September 1988
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DESCRIPTION OF RREL
TEST AND EVALUATIONS FACILITIES
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£
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EPA
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1988.4
RISK REDUCTION ENGINEERING LABORATORY (RREL)
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
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INTRODUCTION
This paper is an overview of the test and evaluation facilities of
the Cincinnati based Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL),
Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA. While these facilities
vary greatly as to function and scope they have in common their abilities
to serve the scientific and engineering needs of RREL client offices,
both within EPA, and for outside Federal, State and local organizations,
and industry.
Those facilities covered in this paper are:
0 Center Hill Facility
0 Combustion Research Facility
0 Drinking Water Pilot Plant (Inorganic Contaminants) - fixed and mobile
0 Drinking Water Pilot Plant (Organic Contaminants) - fixed and mobile
0 Mobile Incineration Units
0 Test and Evaluation Facility
In each following section, describing the four facilities, is
included the:
0 Location
0 Purpose and scope
0 Capability ; ^,
0 Highlights of current usage \
0 Equipment available
Any group interested in the development or evaluation of control " -
technologies and/or equipment to deal with pollution will face the need
to test their process/hardware, or the results thereof. RREL facilities
are available, under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act to help
meet .these needs. Contact with us for discussions regarding the
availability of our pilot plants for cooperative arid private party use
is encouraged.
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CENTER HILL RESEARCH FACILITY
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LOCATION
Joseph K. Burkart, Stabilization Section, Municipal Solid Waste and
Residuals Management Branch, WMDDRD, RREL
USEPA Center Hill Research Facility, 5995 Center Hill Road, Cincinnati,
OH 45224
Comm. 513-569-7885, FTS 864-7885
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF FACILITY v
An onsite team of multidisciplined engineers and scientists conduct •
research and provide technical services in the areas of testing, design,
and field implementation for both solid and hazardous waste management.
Engineering services focus on the design and implementation of site
remediation, and on land pollution control. Existing technologies are .
evaluated for their performance in the containment and control of pollution
to the land.
Technical assistance to EPA Regional Offices includes lab and field
services for remedial action program design and construction. Computer-
aided-engineering services are also provided for mapping and modeling to
assist in site-situation assessment and remedial actions.
CAPABILITY
Center Hill houses labs that are specially equipped for geotechnical
testing of soil wastes to evaluate the physical effects of chemicals on
soils and to assess the soil-chemical interaction and the mechanisms .of
chemical release in the geohydrological environment.
• The Facility also accommodates bench and pilot-scale testing.to
evaluate the performance of technologies for waste treatment and site
remediation.
'Major areas of action are:
0 computer assisted engineering (CAE)
0 chemical solidification and stabilization (CSS)
0 pollution control technologies (PCT)
0 technology evaluation for remedial actions (TERA)
HIGHLIGHTS OF CURRENT USAGE
slurry wall design and construction methods
evaluation of organics effects on slurry walls
effects of aggressive permanent liquids on bentonite/soils
computer assisted engineering remedial action assessment:
innovative delivery and recovery systems: hydrofracturing
lab assessment of solidification/stabilization (S/S) systems
engineering support for Superfund Solidification/Stabilization
alternative leaching scenarios development for S/S hazardous soil
wastes
data base development for S/S performance
construction quality assurance programs for remedial action
Superfund projects
evaluation and demonstration of S/S techniques to treat municipal
waste combuster ash
U.S. Environmental Protection Ag*o«7
Library, Room 2404 PM-211-*
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington. DO 80480
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EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
Facility features include:
0 geotechnical testing lab
0 hazardous waste lab
0 CSS facilities
0 hazardous waste storage building
0 chemical leaching extraction lab
0 high bay area
0 lysimeter cells
0 pressurized test tank
0 slurry wall .test flume
0 outdoor lysimeters
CAE
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COMBUSTION RESEARCH FACILITY (CRF)
LOCATION
Located in conjunction with National Center for Toxicological Research,
Jefferson, AR
Comm. 501-541-0004, no FTS
Robert C. Thurnau, Chief, Technology Research Section, Thermal Destruction
Branch, RREL, Cincinnati, OH 45268
Comm. 513-569-7692, FTS 684-7692
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF FACILITY
Pilot plant testing is used to list wastes representative of today's
commercial hazardous waste incinerators is used to test various listed
hazardous wastes and certain organic and metals "soups" that address RCRA
and SARA needs. Evaluations are carried out in the Rotary Kiln System
(RKS) and the Liquid Injection System (LIS). Assessment of in-line and
slipstream pilot air pollution control devices (APCDs) such as venturi
scrubbers, packed towers, ionizing wet scrubbers, spray dryer/fabric
filters, and electrostatic precipitators, will also be conducted. Testing
will be directed at determining the impact of the following variables,
POHC, PIC, and metals emmissions, as a function of:
0 chlorine content of the feed material
0 afterburner and kiln temperatures
0 excess air
0 feed matrix
0 APCD operation
Pollutant removal efficiencies for major classes of PICs and metals
will be determined for each APCD tested.
CAPABILITY OF FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT
3100 square feet under roof (expanding to 12,000 square feet)
Permits:
0 full RCRA Part B Permit for RKS
0 full RCRA Part B Permit for LIS
HIGHLIGHTS OF CURRENT USAGE
138 tests to date (FY85/88) covering K037, K086, K087, K001 , plus
synthetic mixtures
Work directed toward special needs of OSW, OEER, OPP, OW, Regional
Offices
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
Two 3.5 MMBTU/hr. pilot scale incinerators
0 rotary kiln system (RKS) - with afterburner
0 liquid injection system {LIS)
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Air pollution control systems
0 venturi scrubber on RKS
0 ionized wet scrubber on LIS-
0 facility APCD system (carbon bed/HEPA filter) allows operation
of individual units in "upset" of "failure" modes
° other APCD as available
On site analytical chemistry capability for volatile and semivolatile
organic compounds. Expansion into analysis of metal in FY89.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT
Legislative Mandates: RCRA, HSWA, CERCLA, FIFRA, TSCA, CAA
0 modification being processed to allow:
- mobile combustors
- mobile APCDs
- treatment of generated wastes
- expanded storage
0 types of testing available:
- hazardous waste "state-of-practice" testing
- hazardous waste "state-of-technology" testing
- parametric evaluation of combustion conditions
- parametric evaluation of air pollution control systems
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DRINKING WATER PILOT PLANT (Inorganic Contaminants) - Fixed and Mobile
LOCATION
Robert M. Clark, Director, DWRD, RREL
Inorganics & Particulate Control Branch, Drinking Water Research Division,
RREL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Comm. 513-569-7201, FTS 684-7201
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF FACILITY
This facility, as part of Inorganics and Particulates Control Branch,
functions to research treatment techniques to remove various contaminants
'• , f from drinking water. Both inhouse and mobile pilot plant systems are
•., 4 included in the equipment of this organization.
j'-J*, These pilot plants are used to evaluate various methods for removing
J^.'- inorganic chemicals (e.g. lead, arsenic, selenium, etc.) radionuclides
(radium, uranium, and radon), and particulates (inert turbidity, Giardia,
Cryptosporidium, etc.). The concentration of chemicals studied are
normally similar to those found in water sources throughout the nation.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
The inhouse pilot plant is comprised of two separate coagulation
systems utilizing rapid mix, chemical addition, slow mix, settling, and
filtration. Each system has a nominal capacity of two gpm and three
interconnected filters and are used only for inorganic chemical removal.
The use of metals, in construction of the equipment, is minimized to
reduce the possibility of contamination by the plumbing materials. These
systems are plumbed and halved so any individual component may be bypassed
to provide a multitude of treatment scenarios.
In addition to the large pilot systems, this inhouse plant houses a
150 gpd slow sand filter, two small reverse osmosis components (one gpm
each), a large reverse osmosis unit (6000 gpd), and a ten gpm diatomaceous
earth filter. All of the units are connected to various pumps and water
storage.- a 6000 gallon stainless steel tank located inside, and shares
outside tanks of 3000, 7000, and 2800 gallons capacity with the Branch's
organics plant. The two plants also share a 5000 gallon stainless steel
tank trailer.
ISPCB also manages two mobile pilot plants one of which is a box
trailer in which several water treatment systems have been installed
(i.e. ion exchange, activated alumina, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis,
and others). This trailer was constructed by the University of Houston
and is currently in Lemont, IL evaluating various components for radium
removal. This trailer is committed for the next several years for various
projects.
The second mobile plant is a self-contained 20 gpm package plant
that utilizes conventional coagulation followed by sedimentation and
filtration to treat drinking water. This mobile plant is currently stored
at Cincinnati, OH.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PREVIOUS USAGE
Is being used to study the removal of Giardia and other organisms
from drinking water.
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DRINKING WATER PILOT PLANT (Organic Contaminants) - Fixed and Mobile
LOCATION
All testing facilities in this group are headquartered within the
Organics Control Branch, Drinking Water Research Division, RREL
Robert M. Clark, Director, DWRD, RREL, Cincinnati, OH 45268
Comm. 513-569-7201, FTS 684-7201
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF FACILITY
The effort of this facility is to provide the Office of Drinking
Water with data on the effectiveness of various treatment processes for
control of organic contaminants under study for inclusion in national
drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
Several pilot-scale testing units are employed for the study of
control of organic contaminants in drinking water. Dealing with part-
per-billion concentrations of organic contaminants, all equipment is
constructed primarily of stainless steel, teflon and glass to minimize
contaminiation. Thus, any outreach effort should only involve those
studying similar concentrations of organic contaminants.
CAPABILITY
Water treatment processes include:
0 conventional treatment
0 filter/adsorbers
0 diffused air aeration
0 ozonation
0 reverse osmosis
0 mobile pilot plant
HIGHLIGHTS OF PREVIOUS USAGE
Is being used to study the removal and control of disinfection
byproducts from drinking water.
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MOBILE TREATMENT UNITS
LOCATION
Available from Releases Control Branch, Superfund Technology
Control Division, RREL - Edison, NJ
Richard P. Traver, USEPA, Woodbridge Ave., Edison, NJ 08837
Comm. 201-321-6677, FTS 340-6677
PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND CAPABILITY OF FACILITY -'Four systems
I. Mobile Incineration System (MIS) for cleanup of hazardous substance
spills and waste sites: Designed to meet'EPA's PCB destruction specifications
this system provides state-of-the-art high-temperature destruction of toxic
and hazardous organic contaminants fed to the system, including persistent
nonbiodegradable compounds, as well as debris from cleanup operations.
II. Mobile System for Extracting Hazardous Materials from Soil: Developed
to treat soils contaminated by spills of hazardous material or from
uncontrolled waste disposal sites. Soils are treated by removal of
soluable substances, and/or particle size separation. Contaminantes are
ususlly associated with the finer particles. This system is most successful
where the contaminant is water soluble, sandy type, soils of metals
(e.g. lead) .
III. In-Situ Containment/Treatment System: The Mobile In-Situ Containment/
Treatment Unit is designed for field use to treat soils that have been
contaminated by hazardous materials from spills of hazardous waste sites.
This treatment is accomplished by direct injection of grouting material
into the soil or injection of chemical or biological agents.
IV. Mobile System for Detoxification/Regeneration of Spent Activated Carbon:
Designed for treating granular activated carbon (GAC) contaminated with
organic pollutants thus removing and detoxifying the contaminants and
allowing for reuse of the GAC. The unit may also be used for removal of
volatile organ!cs from soils.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
I. The mobile incinerator consists of equipment mounted on four trailers.
In the kiln on the first trailer, organic wastes are fully vaporized and
completely or partially oxidized at approximately 1800°F. Incombustible
ash is discharged directly from the kiln while the gas passes through a
secondary combustion chamber (SCO, on the second trailer, at a temperature
of 2200°F, where thermal decomposition (oxidation) of the contaminants is
completed. The flue gas exits from SCC and is cooled by water sprays to
approximately 190°F (excess water is collected in a sump). The cooled
gases then pass into the air pollution control equipment on the third
trailer where submicron-sized particulates are removed from the gas stream
through a high-efficiency air filter, and by product acid gases generated
by the destruction process are neutralized in an alkaline scrubber. An
induced fan draft then draws the gases through an overall vacuum to ensure
that no toxic gases escape. The cleansed gases from the system go through
a 40 foot high stack. Solid feed rate varies between 700 - 5000 Ib/hr
depenent on the characteristics of the feed material.
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II. The prototype of the mobile extraction system has been developed
utilizing conventional equipment for screening, size reduction,washing,
and dewatering of the soils. The washing fluid (water) may contain
additives such as acids, alkalies, detergents, and selected organic
solvents to enhance soil decontamination. The nominal processing rate is
3.2-m3(4-yd3) of soil per hour when the soil particles are primarily less
than 2-mm in size and up to 14.4-m^(18-yd^) per hour for soil of larger
average particle size.
Ill, The in-situ containment/treatment unit is mounted on one over-the-road
trailer and includes: diesel electric generator, air compressor, mixing
tanks, hoses/ solids feed conveyor, pipe injectors, soil testing apparatus,
and accessory items. The capacity of the various components depends upon
the material being injected or recovered, and the soil type and condition.
IV, The mobile carbon detoxification/regeneration system is composed of
a rotary kiln, secondary combustion chamber, gas scrubber, GAC quench and
vibratory screen for GAC dewatering, instrument!on, a small laboratory,
and diesel electric generator, all mounted on a 45 foot trailer.
During a residence time of approximately 20 minutes GAC is heated to
about 1800°F. Water is injected at the discharge end of the kiln as a
reactivation aid. The hot GAC is then quenched in water and sized on
vibrating screens to remove fines.
In tests, using GAC contaminated by orthodichlorobenzene and tetra-
chloroethylene, GAC recoveries averaged better than 95% and adsorptive
capacities were restored to 90%.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PREVIOUS USAGE
I. Full scale operations on dioxin contaminated soils and PCB contaminated
liquids
II. Successful in removal of lead from soil and water soluable compounds
III. Operation of the equipment has been tested under simulated field
conditions
IV. Trial burns have successfully been conducted.
PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF EQUIPMENT
I. Not available before mid/late 1989
II. Available
III. Available
IV. Available
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TEST AND EVALUATION (TfiE) FACILITY
LOCATION
Francis L. Evans, III, Acting Chief, Treatment Evaluation Section,
Water and Hazardous Waste Division, RREL, USEPA 1600 Gest Street,
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Comm. 513-684-2621, FTS 6,84-2621
PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF FACILITY
T&E supports the various programs of all research organizations
located in the Cincinnati area but is operated by RREL and is predominantly
concerned with studies in the areas of municipal/industrial wastewater
and hazardous waste.
The abilities of staff and equipment allow T&E to function well in
the areas of:
0 independent testing of new treatment concepts and instruments
0 scale-up factors
0 process performance through failure mode analysis
0 parallel evaluations through strictly controlled processes
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
TSE has approximately 24,000 square feet of, two-story high experimental
area, with wastwater streams piped into 16 stations. An additional 9000
square feet are occupied by laboratories, offices, and dry chemical storage.
Several.large doors facilitate the movement of large equipment, including
trailer-mounted pilot plants, thus allowing increased flexibility.
Specific equipment includes:
0 two five-ton bridge cranes for ease of moving equipment, both in
and out of the facility
0 machine shop for building or repairing experimental apparatus
0 greenhouse for agricultural studies of pollutant application to .
soils
0 readily available high and low pressure air, pure oxygen, natural
gas, and electric power ducts (480V, 240V, and 120V) at each of 16
experimental bays
° provision for installation of a microcomputer for process control,
data logging, data manipulation, and report generation
CAPABILITY
Various methods for testing:
0 activated sludge
0 anaerobic digestion
0 steam stripping
0 carbon adsorption
HIGHLIGHTS OF CURRENT USAGE
Ongoing projects:
0 "Fate and effect of CERCLA compounds in activated sludge systems"
0 "Anaerobic-aerobic treatment of leachate"
0 "Evaluation of municipal sludge digestion alternatives"
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"Hazardous waste treatment technology assessment-physical separations"
"Hazardous waste treatment technology assement-biological treatment"
"The effects of municipal wastewater sludge on leachates and gas
production from sludge-refuse landfills and sludge monofills"
"Hazardous air emissions control studies"
"Hazardous waste landfill leachate treatment with a rotating
biological contactor"
"Hazardous waste treatment technology assessment-inorganic treatment"
"Anaerobic selector/aerobic biological treatment of azo dye/chlorinated
organics"
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