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CAPROLACTAM RECOVERY FROM AQUEOUS MANUFACTURING STREAMS
Citation:
Dibble, J. CAPROLACTAM RECOVERY FROM AQUEOUS MANUFACTURING STREAMS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-80/062.
Description:
Pilot-plant runs using plant samples have demonstrated the feasibility of a novel extraction process for caprolactam recovery from dilute aqueous solutions. Following extraction, aqueous effluent caprolactam concentrations as low as 30 ppm were obtained. Further effluent treatment by activated carbon adsorption reduced the level to less than 2 ppm. In contrast, the commercial multi-effect evaporation process is less economical because much more water is vaporized and the condensate typically contains up to 0.1-0.2 weight percent caprolactam. Various physical properties were determined. In particular, vapor pressures for the key components were determined using a special high-temperature, low-pressure (vacuum) apparatus designed specifically for this application.