Grantee Research Project Results
Recycle and Reuse of VOCs from Fugitive Emissions and Small Vent Streams
EPA Contract Number: 68D30132Title: Recycle and Reuse of VOCs from Fugitive Emissions and Small Vent Streams
Investigators: Wijmans, J. (Hans) G.
Small Business: Membrane Technology and Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1993 through March 1, 1994
Project Amount: $50,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1993) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air Quality and Air Toxics , SBIR - Air Pollution , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 included standards for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from equipment leaks (fugitive emissions) and from small vent streams. Such emissions are estimated to total 330 million kg/year; additional controls required by the new act are expected to cost industry almost $120 million/year for the next decade and beyond. Very small (1-3 scfm) membrane vapor separation systems will be a simple, energy- efficient method of VOC emissions control for many vent streams. Large cost savings could result since membrane systems recover the VOC as a condensed liquid, allowing recycling to the process.However, before membrane systems can be applied to these small streams, a significant modification to the technology is required. The membrane module design must be modified so that good separations can be achieved with gas streams 50 - 100 times smaller then the streams treated to date. In the Phase I program, the technical and economic feasibility of a system incorporating a new module design will be determined.
Supplemental Keywords:
RFA, Scientific Discipline, Economic, Social, & Behavioral Science Research Program, Air, Toxics, Sustainable Industry/Business, air toxics, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Sustainable Environment, Chemistry, HAPS, VOCs, Technology for Sustainable Environment, New/Innovative technologies, Engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Economics & Decision Making, Nitrogen Oxides, Nox, air pollutants, control, membrane separation system, nitrogren oxides (NOx), membrane technology , membrane-based, pollution control technologies, air pollution control, emissions, air pollution, Clean Air Act , fugitive emissions, emission controls, energy efficiency, recycling, Clean Air Act, pollutants, reuse, novel membrames, nitrogen oxides (Nox), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), pollution prevention, air emissions, membrane vapor separation systemProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Recycle and Reuse of VOCs from Fugitive Emissions and Small Vent StreamsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.