s>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Exploratory
Research
Washington DC 20460
Research and Development
EPA/600/9-86/005 Feb. 1986
Abstracts of
Phase I and Phase II
Awards
Small Business
Innovation Research
Program
1983-1985
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EPA/600/9-86/005
February 1986
Abstracts
of
Phase I and Phase II
Awards
Small Business
Innovation Research Program
1983-1985
OFFICE OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, DC 20460
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Disclaimer
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names
or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation
for use.
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Contents
I. Abstracts—Phase I Awards for 1983
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution Control Processes
1. Production of an Industrial Thermosetting Resin from Whey and
Whey By-Products—Chemical Processes Corporation,
Brookfield, Wl 1
2. Research on Slag Steam Generators—Richard Jablin and
Associates, Inc., Durham, NC 1
3. Sludge Reclamation Using Coupled-Transport Membranes—
Bend Research, Bend, OR 2
4. Recycling of Dust from Electric Arc Furnaces—PEDCo
Environmental, Inc., Cincinnati, OH 2
Topic II—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection Alternatives to Chlorine
5. Ozone-Hydrogen Peroxide System An Alternate Disinfectant:
A Model for Ozone Disinfection Through Free Radical Mechanism—
Bollyky Associates, Norwalk, CT 3
Topic III—Compatibility of Soils and Various Liners with Organic Chemical
Wastes
6. Compatibility of Soil Liners with Organic Chemical Wastes—
Matrecon, Inc., Oakland, CA 4
Topic IV—Stability of Hazardous Waste Containment Mechanisms
7. Experimental Studies of Erosion from Slopes Protected by Rock
Mulch—Water Engineering and Technology, Inc.,
Fort Collins, CO 4
Topic V—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers Exposed to Hazardous Solid
Wastes
8. Dioxin Clean-Up Method—Kenterprise Research, Inc., York, PA 5
Topic Vl—Volatile Organic Compound Conversion to Non-Reactive, Non-Toxic
Compounds
9. Novel Processes for Control of Volatile Organic Compound
Emissions—Merix Corporation, Wellesley, MA 6
10. Ultraviolet Light Process for Treatment of Trichloroethylene in
Groundwater—Photox International, Houston, TX 6
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Contents (cont'd)
\\. Abstracts—Phase I Awards for 1984
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution Control Processes
11. Combustion of Coal in a Fast Rotary Reactor—PEI Associates, Inc.
(formerly PEDCo), Cincinnati, OH
12. Laser Induced Destruction of Aromatic Chlorinated Organics in
Waste Waters—Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.,
Cambridge, MA
13. A Novel Fixed-Bed Adsorption, Solvent Regeneration Process—
Merix Corporation, Wellesley, MA 8
Topic It—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection Alternative to Chlorine
14. Investigation of a New Approach Towards an Efficient
Electrochemical Generator for Ozone—Electrochimica
Corporation, Mountain View, CA 8
Topic III—Applied Biotechnology for Aerobic and Anaerobic Wastewater
15. An Activated Sludge Modification to Eliminate Bulking, Minimize
Reactor Volume and Enhance Nutrient Removal—Aware, Inc.,
Brentwood, TN 9
Topic IV—Biotechnology Applications for Control of Selected Hazardous
Wastes
16. Application of Mold/Yeast in the Treatment of Leachate from
Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites—Chesner Engineering P.C.,
Commack, NY. 10
Topic V—Advanced Thermal, Chemical, and Physical Methods for Hazardous
Solid Waste Destruction
17. Segregation for Thermal Destruction of Hazardous Waste in
Contaminated Soil—International Hydronics Corporation,
Rocky Hill, NJ 10
Topic VI—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers Exposed to Hazardous Solid
Wastes
18. Feasibility of In-Situ Biodegradation of Chlorinated Ethenes in
Contaminated Aquifers—Cambridge Analytical Associates, Inc.,
Boston, MA 11
Topic VII—Detoxification, Solidification, or Other Methods for Fixing Organic
Chemical Wastes
19. Controlled Solidification of Hazardous Organic Wastes with
Recovery of Recyclable Components—Chemical and Metal
Industries, Inc., Denver, CO 12
iv
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Contents (cont'd)
20. Composting as a Waste Management Alternative for Organic
Chemical Waste—Cal Recovery Systems, Inc., Richmond, CA 12
III. Abstracts—Phase II Awards for 1984
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution Control Processes
21. Production of an Industrial Thermosetting Resin from Whey and
Whey By-Products—Chemical Process Corporation,
Milwaukee, Wl 14
22. Research on Slag Steam Generator—Richard Jablin and
Associates, Inc., Durham, NC 15
23. Sludge Reclamation Using Coupled-Transport Membranes-
Bend Research, Bend, OR 16
24. Recycling of Dust from Electric Arc Furnaces—PEI Associates, Inc.
(formerly PEDCo), Cincinnati, OH 16
Topic II—Volatile Organic Compound Conversion to Non-Reactive, Non-Toxic
Compounds
25. Novel Processes for Control of Volatile Organic Compound
Emissions—Merix Corporation, Wellesley, MA 17
IV. Abstracts—Phase I Awards for 1985
Topic I—Drinking Water Treatment, Disinfection, and Distribution
Contamination Control
26. Chemical/Radiation Well Treatment—George Afford and Bill
Rogers, Ground Water Consultants, East Point, GA 18
Topic II—Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Pollution
Control
27. A Substitute for Chromic Acid Etching of Plastics for Plating—
J. P. Laboratories, Inc., Metuchen, NJ 19
28. Biological Sequencing Batch Reactor Treatment of a Mixed
Municipal and Industrial Wastewater in an Egg-Shaped Reactor—
SBR Technologies, Inc., Mishawaka, IN 19
29, Pulsed Air Biological Fixed Film Treatment—Process Dynamics
Incorporated, Jacksonville, FL 20
Topic III—Biological Sludge Treatment for Improved Handling and Disposal
30. Detoxification of Sludge Using Aerobic Thermophilic Digestion
with Air Aeration: Pilot Plant Analysis—Microgen Corporation,
Ithaca, NY 21
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Contents (cont'd)
31. Development of Chemical Fixation Process to PFRP Classification
for Municipal Sludge Treatment—Enabling the Reuse of the
Resulting Product—Chemfix Technologies, Inc., Kenner, LA 22
32. Improved Performance of Anaerobic Digesters—Engineering
Resources, Fayetteville, AR 22
33. Effect of Mobile Dewatering of Septage Sludges on STP
Outflows as Well as on Residential Septic System Leaching
Fields—Waste Process Technology, Marlborough, MA 23
Topic IV—Solid and Hazardous Waste Disposal and Pollution Control
34. Recovery of Arsenic, Antimony, Chlorocarbons from Spent
Fluorocarbon Catalyst—Chemical and Metal Industries,
Inc., Denver, CO 24
35. Reclamation and Reuse of Chemical Values from Municipal
Sludge Solids—John Brown Associates, Inc., Berkeley
Heights, NJ 24
36. Photolytic Detoxification Concept—W. J. Schafer Associates,
Inc., Wakefield, MA 25
37. Landfill Leachate Control Treatment via In Situ Flow
Modification—ENG, Inc., Cambridge, MA 25
38. Enhanced Thermal Destruction of Hazardous Wastes Utilizing
Microwave Techniques—Fossil Energy Research Corporation,
Laguna Hills, CA 26
39. Development of an Automated Geophysical Ground Water Quality
Monitoring System for Use at Toxic and Hazardous Waste
Disposal Sites or Other Sites Where There are Contaminants—
IEG Limited, Boulder, CO 26
40. Metal Value Recovery from Alloy Chemical Milling Waste-
Montana Environmet, Inc., Butte, MT 27
Topic V—Environmental Monitoring Instrumentation
41. Development of Commercially Available Instrumentation for
Monitoring Indoor Radon Progeny—Sun Nuclear Corporation,
Melbourne, FL 28
42. An Optical Particle and Flux Monitor for Stack Emissions—
Spectron Development Laboratories, Inc., Costa Mesa, CA 28
43. Development of a Retrofit In-Situ Three Point Audit Device for
Testing of Linearity and Calibration of Commercially Available
In-StackTransmissometers—Eastern Technical Associates,
Raleigh, NC 29
44. Supercritical Fluid Chromatographic Methods for Non-Volatile
Organic Compounds—Lee Scientific, Provo, UT 29
45. Development of a Highly Reliable Cost-Effective Continuous
Emission Monitor—ADA Technologies, Inc., Aurora, CO 30
VI
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Contents (cont'd)
V. Abstracts—Phase II Awards for 1985
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution Control Processes
46. Determination of Reaction Pathways and Energy Requirements
in Laser Induced Photolysis of Chloro-Aromatics—Energy and
Environmental Engineering, Inc., Cambridge, MA 31
Topic II—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection Alternative to Chlorine
47. Research and Development of an Efficient Electrochemical
Generator for Ozone—Phase II—Electrochemica Corporation,
Menlo Park, CA 32
Topic III—Applied Biotechnology for Aerobic and Anaerobic Wastewater
48. The Treatment of Selected Industrial Wastewaters with the
Biosorption Process—Aware Incorporated, Nashville, TN 32
Topic IV—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers Exposed to Hazardous Solid
Wastes
49. Biodegradation of Chlorinated Ethenes in Groundwater and
Wastewater by Methane—Utilizing Bacteria—Cambridge
Analytical Associates, Inc., Boston, MA 33
Topic V—Detoxification, Solidification, and Other Methods for Fixing Organic
Chemical Wastes
50. Controlled Solidification of Hazardous Organic Waste With
Recovery of Recyclable Components—Chemical and Metal
Industries, Inc., Denver, CO 34
51. Pilot-Scale Oily Waste Composting Project—Cal Recovery
Systems, Inc., Richmond, CA 35
Follow-on Funding Commitment 36
Rights in Data Developed Under SBIR 37
Copyrights 38
Patents 38
Alphabetical List of Awardees (Including Presidents) 39
State Listing of Awardees 44
VII
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Small Business Innovation Research Program
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program represents a new
approach to funding Federal R&D. Although government funds are spent for
research on Federal agency R&D needs, the SBIR program also provides an
incentive for the conversion of this research into potential commercial
applications and technological innovations. At no additional cost to the
government, SBIR increases the return on investment from Federal R&D.
Under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-
219), Federal agencies solicit proposals on R&D research from small science-
and technology-based firms with up to 500 employees. In Phase I of this
three-phase program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) makes
awards of up to $50,000 for six months to determine whether the research
idea, often on high-risk advanced concepts, is technically feasible, whether the
firm can do high quality research, and whether sufficient progress has been
made to justify a larger Phase II effort. Phase II is the principal research effort.
At EPA these projects now average $150,000 for up to two years.
Conducted in 11 Federal R&D agencies, SBIR is one of the most competitive
R&D programs in government. Only one proposal out of ten on the average is
funded in Phase I. Less than half of these receive support in Phase II.
The SBIR design involves a third phase to pursue potential commercial
applications of the research funded under the first two phases. Phase III,
however, is supported solely by non-Federal funding, usually from third party,
venture capital or larger industrial firms.
This report contains abstracts of the 51 Phase I and Phase II awards made by
EPA from the period 1983 to 1985. The Phase I and II abstracts are listed by
year awarded, and a description of the potential commercial applications of the
research is provided. This report also describes how the follow-on funding
commitment works and gives information on rights in data development under
SBIR and on copyright and patent policy.
EPA receives advanced research proposals from small science- and
technology-based firms across essentially all fields of environmental engi-
neering, with emphasis on industrially relevant research. Phase I proposals are
reviewed by EPA scientists and engineers who are experts in the specific
research areas. Phase II proposals are peer reviewed principally by consultants
from universities and private companies. The best proposals receive full EPA
research support. Awards are based primarily on EPA evaluation of technical
merit.
The SBIR program is highly competitive. In 1983, the first year of the
program, EPA received 214 Phase I proposals which resulted in 10 awards.
Phase I provided up to $25,000 for six months to determine, as much as
possible within these limitations, whether the research idea appeared
technically feasible, whether the small firm could do high quality research, and
if the project had achieved sufficient progress to justify larger government
support. The Phase I report also serves as a base for follow-on funding
commitment discussions. The Phase I abstracts are described on pages 1
through 12 and 18 through 30 of this report.
In 1984, EPA received 136 Phase I proposals which resulted in ten (10)
awards. Phase I awards this year were made for up to $35,620 for six months.
ix
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From the ten 1983 Phase I awards, five Phase II awards were made in 1984 for
up to $100,000. Phase II is the principal research effort for those projects that
appear most promising after the first phase and averaged $100,000 for 1-2
years. The 1984 Phase I and II abstracts are described on pages 7 through 17.
During 1985, 20 Phase I awards were made by the EPA Small Business
Innovation Research Program. One hundred and fifty-four Phase I proposals
were received for evaluation and the 20 successful awardees were given up to
$48,667 for six months. From among the ten 1984 Phase I contractors that
qualified for Phase II awards, 6 awards were made, and the awards averaged
$ 150,000 for 1 -2 years. Descriptions of Phase I and Phase II awards for 1985
can be found on pages 18 through 35.
This document provides information on EPA's Phase I and Phase II awards
made si nee 1983 and on potential commercial applications as described by the
awardee. When there is interest in possible licensing, investment or in a joint
venture by a third party, we encourage direct contact with the business officials
of the company whose names, addresses, and telephone numbers are listed on
pages of this publication.
If there are questions on the program, please contact Walter H. Preston,
Program Manager, or Donald F. Carey, Science Advisor, Small Business
Innovation Research Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office
of Exploratory Research (RD-675), Washington, DC 20460, Telephone (202)
382-7445.
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I. Abstracts of Phase I Awards
SBIR-1983
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution
Control Processes
1. Production of an Industrial Thermosetting Resin from Whey
and Whey By-Products
Chemical Process Corporation
4435 Cherokee Drive
Brookfield, Wl 53005
Tito Viswanathan, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Donald Westerman, President
Region V
Amount: $24,375
The advent of ultrafiltration processes has allowed the cheese industry to
produce high-quality, whey-protein concentrates for use as food ingredients.
At the same time, however, more than two-thirds of the whey volume collected
is essentially unusable whey permeate containing 5% lactose and accom-
panying salts. About 20% by volume of the whey remains associated with the
cheese curd and is expelled under pressure after the curd particles are salted,
then pressed together. This whey is necessarily high in sodium chloride and,
consequently, represents a particularly difficult disposal problem. Since the
whey proteins (1 % w/v) are retained in the "salt whey," they may contribute to
cross-linking in the resins, resulting in stronger adhesive properties. Thus, it
appears that whey permeate and "salt whey" can be concentrated using
conventional processing techniques available to any cheese plant in order to
provide raw materials for the manufacture of resins. This proposal seeks to
produce a valuable product from waste whey and reduce pollution by
redistributing the resin in other products now using resin based in formal-
dehyde, a known source of indoor air pollution.
2. Research on Slag Steam Generators
Richard Jablin and Associates, Inc.
2500 West Club Boulevard
Durham, NC 27705
Richard Jablin, Principal Investigator
Richard Jablin, President
Region IV
Amount: $25,000
The Slag Steam Generator (SSG) has been demonstrated to cool molten slag
without emission to air, discharges to surface water, or leaching to ground
water, and to recover the sensible heat as useful energy. Additional research is
1
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proposed in order to improve its reliability so that it may be accepted for use
under production situations. Such research includes investigations into
cooling plate metallurgy, the physical configuration of the SSG, heat transfer
requirements, and operator safety devices. There will also be research into the
production of high pressure steam as the desired form of useful energy.
3. Sludge Reclamation Using Coupled-Transport Membranes
Bend Research, Inc.
64550 Research Road
Bend, OR 97701-8599
Walter C. Babcock, Principal Investigator
Stephen L Matson, Director of Research
Region X
Amount: $24,778
In 1980 the metals and electronics industries generated over seven million
tons of hazardous waste at a cost of $100 to $400/ton. These sludges, which
contain substantial amounts of mixed heavy metals, present a serious disposal
problem and represent a waste of natural resources. The intrinsic value of
metal such as nickel, chromium, and tantalum contained in these sludges is
high, providing a significant incentive for their recovery.
It is the objective of the proposed project to develop an economical, energy-
efficient process for the recovery of certain metal values in a usable form from
these industrial sludges, thereby conserving valuable resources and controlling
the amount of waste ultimately generated.
Since a clean separation of the various metals is the critical step in achieving
this objective, the bulk of Phase I research will be directed toward evaluating a
new membrane-separation process known as "coupled transport" for the
continuous separation of metalsfrom waste sludges. Once effective separation
has been demonstrated, the coupled-transport process can be combined with
existing, well-established recovery techniques to produce a cost-effective
system capable of converting certain waste sludges into usable materials.
4. Recycling of Dust from Electric Arc Furnaces
PEDCo Environmental, Inc.
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-0100
William F. Kemner, Principal Investigator
George A. Jutze, President
Region V
Amount: $25,000
The major shortcomings of the various processes suggested by recycling
metallurgical dust have been the high capital cost of the equipment and the
need for large quantities of dust for the processes to be economical. Electric arc
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furnace dust is not amenable to these processes because it is generated in
small quantities and at a number of locations, distant from industrial centers
where regional recycling might occur. Furthermore, EPA lists electric arc
furnace dust as a hazardous waste because of the teachability of heavy metals.
Samples of dust will be obtained from electric arc furnaces representative of
carbon and low alloy steel. These samples will cover a matrix of high and low
lime content and high and low zinc and lead content. The research objectives
are to: evaluate processes for agglomerating the dust for recycle to the furnace;
investigate the partition of metal components between the slag, steel, and dust
upon recycling; and determine the effectiveness of stabilization techniques for
the prevention of leaching of heavy metals for the concentrated dust discarded
from the recycle circuit. Recovery of dusts from stainless steel production will
not be a subject of this research, as stainless steel constitutes less than 10
percent of the total steel produced.
Topic II—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection
Alternatives to Chlorine
5. Ozone-Hydrogen Peroxide System An Alternate Disinfectant:
A Model for Ozone Disinfection Through Free Radical
Mechanism
Bollyky Associates
83 Oakwood Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
L. Joseph Bollyky, Principal Investigator
L Joseph Bollyky, President
Region I
Amount: $25,000
Ozone is a valuable alternative to chlorine for the disinfection of wastewater
and water, it generates no chlorinated organics and leaves no residuals
harmful to human health or toxic to marine life. Ozone alone reacts through a
free radical mechanism under alkaline conditions and free radical and polar
mechanisms under neutral conditions.
The ozone-hydrogen peroxide system is a powerful oxidizing medium that
has been shown to remove refractory dissolved organics from deionized water
and from industrial wastewater much more effectively than ozone alone. It is
believed to generate hydroxyl radicals and operates through a free radical
mechanism. The disinfection effect of a chemical usually parallels its oxidation
potential. The hydroxyl radical, the active agent of the ozone-hydrogen
peroxide system, is a substantially stronger oxidant than ozone or chlorine.
This project would be the first feasibility evaluation of the ozone-hydrogen
peroxide system as a disinfectant. Furthermore, the results should indicate
whether the free radical or polar reaction of ozone is more important for
disinfection.
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Topic III—Compatibility of Soils and Various Liners with
Organic Chemical Wastes
6. Compatibility of Soil Liners with Organic Chemical Wastes
Matrecon, Inc.
P.O. Box 24075
Oakland, CA 94623
Henry E. Haxo, Jr., Principal Investigator
Henry E, Haxo, Jr., President
Region IX
Amount: $24,987
The research presented in this proposal focuses on the development of
simple, rapid test procedures to predict the transport of waste liquids that
contain organic compounds through clayey soil liners over extended time
periods. These procedures reflect bulk porosity and pore-size distribution
characteristics of specif ic organic compound clay pairs. The project will assess
the feasibility of performing and interpreting the following tests as they relate
to permeability of soils to waste liquids containing organic solvents and other
chemicals:
1. The effect of organic compounds on the settling characteristics and
porosity of clayey soils. This test follows the technique for determining
particle size distribution. Use is made of the effect of different organic
compounds on the state of flocculation of the clay.
2. The effect of organic compounds on the strength characteristics of a clayey
soil, expressed as plastic properties. This test identifies clay structural
changes due to organic compound contamination by monitoring the
strength of a wet clay.
3. The effect of organic compounds on compressibility of clayey soils. This
test assesses structural changes of a clay by comparing the compression
curves for contaminated and uncontaminated samples.
Topic IV—Stability of Hazardous Waste Containment
Mechanisms
7. Experimental Studies of Erosion from Slopes Protected by
Rock Mulch
Water Engineering and Technology, Inc.
P.O. Box1946
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Chester C. Watson, P.E., Principal Investigator
Chester C. Watson, President
Region VIII
Amount: $23,254
Stabilization of hazardous waste sites and radioactive uranium mill tailings
requires that methods be developed to prevent erosion of the protective
covering applied at each site to contain the wastes. In the case of uranium mill
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tailings a clay cap up to six feet thick is applied to prevent escape of radioactive
radon gas. In arid areas where vegetation is difficult to establish, a rock mulch
or gravel armor may be placed on the clay to prevent erosion by wind and rain.
Natural talus slopes provide an excellent physical analog to this arrangement
of materials, and studies show that the hydrological and erosional response of
talus may depend upon the nature and distribution of fine material beneath the
rock cover. The results (Sosedov, 1974; Yair and Lavee, 1976) indicate that
talus can be either very stable or highly erodible due to removal of fine material
by subsurface flow. It is suggested that this flow can occur along the interface
between the rock cover and the underlying fine material.
The proposed research is designed to investigate experimentally the nature
of subsurface runoff generation and erosion processes on rock mulch and
underlying surfaces. During Phase I, laboratory experiments will determine
which characteristics of rock mulch are important in runoff generation and
subsurface erosion. Phase II will extend the study to a field site, located on
uranium mill tailings in western Colorado, where test plots of the best and
worst cases, as determined by Phase I, will be examined using a portable
rainfall simulator. The results will be directly applicable by those involved in
stabilization of hazardous waste and uranium mill tailings sites.
Topic V—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers
Exposed to Hazardous So/id Wastes
8. Dioxin Clean-Up Method
Kenterprise Research, Inc.
23 South Harlan Street
York, PA 17402
James Keane, Principal Investigator
James Keane, President
Region III
Amount: $25,000
A technology known as the Hydrosunder Process, invented by the proposer,
removes oily substances from substrate materials by an entirely new method. It
was developed as an oil sand process for Oil Mining projects. The method
replaces the oily layer in contact with the substrate with a hydration layer that
is essentially complete, thus isolating the oily compounds from the substrate.
The process is known to strip oil from sand clay.
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Topic VI—Volatile Organic Compound Conversion to
Non-Reactive, Non-Toxic Compounds
9. Novel Processes for Control of Volatile Organic Compound
Emissions
Merix Corporation
192 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02181
Thomas W. Mix, Principal Investigator
Thomas W. Mix, President
Region I
Amount: $25,000
Four novel processes for the control of volatile organic emissions are
proposed for investigation. The first of these is based on scrubbing the volatile
organics with an oxidation resistant liquid which is regenerated by aqueous
phase oxidation using a strong oxidant. A second process is based on use of a
novel oxidation catalyst which will enable the low temperature conversion of
volatile organics to non-reactive, non-toxic compounds. The third is based on
use of solubility parameters and hard and soft acid and base considerations to
enable optimal absorbent selection for recovery of volatile organics. The fourth
is based on fuel oil scrubbing to control the volatile organic emissions and
enable recovery of their heating value. A combination of experimental and
analytic work is proposed to enable evaluation of the relative merits of these
processes.
10. Ultraviolet Light Process for Treatment of Trichloroethylene in
Groundwater
Phot ox International
5606 Long Creek
Houston, TX 77088
Robert W. Legan, Principal Investigator
Robert W. Legan, President
Region VI
Amount: $25,000
Contamination of groundwater by trichloroethylene and other volatile
halogenated solvents represents a serious threat to the nation's drinking
water. Current treatment techniques for controlling such contamination are
limited to aeration, adsorption, and linking. A promising alternative is
photochemical oxidation, but this process is as yet unoptimized, poorly
understood, and largely limited. Photox International has developed a new
ultraviolet (UV) light source which will emit short wavelength UV efficiently.
This lamp can impart much greater energy to destroy chemical bonds than
commercially available lamps and possibly eliminate the need for a chemical
oxidant. This proposal discusses the research opportunity to use the new UV
lamp to develop an economical process for oxidizing halogenated organic
contaminants, specifically trichloroethylene, in water. The research goal is to
determine the feasibility and scale-up factors for a novel photochemical
process to oxidize trichloroethylene in groundwater. An economic analysis will
be performed to evaluate its cost competitiveness with existing treatment
technology.
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II. Abstracts of Phase I Awards
SBIR-1984
Topic I—Multimedia (Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution
Control Processes
11. Combustion of Coal in a Fast Rotary Reactor
PEI Associates, Inc.
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246
E. Radha Krishnan, P.E., Principal Investigator
Richard W. Gerstle, P.E., Vice-President
Region V
Amount: $35,620
The increased reliance of the power industry on U.S. coal reserves is
threatened by an overall decline in the demand for power, the high cost of
financing new plants, more stringent regulatory requirements, and inefficient
energy recovery and pollution control. Conventional and established emerging
coal-fired power generation technologies do not appear to offer the design
technology breakthrough needed to alleviate this situation. PEI Associates has
developed an innovative coal combustion technology based on the fast rotary
reactor concept. The Fast Rotary Reactor coal combustor "f luidizes" the coal in
a high speed rotary kiln, permitting high energy recovery. The injection of
limestone and the control of combustion conditions permit in-situ control of
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. Research to date has extended
through the bench-scale development stage. The Phase I research is intended
to continue development through an intensive pilot plant test program in order
to generate reliable performance and engineering data for scale-up.
12. Laser Induced Destruction of Aromatic Chlorinated Organics
in Waste Waters
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
1B Monsignor O'Brien Highway
E.Cambridge. MA 02141
James H. Porter, Principal Investigator
James H. Porter, President
Region I
Amount: $35,620
Chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (CAH's) make up a large fraction of the
organic chemicals designated as toxic. They form the basis for the production of
pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides; usually end up in dilute concentrations
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in waste water streams resulting from the manufacture and/or use of the
materials; persist in the biosphere as a result of their slow biodegradability; and
concentrate in the biosphere as a result of their entrance into the food chain
and their high solubility in animal fats and lipids.
The proposed research is designed to determine the effectiveness of a
monochromatic laser light source in energizing the oxidation or polymerization
of CAH's in dilute concentrations in water. If successful, this research could
serve as a basis for the development of a control technology to destroy
extremely toxic species existing in dilute concentrations in waste water,
replacing current energy and cost intensive technologies designed to
concentrate and destroy these species.
13. A Novel Fixed-Bed Adsorption, Solvent Regeneration Process
Merix Corporation
192 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02181
Thomas W. Mix, Principal Investigator
Thomas W. Mix, President
Region I
Amount: $35,620
A novel process for fixed-bed adsorption using activated carbon and solvent
regeneration is proposed for investigation. The process offers easier and less
costly solvent regeneration, reduced adsorber bed-length requirements,
reduced concentrations of adsorbed water, and lower process energy require-
ments and capital and operating costs. The process will have application to the
recovery of specific impurities such as phenol from wastewater and has the
potential to broaden significantly the range of application of activated carbon
adsorption with solvent regeneration to the general treatment of wastewater
and ground waters.
Topic II—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection
Alternative to Chlorine
14. Investigation of a New Approach Towards an Efficient
Electrochemical Generator for Ozone
Electrochimica Corporation
2485 Charleston Road
Mountain View, CA 94040
M. Eisenberg, Principal Investigator
Jack Bitter, Corporate Official
Region IX
Amount: $35,600
An investigation of the concept of a new approach towards a highly efficient
electrochemical ozone generator is proposed. This approach is based on the
utilization of an oxygen reduction cathode instead of a hydrogen evolution
electrode, resulting in a significant lowering of required cell voltage. This
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approach also significantly simplifies the mass balance in the electrolyzer. An
energy requirement of 7.8KWH/Kg of ozone is projected for the new
electrochemical method compared to 16.5-22 KWH/Kg for commercial Corona
discharge generators. In addition, the new approach will permit the reduction
of concentrated streams of ozone (15-25% concentration compared with 2-3%
for conventional generators). This will enable the design of more economical
processes and equipment for disinfective treatment of water.
Topic III—Applied Biotechnology for Aerobic and
Anaerobic Wastewater
15. An Activated Sludge Modification to Eliminate Bulking,
Minimize Reactor Volume and Enhance Nutrient Removal
Aware, Inc.
201 Summit View Drive, Suite 300
Brentwood, TN 37207
Sam E. Shelby, Principal Investigator
James H. Clarke, President
Region IV
Amount: $33,768
A modification of the activated sludge process has been developed to
eliminate sludge bulking, minimize reactor volumes, and enhance nutrient
removals. The flow sheet utilizes two segments in series. The first employs a
10-minute mixed liquor contactor to adsorb 50-60% of the soluble carbon
substrate. Contactor mixed liquor is flotation separated and discharged to a
separate aeration reactor for metabolism of the adsorbed substrate.
After oxidation, mixed liquor is returned to the contactor. Flotation effluent is
discharged to a separate activated sludge reactor served by a final clarifier and
sludge recirculation. The contactor and oxidation reactor operate under anoxic
conditions to minimize power consumption for aeration. Oxidation reactor
temperature may be varied by variation of the solids concentration of the float.
This results from the exothermic character of bio-oxidation. High concentra-
tions of separated solids in the oxidation reactor minimizes its volume.
Contactor operation eliminates the generation of filamentous organisms in the
subsequent activated sludge reactor, thus eliminating sludge bulking and
deterioration of effluent quality. Substrate-rich waste solids may be obtained
by wasting upstream of the oxidation reactor, thus enhancing gas production
from anaerobic digestion. Separate organism populations are maintained in
each flow sheet segment. The contactor segment has operated successfully up
to an F/M of 35 Ib BOD/lb MLVSS/day, and the activated sludge segment, up
to an F/M of 2.0 day"1. Sludge age is thus minimized in both segments at less
than 1 -2 days. Recent research verifies the relationships between sludge age
and nutrient content of waste biological solids. The capability to operate at
minimum sludge age without bulking thus provides for maximum content of
nitrogen and phosphorus in system waste sludge.
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Topic IV—Biotechnology Applications for Control of
Selected Hazardous Wastes
16. Application of Mold/Yeast in the Treatment of Leachate from
Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites
Chesner Engineering, P.C.
2171 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
Warren H. Chesner, Principal Investigator
Warren H. Chesner, President
Region II
Amount: $35,535
This study describes the research conducted to identify the variety of mold or
yeast which degrades leachate from hazardous waste landfills in a completely
mixed, aerobic reactor. The research also examines alternative pretreatment
steps which may be necessary to overcome the limitations in biological
degradation due to the presence of toxic substances or nutrient deficiencies.
Further, the research compares the effectiveness of mold and yeast relative to
conventional microbes to utilize refractory organics, typically found in
leachates, for cell growth and synthesis. The laboratory results are used for the
conceptual design of a continuous, flow-through pilot plant needed to confirm
the findings in Phase I in an anticipated Phase II program.
Topic V—Advanced Thermal, Chemical, and Physical
Methods for Hazardous Solid Waste Destruction
17. Segregation for Thermal Destruction of Hazardous Waste in
Contaminated Soil
International Hydronics Corporation
5 Crescent Avenue, Box 243
Rocky Hill, NJ 08553
A. B. Mindler, Principal Investigator
Robert B. Bruns, President
Region II
Amount: $35,419
Thermal destruction of hazardous waste in contaminated soil is the only
known method of permanently managing this threat to ground water and the
environment. However, the costs are so high that temporary storage has been
selected for those sites where clean-up has been performed.
This proposal is for the development of pretreatment techniques to markedly
reduce the amount of contaminated soil which requires treatment by thermal
destruction. This is to be accomplished by separation of the clay, fine silt, and
organic matter which are the soil constituents expected to contain most of the
hazardous waste contamination.
In Phase I, determination will be made of the portion of hazardous waste
carried by the finer constituents and organic matter. Techniques will be
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developed for the removal of soil constituents which adhere to the larger
particle size constituents by "scrubbing" with fine mesh adsorbents. Pre-
liminary engineering approaches and costs for segregation will be established.
If this approach proves promising, Phase II will be an engineering study and
appropriate trials of means to effect separation of the contaminated portion of
the soil. This will be followed by trial burns or thermal destruction of the
segregated portion of the soil.
Topic VI—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers
Exposed to Hazardous Solid Wastes
18. Feasibility of In-situ Biodegradation of Chlorinated Ethenes in
Contaminated Aquifers
Cambridge Analytical Associates, Inc.
1106 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Samuel Fogel, Principal Investigator
Martin H. Wolf, President
Region I
Amount: $35,620
The chlorinated ethenes, vinyl chloride, vinylidine chloride, trichloroethyl-
ene, and tetrachloroethylene have been detected in ground water throughout
the United States. Vinyl chloride and vinylidine chloride originate from
industrial waste disposal sites as waste products of plastic manufacturing, and
trichloroethylene is widely used as an industrial solvent. Since these
compounds are highly toxic, it is necessary to develop methods for their
removal from contaminated drinking water aquifers. The contamination
caused by these compounds is frequently extensive and therefore not able to be
treated cost-effectively by existing technologies. The investigators propose to
evaluate the feasibility of in-situ biological treatment of these contaminated
aquifers. They have identified three microbiological processes which have a
high probability of achieving the complete biodegradation of chlorinated
ethenes and propose to demonstrate this using 14C labeled vinyl chloride and
14° trichloroethylene. Two types of microorganisms, aerobic and anaerobic,
will be isolated from sediments taken from a discharge area of a contaminated
aquifer. Test compounds at concentrations from 10 to 1000 j/g/1 will be
incubated individually with aerobic and anaerobic organisms and with a
sequential combination of those cultures. Chemical intermediates will be
identified by GC and GC/MS, and 14CH4 and 14CO2 will be measured by liquid
scintillation counting. The results should enable the design of specific aquifer
restoration plans in which the subsurface environment is modified to create a
microbiological barrier across the path of an approaching contaminant plume.
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Topic VII—Detoxification, Solidification, or Other
Methods for Fixing Organic Chemical Wastes
19. Controlled Solidification of Hazardous Organic Wastes with
Recovery of Recyclable Components
Chemical and Metal industries, Inc.
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
David E. Hyatt, Principal Investigator
Richard L. Angstadt, President
Region VIII
Amount: $34,634
Present technology for solvent recovery and recycle or for the solidification of
hazardous liquid organic waste cannot be applied to all waste streams.
Materials containing corrosive, highly reactive, or acidic components are not
compatible with the distillation/separation equipment of solvent recovery
operations. Nor are these materials or those with highly toxic and/or corrosive
vapor constituents (chlorocarbons, hydrogen fluoride, metal halides) suited to
open trench mixing with solidifying reagent or to direct incineration.
The proposed research (Phase I) investigates the technical feasibility of
neutralizing, detoxifying, and solidifying hazardous liquid organic waste in a
closed containment system. The key component of the operating system is a
twin screw, continuous mixer-extruder. This unit performs high shear mixing
of liquid waste with neutralizing/solidifying reagents under temperature
controlled and vapor contained conditions allowing recovery of volatile
components for recycle.
A screening matrix will be developed to determine the amount of reagents
and the conditions to be employed for each waste candidate. Testing will
generate data on the chemical and physical aspects of solidification, on the
safety aspects of hazardous component handling during processing, on the
chemical and physical properties of the solidified waste, on recovery of volatile
organic components, and on other pertinent scale-up factors for the definition
of the Phase 11 effort.
20. Composting as a Waste Management Alternative for Organic
Chemical Waste
Cal Recovery Systems, Inc.
160 Broadway, Suite 200
Richmond, CA 94804
Clarence G. Golueke, Principal Investigator
George M. Savage, Vice President
Region IX
Amount: $35,620
The research will investigate the technical, economic, and environmental
feasibility of utilizing composting as an alternative waste management practice
for treating, detoxifying, and biostabilizing organic chemical wastes. Selected
biodegradable hazardous wastes will be subjected to the compost process to
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ascertain the degree of detoxification and the responsible microorganism.
Conceptual design of representative hazardous waste composting operations
will be prepared based upon the results of the research. Lifecycle economics
will be prepared in order to establish the competitive position of composting
with contemporary treatment and disposal methods, i.e., landfill, incineration,
and on-site dedicated containment.
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III. Abstracts of Phase II Awards
SBIR-1984
Topic I—Multimedia {Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution
Control Processes
21. Production of an Industrial Thermosetting Resin from Whey
and Whey By-Products
Chemical Process Corporation
1741 South 14th Street
Milwaukee, Wl 53304
Tito Viswanathan, Principal Investigator
Donald H. Westerman, President
Region V
Amount: $100,000
In Phase I of this project, Maillard and Carmelization reactions associated
with the thermal polymerization of lactose in whey were exploited to convert
the solids in whey permeate (deproteinized whey) into a ihermosetting resin
which proved to be an excellent adhesive for binding wood particles. By the
addition of condensing agents such as urea and phenol, concentrated (65 to
75% solids) resin solutions of variable viscosity and pH could be obtained. A
mixture of wood particles with resin and low concentrations of a polyf unctional
cross linker gave quality boards in the 55-60 Ibs/ft3 range when subjected to a
press temperature of 185°C and 500 psi and press time of seven minutes.
The confirmed limited involvement of hydroxyrnethyl furfural (HMF) and
levulinic acid in the reaction mechanism allowed the research effort to be
directed toward other areas. The preliminary effective use and documentation
of directed Maillard reactions along with urea and phenol-condensing agents
without formaldehyde prompted additional research in selecting more effective
catalysts and cross linking agents.
Relating the quantitative properties of the adhesive to its specific chemical
composition and process for manufacture will constitute a major portion of the
early research in Phase II. The impact of additional poly-functional cross linking
agents or physical properties of finished boards and resins will be evaluated.
Reaction kinetics will be measured to optimize the production of the desired
polymer while simultaneously minimizing the undesirable byproducts. Appro-
priately compounded resin will be dried and used in the production of board
with limited evaluation as a molding resin.
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22. Research on Slag Steam Generator
Richard Jabtin & Associates, Inc.
2500 West Club Boulevard
Durham, NC 27705
Richard Jablin, Principal Investigator
Richard Jablin, President
Region IV
Amount: $100,000
A Slag Steam Generator (SSG) has operated continuously for four months on
molten slag from an ironmaking cupola. It proved that it can recover the thermal
energy in the slag and do so with a minimum emission to air and water. It
eventually failed due to thermal fatigue of the cooling surface.
The Phase I research study, which attempted to overcome the fatigue
problem, was successfully completed, indicating that future units of the SSG
may be build without incurring fatigue. The study presented an engineering
analysis of the thermal stress conditions and the construction details which are
required to deal with them. It also covered the safety features which would
automatically guard against equipment failure that might result from an upset
in operating conditions.
Estimates were made of installation costs for equipment as well as for
operating revenues resulting from its operation. An analysis of these costs and
revenues indicated that, in addition to eliminating air and water pollution, the
SSG can provide a rapid return on investment as a result of the recovery of
thermal energy, the production of an improved slag product, and the
improvement of handling of the slag.
The first step in Phase II is to perform laboratory experiments on the most
critical element of the process, which is the cooling drum. Technical
computation and data have determined that this component will operate
satisfactorily in the full-scale unit. However, in order to provide additional
assurance, testing it in the laboratory is proposed.
The next step is to conduct market research into the application of the SSG in
five steel companies. This investigation will determine the capacity of the SSG,
the current environmental problems resulting from slag emissions, the value of
the steam, and the value of the slag. Subsequently, a preliminary analysis will
be made using the data obtained to determine which of the potential
candidates would profit most in terms of reductions in environmental pollution
and improvement in operating revenues. Additional engineering analysis will
be conducted for the two most promising candidates. This analysis will
determine details of the operating site and will involve the preparation of
drawings and cost estimates for providing and installing the process.
The final step will be the preparation of a cash flow analysis for presentation
to the operating companies, with the intention of selling them full-scale
operating units.
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23. Sludge Reclamation Using Coupled-Transport Membranes
Bend Research, Inc.
64550 Research Road
Bend, OR 97701-8599
David R. Kamperman, Principal Investigator
Harold K. Lonsdale, President
Region X
Amount: $99,761
In 1980 the metals and electronics industries generated over 7 million tons
of hazardous waste at a cost of $100 to $400/ton. These sludges, which
contain substantial amounts of mixed heavy metals, present a serious disposal
problem and represent a waste of natural resources. The intrinsic value of
metals such as nickel, chromium, and copper contained in these sludges is
high, providing a significant incentive for their recovery.
During the Phase I program, actual sludge samples from a large chrome-
plating shop were used to successfully demonstrate the use of coupled-
transport membranes for the separation of chromium and copper. After
dissolving the sludge, a copper-selective membrane was used to separate
copper in the form of a copper sulfate concentrate. Copper having a purity of
99.99% was obtained from this concentrate by electrolysis. Trivalent chromium
was electrolytically oxidized to hexavalent chromium, and a coupled-transport
membrane was used to produce a pure sodium chromate concentrate. A
synthetic sludge solution was used to demonstrate the electrolytic recovery of
nickel following the removal of zinc impurities using coupled-transport
membranes.
Based on these preliminary studies, process economics appear favorable,
with an estimated return on investment in capital equipment of 27% based on
the value of the metals recovered and the decreased sludge disposal costs.
Efforts during the Phase II program will focus on increasing metal-ion fluxes
through the coupled-transport membrane and increasing the current efficiency
of the chromium oxidation process. An integrated, bench-scale unit will be
constructed that will allow the various recovery steps to operate simul-
taneously. A detailed economic analysis will be performed from data collected
from the operation of this system.
24. Recycling of Dust from Electric Arc Furnaces
PEI Associates, Inc.
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246
William F. Kemner, Principal Investigator
George A. Jutze, President
Region V
Amount: $100,000
The major shortcomings of the various processes suggested for recycling
metallurgical dust have been the high capital cost of the equipment and the
need for large quantities of dust for the processes to be economical. Electric arc
furnace dust is not amenable to these processes because it is generated in
small quantities at a large number of locations, distant from industrial centers
where regional recycling might occur. Furthermore, electric arc furnace dust is
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listed as a hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency because
of the teachability of heavy metals.
A trial of greenballing and recycling of the dust at a commercial steel plant
will be conducted to investigate the three critical issues identified in the Phase I
research. These issues are the fate of zinc and other volatile elements in the
dust, the electrical energy consumption in the furnace during recycling, and
the economics of recycling.
Topic II—Volatile Organic Compound Conversion to
Non-Reactive, Non-Toxic Compounds
25. Novel Processes for Control of Volatile Organic Compound
Emissions
Merix Corporation
192 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02181
Thomas W. Mix, Principal Investigator
Thomas W. Mix, President
Region I
Amount: $100,000
A new scrubbing process with application to volatile organic compound
(VOC) and odor control and acid gas scrubbing, the feasibility of which gas
demonstrated in Phase I, is proposed for further development in a Phase II
follow-on leading to its commercialization. The process enables an order-of-
magnitude increase in the rate of liquid phase mass transfer for absoprtion of
reactive VOC and odorous compounds such as vinyl monomers, mercaptans,
sulfides, phenols, and amines. The process offers many other potential
advantages as well and has promise for many other applications, including H2S
scrubbing and flue gas desulfurization.
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IV. Abstracts of Phase I Awards
SBIR-1985
Topic I—Drinking Water Treatment, Disinfection, and
Distribution Contamination Control
26. Chemical/Radiation Well Treatment
George Alford and Bill Rogers
Ground Water Consultants
2301 Bryant Drive
East Point, GA 30344
George Alford, Principal Investigator
Bill Rogers, P.E., Associate
Region IV
Amount: $48,667
Iron and sulfur bacteria are principal causes of biofouling of well screens,
pumps, treatment and processing equipment, and, in extreme cases, distribu-
tion systems. Associated problems are high-pumping cost, rapid pump and
valve deterioration, corrosion of all ferrous material in contact with the water,
increased disease risk (shielding, nurturing media), and bad taste, odor, and
color.
The problem ranges from being merely a nuisance to eliminating the only
reasonable source of water in some areas, tt is world-wide but follows some
patterns of intensive contamination.
Treatment has been attempted for several hundred years, with varying
degrees of success. Generally, the common methods (chemical and mechan-
ical) are only effective for short periods when contamination is severe and
covers the area. Continuously trickling chlorine into the well or dosing each
pump cycle with chlorine tends to prolong the effective period of treatment but
is still not permanent in most severe cases.
A means is needed to sterilize the well and surrounding aquifer and to retard
bacterial growth or maintain the kill. Radiation offers the opportunity to achieve
both objectives safely. Sterilization can be accomplished at lower doses than
commonly used to preserve potatoes, fish, and grains. Existing techniques will
allow triple encapsulation of active materials, insuring no leaks, no contact
with the water or aquifer, and therefore, no radioactive matter outside the
shielded rod.
Lab facilities are in place at Georgia Tech for a test of sterilizing sewage
sludge.
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Topic II—Municipal and Industrial Wastewater
Treatment and Pollution Control
27. A Substitute for Chromic Acid Etching of Plastics for Plating
J. P. Laboratories, Inc.
212 Durham Avenue
P.O. Box 636
Metuchen, NJ 08840
G. N. Patel, Principal Investigator
G. N. Patel, President
Region II
Amount: $48,500
Chromic acid is used for etching plastics for electroplating and electro-
magnetic interference (EMI) shielding. More than a million pounds of chromic
acid is used every year in the United States for etching plastics. Hexavalent
chromium is highly toxic, requires expensive equipment for its recovery from
the wastewater and the sludge requires proper disposal. Plastic platers are
seeking a less hazardous and less expensive substitute for chromic acid.
A number of etching systems have been proposed in the literature but none
of them are being used because of their toxicity, f lammability, and high cost. A
new system is proposed for etching of plastics for plating. The system is the
least toxic possible and less expensive than others.
28. Biological Sequencing Batch Reactor Treatment of a Mixed
Municipal and Industrial Wastewater in an Egg-Shaped
Reactor
SBR Technologies, Inc.
15631 SpringmiU Drive
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Lloyd H. Ketchum, Jr., Principal Investigator
Robert L. Irving, Corporate Official
Region V
Amount: $48,500
Operating strategies have been developed for biological Sequencing Batch
Reactor (S8R) treatment of both municipal wastes (i.e., low-strength wastes)
and industrial wastes (i.e., high-strength wastes containing difficult to degrade
organ ics). SBR systems should also offer advantages for biological treatment of
mixed municipal and industrial wastewaters that are relatively low strength,
but contain inorganics and hard to degrade hazardous organics. Engineering a
reactor to accomplish biological treatment of such wastewaters is important
and is the focus of the proposed studies. Low-strength wastewater treatment
typically requires maintaining small quantities of sludge in the reactor to
facilitate removal of treated effluent, and to hold hydraulic retention times low
(i.e., small reactor size). However, when biological treatment of hard-to-
degrade and toxfc organics is attempted, quantities of sludge held in the reactor
must be large enough to maintain sufficient numbers of organisms acclimated
to biological degradation of those organics. The egg-shaped reactor, which has
been widely used in Germany and recently introduced in the United States for
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anaerobic sludge digestion, appears to be well suited for biological SBR
treatment of these mixed wastewaters. The proposed studies are directed at
the process development and engineering design of an egg-shaped SBR
system for treatment of mixed municipal and industrial wastewaters.
29. Pulsed Air Biological Fixed Film Treatment
Process Dynamics Incorporated
119 West 8th Street
P.O. Box 3007
Jacksonville, FL 32206
Harry Pepper III, Principal Investigator/President
Harry Pepper, Jr., Co-Principal Investigator/Vice President
Region IV
Amount: $48,219
A high rate downflow sparged biological fixed film reactor design has been
proposed. This system offers an improvement over previous designs in that
instead of constant air sparging, the air sparging to the packed seed is pulsed to
offer more efficient oxygen utilization. Another improvement is that because of
the pulsing air, the air header supply can be located below the media to permit
full use of the media capacity for biological oxidation and filtration. This
automated high rate system provides secondary treatment at loading at least
five times that of activated sludge, and no clarifiers are necessary.
An 8-10 gpm automated pilot plant has been fabricated to test the air fixed
film design. The pilot plant contains two cells. One cell will contain a volcanic
ash media and the other activated carbon. The media effective size is about 3.5
mm. Activated carbon will be investigated because of its potential for use in the
biological degradation of industrial or hazardous wastes. The treatment
performance and oxygen utilization efficiency will be compared for the two
media.
The system performance and oxygen transfer efficiency will be evaluated by
treating primary effluent wastewater at a municipal facility. The air sparge rate
and pulsing time interval will be varied and the level of improvement in oxygen
transfer efficiency and effect on treatment performance will be observed.
Influent and effluent TCOD, SCOD, TSS and turbidity measurements will be
used to define treatment performance. Reactor dissolved oxygen measure-
ments and off-gas analyses will be made to evaluate the oxygen transfer
efficiency at each air rate and pulse interval.
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Topic III—Biological Sludge Treatment for Improved
Handling and Disposal
30. Detoxification of Sludge Using Aerobic Thermophilic
Digestion with Air Aeration: Pilot Plant Analysis
Microgen Corporation
218 Cayuga Heights Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
William J. Jewell, Principal Investigator
William J. Jewell, President
Region II
Amount: $48,667
Pathogens, toxic metals, and toxic organics occur at low concentrations in
municipal wastewaters, but many of these materials are concentrated
thousands of times in the resulting primary and secondary biological sludges. A
review of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) "safe sludge"
designation for use in food production shows that nearly half of all sludges
generated cannot be defined as "safe," thus eliminating the cost-effective
ultimate disposal alternative of land application. A process that could eliminate
the toxic constituents of sludge would be of benefit to many municipalities and
industries.
Previous research has developed a process that promises to be capable of
detoxifying sewage sludge in a cost-effective manner. This project outlines the
next phase that is needed to bridge research information with commercial
application.
Aerobic digestion with unique highly efficient self-aspirating aerators was
shown to be capable of autoheating sludges to pasteurization temperatures
(50°C+) by Jewell in a full scale facility in 1979. Further development showed
that modifications to the process have the potential of removing pathogens,
toxic metals, and possibly toxic organics in a cost-effective, simple process.
Autoheating slurry temperatures can easily achieve 60°C with most sludges
without heat energy additions (higher temperatures would be possible with
heat exchangers), thus killing all pathogens. Manipulation of the pH in these
hot aerobic slurries showed that greater than 80% of most toxic metals could be
rapidly solubilized (in less than 3 hours). Although not tested, aeration at these
temperatures would be likely to result in volatilization of some toxic organics.
Finally, it was shown that the process could also be applied to anaerobically
digested sludge. This latter application is important not only because of the
large installed digestion capacity, but short term aeration (6 hours) of
anaerobically digested sludge results in rapid temperature increases, and
significantly increased settleability and dewatering characteristics, thus
achieving up to 50% volume reduction. Thus a hypothetical system with
hydraulic retention time of less than 24 hours should be capable not only of
substantially reducing sludge volumes but also of producing sludge that would
meet EPA's "safe" designation for virtually all organic sludges either as an
add-on process or as a new installation.
This study will examine the impact of the unique self-aspirating aerators on
the settleability, dewaterability, autoheating, and metal removal characteristics
of anaerobically digested sewage sludge in a 28 m3full scale unit located at the
Binghamton, New York, sewage treatment facility (a 190 million l/d capacity
plant). Three other sludges representing a wide range of contaminants, will be
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trucked to this facility and used in short term batch tests. The results of these
trials will be used to estimate design requirements and to estimate the
feasibility of the process.
31. Development of Chemical Fixation Process to PFRP
Classification for Municipal Sludge Treatment—Enabling the
Reuse of the Resulting Product
Chemfix Technologies, Inc.
1675 Airline Highway
P.O. Box 1572
Kenner, LA 70063
Peter P. Meehan, Jr., Principal Investigator
D. N. Silverman, III, President
Region VI
Amount: $48,667
Safe treatment and utilization of municipal wastewater sludges is a topic of
significant concern. There is definite need for the development of a treatment
process which does all of the following:
• Conforms to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements for a
"Process to Further Reduce Pathogens."
• Creates a product not subject to reinfection.
• Produces a material suitable for beneficial use.
• Is economical to utilize.
• Produces a non-toxic product.
This research will afford such a treatment. It is based on the patented
CHEMFIX® process and utilized and expands upon the chemistry intrinsic to
the process.
Pathogenic organisms will be inactivated by high pH and ammonia
disinfection. Metals will be immobilized through chemical reduction or soil
absorption.
Chemical tests will compare the product with agricultural lime and fertilizer
parameters to establish the economic value of the product in agriculture.
Physical testing will indicate viability of the product for landfill cover, road base
material or building, soil amender, or slope stabilizer.
32. Improved Performance of Anaerobic Digesters
Engineering Resources
1400 Kings Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701
James L Gaddy, Principal Investigator
Stephen S. Adams, Vice President
Region VI
Amount: $48,609
The objectives of this research are threefold: (1) to develop techniques for
rapid start-up of anaerobic digesters; (2) to develop procedures for rapid
recovery of upset digesters which have been shocked by overloading, toxic
substances, or pH depression problems; and (3) to increase the overall kinetics
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of anaerobic digestion. Reaction kinetics may be improved by enhancing the
growth of methanogenic bacteria in the culture. This is accomplished through
the addition of selected organic nutrients and by making nutrients more
available to the methanogens in the digesters by the addition of chelating
agents. Start-up and recovery times may be shortened by the addition of large
numbers of pure culture methanogens. This method reduces the time spent
waiting for sufficient methanogenic growth to develop and permits steady high
rate digestion.
The commercial impact of smoother start-ups, quick response to upsets, and
improved overall kinetics will be manifested in improved economics for
anaerobic digestion. Improved economics will stimulate the interest of the
private sector in utilizing anaerobic digestion as both a waste treatment
process and a technique for energy recovery from waste materials.
33. Effect of Mobile Dewatering of Septage Sludges on STP
Outflows as Well as on Residential Septic System Leaching
Fields
Waste Process Technology
50 Fairmount Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Kenneth J. MacLean, Principal Investigator
Kenneth J. MacLean, Executive Director
Region I
Amount: $48,470
Studies indicate that straight septage introduction to activated sludge plants
causes shock loading and subsequent violation of effluent permit standards.
This project intends to evaluate dewatering of sludge by the use of wire cloth
screening to determine if the dewatered sludge meets landfill acceptability
standards. It intends also to determine if the return of the filtrate to the septic
tank of origin or another septic tank impairs the function of leaching fields or if
potential pathogen transfer from one tank to another creates a public health
risk.
This study will pilot test filtration of septage with a subsequent physical and
chemical analysis of the sludge and filtrate. Existing data will be evaluated to
assess the impact of filtrate on the function of the leaching field in addition to
the reduction of the resting period. Various chemicals and polymers will be
evaluated for effectiveness in the straining of septage. The technologies in
question are (1) mobile vacuum filters and (2) mobile micro screens. This will
also include an economic analysis. It is expected that this technology will
improve the outflow characteristics of STP's of design flows <5 mgd by
removing the shock load to septage from the headworks. Vacuum filtration at
the plants should improve, and filtrate should contain lower BOD, TSS, and
VSS. In addition, it is expected that this technology will have no adverse impact
on the leaching characteristics of residential septic systems and will actually
increase the pumping frequency due to the cost savings to the homeowner.
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Topic IV—Solid and Hazardous Waste Disposal and
Pollution Control
34. Recovery of Arsenic, Antimony, Chlorocarbons from Spent
Fluorocarbon Catalyst
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
David E. Hyatt, Principal Investigator
Richard L. Angstadt, President
Region VIII
Amount: $46,984
In November of 1984 the President signed into law a set of far-reaching
amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. Under
the new law, land disposal of all hazardous wastes is to be banned over the next
five years. Waste reduction, recycle, and incineration are emphasized.
Particularly targeted are waste streams containing halogenated solvents and
arsenic due to the threats these materials pose to human health and to the
environment. Present technology for recovery and recycle or for the incinera-
tion of hazardous halogenated organic wastes cannot be applied to all such
materials. Streams which contain complex azeotropic mixtures or are corrosive,
highly reactive, or acidic are not compatible with current distillation/separation
or incineration equipment.
The spent catalyst from fluorocarbon manufacturing processes is an
excellent example of a hazardous and toxic waste stream which will be
targeted early by the new Act and for which current disposal technology is
inadequate. The proposed research (Phase I) investigates the technical
feasibility of recovering arsenic, antimony, and chlorocarbons from spent
fluorocarbon catalyst with almost total recycle or reuse of the metal values and
recycle or incineration of the halocarbons. Final solid waste products of the
process will be minimal and nonhazardous,
35. Reclamation and Reuse of Chemical Values from Municipal
Sludge Solids
John Brown Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 145
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Herbert S. Skovronek, Principal Investigator
John A. Brown, President
Region II
Amount: $42,034
Municipal waste treatment produces sludges rich in complex organic
chemicals that should be considered as a chemical raw material and resource
analogous to wood pulp, agricultural wastes, or petroleum. Current disposal
practices of landfilling, ocean disposal and even incineration disregard these
values and at best recover energy (and possibly metals).
It is proposed to carry out several classical chemical operations, such as
acetylation, carboxymethylation, nitration, etc., on samples of municipal
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sludges, emphasizing the cellulosic nature of the sludges. The goal will be to
produce and isolate derivatives that can be compared to existing products now
manufactured from virgin materials (e.g., cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl
cellulose, nitrocellulose). In addition, recognizing that sludge is a complex
mixture, solubilization processes, such as xanthatin or treatment with
cuprammonium hydroxide, will be explored as a means of isolating a pure
cellulose. Product evaluation will be carried out to the extent of demonstrating
that usable fibers, films, etc., can be produced.
In addition, an integral part of the project will be an evaluation of the new
wastes that would be generated and a preliminary judgment of whether such
processing offers environmental benefits.
36. Photolytic Detoxification Concept
W. J. Schafer Associates, Inc.
Corporate Place 128, Building 2, Suite 300
Wakefield, MA 01880
Douglas G. Youmans, Principal Investigator
Patricia A. Buckley, Contract Administrator
Region I
Amount: $48,601
Use of a pulsed ultraviolet radiation is proposed as a means to detoxify
equipment used in the preparation of toxic chemical compounds. The radiation
will serve to both vaporize material adhering to the surface as well as to bring
about photolytic destruction. This combination of effect is projected to provide a
dry cleaning concept where the toxic material and its byproducts {potentially
toxic) can be concentrated in a chemical trap rather than being diluted in a
liquid phase solvent. This concentration feature thus provides a small volume
of material for further processing (e.g., thermal decomposition) or storage. The
technology appears to offer a practical detoxification device which can be used
to detoxify equipment in situ or buildings and equipment that have been
contaminated by accident.
37. Landfill Leachate Control Treatment Via In Situ Flow
Modification
ENG, Inc.
1430 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Trevor P. Castor, Principal Investigator
Trevor P. Castor, President
Region I
Amount: $48,667
Recent promising developments in the petroleum industry "Profile Modi-
fication Technology" (PMT) wilt be evaluated for their application to leaking
landfill sites. Profile flow modification treatments are used to increase flow
resistance in high permeability areas 75 feet to as much as 1000feet from the
injection wellbore. These treatments can withstand formation pressures and
temperatures up to 200°F. The treatment materials readily attach to reservoir
rock surfaces and then cross-link to plug the pores in permeable formations.
The prospect of sealing off large, highly permeable (leaking) areas in the bases
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of landfills is very appealing. However, several fundamental concerns must be
addressed before this process can be field tested and commercialized.
The most common concern with this technique is whether the material will
be resistant to the wastes stored in landfills. Other concerns include whether
the treatment can physically penetrate and then seal the leaking areas and can
be applied efficiently enough to be an economic alternative to competing
remedial measures.
These issues will be evaluated to determine possible application of existing
in-situ gel materials considering their compatibility with representative
hazardous wastes. The mechanisms responsible for unsatisfactory in-situ gel
performance will be identified and improvement recommended. Also the flow
behavior of these materials will be examined in a simulated landfill environ-
ment to determine whether this new geological setting poses significant
problems for the application of PMT to landfill leachate control.
38. Enhanced Thermal Destruction of Hazardous Wastes Utilizing
Microwave Techniques
Fossil Energy Research Corporation
23342 South Point, Suite C
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Richard E. Thompson, Principal Investigator
Richard E. Thompson, Corporate Official
Region IX
Amount: $48,667
The project will examine the technical feasibility of enhancing the thermal
destruction of hazardous waste sludges, tars, and watery wastes by improving
the dispersion and burnout of these materials in incinerators and other
combustion equipment. The primary focus will be on the evaluation of
proprietary microwave techniques, singly or potentially in combination with
proprietary additive materials. The objectives are to achieve increased thermal
destruction efficiency, improved combustion stability, reduced auxiliary fuel
use (if any), and an ability to destroy a wider range of hazardous wastes.
Preliminary performance and cost comparisons will be made with conventional
techniques including an evaluation of recent European technology.
39. Development of an Automated Geophysical Ground Water
Quality Monitoring System for Use at Toxic and Hazardous
Waste Disposal Sites or Other Sites Where There Are
Contaminants
IEG Limited
2340 Kohler Drive
Boulder, CO 80303
Scott E. Hulse, Principal Engineer
Scott E. Hulse, President
Region VIII
Amount: $48,624
A permanently installed ground-water quality monitoring system that uses
several kinds of electrical geophysical measurements and advanced analytical
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procedures to sense contaminant escape and ground-water contamination has
been designed for use in conjunction with observation wells at industrial and
municipal solid and liquid waste disposal sites, brine ponds near oil fields,
industrial process water containment facilities, mineral processing and
leaching facilities and mines where there is acid drainage. The system will be
useful for detecting effects of some inorganic and possibly some organic
substances; however, site-specific physical property characteristics must be
used to optimize system operation at a particular facility. The automated
system will include instrumentation and software that controls data acquisi-
tion, data processing, archival function, data communications and preparation
of periodic data reports. The system will provide site managers with information
that can be used in conjunction with data from complementary systems to
assure compliance with environmental regulations and should make overall
operation more cost-effective.
40. Metal Value Recovery from Alloy Chemical Milting Waste
Montana Environmet, Inc.
54 Apple Orchard Road
Butte, MT 59701
L. G. Twidwell, Principal Investigator
L. G. Twidwell, Corporate Official
Region VIM
Amount: $47,811
A proposal is presented outlining a research study directed toward treatment
of chemical milling waste for recovery of cobalt, chromium, and nickel. The
application of a new technology is proposed that is selective and cost effective
for recovery of these three elements. The process is one of solution purification
by selective phosphate precipitation. The precipitation is selective toward
trivalent cations over divalent cations; and importantly, the solid product is
readily filterable.
This proposed study is to be a continuation of present studies that have
demonstrated selective recovery of iron and chromium from a number of
divalent cations; Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd. The emphasis of the study will be on the
selective separation of cobalt and nickel. Preliminary testwork has demon-
strated that cobaltic phosphate precipitation produces a Co/Ni ratio of over 10;
whereas commercial precipitation processes presently produce Co/Ni ratios of
1.5-3. A feature of utmost importance is that the precipitated phosphate
products are readily filterable. Preliminary experimental results and photo-
micrographs of precipitated phosphate products are presented in the Phase II
proposal.
At present, chemical milling sludge waste materials are disposed of in
hazardous waste landfills. If this new precipitation technology can be shown to
be successful, then disposal of a toxic waste and recovery of critical and
strategic metals may potentially be accomplished.
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Topic V—Environmental Monitoring Instrumentation
41. Development of Commercially Available Instrumentation for
Monitoring Indoor Radon Progeny
Sun Nuclear Corporation
415-C Pineda Court
Melbourne, FL 32940
Joel M. Siegel, Principal Investigator
Thomas L. Powers, President
Region IV
Amount $47,208
Radon daughters in indoor air represent a greater radiological hazard to the
population than any other naturally occurring or man-made radiation source. A
system to detect the alpha particles emitted by these radiologically active radon
daughters is proposed. A key element of this work is to provide a suitable
calibration between detected alpha energy and indoor radiological hazard. The
instrumentation design and development effort will be directed so as to insure
that the predicted accuracy will be achieved.
The ultimate goal of this proposal is to develop commercially available and
easily used instrumentation for the monitoring of indoor working levels of
radon. The scope of Phase I is to establish "breadboard" and working
prototypes to prove the detector theory and define intensifier requirements.
Several instruments would be produced in Phase II and field testing of both the
instrumentation and the derived calibration algorithms would be undertaken.
The entire project envisions two instruments, the first designed for ease of
operation by governmental and institutional users, and the second, intended
for permanent installation in high risk structures and dwellings.
42. An Optical Particle and Flux Monitor for Stack Emissions
Spectron Development Laboratories, Inc.
3303 Harbor Boulevard, Suite G3
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1579
Cecil F. Hess, Principal Investigator
Chris W. Busch, President
Region IX
Amount: $48,665
The presence of solid particulates entrained in the air can be detected by
measuring their scattered light and the overall light extinction. Very sensitive
extinction measurements can be performed with transmissometry. Among the
most promising and simple transmissometers are the Maximum Turbidity
Method, the Dispersion Quotient Method, and the Two-Color Transmissometer.
For reasonably clean air with slight dust contamination, more sensitivity can be
obtained by looking at the characteristics of the scattered light. A more
elaborate technique based on a pulse height analyzer combined with laser
Doppler Velocimetry will provide the size and velocity distribution of the
particulates entrained in the air.
It is the objective of this work to evaluate the above methods to establish their
sensitivity to size and concentration, their insensitivity to variations in index of
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ref faction, their insensitivity to the shape of the pa rticulates, and their potential
with simple white light sources. A method for prototype implementation will be
established.
43. Development of a Retrofit In-Situ Three Point Audit Device
for Testing of Linearity and Calibration of Commercially
Available In-Stack Transmissometers
Eastern Technical Associates
Box 58495
Raleigh, NC 27658
Thomas H. Rose, Principal Investigator
Thomas H. Rose, President
Region IV
Amount: $48,036
Commercially available in-stacktransmissometers for opacity measurement
presently have only the capability of a one point dynamic upscale check or no
dynamic upscale check during operation. In order to perform necessary multi-
point audits of linearity checks, the instrument must be removed from service
or at the least be manually fitted with an external audit device. This requires
access to the instrument often located at evaluated stack heights with poor
safety provisions. Thus, routine audits that should be performed are often not
performed, with the accompanying production of low quality data. This project
proposes to develop a retrofit dynamic audit/calibration device that will fit most
commercially available transmissometers capable of being remotely activated
to produce three up-scale points for audit, calibration, and diagnostic purposes.
The increased ease and safety in performing these audits will result in more
and better quality data from opacity monitors.
44. Supercritical Fluid Chromatographic Methods for
Non-Volatile Organic Compounds
Lee Scientific
379 North University, #104
Prove, UT 84601
Douglas Later, Principal Investigator
Lee R. Phillips, Contracts Officer/Legal Counsel
Region VIII
Amount: $48,639
Lee Scientific proposes to investigate and develop new and improved
instrumental methods for the analysis of non-volatile organic compounds in
complex environmental matrices by capillary column supercritical fluid
chromatography (SFC). Non-volatile compounds of specific interest include
heavy-molecular-weight, polar, and thermal-labile species which have proven
to be difficult or impossible to analyze by conventional GC and/or HPLC
methods. In Phase I of this work, the feasibility of analyzing selected non-
volatile compounds, both as standard compounds and as those found in the
presence of complex mixtures, by capillary column SFC will be demonstrated.
Experimenta I aspects of this phase of the study will include the investigation of
supercritical fluid mobile phase solubility effects and SFC detector sensitivity
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limitations. Subsequent phases of the investigation will concentrate on the
development of improved detection systems for SFC, binary pumping systems,
and new capillary column coatings optimized for specific compound classes
which are of interest to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
45. Development of a Highly Reliable Cost-Effective Continuous
Emission Monitor
ADA Technologies, Inc.
6973 South Andes Circle
Aurora, CO 80016
Michael D. Durham, Principal Investigator
Judith A. Armstrong, President
Region VIII
Amount: $48,667
The purpose of the proposed project is to provide a proof of concept
evaluation of an instrument capable of measuring NO, Oz, and S02 using UV
absorption and a photodiode array spectrophotometer. If successful, this
instrument would satisfy all the requirements of a continuous emission
monitoring system required by the Environmental Protection Agency. Since all
three gases would be measured with a single instrument with no moving parts,
it is believed that it would be less costly and more reliable than commercially
available instruments.
The Phase I testing will involve an evaluation of the concept in the laboratory
under simulated flue gas conditions. A commercially available photodiode
array spectrophotometer will be used in the initial phases of testing. The unit
will be modified using a quartz prism and optics to produce the spectra of
interest across the diode array. Testing will be performed to determine the
response of the instrument to the primary gases of interest. Potential
interference gases will then be introduced into the simulation gas stream. An
algorithm will then be derived to isolate and determine the concentration of the
three gases of interest and null out the effects of the interference gases.
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V. Abstracts of Phase II Awards
SBIR-1985
Topic I—Multimedia {Solid, Liquid, Gaseous) Pollution
Control Processes
46. Determination of Reaction Pathways and Energy Require-
ments in Laser Induced Photolysis of Chloro-Aromatics
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 215
1B Monsignor O'Brien Highway
East Cambridge, MA 02141
James E. Porter, Principal Investigator/President
Region I
Amount: $150,000
Among the chemical species often found contaminating our water bodies are
the chlorinated aromatic compounds. These compounds have managed to
contaminate natural water sources by several means including: the migration
of leachates from dumpsites into groundwaters; the drainage of agricultural
lands containing pesticides into surface waters; and through the chlorination
for disinfection of drinking and waste waters containing natural humic acids.
Chloroaromatics are relatively stable at ambient conditions and form a
predominant class of compounds on the list of priority pollutants.
Past research has shown that laser generated electromagnetic radiation will
stimulate the chemical reaction of Chloroaromatics when contained in low
concentrations in water. Further, the radiation is not absorbed by water
molecules, thus making the energy source highly specific. The source interacts
only with chloroaromatic molecules although one molecule in 100,000 may be
a chloroaromatic. The reaction pathways and products of the reaction are not
well defined, but preliminary results indicate dechlorination as a first reaction
step when oxygen is dissolved in the aqueous phase and a water insoluble
polymer is formed under anaerobic conditions. The proposed research is
designed to determine reaction pathways, products of reaction, and energy
requirements for several model compounds which may appear in reaction
sequences. A model of the chemical kinetics and energy absorption physics is
also proposed which will be validated experimentally during the course of this
research. The successful completion of this project will lead to the development
of criteria for the design of photochemical reaction systems for the detoxi-
fication and/or destruction of Chloroaromatics contained in waste waters.
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Topic II—Drinking Water and Wastewater Disinfection
Alternative to Chlorine
47. Research and Development of an Efficient Electrochemical
Generator for Ozone-Phase II
Electrochimica Corporation
20 Kelley Court
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Morris Eisenberg, Principal Investigator
Jack Bitter, Corporate Official
Region IX
Amount: $150,000
In Phase I, the value of a new approach towards electrochemical ozone
generation was demonstrated experimentally, by employment of oxygen-
reduction cathodes, to lower the overall operation cell voltage requirements by
1.0 -1.8 v. This provides a basis for substantial future increases of product yield
per unit energy consumed. Furthermore, elimination of conventional hydrogen-
producing cathodes is found to reduce some ozone product losses and to
increase the safety of the equipment by eliminating or reducing the possibility
of hydrogen-oxygen or hydrogen-ozone mixture.
After a review of the technical background and the key promising
experimental results, a detailed experimental work plan is presented for Phase
II covering a number of tasks such as optimization of the electrolyte, cell design
and its integration with refrigeration and the flow system, development of the
design for one domestic and one industrial ozone generator, and construction
and testing of one prototype. Finally, a commercialization program including a
market survey and an analysis task and business plan is presented.
Topic ///—Applied Biotechnology for Aerobic and
Anaerobic Wastewater
48. The Treatment of Selected Industrial Wastewaters with the
Biosorption Process
Aware Incorporated
621 Mainstream Drive
Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37228
Gregory W. Pulliam, Principal Investigator
James H. Clark, President
Region IV
Amount: $149,489
The Phase I study has shown that the biosorption process can remove more
than 90 percent of the soluble organics in a synthetic wastewater with a
contact time of 10 minutes, a sludge regeneration time of 2 hours, and a floe
loading of 100 mg COD/g VSS. It would be expected that different types of
industrial wastes would exhibit different rates of biosorption relative to the
composition of the waste.
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The objective of Phase II will be to screen several representative industrial
wastewaters using the methodology developed in Phase I. Industrial waste-
waters to be investigated include dairy products, food processing, tannery, and
organic chemicals. Bench-scale studies will be conducted to determine
biosorption kinetics, minimum sludge regeneration time, process oxygen
requirements, process performance vs. floe load, and aneraobic gas production
from waste sludge digestion. Preliminary capital and operating costs for the
biosorption process will be calculated for each industrial wastewater.
Topic IV—Decontamination of Soils and Aquifers
Exposed to Hazardous Solid Wastes
49. Biodegradation of Chlorinated Ethenes in Ground Water and
Wastewater by Methane-Utilizing Bacteria
Cambridge Analytical Associates, Inc.
1106 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Sam Fogel, Principal Investigator
Martin H. Wolf, President
Region I
Amount: $150,000
Chlorinated ethenes—vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, trichloroethylene,
and tetrachloroethylene have been detected in drinking water aquifers
throughout the United States. Their presence is of concern because they are
carcinogens as well as being highly toxic. Because these substances have been
disposed of for decades and are transported rapidly by ground water, the
contaminant plumes extend over large areas. These characteristics make in
situ biodegradation a potentially more cost-effective alternative than the
pumping of contaminated ground water to above-ground treatment.
Although the chlorinated ethenes have long been considered non-bio-
degradable, the Phase I research demonstrated that methane-utilizing bacteria
can readily degrade most of these substances. In Phase 11, in situ biodegradation
of chlorinated ethenes in ground water will be demonstrated by either naturally
occurring or injected methane-utilizing bacteria. This will be accomplished by
injecting methane, oxygen, mineral nutrients, and, if necessary, methane-
utilizing bacteria into a carefully selected contaminated aquifer under
controlled conditions. Since experimental verification of the concept of in situ
biodegradation has not been published in peer-reviewed journals, this work
will contribute to the understanding of this technique in general, as well as to
the restoration of aquifers contaminated with chlorinated ethenes.
In order to prevent further contamination of aquifers by chlorinated ethenes,
industrial waste streams containing these substances should be pre-treated.
This project proposes to design and test a biological reactor implementing
methane-utilizing organisms to degrade chlorinated hydrocarbons in these
concentrated sources.
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Topic V—Detoxification, Solidification, and Other
Methods for Fixing Organic Chemical Wastes
50. Controlled Solidification of Hazardous Organic Waste with
Recovery of Recyclable Components
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
David E. Hyatt, Principal Investigator
Richard L. Angstadt, Company Official
Region VIII
Amount: $150,000
Phase I research has demonstrated the feasibility of a process for the
treatment of hazardous, acid-forming liquid organic wastes in a contained
system that does not expose the workplace or the environment to toxic or
carcinogenic emissions. In Phase I, spent antimony fluorocarbon catalyst was
identified as an excellent example of an extremely hazardous, toxic, and
corrosive waste stream, but one with a high potential for the recovery of
valuable and recyclable chemicals. The process developed in Phase I coupled
with a proprietary extraction process developed by Chemical and Metal
Industries allows the recovery of antimony pentachloride for recycle to the
fluorocarbon industry and the recovery of halocarbons for either recycle or
destruction by incineration. The remaining waste, mostly arsenic trichloride, is
neutralized, fixed, and solidified. The final waste to be disposed of by landfill
would be only one-fifth of that using current disposal practice.
Value recovery (recycle of antimony pentachloride catalyst) made possible by
the Phase I process is estimated to yield a gross profit margin of $750,000
annually for a facility treating 1,250,000 pounds of spent catalyst per year
(present U.S. and Canadian generation rates). Current treatment and disposal
costs, including burial, for the same amount of spent catalyst is about
$525,000.
In Phase II, this project proposes to demonstrate the capability of operating
the process on a continuous basis in a closed system with total containment of
arsenic and carcinogenic halocarbons. Phase II will develop the engineering
data needed to construct a commercial facility and demonstrate the process to
the degree necessary to obtain outside support for such commercialization.
The amendments to RCRA, signed into law by the President in November 1984,
make this project both timely and urgent. The Environmental Protection
Agency has been mandated by the Congress to identify appropriate alter-
natives to land disposal, including treatment, recycling, and waste reduction,
within well-defined deadlines. The proposed process can be adapted to many of
the more hazardous and troublesome waste streams, that is, those containing
dissolved heavy metals and halocarbons.
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51. Pilot-Scale Oily Waste Composting Project
Cal Recovery Systems, Inc.
160 Broadway
Suite 200
Richmond, CA 94804
Clarence G. Golueke, Principal Investigator
George M. Savage, Corporate Official
Region IX
Amount: $149,969
The research will investigate the technical, economic, and environmental
feasibility of utilizing composting as an alternative waste management practice
for treating, detoxifying, and biostabilizing organic petroleum wastes. Refinery
oily wastes will be subjected to the compost process in a pilot reactor unit to
ascertain the degree of degradation of oil and grease. The performance of the
pilot reactor will be monitored over the course of the experimental period.
Various process parameters will be studied during the research, including
loading rate, moisture content of the composting mixture, rate of aeration, and
the use of inoculums isolated during the Phase I research effort. At the
completion of the composting experiments, an analysis of the economics and of
the environmental impacts of oily waste composting will be performed.
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Follow-On Funding Commitment
The SBIR program, in addition to funding high quality research, isdesignedto
provide incentives for the conversion of Federally sponsored research to
technological innovation in the private sector for its economic benefits to the
Nation. This research can serve as both a technical and pre-venture capital
base for ideas which may have commercial potential. Proposers are asked to
consider whether the research they are proposing to EPA also has commercial
possibilities either for the proposed application or as a base for other
applications. If it appears to have such potential, proposers are encouraged to
obtain a contingent commitment for non-SBIR, preferably private, follow-on
funding from a third party, to pursue further development after the govern-
ment-funded research phases. Government funding pays for research on
Federal objectives (Phases I and II); private funding pays for development on
commercial objectives (Phase III}.
The commitment for follow-on venture capital or other funding can be
obtained from a third party of the proposer's choice. The commitment normally
is contingent upon three factors: (1} the SBIR firm receiving a Phase II award;
(2) the research achieving certain technical objectives mutually agreed upon
between the small business and the provider of the follow-on capital; and (3)
the research not being bypassed in the marketplace during Phase II. A few
clearly defined and measurable objectives should be stated in the commitment
agreement at the threshold level that would justify private investment if those
technical objectives were achieved in Phase II. The objectives do not have to be
the same as those stated in the proposal, but they must be able to be
accomplished within the scope of the proposed government-funded research.
In order to be assured of an extra point of merit in the review process, a
signed contingent commitment between the small business and a third party of
its own choice is requested following submission of the Phase II proposal. The
commitment is optional but will receive extra consideration in the evaluation
process when other factors are of approximately equal merit which frequently
is the case. The maximum value in Phase II evaluation will be given for a signed
formal agreement with reasonable terms and funding equal to or in excess of
the Federal investment in Phase II.
The commitment may be in the form of venture capital, contract R&D, a joint
venture, and R&D limited partnership, or other agreement with a third party, or
a combination thereof. No amortization, repayment, or repurchase of com-
mitment funds may be included during the Phase II period of performance.
Phase III funding also may be advanced and invested during Phase II to
accelerate the research and development process.
Source of Funding—The commitment agreement may be from a financial
institution, such as a venture capital firm or a Small Business Investment
Company (SBIC), if the small firm wishes to pursue commercialization of any
resulting product itself. An alternative option is for the small business to obtain
a commitment from a manufacturer already in the field. This coupling would
utilize the small firm for the innovative R&D phase, and, through licensing or
technology acquisition by the larger firm, the know-how and capabilities of the
larger firm for production, marketing, and continuing financing in return for
Phase III funding and a royalty agreement. This coupling to a larger firm already
in the field may be one of the fastest, most capital-efficient, and lowest risk
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ways to bring new and innovative technology to the market place. Other
potential sources include joint ventures, R&D limited partnerships, a public
offering in process, state finance programs, or existing investors where the
probability of actual follow-on investment can be demonstrated.
Phase III also may involve Federal non-SBIR funded R&D or production
commitments with another Federal agency for potential products or processes
(resulting from the EPA funded research) intended for use by the United States
government.
Objectives of Follow-on Funding—-The use of the third party has a number of
objectives. These include (1) providing a more objective opinion of the market
potential of the research and technology because the third party must consider
a substantial potential investment and (2) creating strong incentives for private
investment in R&D, in technological innovation, and in small science/tech-
nology-based business. Each can be facilitated through the government front-
end funding of the highest risk area (research) which, if successful, should
lower the risk for follow-on private investors to pursue possible commercial-
ization.
The approach also provides a number of incentives for small science and
technology firms, and possibly for venture capital firms and large manu-
facturers interested in investment and technology acquisition as well. It
encourages further development of EPA funded research, the obtaining and
investing of venture capital, contract R&D, or equivalent funding and the
coupling of Federally supported research to the needs of U.S. small and large
industry. Where successful, the approach will increase the economic and
social benefits to the nation from Federal R&D.
The Commitment—"The Phase II follow-on funding commitment is due within
four months following the end of Phase I period of performance. It should be
submitted to the Program Manager, Small Business Innovation Research,
Office of Exploratory Research (RD-675), 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC
20460. This is to provide time for discussion with potential investors during
Phase I and actual negotiation following the availability of the Phase I final
report which can provide a better assessment of the technical feasibility of the
concept. The commitment agreement should state, on a contingent basis, that
the investor will provide venture capital or other funding for follow-on
development of the project immediately following the EPA-funded Phase II so
that the innovation process can continue without interruption toward
commercialization.
The agreement should set forth the specific amount of Phase III funds that
will be made available to the small firm contractor and indicate the dates the
funds will be made available. It also should contain a few specific technical
objectives, which, if achieved in Phase II, will make the commitment
exercisable by the small business. The terms cannot be contingent upon the
obtaining of a patent, due to the length of time this process requires. Further
information will be provided to Phase I awardees.
Rights in Data Developed Under SBIR
The contractor may retain rights in technical data, including software
developed under the EPA contract, except that the government shall have the
right to use such data for governmental purposes. The final technical report
delivered under the contract, including technical data, may be made available
to the public by the government except for that portion of the report containing
technical data properly identified and marked as set forth below. To the extent
permitted by law, the government will not release properly identified and
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marked technical data, such as data relating to an invention or software,
outside the government except for evaluation purposes for a period of two
years from the expiration of the contract without the approval of the contractor.
The contractor must properly identify such data and set it off on a separate page
in any submission to the Agency. Such data must be clearly labeled as
proprietary and marked with a legend similar to the following:
"The following is proprietary information which (name of contractor)
requests not be released to persons outside the government except for
purposes of evaluation, for a period of two years from the expiration of
contract No. ."
In addition to the rights vested in the government to use such technical data
during the two-year period mentioned above, the government shall retain a
royaltyfree, irrevocable, world-wide license to use the data after the conclusion
of the two-year period whether or not the contractor has sought or obtained
patent protection or claimed copyright protection.
Copyrights
The contractor normally may copyright and publish (consistent with
appropriate security considerations, if any) material developed with EPA
support. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency obtains royalty-free
license for the Federal government and requires that each publication contain
an appropriate acknowledgement and disclaimer statement.
Patents
Small business firms normally may retain the principal worldwide patent
rights to any invention made with EPA support. EPA receives a royalty-free
license for Federal government use, reserves the right to require the
patent holder to license others in certain circumstances, and requires that
anyone exclusively licensed to sell the invention in the United States must
normally manufacture it domestically. To the extent authorized by 35 U.S.C.
205, EPA will not make public any information disclosing an EPA-supported
invention for a two-year period to allow the contractor a reasonable time to
pursue a patent. Additional information may be obtained from the Office of the
General Counsel, LE-130, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
38
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Alphabetical List of Awardees
Page Number
ADA Technologies, Inc.
Judith A. Armstrong, President
6973 South Andes Circle
Aurora, CO 80016
(303) 699-9301 30
Aware, Inc.
James H. Clark, President
201 Summit View Drive, Suite 300
Brentwood, TN 37207
(615) 377-3600 9, 32
Bend Research, Inc.
Harold K. Lonsdale, President
64550 Research Road
Bend, OR 97701-8599
(503) 382-4100 2, 16
Bollyky Associates
L. Joseph Bollyky, President
83 Oakwood Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850 3
Cal Recovery Systems, Inc.
George M. Savage, Vice President
160 Broadway, Suite 200
Richmond, CA 94804
(415) 232-3066 12, 35
Cambridge Analytical Associates, Inc.
Martin H. Wolf, President
1106 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 232-2207 11, 33
Chemfix Technologies, Inc.
D. N. Silverman, III, President
1675 Airline Highway
P. O. Box 1572
Kenner, LA 70063
(504) 467-2800 .22
Chemical and Metal Industries, Inc.
Richard L. Angstadt, President
4701 Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80216
(303) 320-6151 12, 24, 34
39
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Chemical Process Corporation
Donald Westerman, President
4435 Cherokee Drive
Brookfield, Wl 53005 1,14
Chesner Engineering, P.C.
Warren H. Chesner, President
2171 Jericho Turnpike
Commack, NY 11725
(516)499-1085 10
Eastern Technical Associates
Thomas H. Rose, President
P. 0. Box 58495
Raleigh, NC 27658
(919) 834-2970 29
Electrochimica Corporation
Jack Bitter, Corporate Official
20 Kelly Court
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(41 5) 327-8600 8, 32
Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.
James H. Porter, President
P. 0. Box 215
1B Monsignor O'Brien Highway
E. Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 720-3800 7, 31
ENG, Inc.
Trevor P. Castor, President
1430 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-0360 25
Engineering Resources
Stephen S. Adams, Vice President
1400 Kings Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(501) 442-9448 22
Fossil Energy Research Corporation
Richard E. Thompson, Corporate Official
23342 South Point, Suite C
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(714) 859-4466 26
George Alford and Bill Rogers
Ground Water Consultants
Bill Rogers, P.E. Associate
2301 Bryant Drive
East Point, GA 30344
(404) 349-2413/(904) 252-3573 18
40
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IEG Limited
Scott E. Hulse, President
2340 Kohler Drive
Boulder, CO 80303
(303) 499-2693 26
International Hydronics Corporation
Robert B. Bruns, President
5 Crescent Avenue
P. O. Box 243
Rocky Hill, NJ 08553
(609) 921 -9216 10
J. P. Laboratories, Inc.
G. N. Patel, President
212 Durham Avenue
P. 0. Box 636
Metuchen, NJ 08840
(201) 549-5370 19
John Brown Associates, Inc.
John A. Brown, President
P. 0. Box 145
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
(201) 647-68907(919) 286-4693 24
Kenterprise Research, Inc.
James Keane, President
23 South Harlan Street
York, PA 17402 5
Lee Scientific
Lee R. Phillips, Contracts Officer
379 North University, #104
Provo, UT 84601
(801) 375-1119 29
Matrecon, Inc.
Henry E. Haxo, Jr., President
P. O. Box 24075
Oakland, CA 94623 4
Merix Corporation
Thomas W. Mix, President
192 Worcester Street
Wellesley, MA 02181 6, 8, 17
Microgen Corporation
William J. Jewell, President
218 Cayuga Heights Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-5560/256-4533 21
41
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Montana Envrronmet, Inc.
L. G. Twidwell, Corporate Official
54 Apple Orchard Road
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 494-5292/496-4208 27
PEDCo Environmental, Inc.—New PEI
George A. Jutze, President
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-0100 2
PEI Associates, Inc.—Formerly PEDCo
George A. Jutze, President
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246
(513) 782-4700 7, 16
Photox International
Robert W. Legan, President
5606 Long Creek
Houston, TX 77088 6
Process Dynamics, Inc.
Harry Pepper, III, President
119 West 8th Street
P. 0. Box 3007
Jacksonville, FL 32206 20
Richard Jablin and Associates, Inc.
Richard Jablin, President
2500 West Club Boulevard
Durham, NC 27705
(904) 356-3954 1,15
SBR Technologies, Inc.
Robert L Irving, Corporate Official
15631 Springmill Drive
Mishawaka, IN 46545
(219) 239-6306 19
Spectron Development Laboratories, Inc.
Chris W. Busch, President
3303 Harbor Boulevard, Suite G3
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1579
(714) 549-8477 28
Sun Nuclear Corporation
Thomas L. Powers, President
415-C Pineda Court
Melbourne, FL 32940
(305) 259-6862 28
W. J. Schafer Associates, Inc.
Patricia A. Buckley, Contract Administrator
Corporate Place 128, Building 2, Suite 300
Wakefield, MA 01880
(617) 246-0450 25
42
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Waste Process Technology
Kenneth J. MacLean, Executive Director
50 Fairmount Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
(617) 481-0652 23
Water Engineering & Technology, Inc.
P. 0. Box 1946
Fort Collins, CO 80522 4
43
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State Listing of Awardees
Page Number
Arkansas 22
California 4, 8, 12, 26, 28, 32, 35
Colorado 4, 12, 24, 26, 30, 34
Connecticut 3
Florida 20, 28
Georgia 18
Indiana 19
Louisiana 22
Massachusetts 6, 7, 8, 11, 17, 23, 25, 31, 33
Montana 27
New Jersey 10, 19, 24
New York 10, 21
North Carolina 1, 15, 29
Ohio 2, 7, 16
Oregon 2, 16
Pennsylvania , 5
Tennessee 9, 32
Texas 6
Utah 29
Wisconsin 1,14
44
-&U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:J986/644-l 16/20771
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