5 research outputs found
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Task 3 -- Pyrolysis of plastic waste. Semi-annual report, April 1--September 30, 1997
The Energy and Environmental Research Center is developing a technology for the thermal decomposition of high-organic-content, radionuclide-contaminated mixed wastes and spent (radioactive) ion-exchange resins from the nuclear power industry that will enable the separation and concentration of radionuclides as dry particulate solids and the generation of nonradioactive condensable and noncondensable gas products. Successful application of the technology will enable a significant volume reduction of radioactive waste and the production of an inexpensively disposable nonradioactive organic product. The project objective is to develop and demonstrate the commercial viability of a continuous thermal decomposition process that can fulfill the following requirements: separate radionuclides from radioactive waste streams containing a variety of types and levels of polymers, chlorinated species, and other organics, including rubber, oils, resins, and cellulosic-based materials; concentrate radionuclides in a homogeneous, dry particulate product that can be recovered, handled, and disposed of efficiently and safely; separate and recover any chlorine present (as PVC, chlorinated solvents, or inorganic chlorine) in the contaminated mixed-waste stream; and yield a nonradioactive, low-chlorine-content, condensable organic product that can be economically disposed. Progress is described
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Development of advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products
The current objective of the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) mild gasification project is to optimize reaction char and marketable liquids production on a 100-lb/hr scale using Wyodak subbituminous and Indiana No. 3 bituminous coals. Tests performed using the EERC 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) include a refractory-cure (Test P001), a test using petroleum coke (Test P002), and tests using Wyodak and Indiana coals. The reactor system used for the 11 PDU tests conducted to date consists of a spouted, fluid-bed carbonizer equipped with an on-line condensation train that yields three boiling point fractions of coal liquids ranging in volatility from about (77{degrees}--750{degrees}F) (25{degrees}--400{degrees}C). The September--December 1990 quarterly report described reaction conditions and the bulk of the analytical results for Tests P010 and P011. This report describes further P010 and P011 analytical work, including the generation of simulated distillation curves for liquid samples on the basis of sulfur content, using gas chromatography coupled with atomic emission detection (GC/AED) analysis. 13 figs., 3 tabs
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Task 5.10 -- Value-added coproducts. Semi-annual report, January 1--June 30, 1995
Research focused on end-use products is needed to integrate value-added coproducts with power generation and to reduce escalating waste disposal costs by developing profit centers from recycling. Substantial public benefits can be derived from by-products utilization through conservation of energy and resources, reduction in gaseous emissions, and prevention of solid waste pollution. Continued research on carbon products under the base Cooperative Agreement addresses the central question of whether uniquely cost-effective activated carbons can be produced by taking advantage of the inherently porous and reactive structure of low-rank coals (LRCs). Carbon products will be evaluated in reference to their potential use in air toxics control and other applications. The Energy and Environmental Research Center (EERC) designated value-added carbon as a product line, with the goal of developing superior carbon products at competitive prices for a range of applications, including SOx/NOx/air toxics adsorption, wastewater treatment, molecular sieves, catalyst supports, metallurgical and foundry carbons, and clean-burning solid fuels using EERC processes previously developed under the US Department of Energy (DOE) Mild Gasification program. The approach to be used in meeting specifications for marketable activated carbon products is to develop a fundamental understanding of the extent and quality of the porous surface needed to achieve rapid, high-capacity adsorption of pollutant gases or toxic metals and the processing conditions needed to transform coal and other raw materials into products possessing these superior properties
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Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products
Research continued on continuous mild gasification for the production of co-products. Work performed during the quarter included the refractory cure of the carbonizer, and then shakedown of the carbonizer, water quench system, and char removal system. Construction continued on the tar/oil quench system. Sulfur capture tests carried out at AMAX included iron oxide sorbent scouting studies. 3 tabs
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Development of an advanced, continuous mild gasification process for the production of co-products
The primary objective of the EERC/AMAX Mild Gasification project is to commercialize a process that will produce several value-added products from a high-sulfur midwestern bituminous or a low-sulfur subbituminous coal. Indiana No. 3 and Wyodak coals are being tested in a 100-lb/hr process development unit (PDU) that has undergone shakedown testing and is undergoing parametric testing. This unit will provide the engineering data for use in determining the technical and economic data required for the design of a commercial-scale mild gasification plant. This report discusses results of carbonizer tests, char upgrading and char separations. 12 figs., 16 tabs