Volatile Organic Carbon Emissions. Phase 2.
Abstract
Engineering studies evaluated bisulfite (HS03) absorbent solutions in a bench-scale absorption unit for the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the manufacture of multi-base propellent at Radford Army Ammunition Plant. An optimization study showed that a dual-column absorption system is required for the removal of solvent vapors: a recycle column containing 15 wt % (HS03) absorbent solution and a single-pass column using plant process water. The recycle column concentrated acetone to 1.6 wt % in the absorber bottoms, resulting in 40-85% solvent recovery by distillation; the single-pass column failed to concentrate ethanol sufficiently for recovery. The 15 wt % HS03 absorbent solution also destroyed both neat and vaporous nitroglycerin. Economic analyses of the proposed process designs for the multi-base propellant mixing process and forced air drying operations indicated HSO3 absorbent systems to be uneconomical. Therefore, alternative VOC abatement systems were cursorily evaluated, including glycols and sulfuric acid as absorbents, membrane technology, Ceilcote's VOC control system, and Union Carbide's PURASIV HR solvent recovery process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA183735
Entities
People
- C. A. Jake