Carbon adsorption recovers solvent, reduces emissions

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hazmat World; (United States)

OSTI ID:6209929

Gupta, V ^[1]

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1. 3M's Facilities Engineering and Real Estate Division, St. Paul, MN (United States)

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M; St. Paul, Minnesota) has realized both benefits through a sophisticated solvent recovery system at its Hutchinson, Minnesota, tape plant. The project was implemented under the company's campaign to reduce 1987-level chemical emissions 78 percent by 1992 and 90 percent by 1995, and eliminate emissions by 2000. The Hutchinson plant produces electrical, packaging and foam tape for the consumer products market. The manufacturing process involves substantial amounts of acetone and heptane, which emit VOCs. In 1990, Hutchinson was challenged to design a solvent-recovery system to meet and exceed forthcoming federal and state emissions regulations. Some options considered were thermal oxidation, which incinerates compounds and purifies the air; solvent recovery through condensation, absorption or adsorption; and reformulations to solventless processes. Hutchinson's system each day recovers 2,500 gallons of solvents, eliminating 2,400 tons of VOC emissions annually. Reusing recovered solvent saves 3M more than $1 million per year in reduced solvent purchases.

• OSTI ID: 6209929
• Journal Information: Hazmat World; (United States), Journal Name: Hazmat World; (United States) Vol. 6:8; ISSN HMWOED; ISSN 0898-5685
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Industrial Waste Management
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540120* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ACTIVATED CARBON
ADSORBENTS
ADSORPTION
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
CARBON
CHEMICAL WASTES
CONTROL
COST
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
EMISSION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS RECOVERY
NONMETALS
NONRADIOACTIVE WASTES
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
POLLUTION CONTROL
PROCESSING
RECYCLING
SOLVENTS
SORPTION
SORPTIVE PROPERTIES
SURFACE PROPERTIES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES