retrofittable, NOx emission controls
are needed for coal-fired furnaces. The novel Pulse Com-
bustor In-Furnace NOx Reduction (PCIFNR) technique
utilizes hot pulsating flow to optimally process coal prior to
furnace injection. The reactive coal components are then
rapidly dispersed and mixed within the furnace to reduce
NOx. With the PCIFNR concept, preprocessing of coal and
rapid furnace mixing overcome burnout and NOx control
limitations of conventional reburning. Since the PCIFNR
system is simple and converts combustion energy directly
into flow momentum, system and operating costs are low.
The concept can also be extended to simultaneously control
both NOx and SO2.
The Phase I small-scale test results and analyses showed
that the PCIFNR concept has very significant NOx reduc-
tion and coal burnout advantages over conventional
reburning. These advantages result in over a factor of three
reduction in cost-per-ton of NOx removal for the PCIFNR
system. The objective of the proposed Phase II program is
to further develop and confirm the benefits of the concept
in pilot-scale tests that simulate utility boiler conditions.
Analyses will also be used to extrapolate performance to
full-scale boilers and define system costs. The completion
of these efforts will promote the commercialization of the
PCIFNR system and provide potential users with information
to evaluate the benefits of the concept.
Topic G. Process Instrumentation for
Improved Pollution Control
37. A Proposed Continuous Monitor for
Stack Emissions or Process Effluents
with Recorder/Controller Function
Moduspec Company
534 Boston Post Road
P.O. Box 63
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 358-5969
Dr. Jack M. Goldstein, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $150,000
A prototype Source Analyzer has been tested during a
Phase I SBIR contract. Its function is to monitor stacks and
process streams and exercise computer feedback control to
optimize combustion or other processes and to minimize
pollution. The analyzer employs Gas Filter Correlation
(GFC) Photometry to measure gases in the PPM range.
Probe extractive sampling is used, and the unit is compact,
potentially portable and intended to be cost effective to
reach a large market. A stepper motor controlled multigas
gas filter correlation wheel is used to discriminate each of
the gases to be measured. NO2, N2O, SO2, HC1, HC's and
CO have been successfully measured. Other gases, notably
NO, should become analyzable with the substitution of a
longer range IR detector than the one used in the study (lead
selenide). The system, including the GFC Photometric
Analyzer Module, is controlled by an IBM PC, and with the
exception of the Photometer Module, can be assembled by
the user from off-the-shelf components including commer-
cially available control softwear. The innovative aspects
employed in the GFC Photometer include true hermetically
sealed gas cuvettes (no cemented windows) and the potential
extended spectral range of operation from the UV to the
mid-IR. The compact photometer, hand carried, can be
controlled by a laptop computer, and would be affordable
and operable by small companies and municipalities.
Topic H. Air Pollution Control
38. Fast Lightoff Catalytic Converter
Precision Combustion, Inc.
25 Science Park
New Haven, CT 06511
(203)786-5215
Dr. William Pfefferle, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $150,000
Transportation sources remain the primary source of man-
made hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emis-
sions. Most of the remaining HC and CO exhaust emissions
from new automobiles occurs shortly after starting, before
the exhaust has warmed the catalytic converter to lightoff
temperature. Precision Combustion, Inc. is developing a
low cost, fast lightoff, electrically heated metal monolith
catalytic converter directed towards eliminating this gap in
emissions control while improving conversion effectiveness
and long term durability.
11
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Phase I laboratory configuration testing showed that a low
power sufficiently rapid heat-up can be achieved for full
conversion immediately after engine start-up. CO and ad-
justed non-methane hydrocarbon conversions were in excess
of 99%. Preliminary automotive and durability testing was
successful.
Phase II will be directed towards system development,
involving design, construction and testing of one or more
commercially feasible prototypes, and culminating in Fed-
eral Test Procedure (FTP) tests of an automotive prototype
by the New York State Automotive Emissions Laboratory.
39. Trace Metal Emission Control and Ash
Stabilization in Incinerators
PSI Technology Company
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
(508) 689-0003
Dr. Srivats Srinivasachar, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 1 Amount: $150,000
Waste incineration produces emissions of toxic metals, both
as vapors and surface coatings on aerosols. Trace metal
species such as Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr volatilize extensively
in the combustion zone, ultimately condensing (and con-
centrating) into the difficult-to-capture submicron fume.
In PSI Technology Company's Phase I program, several
additives capable of capturing lead oxide and lead chloride
vapors were identified. Leaching and volatility tests demon-
strated the stability of the final product, indicating chemical
bonding between the lead and the substrate. The resulting
product is, therefore, beneficial in (1) removing lead from
incinerator flue gases, and (2) being sufficiently stable for
safe landfill disposal.
In Phase II, the capabilities of these sorbents in capturing
other trace metals commonly emitted from incinerators will
be measured. Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni will be examined in
Phase II. First, partitioning of these trace metal species
among the various phases and chemical forms possible will
be defined; the ability of individual sorbents to remove
these species under a variety of conditions will then be
identified. Stability will be demonstrated via leaching tests,
volatility tests, and chemical composition measurements.
Immobilization of trace metal species condensed on exist-
ing MSW waste will also be demonstrated in a separate
process. At the conclusion of this effort, process develop-
ment will be addressed, pilot-scale tests will be defined, and
process economics for a waste-immobilization scheme as-
sessed. It is anticipated that this process can potentially
reduce emissions of trace metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, and
Zn by several orders-of-magnitude.
40. Diesel Emission Oxidizer (DEO) System
for the Control of Paniculate Emission
from Diesel Engines
Converter Technology, Inc.
414 North Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 784-3388
Mr. Rafaat A. Kammel, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 5 Amount: $150,000
The problem of paniculate pollution from diesel engines,
particularly those used in trucks and buses, has received
considerable attention from EPA, CARB and the public.
This resulted in emission standards for diesel trucks and
buses to take place in 1991 and 1994. Among various
alternatives to comply with these standards, the proposed
Diesel Emission Oxidizer (DEO) system is emerging as one
of the most promising paniculate trap technologies.
As a result of Phase I work, the radical wire mesh design
demonstrated very high soot collection efficiency at a low
pressure drop. Moreover, a regeneration scheme employing
feed-back control logic is emerging as reliable and cost
effective. The design evolved at the end of Phase I has a few
innovative ideas such as a continuous thermocouple, en-
hanced wire mesh reactor design, upgraded butterfly valve
and bypass design and a thermal relief valve.
The majority of work in Phase I concentrated on the
regeneration scheme. Phase II will emphasize the regenera-
tion process in further detail and will target issues such as
the wire mesh heat transfer properties, flame quenching,
wash-coat and base-metal catalyst, thermal relief valve,
closed-loop logic enhancements, reliability and the associ-
ated economic analysis and impact for new and retrofitting
applications. Phase II also includes the development of a
finite-difference computer code, analytical studies, proto-
types and subsystem testing, and multiple regenerations.
41. Control of Volatile Organic Compound
(VOC) Emissions from Industrial
Processes
Catalytica, Inc.
430 Ferguson Drive, Building 3
Mountain View, CA 94043
(415) 960-3000
Dr. James C. Schlatter, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $149,829
A new adsorption-catalytic combustion system with appli-
cation to the removal of volatile organic compound (VOC)
emissions from industrial processes and commercial opera-
tions especially where low concentrations of VOC are
present in high flows of off-gas is proposed in a Phase II
program. This system will have the benefits of low equipment
cost, simple operation, low energy utilization, and will be
applicable to both small and large industrial gaseous streams.
The object of the Phase II program is to develop a working
prototype of a VOC emission control unit based on the
concept of adsorbing and subsequently destroying undesir-
able organic compounds. Such waste emissions are typically
a combination of solvents like methyl ethyl ketone (MEK),
esters, glycols, and other various non-descriptive organic
compounds. Although the focus of Phase II is the removal
of a selected odorous ketone compound from a gaseous
stream, the encouraging results obtained in Phase I have
shown that the concept is sound and that Catalytica, Inc.'s
technique to eliminate VOC emissions will be directly
applicable to the removal of many toxic air emissions and
to the removal of odorous compounds from commercial
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operations such as meat rendering plants, restaurants, etc.
Phase II will gain a better understanding of the adsorbent
and catalyst behavior. In particular, it is desirable to know
(1) how changes in regeneration variables, such as tem-
perature and environment, affect the catalyst, (he composition
of the exiting gas, and adsorbent efficiencies, and (2) how
multiple regenerations affect an absorbent's structure and
its ability to capture the hydrocarbon emission.
Topic I. Waste Reduction and Pollution
Prevention
42. Hydrocarbon Recovery from Petroleum
Transfer Operations
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415)328-2228
Dr. J. G. Wijmans, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $150,000
Approximately 1.2 million tons of hydrocarbons are released
annually in the United States from petroleum storage and
transfer operations. Typical hydrocarbons emitted are C3
through C6 alkanes, and C4 and C5 olefins. These emissions
represent both an air pollution problem and a significant
energy loss. The hydrocarbons are contributors to photo-
chemical smog formation and their value is approximately
6 X 10" Btu/year. The best opportunities for hydrocarbon
recovery are airstreams generated during the loading and
discharging of storage tanks. The results of the Phase I
program solidly demonstrate that a membrane-based recov-
ery system is capable of recovering more than 99% of the
hydrocarbons in these airstreams and that the cost of the
system is a fraction of the fuel value of the recovered
hydrocarbons. Therefore, use of this process in industrial
settings could be justified both on economic and environ-
mental grounds.
The objective of the Phase II program is to fully demon-
strate the process by building and operating a one-tenth-
scale pilot unit. This unit will treat a 40-scfm gasoline
vapor-laden airstream. The proposed recovery system com-
bines compression-condensation with the membrane sepa-
ration step. The hydrocarbon vapors will first be compressed
and condensed at moderate (and, hence, economically
achieved) pressures and temperatures. A membrane system
will remove the remaining vapors. The hydrocarbon-en-
riched permeate stream produced by the membrane system
will be recirculated to the condenser. In the design and the
operation of the pilot unit, special attention will be given to
the fire and explosion hazards associated with handling
gasoline vapor-air mixtures. The pilot system will be evalu-
ated in a parametric study at Membrane Technology &
Research, Inc.'s laboratories. This will provide the data
necessary to optimize the process and to demonstrate the
reliability and efficiency of the system to future industrial
collaborators who would install the unit in the field in a
Phase III program.
43. High-Speed Recycling Process for
Phosphate Industry Waste
Science Ventures, Inc.
8909 Complex Drive, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92123
(619) 292-7354
Mr. Douglas H. Laird, Principal Investigator
EPA Region 9 Amount: $149,007
As a by-product of U.S. phosphate fertilizer production, 43
million tons/year of waste phosphogypsum are produced.
Sulfur costing phosphate producers over $800 million/year
is locked in this phosphogypsum waste, which is dumped
on land.
Science Ventures has been experimenting with a new high-
speed chemical process to solve this major economic and
environmental problem. The FLASC process would recycle
the sulfur as concentrated SO2, and reduce the solid residue
to environmentally benign glassy slag that may be useable
as aggregate in concrete.
The FLASC process sprays gypsum together with smaller
amounts of coal and other solids into a high-temperature
flame. Sulfur dioxide is released and the condensed residue
melts and drains from the reactor. Conversion is complete
in seconds, compared to an hour or so with older sulfur
recycling processes, giving this concept economic advan-
tages.
A small pilot plant has just been completed with joint EPA/
SBIR and Florida State funding. Phase II would use the new
equipment in a test program to study technical and eco-
nomic feasibility, and to collect engineering data for scale
up.
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Alphabetical List of Awardees
Page Number/s
Page Number/s
Altex Technologies Corporation
650 Nuttman Road, #114
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 980-861
.6, 11
American Research Corporation of Virginia
542 First Street, P.O. Box 3406
Radford,VA 24143-3406
(703) 731-0655
Arete Technologies
15 Withington Lane
Harvard, MA 01451
(508) 456-3852
AVCA Corporation
5855 Monroe Street
Sylvania, OH 43560
(419)885-2822
Behnken and Associates, Inc.
475 Arlington Road
Brookville, OH 45309
(513) 883-4043
Bio-Recovery Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 3982, UPB
Las Cruces, NM 88003
(505)646-5192
Catalytica, Inc.
430 Ferguson Drive, Building 3
Mountain View, CA 94043
(415) 960-3000
.12
Chem Char Research, Inc.
T-16 Research Park
Columbia, MO 65211
(314) 882-2822
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 320-6151
Chemical Reclamation Technologies
20749 Parkwood Lane
Strongsville,OH44136
(216) 572-9225
Converter Technology, Inc.
414 North Jackson Street
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 784-3388
.12
Eckenfelder, Inc.
227 French Landing Drive
Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 255-2288
.10
ECOVA Corporation
3820 159th Avenue, NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(206)883-1900
ElectroChem, Inc.
400 W. Cummings Park
Wobum, MA 01801
(617) 932-3383
.5,8
EMEC Consultants
R.D. 3, Roundtop Road
Export, PA 15632
(412)325-3260
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
East Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 666-5500
EnviMed Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6503
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 896-2193
Enzyme Technology Research Group, Inc.
710 West Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 683-3161
JP Laboratories, Inc.
26 Howard Street
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(201) 968-6650
M. L. Energia, Inc.
P.O. Box 1468
Princeton, NJ 08542
(609) 799-7970
.10
MAIS, Inc.
P.O. Box 1033
Hettinger, ND 58639
(701) 567-4531
Manufacturing and Technology Conversion
International, Inc.
P.O. Box 21
Columbia, MD 21045
(301) 982-1292
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Page Number/s
Page Number/s
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road, Suite 103
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 328-2228
.3,7, 13
Moduspec Company
534 Boston Post Road
P.O. Box 63
Wayland, MA 01778
(508) 358-5969
.11
Novatek
10 West Ross Avenue
Oxford, OH 45056
(515) 523-1545
PCP Consulting and Research, Inc.
P.O. Box 5943
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 921-2053
Precision Combustion, Inc.
25 Scoemce Park
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 786-5215
.7, 11
Professional Analytical & Consulting
Services, Inc. (PACS)
409 Mead Drive
Coraopolis, PA 15108
(412) 262-4222
PSI Technology Company
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
(508) 689-0003
.12
Refractory Composites
12220-A Rivera Road
Whittier, CA 90606
(213) 698-8061
S.R. Taylor & Associates
516 SW Kaw
Bartlesville, OK 74003
(918) 337-0264
Science Ventures, Inc.
8909 Complex Drive, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92123
(619)292-7354
.9, 13
Sonotech, Inc.
575 Travis Street, NW
Atlanta, G A 30318
(404) 525-8530
TDA Research, Inc.
12421 West 49th Avenue, #6
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
(303) 422-7819
.2,7
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426
(215) 489-2255
.4, 10
15
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 199 1/548- 187/205 18
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