Demonstrating VOC capture efficiency using Permanent Total Enclosure technology: Common practices, challenges and rewards

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:351089

Bemi, D ^[1]; Pearson, E ^[2]

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1. Wolverine Massachusetts Corp., De Pere, WI (United States)
2. Environmental Science Services, Providence, RI (United States)

During the past decade, the Permanent Total Enclosure (PTE) has been gaining acceptance among flexographic printers and coaters, as a viable, cost effective means of demonstrating compliance with overall Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) control efficiency regulations. Throughout this period, industry has voiced a number of concerns regarding the implementation of PTE solutions. Many of these concerns, including control device upsizing requirements, operator safety and health issues, work area interference and onerous expense, have proven to be overstated and in some cases unwarranted. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first objective is to address some of the practical design considerations associated with the use of PTE technology. Secondly, the authors will review some of the more common misconceptions concerning PTE implementation. This paper will cover the following topics: a brief discussion of the EPA approved alternative methods for capture efficiency testing, a summary of the EPA criteria for achieving PTE status, a presentation of some of the misconceptions associated with PTE implementation, a discussion of practical PTE design issues, the presentation of a case study highlighting a typical application, and finally, a summary of the benefits of using a PTE. Finally, it should be noted that the scope of this paper will be limited to the discussion of walk in type PTE`s versus uninhabited PTE designs.

• OSTI ID: 351089
• Report Number(s): CONF-970677--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
COMPLIANCE
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL EQUIPMENT
VOLATILE MATTER
WASTE MANAGEMENT