EPA-600/2-78-017
February 1978
Environmental Protection Technology Series
                                   EVALUATION  OF  THE
             REFUSE  MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  AT  THE
     JERSEY CITY  OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH  SITE
                                 Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
                                      Office of Research and Development
                                     U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                             Cincinnati, Ohio 45268

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                                         EPA-600/2-78-017
                                         February 1978
      EVALUATION OF THE REFUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
    AT THE JERSEY CITY OPERATION BREAKTHROUGH SITE
                          by

        Jack Preston Overman and Terry G.  Statt
               Hittman Associates,  Inc.
               Columbia,  Maryland  21045
                Contract No.  68-03-0094
                    Project Officer

                   Robert A.  Olexsey
             Wastewater Research Division
      Municipal Environmental  Research Laboratory
                Cincinnati , Ohio  45268
               This study was conducted
                  in cooperation with
       Office of Policy Development and Research
Division of Energy, Building Technology,  and Standards
   U.S.  Department of Housing and Urban Development
      MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
          OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
         U.S.  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                CINCINNATI, OHIO  45268

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                           DISCLAIMER


     This report has been reviewed by the Municipal  Environmental
Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency,  and
approved for publication.  Approval  does not signify that the
contents necessarily reflects  the  views  and  policies of the U.S.
Environmental  Protection Agency,  nor does mention  of trade  names
or commercial  products  constitute  endorsement or recommendation
for use.

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                            FOREWORD


     The Environmental Protection Agency was created because of
increasing public and government concern about the dangers of pol-
lution to health and welfare of the American people.  Noxious air,
foul water, and soiled land are tragic testimony to the deteriora-
tion of our natural environment.  The complexity of that environ-
ment and the interplay between its components requires a concen-
trated and integrated attack on the problem.

     Research and development is that necessary first step in
problem solution and it involves defining the problem, measuring
its impact, and searching for solutions.  The Municipal Environ-
mental Research Laboratory develops new and improved technology
and systems for the prevention, treatment, and management of
waste-water and solid and hazardous waste pollutant discharges
from municipal and community sources, for the preservation and
treatment of public drinking water supplies, and to minimize the
adverse economic, social, health, and aesthetic effects of pollu-
tion.   This publication is one of the products of that research; a
most vital communications link between the researcher and the user
communi ty.

     This report describes the operation and economics of the
pneumatic trash collection system at the Department of Housing and
Urban Development's Operation Breakthrough site at Jersey City,
New Jersey.  The information in this document should be extremely
useful to decision makers in planning future high population
density residential complexes.
                                   Francis T.  Mayo, Director
                                   Municipal  Environmental
                                     Research  Laboratory

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                            ABSTRACT


     This study evaluates  the  solid  waste  management system at
the Jersey City Operation  Breakthrough  site  and assesses the eco-
nomic and technical  practicality  of  the system application for
future residential  communities.   The  installation was the first
pneumatic trash collection system (PTC) used to collect residen-
tial refuse in the  U.S.   The annual  cost for the PTC system,
$120,021  to collect  248  tons of  refuse, ranged from 160 to 460
percent more expensive  than conventional systems, but would be
cost-effective if operated at  design  capacity.   Over an eighteen
month monitoring period  the PTC  system  was  operable only 54 per-
cent of the time, had a  50 percent  probability of failure within
16 hours  or 15 cycles of operation.   Following failures, probabili-
ties of being again  operable were 50  and 83  percent within 3.4
and 24 calendar hours,  respectively.   The  main transport line,
programmer, discharge valves,  control  panel, vertical trash chutes,
and compactor caused 88  percent  of  all  system malfunctions, 94
percent of total downtime, and 91  percent  of all repair man-hours.
Design recommendations  are presented  that  could increase system
availability to about 86 percent.   Additionally, recommendations
are made  for use in  future residential  complexes.  In comparison
with conventional systems, the PTC  system  has as benefits reduced
labor costs, the non-appearance  of  rodents  and vermin,  and the
elimination of odor, litter, and  collection  noise.   Additionally,
the refuse collection system was  completely  automatic,  except for
final disposal of site  refuse.

     The  report is  submitted in  partial fulfillment of  Contract
Number 68-03-0094 by Hittman Associates, Inc.,  was  prepared for
the Environmental Protection Agency9  was sponsored  by the Office
of Policy Development and  Research,  Division of Energy, Building
Technology, and Standards, Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and the work  was  performed from December 1971
through May 1977.

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                            CONTENTS


Foreword	i i i

Abstract	  iv

Figures	v i i

Tables	xiv

Abbreviations, Converstion Units	xvii

Acknowl edgment	xvi i i


     I    Intro duct ion	   1

     II   Conclusions	  13

     III  Recommendations	  23

     IV   Data Collection	  29

     V    Data Evaluation and Analysis	113

References	175

Appendices

     A.   Test Plan for Measurement of Total  Airborne
            Particulates Generated by the Pneumatic
            Trash Collection System	177

     B.   Test Plan for Measurement of Total  Airborne
            Viable Particles Generated by the Pneumatic
            Trash Collection System	184

     C.   Test Plan for Characterization of the  Solid
            Waste Conveyed by the Pneumatic Trash
            Collection System	] 33

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                CONTENTS (Continued)


D.   Test Plan for Characterization of the Weekly
       Load Profile for the Pneumatic Trash
       Collection System	1 9"1

E.   Test Plan for Determination of the Load
       Capacity for the Pneumatic Trash Collection
       System	193

F.   Test Plan for Determination of the Power
       Consumption for the Main Exhausters for the
       Pneumatic Trash Collection System	195

G.   Test Plan for Determination of an Optimal
       Scheduling for the Pneumatic Trash
       Col lection System	1 97

H.   Test Plan for Measurement of the Noise Levels
       Attributed to the Pneumatic Trash Collection
       System	200

I.   Test Plan for Determination of the Service Life
       for the Pneumatic Trash Collection System	202

J.   Calculations for the Regression Line for the
       Relationship Between Transport Velocity and
       Density	207

K.   Calculations of the Service Life for the Main
       Transport Line..	210

L.   Calculations of the Service Life for the
       Discharge Valves	212

M.   Calculations of the Energy Usage for the
       Pneumatic Trash Collection System	216

N.   Calculations for the Cost Projects for the
       Pneumatic Trash Collection Systems and
       Three Conventional  Alternative Systems	217
                            VI

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                             FIGURES

Number                                                      Page

   1   Jersey City Operation Breakthrough site arrange-
        ment showing location of PTC equipment	   7

   2  A persepective view of the main components in the
        PTC system	  10

   3  Central control panel for the PTC system	  31

   4  One sample page in the daily log book	  33

   5  A typical malfunction report	  34

   6  Daily number of completed cycles for the PTC System
        from July 1, 1974 to December 31, 1975	  39

   7  PTC system availability based on automatic
        operations	  40

   8  PTC system availability based on combined operations
        (automatic and manual mode cycles)	  41

   9  Sampling of airborne particulates at the collection
        hopper by a high volume sampler	  46

  10  Sampling of airborne particulates of the system
        exhaust air by a high volume sampler	  46

  11  Sampling of airborne particulates in ambient air
        by a high volume sampler	  47

  12  Viable particle sampling of the collection hopper
        air	  49

  13  Viable particle sampling of ambient air	  49

  14  A typical stage from the viable particle sampling
        test after the incubation period showing colonies...  50

  15  Sample of refuse being collected during the solid
        waste characterization test	  50

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                      FIGURES (Continued)

lumber
  16  Sieve used to separate the refuse	   52

  17  Refuse was manually sorted for the solid waste
       characterization test	  52

  18  Platform and equipment used to weigh refuse for
        load profi1e test
                                                             59
  19  One sample of refuse weighed during the load
        profile test ........................................  59

  20  Averaged weekend and weekday demand profiles of
        collected refuse by the PTC system ..................  61
  21  Test samples of 5,10,15 and 20 pound bundles of
        newspaper successfully conveyed by the PTC system
        during the load capacity test ....................... 63

  22  Test samples of 30 pound dry and 13.5 pound wet
        bundles of newspaper successfully transported
        by the PTC system during the load capacity test ..... 63

  23  Two feather pillows, cardboard boxes, and plastic
        bags filled with loose newspaper successfully
        transported by the system during the load
        capacity test ....................................... 64

  24  Test samples of rags, cans, wood blocks, and glass
        bottles successfully collected by the PTC system
        during the load capacity test ....................... 64

  25  Wood Blocks used to simulate high density loads
        during the load capacity test ....................... 65

  26  Original interior surfaces of the test section of.
        the main transport line ......................... *. ... 74

  27  A  section of transport line in the CEB showing the
        two test sections ................................... 76

  28  A  sample of the formations of rust and scale which
        were removed from the interior test sections of
        the main transport line during the initial
        characterization period ............................. 76
                             vm

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                       FIGURES (Continued)

Number                                                      Page

  29  Wear path along the straight section of the main
        transport line before washing	 77

  30  Wear path along the straight section of the main
        transport line after washing	 77

  31  Meta11ographic view of a cross section of the
        bottom interior surface for the straight test
        section	 73

  32  Metal 1ographic view of a cross section of one side
        of the interior surface for the curved test
        section	 78

  33  Location of wall thickness reading measurements on
        the straight and curved test sections	 80

  34  Metallograph view of the surface condition of the
        teflon seal  at the Shelley A discharge valve	 79

  35  Discharge valve at Shelley B East showing the
        teflon seal	 83

  36  Section of the discharge valve plate at Shelley A	 85

  37  Section of the discharge valve plate at Descon
        Concordia, showing dented areas	 85

  38  Surface impressions of discharge valve plates	 86

  39  Surface impressions of the discharge valve plates at
        Descon Concordia (left) and Shelley A (right)	 87

  40  Metal 1ographic view of a discharge valve plate
        showing a typical dent	 88

  41  Locations on the discharge valve plates used to
        measure plate thickness	 89

  42  Top view of typical discharge valve showing the
        locations of axes used in determining the
        thickness of the discharge valve plates	 90

  43  Profiles of thicknesses  of certain discharge valve
        plates along the axis  perpendicular to travel	 91

  44  Prifiles of thicknesses  of certain discharge valve
        plates along the axis  of travel	 92


                               ix

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                       FIGURES  (Continued)

Number                                                     H

  45  Layers  of  trash  and other refuse that have
        accumulated  at  the upper corners of the collec-
        tion  hopper  after one month of operation	  93

  46  Layers  of  trash  and refuse that have stuck to
        the  inside of  the collection hopper door after
        one  month  of operation	 94

  47  Upper  southeast  corner of the collection hopper
        showing  refuse  buildup which is about  1-1/2
        inches  thick	 95

  48  Upper  northeast  corner of the collection hopper	 95

  49  Typical wall section of collection hopper	 96

  50  Portion of collection hopper wall about  three feet
        downstream from  inlet section	  96

  51   Wall thickness measurements for a test section  of
        the  collection  hopper	  97

  52   Views  of the dust  collector base and the rotary
        valve assembly	99

  53   Filter bags  inside the dust collector after  15  months
        of operation with air shaker equipment and filter
        globe valve  not  working	100

  54   Section of neoprene wiper of the compactor after
        18 months of operation	100

  55   Surfaces of compactor and ram showing series of
        fine parallel scratches	101

  56   Meta1lographic view of compactor surfaces
       magnified at 13.3x	102

 57   Locations   of points used to measure thickness
       of compactor top	102

 58  Cross-sectional view of compactor ram top	103

 59  The compactor motor control  center	104

 60  One of  the shattered pillow blocks used to move
       containers	106

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                      FIGURES  (Continued)

lumber                                                       Page
  61   View  of  free  motion  rollers  out  of  alignment .......... 106

  62   PTC system  reliability  curve:  Probability  of
        survival  vs.  active  time ............................ 11?
  63   PTC  system  reliability  curve:   Probability  of
        survival  vs.  scheduled  cycles
  64   PTC  system  downtime  probability  curve:   Probability
        that  the  system  would  be  repaired  vs.  time .......... 120

  65   PTC  system  probability  of  repair curve:   Probability
        that  the  system  would  be  repaired  vs.
        scheduled cycles..... ............................... 121
  66   PTC  system  probability  of  active  repair  curve:
        Probability  that  the  system  would  be  repaired
        vs.  active  repair time once  a  repair  has  begun ...... 122

  67   Two  wood  pieces,  curtain rods,  and wire  rack
        successfully collected by  the  PTC  system ............ 129

  68   A  mechanical  adding machine  7.5  inches wide,  11
        inches  long, and  4 inches  high  which was
        successfully transported by  the PTC system .......... 129

  69   One  large piece of  cardboard,  about  3 feet  by  4
        feet,  a shopping  basket, a  plastic  pipe  about
        3.5  feet  long,  and a  foot  weight from  a
        weightlifting set, which were  successfully
        collected by the  PTC  system.... ..................... 130

  70   The  remains of a  vinyl  covered  rocking  chair  which
        were successfully collected  by  the  PTC  system ....... 130

  71   Three  cardboard boxes  and  a  curtain  rod  which
        created a chute  blockage at  Shelly  A ............... . 132

  72   A  large,  bulky cardboard box  causing  a  typical
        discharge valve  blockage ................... . ........ 132

  73   Transport velocity  vs.  density  for refuse  samples
        used in the  load  capacity  test.. .................... 133

  74   A  sample  of the aerosal  cans  that were  safely
        collected by the  PTC  system ....... . ................. 135
                              XI

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                       FIGURES (Continued)

Number                                                      Page

  75  High temperature alarm cable for a main
        exhauster,  similar to the one that  ignited	139

  76  Annual  costs  for the PTC system and three alter-
        native conventional  solid waste management
        systems	153

  77  Annual  cost projections for the PTC system and
        three alternative conventional solid waste
        management  systems	154

  78  Annual  collection costs for the PTC system vs.
        amounts of  refuse collected	156

  79  Typical signs posted by the tenants to inform other
        tenants to  be more considerate when they dispose
        their refuse	160

  80  Site management regulations on the usage of the
        PTC system	163

  81  Refuse  left at the charging stations  which was
        collected daily by site personnel	165

  82  Discharge valve room at Camci, showing the amount
        of litter in the room	166

  83  Bulk solid waste left in the compactor room, even
        though an open-top 25 cubic yard container was
        provided for this waste	166

  84  Refuse  scattered at the discharge valve rooms at
        Descon Concordia and Camci during period of
        prolonged system downtimes	168

  85  Bag placed at base of storage section at Shelley  A
        to collect  refuse during prolonged  system downtime..169

  86  A typical chute charging station filled with refuse
        during a prolonged system malfunction	169

  87  One charging  station at the deck of Descon Concordia,
        showing how the design preserves site aesthetics....173

  88  Bulk waste left daily outside Shelley A to be picked
        up by site  personnel	173
                              xii

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                       FIGURES (Continued)

Number                                                      P^age

  89  Bulk waste left daily outside Camci to be
        collected by site personnel...................	-174

  90  A workman with a small cart about 4' x 4' x 4'
        in size used for collecting refuse.................. 174
                              xi n

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                             TABLES

Number                                                      £*£

   1   Demographic  and  Solid  Waste  System  Descriptive
        Data  for  the Jersey  City Operation  Breakthrough
        Site	   8

   2   Detailed Description of PTC  System  Components	   9

   3   Data Acquisition  System Used to  Monitor  the  PTC
        System	  30

   4   Monthly .Weight Data of Solid Waste  Conveyed  by
        the PTC System	  36

   5   Distribution  of  Automatic and Manual  Mode  PTC
        System Cycles	37

   6   Daily Schedules  for Cycling  the  PTC System  from
        July  1, 1974 to  December 31,  1975	38

   7   History of Significant Events of  the  PTC System	42

   8   PTC  Monthly  System Availability  in  Terms of
        Scheduled  versus Completed Automatic Cycles  from
        July  1, 1974 to  December 31,  1975	  43

   9   Concentrations of  Total  Airborne  Particulates	  43

  10   Viable  Particle Concentrations	  51

  11   Composition  by Weight  of Refuse  Samples  from     *
        Februrary  24 Through  28, 1975	54

  12   Composition  by Weight  of Refuse  Samples  Collected
        from  June  23 Through  27, 1975	55

  13   Composition  by Weight  of Refuse  Samples  Collected
        from  January 5 Through 9,  1976	  56

  14   Density  of Solid Waste  Sampled	  57

  15   Moisture  Content of Solid Waste  Sampled	  58
                              xi v

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                       TABLES (Continued)

Number                                                      Page

  16  Results of the Load Profile Test	  60

  17  Density of Test Loads	  62

  18  Transport Velocity of Test Loads Through the
        PTC System	  66

  19  Results for the Main Exhauster Power Test	67

  20  Scheduled Cycle Times Selected for PTC Operation
        During Optimization Test From October 31,  1975
        to December 17, 1975	  69

  21  OSHA Noise Level Standards for Industrial
        Appli cat ions	  70

  22  Ambient and PTC System Noise Levels  for Discharge
        Valve and Adjacent Public Rooms	  71

  23  Ambient and PTC System Noise Levels  for Major
        System Components	  72

  24  Weight Data of the Test Sections of  the Main
        Transport Line	  75

  25  Wear Measurement Results for the Straight Test
        Section of the Main Transport Line	81

  26  Wear Measurement Results for the Curved Test
        Section of the Main Transport Line	8?

  27  Distribution of Charging Station Problems After
        Eighteen Months of Service	1C7

  28  Actual Costs of Solid Waste Management System at
        the Jersey City Operation Breakthrough Site	110

  29  Annual Labor Costs to Operate the PTC System	109

  30  Component Criticality Ranking Based  on 18-months
        of Calendar Time	124

  31  Analysis of Critical Component Failures	125

  32  Annual Reliability and Maintainability for the
        PTC System Using Improved Components	127
                               xv

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                       TABLES  (Continued)
Number                                                      Page
  33  Estimated Amount of Solid Waste  Which  Could  be
        Collected for Recycling From the  PTC System....	137
  34  Description of Solid Waste Management  System
        Alternatives A and B	143
  35  Site Manpower Requirements for System  Alternative  A...144
  36  Site Manpower Requirements for System  Alternative  B...146
  37  Description of Solid Waste Management  System
        Alternative C	 147
  38  Site Manpower Requirements for System
        Alternative C	148
  39  Annual  Cost for the Refuse Collection  System
        Al ternati ve A	 ,	-149
  40  Annual  Cost for the Refuse Collection  System
        Alternative B	1 50
  41  Annual  Cost for the Refuse Collection  System
        Alternative C	151
  42  Comparative Annual  Costs for the PTC System  and
        Three Conventional Solid Waste Management
        Systems	152
  43  Population Distribution  of Residents	158
  44  Extent  of Resident  Participation in  Separating
        Sol id Waste	 .1 59
  45  Resident Evaluation of PTC System Adequacy...	161
  46  National Ambient Air Quality Standards for
        Particulate Matter	170
  47  Results for Total Airborne Particulate Matter
        Sampling Tests	 170
  48  Results for Viable  Particle Concentration
        Sampling Tests	 .171
                              xvi

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                          ABBREVIATIONS
SFA
SFD
MFLR
MFMR
MFHR
PTC
CEB
OSHA
single-family attached dwelling units
single-family detached dwelling units
multifamily low-rise dwelling units
multifamily medium-rise dwelling units
multifamily high-rise dwelling units
pneumatic trash collection
Central Equipment Building
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
1  foot
1  cubic yard
1  cubic foot
1  foot/sec
1  pound
1  ton
1  pound/
  cubic foot
            CONVERSION UNITS

      0.3048 meter
      0.7646 cubic meter
      0.0283 cubic meter
      0.3048 meter/sec
      0 . 4536 ki1ogram
      907.2 kilogram

      16.02 kilogram/cubic meter
                          xvn

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                         ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


     The cooperation from Avac  Systems,  Inc.,  the design firm
of the system;  Mr.  Edward Herrmann,  plant  engineer for Gamze,
Korobkin, and Caloger,  Inc.;  Ms.  Barbara Tillman, site manage-
ment; the private service contractor;  and  site residents was
greatly appreciated.   Without their  assistance and enthusiastic
support, this study could not have  been  successfully  completed.

     Special  thanks are  extended  to  Mr.  Jerome H. Rothenberg of
HUD for his  guidance and assistance  as well  as to the program
personnel of  EPA  who include  Messrs. Leland  Daniels,  Patrick
Tobin, and Robert A.  Olexsey.
                            xvm

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                          SECTION I

                        INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
     The Department of Housing and Urban Development
Operation Breakthrough Program is involved in the
demonstration of innovative building and design con-
cepts for residential  communities.  As part of this
program, a pneumatic trash collection (PTC) system was
installed at the Jersey City Operation Breakthrough
site in conjunction with a total  energy system.  The
installation is the first time a  PTC system has been
installed in a residential complex in the United States
even though similar systems have  been installed in
hospitals and other non-residential  complexes.  The PTC
system was installed to evaluate  the performance and
effectiveness and to determine the feasibility for use
in future residential  projects.

     The average city dweller discards from one to four
pounds of refuse per day which means from three to
twelve pounds per day must be disposed from a dwelling
unit.  For an apartment complex  of 486 dwelling units,
the total daily refuse load is from 1458 to 5832
pounds.  In most residential apartment complexes, the
refuse is disposed by each family or a building janitor
in a central collection point where it is stored until
picked up and hauled to a landfill or incinerator.
This method has the disadvantages of noise, odors, poor
sanitation, and possibly being labor intensive and
costly.

     In some European countries  where labor and mate-
rial costs are very high, automatic waste-collection
systems have been found more economical than conven-
tional systems in high-rise residential complexes.

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     Because a PTC system had never been  applied  to
collect residential  refuse in the  United  States,  the
evaluation assumes the important task of  determining
the practicality of the system and to guide the  devel-
opment of such systems for use in  larger  scale  projects
in the future.

     This report presents the results of  the evaluation
of the PTC system installed and operated  in the  Jersey
City Operation Breakthrough site.   In addition  a  sepa-
rate report documents the results  of a survey at  the
site to determine resident and management acceptance  of
the refuse system (Ref. 1).  Those results are  summarized
in this report.   Also, an executive report is prepared
to summarize all work efforts and  results of the  PTC
system evaluation, the evaluation  of refuse management
systems at Operation Breakthrough  sites,  and the  refuse
system user acceptance surveys at  eight of the  nine
Operation Breakthrough sites.

BRIEF OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION

     When a resident at the Jersey City site has  a full
wastebasket, it is carried to the  disposal chute  on  the
resident's floor.  The chute is at normal air pressure,
and there is no suction or blowing of trash.  The
refuse falls until it lands on a horizontal plate at
the bottom of the chute.   This plate is actually  a
valve separating the chute from a  horizontal steel pipe
20 inches in diameter running to the central collection
point.  The horizontal pipe operates at a pressure of
between 8 and 9 pounds per square  inch pressure  which
is created by an air pump called an "exhauster."   The
chute valves in the pipe  network are opened one  at a
time, automatically on a  fixed schedule,  and the
accumulated trash falls into the horizontal pipe  and  is
swept along to the central collection point in  the
partially evacuated horizontal pipe by air which  is
moving at about 60 miles  per hour.  The solid waste  is
collected in the central  collection hopper.  There it
is compacted automatically and stored until trucks
carry the sealed containers to a Jersey City landfill.
The outside air is pulled into the system of horizontal
pipes through an intake valve by the exhauster.   The
spent air from the exhauster is purified  in high-
efficiency filters and released to the environment
through an exhaust plenum which acts as a silencer.
Although the stream of air in the  pipes travels  at a
mile a minute, it is not  unreasonable to  be concerned
about the ability of the  system to transport bottles

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and other dense solids to the collection point.  Experi-
ence indicates that any dense solids that separate from
lighter materials being carried along by the air are
ultimately shoved into the hopper by batches of lighter
material that coax them along even if the pipes slant
upwards as much as thirty degrees.

     The projected operating costs for the PTC system
are expected to be lower than those for conventional
collection systems.  Furthermore, the PTC system is
expected to be more convenient, quieter, and more sani-
tary than conventional collection systems.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

     The study is a detailed evaluation of the per-
formance of the PTC system installed and operated at
the Operation Breakthrough site in Jersey City, New
Jersey.  System performance is evaluated with respect
to achievement of design specifications.  Overall
evaluations are made of the system performance with
respect to technical, economic, resident acceptance,
and environmental factors.  Specific objectives are
discussed in the following paragraphs-.

Technical Evaluation Objectives

     The technical objectives are to determine overall
system performance and to estimate the service life for
the system.  To accomplish these objectives the fol-
lowing specific technical areas were investigated.

Reliability and Maintainability --
     The system reliability and maintainability is
evaluated using operational data collected during an  18
month monitoring period.  These data were analyzed to
determi ne:

     •    The availability of the system and the
          probability that the system will be in
          an operable mode at any time;

     •    The probability that the system can con-
          tinue to collect refuse automatically
          after the completion of a specified
          number of cycles;

     •    The probable repair time required to
          correct malfunctions;

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      0    The effects of system malfunctions on
          the collection service;

      s    The effects and probability of a major
          system breakdown; and

      •    The reliability and maintainability
          characteristics of the system and recom-
          mendations for consideration in the
          design of future PTC system applications.

 Performance --
      The system performance is evaluated to determine
 the effectiveness of the PTC system in terms of:

      •    The ability to meet design criteria for
          the refuse loads and economics for the
          site;

      •    The ability to transport various shapes
          and densities of refuse, including over-
          size, overweight, and other bulky items;

      «    The capacity of the system for the design
          loads, actual loads, and operating schedule,
          including determination of the optimum
          operating schedule;

      •    The ability to safely handle dangerous
          materials;
           he adaptability of the system to recycle
           pecific solid waste classes;
The
s
          The ability to recover valuable items
          mistakenly placed in the system; and
                                              1 u d i n g
                                              dents*
                                               safety
     "he service life of the PTC system is determined
by evaluating  the operational  degradation and wear with
respect to service time over an 18 month period.

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Economic Evaluation Objectives

     The economic evaluation objectives are to deter-
mine the capital, operational, and maintenance costs
and to compare these costs to design  estimates.   These
costs were obtained from the government and during the
18 month monitoring period.   All  costs are categorized
and evaluated to determine:

     t    Capital costs including initial  procure
          ment and installation,  major components,
          control instrumentation, and contingency
          items costs;

     •    Operational and maintenance costs,  including
          labor, hauling and landfill, energy, mate-
          rial, and other costs;  and

     t    The annualized costs of owning and  operating
          the system on the  basis of  costs per dwell-
          ing unit, capita,  and ton of refuse disposed.

     In addition, the PTC system  annualized costs are
compared to the estimated costs of a  conventional
system which might have been installed at the site.

Resident Acceptance Evaluation Objectives

     The level of resident acceptance is evaluated in  a
separate study (Ref. 1) and  summarized.  That study
summarized and determined:

     t    The type of resident at the site;

     •    The resident  awareness  of requirements of
          the collection system;  and

     •    The resident  and management acceptance of
          the PTC system.

Environmental Evaluation Objectives

     The objectives of  the environmental effects evalu-
ation are to determine:

     •    Sanitation effects such as  litter,  cleanli-
          ness, odor, and presence of rodents and
          vermin;

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     •    Air quality of the system,  internal  air
          the exhaust air,  including  airborne  par-
          ti cu late s and viable particles;

     •    Noise levels produced by the refuse  col-
          lection activities compared to background
          noise levels and  acceptability to resi-
          dential use of the system;

     •    Aesthetic qualities attributed to the
          system; and

     «    Advantages of a reduced number of service
          vehicles visits to the site to pick  up and
          dispose refuse.

SITE DESCRIPTION

     The Jersey City Operation Breakthrough site, which
is located in a high density area, is composed of seven
buildings.  The site plan -is presented in  Figure 1.
The four residential buildings (by builder designators)
are Shelley A, Selley B, Descon Concordia, and Camci.
The other buildings are the Commercial Building, School,
and Central Equipment Building (CEB).  All prime utility
equipment including PTC system equipment and a total
energy plant  are located in the CEB.   The  Commercial
Building was  completed during the evaluation period.
The school building was completed after the evaluation
period and therefore is not included.  The solid waste
management system serviced  the four residential build-
ings during most of the 18  month monitoring period.
Demographic and related data are reported  in Table 1.

REFUSE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

     The pneumatic trash collection (PTC)  system automati
cally collects all the solid waste generated at the  site,
with the exception of bulky waste, and compacts this
refuse into sealed containers.  A detailed description
of these components is presented in Table  2.  The entire
operation of  the system is  regulated by a  central control
panel.  The fully ladened refuse containers are hauled
to a sanitary landfill by a pull-on container  truck.

     The following steps, as illustrated in Figure 2,
occur whenever refuse is collected by the  PTC  system.

     «    Refuse is disposed of by a tenant at a chute
          charging station'.  A station is  usually lo-
          cated near the elevator.

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 Legend

 O  - Air Inlet Valves

 O  - Access Plates

 •  - Discharge Valves

 O  - Collection Hopper

 ®  - Dust Col 1ector

.._ - Main Transport Line
     L_
 Commercial
  Building
                                 Central Equipment Building
Camci
                           Descon  Concord i a
                                                                        IShel1ey A
                                                               Shelley B
                                                             School
                                                                                       She!1ey A
                                                                                       South
                       FIGURE 1.   Jersey City Operation  Breakthrough site
                         arrangement showing  location  of PTC equipment.

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                                      Table 1.    DEMOGRAPHIC AND  SOLID  WASTE  SYSTEM  DESCRIPTIVE  DATA
                                                FOR THE  JERSEY CITY OPERATION  BREAKTHROUGH SITE
           Site area is 6.35  acres.
00

Building
Shelley A
Shelley A South2
Shelley B3
Descon Concordia


Camci5

Number of Units
152 MFHR
-0-
40 HFMR
12 MFLR
24 MFMR
105 MFHR
153 HFHR
Number of.
Residents
456
-0-
150
326


323
Number of
Charging Stations
18
2
8
12


16
Number of
Discharge Valves
1
2
2
3


1
Units Per
Chute
152
-0-
20
47


153
Units Per
Charging Station
8.4
-0-
5.0
11.8


9.6
Residents Per
Charging Station
25
-0-
19
27


20
               TOTALS
                                486 units
                                                 1255
                                                                   56
            It is assumed that there are l.S residents per bedroom.  Site management states that total number of residents varies from 1200  to 1300 people.
            This is a small shed with one charging station for yard waste and another charging station for tenant use.
            One charging station is used by site personnel in addition to residents.
            Tuo chutes are located cm the deck tevel, and are used by the tenants on the lowest floor at Descon Concordia and for recreational waste.
            The first floor charging station is used by office tenants.

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Table 2.  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PTC SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Component
AIR INLET
VALVE
DISCHARGE
VALVE
COLLECTION
HOPPER
DUST
COLLECTOR
MAIN
EXHAUSTER
PLENUM
COMPACTOR
VENT FAN
MAIN
TRANSPORT
LINE
Manufacturer and
Model Number
Envirogenics design
Envirogenics design
Envirogenics design
Mikropul Mi kro-Pulsaire
Dust Collector Model
Hoffman Centrifugal
Exhausters No. 77102
Envirogenics design
Dempster Brothers, Inc.
Model Number SP 38-42
Model Number 5K 145AL64
Industrial Exhauster by
Buffalo Forge Co.
Envirogenics design
Function
Allows air to enter the upstream ends of the
main transport 1 ine.
Isolates trash from main transport line so
that each station may be individually cycled.
Collects solid waste and separates the air
stream from it.
Removes particulate matter and viable par-
ticles from the air stream.
Provides vacuum to collect solid waste.
Muffles the noise produced by this system.
Compacts the collected refuse into a refuse
container.
Provides a negative pressure in the line and
in the vertical gravity chutes to prevent
odors from escaping into the residential
buildings .
Moves refuse from the vertical gravity chutes
to the equipment in the CEB.
Remarks
The valve is a butterfly valve that is pneumatically
operated.
Horizontal plate valve that is pneumatically operated.
A hopper screen is installed at the exit line from the
hopper to separate the air from the refuse. A hopper
gate over the compactor unit allows a vacuum to be
used in the system. After the main exhauster is off,
it opens to let refuse fall to the compactor unit.
The dust collector is a baghouse filter. At the base
there is a rotary valve to dispose dust particles into
a waste line.
Each exhauster is coupled to a 150 HP frame 3,600 RPM
induction motor. Provides 11,300 cfm of air at a
vacuum of 3.5 inches of mercury which is equivalent
to a 60 mph wind.
It is a chamber with the following dimensions: 3 ft
wide by 9.5 ft long by 18.5 ft high.
The hydraulically powered unit compacts the site refuse
into 25-cu yd containers.
Chute bypass valves have been installed at those dis-
charge valves located in the MFMR and MFHR buildings
to allow the vent fan to remove odors. These valves
are butterfly valves which are pneumatically operated.
This is a 20-inch nominal diameter low carbon steel
line with 1/2-inch wall thickness.

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EXHAUST
 VENT
                   PULL-ON CONTAINER TRUCK
                       FIGURE  2.   A perspective  view  of the
                        main components  in the  PTC system.
                                          10

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MM

	 t

1 -
	
•—COMPACTOR
	 ", 	 -
	 - 	 H, 	 	 	 '. \..i 	


1 HM! U HIM MnilM
              SIGN POSTED ON ALL CHARGING
                    STATION DOORS
            TYPICAL CHARGING STATION (1 OF 56)
TEST SECTIONS OF THE MAIN
    TRANSPORT LINE
            TYPICAL DISCHARGE VALVE  (1 OF 9!
                                BUILDING TRASH CHUTE
                                                         TYPICAL AIR
                                                         INLET VALVE
                                                          '1 OF 4)

FIGURE  2.   (continued)
       11

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     •    The refuse falls down a vertical chute and
          rests at a storage section above the dis-
          charge valve.

     •    One of the two main exhausters convey the
          refuse through the main transport line to the
          collection hopper.

     t    A dust collector, installed downstream of the
          collection hopper, removes particulate matter
          and viable particles.

     •    The refuse is then compacted into a sealed
          container and hauled away by a pull-on con-
          tainer truck to a sanitary landfill.

     The PTC system is designed to be a quieter, more
sanitary, and odorless service as well as to be con-
venient for users.  The main components are production
line units.   This reduces capital costs and demonstrates
that this system can be designed and constructed with
readily available equipment.  The system is ultimately
designed to reduce operating costs, manual labor, and
energy requirements and thereby to provide for a more
effective and efficient refuse collection service than
conventional systems.

     The design load for this refuse collection system
was 1300 tons per year which is equivalent to 7125
pounds per day or 4.75 pounds per capita per day.  The
solid wastes to be conveyed are classified as typical
residential  waste of the following characteristics:

     Composition by Weight
Paper
Wood
Plastic
Rags
Glass
Metal
Stone
Misc.
33.0%
0.3
6.8
6.4
16. 1
10.7
0.3
26.4
     Density

      5.6 Ibs/cu ft
     89.7 kg/cu m
                           12

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                         SECTION II

                         CONCLUSIONS
     This report presents the results of the technical
and economic data gathered during an 18 month monitoring
period of the solid waste management system at the
Jersey City Operation Breakthrough site.  The overall
objective of this study is to assess the economics,
effectiveness, and feasibility of using PTC systems in
residential developments.  General conclusions for the
PTC system were:

     •    The system was unreliable which caused exces-
          sive downtimes and frequent service interrup-
          tions;

     •    The system was over specified and designed
          for the actual refuse loading capacities at
          the site;

     t    The economics of the system, particularly
          capital costs, were excessive;

     •    The residents and site management readily
          accepted the system for its convenience and
          the removal of many signs of refuse collec-
          tion activities; and

     0    The environmental effects including litter,
          cleanliness, odor, and the presence of vermin
          and rodents were effectively controlled and
          site aesthetics were maintained.

Specific conclusions, based on the evaluation of this
study, are reported in the following areas:

     •    Technical,
     t    Economic,
     •    Resident Acceptance, and
     •    Envi ronmental.
                          13

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TECHNICAL CONCLUSIONS

Reliability and Maintainability

     Using the operational  data collected during an
18 month monitoring period, the availability of the PTC
system was calculated to be 54 percent.   Design specifi-
cations stated that the system should be in an operable
mode around 97 percent of the time.   Accordingly,  the
system did not meet design  expectations.

     The probability that the system will successfully
operate (without failure) for a given number of cycles
decreases drastically as the number  of cycles increases
There is a 50 percent probability of failure for 16
hours (15 cycles) of operation and a 90 percent prob-
ability of failures for 40  hours (37 cycles) of opera-
tion.  The system exhibited 16 hours (15 cycles) mean
time between failures.  This represents a very, very
low reliabi1ity.

     Analysis of the data showed that total calendar
downtime increased with the extent of the system mal-
function.   Fifty percent of the malfunctions were
repaired within three hours of total downtime while 10
percent of the malfunctions required 36 hours.  How-
ever, 60 percent of the malfunctions were repaired
within one-half hour after  repair work was actively
begun.  Considerable amounts of downtime were attrib-
utable to the site personnels slow response in reacting
to system problems.

     The design specifications called for all system
malfunctions to be repaired within 24 hours.  The
operational data indicated  that 16 percent of the
malfunctions required more  than 24 hours for repairs,
which did not comply with the design criteria.

     The probability of a major system breakdown is
directly related to the probability of a failure*with
six critical components.  These components were the
main transport line, the programmer, the discharge
valves, the control panel,  the vertical trash chutes,
and the compactor.  They contributed to 88 percent of
all system malfunctions, 94 percent  of all downtime, 89
percent of the total repair time, and 91 percent of
the total  man-hours needed  to effect repairs.  It was
found that design improvements for these components
                          14

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     The effects of system malfunctions were more pro-
nounced as the amount of time that the system did not
operate increased.  Minor problems with sanitation,
litter, and odor were experienced with short downtime
periods.  Whenever the downtime exceeded 24 hours, major
problems ensued.  As a result of the PTC system being
inoperable for periods longer than 24 hours, an
alternative refuse collection service was required.
During these periods, the site personnel manually col-
lected refuse which was a highly labor-intensive
activi ty.

     The prolonged downtime and the alternative collec-
tion service combined to cause a variety of problems
with litter, odor, and vermin.  At times, these sanita-
tion conditions were so repulsive that the residents
complained to the site management.

Performance

     Evaluation of the operational data indicated that
the PTC did meet the design capacity criteria for the
refuse loads; however, the loads at the site were only
about one-sixth of design load criteria.  The observed
load was about 248 tons per year, while the design load
criteria was from 1300 to 1600 tons per year.

     The design specifications stated that the system
must be able to collect refuse with densities ranging
to 50 pounds per cubic foot.   Under normal operating
conditions, the system complied with these qualifica-
tions.  The transport velocities for refuse of 10 and
50 pounds per cubic foot were observed to be about 50
and 27 feet per second, respectively.  Additionally,
it was noticed that many overweight, oversize, and
other bulky items were collected without any problems.
At times,  small refuse samples on the order of 100
pounds per cubic foot could be safely collected.  The
refuse load, however, from the residences averaged
about two pounds per cubic foot.
                           15

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      The  operating schedule of 18 cycles per day more
 than  adequately handled the actual loads of the PTC
 system.   One  reason for this was that, as mentioned
 previously, the actual loads were only one-sixth of the
 design  loads.  It was determined that for the actual
 loads,  the optimum operating schedule would be between
 seven and nine cycles per day.  The times for the
 cycling of the system may vary due to daily, seasonal,
 and other load factors.

      The  PTC  system did have the ability to safely han-
 dle some  types of dangerous materials.  Residents were
 informed  not  to dispose of certain items which would be
 hazardous to  the system.  Overall, these restrictions
 were  followed.  In spite of these precautions, several
 dangerous materials such as aerosal cans were placed
 into  the  system.  These cans were safely collected and
 created no problems.

      The  investigations into the adaptability of the
 system  to recycle specific solid waste classes showed
 that  the  system could be modified to do so without major
 design  changes and with reasonable success.  The modifi-
 cations would most likely be centered around the collec-
 tion hopper.   The quantities of recycled solid waste
 annually could be about 148 tons of paper, 18 tons of
 glass, 20 tons of metal, and 10 tons of plastic.  This
 would amount  to about 196 tons, or 79 percent of the
 annual refuse loading.

     Observations from the monitoring program revealed
 that valuable items mistakenly placed into the system
 could be recovered, however, the probability of re-
 trieving the  item undamaged is small.  The chances of
 recovery and   the effort required for recovery depend
 upon the extent of system operations.  By way of illus-
 tration, the   likelihood of rescuing an item mistakenly
 placed in the system is good, if a collection cycle has
 not been initiated.  If, however, the cycle has been
 completed, the possibility of obtaining the item is.poor
 Therefore, care should be exercised to insure that
 valuable items are not placed into the system.

     The design specifications for the system called
 for equipment to prevent component and plant failures,
service  interruptions, fires, and personnel injuries.
Many of  the  PTC system safety features did not satisfy
 these  requirements.   To cite two examples, a fire detec-
 tion and sprinkler system failed to operate in one of
                           16

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the trash chutes when a fire occurred.  Also, a high
temperature alarm cable for a main exhauster caught on
fire.   These failures could be attributed to poor inspec
tion techniques.  For the most part, the safety equip-
ment for the PTC system did prevent injury and property
damage.

     The performance of the system deteriorated with
low room temperatures.  Because components were located
in rooms that were not properly heated, and components
were built to operate properly at normal room tempera-
tures, component failures occurred.  Most of these
failures were related to ice formation in the pneumatic
air actuation lines for the air inlet and discharge
valves, and the sluggish behavior of the hydraulic oil
used in the compactor.

     The design specifications stated that the service
life of the PTC system should be 40 years.  Through
observations of equipment degradation and the amount of
wear experienced during the first 18 months of opera-
tion,   it was determined through wear measurements that
two system components did not meet this design cri-
teria.  The main transport line would fail after 36
years  of operation, while the compactor would fail
after  38 years.  Whereas the compactor can be over-
hauled, a main  transport line failure would create
severe and costly problems for many reasons:

          Locating the failed section,
          Excavating in order to reach the section,
          Repairing and/or replacing the failed section,
          Backfilling to cover the section, and
          Providing an alternative refuse collection
            service during the repair efforts.

ECONOMIC CONCLUSIONS

     From the analysis of the data obtained during the
monitoring program, it was determined that the PTC
system was not, as stated in the design specifications,
cost effective.  The total annualized cost of the system
(i.e., capital, operating, and maintenance) to collect
248.3  tons of refuse per year is $120,021.  The annual
costs  for three alternative conventional systems, which
might  have been installed, to collect 248 tons of refuse
ranged from $26,231 to $74,699.  Hence, the PTC system
was from 161 to 458 percent more costly than conven-
tional approaches.
                           17

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     The costs for all  four refuse collection systems
were projected to the year 1995.   The annual  cost in
1995 for the PTC system to collect 248.3 tons of refuse
is about $178,389.  The corresponding costs for the
three conventional systems ranged from $66,782 to
$213,228.  Thus, the annual cost  for the PTC  system was
about 0.84 to 2.67 times the costs for the conventional
systems.

     As previously discussed, the PTC system  was not
utilized to its design capacity.   If the actual refuse
loads were six times the loads observed which would
then equal the design load criteria, the cost per ton
of refuse disposed by the PTC system would be from $99
to $116.  The corresponding values for the three
alternative conventional systems  would range  from $104
to $341.  Thus, the PTC system could be cost-effective
if the refuse loadings at the site approached the
design criteria of 1300 to 1600 tons of refuse per
year.

     The capital costs of the PTC system, which totaled
$89,782 per year, accounted for about 75 percent of the
annual cost.  The major capital expenditures  were:  (1)
the main transport line ($36,751  per year or  31 percent
of the annual cost), (2) the equipment space  in the CEB
($15,451 per year or 13 percent of the annual cost),
and (3) engineering ($12,906 per year or 11 percent of
the annual cost).  If measures were implemented to
reduce the capital cost of the PTC system, especially
with the main transport line, equipment space, and
engineering, the economics of the system would become
more attractive.  Two such measures might be  a lower
cost substitute for the main transport line and place-
ment of the line above ground.

RESIDENT ACCEPTANCE CONCLUSIONS

     In general, it can be deduced that both  residents
and management accepted the PTC system.  The  acceptance
was attributable to:  the ease in using the system,
relatively few sanitation problems, the infrequent
visits by service vehicles, the removal of most of the
visible and audible signs associated with refuse
collection systems, the disappearance of vermin and
rodents, and to other advantages  which were intrinsic
to the PTC system.
                          18

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     Most of the residents were aware of the capabilities
of the system as well as the management's responsibility
for the operation of the system.  About 98 percent of
the residents realized that the site management was
responsible for system operations, while 95 percent of
the residents were aware that large bulky waste would be
collected by contacting the site management.  About 66
percent of the residents segregated their refuse into
many of the following categories:  glass, bulky waste,
plastic, food waste, newspapers, and cans.  However,
there was no policy implemented by the site management
for refuse segregation.

     The site management accepted the PTC system but
felt that many problems associated with the system could
have been avoided if the tenants had used the system
properly.  The management believed that the large main-
tenance effort could have been substantially decreased
if the tenants had not misused the system.  However, as
resident-related problems occurred, the management took
immediate steps to correct the situation by reinforming
residents of the regulations for proper use of the PTC
system.  Specific problems cited by the site management
i nclude:

     •    Residents breaking PTC system components by
          forcing large, bulky wastes into the chute
          door;

     •    Residents causing chute blockages by not
          pushing refuse all the way down the chute;

     •    Residents leaving food wastes and moist
          garbage on charging station floors or in
          hallways and stairways; and

     •    Residents improperly wrapping refuse which
          created unsanitary and unhealthy conditions
          in discharge valve rooms, especially during
          periods of operating problems.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCLUSIONS

     Examination of the data showed that the sanitation
effects such as litter, cleanliness, odor, and presence
of rodents and vermin were minimal.  The effort of site
personnel, combined with attributes of the PTC system,
controlled litter and odor, and this cleanliness kept
the vermin population down.  Furthermore, it should be
                          19

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noted, that during the entire monitoring program no
rodents were observed.  The problems with litter,
odor, and vermin occurred only during prolonged system
downtimes, particularly during hot, humid weather.

     Although the internal air of the system had
excessive levels of airborne particulates and viable
particles, the dust collector effectively removed the
matter such that the concentration levels in the
system exhaust air were consistently lower than the
levels in ambient air-  Additionally, the concentra-
tion of airborne particles in the system exhaust air
never exceeded the Primary Standard for the National
Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter
which was 3.28 x 10~5 grains per cubic feet.  The
average values of total airborne particulate matter
was  13.74 x 10~b, 2.11 x 10~5 and 3.97 x 10'5 grains
per  cubic foot for system internal air, system exhaust
air  and ambient air, respectively.  Thus, the system
exhaust air had lower levels of airborne particulates
than the ambient air which also complied with the
design criteria.

     The viable particle concentrations for the system
internal air, system exhaust air, and ambient air were
7.3, 3.8, and 5.8 colonies per cubic foot, respec-
tively.  The concentration of viable particles in the
system exhaust air was lower than in the ambient air.
This met the design criteria.  In addition, the odor,
which was negligible, from the exhaust air was unde-
tected by the residents.

     Analysis also showed that the noise produced by
the  PTC collection activities was generally lower
than background noise levels.  Much of the noise was
isolated from the residential areas by locating many
of the noise-producing components in the CEB.  Further
more, the noise attributed to the PTC system never
exceeded OSHA requirements.   As such, the effects of
the noise from the PTC system were limited and not.a
factor to residents.

     The design of the system considered retaining the
site aesthetics; hence, most of the PTC system com-
ponents were located underground, behind walls, or in
the CEB.   Those components that were visible were made
to blend into the site.   These measures were most
effective in removing the visible signs of the PTC
system.
                          20

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     Results from the monitoring program show that there
were definite advantages to a reduced number of service
vehicle visits to the site to pick up and dispose refuse,
These advantages included:

     •    Less noise,
     •    Less expense,
     •    Less tenant awareness,
     •    Less chance of accidents, and
     •    Freed service vehicles for other operations.
                          21-

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                         SECTION III

                       RECOMMENDATIONS
     From observations made during the monitoring pro-
gram, the data collected, and the analyses of the data,
certain recommendations have been made that could improve
the efficiency,  effectiveness,  and economy of the PTC
system for future residential applications.  These
recommendations  basically fall  into two broad categories,
namely design modifications and changes in daily system
operations.

     One overall recommendation is that in order for the
PTC system to be most advantageous, it should be used in
high density residential communities and in other areas
where there are  high refuse loadings.   For these appli
cations, the PTC system could be the most economical
selection and provide higher levels of service than con-
ventional refuse collection systems.

DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

     First and foremost, the design loads of refuse
should be carefully estimated to insure that the actual
loadings of a proposed site would justify the capital
costs of a pneumatic trash collection  system.  This can
be achieved by observing the refuse loads of similar
nearby residential complexes.

     With the existing PTC system, there are no pro-
visions for (1)  the collection  of bulky refuse that
cannot be collected by the system, and (2) an alter-
native refuse collection service during prolonged sys-
tem downtimes.  Therefore, future designs should con-
sider features to provide an efficient and effective
service to handle these provisions.

     The design  of the existing PTC system had many
problems which caused frequent  interruptions to collec-
tion services and prolonged downtimes.  Considerations
                            23

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for the design of future PTC system applications should
consider methods of resolving the following problems.

     •    Water infiltration and refuse blockages in the
          main transport line.

     •    Design changes for the following system com-
          ponents which were identified as critical  for
          proper system operations.

               main transport line,
               programmer,
               discharge valves,
               control panel,
               vertical trash chutes, and
               compactor.

     •    Blockages in discharge valves and chutes.

     •    Proper operation of the container handling
          system.

     •    Proper heating of the rooms housing system
          components.

These problems with the investigated PTC system were
due to design inadequacies and caused frequent system
malfunctions and prolonged downtimes.

     The problem of water infiltration could be solved
by placing a water trap and pump at the lowest point in
the transport line.  The pump should be able to handle
solids, such as refuse, as well as liquids.

     The observed PTC system had six critical components
(the main transport line, the programmer, the discharge
valves, the control panel, the vertical trash chutes,
and the compactor) which created most of the problems
with the system operations.  Improvements in the design
of these components could benefit in lower downtime
costs as well as providing for an improved collection
service.

     As for refuse blockages in the line, the PTC sys-
tem was designed and built with access plates at stra-
tegic points along the line.  These plates allowed
equipment to be placed in the line to remove the block-
ages.  However, many of these plates  were inaccessible-
Future design of PTC systems should consider placing
                           24

-------
more access plates at locations more convenient for the
equipment needed to remove blockages and no further
apart than thirty feet.

     To alleviate problems with chute blockages, future
chutes should be designed without bends and restrictions,
and with larger cross-sectional areas.  The addition of
energy absorbing baffles would also prevent refuse com-
paction when objects free fall on to loose refuse at the
bottom of chutes.

     A variety of problems were experienced with block-
ages in the discharges valves.  Future design should
consider either improvements  in the discharge valves
themselves or alternative means for passing refuse from
the chutes to the main transport line.  Positive suction
through the trash chute rather than gravity feed through
a discharge valve would improve this situation.   Other
pneumatic conveying systems have successfully utilized
thi s approach.

     Several problems were caused by litter in the dis-
charge valve rooms when site  personnel removed litter
control devices.  By removal  of these devices, refuse
was not controlled when entering the discharge valves.
Because of this, problems arose with operating the dis-
charge valve plate.  Further  problems were caused by
site personnel in their attempts to clean up the litter
and repair the discharge valves.  Future systems should
be designed so that litter and spillage from the chute
is more efficiently controlled.

     The container handling system used at the site was
insufficient, basically due to two problems.  One was
that the hydraulic lifts could not raise a fully loaded
refuse container.  The other  problem was that the power
assisted rollers frequently failed.  Future PTC system
designs should make certain that the components for the
container handling system are properly sized to handle
the weight and stress of a fully loaded refuse container.

     Unlike the PTC system that was investigated, future
systems should take into account the temperatures at
which system components best  operate.  Measures should
be incorporated so that the temperatures of rooms housing
system components can be maintained at the proper levels.
One of the main problems with the system, due to low
temperatures, was caused by using outside air for the
air inlet valves.  This was accomplished by louvers
                            25

-------
through the exterior walls-  Since the rooms where
components were located were not heated, cold air enter-
ing  into the room through the louvers caused component
malfunctions through ice formation in pneumatic actuating
air  lines.

     The PTC system would appear to be easily modified
for  recycling resource materials such as paper, plastics,
glass, and metals.  Future system applications could con-
sider reclamation of these materials and determine the
suitability of this innovation.   The economic benefits
of recycling would require analysis.

     Discharge valve rooms should be designed to be more
accessible to site personnel.  Better locations would
facilitate manual collection services when needed and
aid  in proper maintenance activities.

     One factor that contributed to excessive downtimes
with the Jersey City PTC system was the central control
panel.  The control panel was located in the CEB along
with the total energy plant.  Since the total energy
plant was operated by an outside party, they controlled
the  access to the CEB.  Thus, site personnel had access
to the building and the central  control panel only when
this outside party was present at the site.  When sys-
tem  malfunctions occurred after daily work hours or on
weekends, site personnel could not gain access to the
control panel and thereby start repairs until the out-
side party arrived at the site.   This situation caused
needless delays in servicing the system.  Future PTC
systems should consider placing the central control
panel in a more convenient location for all authorized
s ite personnel.

     New PTC systems should be designed with new and
improved alarm systems.   Problems were observed with
the  annunicator panel  used to indicate malfunctioned
components.   One problem was that some alarms did not
operate properly.   Another problem which was experi-*
enced,  was that the same series of alarm lights would
occur for different types of malfunctions.  This situa-
tion contributed to extended system downtime because it
was not obvious by the alarm lights which component had
ma 1 functioned.

     A problem that also caused long downtimes was that
since system components  were dependent upon each other
for proper operations,  when one component malfunctioned
                            26

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the annunciator panel  would register this malfunction
for a second component.   Here again, delays in repair-
ing the system were produced.  The delays were due to
site personnel looking for malfunctions in properly
operating components.   Alarm systems for future PTC
system applications should be designed so that the
problems experienced with the existing alarm system,
namely the annunciator panel, could be avoided.

     When considering the service life for future PTC
systems, requirements for components should be investi-
gated more thoroughly.  Analysis of the service life of
individual components for the system studied revealed
that the main transport line and the compactor would
not last for the full  40-year service life.

     All of these design recommendations should be con-
sidered for future PTC systems.  However, it is not
enough just to design a better system.  Measures should
be taken to insure that these new systems meet the de-
sign requirements.  This would entail detailed inspec-
tions of all system components, safety equipment, and
other related pieces.   Furthermore, inspections and test
methods should be implemented to assure proper installa-
tion.

OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

     Pneumatic trash collection systems could operate
more effectively and with less wear and problems if
users are fully aware of the system capabilities and
their responsibilities.  Many problems with the PTC
system at the Jersey City Operational Breakthrough site
were caused by misuse of the system by tenants.  Pre-
cautions should be taken to  insure that users not only
are aware of how to properly use the system, but do in
fact consistently do so.

     Some measures that might be taken to achieve this
goa1 would be:

     t    A special clause in leases about PTC system
          operation and use;

     •    The posting of signs at strategic places
          promulgating system capabilities and use;

     t    An indoctrination  as to proper system use; and
                            27

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     •    A different concept of operation, similar to
          those used is successfully at some PTC
          installations.   At these installations only
          site personnel  are allowed to charge refuse
          into the system and charging schedules are
          set up to preclude overloading of chutes.
          This concept could effectively be used at
          Jersey City if site personnel collected and
          charged refuse into the system.

     Future PTC systems should also consider educating
personnel responsible for the system in its use, opera-
tion, and maintenance.   Considerable money, time, and
effort can be saved when operating personnel fully
understand the system.   This can be achieved by con-
ducting indoctrination and training classes, preparing
manuals, and by additional measures.   This requirement
should be included in specifications  and quotes for
future PTC system applications as part of  the design
and construction contract.

     Preventive maintenance programs  for future PTC
systems should be a major concern.   There  was no pre-
ventive maintenance program at the site studied.
Therefore, there was no way of determining how many
problems could have been  avoided.  With a  properly
planned and executed preventive maintenance program,
the service of the system would be improved.  Further-
more, benefits of a good  program would be  savings in
time, labor,  and money -

     Although the PTC system is fully automated, the
human element is still  a  prominent factor.   With better
educated system users and operators,  the PTC system
could more fully attain  its expectations.
                          28

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                         SECTION IV

                       DATA COLLECTION
     Technical and economic data gathered during the
monitoring program of the PTC system are presented in
this section.  Data were collected on a variety of
topics so that detailed analyses could be performed to
determine the system feasibility, economy, and effec-
tiveness.

MONITORING PROGRAM

     The monitoring program was conducted during the
first 18 months of the PTC system operations which
dated from July 1, 1974 to December 31, 1975.  Observa-
tions were made of the daily activities of the system
and associated functions as well.  These functions
included the manpower required to assist the system
operations,  the malfunctions of the system, the condi-
tions of PTC components, and the management and tenant
problems.

     An  instrumentation package to continuously monitor
the PTC  system was developed and installed.  Various
data acquisition components, (delineated in Table 3),
were placed  at strategic points along the main trans-
port line (see the diagram in Figure 5).  All data from
these components were recorded on analogue recorders in
an instrument panel located in the CEB.

     In  order to accurately record system operations,
instruments  were chosen that would best monitor the
system performance (i.e., velocity and static pres-
sures, power consumption, and malfunction annunciator
signals). The following criteria were used to select
the monitoring instruments:

     t    Compatibility with the system design and con-
          figuration as developed by the system sup-
          pliers, site planners, and developers.
                           29

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                                                              Table 3.   DATA  ACQUISITION  SYSTEM
                                                               USED TO  MONITOR  THE  PTC SYSTEM
GO
O
                      Component

                 Air velocity tap
                 Differential  pressure
                 transducer
                 Main exhauster
                 wattmeter transducer

                 Analogue recorder
                 Malfunction
                 annunciator  points

                 Control panel


                 Pressure calibrator
Model Number

Pitot-Venturi
Flow Element
No. 88578

Model
No. 1151 DP
Model  13130A
  Manufacturer

Taylor Instrument
Companies
Rosemount
Engineering
Company
                 Taylor Instrument
                 Companies
n of
span


0.2 % of
range
0.15% of
span
                     0.25% of
                     scale
                     0.1% sensitivity
                                          Model  153S18
                 Taylor Instrument
                 Companies
                      Remarks

Measured  the  velocity of the air stream at each air
inlet valve and directly before  the main exhausters.
Converted  pressure readings at static pressure and
air velocity  taps to electrical  signals.
                 Provided by the National Bureau of Standards and
                 measured the instantaneous power of the main exhausters.

                 Seven strip chart  recorders used to document any signals
                 from air velocity  taps, differential pressure  trans-
                 ducers, main exhauster wattmeter transducers,  and
                 malfunction annunciator points.

                 Signal was provided  from the malfunction annunciator
                 panel at the central  control panel for the PTC system.

                 One separate instrument panel adjacent to the  central
                 control panel that housed  the analogue recorders.

                 Used as a primary  standard to calibrate all differen-
                 tial pressure transducers.

-------
          Ease of installation,
          or replacement of  the
          transducer.
maintenance, and repair
instrument sensor and
     t    Reliability and  accuracy  for  obtaining data
          under field environment  for over a  full  year
          of operation.

     t    Ease of calibration  and  malfunction detection
          to allow quick checking  in  the  field to
          identify error signals  and  recalibration for
          drift.

     As mentioned previously,  the  components  of the in-
strumentation packaged  are  described  in  Table 3.  The
control panel that housed  the  analogue  strip  chart
recorders is shown in Figure  3.
        FIGURE 3.  Central control  panel for the PTC system.
     The analogue recorders are in  the cabinet on the far left.
                           31

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     In addition to the instrumentation package, a
daily log book recorded the history of the PTC system
activities.   Particular problems with the system were
cataloged in malfunction report forms.  Samples of a
page in the daily log book and a malfunction report
form are shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

     Basically, the monitoring program investigated the
PTC system reliability, maintainability, and performance
by collecting data on:

     •    Weight characteristics,
     •    Daily operations,
     •    Significant events, and
     0    Ava ilabi1ity.

Weight Characteristics

     In order to determine the quantity of refuse col-
lected by the system, the weight of this refuse was
measured.  This was achieved by the following process.
The full refuse container from the compactor was loaded
onto a truck and taken to a sanitary landfill.  The
truck was weighed before and after the disposal of site
refuse.  The weight differential was the amount of
refuse conveyed by the PTC system.

     The data for the amount of the refuse conveyed by
the PTC system during the monitoring program are pre-
sented in Table 4.

Daily Operations

     The PTC system was scheduled to operate at various
numbers of cycles per day; however, many of these
cycles were uncompleted due to the following problems:

     •    System malfunctions,
     •    Loss of power from the Total Energy Plant,
     •    Construction activities, and            *
     •    Other actions.

     At times,  manual  cycles were conducted by site
personnel  to effect certain repairs to the system and
to collect refuse during downtime periods.  The dis-
tribution  of completed cycles is presented in Table 5.
Table  6 presents the operating schedules for the PTC
system during the eighteen month monitoring period.
                           32

-------
on
        FIGURE 4.   One  sample page in the daily log book.
                           33

-------
                      Malfunction Reporting Form

                                                 Serial Number
1.     Date of malfunction   7* QJJUlflflfU  7  f
2.     Time of malfunction   ^f'OO C^/D
3.     T y pe  of m a If unction  (Tip
      a.    Valve sticking
      b.    Chute blockage
      c.    Horizontal line blockage
      d.    Screen overload
      e.    Filter overload
      f.     Power outage
      g.    Blower Outage
           Compactor breakdown
           Other
4.    Note position of malfunction on map sheet   \s
5.    Person at HA1 notified _                   , time
6.    Corrective action
     a.    Time maintenance personnel arrived  ^\ '. *-/ Q  Qff\
     b.    Number of persons used
     C.    Operation performed
                                            ..-J.-^,^,
                          an A am   atf/wtih/: rid
           Time malfunction cleare4  |(f)'.QQ
                     FIGURE 5.  A typical malfunction report,

                                 34

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                                                                DISCHARGE VALVES



                                                             0  CLEAN OUT



                                                                AIR



                                                                DL - DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE LOO TAPS



                                                                VRL - VELOCITY PRESSURE RECORD/LOG TAPS



                                                                S.1L - STATIC PRESSURE RECORD/LOG TAPS



                                                             O  SU - STATIC PRESSURE LOG TAPS



                                                             y  AS-AIR SAMPLING TAPS



                                                            J2IL PRL --POWER RECORD/LOG TAPS
Jersey City Site
        FIGURE  5.   (continued)

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               Table  4.  MONTHLY  WEIGHT  DATA  OF SOLID
                  WASTE  CONVEYED  BY  THE  PTC SYSTEM
     Month           Weight (pounds)       Number of Containers

 July1      1974                                         2
 August                    51,500                     4
 September                 46,440                     J
 October                   51,480                     8
 November                 54,040                     9
 December                 49,080                     8
 January    1975            47,780                     5
 February                 36,380                     4
 March                     42,960                     4
 April                     48,240                     4
 May                      48,220                     4
 June                     43,100                     4 3
 July                       -0-                       -0-
 August                    36,140                     3
 September                 52,140                     5
 October                   46,060                     4
 November                 46,100                     4
 December                 49.480                     _4

       Total              749,140                     78
 The containers were not weighed during July 1974.
2
 The site personnel collected and disposed bulk waste in the
 compactor.   A portion of the August 1974 weight data con-
 tained the bulk waste.
3
 A prolonged downtime period was experienced,  and there were
 no container changes during July 1975.
                               36

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          Table 5.   DISTRIBUTION OF AUTOMATIC
           AND MANUAL MODE PTC SYSTEM CYCLES
                     Automatic    Manual    Combined
  Time Interval         Mode        Mode       Mode

Daily Basis                18          1         19
Annual Basis            6,512        440      6,952
Monitoring Period       9,768        660     10,428
  (Observed Data)

Significant Events

     The history of the PTC system performance is de-
picted in Figure 6.  The significant events shown in
this figure are further described in Table 7.   As is
clearly evident from these presentations,the system
experienced prolonged downtime periods which severely
limited collection service.

Availability

     The data collected on the availability of the PTC
system have been presented in diagrams.  These diagrams
graphically show, in intervals of two hundred  scheduled
cycles, the ratio of completed cycles to scheduled
cycles.  For the automatic mode, Figure 7, the system
availability averaged 53.6 percent.   The system avail-
ability for automatic and manual modes, Figure 8,
averaged 56.6 percent.   The system availability for
each month is presented in Table 8.

COMPONENT TEST PROGRAM

     A test program was developed to characterize the
reliability, maintainability, and performance  of the
major PTC system components.   These  results provide
detailed information necessary to evaluate the PTC
system for effectiveness.

     The following experiments comprised the test pro-
gram:

     •    Sampling of total airborne particulates --
          The relative air quality of the PTC  system
          was compared to the ambient air with respect
          to dust content by  measuring the particulate
          concentration of system internal air, system
          exhaust air,  and ambient air.  Test  procedures
          are given in Appendix A.
                           37

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       Table  6    DAILY  SCHEDULES  FOR  CYCLING THE PTC  SYSTEM
                FROM JULY 1,  1974  TO DECEMBER 31, 1975.
Dates:
Started
July 1, 1974
August 9
August 22
September
September
September
September 16
December
December 24, 1974
April 14
April 15
June 5
October 31
November 2
November 6
November 11
November 14
November 18
November
November 25
November 29
December 4
December 17
December 22

Ended Cycles/Day Time
August 8
August 21
September 12
13
14
15
December 22
23
April 13, 1975

June 4
October 30
November 1
November 5
November 10
November 13
November 17
November 23
24
November 28
December 3
December 16
December 21
December 31, 1975
14
Nonel
14
52
142
112
14
21
30
21
18
17
4
7
7
9
24
15
10
7
15
7
11
15
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.-m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
1 a.m. to 12 p.m.
7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
«
8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A fi/.imL failure occurred in the Total Energy System, and the PTC system
uar, 
-------
                Major   A
                Events   1
                            July
                                           August
                           September
                             *    A A
                             4    56
            December
         A   A A
         e   9 10
CO
ID
                            lf
January

   A
                                                               ll

                                                                J
             February
                              11     12
                                      A
                                      13
                        A tA
                        14 116
                                         Apri I
                                                         May
20.
10.

I ll

II

I


•
n 1

1
1

[
WI
i
I
                           July
                 Major     •
                 Events     '•
                                         August
                                         A
                                                        September
                                          October

                                       A     A
                                       23     24
November

  A
                                   FIGURE 6.    Daily number of  completed  cycles  for
                                           the  PTC  system from July  1,  1974  to
                                                     December  31  ,  1975.

-------
.05


.90 _


.65 _


.80 _
 .60 _


 .55 _


 50 _


 .45 _
.10-


.05 _
     n
                                                                               There were
                                                                               9,763 cycles
                                                                               in the mo n i-
                                                                               tor i ng per 10
                                              5        6
                                      Nunher of Cycles x 103
                     FIGURE  7.   PTC system  availability based on automatic operations.

-------
.95-


.90'



.85-


.80-


.75-


.70-
                                                                         n
.45-


.40-



.15-


.30-
                            Averaoe System
                            Ava flabi1i ty Mas 0. 57
                                         Lr
LJ
                         P
                                                                  There nere JO.J28
                                                                  cycles in the nwmtonng
                                                                  period
                                                                  •* • *
                                                                           —r~
                                                                           10
                               Numbe r of Cycles
                                          103
         FIGURE 8.   PTC  system  availability based  on combined operations
                         (automatic and manual  mode  cycles).

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                        Table  7     HISTORY   OF  SIGNIFICANT  EVENTS  OF  THE
                                                        PTC   SYSTEM
Number            ~~te
   1       July 1, 1974
   2       July 17, 1974

   3       August 3, 1974

   4       September 15, 1974
   5       September 23, 1974

   6       September 27, 1974

   /       October 17 & 18,  19/4
   i       December 1, 1974

   'i       December 9, 1974

  In       December 13-19, 1974
1 i
1?
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Jdnuary 14-17, 19/b
January 30, 1975
February
March 5,
March 9,
March 11,
4-7, 1975
1975
1975
1975
June 23-24, 1975
July 7 to
August 8,
August 11
September
September
September
September
October 3
1975
to
3, 1975
1-3, 1975
3, 1975
4, 1975
, 1975
October 14, 1975
November
1975
December
December
December
16 & 17,
19, 1975
20, 1975
31, 1975
                             Description  of Event
First day of PTC  system operations  and monitoring program
Problems develop  with paper and plastic  bags blocking hopper screen  and  reducing
system air flow.
Total Energy Plant experiences complete  loss of power which is not repaired until
August 20, 1974.  Water infiltration  problems in the main transport  line
develop during  this period.
Total Energy Plant is shut down for two  days, and PTC system is inoperative.
Main transport  line blockage between  Descon Concordia and Camri is noticed.  PTC
service to residents in Camci is Impossible.
Total Energy Plant experiences complete  loss of power during a PTC system
collection cycle.
NBS conducts load tests on Total Energy  Plant and PTC system is turned off.
Fire in trash chute at Descon Concordia, and sprinkler system did not activate.
Tenant calls fire department to extinguish fire.
Main transport  line blockage which  started before September 23, 1974 is  finally
cleared.
Installation of discharge valves at the  Descon deck locations and a  new  hopper
screen at the collection hopper. PTC system is turned off.
Low ambient room  temperatures create  hydraulic oil flow problems for compactor.
High temperature  alarm cable for main exhauster number 2 burns.
Low ambient room  temperatures creates ice  blockages in pneumatic activating air
Shelley A.
Total Energy Plant is down for two  hours.
Programmer problems develop.   Fixed September 3, 1975 which created severe
operating problems from March 23 to April  7, 1975.
Alarm goes off  in Total Energy Plant during the night and site personnel turn off
main switches to  exhausters.
Main transport  line blockage is removed.
Power failure of Total Energy Plant and  PTC system after severe lighting storm.

Daily starting  problems with main exhauster and compactor, which are related  to
programmer.
Main transport  line blockage stops  refuse  collection system.
Defective power supply  for programmer is  replaced, and during test procedures the
main transport  line blockage is removed.
Main transport  line blockage  is removed.
Total Energy Plant is shut down for 50 minutes.
Main transport  line blockage is removed.
Main transport  line blockage is removed.

Low room temperatures at Shelley A  freezes pneumatic activating air  lines for PTC equipment.
Hopper gate opens slowly and creates system malfunctions.
PTC system is turned off for 3 hours during the installation of PTC equipment at
the school, and final day of monitoring  program.
                                                            42

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         Table  8.   PTC  MONTHLY  SYSTEM AVAILABILITY IN TERMS OF
             SCHEDULED VERSUS  COMPLETED AUTOMATIC CYCLES
                 FROM JULY  1, 1974  TO DECEMBER  31, 1975
Month
July 1974
August
September
October
November
December
January 1975
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Scheduled
Cycles
434
241
408
427
420
569
929
837
921
698
558
514
527
527
510
512
371
365
Completed
Cycles
357
34
74
265
176
126
526
670
561
335
346
251
19
131
370
441
274
287
Availabili
(j.823
0.141
0.181
0.621
0.419
0.221
0.566
0.800
0.609
0.480
0.620
0.488
0.036
0.249
0.725
0.861
0.739
0.786
Total                  9,768           5,234

Average Availability                                      0.537
                                43

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Sampling of viable particles -- Similar to
the previously described experiment, the
biological activity in the air of the PTC
system was determined by measuring viable
particles in the system air, system exhaust
air, and ambient air. Test procedures are
given in Appendix B.

Solid waste characterization -- The site
refuse, as conveyed by the PTC system, was
characterized by composition, density, and
moisture content.  Test procedures are given
i n Appendi x C.

Load profile -- The refuse collected by the
PTC system was weighed for every cycle for an
entire week to determine peak loads, trends,
and usage patterns. Test procedures are pre-
sented in Appendix D.

Load capacity — The transport velocities of
test samples, varying in density, were mea-
sured to establish the densest loading which
could be collected successfully by the system.
Test procedures are given in Appendix E.

Main exhauster power consumption -- The
power consumed by the main exhausters during
typical operations was measured.  Test pro-
cedures are presented in Appendix F.
                             i-jf
Optimum scheduling -- Modified operating
schedules were tested to investigate the
system performance for a reduced number of
daily cycles.  Test procedures are given in
Appendix G.

Noise level  measurements -- Noise levels
associated with the PTC collection activities
were compared to background noise levels.
Test procedures are reported in Appendix H.

Life cycle estimates -- Extensive wear,
weekly velocity, and static pressure tests
were conducted to predict the service life of
the PTC system.   Initial characterization
tests were performed before the monitoring
program to determine the original
                   44

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          condition of the system.   Weekly veloctty  and
          static pressure tests were conducted  to
          observe the degradation  of the system during
          the monitoring program.   Post monitoring  period
          characterization tests were performed to
          determine the amount of  wear experienced
          during the program.   The system components
          investigated were the:

               Main transport  line,
               Di scharge valves,
               Collection hopper,
               Dust col 1ector,
               Compactor, and
               Chute charging  stations.

          The test procedures  are  given in Appendix  I.

Ai r Samp!ing Tests

     Sampling of air pollutant levels for the PTC  sys-
tem air and ambient air were  performed on the following
dates :

     •     February 24 to 28,  1975,
     •     July 23 to 27, 1975, and
     t     January 5 to 9, 1976.

Seasonal affects were considered by conducting  the
tests in summer and winter.

     The tests for the total  airborne particulates  and
viable  particles were conducted to observe air  pollu-
tant problems attributed to the PTC system.   The three
sampling locations used in these tests were:

     •     System air inside the collection hopper,
     •     System exhaust air  at the exhaust  vent,  and
     •     Ambient air at a remote  outdoor location.

     The levels of total airborne  particulates  were  mea-
sured by high volume samplers  as depicted in  Figures  9,
10, and 11.   The exhaust air  and ambient air  were
sampled continuously.  The system  air inside  the col-
lection hopper was sampled between PTC cycle  operations.
The results for the particulate sampling tests  are
reported in Table 9.
                            45

-------
   FIGURE  9.   Sampling  of  airborne  participates
at the collection  hopper  by  a  high  volume  sampler
   FIGURE 10.  Sampling of airborne particulates
 of the system exhaust air by a high volume sampler
                         46

-------
      FIGURE 11.  Sampling of airborne particulates
        in ambient air by a high volume sampler.

     The sampling of viable particles was conducted
with an Andersen 2000 six-stage sampler.   An inde-
pendent laboratory performed the media preparation,
                                Figures 12 and 13 show
                                collection air and
                                typical stage after the
                                of the tests  are  pre-
incubation, and colony counts.
viable particle sampling of the
ambient air.  Figure 14 shows a
incubation period.  The results
sented in Table 10.

Refuse Characterization Tests

     The site refuse collected  by the PTC system was
characterized by composition, density,  and moisture
content.  These tests were carried out  during the same
time periods as the air sampling tests.   The refuse was
manually separated into the following ten categories:
          Paper
          Fi nes
            i nc
          Food ,
          Metal
          Plast
          Glass
          Tex t i
          Wood ,
          Rocks
          Yard
                (any refuse that passes through a one
               h sieve),
               1C,

               ies,

               ,  and
               wastes.
i nto
1 7.
     The
     the
     The
refuse was weighed in trash cans and sorted
ten categories as shown in Figures 15,  16,  and
composition of the solid waste is reported  in
                          47

-------
                                        Table  9.   CONCENTRATIONS OF TOTAL AIRBORNE  PARTICIPATES
                               Date

                          Monday     2/24/75
                          Tuesday    2/25/75
                          Wednesday  2/26/75
                          Thursday   2/27/75
                          Friday     2/28/75

                              Average
                            Ambient Air
                        (10s x grains/cu ft)

                               2.51
                               3.56
                               5.38
                               4.05
                               4.11

                               3.92
                       Hopper Air
                  (105 x grains/cu ft)
                          4.73
                          4.73
                          4.73
                          4.73
                          4.731
                          4.73
                     Exhaust  Air
                 (105 x grains/cu ft)

                        1.05
                        1.45
                        2.18
                        1.41
                        1.26

                        1.47
00
Monday    6/23/75
Tuesday   6/24/75
Wednesday  6/25/75
Thursday   6/26/75
Friday    6/27/75

     Average
5.03
6.04
3.33
3.66
4.19

4.45
6.10
6.38
6.11
2.56
9.21

6.07
4.65
3.52
2.08
1.75
1.70

2.74
                          Monday     1/5/76
                          Tuesday    1/6/76
                          Wednesday  1/7/76
                          Thursday   1/8/76
                          Friday     1/9/76

                              Average
                               3.24
                               4.31
                               4.64
                               2.08
                               3.45

                               3.54
                          5.86
                          7.10,
                        130.00^
                          3.81
                          5.32

                         30.42
                        2.29
                        2.32
                        2.95
                        1.43
                        1.58

                        2.11
                          20ne filte^- paper was'used for the  entire  five day  period.
                           Fine dust particles similar to green paint dye were in  the  collection
                           hopper uh-Lch may account  for the  high particulate  level

-------
FIGURE 12.   Viable particle sampling  of  the
          collection hopper air.
        r
        FIGURE 13.   Viable particle
         sampling of ambient air.
                     49

-------
 FIGURE  14.   A  typical  stage  from  the
  viable particle  sampling  test  after
the incubation  period  showing colonies
                                >
  FIGURE  15.   Sample  of  refuse  being
      collected  during the  solid
    waste  characterization  test.
                  50

-------
                              Table 10.  VIABLE PARTICLE CONCENTRATIONS
                               Ambient Air            Collection  Hopper           System Exhaust
        Date                (Colonies/cu ft)          (Colonies/cu ft)            (Colonies/cu  ft)

Monday     2/24/75                0.8                       3.9                         1.5
Tuesday    2/25/75                0.7                       4.2                         0.5
Wednesday  2/26/75                3.2                       3.9                         3.3
Thursday   2/27/75                0.6                       4.9                         1.4
Friday     2/28/75                8^3                       5_._4                         4.9

      Average                     2.7                       4.5                         2.3


Monday     6/23/75                3.0                       5.3                         3.1
Tuesday    6/24/75                1.7                       3.9                         1.7
Wednesday  6/25/75               14.5                      10.0                         7.1
Thursday   6/26/75               20.6                      19.3                         4.9
Friday     6/27/75               10.2                       3.0                        12.4

      Average                    10.0                       8.3                         5.8


Monday     1/5/76                 3.1                       3.0                         2.3
Tuesday    1/6/76                 7.7                       7.5                         6.0
Wednesday  1/7/76                 1.7                       4.1                          1.6
Thursday   1/8/76                 1.3                       2.7                         1.0
Friday     1/9/76                 9.1                      27.9                         5.7

      Average                     4.6                       9.0                         3.3

-------
 FIGURE 16.   Sieve used to separate the
 refuse.   All  refuse which fell  through
   the sieve was classified as fines.
 FIGURE  17.   Refuse was manually sorted
for the  solid waste characterization test
                   52

-------
Tables 11, 12, and 13.  The density of the refuse
samples is shown in Table 14 and the moisture content
of the samples is presented in Table 15.

Load Profi1 e Test

     The load profile test documented the daily demand
of the PTC system.  It was conducted for one week from
September 26 to October 3, 1975.  The weight of the
transported  refuse for every cycle was recorded.   A
platform was built to detain the refuse as the com-
pactor ram pushed it out of the compactor unit as shown
in Figure 18.  The refuse was weighed as seen by  the
method shown  in Figure 19.  The results are presented
in Table 16.  The data for the first two days were
biased by water infiltration in the main transport
line.

     The data show that there are two distinct load
profiles; one for weekdays and another one for the
weekend.  These trends are shown graphically in Figure
20.

Load Capacity Test

     Load capacity test was performed on June 9 and 10,
1975 and on  December 2S 1975.  The results of this
test determined the transport velocities of refuse
samples varying in density, and the maximum limit in
density for  refuse that may be successfully conveyed by
the PTC system.

     Two kinds of refuse  samples were used in the
test.   Low density loads  simulated typical residential
solid waste.  High density loads determined the upper
boundary in  density of those items which could be
successfully  conveyed.  The elapsed time and density
                           53

-------
   Table  11.   COMPOSITION  BY WEIGHT  OF  REFUSE  SAMPLES  COLLECTED  FROM  FEBRUARY 24  THROUGH  28, 1975

Category
Paper
Fines
Food
Metal
Plastic
Glass
Texti les
Wood
Monday
Weight
48.0 Ib
15.0
21.0
10.2
2.0
1.1
1.0
0.0
2/24/75
—
48.8
15.3
21.4
10.4
2.0
1.1
1.0
0.0
Tuesday
Weight
53.0 Ib
54.0
46.0
15.5
7.3
1.2
2.0
1.0
2/25/75
—
29.4
30.0
25.6
8.6
4.0
0.7
l.'l
0.6
Wednesday
Weight
114.0 Ib
28.0
22.0
6.3
5.2
3.0
9.5
1.0
2/26/75
JL
60.3
14.8
11.6
3.3
2.8
1.7
5.0
0.5
Thursday
Weight
78.4 Ib
36.2
22.3
17.3
5.5
1.0
5.5
0.0
2/27/75
—
47.2
21.8
13.4
10.4
3.3
0.6
3.3
0.0
Friday
Weight
56.6 Ib
31.8
17.8
10.9
6.2
0.0
1.1
0.0
2/28/75
JL
45.5
25.5
14.3
8.8
5.0
0.0
0.9
0.0
Five-Day
Weight
70.0 Ib
33.0
25.8
12.0
5.2
1.3
3.8
0.4
Average
JL
46.2
21.8
17.0
7.9
3.4
0.9
2.5
0.3
Totals
            98.3
                     100.0
                               180.0
                                        100.0
                                                 189.0
                                                           100.0
                                                                   166.2
                                                                             100.0
                                                                                     124.4
                                                                                               100.0
                                                                                                       151.5
                                                                                                                 100.0
  here were no rocks or yard waste in the refuse samples.
 line total weight collected during the test period was 757.9 pounds.

-------
 Table 12.   COMPOSITION  BY WEIGHT  OF  REFUSE  SAMPLES  COLLECTED  FROM  JUNE  23 THROUGH 27,  1975



01
en




Category
Paper
Fines
Food
Metal
Plastic
Glass
Textiles
Yard Waste
Monday 6/23/75
Weight I
171.4 Ib
59.4
31.5
18.2
11.5
10.7
8.3
0.0
55.1
19.1
10.1
5.9
3.7
3.4
2.7
0.0
Tuesday 6/24/75
Weight ':-.
143.1 Ib
57.3
32.8
17.7
11.1
8.5
3.3
0.0
52.3
20.9
11.9
6.5
4.1
3.1
1.2
0.0
Wednesday 6/25/75
Weight ';
199.1 Ib
42.5
28.5
20.7
7.8
8.3
10.0
0.0
62.8
13.4
9.0
6.5
2.5
2.6
3.2
0.0
Thursday 6/26/75
Weight %
173.0 Ib
34.3
38.4
15.0
9.2
23.8
6.5
0.0
57.6
11.4
12.8
5.0
3.1
7.9
2.2
0.0
Friday 6/27/75
Weight %
166.6 Ib
52.5
31.0
16.0
14.0
19.2
4.0
1.0
54.7
17.3
10.2
5.3
4.6
6.3
1.3
0.3
Five-Day Average
Weight "--
170.6 Ib
49.2
32.5
17.5
10.7
14.1
6.4
0.2
56.6
16.3
10.8
5.8
3.6
4.7
2.1
0.1
Totals2     311.0      100.0      273.0     100.0     316.9      100.0     300.2     100.0     304.3      100.0     301.2      100.0
ylheve were no rocks or wood in the refuse samples.
 The  total weight collected during the test period was 1505.2 pounds.

-------
            Table  13.   COMPOSITION BY WEIGHT OF REFUSE SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM JANUARY 5 THROUGH  9, 1976
en
01

Category
Paper
Fines
Food
Metal
Plastic
Gl ass
Textiles
Wood
Totals2
Monday
Weight
144.8 Ib
113.6
28.8
19.4
10.8
8.8
2.2
0.0
328.4
1/5/76
JL
44.1
34.6
8.8
5.9
3.2
2.7
0.7
0.0
100.0
Tuesday
Height
159.0 Ib
47.8
36.5
18.0
13.0
6.4
4.2
1.0
285.9
1/6/76
%
55.6
16.7
12.8
6.3
4.5
2.2
1.5
0.4
100.0
Wednesday
Weight
173.9 Ib
46.7
22.7
14.6
13.0
9.0
10.3
1.2
291.4
1/7/76
_?_
59.7
16.0
7.8
5.0
4.5
3.1
3.5
0.4
100.0
Thursday
Weight
90.2 Ib
40.0
19.6
12.2
3.8
2.8
4.1
1.7
174.4
1/8/76
%
51.7
22.9
11.2
7.0
2.2
1.6
2.4
1.0
100.0
Friday
Weight
128.0 Ib
48.1
35.5
17.6
9.2
10.7
10.1
0.0
259.2
1/9/76
%
49.4
18.6
13.7
6.8
3.5
4.1
3.9
0.0
100.0
Fi ve-Day
Weight
139.2 Ib
59.2
28.6
14.4
10.0
7.5
6.2
0.8
267.9
Average
_%_
52.0
22.1
10.7
6.1
3.7
2.8
2.3
0.3
100.0
           ~There wei>e no rocks or yard waste in the refuse samples.

           The total weight collected during the test period was 13Z9.3 pounds.

-------
                                                  Table  14.   DENSITY  OF  SOLID WASTE SAMPLED
                           Date
Weight of
 Sample
                Volume of
                 Sample
                                             Dens i ty  ,
                                            (Adjusted;1
                    Monday     2/24/75
                    Tuesday    2/25/75
                    Wednesday  2/26/75
                    Thursday   2/27/75
                    Friday     2/28/75

                          Average
100.25 Ib
613.65
202.00
174.15
133.75

244.70
                44.2 cu ft
               210.8
                75.3
                72.3
               _45_.2_

                89.56
                  2.26  Ib/cu ft
                  2.91
                  2.68
                  2.41
                  2.95

                  2.73
                         1.13  Ib/cu ft
                         1.46
                         1.34
                         1.21
                         1.48

                         1.37
01
                    Monday     6/23/75
                    Tuesday    6/24/75
                    Wednesday  6/25/75
                    Thursday   6/26/75
                    Friday     6/27/75

                          Average
311.0
273.8
316.9
300.2
304.3

301.2
Ib
                64
                64
2 cu ft
2
2
                76.2
                88.7
                76.2
3.53 Ib/cu
4.26
4.94
3.94
3.45

3.95
ft
1.77 Ib/cu ft
2.13
2.47
1.97
1.73

1.98
                    Monday     1/5/76
                    Tuesday    1/6/76
                    Wednesday  1/7/76
                    Thursday   1/8/76
                    Friday     1/9/76

                          Average
328.4 Ib
285.9
291.4
174.4
259.2

267.9
                92.2 cu
                88.2
                76.2
                48.1
                68.2

                74.6
     ft
3.56 Ib/cu ft
3.24
3.82
3.63
3.80

3.59
              1.78  Ib/cu  ft
              1.62
              1.91
              1.82
              1.90

              1.80
                     In the sample collection procedure, paper was packed into a  container at about a 2 to 1  compaction ratio;
                     therefore,  the density  figures were adjusted to reflect the  uncotnpacted condition.

-------
(Jl
                    Table 15.  MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOLID WASTE SAMPLED


                              Weight Before            Weight After            Moisture
        Date                     Drying                   Drying               Content

Monday     2/24/75               5.25 Ib                  3.37 Ib                35.8%
Tuesday    2/25/75               6.84                     4.66                   31.9
Wednesday  2/26/76               8.16                     6.05                   25.9
Thursday   2/27/75               7.43                     5.11                   31.2
Friday     2/28/75               7.62                     4.60                   39.6

      Average                    7.06                     4.76                   32.6


Monday     6/23/75               4.03 Ib                  2.87 Ib                28.8%
Tuesday    6/24/75               5.46                     4.12                   24.6
Wednesday  6/25/75               5.09                     3.29                   35.3
Thursday   6/26/75               4.51                     2.38                   47.2
Friday     6/27/75               6.48                     4.46                   31.1

      Average                    5.11                     3.42                   33.1


Monday     1/5/76                6.56 Ib                  4.62 Ib                29.6%
Tuesday    1/6/76                4.04                     3.16                   21.9
Wednesday  1/7/76                1.65                     1.40                   15.1
Thursday   1/8/76                3.70                     2.63                   28.7
Friday     1/9/7*                3.94                     3.18                   19.1

      Average                    3.98                     3.00                   24.6

-------
FIGURE 18.   Platform and equipment used
to weigh refuse for load profile test.
   HGURE 19.  One sample of refuse
 weighed during the load profile test
                   59

-------
                                         Table  16.   RESULTS  OF THE  LOAD  PROFILE  TEST
Time of
Cycle,
7 AM
8 AM
9 AM
10 AM
11 AM
12 Noon
1 PM
2 PM
3 PM
4 PM
5 PM
6 PM
7 PM
8 PM
9 PM
10 PM
1 1 PM
Daily
Total
Density
Density
(Adjusted)3
Friday2
9/26/75








64.0 Ib
85.2
84.8
144.1
162.1
226.8
160.2
163.1
121.4
1,211.7,
(1,72.2)'
9.37 lb/ft3
4.69 lb/ft3
Saturday
9/27/75
200.4 Ib
75.6
139.0
285.0
265.2
447.5
545.2
351.1
205.6
167.0
338.5
268.8
195.5
225.7
136.8
113.9
80.3
4,041.1
9.65 lb/ft3
4.83 lb/ft3
Sunday
9/28/75
111.0 Ib
18.3
110.5
202.4
152.5
120.4
204.6
156.2
137.5
134.0
109.5
135.7
166.2
146.6
99.6
119.3
126.4
2,250.7
5.«Tb/ft3
2.70 lb/ft3
Monday
9/29/75
133.4 Ib
40.1
43.9
57.4
211.1
239.5
160.8
69.9
62.4
104.4
71.3
98.6
122.5
112.2
131.5
126.8
76.0
1,861.8
4.94 lb/ft3
2.47 lb/ft3
Tuesday
9/30/75
138.0 Ib
21.9
197.4
79.3
36.3
48.0
66.7
60.4
102.3
102.7
71.0
78.2
121.5
177.8
125.8
75.0
75.3
1,577.6
5.04 lb/ft3
2.52 lb/ft3
Wednesday
10/1/75
71.9 Ib
51.8
143.9
109.3
32.5
76.0
66.9
78.4
32.3
72.8
81.7
115.2
134.4
124.4
126.8
99.1
81.6
1,499.0
4.85 lb/ft3
2.43 lb/ft3
Thursday
10/2/75
52.2 Ib
24.7
120.1
69.6
83.8
39.1
97.8
79.3
55.1
54.3
65.0
94.8
138.9
175.6
127.0
92.2
65.1
1,434.6
4.65 lb/ft3
2.33 lb/ft3
Friday
10/3/75
76.9 Ib
34.6
40.5
36.1
160.8
79.1
83.7
58.8









570.5 ,
(1,782.2)'
3.95 lb/ft3
1.98 lb/ft3
Average
112.0 Ib
38.1
113.6
119.9
134.6
149.9
175.1
122.0
94.2
102.9
117.4
133.6
148.7
169.9
129.7
112.8
89.4
2,063.9
5.86 lb/ft34
2.93 lb/ft3E
 Total for Friday of 1,782.2 Ib is swr, of collection from 3 PM to 11 PM on 9/26/75, and collection from  'i AM to 2 PM on 10/3/75.

 Moisture  content of refuse collected from 6 PM on 9/26/75 to 'i  PM on  9/27/75 was much higher than normal, probably due to
 leakage into  the transport pip9 from heavy rain on Friday, 9/26/75.   Heights should be reduced by approximately SO percent to
 account for the excess moisture.

 In the sample collection procedure,  paper uas packed into a container at about a 2 to 1 compaction ratio; therefore,  the density
 figures were  adjusted to reflect the unccmpacted condition.
4                                                                                    ?
 The average density assumed a mean density figure for 9/26/75 and 10/3/75 of 6.51 lb/ft
^                                                                                             T
~The average adjusted density assumed a riean density figure for 9/26/75 cnA 10/3/75 of 3.26  lb/ft .

-------
   380-.



   360-




   340-



   320-



   300-



   280



   260-



   240
•t— O
<— Q.
   '200-
<<- 
= TJ 140-1
O 
-------
were measured for every test sample.   Some of the test
loads,  as shown in Figures  21  to 25,  were the fol-
1owi ng:
    Low density loads

  loose newspaper
  dry bundled newspaper
  wet bundled newspaper
  plastic trash bags
    with newspaper
  cardboard boxes
  feather pillows
  loose rags
  loose cans
  loose glass bottles

     The densities of  the test
Table 17.  The results for the
Table 18.
         High density loads

       wood blocks
       plastic trash bag with
         wet rags
       plastic jars with water
       brick fragments
      1 oads
      tests
are
are
listed in
presented
i n
Main Exhauster Power Consumption Test

     The electrical  energy used by the main exhausters
was calculated by measuring the instantaneous power and
elapsed cycle time.   The test was conducted on September
3, 1975 and December 15, 1975.   The results are reported
in Table 19.
           Table 17.   DENSITY OF TEST LOADS
      Description of test load
      Balsa wood
      White pine
      Fi r
      Walnut
      Map! e
      Bundled newspapers
      Bundled newspapers
      Wet rags
      Plastic jar filled
      Brick fragments
(dry)
(wet)

with water
             about
                  Dens i ty
                 (Ib/cu ft)
         8
        23
        30
        39
        47
        25
        46
        43
        62
       100
                           62

-------
   FIGURE 21.  Test samples of 5,10,15, and 20
     pound bundles of newspaper successfully
      conveyed by the PTC system during the
               load capacity test.
FIGURE 22.  Test samples of 30 pound dry and 13.5
   pound wet bundles of newspaper successfully
    transported by the PTC system during the
               load capacity test.
                       b3

-------
 FIGURE  23.  Two feather pillows, cardboard boxes, and
 plastic bags filled with loose newspaper successfully
 transported by the system during the load capacity test.
FIGURE 24.   Test samples of rags,  cans, wood blocks,
  and glass  bottles  successfully collected by the
     PTC system during the load capacity test.
                          64

-------
      FIGURE 25.   Wood Blocks used to simulate high density
      loads during the load capacity tests.  The kinds  of
      wood are balsa, white pine, fir, walnut, and maple.
      The sizes range from 1" x 3" x 6" to 3" x 3" x 8".
Optimal Schedule  Test

     The optimal  schedule test was conducted  from
October 31,  1975  to December 17,  1975  to  observe the
system performance  during the operation  of  a  reduced
number of  schedule  cycles.  The PTC  system  was  sched-
uled to operate  an  average of 18  cycles  per day.  If
the PTC system were able to perform  satisfactory with
a fewer number of cycles, many benefits  may be  realized
These benefits include lower operating  costs  and pro-
longed component  life.
                            65

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       Table 18.    TRANSPORT VELOCITY OF TEST  LOADS THROUGH  THE PTC SYSTEM
        De_scri_ptjon_qf _Test_ Load


 1.  Loose crumpled  newspapers (5 Ib)

 2.  Crumpled newspapers in plastic
      bags (5 Ib)

 3.  Cardboard boxes:
      #1  4-i/4"x4-l/4"x9"
      #2  7"x7"x9"
      #3  6-l/4"xl2"xl5"

 4.  Feather pillows:
      #1
      #2

 5.  Loose rags  (50  Ib)

 6.  Loose cans  (2 ft3)

 7.  Loose glass bottles:
      n  25 Ib
      n  IP, ib
                                         Elapsed  Time  from
                                           DV- 3 to Hopper
                                           Velocity
8.
9.
    Wooden  blocks:
      balsa  (3"x3"x3")
      balsa  (I"x3"x6")
      balsa  (2"x3"x6")
      white  pine  (3"x3"x3")
      fir  (4"x4"x4")
      walnut  (3"x3"x8")
      maple  (3"x3"x3")
      maple  (3"x3"x5"j
      maple  (3"x3"x8")

    Bundled  newspapers (dry):
       5 Ib
      10 Ib
      15 Ib
      20 Ib
      30 Ib

    Bundled  newspapers (wet):
      13.5  Ib

    Refuse  in plastic bags:
      //I
      #?

    Wet rags  in plastic bag (30  Ib)

    Plastic  jar filled with water

14.  Brick fragments
10
11.
10.5-13.5 sec
10.9
12.2
11.5
11.9
13.2
12.8
12.7-16.7
11.9-13.9
17.6-27.6
14.6-26.6
13.7
12.4
11.6
16.9
15.7
27.1
22.9
23.1
not transported
15.5
15.3
15.4
17.3
14.7
48.9-62.9 fps
60.6
54.1
57.4
55.5
50
51.5
39.5-52.0
47.5-55.5
23.9-37.5
24.8-45.2
48.23
53.22
56.91
39.15
42.04
24.48
28.86
28.87

42.6
43.1
42.9
38.2
44.9
32.6-42.8
41.2
36.8
39
37.7
34
35.1
26.9-35
32.3-37.
16.3-25
16.9-30
32.8
36.2
38.7
26.6
28.6
16.6
19.6
19.4

29.0
29.3
29.2
26.0
30.5
mph






.4
.8
.5
. 7














      20.9


      13.9
      15.9

      17.9

not transported

not transported
                                                                   31.6
                                                                   47.5
                                                                   41.5

                                                                   36.9
                                                                                      21.5
32.3
23.2

25.1
                                            66

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                          Table  19.   RESULTS  FOR THE MAIN EXHAUSTER POWER TEST
      Exhauster Number
                                                   Average
                                                   Energy
                                               Used Per Cycle
minutes and seconds   kilowatt?horsepower   kilowatt hours
Average Cycle
Elapsed Time
    Average
Power Per Cycle
Results for September 3, 1975

              1

              2

           Average
4:57
4:57
4:57
109.53
109.69
109.61
146.88
147.10
146.99
9.04
9.05
9.05
Results for December 15,1975

              1

              2

           Average
5:06
4:55
5:00
110.47
110.23
110.35
148.15
147.82
147.98
9.38
9.04
9.21

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     The test schedules were determined by the results
from the load profile test.   Every peak recorded in the
profile test was considered  for a possible time for
cycling.  There were nine test schedul es- generated, as
presented in.Table 20.   The  daily number of cycles
varied from 4 to 24 to  demonstrate the  system per-
formance for a range in schedules.

     The performance of the  PTC system  was closely
observed during each test schedule.   It was noticed
that many system malfunctions occurred  during this
period which caused frequent service interruptions.
Some of these malfunctions were not  related to the
cycling schedules, such as:

     e    Compactor failures,
     0    Discharge valve blockages, and
     •    Control  problems with discharge valves.

     These problems severely prejudiced the test re-
sults, but one result is that the PTC system could not
perform satisfactory with a  schedule of four daily
cycles.  The system could possibly op-erate satisfactory
with a schedule ranging from seven to nine daily cycles,
however, the cycle times must be carefully selected.
It was observed that with a  daily schedule of nine
cycles, refuse would back up in the  vertical trash
chute at Shelly A  beyond the first floor charging
station.  Nevertheless, the  PTC system  was capable of
collecting the refuse without creating  any problems.
Finally, with a daily schedule of 24 cycles, the PTC
system malfunctioned.  Thus, it is apparent that many
problems  with the system were independent of daily
cycle schedu1es.

Noise Level Measurements

     The noise levels attributed to  refuse collection
activities by the  PTC system were compared to ambient
levels and to Occupational Safety and Health Administra-
tion (OSHA) standards.   These OSHA standards are re-
ported in Table 21.  The noise levels were measured by
a General Radio Company Permissible  Sound Level Meter,
Type 1565-B.  The  noise levels for the  discharge valve
rooms and adjacent public rooms are  presented in Table
22.   The noise levels for the PTC system components in
the  CEB and for th.e pull-on  container truck are pre-
sented in Table 23.  The noise level measurements  were
conducted on March 24 and 25, 1976.
                          68

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                   Table  20.   SCHEDULED CYCLE  TIMES SELECTED FOR PTC OPERATION  DURING
                 OPTIMIZATION  TESTS CONDUCTED  FROM  OCTOBER  31,  1975  TO  DECEMBER  17,  1975
      October 31  November 1  November 5  November 10  November 13  November 17  November 23  November 24  November 28  December 3  December 16
Cycle      to        to        to         to         to         to          to        to          to         to         to
Number November 1  November 5  November 10  November 13  November 17  November 23  November 24  November 28  December 3   December 16  December 17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
7:00 AM 7:00 AH 7:00 AM 7:00 AM
12:00 Noon 10:00 10:00 9:00
3:00 PM 12:00 Noon 12:00 Noon 11:00
8:00 2:00 PM 1:30 PM 1 :00 PM
4:00 4:00 3:00
7:00 6:30 5:00
11:00 10:00 7:00
9:00
11:00






one cycle 7:00 AM
per hour
for 24 8:00
hours per
day 9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00 Noon
1:00 PM
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
8:00
9:00
8:00 AM
10:00
12:00 Noon
1:00 PM
2:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
8:00
10:00





8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM
10:00 9:00 10:00
12:00 Noni 10:00 12:00 Noon
2:00 PM 11 :00 2:00 PM
5:00 12:00 Noon 5:00
7:00 1 :00 PM 7:00
9:00 2:00 9:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
8:00
9:00
10:00
8:00 AM
9:00
12:00 Noon
2:00 PM
5:00
7:00
9:00









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             Table  21.  OSHA NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS
                  FOR  INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS.
     Noise Level (dba)'               Time  Duration (hr)


            90                             8

            92                             6

            95                             4

            97                             3

           100                             2

           102                           1.5

           105                             1

           110                       ;    0.5

           115                           0.25
Impact noise  levels must not  exceed  140 db.
                        70

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                    Table 22.   AMBIENT AND PTC SYSTEM NOISE LEVELS FOR
                         DISCHARGE VALVE AND ADJACENT PUBLIC ROOMS
    Location
                       Discharge
                      Valve Rooms
Ambient
                            First
                       Floor Charging
            System    Ambient     System
                                                                               Remarks
Shelley A South     83 db
             94 db
                        84 db
Shelley A
73 to 80   84 to 92   78 to 80
Shelley B  East      75

Shelley B  West      78


Descon Concordia     65



Descon Decks


Camci

Commercial
                                90
                         83
                                   85
                             67 to 95
                                        80 to 90
                                           52
                                   90
                                85
                                                            Noise  level
                                                            the  ambient
                                                            ing  station.
                                                            lasted for 1
                                                            Noise  level
                                                            the  ambient
                                                            ing  station.
                                                            was  at 92
-------
                                 Table 23.  AMBIENT AND PTC SYSTEM NOISE LEVELS
                                           FOR MAJOR SYSTEM COMPONENTS
          Location
  Ambient
System                        Remarks
      PTC Equipment Room
82 to 85 db
no
      Compactor Room
      Pull-on Container
      Truck
74 to 84
90 db      Ambient noise level  increased to 90 db within
           six inches of vent fan.   System noise level
           increased to 102 db  within twelve inches  of
           the main exhausters  and  to 99 db within twelve
           inches of the collection hopper. These noise level
           were for 6 minutes per hour.

80 to      System noise level within twelve inches of
85         hydraulic pump and motor increased to 93 db,
           and lasted for 2 minutes per hour.

           Noise level  within ten   feet of pull-on con-
           tainer truck was 95 db,  and averaged between
           ten to fifteen minutes for each load.

-------
     The test showed that the noise level from the
system components was, in some cases,  lower than
ambient noise levels.  Furthermore, the noise levels
attributed to the PTC system activities did not exceed
OSHA standards,  and, in general, were much lower than
these standards.

Life Cycle Estimates

     The entire PTC system was tested extensively to
provide reliable data for preliminary life cycle esti
mates.  The tests, conducted on August 7, 8, and 9,
1974; January 21 to 27, 1976; and January 30, 1976,
included initial and post characterization tests in
addition to static pressure and velocity profile tests.

     The major components for the PTC system were char-
acterized before and after the 18 month monitoring
program.  The results from these tests showed the
amount of wear experienced for several system components
and served as a basis to predict the service life of
each component.   The following components were evaluated

          Main transport line,
          Discharge valves,
          Col 1ection hopper,
          Dust collector,
          Compactor, and
          Chute charging stations.

Main Transport Line --
     Weekly static pressure and velocity profile tests
were performed to observe any degradation along the
main transport line.  The original interior surfaces of
the line were very rough, as can be seen in Figure 26.
The refuse should erode these inner surfaces as it is
carried through the system.  As the wall erosion in-
creases, the pressure should gradually decrease.  This
trend, however, was not observed during the monitoring
program and the results for the weekly profile tests
for degradation in air pressure and velocity are incon-
clusive.

     Two sections of the main transport  line were char-
acterized to determine the overall wear of the entire
line.  A straight section and a curved section were
selected as representative samples.  Each section was
located in the CEB as shown in Figure 27.  The wear
                            73

-------
FIGURE 26.   Original  interior surfaces of the test section
                of  the  main  transport  line.

-------
analysis included consideration in the following areas

     t    Test sample weights,
     t    Interior surfaces, and
     •    Wall thicknesses.

     The weight data indicated that wear was experi-
enced along the main transport line.   However, the
amount of wear is uncertain.  The original test sec-
tions were heavily corroded.  Formations of rust and
scale were observed in the samples, as attested to by
Figure 28.  These formations would easily erode and
prejudice the weight data.  A better procedure was
considered to weigh the replacement sections, initi-
ally, and the test sections after the program.  This
procedure should provide for more reliable information
The weight data are presented in Table 24.

         Table 24.  WEIGHT DATA OF THE TEST SECTIONS
                 OF THE MAIN TRANSPORT LINE
                     Straight Section    Curved Section

      Replacement        658.5 Ib           867.0 Ib
      Sample1            633.5              863.0
      Difference          25.0                4.0
1
 Weight of sample section after 18 months of service.

     The surfaces of the test samples after 18 months
were smoother than the original surfaces.  A wear path
appeared along the test samples as observed in Figure
29.  The interior surfaces were smoother than the
original surfaces, as seen in Figure 30.

     Surface impressions were made before and after  the
monitoring program at specified locations in order to
observe any wear.  These samples were cut so that the
surfaces could be viewed by a metallograph and photo-
graphed.  Two such areas are shown in Figures 31 and
32.  In each case, the original surface was rougher
than the final surface. Hence, the main transport line
did experience wall erosion.

     The wall thicknesses of the test sections were
measured during  the initial and final characterization
periods by a Branson Caliper, an ultrasonic device.
                           75

-------
                Curved  Section
.

*
                                              Straight
                                              Section
FIGURE 27.   A section  of the  transport line  in
    the CEB showing  the  two test  sections.
FIGURE 28.   A sample of the formations of rust
and scale which were removed from the interior
test sections of the main transport line during
     the initial  characterization period.
                         76

-------
     FIGURE 29.  Wear path along the straight
section of the main transport line before washing,
     FIGURE 30.  Wear path along the straight
 section of the main transport line after washing.
                        77

-------
FIGURE 31.   Metallographic  view of a  cross  section
of the bottom interior surface  for the  straight  test
section.   The lower view is the original  surface
while the upper view is the same area after 18 months
of operation.  The magnification is at  13.3x.
FIGURE 32.  Metallographic view of a cross section
of one side of the interior surface for the curved
test section.  The lower view is the original  surface,
while the upper view is the same area after 18 months
of operation.  The magnification is at 13.3x.
                        78

-------
The differential  thickness readings were used to sup-
port preliminary  life cycle estimates for the entire
main transport line.   An array of readings taken at
six-inch intervals and at fifteen degree rotations was
established to provide data.   Figure 33 shows the
locations for these readings.   The results of these
measurements appear in Tables  25 and 26 for the straight
and curved test sections, respectively.

Discharge Valves  --
     The discharge valves were analyzed for wear by plate
thickness, surface impression, and observation.  In par-
ticular, the Teflon bearing surfaces and discharge valve
plates were investigated.

     The Teflon bearing surface, which is one sixteenth
of an inch thick,  allows the discharge valve plate to
slide horizontally.  The overall condition of these
bearing surfaces  after 18 months of operation was very
poor.  Some sections were heavily scratched and chipped,
while other sections were either loose or missing.
These conditions  are depicted  in Figures 34 and 35.
     FIGURE 34.  Metallograph view of the surface
     condition of the Teflon seal at the Shelly A
     discharge valve.  The upper view shows the
     original condition and the lower view shows
     the condition after 18 months of service.
     Magnification is at 13.3x.
                            79

-------
CX>
o
                     FIGURE 33.   Location of wall
                              on the straight and
thickness reading measurements
curved test sections.

-------
    Table 25.   WEAR MEASUREMENT RESULTS FOR THE
STRAIGHT TEST SECTION OF  THE  MAIN  TRANSPORT LINE
    Angle
     0°
     90°
    360l
D
0
W '
N "
S •
T -
R .
A '
M

4
4 	
4 	
4 	
4 	
4
4 	


315V
•I-27C
T C. 1 L
225^

0°

Xs",
\ A B

C D




E F G H I J \
7 	 y
^|^/135° ^/
180°





Column
A
0
0
42
0
42
8
53
42
2
47
2
14
51
4
3
9
5
2
5
3
8
14
0
0
0
B
2
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
45
7
5
3
61
9
10
1
0
1
3
1
9
0
0
0
2
C
*
0
5
0
0
3
13
0
0
4
2
7
13
6
0
2
0
6
6
0
14
10
0
4
*
D
5
7
0
1
40
0
0
44
0
0
6
10
41
8
1
0
2
1
1
10
17
16
7
6
5
E
3
7
0
0
0
0
9
5
7
1
9
9
17
7
0
0
2
10
10
7
18
9
0
9
3
F
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
4
1
13
1
9
7
3
3
7
5
9
5
18
5
0
0
3
G
3
3
5
0
2
0
5
6
0
16
19
13
15
9
6
0
1
5
8
0
7
18
2
0
3
H
6
6
1
1
0
0
39
11
0
6
10
51
16
8
1
8
0
11
11
10
11
3
9
3
6
I
*
45
5
46
0
0
4
13
4
4
8
8
13
10
1
0
2
1
1
5
16
7
0
0
*


J
0
40
0
0
0
0
3
51
0
47
6
1
0
10
10
2
1
8
8
10
12
10
0
6
10
     NOTE:  All readings are in thousandths of an inch.

     *'l"he hanger of the section was at these positions so
     that, there uatv no readings made.
                              81

-------
    Table 26.  WEAR MEASUREMENT RESULTS FOR THE  CURVED
           TEST SECTION OF  THE MAIN  TRANSPORT  LINE
Angle

0°
15°
30°
45°
60°
75°
90°
105°
120°
135°
150°
165°
180°
195°
210°
225°
240°
255°
270°
285°
300°
315°
330°
345°

A
6
6
3
6
0
1
0
0
0
5
12
5
8
5
4
7
9
22
17
19
4
9
0
1

B
5
5
0
0
3
0
0
0
8
6
13
4
7
2
10
1
20
33
27
19
1
6
0
2

C
10
1
4
41
0
4
0
0
0
5
12
1
2
6
12
9
26
31
19
8
3
5
0
0
V
D
10
45
41
45
40
0
0
0
2
8
11
3
10
13
17
13
29
32
18
10
0
7
0
43

E
3
47
37
2
40
0
1
1
2
0
2
6
1
12
11
15
27
27
59
13
49
3
38
0

F
1
40
43
42
40
0
0
0
4
0
10
5
0
9
25
11
25
21
28
11
10
10
0
10

G
0
52
0
4
42
43
26
0
2
S
11
1
0
17
20
10
16
23
50
13
9
8
0
5
Column
H
4
40
0
0
39
0
4
50
39
0
5
2
7
20
9
10
13
17
16
7
3
4
35
0

I
4
43
0
5
36
0
0
54
0
4
0
2
7
9
5
20
11
6
11
4
6
6
3
7

J
3
1
0
0
0
•o
0
44
5
1
5
5
0
7
2
7
47
7
9
0
3
3
0
0

K
2
4
1
2
39
0
7
38
3
5
6
4
0
3
2
0
2
7
12
10
0
11
0
0

L
0
50
32
0
36
5
0
38
4
12
4
3
0
6
1
0
1
18
13
10
2
4
0
1

M
1
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
0
3
1
2
0
6
0
3
0
18
9
2
1
43
0
0

N
2
0








1
0
0
9
0
0
3
• 4
8
15
0
1
0
1

0















2
0
9
9
10
0
0
.

NOTE:  All readings are in thousandths of an inch.
                               82

-------
CD
CO
                  FIGURE  35.   Discharge  valve  at  Shelly  B  East
                    seal.   Its  condition  is  very poor with  deep
                                       and  missing  sections.
showing the Teflon
chips, scratches,

-------
     The discharge valve plates also showed signs of
wear.  The top surfaces were heavily dented and
scratched as shown in Figures 36 and 37.   To find the
extent of this wear,  surface impressions  were made of
the valve plates (see Figures 38 and 39).   A typical
dent of the following dimensions,  0.146 inch long and
0.014 inch deep, is illustrated in Figure  40.

     The Branson Caliper was used  to measure the
thickness of the plates.  Figures  41 and  42 identify
the locations for measurements.  The wear  of the dis-
charge valve plates is presented in Figures 43 and 44.
These two figures show that the center of  each plate
experienced the greatest amount of wear.

Col 1ection Hopper --
     The collection hopper was investigated for wear.
There were stagnant areas near the corners of the col-
lection hopper where  refuse stuck  to the  wall.   The
refuse accumulated in paste-like layers.   Figures 45
and 46 show that these formations  were noticeable after
one month of operation.  By the end of the monitoring
program, as illustrated in Figures 47 and  48, these
layers were about 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick.  However,
the majority of the interior surface was  very smooth,
similar to sand blasted surfaces,  as shown in Figure 49

     There was one section directly downstream from the
entry line which was  dented, and had a one-eighth inch
thick crumbly layer of refuse.  This is seen in Figure
50.  The Branson Caliper was used  to measure the wall
thickness in this area.  The results are  reported in
Figure 51.

Dust Col 1ector - -
     The dust collector employed by the PTC system was
of the bag house variety.  Airborne particulate matter
and viable particles  were removed  from the system air
by passing the air through felt filters.   The dust and
viable particles would be collected on these filter
bags and the purified air was returned to  the environ-
ment.   An air shaker  apparatus sent bursts of air into
these bags to dislodge the accumulated particulate
matter.   The dust particles fell to a rotary valve
which discharged the  particles into a drain.

     After two months of operation, it was noticed that
the rotary valve at the base of the dust  collector did
not operate properly-   Instead of  discharging the dust

-------
FIGURE 36.  Section of the discharge valve plate
  at Shelley A.  The surface is heavily dented.
FIGURE 37.  Section of the discharge valve plate
   at Descon Concordia, showing dented areas.
                      85

-------
CO
CTl
                    FIGURE 38.  Surface  impressions  of  discharge valve plates

-------
00
                  FIGURE 39   Surface impressions of the discharge valve plates
                        at Descon Concordia (left) and Shelley A (right).

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FIGURE 40.   Metallographic view of a discharge valve
plate replica showing a typical dent.   The upper
replica shows a portion of an unused plate.   The
lower replica shows  a section of a used plate with a
dent of dimensions  0.146 inch long by 0.014-inches
deep.  Magnification is at 13.3x.
                        88

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FIGURE 41.   Locations  on the discharge  valve  plates  used  to  measure
  plate thickness.   The left view is  at Camci,  and  the  right view
                      is at Descon Concordia.

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DISCHARGE
VALVE
AXIS OF TRAVEL-
AXIS PERPENDICULAR
TO TRAVEL
                                                              DISCHARGE VALVE
                                                              PLATE
            FIGURE 42.   Top view of typical  discharge valve showing the
              locations of the axes used in  determining the thickness
                          of the discharge valve plates.
                                      90

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     .640
(S)
     .630-j
     .620
        PT.  B
     .640-
     .630-i
SHELLEY  A
PT. B
              DESCON  CONCORDIA
                    10         20
              DISTANCE  ACROSS  VALVE
                 PLATE  IN  INCHES
      FIGURE 43.   Profiles of thicknesses of
       certain discharge valve plates along
         the axis  perpendicular to travel.
                     91

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I/O
LU
co
CO
UJ
   .640-1
   .630-1
               DESCON CONDORDIA
                 10         20         30    36   4O

              DISTANCE ACROSS VALVE PLATE  IN INCHES
                                                   PT. A
 FI
 di
GURE 44.   Profiles  of  thicknesses  of certain
scharge  valve plates  along the  axis of  travel.
                         92

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FIGURE 45.   Layers  of trash  and  other  refuse  that  have  accumulated
 at the upper corners of the collection  hopper  after  one  month  of
  operation.   Left  side  shows  the  northwest  corner and  the  right
          side shows  the northeast  corner  of  the hopper.

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FIGURE 46.   Layers of trash
have stuck  to the inside of
hopper door after one month
and refuse that
the collection
of operation.
                    94

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      L
       ,
     - /
FIGURE 47.   Upper southeast corner of the
collection  hopper showing refuse buildup
which is about 1-1/2 inches thick.
FIGURE 48.  Upper northeast corner of the
collection hopper.  The layer of refuse is
about 2 inches thick.
                    95

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  FIGURE  49.   Typical  wall
   hopper.   The  surface  is
      blasted  and  signs  of
section of collection
shiny as though sand
wear are evident.
FIGURE 50.   Portion of collection hopper wall  about
three feet downstream from inlet section.   Some
denting is apparent and a crumbly layer of refuse,
up to 1/8 inch thick, is built-up on the surface.
                        96

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             TOP
                    E   F
ROW



 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7
COLUMN
A
0
0
0
0
0
4
3
0
3
B
0
0
1
1
1
9
9
6
4
C
0
0
0
2
7
10
9
11
4
0
0
0
0
2
4
10
9
13
6
E
0
0
4
4
8
11
9
13
10
r
0
0
9
6
9
8
14
9
9
                                       NOTE:  All readings show wear in thousandths of an
                                            inch.  The columns are spaced in six inch
                                            intervals and the rows are spaced in four
                                            inch intervals.
           SIDE
FIGURE  51.   Wall  thickness  wear measurements  for a
        test  section  of  the  collection  hopper.

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into a drain,  the valve  merely collected it and clogged
To alleviate this problem,  the rotary valve was removed
and a plywood  board was  placed over the opening at the
dust collector base,  as  seen  in Figure 52.   The air
shaker apparatus  was  turned off,  and the dust particles
gathered on the felt  filters.   Figure 53 shows the
filter bags at the end of the  monitoring program.   Dust
particles have coated the bags in layers 1  to 1-1/2
inches deep.  The layers are  loosely held and any  air
movement will  disturb the dust.

     The rotary value was removed and the air shaker
turned off in  the fall of 1974.   Thus, for  more than
one year of system operation,  the dust collector did
not operate as designed  but the efficiency  of the
filter was not impaired  as  shown  in the particulate
test.

Compactor Equipment --
     The compactor unit  used  in the Jersey  City Opera-
tion Breakthrough site consisted  of a hydraulic refuse
compactor assembly and a container handling system.
Problems were  found to exist  in both.  The  problems
associated with the compactor  assembly are  considered
first.

     Hydraulic Refuse Compactor Assembly--  Separating
the refuse collection hopper  from the compactor was a
horizontal plate  called  a hopper  gate.  This gate
operated pneumatically,  allowing  trash to fall from the
collection hopper into the  compactor.  Here, the trash
was compressed by a hydraulic  ram into a refuse con-
tainer.

     The hopper gate  was set  up to operate  within  a
specified time interval.  If  this time interval was
exceeded, the  system  would  malfunction.  In the final
month of the monitoring  program,  the gate experienced
problems in opening and  closing within the  designated
time which created frequent system malfunctions.  •

     .In  order  to  prevent refuse from scattering out of
the compactor  unit, neoprene  wipers were installed on
the hopper gate and on the  compactor ram.  These wipers
were to  be adjusted and  replaced  periodically.  During
the monitoring program,  it  was noticed that these
periodic checks of the wipers  were not performed.   As
such, the wipers  became  extremely worn and  thus allowed
refuse to litter  the  compacter equipment.  An example
of the excessive  wear on the  wipers is illustrated in
Figure 54.
                           98

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FIGURE 52.  Views of the dust collector base
and the rotary valve assembly.  The rotary valve
     assembly was removed in the fall 1974.

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FIGURE 53.   Filter bags inside the dust collector
after 15 months of operation with  air shaker
equipment and filter globe valve not working.
  Figure 54.  Section of neoprene wiper of the
  compactor after 18 months of operation.
  Scratches are about 1/32-inch deep.
                      100

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     The compactor, which compacted refuse into a con-
tainer, showed signs of wear on all surfaces.   Upon
close examination, it was found that the wear was com-
posed of fine scratches parallel  to the movement of
the ram.  These scratches are illustrated in Figures 55
and 56.

     The top plate of the ram was chosen as a repre-
sentative sample to determine the extent of the wear
for the compactor.  A Branson Caliper was used for this
task.  The test points chosen for measurement are shown
in Figure 57.  The amount of the wear is depicted in
Figure 58.
        FIGURE 55.  Surfaces of compactor and ram
        showing series of fine parallel  scratches.

     Another problem with the compactor equipment was
found to be the hydraulic fluid.  The type of hydraulic
fluid used in the compactor ram operated best at a tem-
perature around 70°F.  The room that housed the com-
pactor equipment, as stated in the design specifica-
tions, was to be maintained at this temperature level.
However, because the room was not heated and an exte-
rior door was constantly left open, the required
temperature was not met.  For these reasons, the
hydraulic fluid became sluggish and prevented the
compactor ram from operating properly, causing system
malfunctions.  This was particularly a problem during
the wi n ter months.
                           101

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FIGURE 56.   Metallographic  view  of  compactor  surface  replicas
   magnified at 13.3x.   The upper section  is  the  compactor
    face and the lower  section  is the  compactor  ram  top.
       FIGURE  57.   Location  of points  used  to  measure
       thickness  of compactor  top.   The  row of caliper
            couplant fluid  is  to  left  of center.
                            102

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       0.260-1
   
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     Container Handling  System — The container handling
system was  composed  of a  motor control  center which
operated the  system;  power  and free motion rollers to
slide the refuse  containers  into  position at the com-
pactor;  hydraulic lift carriages  on chain driven
trolleys which laterally  switched containers to and
from the compactor;  and  various  limit  switches that
showed completed  operations.   The system was designed
to be operated by one man from the motor control
center.   Basically the system  was operated in  the
following fashion.   A full  refuse container is moved
from the compactor to a  pickup area and  replaced with
an empty container.

     Problems  were found  to  exist in  the following con-
tainer handling  system components:

          Motor  control  center,
          Free motion rol1ers,
          Chain  driven power  assisted  rollers,
          Hydrauli c  lifts,
          Chain  driven drive  for  the  lift carriages,
          Hydrauli c  line,  and
          Limit  swi tches .

     Motor  Control  Center—In  the motor  control  center,
(see Figure 59),  a  problem  was  encountered with moving
     FIGURE  59.   The  compactor  motor  control  center
                          104

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one of two hydraulic lift carriages.  (These carriages
were used'to move the containers laterally from the
compactor.)  The problem was that a circuit breaker
would not remain closed.  Thus, the power needed to
operate the carriage was not available.  To complete
the circui.t, site personnel closed the contacts of the
circuit breaker with a screwdriver.

     Free Motion Ro11ers--Free motion rollers were used
to move refuse containers to and from the compactors.
The set of rollers closest to  the loading dock had
problems with the supports for the rollers and the
steel frame housing  them.  Observation showed that the
supports for the rollers, called pillar blocks, were
crushed, and the entire supporting frame was twisted
(see Figures 60 and  61).

     Chain Driven Power Assisted Rollers-- Another
roller related problem was with the chain driven power
assisted rollers.  These rollers, which were used in
conjunction with the free motion rollers to move
refuse containers, were driven by a motor and chain
mechanism.  The bolts for the  sprockets on the rollers
would shear.  When this occurred, the rollers would not
operate, and thus the refuse containers could not be
moved.

     Hydraulic Lift — The hydraulic lifts were improp-
erly designed in that they were unable to lift a fully
loaded refuse container so that it could be moved to
the pickup area.  Therefore, since the pickup area
could not be used, the containers had to be dragged
directly from the compactor.   This was  ;complished by
the pull-on container truck when it arrived to pick up
the containers for disposal.

     Chain Driven Drive for the Lift Carriages — The
chain drive, which was built into trenches in the
floor, provided the  means for  lateral movement of the
refuse containers.   The problem experienced was that
trash and litter in  the area fell into these trenches
and eventually fouled the chains and caused system
malfunctions.

     Hydraulic Line — There was a problem with the
hydraulic line that  operated the lift carriages.  To
protect this line from the chain drive mechanisms, a
take-up reel was installed.  On one occasion, the
hydraulic line became tangled  in the take-up reel and
was si ashed.
                          105

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FIGURE 60.   One of the shattered pillow
    blocks  used to move containers.
     FIGURE 61.   View of free motion
        rollers  out of alignment.
                   106

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     Limit Switches--Various limit switches of the con-
tainer handling system did not operate.  During the
monitoring period, it was noticed that two limit
switches used to show when an empty container was in
position at the compactor did not function.  At the end
of the monitoring period it was observed that these
switches had not been repaired.

     A problem developed with another limit switch when
the original metal doors to the refuse containers were
replaced by canvas flaps.  When a refuse container was
connected to the compactor, the opened metal door would
activate a limit switch.  This permitted the PTC system
to compact refuse automatically.  However, the con-
tainer doors, when replaced by canvas flaps, did not
mate with the switches.  To override this problem, site
personnel permanently fixed the switch so that it
always indicated that a container was connected to the
compactor.  On occasions, refuse was shoved over the
floor by the compactor when the container was not in
position.

Chute Charging Stations

     The fifty-six chute charging stations at the site
rtere investigated to identify types of problems.  The
results  of the investigations are presented in Table
27.
      Table 27.  DISTRIBUTION OF CHARGING STATION
          PROBLEMS AFTER 18 MONTHS OF SERVICE

              Problem                Quanti ty  Percent

Rubber safety flap was not installed    36       64
Missing rubber safety flap1              7       35
Torn rubber safety flap1                 4       20
Missing locking mechanism hardware       8       14
Defective chute door return unit         6       11
Chute door failed to close completely    6       11
Chute door scrapes on frame              2        4
Chute door opens into closet door        2        4
Missing chute door handle                2        4
 These figures are based on 20 chutes, sinae  the
 other 36 chutes were installed without any flaps.
                           107

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ECONOMIC DATA

     To determine  the  actual  costs  incurred by the PTC
system, the period from January 1  to December 31,  1975
was considered.   Although  the monitoring program ran
for 18 months,  the first six  months  of system moni-
toring, from July  to December 1974,  were not included
because of prolonged downtime periods caused by a
multitude of site  problems.   The areas examined to
ascertain the costs of the PTC system included:
          Capital  costs,
          Engineering costs,
          Site labor costs,
          Contract labor  costs
          Energy costs,  and
          Material costs.
were
     The sources used to  gather these economic data
          Site and power plant managements,
          Private service contractors,
          Local  power utility,
          Equipment manufacturers,
          Department of Housing and Urban Development,
          and
          Others.
In additio.n, a record was kept of site labor expenses
that were not reported from these sources during the
monitoring program.

     The actual  costs of the PTC system at the Jersey
City Operation Breakthrough site are reported in Table
28.  A breakdown of  the annual labor costs of the
system are given in  Table 29.   The energy usage for the
PTC system is about  79,815 kWh per year and is deter-
mined in Appendix M.   Simply stated, during the moni-
toring period of January 1 to  December 31, 1975, the
PTC system collected 248.3 tons of refuse at a co?t of
$120,021.

     It should be noted that all economic data have been
converted into terms of October 1975 dollars.  This was
done because the previous study on the refuse collec-
tion systems at  the  other Operation Breakthrough sites
reported costs in these terms  (Ref. 2).  The common
economic base of October 1975  dollars allows the
Operation Breakthrough solid waste management systems
to be directly compared.
                           108

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                                        Table  29.    ANNUAL  LABOR COSTS  TO OPERATE  THE PTC  SYSTEM
                                  Engineering
Plant  Engineer
O
VO
  Contract Labor''

Actual      Adjusted



 530.00       562.47






 325.00       335.48


 400.00       410.56
                                                                             1,255.00
                     The skilled labor index converts the  actual costs  to the adjusted October 1975 costs.
Month Actual
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August 202.32
September 369.40
October
November
December
Total 571.72
Adjusted Actual
976.50
361.26
84.15
460.99
252.47
308.57
1,563.88
204.02 743.37
372.31 210.40
63.12
539.99
743.38
576.33 6,308.08
Adjusted
1,092.67
337.23
89.77
490.02
266.99
318.52
1,605.15
749.63
212.06
63.12
538.81
740.42
6,504.39
Site
Actual
764.25
764.25
764.25
1,113.24
764.25
917.99
764.25
1,181.23
764.25
1,106.25
764.25
764.25
10,431.95
Labor4
Adjusted
828.06
825.62
825.62
1,198.18
811.56
935.06
774.64
1,185.84
766.39
1,106.25
763.25
762.26
10,782.73
Labor
Skilled1
1.0712
1.0668
1.0668
1.0630
1.0575
1.0322
1.0264
1.0084
1.0079
1.0000
0.9978
0.9960

Indices
Common
1 . 0835
1.0803
1.0803
1.0763
1.0619
1.0186
1.0136
1.0039
1.0028
1.0000
0.9991
0.9974

                    2
                    The common labor index converts the actual costs to the adjusted October 1975 costs.


                    Contract labor aas used to assist site personnel in removing main transport  line blockages.
                    A
                    The cost data include observed estimated costs.

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        TABLE  28.   ACTUAL  COSTS OF SOLID  WASTE  MANAGEMENT  SYSTEM
               AT THE  JERSEY CITY OPERATION  BREAKTHROUGH  SITE
       Item

CAPITAL COSTS
Engineering
Discharge Valves
Main Transport Line
Cathodic Protection
Building Chutes and
Stations
Compactor
Compactor Containers
and Handling System
Space in CEB4
Replacement Parts
for PTC Equipment
Main Exhausters
Dust Collector
Safety Equipment
Vent Fan
Collection Hopper
Pneumatic Control Lines
Motor Control Center
Remote Control Panels
Wiring
Electrical System
Checkout
Cost1
Index
1.25
1.25
1.21
1.24
1.25
1.00
1.00
1.23
1.00
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
Original
Installed
Costs
(Dollars)
$130,116
17,516
382,956
23,696
18,939
10,000
14,000
158,205
1,710
30,283
14,921
16,026
1,105
16,758
8,842
40,89.'!
14,368
14,368
3,316
Oct. 1975
Adjusted
Costs
(Dollars)
$162,537
21 ,880
462,862
29,473
23,658
10,000
14,000
194,592
1,710
37,829
18,639
20., 01 9
1,380
20,934
11,045
51 ,082
17,948
17,948
4,142
Carrying'
Charge
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.500
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
0.079
                                           $1,121,750
   Annual
    Cost
(Dollars/Year)
    $12,906
     1,737
    36,751
     2,340
     1,878

       794
     1,112

    15,451
       855

     3,004
     1,480
     1,590
       110
     1,662
       877
     4,056
     1,425
     1 ,425
       329

    $89,782
                                                                                       Percent
10.8
 1.4
30.6
 1.9
 1.6

 0.7
 0.9

12.9
 0.7

 2.5
 1.2
 1.3
 0.1
 1.4
 0.7
 3.4
 1.2
 1.2
 0.3

74.8

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 OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS


 Engineering Time                                                                 $    576          °'5

 Plant Engineer5                                                                     6>504          5-4

 Contract Labor6                                                                     1.309          1.1

 Plastic Bags                                                                          793          °-7

 Site Labor7                                                                         8,593          7.1

 Labor Supervision8                                                                  2-190          K8

 Electricity9                                                                        2-474          2.1

 Hauling and Landfill  Fees                                                           7.800         _6.5.

                                                                                  $ 30,239         25.2
  TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS                                                               $120,021         100.0
 The cost index is a factor to convert the original instated costs  to October 1975  adjusted costs.

2         .              .
 The carrying charge consists of a 7.5 percent  interest rate plus a  sinking fund factor for

 depreciable capital costs.


 The annual cost for capital equipment is the product of the adjusted costs multiplied by  the

 carrying charge.
4
 The space allotted for the PTC equipment in the CEB is about ZG percent of the total  space.


 Plant engineer with 257 hours regular time and IJ4 flours overtime.


 Contract labor is used to remove main transport line blockages.


 2387 man-hours at $3. 00 per hour with 20 percent fringes
Q

 358 man-hours at $5.00 per hour with 20 percent fringes

9
 79,815 kWh at 3.1 cents per kWh is supplied by the total energy plant.   The local electric

 utility would charge $3,360 for the same usaga.

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     The actual costs of the system wtth regards to
the capital costs (Table 28) were determined by con-
verting the original cost dollars to annual cost dollars
This was accomplished by:  (1) generating cost index
factors in order to convert the original construction
costs to October 1975 dollars, and (2) developing car-
rying charges to adjust the October 1975 dollars to the
annual costs.

     The cost index factor is a ratio of the construc-
tion costs indices for October 1975 to the original con-
struction date indices, as obtained in References 3 to
25.  Using this cost index factor, the original construc-
tion costs could be converted in October 1975 dollars.
Then, these dollars are multiplied by a carrying charge
to determine the annual costs of the system.

     The carrying charge is the sum of the interest
rate and a sinking fund factor for depreciable capital
cost, and it is:
     where:  i  is the interest rate
            n  is the depreciation period in years

In all  cases the depreciation period is considered to
be the  expected 40-year life of the  equipment,  and the
annual  interest rate is established  at 7.5 percent.
                          112

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                         SECTION V

               DATA EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS


     The technical and economic data collected during
this study of the PTC system (installed and operated at
the Jersey City Operation Breakthrough site) were evalu
ated and analyzed.  System performance is investigated
with respect to the achievement of design specifica-
tions and the assessment of the economy,  effectiveness,
and feasibility of a PTC system to collect residential
refuse.   To fulfill these objectives, the following
subjects were examined:

     •    Technical,

     •    Economic,

     •    Residential acceptance, and

     t    Envi ronmental.

TECHNICAL EVALUATION

     The data collected during the monitoring program
were evaluated to determine the overall system per-
formance and service life for the pneumatic trash col-
lection system.  These evaluations were compared to
design estimates to observe whether the actual system
favorably complied with the design requirements, and to
identify those areas where the PTC system did not
perform satisfactorily.  The specific technical topics
considered in these evaluations were as follows:

     t    Reliability and availability,

     •    Maintainabi1i ty ,

     •    Performance, and

     t    Servi ce 1i fe.
                          113

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Reliability and Availability

     The system reliability as observed during the
monitoring program was compared to the design condi-
tions.   System reliability was defined as the prob-
ability that a system would continue to perform for a
specified time interval  of successful  operations.  In
order to investigate the system reliability,  the
following topics were considered:

     •     The overall system availability;

     •     The probability that the PTC system would
          continue to collect refuse automatically
          for a specified number of successful
          cycles;  and

     •     The evaluation of observed reliability
          characteristics to recommend design consider-
          ations for future applications of PTC
          systems.

     The system reliability as stated  in the  design
specifications declared  particular conditions.  These
conditions are:

     •     An adequate number of redundant equipment and
          controls so that a malfunctioned  component,
          or scheduled maintenance for individual
          components, would not suspend PTC operations;

     t     All components, parts, and controls must
          be designed for high reliability;

     •     A preventive maintenance program;

     •     Frequency of system malfunctions  should
          not exceed one malfunction per month;

     •     Repairs  should be initiated  within  24 hours
          after a  system malfunction;            •

     •     Safety controls to prevent component
          damage,  plant  failures,  personnel in-
          juries,  and service interruptions;  and

     •     Signals  (visible and audible) at  the
          central  control panel to locate malfunc-
          tioned components.
                          114

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Overall System Availability  --
     The overall system  availability  was  compared to
the designed availability.   However,  before  discussing
whether the PTC system attained  the  required level  of
reliability, several  terms must  be defined.

     Survival Curve — A graph  which shows  the prob-
ability that a system will remain  functional for a
specified time interval  of successful  operations.  The
mean time between failures (MTBF)  as  defined by the
graph shows the mean  time  interval that  the  system  will
remain in operation before failure.

     Repair Curve--A  graph which illustrates the prob-
ability that a system will be repaired to an operable
mode within a specified  time  interval  after  a system
malfunction.  The mean downtime  (MDT)  describes the
time interval within  which system  has  a  50 percent
probability of being  repaired.

     Active Repair Curve — A  graph  similar to the repair
curve except that the time frame includes only the
elapsed calendar time required  for repairs.   The mean
active repair time  (MART)  is  the time  interval within
which system has a 50 percent probability of being
repaired once active  repair  measures  are  initiated.

     Operational Availability (A0)--A  parameter for a
system which describes the probability that  the system
is in an operable mode as  measured against active time.
The design  availability  for  the  PTC  was  not  specifically
stated in the design  specifications  except that there
should be no more than one system  malfunction per month
and that repairs should  be initiated  within  24 hours
after a malfunction.

     The reliability  data  were  presented  against
various time scales,  which were  calendar  time, active
time, and scheduled cycles.   The calendar time is dis-
aggregated  into the following dimensions:

                           CALENDAR
                             TIME
                                       INACTIVE
                  ACTIVE_	.	   M,
                  TIME                    TIME
           DOWN-.
                          DEMAND
           TIME            TIME
                    OPERATING
                                NON-OPERATING
                     TIME          TIME
                           115

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     Active Time — The scheduled operating period for
each day;  for example, automatic operation scheduled to
operate every hour between 7:00 A.M.  and 10:00 P.M. (16
cycles per day or 15 hours per day).

     Demand Time — The operating and non-operating time
achieved without downtime in the daily schedule.

     Downtime-- The time accrued by failures in the
active time schedule.

     Operating Time — The time required to complete one
cycle of operation.

     Non-operating Time — Time between  cycles during a
scheduled  scenario for each day in which the PTC system
is ready for operation.

     The survival curves for the PTC  system are pre-
sented in  Figures 62 and 63 for calendar and cycle time
respectively.   The MTBF for calendar  time was about 16
hours and  the MCBF was 15 cycles.

Mainta inabi1i ty

     The observed system maintainability was compared
to design  expectations.  System maintainability was
defined as the probability that a  failed system could
be restored to an operable mode within a specified time
i nterval.

     Therefore, the maintainability analysis considered
the  following topics:

     •    The repair time required to  correct indi-
          vidual  component malfunctions.;

     t    The effects  of system malfunctions on the
          col 1ection servi ce;

     t    The effects  and probability  of a major*system
          breakdown; and

     t    The maintainability of the  system and recom-
          mendations for future PTC system applications,
                          116

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          110     MO     t»0


         Active Time (hours)
                                    200     2ie     i*o     no
FIGURE  62.   PTC  system reliability curve
Probability of survival vs.  active time.

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CO
                        .4.
                                                   WO    120
                                                   Cycle Time

                                               Number of Scheduled Cycles
                                      FIGURE  63.   PTC  system  reliability  curve:
                                    Probability of survival vs.  scheduled cycles

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     The major components of the system were analyzed
with regard to:

     t    Number of failures,
     •    Total and mean downtime,
     «    Total and mean repair time, and
     •    Total and mean repair time in man-hours.
     The maintainability analysis also identified those
components which were more critical for successful
system operations.  This was made by establishing a
criticality ranking.

     The design specifications listed certain mainte-
nance requirements to reduce repair time and enhance
maintainability.  These specifications called for the
major components to be designed such that all removable
parts could be  replaced or repaired at the site, and
that these repairs would restore the components to the
conditions of new equipment wherever practical.  Further,
mechanical and  electrical components should be designed
to operate at least 15,000 calendar hours (1.7 years)
between major overhaul periods.

     The maintainability characteristics for the PTC
system are determined by downtime and repair curves.
The downtime curves are presented in Figures 64 and 65
for calendar time and missed cycles.  The downtime
curves in Figure 64 are recorded for calendar and
active time frames.  The value for the mean downtime
(MDT) was 3.4 hours for calendar time.  Thus, the mean
time to repair  the system to an operable mode was about
three hours.  The mean cycle downtime was three cycles.
Therefore, the  mean time to repair the system to an
operable mode was three cycles.  The repair curve for
active repair time is shown in Figure 66.  The value
for the mean active repair time (MART) was assumed to
be one-half hour.  Thus, the mean time to restore the
PTC system to an operable was  about 30 minutes after
repair efforts  were initiated.

     A criticality ranking was developed to identify
those system components which  severely affect the
operations of the PTC system.  All of the system com-
ponents were ranked by their achieved availability
which is computed by:
                   Aa   MTBFC + MDT'c
                           119

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     1000


     aoo


     tool

     500

     400
      100


      BO



      eo

      60


      • 0
                               83:
                               rep«
                               of
                               elap
probability of being
Ired b. '   "" "
alenda
sect
. , 1 I UJ Wl u« -I.*  .
efore 24 hours  J
r  time *•'••-   fc-^
92J probability of
repaired before ?4
of demand time have
elapsed
being
hours
                           OOMntime    ^
                           During Calendar time,
                  Downtime Curve During
                  Scheduled Active Time

                                      Pr?b*b°1Uty *°
                                                  • 0  96
   FIGURE 64.   PTC  system  downtime probability  curve:
Probability  that  the  system  would be  repaired  vs.  time
                                   120

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1000T

 800-


 600-

 500

 400


 300-



 200-
 100


  80


  60

  50

  40


  30



  20
  10


   a


   6

   5

   4
   2-
          I
         0.1
                1.0
                         10
 I
30
                                    SO 60    80   9O  95     99
                                                                     100
                                  Proba bi1i ty

          FIGURE 65.  PTC  system probability of  repair curve
                   Probability that  the system would
                   be repaired vs.  scheduled cycles.
                                  121

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100

80


60


40


30



20
 1O
                         J	L
                            _L
           10    20  30  40 SO 60 70  80

                           Probabi1i ty
                                        90
                                             95
                                                 98
                  PTC system  probability of acti
               bability that the system would  b
               f\ r\ a t v* +• -i m r\  r\ m s+ i^ ^ *«rvi-i-\^i« L^-\^*  L» ^-i *-i
 FIGURE  66.
c urve:   P ro
       vs.  repair  time once
                  ve repair
                 be repaired
a repair has begun.
                             122

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     where:  MTBF,
             MDT,
mean time between component c
failure
mean calendar downtime for
component c
This index was used to order the components in a criti-
cally ranking.  These results, based on total calendar
time, are reported in Table 30.  An analysis of criti-
cal component failures describing the prominent failure
modes and design corrective action is given in Table 31.
Those system components identified as critical were:

          Main transport line,
          Programmer,
          Di scharge valves,
          Control panel ,
          Chutes, and
          Compactor.

     These six components were decisive for proper PTC
system operations.  They contributed to 88 percent of
all system malfunctions; to 94 percent of the total
calendar downtime; and to 89 percent of the total man-
hours needed to effect repairs.

     The performance for the PTC system was evaluated
to discover whether the collection service could be
improved.  This analysis considered changes for the six
critical components and is based on the following assump-
tions and from Table 30:

     •    There would be three malfunctions per year in
          the main transport line due to water infiltra-
          tion and blockages.

     •    Malfunctions to the programmer could be re-
          duced by 95 percent to six malfunctions per
          year. (A majority of the programmer malfunc-
          tions were related to a defective power
          supply which was replaced after 14 months.)

     •    Many of the problems with discharge valves
          and chutes were caused by tenants.  By edu-
          cating the tenants as to proper use, these
          problems could be reduced by 20 percent to 35
          discharge valve and 19 chute problems per
          year.
                           123

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                                       Table 30.  COMPONENT CRITICALITY RANKING
                                          BASED ON 18-MONTHS OF CALENDAR TIME
ro
-Fa
                Component
Main transport line
Programmer
Discharge valves
Compactor
Chute1
Control panel
Block valves
Hopper screen
Vent fan
Air inlet valves
Cycle interrupt^
Main exhausters
Auxiliary bypass valves
Collection hopper valve
                         No. of
                        Failures
 22
116
 65
 38
 36
  3
  9
  6
  6
  4
  4
  4
  2
  2


MTBFr
(hours)
597
113
202
346
365
4380
1460
2190
2190
3285
3285
3285
6570
6570


MDTr
(hours)
99.5
12.2
10.3
12.6
7.4
77.8
6.6
1.8
9.9
2.5
31.0
18.9
4.3
1.0
Mean
Man-hours
to Repair
(man-hours)
21.0
1.0
2.8
1.9
3.6
17.3
3.5
0.6
4.5
0.9
2.6
1.9
10.8
0.8
                                       Component Availability
                                                MTBFC
                                            MTBFc & MDTc       Ranking
0.86              1
0.90              2
0.95              3
0.96              4
0.98              5
0.98              6
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
         1
          Blockages periodically occurring -In vertical  trash chutes.
          ?
          'Cycle interrupts of unknown 'cause.

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                                                     Table   31.     ANALYSIS   OF   CRITICAL   COMPONENT   FAILURES
                     Component
                                             Failure Rates
                                       (Failures/Minion Cycles)
                                                                             Failure Modes
                                                                                                              Effect  of  Failure on PTC System
                                                                                                                                                                     Correctljn Action
                 Main Transport  Line
                                                 2.252          a) Water infiltration

                                                               b) Blockage by large objects
                                                               c) Blockage by cleaning blocked chutesv
                                                                    or discharge valves,  or large masses
                                                                    of refuse would stop  air flow
                                            No collection service by  PTC system
                                            for an average downtime of  100 hours
                                            (4 days),  and the repair  effort
                                            usually Included outside  contract
                                            labor to remove the blockage or
                                            water.
                                     a)  Improve seals for access plates  for main transport  line and
                                         better construction of vaults
                                     b)  Educate residents and site personnel
                                     c)  Exercise greater care during r.anual collection cycles
                 Programmer



                 Discharge Valve
                                                11,876
ro
en
a) Faulty power supply
a) Jamed open with refuse
b) Frozen pneumatic lines

c) Shorted diodes
d) Broken electrical  conduit

e) Faulty limit switches
f) Controls turned off
Erratic performance  of system until
replacement power supply was
installed.
                                                                                                           A ^functioned discharge valve stops

                                                                                                           age d«ntfTO°Hfai01i!ou^$ *" '" "
                                                                                 a)  Install new power  supply
                                     a)  Implement longer cycling times for specific valves
                                     b)  Provide supplemental space heat whenever room temperatures

                                     c)  Replace diodes
                                     d)  Replace conduit and exercise  greater care in housekeeping
                                         practices
                                     e}  Establish periodic inspection of all controls
                                     f)  Establish periodic inspection of all controls
                 Control  Panel
                                                               *) Shorted power supply
                                                               b) Control turned off
                                            No collection service  for about 78
                                            hours  (3 days).
                                     a)  Repair short
                                     b)  Establish periodic inspection of all controls
                                                 3.686          ,-j  Large  objects lodged  in chute
                                                               a)  Large  masses of newspaper lodged in
                                                                    chute
                                                               c)  Fire in chute and sprinkler system
                                                                    did  not activate
                                            Ho collection service  from location,
                                            and can  create a discharge valve mal-
                                            function, also prolonged downtimes
                                            can create several  chute blockages.
                                     a) Educate residents and site  personnel
                                     b) Educate residents and site  personnel

                                     c) Exercise more  detailed testing of system to ensure  that every
                                         component functions properly
                 Compactor
                                                3,890          a)  Low  hydraulic oil
                                                               b)  Low  room temperatures which caused
                                                                    hydraulic oil  to  become too thick
                                                                    to flow easily
                                                               c)  Controls turned  off
                                                               d)  Container filled to capacity
                                                               e)  Container handling  equipment broken
                                                                    i)  chains snapped to overhead door
                                                                       so that loaded container could
                                                                       not be moved
                                                                   ii)  chains snapped to carriages
                                                                  iii)  insufficient hydraulic oil for
                                                                       lifts
                                                               f)  Hissing container
                                                               g)  Compactor kept cycling

                                                               ti)  Container not connected properly
                                            No compaction at end  of cycles and
                                            can stop all PTC collection activi-
                                            ties.  A typical malfunction would
                                            last 13 hours.
                                     a) Establish periodic inspection of all equipment
                                     b) Provide supplemental space  heat whenever room temperatures
                                         approach freezing

                                     c) Establish periodic inspection of all controls
                                     d) Establish periodic inspection of all equipment
                                     e) Exerci-;*1 nreater carp in ooersMna containpr handling
                                         equipnient,  repair malfunctioned or broken components, and
                                         establish periodic inspection ot all controls
                                                                                 f) Establish periodic inspection of all equipment
                                                                                 g) Exercise more  detailed testing of system to ensure  mat ever
                                                                                     component functions properly
                                                                                 h) Exen.ise greater care in changing containers

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     •    Compactor problems  could be reduced by 50
          percent to 13 malfunctions per year if site
          personnel were more attentive to compactor
          operations.

     t    The number of malfunctions for the remaining
          system components  were considered to be con-
          stant at two  control  panel malfunctions per
          year and at  25 system malfunctions for the
          other components  per  year.

     The reliability and maintainabi1ity^of the PTC
system was determined  from  these assumptions and the
results are presented  in Table  32.   The MTBF becomes
85.0 hours.  The MDT was found  to be 13.9 hours, or the
average time to restore the  system to an operable mode
is about 14 hours after the  occurrence  of a malfunc-
tion.   The availability for  the "improved" system would
be 86 percent, as determined  by:

     A = MTBF/(MTBF +  MDT)
     A - 85/(85 + 14)
     A - 0.86

     The availability  for the observed  system was pre-
viously shown by data  to be  54  percent.  Therefore, the
PTC system with these  improvements would exhibit an
increase in availability of  32  percent.

     Many additional benefits would be  realized by the
improved performance of the  six critical system com-
ponents.  The total number  of system malfunctions would
be decreased from 211  to 103  malfunctions per year
which is a reduction of about 51 percent.  Furthermore,
the total downtime would be  decreased from 3737 hours
per year to 1427 hours  per  year for a reduction of
about 62 percent.  Similarly, total repair time would
be decreased by 46 percent  (from 357 to 194 hours per
year) and total man-hours for repairs would be reduced
by 51 percent (from 750 to  367  man-hours per year).
These advantages would  benefit  in lower downtime c*osts
and in an improved refuse collection service.

Performance

     The performance of the  PTC system  was evaluated to
determine the overall  effectiveness  of the system.
                          126

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                         Table  32.  ANNUAL  RELIABILITY  AND  MAINTAINABILITY  FOR  THE  PTC
                                       SYSTEM  USING  IMPROVED  COMPONENTS
ro
     Component

Main transport line
Programmer
Discharge valves
Control panel
Chutes
Compactor
All others
Total
Failures/Year
32
62
352
22
192
132
251
103
Downtime
Total2
298.5
73.2
360.5
155.6
140.6
163.8
235.0
1,427.2
in hours
Mean1
99.5
12.2
10.3
77.8
7.4
12.6
9.4
13.9
Repair time
in hours
Total2
17.7
4.8
56.0
34.0
26.6
16.9
37.5
193.5
Mean1
5.9
0.8
1.6
17.0
1.4
1.3
1.5
1.9
Repair time
in man-hours
Total2
63.0
6.0
98.0
34.6
68.4
24.7
72.5
367.2
Mean1
21.0
1.0
2.8
17.3
3.6
1.9
2.9
3.6
           1
            These figures were from the observed data for the PTC system.
           >
           'These figures were estimated for the improved system.

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The analysis considered  the  following  areas:

     •    The ability of the system to comply with
          design loadings;

     •    The ability to transport overweight, over-
          sized, and other  bulky solid waste;

     •    The capacity of the system for design loads,
          actual loads,  and  operating  schedules;

     •    The ability to safely handle dangerous
          materials;

     t    The adaptability  of the system to recycle
          specific  classes  of solid waste;

     •    The adequacy of safety equipment  including
          provisions to  prevent component and plant
          failures, personnel injuries, service interrup
          tions and fires;  and

     •    The ability of the system to perform under low
          ambient temperatures.

System Ability to Comply with Design Loadings --
     The ability of the  PTC  system to  collect the
design refuse loading was investigated.  The design
estimate for the refuse  loading was about 7200 pounds
per day or  1300 tons per year.  The site generated
only 250 tons per year of refuse, which is  about  19
percent of  the design capacity.  The system was oper-
ated about  once every hour  which was sufficient for the
observed site loads. For the PTC system to  handle the
full design loading of 1300  tons per year,  the cycle
schedule may have to be  adjusted to operate at fifteen
or twenty minute intervals.   Hence, the system com-
ponents could handle the design loading.

System Ability to Transport Various Sizes and Weights
of Refuse --
     The ability of the  PTC  system to transport over-
weight, oversized,  and other bulky solid waste was
studied in  the load capacity test and by observing  the
unusual kinds of refuse  transported by the system.  The
tenants had placed  many  unusual objects in the PTC
system which had been successfully collected. Figures
67 through  70 show some objects that were successfully
conveyed by the system.   These objects include the
                           128

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   FIGURE 67.   Two wood pieces, curtain rods, and wire
     rack successfully collected by the PTC system.
FIGURE 68.   A mechanical  adding machine 7.5 inches wide,
11  inches long, and 4 inches high which was successfully
transported by the PTC system.
                          129

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FIGURE 69.  One large piece of cardboard, about 3
feet by 4 feet, a shopping basket, a plastic pipe
about 3.5 feet long, and a foot weight from a
weightlifting set, which were successfully col-
lected by the PTC system.
FIGURE 70.
chair which
system.
The remains of a vinyl covered rocking
were successfully collected by the PTC
                       130

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following items
          Wood pieces,
          Curtain rods,
          Wire racks,
          A mechanical adding machine,
          A large piece of cardboard (3 ft by 4 ft
            approximately),
          A shopping basket,
          Plastic pipes,
          A foot weight from a weight lifting set,
          Parts of a vinyl covered rocking chair.
     and
However, many objects smaller that these items caused
chute and discharge valve blockages.   Newspaper,  card-
board boxes, and coat hangers frequently initiated
numerous malfunctions, even though, at times, these
items were easily collected.  Figure 71  shows three
cardboard boxes and a curtain rod which  caused one
chute blockage.  Figure 72 shows a typical  discharge
valve blockage, with a large cardboard box  creating
thi s problem.

System Capacity for Loadings and Scheduling --
     The system appeared to be able to handle design
loads without any problems.  As for the  actual loading,
the system operated satisfactory at 18 cycles per day.
The results from the optimum scheduling  tests, used to
determine if the system could perform adequately  with a
reduced number of cycles, showed that the optimum
operating schedule could be between seven to nine
cycles per day-  A feasible operating schedule for seven
daily cycles could be cycling the PTC system once every
two hours from 8 AM to 2 PM and from 5 PM to 9 PM.  A
possible operating schedule for nine daily  cycles might
be from 7 AM to 11 PM, with the PTC system  operating
once every two hours.  Further tests should be conducted
to insure that these operating schedules will provide
for a reasonably high level of service.   With
number of daily cycles, operating costs  could
as well as prolonging component life.
a fewer
be reduced
     The results obtained from the load capacity test,
which determined the maximum density of refuse which
could be safely collected by the PTC system, were com-
pared to the .design specifications.  To present the
test results, a regression line for transport velocity
versus density was generated and is shown in Figure 73
The procedure to determine the regression line is re-
ported in Appendix J.  The tevt showed that as the
                           131

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FIGURE 71.   Three cardboard boxes and a curtain rod
which created a chute blockage at Shelley A.   A ruler
is in the foreground to show the sizes of the objects.
                                             >  ,
     FIGURE 72.   A large, bulky cardboard box
    causing a typical discharge valve blockage.
                        132

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                 70-
                 60-
                                                           Note:  The equation for the regression
                                                                 line is Y = 55.7 - 0.57 X where
                                                                 V is the transport velocity in ft/sec, and
                                                                 X is the.density in Ibs/cu ft
                            iBalsa  Wood
co
co
                 50-
                 40.
                 30-
                 2O-
                 10-
                                            Newspaper (dry)
                           White Pine
                                                           Wet  Rags
      Bundled  News-
       paper (wet)
                                             Walnut"
                                                      ®
                          Region of  Difficulty
                                                                                i n .Trans i t
                            10
                                     20
                                              30
40        5O        60
     Density  (Ibs/cu  ft
                                                                                70
                                                                                         80
 I
90
 I
100
                                   FIGURE  73.   Transport  velocity  vs.  density for
                                   refuse  samples  used  in  the  load capacity  test.

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density of a refuse sample approached 60 pounds per
cubic foot, the sample experienced difficulty in being
easily collected.   However, in the presence of other
refuse, the sample was easily transported.  Solid waste
with density ranging to 100 pounds per cubic foot, when
moved in this manner,  could be easily collected, as
demonstrated by brick  fragments and rocks that were
successfully collected.

     The design specifications stated that refuse with
a density of 50 pounds per cubic foot must be colected
by the system.   The load capacity test determined that
the transport velocity of refuse with this density was
about 27.2 feet per second.  Experience showed that the
PTC system had  little  difficulty in collecting refuse
of this density.   Thus, the system did favorably comply
with the design specifications in the ability to col-
lect overweight,  oversized, and other bulky solid
waste.

System Ability  to  Handle Dangerous Materials --
     There are  many types of solid waste which are
prohibited from the PTC system and are classified as
dangerous materials.   Signs were posted on every charg-
ing station door  to inform the tenants that the fol-
lowing items may  not be placed in the PTC system:

          Lighted  matches, cigars or cigarettes:.
          Carpet  sweepings;
          Oi 1  soaked rags;
          Empty paint  cans or aerosol containers; and
          Any  other flammable, highly combustible,
          or explosive substance.

     These types  of solid waste could damage the system
and injure the  personnel.   However, tenants did dispose
of aerosol  cans,  and there were no problems in the
ability of the  system  to safely collect these cans.
Figure 74 shows a  sample of the aerosol  cans which were
collected by the  PTC system.
                          134

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   FIGURE 74.   A sample of the aerosol  cans that were
           safely collected by the PTC  system.


System Adaptability to Recycle Specific Solid Waste --
     The PTC system could be modified to recycle
specific classes of solid waste,  without major design
changes and with reasonable success.   The modifications
would most likely be located at the collection hopper.
When refuse entered the hopper, solid waste was circu-
lated by the air stream such that the denser materials
fell to the bottom.  Thus, light  refuse, such as paper
bags, newspapers, and cardboard,  was  above the heavier
refuse.  These paper products could be  easily collected
for recycling.  Other equipment could be installed to
collect the metals and plastics from  the refuse.

     Observations indicated that  glass  reclaimed at the
collection hopper may not be the  most effective method.
Glass objects  put into the system usually become shat-
tered.  Results of the composition tests indicated that
approximately  one half of the refuse  classified as
fines was composed of glass.  Equipment could be added
to gather the  glass collected by  the  PTC system for
recycling. However, it would be more  practical as well
                          135

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as more profitable to educate tenants to segregate
glass at the chute charging stations.  More glass could
be collected in this  manner and it would be of a better
quality for recycling purposes.

     The estimated amount of refuse that could be ex-
tracted from the PTC  system for recycling is presented
in Table 33.  Refuse  was  classified into paper, glass,
metal,  and plastics.   It  might be  possible to recycle
80 percent of the refuse; however, the economics for
recycling these materials must be  carefully considered
to determine whether  it is feasible.

System  Ability to Recover Valuable Items --
     There is a limited capability for recovering valu-
able items which have been mistakenly placed in the
system; however, the  probability of retrieving an
undamaged item is small.   The effort  required to re-
cover an object depends on system  operations.  If the
object  is still in the chute storage  section (a com-
partment where refuse is  accumulated  for a chute
between cycles), it is a  simple matter of removing the
section and sorting the refuse.  If a collection cycle
has been completed, the task of recovering the lost
item becomes more difficult.  The  refuse container must
be opened and the refuse  manually  sorted.  Since the
refuse  for the entire site is compacted into the refuse
container, chances of locating any particular item are
poor,

Adequacy of Safety Equipment --
     The design of the PTC system  incorporated many
control and safety features to prevent component and
plant failures, service interruptions, fires, and per-
sonnel  injuries.  The design specifications stated
specific conditions for these features.  The system
experienced several incidents which demonstrated the
effectiveness of the  safety equipment to avert any
problem.

     Every component  in the PTC system was designed  and
constructed according to  recognized national and industrial
standards and applicable  local codes.  The collection
hopper, dust collector, main transport line and addi-
tional  components under vacuum or  pressure conditions
were designed and constructed according to good prac-
tices,  as well as suitable ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel  Code and ANSI  standards.  All  wiring and elec-
trical  components were designed and constructed accord-
ing to  the National Electric Code, local codes, and
with the appropriate  UL approved components.
                            136

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CO
—I
                Table 33.  ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF SOLID WASTE WHICH COULD  BE
                        COLLECTED FOR RECYCLING FROM THE PTC SYSTEM



Refuse Type                  Percent Composition             Annual Amount of  -,
                                  By Weight	            Recycled Materials



                                                                147.7 tons/yr


                                                                18.4


                                                                19.9


                                                                10. 4


                                                                196.4
         The site generates 248. 7> tons of solid waste per year.


        o

        "The amount of glass includes an estimated portion of 50 percent of the fines.
Paper
Glass2
Metal
Plastic
Total
59.
7.
8.
4.
79.
5
4
0
2
1

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     Fire detectors and sprinkler systems, meeting NEPA
and local codes,  were installed to prevent extensive
fire damage to the PTC system.   Sprinkler systems were
placed in all  chute charging stations,  discharge valve
rooms, the PTC equipment room,  the compactor room, and
bui1 ding -trash chutes.

     The PTC system was designed and constructed with
drainage and overflow features  at the CEB and discharge
valve rooms to prevent service  interruptions caused by
water infiltration.  This would permit  rapid drainage
and prevent flooding of all  electrical  and mechanical
equipment if there was a breakage of a  water containing
system.   Landscaping around  the CEB was designed so
that runoff, caused by normal  and abnormal rainfalls,
would be quickly  carried away  from the  building.

     The design of the PTC system included considera-
tions for safe and effective operation, and provisions
for ample room to service and  repair all  components.
Performance of required maintenance activities would
not place site personnel in  close proximity to rotating
machinery, hot surfaces, sharp  projections, low clear-
ances, and exposed electrical  wiring.

     Fire Detection and Sprinkler Systems--Problems
were experienced  with the fire  detection  and sprinkler
systems.   Two  specific problems might have been avoided
through  a more careful building inspection.  One problem
was that a fire,  which started  in the trash chute at
Descon Concordia  on December 1, 1974, failed to activate
the sprinkler  system.  Another  problem  was several
sprinkler heads in the charging stations  at Shelley A
were found to  be  wrapped in  plastic.

     The high  temperature alarm cable for the number 2
main exhauster ignited on January 30, 1975.  Site
personnel reported that severe  vibrations from the
exhauster chaffed the cable  insulation  and that a short
caused the fire.   Figure 75  shows a high  temperature
al arm cable.                                     *
                           138

-------
  FIGURE 75.   High temperature alarm cable for a main
      exhauster, similar to the one that ignited.

     Water Infiltration and Drainage — The drainage and
overflow features incorporated in the PTC system could
not handle the variety of water problems experienced at
the site.   The design specifications only considered
one aspect of water oriented problems.  There was a
provision to  protect the PTC system when a water break
in a second system at the CEB occurred.   There were
numerous cases on the site, exterior to  the CEB, that
the specifications did not address.
     Water
through va
problems.
fill with
of the hyd
vacuum in
trate into
main trans
of water.
with the n
to remove
transport
 i n f i 1
ul ts a
 I n pa
wa ter
ros ta t
the ma
 the 1
port 1
 There
eces sa
the wa
1 i n e .
tration into the main transport line
nd access plates created a variety of
rticular, one vault would completely
after every rainstorm.   The combination
i c head over the access plate and the
in transport line caused water to pene-
ine.   The designs of the vaults and the
ine had no provisions for the removal
fore, in many cases, private contractors
ry skills and equipment were required
ter that had infiltrated into the main
                           139

-------
     The floor drains  for the discharge valve rooms
should be independent  from any other plumbing lines.
The floor drain at Shelley B  West was connected to a
roof drain.   During one  severe rainstorm,  the drain  was
blocked and  stormwater flooded the discharge valve
room.   The water level was over the discharge valve,
and water entered the  main transport line.   This created
mechanical and electrical problems with the PTC system.

     The designs of future PTC systems should consider
better methods and procedures to resolve all drainage
and overflow problems.  The site experienced long
downtimes and extensive  labor efforts to remove water
from the main transport  line.  Future applications of
PTC systems  should investigate more controls for drain-
age and overflow problems.

System Ability to Perform Under Low Temperatures --
     It was  observed that the system did not operate
properly under conditions of  low temperature.  The main
problems were with the compactor and the pneumatic
lines. As mentioned previously, the compactor was
housed in a  room that  was not heated.  The  hydraulic
oil used in  the compactor operates in temperatures near
70°F.   At lower temperatures, the oil became more
viscous and  caused frequent compactor failures.

     The air inlet and discharge valves were operated
by pneumatic lines.  These lines were also  located in
rooms  that were not heated.  At low temperatures,
moisture in  the pneumatic lines froze and  caused con-
trols  to malfunction.

Service Life

     The service life  for the PTC system was based on
the service  life of the  components considered crucial
for system operations.  These components were the main
transport line, the discharge valves, and  the compac-
tor. Preliminary life  cycle estimates for  these Criti-
cal components, based  on the  technical data 'gathered
during the monitoring  program, are compared to the
service life as stated in the design specifications.
These  specifications stated that the service life shall
be forty years.

Ma in Transport Li ne --
     The two test sections for the main transport line
were investigated for  wear during the initial and final
characterization tests.   Detailed calculations to pre-
dict the service life  for the line are presented in
                           140

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Appendix K.  The original wall thickness was 0.500 inch
and the annual wall erosion rate was 0.012 inch.  It
was determined that a failure would occur if the wall
thickness was less than 0.070 inch.  This condition
could be expected to occur after 36 years of operation,
four years less than the design life of 40 years.   This
was determined by:
          service life
Discharge Valves --
                           °-50°
                                      "   070 inch
                                     .
                               0.012 inch/year

                           36 years
     The d
and Camci
serviced a
experience
valve.   In
studied, s
The calcul
discharge
estimated
discharge
          ischarge valves at Shelley A, Descon Concordia,
          were investigated for wear.  These stations
          ll the MFHR buildings and were assumed to
           the greatest amount of wear of any discharge
           particular, the discharge valve plate was
          ince this part showed the most signs of wear.
          ations to predict the service life for the
          valves are presented in Appendix L.  The
          service life for the plates, and thus for the
          valves, ranged from 58 to 106 years.
Compactor --
     The compactor ram, which appeared to experience
the greatest amount of wear for the compactor unit, was
investigated.  The top plate of the ram was measured
for thickness by the Branson Caliper, an ultrasonic
device. The original plate thickness was 0.255 inch
thick, and the annual wear rate was 0.0067 inch.   It
was assumed that the top plate could wear completely
through before operating problems would occur.  The
service life for the compactor was found to be 38
years, two years less than the design life of 40  years.
This was determined by:
                           5
                     0.00671nch/year
                                          38
Results of Wear Measurements --
     The preliminary life cycle estimates showed that the
main transport line and the compactor may fail before
the designed service life of 40 years ends.   It is con-
cluded that the compactor could be easily repaired.
However, a main transport line failure would create
                           141

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severe and costly problems for several  reasons:

          Locating the failed section,
          Excavating in order to reach  the section,
          Repairing and/or replacing the failed section,
          Backfilling to cover the section, and
          Providing an alternative refuse collection
            service dur'ing the repair efforts.

ECONOMIC EVALUATION

     The economic data used for the evaluation  were
obtained from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development,  site management, and other  sources  during
12 months of  the monitoring period.  The costs  incurred
by the PTC system were disaggregated into capital,
operational,  and maintenance costs and  compared to
three types of conventional solid waste management
systems commonly used in residential complexes  such as
the Jersey City Operation Breakthrough  site.   The
annualized costs for all four refuse collection systems
are projected to the year 1995 to show  the economic
relationships between the systems.  Furthermore,  the
observed system costs were compared to  design esti-
mates.

Annua1 Cost

PTC System --
     The cost to operate the PTC system during  the
monitoring period of January 1 to December 31,  1975
were reported in Table 28.  The system  costs  were
$120,021 to collect 248.3 tons of refuse during the
monitoring program.  As previously mentioned, in
Section IV, all economic data have been adjusted  to
October 1975  dollars.

Conventional  Systems --
     Three types of alternative refuse  collection
systems were  used for comparison.  One  system,  system
A, consisted  of a chute fed compactor unit at the base
of each MFHR  building and containers at the remaining
buildings and other locations.  Table 34 provides a
further description of the system.  The site  management
provided a bulk waste collection service, maintenance
of container  pens, and labor to move the container to
areas accessible to the collection vehicles.   The
manpower required to operate this system is shown in
Table 35.
                          142

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                       Table 34.   DESCRIPTION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES A AND B
co
       Location
Chute Fed Compactor    Chute Fed     Loose Refuse Per    Changes Per
and Two  Containers     Containers   Week  (Cubic Yards)      Week
Camci
De.scon Deck West
Descon Deck East
Descon Concordia
Shelley B West
Shelley B East
Shelley A
Shelley A South1

153 MFHR X
12 MFLR
24 MFMR
105 MFHR X
10 MFMR
30 MFMR
152 MFHR X


31.9
X 5.0
X 13.4
20.2
X 3.8
X 11.3
42.8
X 2.5
130.9
3
2
5
2
2
4
3
2
23
        This  building  was a  small shed used  to  collect  recreational and yard waste only.

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                     Table 35.  SITE MANPOWER  REQUIREMENTS FOR SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE A
         Task
Change  containers
Daily collection
Clean pens
Clean compactor rooms
Repair  pens
       Man-hours  Per Task
1.5  man-hours  per  change
6.0  man-hours  per  day
0.5  man-hour per pen per week
0.5  man-hour per room per week
2.0  man-hours  per  week
Labor supervision at 15 percent  of  other labor requirements
Man-hours Per Year
      1 ,794
      2,190
        130
        104
        104
                                                                 Total
                                                4,322
                                                  649
                                                4,971

-------
     System B is similar to system A (Table 34) except
for manpower requirements.  In system A, the site
management provides all the labor.  However, in system
B, a private contractor is responsible for moving
containers to and from the collection vehicles.
Requirements for the manpower needed are given in
Table 36.

     System C consisted of vertical trash chutes with
containers at their bases.  No compactor was utilized
and refuse merely collected in the containers.  This
system is described further in Table 37.  The site
management provided a bulk waste collection service,
maintenance of container pens, and labor to move the
containers to areas accessible to the collection ve-
hicles.  The manpower required by the system is pre-
sented in Table 38.

     The annual costs for systems A, B, and C are pre-
sented in Tables 39, 40, and 41 respectively.

Cost Ana lysis

Comparison with Conventional Systems --
     The comparison of the annualized costs of the PTC
system with the three refuse collection systems is
shown in Table 42.  It can be seen that the PTC system
is, depending on the system it is compared to, from 1.6
to 4.6 times as expensive to operate.  This is based
upon the observed loading of 248.3 tons per year.  The
costs are disaggregated into the following categories
and are  presented in Figure 76.

     •    Capital cost,
     •    Site labor cost,
     t    Hauling and sanitary landfill cost, and
     t    Contingency cost.

     The significantly higher cost of the PTC system is
attributed to the capital cost.  This cost greatly
exceeded the annual cost for the three conventional
systems  and accounted for about three-fourths of the
annual cost for the PTC system.

     The annual costs for all four systems were pro-
jected to the year 1995 in Figure 77.  Indices for
capital, labor, material, and energy costs were gen-
erated for the years 1975 to 1995 from previous work
(see Appendix N).  These data were used to project the
future operating costs of each refuse collection sys-
tem, so  that these costs can be compared.
                          145

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cr>
              Task
Table 36.  SITE MANPOWER  REQUIREMENTS  FOR SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE B
                   Man-hours Per Task                  Man-hours Per Year
Daily collection
Clean pens
Clean compactor rooms
Repair pens
             6.0  man-hours  per day
             0.5  man-hour per pen per week
             0.5  man-hour per room per week
             2.0  man-hours  per week
     Labor  supervision at 15 percent of other labor  requirements
                                                                    Total
2,190
  130
  104
  104
2,528
  379
2,907

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           Table 37.   DESCRIPTION OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE C
Location
Number of 3 Cubic
 Yard Containers
 Loose Refuse Per
Week (Cubic Yards)
Changes Per
   Week
Camci

Descon
Desco
n
Descon
Shell
Shell
Shell
Shell

ey
ey
ey
ey


Dec
Dec

k
k


West
East
Concordia
B
B
A
A

Wes
Ea

s

Sou


t
t

th1

153
12
24
105
10
30
152


MFHR
MFLR
MFMR
MFHR
MFMR
MFMR
MFHR


3
1
2
2
1
1
4
1
15
31
5
13
20
3
11
42
2
130
.9
.0
.4
.2
.8
.3
.8
.5
.9
15
2
6
10
2
4
20
1
60
'This building was a small shed used to collect  recreational  and  yard  waste  only.

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-pi
00
             Table  38.   SITE  MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS  FOR SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE C



        Task                       Man-hours Per Task                  Man-hours Per Year



Change containers           1.5 man-hours per change                       4,680


Daily collection            6.0 man-hours per day                          2,190


Clean pens                  0.5 man-hour per pen per  day                    390


Clean container room        0.5 man-hour per week                            26


Repair pens                 7.5 man-hours per week                          390


                                                                           7,676


Labor supervision at 15 percent of other labor requirements                1,152


                                                               Total       8,828

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Table 39.  ANNUAL COST  FOR  THE  REFUSE  COLLECTION SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE  A
Initial Cost
Capital Costs
3 compactors and 6 containers
(2 cu yd each) $19,230
5 containers (3 cu yd each) 1,050
1 container (25 cu yd ) 2,050
5 pens for 3 cu yd containers 1,350
Building chutes and charging
stations 22,623
Operating and Maintenance Costs
Labor-- 4,322 man-hours/year at $3.00/hr with
Labor supervision-- 649 man-hours/year at $5.
Compactor repair material at 1 percent of ini
Lifetime
(Years)
10
7.5
7.5
7.5
40
20 percent fringes
Carrying
Charge
0.145
0.179
0.179
0.179
0.079

00/hr with 20 percent fringes
tial cost

Pen repair material at 1 percent of initial cost
Hauling and sanitary landfill fees


Annual
Cost
$ 2,815
188
367
242
1,796
$5,408
$15,559
3,894
193
14
6,765
$26,425

Percent
8.8
0.6
1.2
0.8
5.6
17.0
48.9
12.2
0.6
0.0
21.3
83.0

                                                      $31,833    100.0

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Table 40.  ANNUAL COST  FOR  THE  REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE  B
Lifetime Carrying
Initial Cost (Years) Charge
Capital Costs
3 compactors and 6 containers
(2 cu yd each) $19,320 10 0.145
5 containers (3 cu yd each) 1,050 7.5 0.179
1 container (25 cu yd ) 2,050 7.5 O.T79
5 pens for 3 cu yd containers 1,350 7.5 0.179
Building chutes and charging
stations 22,623 40 0.079
Operating and Maintenance Costs
Labor— 2,528 man-hours/year at $3.00/hr with 20 percent fringes
Labor supervision-- 380 man-hours/year at $5.00/hr with 20 percent fringes
Compactor repair material at 1 percent of initial cost
Pen repair material at 1 percent of initial cost
Hauling and sanitary landfill fees
Annual
Cost
$ 2,815
188
367
242
1,796
$5,408
$ 9,101
2,280
193
14
9,235
$20,823
Percent
10.7
0.7
1.4
0.9
6.9
20.6
34.7
8.7
0.7
0.1
35.2
79.4
                                                         $26,231    100.0

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     Table 41.   ANNUAL  COST FOR THE  REFUSE COLLECTION  SYSTEM ALTERNATIVE  C





                  Initial  Cost  Lifetime (years)  Carrying Change  Annual  Cost  Percent
CAPITAL COSTS
15 containers $ 3,150 7.5 0.179
(3 cu yd each)
1 container 2,050 7.5 0.179
(25 cu yd)
15 pens for 4,050 7.5 0.179
3 cu yd containers
Building chutes 22,623 40 0.079
and charging
station
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COSTS
Labor—7,676 man-hours/year at $3.00/hour with 20% fringes
Labor supervision--!, 152 man-hours/year at $5.00/hour with
20% fringes
Pen repair material at 1% of Initial cost
Hauling and sanitary landfill fees
564
367
726
1.796
3,453
27,634
6,912
40
36,660
71 ,246

0.7
0.5
1.0
2.4
4.6
37.0
9.2
0.1
49.1
"9177

                                                                 74,699     100.0

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en
ro
                              Table  42.  COMPARATIVE ANNUAL  COSTS  FOR  THE  PTC  SYSTEM AND

                                   THREE CONVENTIONAL SOLID  WASTE  MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS


                                                        Cost/
System
PTC System
System A
System B
System C
Annual Cost
$120,021
31,833
26,231
74,699
Dwelling Unit/
Year
$247
66
54
154
Cost/
Capita/ Year
$96
25
21
60
Cost/Ton
$483
128
106
301

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                                        LEGEND

                                        - Capital  Cost

                                        - Contingency  Cost


                                        - Hauling  and  Sanitary
                                          Landfill  Cost

                                        - Site Labor  Cost
PTC         A          B          C

   Solid Waste Management  Systems
  FIGURE 76.  Annual costs for the PTC system and three
 alternative conventional solid waste management systems
                        153

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                                                          Legend
 03
 O)
 S-
 10
T3
£Z
 O
.c
CO
O
O

c
O
O
0)
o
CJ
220-


200-


180-


160-


140-


120-


100.


 80-


 60-


 40-


 20-
                                                                     System A

                                                                     PTC  System

                                                                     System C

                                                                     System B
          1975
              1980
1985

 Year
1990
1995
            FIGURE 77.  Annual cost projections for the PTC system and
          three alternative conventional solid waste management systems,
                                       154

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     The projected annual  cost for the PTC system in-
creased at about the same  rate as systems A and B.
Both of these conventional systems used compactors.
The annual cost for the remaining system, system C,
increased at,about twice the rate as the PTC system.
This system was highly labor intensive.

Comparison with Design Estimates --
     The PTC system was designed to be cost effective
for the designed loading of 1300 tons of refuse per
year.   In addition, the system components were designed
to handle an additional 25 percent in loading over  its
life.   Thus, the system could collect a total of 1600
tons of refuse per year.

     The analysis showed,  as demonstrated in Figure  78,
that the PTC system could  be cost effective if it is
operated at the design capacity.  Operating at the  ob-
served loading of 248.3 tons per year, the cost to
collect and dispose of refuse was $483 per ton.  How-
ever,  if the system operated at the design loading  of
1300 to 1600 tons of refuse per year, the cost would
vary between $116 to $99 per ton respectively.  Com-
paring these figures to the costs of operating the
three conventional systems at the design loadings for
the PTC system, it can be  seen that operating the PTC
system at design loadings  would be cost effective.

     System                        Cost in dollars/ton

     System A                           123 - 131
     System B                           104 - 109
     System C                           331 - 341
     PTC System                          99 - 116

RESIDENT ACCEPTANCE EVALUATION

     The resident acceptance of the PTC system was  pre-
sented in a separate document.  The results from the
previous report are summarized to investigate the fol-
lowing subjects :

     •    The type of  resident at the site;

     •    The resident awareness of the requirements
          of the PTC system; and

     t    The resident and management acceptance of
          the PTC system.
                           155

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100-
         200   400   600  800   1000  1200   1400  1600 1800  2t>OO  2200

                    Amount of Collected Refuse  (tons/year)
              FIGURE 78.  Annual  collection  costs for the
              PTC system vs.  amounts  of refuse collected.
                                 156

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A representative sample of the households for 164 out
of a total of 486 dwelling units at the site were
surveyed.

Type of Resident

     The residents at the site are described by retire-
ment status, number of adults, and number of children.
About 24 percent of the residents were retired.  A
distribution of residents by numbers of adults and
children is presented in Table 43.  A typical dwelling
unit has roughly about two adults and one child.

Resident Awareness of System Requirements

     The residents were surveyed to determine their
awareness of the requirements for the PTC system. The
results of the survey indicated that almost all of the
tenants were cognizant of the use and capabilities of
the PTC system.  The survey indicated that 98 percent
of the residents realized that the site management was
responsible for the operations of the system.  Further-
more, 95 percent of the residents were aware that
large, bulky waste would be collected by contacting the
site management.  However, there was some confusion on
the part of the residents about the requirement of
segregating refuse.

     The survey showed that the residents were confused
over the policy of segregating refuse before disposal
in the trash chutes.  Table 44 shows the percentage of
residents that actively participated in refuse separa-
tion.  Out of the 164 residents interviewed, 108 or 66
percent said they participated in separating refuse
while, 56 or 34 percent said they did not.

     It was observed during the monitoring period that
some tenants were not only more aware of their respon-
sibilities to the PTC system, but more responsive as
well.  These tenants posted their own signs to inform
other residents of how to use the system properly.
Figure 79 shows some of the typical signs found at the
charging stations.

Resident and Management Acceptance of the System

     The residents and site management were interviewed
to determine whether they felt that the PTC system
adequately collected refuse.  The results of the resi-
dents' evaluation of the system is shown in Table 45.
                          157

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                                 Table 43.  POPULATION  DISTRIBUTION  OF RESIDENTS
Number
per




4 or
of Adults
Unit
0
1
2
3
more
Number of
Units Sampled
0
35
1T3
12
4
164
Number of
Adults
0
35
226
36
=16
> 313
Number of
Children per Unit
0
1
2
3
4 or more
Number of
Units Sampled
98
36
20
8
2
164
Number of
Children
0
36
40
24
^8
2 108
Total Number
of Persons
0
71
226
60
=24
? 421
tn
oo

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                   Table 44.   EXTENT OF RESIDENT PARTICIPATION

                            IN SEPARATING SOLID WASTE
             1                    Number of Residents          Percent of Resident
         Item                      Participating2                Participation
Glass                                    96                          58.5


Bulky waste                              81                          49.4


Plastic                                  27                          16.5


Food waste                                0                           0.0


Newspaper and magazines                  90                          54.9


Cans                                       1                           0.6
 Tenants separated their1 refuse into these oategoriet
2
 A total of 164 residents were interviewed.

-------
CT)
O
              FIGURE 79.   Typical signs posted by
                      to  be more considerate when
the tenants to inform other tenants
they dispose their refuse.

-------
                   Table 45,   RESIDENT EVALUATION OF PTC SYSTEM ADEQUACY
                                     Number of Residents          Percent of
      Problem Description            Reporting Problems^     Dissatisfied Residents


Chute blockages                              23                       14.0

Small size of chute charging                  9                        5.5
  stations

Did not use PTC system                        2                        1.2

Compactor mechanical problems                 1                        0.6

Small size of chute door opening             _J_                        0.6

                                   Total      36                       21.9
 A total of 164 residents were interviewed.

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The evaluation showed  that  over  one  percent of the
tenants did not use  the  PTC system,  and  that about 78
percent of the tenants were satisfied  with  the perform-
ance of the system.   There  was  one  resident who felt
that the PTC system  was  environmentally  inadequate,  but
did not state the  deficiencies.

     The site management felt  that  their services  could
have been minimized  if the  PTC  system  had performed
properly and if the  tenants had  correctly used the sys-
tem.  Due to the considerable  number of  system malfunc-
tions and the large  quantities  of  litter in the dis-
charge valve rooms  and charging  stations, the management
had to provide extensive labor  efforts to repair and
clean the system.   The management  also felt that many
of these efforts were  attributable  to  the low level  of
resident cooperation in  properly utilizing  the system.
Several specific problems were  cited.   They include:

     •    Residents  breaking PTC system  components by
          forcing  large, bulky  wastes  into  the chute
          door;

     •    Residents  causing chute  blockages by not
          pushing  refuse all the way down the chute;

     •    Residents  leaving food wastes  and moist
          garbage  on charging  station  floors or in
          hallways  and stairways;  and

     •    Residents  improperly  wrapping  refuse which
          created  unsanitary and unhealthy  conditions
          in discharge valve rooms,  especially during
          periods  of operating  problems.

     The site management implemented many policies to
correct these problems by educating  residents in the
proper use of the  PTC  system.   One  example  of these
policies is a notice (Figure 80) posted  on  all charging
stations doors, that listed certain  system  regulations.

ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION

     The PTC system  was  examined to  determine the
environmental effects  of the system.  The following
topics were considered:

     •    Sanitation effects such  as litter, clean-
          liness,  odor,  and presence of  rodents
          and vermin;
                          162

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  Summit Plaza
                                  7OO NEWARK AVENXTE . JERSEY CITY. N. J. O73O8
                                              (3Ol) 963-0000

                                                  H/25/75

TO ALL SUMMIT PLAZA TENANTSi

WITH THANKSGIVING APPROACHING,  FOLLOWED SOON AFTER BY CHRISTMAS, WE WANT
TO REMIND EVERYONE TO BE EXTREMELY AWARE OF  THE GARBAGE PROBLEMS WE HAVE
BEEN HAVING AT SUMMIT PLAZA,  AND TO ACT ACCORDINGLY.

NUMEROUS TENANTS HAVE BEEN LEAVING NEWSPAPERS AND BOTTLES AND CANS AND
OTHER TRASH ON THE FLOOR OF THE COMPACTOR CLOSETS, AND OUTSIDE IN THE
HALLS.

DO NOT LEAVE ANY ITEMS,  ESPECIALLY FOOD, OUTSIDE THE CHUTE.  GARBAGE ATTRACTS
VERMIN.  ALL GARBAGE SHOULD BE  PUSHED ALL THE WAY. DOWN THE CHUTE1

THAT INCLUDES SPRAY CANS, RAGS,  CLOTHES, NEWSPAPERS, AND PIZZA BOXES, WHICH
SHOULD EE CUT UP TO FIT  INTO THE CHUTE — AND NOT FORCED INTO THE CHUTE.
THE ONLY ITEMS THAT CANNOT BE THROWN INTO THE CHUTE ARE THOSE WHICH ARE
PHYSICALLY TOO LARGE TO GET INTO THE CHUTE EASILY.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT FORCE LARGE OBJECTS LIKE CARD-
BOARD BOXES INTO THE CHUTE.

WHEN YOU FORCE .SOMETHING INTO THE CHUTE, AS MANY TENANTS HAVE IN THE PAST,
THE ENTIRE TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM JAMS FOR ALL 4 BUILDINGS AT SUMMIT
PLAZA, AND BREAKS DOWN.

TENANTS THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY OF "THE PILE-UPS WE HAVE
HAD IN THE CHUTE, CAUSING ODORS AND VERMIN TO COLLECT.

IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU EXERCISE' JUDGMENT DURING VACATIONS
AND WEEKENDS WHEN MORE PEOPLE ARE AT HOME', AND THERE ARE MORE ITEMS TO GO
DOV;N THE CHUTE — WRAPPINGE, FOOD,  ETC.

SOME TENANTS HAVE ACTUALLY THROWN FURNITURE SUCH AS CHAIRS INTO THE CHUTE.
AND THE SYSTEM HAS BROKEN DOWN BECAUSE OF IT.

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT SOMETHING CAN GO DOWN THE CHUTE,
HOLD ONTO IT AND CALL THE MANAGEMENT OFFICE THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, OR THE
FOLLOWING DAY.

AND REMEMBER — CHRISTMAS TREES ARE NOT TO BE THROWN DOWN THE CHUTE.  THEY
WILL HAVE TO BE PICKED UP BY OUR PORTERS UPON REQUEST.

ALSO, DO NOT THROW DOWN CURTAIN RODS,  BROOM HANDLES, OR ANY VERY LONG OBJECT.

PLEASE 32 CONS-IDERATE OF YOUR NEIGHBORS, OF OUR EMPLOYEES — AND ULTIMATELY
OF YOUHS2LV3S — SO THAT WE WILL ALL HAVE A MORE ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY.
        FIGURE  80.   Site management  regulations on  the
                     usage of  the PTC system.
                                    163

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     8     Air  quality  of  the  internal  system  air  and  of
          the  exhaust  air,  including  airborne particu-
          lates  and  viable  particles;

     •     Noise  levels  produced  by  the refuse
          collection  activities  compared  to  background
          noise  levels  and  acceptability  to  residential
          use  of the  system;

     •     Aesthetic  qualities  attibuted to  the
          system;  and

     9     Advantages  of a  reduced  number  of
          service  vehicle  visits  to  the site
          to  pick  up  and  dispose  of  refuse.

These subjects are compared to the  conditions declared
in the  design  specifications.

Sanitation Effects

     The sanitation  effects of the  PTC system were ob-
served  and examined  to  determine  whether  the  refuse
collection activities  of  the  system  were  more sanitary
than conventional  systems.   The  aspects studied in
detail  were litter,  cleanliness,  odor, and  the presence
of rodents and vermin.  The system,  generally, was
clean.  Nevertheless,  the  conditions  around  the dis-
charge  valve  rooms and  chute  charging stations dras-
tically deteriorated  during periods  of prolonged  system
malfunctions.

     As was the  customary  procedure,  some refuse  such
as large bulky items,  cardboard  boxes, glass  bottles,
and newspaper, were  left  as chute  charging  stations
(Figure 81) and  at designated pick-up areas  outside the
buildings.  The  site  management  provided  a  daily  col-
lection service  for  these  items.   Thus, the  effects of
litter, odor  and vermin were  minimal.   However, the
charging stations  at  the  Descon  Concordia and Camcf
buildings did  have roaches.  It  was  reported  by the
site management, that the  roaches  would first appear  in
the kitchens  of  new  tenants and  migrate over  to these
chargi ng stations.

     The discharge valve  rooms were  constantly littered
with refuse that escaped  from the  chute storage sections
Since these discharge valve rooms  were located in
underground vaults,  and not easily accessible to  site
                           164

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    FIGURE 81.   Refuse left at the charging stations
      which was collected daily by site personnel.

personnel  as seen in Figure 82, the litter was not
cleaned up.  As a result, ants, roaches,  and flies  were
prevalent.  In  particular, the discharge  valve rooms  at
Descon Concordia experienced sanitation problems.   The
room was located near a mechanical room,  which con-
stantly had water seepage from traps and  leaks in  the
steam lines.  The combination of the hot, humid atmos-
phere and  decaying refuse provided excellent breeding
conditions for  vermin.

     The compactor room was also continually littered
which was  caused by site personnel.  They would haul
bulk waste to the room and dispose of it  either in  the
open top container provided for the bulk  waste or  on
the floor, as seen in Figure 83.  The litter would  not
only fall  into  the channels for the container handling
equipment  and foul the chains and other equipment,  but
caused problems with odor, cleanliness, and vermin.
                          165

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    FIGURE  82.   Discharge  valve  room  at  Camci
     showing  the  amount  of litter  in  the room.
      The  site  personnel must  climb  down the
             ladder  to  clean  the  room.
FIGURE  83.   Bulk solid  waste  left in the compactor
    room,  even  though  an  open-top 25-cubic yard
       container is  provided  for this waste.
                        166

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     The sanitation effects such as litter, cleanli-
ness, odor, and insects were compounded when the system
experienced prolonged downtime.  With the system not
operating,  site personnel had to collect refuse manu-
ally.  To accomplish this, site personnel removed the
chute storage sections.  This allowed refuse from the
chutes to fall freely into the discharge valve rooms
(Figure 84).  Then, the refuse could be picked up by
hand.  However, this contributed to unclean conditions,
breeding places for vermin, and odors.   Matters were
intensified when the weather was hot and humid.

     In an  effort to improve this situation, site per-
sonnel attached large bags to the bottom of the storage
sections, as shown in Figure 85.  This helped to
alleviate the sanitation problems in the discharge
valve rooms, but in so doing caused another problem. As
the bags became filled, the chute would fill up.
Eventually the chute would become blocked and unable to
accept more refuse.  When this occurred, residents
would leave their refuse at the chute charging stations
and in the hallways (see Figure 86).  This resulted in
unclean and unhealthy conditions in the residential
dwellings themselves.  It should be noted that chute
blockages during normal PTC system operations also
caused these same conditions.

     An effort was made by the site management to
control the vermin at the site which also included the
PTC system.  An exterminator was employed to visit the
comp1 ex monthly.

Air Quality - -
     The air pollution levels associated with the PTC
system were measured and compared to ambient conditions
and Federal regulations.  The total airborne particulate
matter in the system air and exhaust air were compared
to the concentration in ambient air and the EPA National
Ambient Air Quality Standards  (Federal Regulations CFR
50:  36 FR22384, November 25, 1971).  Table 46 reports
these Federal standards.
                           167

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CT>
00
                    FIGURE 84.  Refuse scattered at  the  discharge  valve  rooms
                          at  Descon Concordia and Camci  during  periods
                                 of prolonged system downtimes.

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 FIGURE 85.  Bag placed at base of storage section at Shelley A
      to collect refuse during prolonged system downtimes.
FIGURE 86.  A typical chute charging station filled with refuse
during a prolonged system malfunction.  Note that the door is
only partially open because of additional refuse behind the door
                              169

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     Table 46.  NATIONAL  AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
                   FOR  PARTICULATE MATTER

                 Primary Standard         Secondary Standard

                         33            33
              micrograms/m  grains/ft   micrograms/m   grains/ft
Annual geo-
metric mean         75

Maximum 24-hour
concentration      260
        3.28x10"
       11.35x10"
    60


    150
            2.62x10"
            6.55x10"
     The results of  the  total  airborne particulate
tests on the system  air  and  the system exhaust  air  are
presented in Table 47.   The  results show that even
though the internal  air  of  the PTC system exceeded  the
Primary Standard during  all  three test periods,  the
exhaust air only exceeded  the  Secondary Standard  once.
The ambient air exceeded  the Primary Standard every
time.  Thus, it can  be deduced that the dust collector
was able to filter the system  air such that it  removed
about 85 percent of  the  total  airborne particulate
matter.  Further, the system exhaust air actually had  a
lower concentration  of total  airborne particulate than
the ambient air.

    Table 47.  RESULTS FOR  TOTAL AIRBORNE PARTICULATE
                 MATTER  SAMPLING TESTSl
Date

February 24-28, 1975
June 23-27, 1975
January 5-9, 1976
Average
System Air   System Exhaust Air  Ambient Air
   4.73
   6.07
  30.42
  13.74
1.
2.
2.
47
74
11
2.11
3.92
4.45
3.54
3.97
 Total airborne particulate  matter is reported in
 10~  grains/ou ft.
     The viable particle  concentrations of the  system
exhaust air and internal  air were measured and  compared
to ambient air.  The  results for three test periods  are
presented in Table  48.  The  results indicate that  the
dust collector removed  about 48 percent of all  viable
particles.  The results also show that the viable  par-
ticle concentration in  the  system exhaust air was  lower
than the concentration  in the ambient air.
                            170

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          Table 48.  RESULTS FOR VIABLE PARTICLE
              CONCENTRATION SAMPLING TESTS1

Date                System Air  System Exhaust Air   Ambient Air

February 24-28,  1975     4.5            2.3            2.7
June 23-27, 1975        8.3            5.8            10.0
January 5-9, 1976        9.0            3.3            4.6
Average                7.3            3.8            5.8
 The viable particle concentration is reported in
 colonies/cu ft.

     Both  the particulate matter  and  viable  particle
concentrations from  the  system  exhaust  air were  lower
than the ambient air concentrations,  and  thus  complied
with the design specifications.

Noise Levels --
     A comparative  analysis  of  the  noise  levels  attrib-
uted to the refuse  collection activities  for the PTC
system to  the ambient  noise  levels  and  to OSHA stan-
dards was  conducted.   There  was no  indication  of exces-
sive noise  levels from the PTC  system.   In many  cases,
the ambient noise levels  in  the public  rooms adjacent
to  the discharge valve rooms were greater than the
noise attributed to  the  PTC  system  operations.

     The noise levels  in  the CEB  ranged from 74  to  85
db  due to  the continuous  operation  of the total  energy
plant.  The noise levels  increased  to between  80 to 90
db  during  operations of  the  PTC system, however, these
levels were transient  and lasted  less than six minutes
per hour.   These noise levels were  well within the
regulations promulgated  by OSHA,  and  presented no
problems.

     Noise was also produced by the pull-on  container
truck when  the refuse  containers  were changed.  Never-
theless, the noise  level  was about  95 db and only
lasted for about ten minutes.   This activity occurred
once per week.

     When  the PTC system was operating  properly, the
noise levels from the  system at the site were less  than
ambient noise levels.   Therefore, tenants were unaware
of  noise from system operations and the system was
found to be acceptable for  residential  use.
                            171

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Aesthetics .--
     The cfesign of the PTC  system considered features
to preserve  the site aesthetics.   The following major
system components  were either housed in the CEB or
below grade:

          Main transport line,
          Collection hopper,
          Dust collector,
          Main exhausters,
          Vent fan,
          Compactor  and container handling system, and
          Central  control  panel.

The discharge valve  rooms  were placed in the basement
areas of each building.  The  building chutes were
designed to  be internal to  the structure, or blend into
the site.   Figure  87 shows  one charging station on the
Descon Concordia deck.

     A bulk  waste  collection  service was provided by
the site personnel.   The residents would leave large
boxes, furniture,  and other large refuse outside each
building.   Trash receptacles  were provided, but there
were too few to collect all the refuse.  Thus, a large
portion of the refuse was  left on the ground detracting
from the site aesthetics.   Figures 88 and 89 show
refuse at the Shelley A and Camci buildings, respec-
tively.  This refuse was collected by small carts
(Figure 90).

Service Vehicles --
     A service vehicle came to the site once each week
to exchange  refuse containers.  An empty container was
delivered and the  full container was hauled to a sani-
tary landfill.  The  duration  of each visit was about
twenty minutes and the vehicle, a pull-on container
truck, produced less noise  than a typical rear-packer
vehicle.  The site access  road for service vehicles was
planned to minimize  the visual impact or these vehicles
on the site.   The  success  of  these features was demon-
strated in the tenant survey  report.  The majority of
the residents were unaware  that a private contractor
hauled the site refuse away.
                           172

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  FIGURE 87.   One charging station at the deck
   of Descon  Concordia, showing how the design
           preserves site aesthetics.
FIGURE 88.   Bulk waste left daily outside Shelley
      A to be picked up by site personnel.
                       173

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   FIGURE  89.   Bulk waste  left  daily  outside
    Camci  to  be  collected  by  site  personnel.
FIGURE  90.   A  workman  with  a  small  chart about
 4'x4'x4'  in size  used for  collecting refuse.
                    174

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                         REFERFNCES
1.    "Survey of User Acceptance of the Solid Waste
     Removal Systems at Operation Breakthrough Sites,"
     Hittman Associates, Inc., and Applied Management
     Science, Inc., HUD/EPA sponsored, Cincinnati,
     Ohio, unpublished.

2.    "Evaluation of the Refuse Management System of
     Operation Breakthrough Sites," Hittman Associates,
     Inc., HUD/EPA sponsored, Cincinnati, Ohio, HUD-EPA-
     HAI-1,  unpubli shed.

3.    "3rd Quarterly Cost Roundup," Engineering News
     Record, September 19, 1974.

4.    "ENR Indexes Show 73 Costs Accelerating, Engineering
     News Record, March 22, 1973.

5.    "4th Quarterly Cost Roundup," Engineering News
     Record, June 27, 1975.

6.    "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     June 27, 1974.

7.    "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     October 16, 1975.

8.    "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     October 24, 1974.

9.    "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     January 3, 1974.

10.   "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     July 25, 1974.

11.   "Construction Scoreboard," Engineering News Record,
     August  22, 1974.
                           175

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12.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     September 26,  1974.

13.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     November 21,  1974.

14.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     December 19.  1974.

15.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     January 16,  1975.

16.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     February 20,  1975.

17.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     March 20, 1975.

18.   "Construction  Scoreboard,  "Engineering  News  Record,
     April 24, 1975.

19.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     May 22, 1975.

20.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     June 26, 1975.

21.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     July 17, 1975.

22.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     August 21,  1975.

23.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     September 18,  1975.

24.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record,
     November 13,  1975.

25.   "Construction  Scoreboard,"  Engineering  News  Record.
     December 18,  1975.
                           176

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                       APPENDIX A

           TEST PLAN FOR MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL
         AIRBORNE PARTICULATES GENERATED BY THE
            PNEUMATIC TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     This procedure was used to determine total  airborne
particulate matter generated by the pneumatic trash
collection system at the Operation Breakthrough  site
in Jersey City, N.J.  Tests were performed on tnree
occasions.  On each occasion three locations were
tested each day for five days.   The test consists of
air sampling by the high volume method.  Three loca-
tions were sampled simultaneously:  the outside  air
adjacent to an air intake, the  system air taken  from
the hopper, and the system exhaust air.  The total
particulate concentrations were determined for each
location by dividing the weight gains of the filters
by the volume of air sampled.  Comparison of the
outside air with the hopper sample gave a measure of
air quality within the system prior to filtration.
Filter efficiency was determined by a comparison of
the hopper sample with the exhaust sample.  Comparison
of the exhaust air with the outside air gave a measure
of the overall effect of the system on air quality.
                           177

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                   PROCEDURE
1.    Fifteen  filters  are  required  on  each  occa-
     sion  for the  test.   At  least twenty  filters
     should  be processed  through  steps  2  to  7 in
     order to have a  few  extra  filters  in  case of
     difficulty.

2.    Visually inspect each  filter  to  be used.
     Hold  the filter  up  to  a  light source  and
     look  for pinholes,  loose  particles,  or  other
     defects.  Discard filters  with  visible
     imperfections.

3.    Number  each  filter  on  two  diagonally  oppo-
     site  corners  with a  felt  tip  pen or  other
     suitable marker.

4.    Allow the filters to come  to  equilibrium in
     a standard conditioning  environment  for 24
     hours.   This  environment  should  have  a
     relative humidity less  than  55%  (variation
     in the  0 to  55%  range  is  not  a  serious
     problem).  The conditioning  environment must
     be easily reproducible.   If  a dessieating
     chamber is used  for  the  conditioning  environ-
     ment, an indicator  dessicant  such  as  activated
     alumina should be selected.   This  dessicant
     is checked every day and  replaced  when
     necessary as  indicated  by  a  color  change.
     Temperature  should  be  maintained within + 5°F
     duringequilibration.

5.    Check the calibration  of  the  analytical
     balance by weighing  a  standard  weight.
     Actual  and measured  values should  be  within
     0.5mg.   If they  are  not,  check  the balance
     with  other weights.   Record  actual and
     measured weights in  the  lab  notebook.

6.    Weigh each filter on the  analytical  balance
     within  5 minutes of  removing  it  from  the
     conditioning  environment.   Record  filter
     number  and weight.

7.    Place each weighed  filter  in  an  envelope to
     protect it from  damage.   Label  the envelope
     with  the filter  number.   Care must be exer-
     cised to prevent folding  or  creasing  the
     filters before use.
                        178

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8.    If the sampler is located in a shelter,wipe the
     inside surfaces of the shelter clean of dust
     and loose particles before installing a clean
     filter.   Install the filter on the sampler at
     its sampling location.  Place the filter on the
     wire screen rough side up.  Center the filter
     on the screen so there is a 1/2 inch border.
     Tighten the wingnuts so that the rubber gasket
     makes an airtight seal against the fact of the
     filter.   Tighten diagonally opposite nuts first
     to prevent distortion of the frame and give a
     more even tightening.  Avoid tightening exces-
     sively since this might cause the filter to
     stick to the gasket.  Record filter number,
     location, and date.

9.    Turn on the sampler and let it warm up for at
     least 5 minutes.  Read the flow rate of air
     through the sampler with a flow rate meter.  The
     flow rate meter consists of a vacuum gauge con-
     nected to the exhaust end of the sampler
     blower.   The gauge calibration is established by
     comparison with a standard measurement done in
     the laboratory previous to taking samples at
     the site.  Refer to the separate section entit-
     led Sampler Flow Rate Calibration for details
     of the procedure.  Record initial flow rate and
     starting time.  If the temperature or pressure
     of the air at the time of sampling differs sig-
     nificantly from the temperature and pressure of
     air at the time of gauge calibration, flow rate
     should be adjusted.  The following equation
     should be used.

                   /T2 Pl\ W2
          Q2 = Ql  \T1 P2/

     where:Q-] is the flow rate read from the gauge

           Q2 is the adjusted flow rate

           T-| is the temperature at the time of gauge
              calibration expressed in °R

           T2 is the temperature at the time of
              sampling expressed in °R

           PI is the pressure at the time of gauge
              calibration expressed in inches of
              mercury
                         179

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      P_ is the pressure at the time of sampling
         expressed in inches  of mercury.

10.   Collect the sample.   Sampling will be performed
     on three occasions.   On  each occasion samples
     will  be collected from three locations:   the
     outside air adjacent to  an air inlet, system
     air from the hopper, and exhaust air from the
     system.  A sample will be collected  from each
     location each day for five consecutive days.

11.   Samplers at the exhaust  and air inlet valve can
     be allowed to run continuously during the day.
     The sampler at the hopper cannot be  allowed to
     run continuously because operation of the PTC
     system creates a pressure drop that  could re-
     duce  or'entirely cancel  the flow of  air  through
     the sampler.  The hopper sampler will be opera-
     ted for 15 minutes beginning approximately 2
     minutes after each cycle of the PTC  system.
     Record time and duration of operation for this
     sampler each time it is  turned on.

12.   Read  and record the flow rate at the end of
     the sample collection period.  The-final flow
     rate  should not be less  than 20 ft /min or
     the motor will heat up and a valid sample is
     not obtained.  Record the stop time.

13.   Remove the exposed filter from the supporting
     screen of the sampler by grasping it gently at
     the ends (not the corners) and lifting it up-
     ward.   Inspect for leakage which might bias
     results.   Check for pieces of filter sticking
     to the gasket.

14.   Fold  the filter lengthwise with the  exposed
     side  in.   Use a large paper clip at  each end to
     keep  the filter from unfolding.   Return  the^
     filter to the properly numbered envelope for
     storage until conditioning and weighing  in the
     1aboratory.

15.   It should be noted if there were any power
     outages or other unusual conditions  during the
     sampling period which might, affect the results.

16.   Allow  the exposed filter to come to  equilibrium
     for 24 hours in the same conditioning environ-
                         180

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     ment used for the clean filters in step 4.
     Time spent in the conditioning environment
     should be constant within a few hours for all
     filters since some samples show a continued
     weight loss for several days.

17.   Repeat step 5.

18.   Repeat step 6 using the exposed filters.

19.   Calculate the weight of the sample on each
     exposed filter using the clean weight from  step
     6 and the exposed weight, from step 18.

20.   Calculate the average flow rate for each  sample
     by averaging the initial flow rate from step 9
     and the final flow rate from step 12.

21.   Calculate the time interval over which  the
     sample was taken.  For the hopper samples it will
     be necessary to compute the length of each  of
     the short intervals and then add the intervals
     to get total sampling time.

22.   Take the product of average flow rate from  step
     20 with the sample interval from step 21  to get
     total volume of air sampled.

23.   Compute the equivalent of the sampled volume at
     standard temperature and pressure using the
     formul a:
          v2 = TI  P2  VT

     where: V] is the sampled volume computed in
              step 22

           Vo is the equivalent of the sampled volume
              at standard temperature and pressure

           T] is the temperature of the sampled air
              as given by weather data for the site
              (expressed in °R)

           T2 is the standard temperature 70°F which
              must be expressed at 530°R

           P] is the pressure of the sampled air as
              given by weather data for the site (in
              inches of mercury)
                         181

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                ?2  is  the standard pressure 29.92 inches
                   of  mercury

          To and P? could be chosen to be any convenient
          values but the  same values must be used for all
          samples.

     24.   Express the  weight from step 19 in grains and
          the volume \/2 from step 23 in cubic feet.  Take
          the quotient to find particulate concentration
          in grains per cubic foot for each sample.

     25.   Average the  particulate concentrations  for each
          location  over the  five day period.


Sampler Flow Rate Calibration

     Prior to using the high volume air sampler it is
necessary to calibrate the flow rate meter used with it.
The flow  rate meter could be either a vacuum gauge or a
manometer,  Flow rate  is  measured by connecting the meter
to the pressure tap at the outlet end of the blower motor,
Pressure  read on the meter indicates flow rate.

     To translate the  pressure reading on the flow meter
into a flow rate a  meter  calibration curve must be estab-
lished in the laboratory.  A Sierra Instruments Model 330
flow calibrator is  used.   The procedure is as follows:

     1.   Mount the Model 330 at the intake end of the
          sampler.   Connect  a manometer to its pressure
          tap.

     2.   Connect the  vacuum gauge or manometer to be
          used as a flow  rate meter to the pressure tap
          at the exhaust  end of the blower motor housing.
     3.    Connect the sampler's electrical  plug to an
          autotransformer or other variable voltage*
          source.  Varying the voltage changes the speed
          of the motor and,  therefore, the  flow rate.

     4.    Set the voltage to the normal  operational
          voltage of 115 volts.  Pressure reading of the
          manometer connected to the Model  330 calibrator
          should be 10 to 12 inches of water.   Allow the
          sampler to warm up for about five minutes.
          Check the pressure every minute to make sure
                           182

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     that the flow rate has stabilized.  When it
     has, proceed with calibration.

5.    To construct the calibration curve, vary
     voltage to the sampler motor.  Begin by settling
     voltage to obtain a pressure of one inch in the
     manometer connected to the Model 330 calibrator.
     Allow the sampler to run for about 15 seconds,
     making sure that the pressure reading does not
     change significantly.  Record the pressure
     reading on the flow meter.  Continue by setting
     the voltage to produce pressure readings on
     the calibrator manometer at one inch intervals
     from two to twenty inches.  Record the flow
     meter reading at each pressure.  Pressures of
     one to twenty inches include flow rates from 20
     to 75 cfm, the range normally encountered in
     high volume samplers.

6.    Repeat step 5 two times.  Average flow meter
     readings for each pressure from the three trials
     Record the average.

7.    Record the atmospheric temperature and pressure
     during the three calibration runs.

8.    Use the average  flow meter readings and the
     manufacturer's calibration curve  for the Model
     330 calibrator to construct a calibration
     curve for the flow rate meter.  The curve
     should show flow rate in cfm versus the pres-
     sure reading on  the  flow rate meter.
                          183

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                       APPENDIX  B

           TEST PLAN  FOR MEASUREMENT  OF  TOTAL
       AIRBORNE VIABLE  PARTICLES  GENERATED  BY  THE
            PNEUMATIC TRASH  COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The following  procedure  was  used  to  measure  total
airborne viable particles  generated  by the  pneumatic
trash collection system  at the  Operation  Breakthrough
site in Jersey City,  New Jersey.   These tests  were con-
ducted on three occasions.  For each test period  three
locations were tested daily for five days.   The  loca-
tions were at a remote outdoor  location for ambient air
conditions,  inside  the collection hopper  for internal
system air conditions and  at  the  exhast vent for  system
exhaust air.

     The concentrations  of the  airborne particulates
were sampled  by an  Andersen 2000  sampler.  The total
airborne viable particle concentrations were determined
for each location by  dividing the number  of colonies  by
the volume of air sampled.  Comparison of the  ambient
air to the system internal air  was a measure of  air
quality attributed  to the  system  before filtration.
The filter efficiency was  determined by a comparison  of
the system internal air  with  the  system external
exhaust air.   Comparison of the system exhaust air to
the ambient  air was a measure of  the overall effect of
the system on air quality.
                          184

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              PROCEDURE
One hundred-forty sterilized Petri dishes
filled with Standard Methods agar (plate
count agar) should be prepared for each test
period.   Eighteen dishes are required daily
and there should be at least ten more pre-
paired each day in case of accidents and con-
tamination.

The Petri dishes and aluminum covers must be
sterilized before the dishes can be filled
with the plate count agar.  Petri dishes can
be placed in an autoclave for decontamina-
tion; however, the aluminum covers must be
decontaminated in a disinfectant and rinsed
well.  Both Petri dishes and aluminum covers
are:  (1) washed in warm water with a suit-
able cleaning agent, (2) rinsed with tap
water, and (3) rinsed with distilled water.
The Petri dishes and aluminum covers are
sterilized in a hot air sterilizer at 160°C
for two  hours.

Twenty-seven ml of melted, sterile plate
count agar is poured into each sterile Petri
dish with an automatic pipette or a 30 ml
syringe  with a number 15 or larger needle.
An aluminum cover is placed over each Petri
dish.  The Petri dishes with the plate count
agar are inverted and refrigerated until the
test day.  The Petri dishes must be at room
temperature before they can be used.

The Andersen 2000 viable particle sampler
should be checked for the proper flow rate of
one cubic foot per minute before each test
period.   This can be performed by either a
dry gas  meter or a wet test meter.

The six  Petri dishes were placed in the six-
stage Andersen sampler.  Each dish was visu-
ally inspected for plate count agar, decon-
tamination and water droplets.  The Petri
dishes with the water droplets and decontani-
nated areas were not used.  The Petri dishes
were placed in each stage of the sampler,
beginning with the lowest (#6) stage.  The
                   185

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     aluminum cover was removed and the proper
     section for the sampler was placed over the
     Petri  dish.  The entire sampler was loaded
     in this manner.  A plastic cover was placed
     over -the inlet for the sampler, until  the
     test run was started.

     Note:   Before the first test period ambient
     air, system internal  air and system external
     air were sampled for  5, 10, 15, 20, and 30
     minute intervals to determine suitable sam-
     pling  time periods.  It was noticed that a
     short  time period would produce very low
     colony counts, and that the viable particle
     concentrations were inaccurrate-   Further-
     more,  a long time period would produce par-
     tially and fully obscured Petri dishes and
     invalid colony counts.   For valid results
     for the viable particle sampling  test, the
     following sampling time
     based  on the results  of
     pi ing:
intervals were made
this initial  s a m -
           Location

     Remote outdoor  for
       ambient air

     Inside collection
       hopper for system
       internal  air

     Exhaust vent for sys-
       tem external  air
  Time interval

 20 to 30 minutes
 10 to 15 minutes
 20 to 30 minutes
6.    The ambient air,  system internal  air,and sys-
     tem external  air  were sampled once each day.
     The Andersen  sampler was loaded as previously
     discussed in  step 5, and placed at one test
     location.  The plastic cover to the inlet o*f
     the sampler was removed, and the  pump was
     started.   The pump was stopped after the
     proper time,  as mentioned in step 5, and the
     plastic cover was placed on the inlet of the
     sampler.   The test location, and  starting and
     stopping  times were recorded.
                        186

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7.    The Andersen sampler was unloaded and an
     aluminum cover was placed over each Petri
     dish.   The Petri dishes were inverted.

8.    A piece of masking tape was placed on each
     inverted Petri dish and was marked with the
     sample run number and stage number.  These
     numbers were also recorded with the other
     data.

9.    The Petri dishes were incubated at 35°C for
     48 hours.

10.  The number of colonies on each dish were
     counted using a Quebec colony counter.   The
     Quebec colony counter consists of a source
     of illumination, a grid used to keep track
     of colonies that have been counted, and an
     optical instrument to magnify the colonies
     being counted.  The total number of colonies
     was so low in these tests that every colony
     on each Petri dish was counted.

11.  The concentration of viable particles were
     computed after the colony counts were made.
     The concentration was the quotient of the
     colony counts divided by the volume of air.
     The volume of air was the product of the
     elapse time in minutes times the flow rate
     which was one cubic foot per minute.
                        187

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                       APPENDIX C

            TEST PLAN  FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF
             THE SOLID WASTE  CONVEYED BY THE
            PNEUMATIC  TRASH  COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     This procedure was  used to characterize solid
waste transported by the pneumatic trash collection
system at the Operation  Breakthrough site in Jersey
City, New Jersey.  Tests were performed on three occa-
sions.  For every occasion,  one 300-pound sample of
refuse was removed from  the  compactor for character-
izing the solid waste.   A 5  to 10 pound sample was
placed in a sealed trash bag for determining the mois-
ture content.  Moisture  content was determined by
weight differences before and after a drying cycle.
Density was determined  by measuring sample weight and
volume.  Composition of  the  solid waste passing through
the system was determined by manually separating the
samples into the following 10 categories:

     (1)   Paper
     (2)   Fines (Refuse  which passed through a
            one-inch sieve)
     (3)   Food
     (4)   Glass
     (5)   Metal
     (6)   Plastic
     (7)   Textiles
     (8)   Wood
     (9)   Rocks
     (10) Yard Waste
                          188

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              PROCEDURE
Sample collection should begin on the first
cycle of the day at 7:00 a.m.  Since approxi-
mately 50 pounds of refuse  is collected per
cycle, six or  seven cycles  will be needed to
obtain a sample of the  required 300-pound
size.  This estimate of the  number of cycles
required is based on current operation of
the  system at  the rate  of 30 cycles per day-

In order to obtain data on  variation of the
load to the system, the six  or seven cycles
used for collecting the sample will be
spaced at intervals of  two  to three hours.
The  cycles used will be those at 7:00 a.m.,
10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:30
p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 10:00  p.m.

It will be necessary to have an empty con-
tainer mounted on the compacter before each
cycle and removed from  the  compactor after
each cycle at  the indicated  times.  Movement
of containers  will be done  by site manage-
ment personnel.

After each cycle remove the  accumulated
refuse from the compacter container.  The
refuse will be temporarily  stored in plastic
bags of the three or six bushel size.  If
the  three bushel size is used, approximately
135  bags will  be required for collecting  the
composite samples, depositing sorted mate-
rial, storage, and final disposal.

Transport the  sample to the  sorting loca-
tion.  Sorting could be done in the room  on
the  second floor of the central equipment
-building where the hopper,  filter, and
exhausters are located.

Weigh and measure the volume of the com-
posite sample  after each cycle.  Measure  the
volume by using a container of known size
such as a bushel basket.  Record the number
of times the sample fills the container.
Fill the container from the plastic trash
bag  and then dump the contents of the con-
tainer onto a  large canvas  or plastic sheet
for  sorting.
                  189

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7.    Separate  one-eighth  of the  pile  for use in a
     drying  cycle  to  determine moisture content.
     Obtain  one-eighth  of the  tota? by dividing into
     halves  three  times.   Weigh  the separated portion
     and store in  a  tightly sealed 18 quart plastic
     bag.   Label  the  bag  with  the date and time of
     the cycle from  which the  sample  was obtained.

8.    Separate  the  remaining seven-eights of the
     sample  into  the  10 categories described in the
     evaluation plan:   paper;  metal;  glass and cera-
     mics;  textiles;  plastic,  rubber, and leather;
     food  waste;  garden waste; wood;  rocks; and
     fines  (material  which passes a one-inch sieve).
     There  will  be a  three bushel trash bag for each
     category.  As soon as sorting is completed,
     seal  the  bags to  prevent  evaportation of mois-
     ture.   If sorting  is interrupted, seal the bags
     containing both  the  composite and the sorted
     sample  until  sorting can  be resumed.

9.    Weigh  the bags  and record tire weights after
     sorting has  been  completed.   When a bag is
     filled, replace  it with an  empty one and con-
     tinue  sorting after  recording which bag was
     replaced.

10.   At the  end of a  day  of sampling  dispose of
     the sorted refuse.

11.   Return  the samples to be  used for determining
     moisture  content  to  the laboratory.  Weigh the
     container(s)  to  be used for holding the samples
     during  drying to  the nearest gram.  Fill the
     container(s)  with  sample  material and reweigh:
     Record  data  and  time of cycle from which
     sample  was taken  with the weights of the empty
     and full  containers.  Dry samples for a minimum
     of 24  hours  at  75°C  in a  drying  oven.  Weigh
     samples and  record weight.   Compute percentage
     moisture  content  as  the difference between wet
     and dry weights.   Average the percentage mois-
     ture  for  all  the  samples  from one day.  Record
     the computed  moisture content for comparison
     with  other samples.
                         190

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                       APPENDIX D

          TEST PLAN FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE
          WEEKLY LOAD PROFILE FOR THE PNEUMATIC
                 TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     This procedure was used to characterize the weekly
load profile of solid waste transported by the pneumatic
trash collection system at the Operation Breakthrough
site in Jersey City, New Jersey.  The test period was
conducted over a one week period from September 26 to
October 3, 1975.  The test recorded the weight of refuse
conveyed by the PTC system for every cycle.  Observa-
tion of the daily loads presented any trends in the
weekly profile to assist in eliminating nonessential
collection cycles to enhance system performance.
                           191

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                   PROCEDURE
1.   The refuse container must be removed from
     the compactor, and a plywood pen must be
     constructed in place of the container.  The
     pen would detain the refuse for each cycle
     until  the refuse could be weighed.

2.   There  should be a supply of plastic bags
     and a  30-gallon trash can to place  the refuse
     into for weighing on a scale.    The refuse
     for each cycle would be placed into bags and
     weighed.  The weights for each cycle are
     recorded.

3.   The scale has an adjustable pointer so that
     the empty trash can may be placed on the
     scale,  and the adjusted pointer could be
     zeroed.   Thus, the weight for  the refuse is
     read directly from the scale by the adjustable
     pointer.

4.   The adjustable pointer should  be checked
     periodically to ascertain that it is zeroed
     when an  empty trash can is weighed.

5.   The refuse samples are disposed into the
     refuse  container after weighing.

6.   At the  end of each test period, the plywood
     pen is  dismantled and the refuse container is
     reconnected to the compactor.
                        192

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                       APPENDIX E

             TEST PLAN FOR DETERMINATION OF
                THE LOAD CAPACITY FOR THE
            PNEUMATIC TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The following procedure was performed to determine
the transport velocities of refuse samples for the load
capacity test.  The test was conducted on June 9 and
10, 1975 and on December 2, 1975.  The density and the
transport velocities of refuse samples resembling
typical residential and bulky solid waste were mea-
sured.  The transport velocities of refuse samples for
typical residential solid waste were compared to design
estimates.   The transport velocities of bulk waste were
measured so that a comparison could be made with the
design specifications.  These specifications state that
the PTC system must collect refuse with densities rang-
ing to 50 pounds per cubic foot.
                           193

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              PROCEDURE
Test loads were put into the system via  the
chute at discharge valve DV-3.   Discharge
valve DV-3 is located in the small  shed  south
of the Shelley A building.   The location was
selected since it was the only  location  where
tenants could easily be prevented from throwing
refuse in on top of the test loads  during the
procedure.

Before the tests, steady state  air  velocities
at the filter and at air inlet  VB-B (located
at Shelley A South adjacent to  DV-3) were
measured.  Air inlet valve  VB-B was opened
and exhauster #2 was turned on  manually  from
the central control panel.   This configuration
was used for all load tests.  The air velocity
at both the filter and VB-B was 50  mph.

The velocity at which a test load was trans-
ported through the system was measured by
observing as it entered the transport pipe at
DV 3 and emerged from the transport pipe upon
entering the cyclone at the same .time.  One
stopwatch was held by the observer  at DV-3.
The other stopwatch was held by the observer
at the hopper.  A test load was put into the
chute.  Discharge valve DV-3 was opened
manually be the control panel next  to it.
When the test load entered  the  system, the
observer at DV-3 stopped his stopwatch.   When
the observer at the hopper  saw  the  test  load
come into the hopper, he stopped his stop-
watch.  Elapsed time for transport  the system
was the difference of the times indicated by
the two stopwatches.  After each test load,
the observers resynchronized their  stopwatches
to zero by a countdown procedure over walkie
talkies.  The length of the transport pipe
from DV-3 to the hopper was measured from
drawing 8881F of system blueprints  furnished
by Envirogenics and it was  660  feet.  Velocity
of transport was determined by  dividing  660
feet by the elasped time.  Some times and
velocities are indicated as ranges  for those
cases which the entire load did not arrive at
one time.  There was an interval of a few
seconds for the loose materials during which
the load emptied into the hopper.
                    194

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                       APPENDIX F

           TEST PLAN FOR DETERMINATION OF THE
        POWER CONSUMPTION FOR THE MAIN EXHAUSTERS
        FOR THE PNEUMATIC TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The following procedure was conducted to determine
the electricity used by a main exhauster during a
typical cycle.  The test was performed on September 3
and repeated on December 15, 1975.  Each test comprised
recording the elapsed operating time and instantaneous
power of each exhauster for three test runs.   The elec-
tricity required for an exhauster is the product of the
elapsed operating time times the average value of
instantaneous power-
                           195

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                   PROCEDURE
1.    The 2 rpm test motor was installed in
     recorder 7.   A new roll  of strip chart paper
     was placed in this recorder.   The green pen,
     which records the turbblower  power signal,
     was put in this recorder.   The other two pens
     were removed.

2.    The PTC system was placed  in  the automatic
     mode.  Whenever the manual start buttom was
     depressed, a complete automatic cycle was
     made.  During each trial,  times were recorded
     as soon as the green pen showed that an
     exhauster was running,  and at the end, when
     the green pen dropped to within two percent
     of the range.  The difference between these
     times is the elapsed time  for that trial.  The
     exhauster number was also  recorded.  There
     were no malfunctions or  skipped steps through
     out the entire test.

3.    The strip chart was removed from the recorder
     for analysis.  The original 1/180 rpm motor
     was re-installed in the  recorder, as well as
     the regular  recorder strip chart and pens.

4.    Values were  summed whenever the power signal
     crossed a vertical line.  The average scale
     reading, its standard deviation, and number
     of data points were reported.  This process
     was repeated for each new  trial.

5.    The raw data were used  for calculating the
     elapsed time, average power,  and energy con-
     sumed.  The  average power  was calculated by
     multiplying  the average  scale reading by
     1.60.  This  is a conversion factor for this
     signal and its units are kilowatts (kw).  «The
     average power is also reported in units of
     horsepower (hp).  The conversion factor, kw
     = 1.34102 horsepower was used.  The energy
     used is reported in units  of  kilowatt hours
     (kwh), and is found by:

     Power (kw) x Elapsed Time  (min) x ,.].  .   = kwh

6.    Average values for elapsed time, power, and en-
     ergy consumed for each  exhauster were reported.
                        196

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                       APPENDIX G

           TEST PLAN FOR DETERMINATION OF AN
           OPTIMUM SCHEDULE FOR THE PNEUMATIC
                 TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The optimal scheduling test determined the fewest
number of automatic daily cycles which provide for a
reasonably high level of collection service.   During
the load capacity test, it was noticed that the load
for many cycles were lower than fifty pounds.   The
optimal scheduling test observed the performance of
the PTC system with a reduced number of daily  cycles
that eliminated many superfluous cycles.
                           197

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              PROCEDURE


The PTC system was studied to identify those
components which placed a limiting factor on
the size for a cycle load.  These components
were the collection hopper,  the compactor,
and the storage sections for the vertical
trash chutes.

Each identified component was examined to
determine the  load that it could adequately
handle, and the minimum load was determined
to be the ultimate cycle load.

a)   Collection hoppei—The  hopper has a
     limited volume for refuse, but it was
     apparent  that this volume  exceeded the
     volume of refuse which  could be safely
     handled by the compactor.   Therefore,
     the analysis for the collection hopper
     was not continued.

b)   Compactoi—The compactor;  which operated
     on a three-stroke cycle, has a chamber
     with a volume of 36.75  cubic feet.  The
     capacity  of the compactor  was computed
     to be three times the chamber volume or
     about 110 cubic feet.

c)   Vertical  trash chutes--The analysis of
     the vertical trash chutes  considered the
     maximum volume of refuse for a single
     trash chute, and the maximum volume of
     refuse for all the trash chutes, since
     the loads for each trash chute were not
     equivalent.  Each trash chute has a
     limited capacity.  Once this capacity is
     surpassed, a chute blockage will prob-
     ably occur.  Blockages  generally do no*t
     occur unless the accumulation is higher
     than the  first floor.  The estimated
     volume of the chute  to  the first floor
     is one cubic yard.   Thus,  one cubic yard
     could be  allowed to  accumulate in a
     chute before it would be necessary to
     cycle the system.  The  chute in which
     refuse would accumulate most rapidly
     would be  the chute in the  building with
     the greatest number  of dwelling units
                   198

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     occupied.   Site occupancy figures  were
     obtained from the site management  office.
     There were 472 units occupied  on  the
     site.  The building with the  greatest
     occupancy is Shelley A with  150  rented
     units.   Assuming each dwelling unit  gen-
     erated the same amount of refuse,  Shelley
     A dwelling units generated 150/472 =
     .318 of the total site refuse.  If the
     one cubic yard of refuse were  allowed
     to accumulate before a cycle  at  Shelley
     A,  which is .318 of the total refuse,
     then about three cubic yards  (81  cubic
     feet) could be collected on  one  cycle.

d)   System capacity--The capacity  of  the
     system was found to be limited to  the
     volume of the storage chutes.   The
     maximum volume of refuse which may be
     safely collected is about eighty  cubic
     feet.

Feasible operating schedules were  selected
based on the results of the daily  load  pro-
file test and the maximum volume  of refuse
(see Section V).  The peaks in the daily  load
profiles were considered as possible cycling
times.  The daily number of cycles  were
selected from four to twenty-four cycles.

Each operating schedule was tested for
several days to observe the performance of
the PTC system.  All the vertical   trash
chutes were inspected before each  test to
insure that there were no chute blockages
existing before the test.  Any undetected
chute blockage would unfavorably biased the
test.  These chutes were frequently inspected
each day during the test to discover any
problems.
                   199

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                       APPENDIX H

            TEST PLAN  FOR MEASUREMENT OF THE
             NOISE LEVELS ATTRIBUTED TO THE
            PNEUMATIC  TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The noise levels  associated with  the collection
activities  of the PTC  system and the ambient noise
levels were compared.   Furthermore,  the noise levels
for the PTC system were compared to  OSHA regulations.
This test determined whether there  are excessive noise
levels attributed to the PTC system  and if these noise
levels surpass industrial  standards.  This test was
conducted on March 24  and  25,  1976.
                         200

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                   PROCEDURE
1.    All  noise measurements were made with  a
     General  Radio Co.  Type 1565-B Permissible
     Sound Level  Meter.  This meter was calibrated
     twice daily  by a General Radio Co. Type
     1562-A Sound-Level Calibrator.

2 .    The  following discharge valve rooms and
     adjacent public areas were measured for  noise
     levels during and between system operations:

     a)   Shelley A South
     b)   Shelley A
     c)   Shelley B East
     d)   Shelley B West
     e)   Descon  Concordia
     f)   Camci
     g)   Descon  Decks
     h)   Commercial

3.    The  following system components in the CEB
     were measured for noise levels between and
     during system operations:

     a)   Vent fan
     b)   Main exhauster
     c)   Compactor
     d)   Collection hopper

     The  meter was placed in general proximity
     and  within twelve to six inches of each
     component during system operations to  deter-
     mine if the  noise levels increased.

4.    The  pull-on  container truck was also measured
     for  noise levels during its operation.

5.    For  each test during system operations,  the
     location, noise level and duration were
     recorded.
                        201

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                       APPENDIX I

       TEST PLAN FOR DETERMINATION OF THE SERVICE
              LIFE FOR THE PNEUMATIC TRASH
                    COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The following procedure was performed to measure
the amount of wear that was experienced by the PTC sys-
tem components during the 18-month monitoring period.
These data were used for the analysis of service life
for the PTC system.   This test was conducted before
and after the monitoring period.  The following compon-
ents were closely examined for wear data:

     •    Main transport line,
     •    Compactor,
     •    Discharge  valves, and
     t    Collection hopper.
                         202

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                        PROCEDURE
     A separate procedure is presented for each component.


MAIN TRANSPORT LINE

     1.   The test sections were initially characterized
          by documented and certified reports stating
          identification, heat, chemical analysis, and
          hardness.

     2.   The flanges of the test sections were marked
          at each end either "front" or "rear" for the
          upstream and downstream ends at the pipe seam
          weld.  Angular positions along the circum-
          ference were indexed from this weld (0°) in
          a clockwise direction when facing the upstream
          end.  Each flange was marked by stamping the
          metal.

     3.   Thickness measurements were taken on the pipe
          sections using a Branson Caliper capable of +
          0.005 inch accuracy  in the following steps:

          a)   Mark out a surface grid on each pipe
               having six inch longitudinal and 15°
               radial spacings.  Identify the longi-
               tudinal spacing alphabetically from
               front to back and the radial spacings
               numerically clockwise from 0°  (the
               seam weld).  In this manner, all points
               will be referenced from  the junction
               of  the seam weld and the front flange
               (point A-l ) .

          b)   Prepare a data  record sheet using  the
               grid format for each pipe.

          c)   Calibrate the thickness  measurement
               instrument against standard test sections
               in  accordance with the manufacturers
               recommendations.

          d)   Measure and record the pipe thickness  at
               every grid point.  These points were  cleaned
               with a wire brush, rinsed  with water  and
               detergent, and  prepared  for measuring  by
               placing a small amount of  hair  cream  on  the
                            203

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               point.   The  hair  cream  provided  a  good
               medium  between  the  test section  and  the
               probe  for  the  Branson  Caliper  so that
               accurate readings  could be  made.

          Sixteen  surface impressions  were made of
          interior surfaces at each  end of both test
          sections at  90  degree  rotations.   Each
          impression  was  two  inches  from the  flange and
          was made by  either  epoxy or  auto body repair
          compound.   The  surface  was  cleaned  with  a
          brush,  rinsed with  water and detergent  and
          prepared by  spraying the area with  a  light
          layer of furniture  polish.   The  polish
          allowed  the  surface  replica  to be  easily
          removed-.

          The test sections were  weighed on  a  scale.

          Steps 3  to  5  were performed  during  the
          initial  and  final characterization  periods.
          The places  for  these readings were  carefully
          located  and  recorded so  that both  test
          periods  were  examining  identical  areas.
COMPACTOR
     1.    The  compactor  was  investigated  during  the
          final  characterization  period.   The  unit was
          visually  inspected for  wear  and  unusual con-
          ditions were  photographed.

     2.    Surface  impressions  were  made  of the  com-
          pactor ram  face,  top and  other  areas.   The
          procedure was  previously  presented.

     3.    The  top of  the compactor  ram was measured  for
          thickness by  the  Branson  Caliper.   The  array
          of  points was  a  straight  line  four  inches
          from the  front of  the compactor  ram  and  *
          parallel  to  it.   The first  reading  was  three
          inches from  the  edge.   The  other readings
          were spaced  at two-inch intervals.   Four
          additional  readings  were  made  at the  end of
          the  compactor  ram  top.   These  four  readings
          determine the  original  thickness of  the ram.
                          204

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DISCHARGE VALVES

     1.    The discharge valves were visually inspected
          for wear during the final characterization
          period.  Unusual conditions were photographed.
          The teflon wearing surface was investigated
          for missing, loose or chipped sections.
          Additionally, surface impressions were made
          of the teflon surfaces.

     2.    The discharge valve plates were observed for
          wear.  Surface  impressions were made of the
          following plates located at:

          a)   Shelley A,
          b)   Shelley B  East,
          c)   Descon Concordia,
          d)   Camci, and
          e)   An extra one for initial plate conditions.

          These  discharge valve plates were measured
          for plate thickness across two perpendicular
          axes.  One axis was in the direction of
          travel.  The thickness readings started at
          three  inches from the edge and spaced at two-
          inch intervals.

COLLECTION HOPPER

     1.    The inside surface of the collection hopper was
          visually inspected for wear  during the final
          characterization period.  Any unusual conditions
          were photographed.

     2.    The thickness of the collection hopper was
          measured directly downstream of the entry
          point  since refuse initially impinged on  this
          area.  An array of readings  was established
          at six-inch intervals horizontally and at
          four-inch intervals vertically.

OTHER COMPONENTS

     1.    The container handling system was  visually
          inspected for wear during  the final  charac-
          terization period.  The  following  components
          were particulary investigated:

          a)   Power and  free motion  rollers,
          b)   Drive motor, chains  and sprockets  for
                 the free motion rollers,  and
                            205

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c)   Drive motor* chains and sprockets for
       the hydraulic lift trolleys.

Each chute charging station was inspected
during the final  characterization period.
They were examined for proper operation,
missing or broken parts, and other unusual
conditions.
                 206

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                       APPENDIX J

          CALCULATIONS FOR THE REGRESSION LINE
         FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSPORT
                  VELjOCITY AND DENSITY
                          SCOPE
     The following analysis was performed to generate
a regression line between transport velocity and density
The results from the load capacity test were used in
this analysis.  It was assumed that there was a linear
relationship between these two factors.  The transport
velocity for refuse of a density of 50 pounds per cubic
foot was computed from this relationship, since the
PTC system was designed to collect refuse up to 50
pounds per cubic foot.
                            207

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                        ANALYSIS


     The basic equation for a regression line for an
independent variable (X) and a dependent variable (Y)
i s :

     Y = bx + (Y - b X")


     where:    Y = —-
               ,    £XY -   n
               b = 	
                        -  (£X)2
     The data for this analysis were reported from the
load capacity test, and are presented below:


 Test Load            Density lb/ft3      Velocity ft/sec
Description                (X)	     	(Y)

Balsa Wood                  8                   52.8
White Pine                 23                   39.1
Fir                        30                   42.0
Walnut                     39                   24.4
Maple                      47                   28.7
Bundled Newspaper (Dry)    25                   42.3 Avg.
                                                Velocity
Bundled Newspaper (Wet)    46                   31.6 Avg.
                                                Velocity
Wet Rags                   43                   36.9
     The following quantities are required to determine
the equation for the regression line.
       = 261              £Y = 297.8           n = 8
    £X2= 9813            TXY = 8980.0

     "X = 32.63             Y =. 37.23
                           208

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The numerical value for the parameter b is:
  (261 )(297.8)
    __8	

9813 -(^-2j
       ,  _ 8980.0 - _ 8           rt _,_n
       b = - 7 - sv-   = -0.5669
     The equation for the transport velocity Y of refuse
varying in density  (X)  is:

     Y = 0.5669 X +  [37.23 -  (-0.5669)(32.63)]

     Y = 55.7 - 0.57 X

     where:     X is the density of refuse in
                  Ibs per cu  ft

                Y is the transport velocity  of
                  refuse in ft per sec

     The PTC system  is  designed  and constructed to
successfully collect refuse of a density  of  50 Ibs per
cu ft.  The estimated transport  velocity  would be:

     Y = 55.7 - 0.57 (50)

     Y = 27.2 ft/sec
                            209

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                      'APPENDIX K

            CALCULATIONS  OF THE SERVICE LIFE
               FOR THE MAIN TRANSPORT LINE
                          SCOPE
     The service life for the main transport line was
estimated by a preliminary life cycle analysis.   The
wear data for the two test sections of the main  trans-
port line were used.   It was  assumed that the wear
rate is a constant.   The estimated service life, as
computed in this analysis, is compared to the 40-year
service life requirement in the design specifications,
                         210

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                        ANALYSIS
     The main transport line was designed and construc-
ted to perform for forty years.  The two test sections
were examined for wear to determine the service life
for the entire line.  The line, which is placed under a
partial vacuum, is constantly eroded by the passing of
solid waste.  To prevent the collapse of the line, a
minimum wall thickness must be maintained.   This
analysis determined the value for the minimum wall
thickness for the service life estimate.  The basic
equation for the service life of the main transport
line is:
              w

     where:  L is the service life in years

            t  is the original wall thickness in inches

            t  is the minimum wall thickness in inches

             w is the annual wear rate in inches per
               year

     The minimum allowable wall thickness is determined
by the geometry of the main transport line, and by the
maximum vacuum level experienced by the line.  The
maximum vacuum level is at the end of every automatic
mode cycle to seal the discharge valve lids onto the
valve bases and is about 75 inches H20 or 2.70 psi vacuum.
The following expressions are also required and are
based on the geometry:

             D0 =  outside diameter and is 20 inches.
             L  =  distance between main transport line
                   stiffeners and is 8 feet.

     The minimum wall thickness value is determined by
an interative process.  A minimum wall thickness value
(tm) is assumed and a parameter [B = P(Dq/tm)] is deter-
mined (Ref. 26).  After B is found and since Dp and tm are
also known, the calculated value for P is checked with
the given value of 2.70 psi.  Then, the value of tm is
modified so that the pressure is equal to 2.70 psi.
This final value of t  is the minimum wall  thickness
value.               m
                           211

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                       APPENDIX L

            CALCULATIONS OF THE SERVICE LIFE
                FOR THE DISCHARGE VALVES
                          SCOPE
     Preliminary life cycle analyses were conducted to
determine the service life of the discharge valves for
the PTC system.   These analyses  were based on data for
the wear of the  discharge valve  plates.   The wear rate
for these plates was  assumed to  be constant.  The ser-
vice life for the discharge valves were  compared to the
40-year service  life  required in the design specifica-
tions.
                          212

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                        ANALYSIS
     The discharge valves were designed to operate for at
least for forty years.  The discharge valve plates
experienced the greatest amount of wear and are identi-
fied as critical components.  The plates for the dis-
charge valves at Shelley, Descon Concordia, and Camci
were measured for thickness by an ultrasonic device.   A
final discharge valve, located in the CEB, for the
Commercial building was uninstalled, and used for a
control case.  The readings for all the values are
reported in Table 49.

     The thickness readings for the control case ranged
from 0.638 to 0.630 inch.  The mean value of the dis-
charge valve plate is 0.633 inch and is 0.005 inch less
than the maximum value.

     The following procedure was established to deter-
mine the service life of each discharge valve plates.
The largest value for for each case is considered to  be
the maximum thickness of the original  value surface.
The average value of the original value surface is
assumed to be 0.005 inch less.  The wear incurred in
service for one year is assumed to be two-thirds the
difference between the average value and the smallest
reading since the PTC system operated for eighteen
months.  The minimum allowable thickness for the value
plate was assumed to be identical to the value for the
main transport line, or 0.070 inch.  The following
equation was used to compute the service life:
      L =
              w
      where    L  is the service life in years.
               t  is the original plate thickness
                  in inches.
               t  is the minimum plate thickness
                171 in inches.
               w  is the annual wear rate in inches
                  per year.
                           213

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          Table 49.   THICKNESS READINGS^FOR THE
                 DISCHARGE VALVE PLATES'
Shell
0.635
0.632
0.632
0.633
0.634
0.635
0.630
0.629
0.626
0.624
0.625
0.622
0.623
0.627


1 ey
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

A
628
628
628
625
626
630
628
624
624
625
625
626
627
626
629

Descon
Concordia
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.

6
6
6
6
38
32
31
30
627
625
623
6
39
628
6
6
32
26
628
6
29
629
6

30

Control
Camci Case
0.643 0.
0.652 0.
0.641 0.
0.639 0.
0.636 0.
0.637 0.
0.644 0.
0.632 0.
0.641 0.
0.647 0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
632
6
31
636
6
32
631
6
6
6
6
30
33
38
35
631
6
37
631
6
6
6
6'
34
36
34
31
1
Readings  are  in  inches.
                         214

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The results for this test are presented in Table 50
          Table 50.  RESULTS FOR SERVICE LIFE
       CALCULATIONS FOR THE DISCHARGE VALVE PLATES
                                Descon
               Shel1ey A      Concordia      Camci

Largest thick-  0.635          0.639         0.652
ness (in.)

Average origi-  0.630          0.634         0.647
nal th ickness
(in.)

Smallest        0.622          0.623         0.632
thickness  (in.)

Annual wear     0.0053         0.0073        0.010
rate (in.  per
year)

Service life    106            77            58
(years )
                          215

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                       APPENDIX M

            CALCULATIONS OF THE ENERGY USAGE
        FOR THE PNEUMATIC TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
                          SCOPE
     The annual  electricity consumption for the PTC
system was computed.   The components which used the
most electricity were identified.   In every case,
except for the main exhausters,  manufacturers data and
operating time were recorded to  determine the power
consumption.   The main exhausters  were independently
tested for power usage.
                         216

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                        ANALYSIS
     The annual energy usage for the PTC system was
determined by calculating the total electrical demand
for all of the system components.  The following com-
ponents were identified as the largest users of elec-
tricity:

     •    Main exhausters,
     •    Compactor, and
     •    Vent fan.

     The main exhausters operated 6952 cycles annually,
and used an average energy amount of 9.04 kwh per cycle.
The energy consumption for each main exhauster was mea-
sured in the main exhauster power tests.  The elec-
tricity used by the exhausters is 62,846 kwh per year
and is calculated by:

     6,952 cycles/yr x 9.04 kwh/cycle = 62,846 kwh/yr

     The compactor, which is operated hydraulica1ly,  has
a 10 hp induction motor with a service factor of 1.15.
The elapsed time for the compaction stage during each
automatic cycle is 2.5 minutes per cycle.  The annual
electricity used by the compactor for 6952 cycles is
2484 kwh per year, and is determined by:
     10 hp x 1.15 x
     = 2484 kwh
                   1 kw
                  1341 hp
x 2.5 min x
 1  hr
60  min
x 6952 cycles/yr
                                    a 2 hp induction
                                      The total annual
                                    the total time in a
                                    and the total down-
     The yent fen, which removed odors from the verti-
cal gravity chutes in the residential buildings, oper-
ated between system operations except whenever there
were system malfunctions (that were not related to com-
pactor failures).  The vent fan has
motor with a service factor of 1.15
operating time for the vent fan was
year minus  the total cycling times
time (which were unrelated to compactor malfunctions).
The total operating time for the vent fan was 4215 hours
and was computed by:

     Total time per year - total annual cycle time -
     [total downtime - compactor downtime]

     =  total operating time for the vent fan
                           217

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     8760 hr - 879 hr -  [4144 hr - 478 hr]

          4215 hr/yr

     The energy consumed by the vent fan was 7229 kwh
per year and was found by:
                                  1  If W
     4215 hr/yr x 2 hp x 1.15 x 1  34] hp - 7229 kwh/yr


     Additional components  for the PTC system were elec-
trically operated.  Some of these  components are the pro-
grammer, the annunciator panel, the  central  control  panel
and additional equipment.   It was  assumed that the addi-
tional energy requirements  was one-tenth of  the energy
usage of the main exhausters, compactor and  vent fan.

     The total amount of electrical  energy usage was
72,559 kwh per year.  The  energy requirements of the
major system components  are presented in Table 51.
           Table 51.   ANNUAL ELECTRICAL ENERGY
                USAGE FOR THE PTC SYSTEM
   System Component                 Annual  Energy Usage

Main Exhausters                      62,846 kwh/yr
Compactor                             2,484
Vent Fan                              7,229
Other System Components               7 ,256
                                     72,559 kwh/yr
                           218

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                       APPENDIX N

          CALCULATIONS OF THE COST PROJECTIONS
        FOR THE PNEUMATIC TRASH COLLECTION SYSTEM
       AND THREE CONVENTIONAL ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS
                          SCOPE
     The annual costs for the PTC system and the three
alternative conventional systems were projected for the
following years; 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, and 1995.   The
annual collection costs were computed by multiplying
labor, material and electrical  costs by cost indices
which were generated for these from a previous study.
These indices are presented in Table 52.  The adjusted
costs for labor, material and electrical costs were
added to the annualized capital costs to determine  the
projected annual costs.  The results for the PTC and
three conventional solid waste management systems are
presented in Tables 53, 54, 55, and 56 respectively.
                           219

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       Table 52.  PROJECTED COST INDICES FOR LABOR,
             MATERIAL,  AND ELECTRICAL COSTS
Costs      1974     1975   1980   1985   1990   1995

Labor     100.00   105.10  139.02 182.49 238.18 309.53

Material  100.00   102.55  116.29 131.87 149-54 169.58

Electri-
 cal1     100.00   105.82  140.29 187.75 251.26 336.25
 The cost indices for electricity are based on the
 costs for No. 2 Diesel fuel oil, since the electricity
 is produced at the site from five generators.
   Table 53. PROJECTED ANNUAL COSTS FOR THE PTC SYSTEM


Costs       1975      1980     1985     1990      1995

Capital   $89,782   $89,782  $89,782   $89,782  $89,782

Labor      26,972    35,676   46,831    61,124   79,435
Material
Electri-
cal
793
2,474
899
3,280
1 ,020
4,389
1 ,156
5,874
1 ,311
7,861
TOTAL    $120,021   $129,637 $142,022  $157,936 $178,389
                          220

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 Table 54.   PROJECTED ANNUAL COSTS FOR
CONVENTIONAL REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEM A
Costs
Capital
Labor
Material
TOTAL

Costs
Capital
Labor
Material
TOTAL

Costs
Capital
Labor
Material
TOTAL
1975
$ 5,408
26,218
207
$31,833
Table 55.
CONVENTIONAL
1975
$ 5,408
20,616
207
$26,231
Table 56.
CONVENTIONAL
1975
$ 3,354
71,206
40
$74,699
1980
$ 5,408
34,679
274
$40,361
PROJECTE
REFUSE
1980
$ 5,408
27,269
274
$32,951
PROJECTE
REFUSE
1980
$ 3,453
94,184
45
$97,682
1985
$ 5,408
45,522
367
$ 51,297
1990
$ 5,408
59,415
492
$ 65,315
1995
$ 5,408
77,215
658
$ 83,281
D ANNUAL COSTS FOR
SYSTEM COLLECTION B
1985
$ 5,408
35,796
367
$ 41,571
1990
$ 5,408
46,720
492
$ 52,620
1995
$ 5,408
60,716
658
$ 66,782
D ANNUAL COSTS FOR
COLLECTION SYSTEM C
1985
$ 3,453
123,635
51
$127,139
1990
$ 3,453
161,367
58
$164,878
1995
$ 3,453
209,709
66
$213,228
                    221

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                                   TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
                            (Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
  EPA-600/2-78-017
                                                           3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION1 NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
  EVALUATION OF THE REFUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT THE
  JERSEY CITY OPERATION  BREAKTHROUGH SITE
            5. REPORT DATE
              February 1978  (Issuing Datej
            6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
  Jack Preston Overman  and Terry G. Statt
                                                           8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATIC
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
  Hittman Associates, Inc.
  9190 Red Branch Road
  Columbia, Maryland  21045
             10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.

              1BC611
             11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.

              68-03-0094
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
  Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory—Cin.,OH
  Office of Research  and Development
  U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
  Cincinnati, Ohio  45268                            	
             13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
              Final
             14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE

              EPA/600/14
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
  Project Officer:  Robert A.  Olexsey  (513)  684-4363
16. ABSTRACT

        This  study evaluates  the  solid waste management system at  the Jersey City
  Operation  Breakthrough site  and assesses the  economic and technical practicality
  of the  system application  for  future residential  complexes.  The  installation was
  the first  pneumatic trash  collection system  (PTC)  used to collect residential
  refuse  in  the U.S.  This report describes labor costs, rodents  and vermin, odor,
  litter,  and collection noise.   The report also compares cost and  operation of the
  PTC system with those aspects  of conventional collection systems.
17.
                                KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
                  DESCRIPTORS
                                              b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
                           :.  COS AT I Field/Group
  Refuse, Collection,  Housing,
  Housing Projects
Solid Waste Collection
High Rise  Building
Residential Complexes
13B
 3. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
  Release  to  Public
                                              19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
                                                UNCLASSIFTF.n
                           21. NO. OF PAGES
                            140
                                              20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
                           22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
                                             222
                                                               * U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1978- 260-880:25

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