Development of a process for PCB removal from triaryl phosphate hydraulic fluids by vacuum distillation

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00111a012· OSTI ID:5034722

Longanbach, J R; Mink, W H

A method of separating PCBs (Aroclor 1242) from a triaryl phosphate ester based hydraulic fluid that yields a fluid suitable for reuse in an aluminum die casting foundry was identified in a laboratory study. Experiments were done to determine the separation efficiency and product qualities resulting from the use of vacuum, steam, and azeotropic distillation, solvent extraction, foam fractionation, filtration, and adsorption techniques. Vacuum distillation was found to remove over 98% of the PCBs with recoveries of fluid, containing less than 50 ppm PCBs, of 90% at 5 mmHg vacuum, and 85% at 30 mmHg vacuum. The PCBs (bp 225-365/sup 0/C) were distilled from the hydraulic fluid (bp>400/sup 0/C). The product met industry standards for acid number and viscosity required for reuse. The data needed to design a 5 gallon/min pilot plant for the vacuum distillation of PCBs from hydraulic fluid in storage at an aluminum die casting foundry were also obtained.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Lab., OH
• OSTI ID: 5034722
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 17:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
DISTILLATION
HYDRAULIC FLUIDS
PURIFICATION
CASTING
FOUNDRIES
PHOSPHORIC ACID ESTERS
PILOT PLANTS
VACUUM SYSTEMS
AROMATICS
ESTERS
FABRICATION
FLUIDS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WORKING FLUIDS
400105* - Separation Procedures