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THERMAL DESORPTION TREATMENT
Citation:
Lafornara, P., D. Oberacker, AND P. dePercin. THERMAL DESORPTION TREATMENT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/540/2-91/008.
Description:
Thermal desorption is an ex situ means to physically separate volatile and some semivolatile contaminants from soil, sediments, sludges, and filter cakes. or wastes containing up to 10% organics or less, thermal desorption can be used alone for site remediation. t also may find applications in conjunction with other technologies or be appropriate to specific operable units at a site. ite-specific treatability studies may be necessary to document the applicability and performance of a thermal desorption system. he EPA contact indicated at the end of this bulletin can assist in the definition of other contacts and sources of information necessary for such treatability studies. hermal desorption is applicable to organic wastes and generally is not used for treating metals and other inorganics depending on the specific thermal desorption vendor selected, the technology heats contaminated media between 200-1000 degrees F, driving off water and volatile contaminants. ff gases may be burned in an afterburner, condensed to reduce the volume to be disposed, or captured by carbon adsorption beds. ommercial-scale units exist and are in operation. hermal desorption has been selected at approximately fourteen Superfund sites [1]* [2]. hree Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation demonstrations are planned for the next year. he final determination of the lowest cost alternative will be more site-specific than process equipment dominated. his bulletin provides information on the technology applicability, limitations, the types of residuals produced, the latest performance data, site requirements, the status of the technology, and sources for further information.