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THE EFFECTS OF AN OILY-PHASE ON VOC EMISSIONS FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
Impact/Purpose:
Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from a variety of industrial sources are currently regulated by several New Source Performance Standards and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, respectively. One of these sources, industrial wastewater collection and treatment systems, has received significant regulatory attention.
Emissions from wastewater systems containing only two phases (water and air) have been extensively studied and have resulted in the development of models capable of estimating emissions. However, there are several processes in the chemical manufacturing and petroleum refining sectors that discharge significant volumes of organic waste resulting in the presence of three phases in wastewater (water, oil, and air). Current methodologies for estimating emissions from three phase systems are highly simplified and characterized by large uncertainties.
Description:
Research findings will substantially improve the existing knowledge base related to VOC and HAP emissions from three phase systems (oil, water, air). Results should be of interest to both the regulating and regulated communities of Texas in the context that the relative significance of emissions associated with three phase systems will be more completely understood. Subsequently, expenditures related to industrial emissions estimates and controls could be allocated in a manner that ensures maximum environmental benefit.