Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Removal of PCB from oils and soils

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6445399

Processes have been developed for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) from waste oils and PCB from contaminated soils. The process for removal of PCB from oils involves using dimethyl formamide (DMF), as the extractant, and water to remove PCB from the extractant. After the addition of water to the DMF extractant, the concentrated PCB is phase separated and requires further treatment such as incineration. The water is removed from the DMF by distillation and recycled, while the water-free DMF is recycled to the extraction column. The PCB-free oil can be reused. Pilot plant data on the process will be discussed. A solvent composed of water and kerosene is used to extract PCB from soil. The water-kerosene leaving the extraction system is phase separated and both components are reused. The kerosene containing the concentrated PCB is steam distilled to further concentrate the PCB. The distilled kerosene is reused. The PCB concentrate from the distillation must be directed using other methods, such as incineration. Pilot plant experience on the process will be discussed. 2 tables.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OS21400
OSTI ID:
6445399
Report Number(s):
Y/DZ-119; CONF-841187-6; ON: DE85002619
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English