Mineralization of TNT, RDX, and By-Products in an Anaerobic Granular Activated Carbon-Fluidized Bed Reactor
Abstract
A number of Army Ammunition Plants (AAPs) generate wastewater contaminated with 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and tetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) from loading, assembly, and packing of munitions, as well as washout or demilitarization operations. These wastewater streams are commonly referred to as pinkwater due to the characteristic color of the water. The current state-of-the-art for treatment of pinkwater is adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC). The use of GAC adsorption is both costly and generates a by-product (spent GAC), which is a hazardous waste. The goals of applying biological treatment using the Anaerobic GAC-fluidized bed reactor (GACFBR) were to reduce operating costs and eliminate the generation of the hazardous waste by-product. The objectives of the project were to evaluate the ability of Anaerobic GAC-FBR to treat pinkwater over a year s period, and determine the economics of treatment compared to adsorption using GAC. The GAC-FBR demonstration unit was manufactured by EFX1 specifically for this work. The system was tested hydraulically and electrically at EFX and then transported to McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (McAAP) for the demonstration. EFX personnel assisted in the installation and commissioning of the system at McAAP. EFX then trained McAAP personnel on normal monitoring, sampling and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities required, and provided continued technical and analytical support throughout the duration of the demonstration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA631323
Entities
People
- Kellena D. Daigle
- Robert L. Heine
- Scott F. Sullivan
- Stephen W. Maloney