Grantee Research Project Results
Development of a Membrane-Based System for the Recovery and Reuse of Solvents
EPA Contract Number: 68D70053Title: Development of a Membrane-Based System for the Recovery and Reuse of Solvents
Investigators: McCray, Scott B.
Small Business: Bend Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1999
Project Amount: $225,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1997) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The goal of this Phase II project is to develop a cost-effective membrane system for the recovery and reuse of industrial solvents - particularly oxygenated solvents. This system will meet an increasing industrial demand for improved processes that allow the recovery and recycle of solvents and address two important application areas: (1) where breaking the azeotrope is a key separation step, and (2) where dehydrating the solvent to water concentrations of less than 500 ppm is required.During Phase I, the feasibility of the system was demonstrated. A reusable isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was produced; water, metal ions, and particulates were removed to levels below those required for microelectronics applications; and long-term field tests were initiated. Phase I results showed that the membrane-based solvent-recycle process should offer substantial cost and performance advantages over competing processes for the recycling of IAP - a key solvent used in the manufacture of microelectronic parts. In the course of this work, it was determined that one critical component of the membrane technology - the fiber - required improvement during Phase II.
For Phase II, the research will produce improved composite membranes using the high-selectivity coating developed in Phase I and improved solvent-resistant hollow fibers based on a new high-performance polymer. These fibers will be incorporated into commercial modules and demonstrated in field tests, prior to commercialization.
Phase I results showed that the membrane-based solvent-recycle process should offer substantial cost and performance advantages over competing processes for the recycling of IAP - a key solvent used in the manufacture of microelectronic parts.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, recycling, pollution prevention, engineering, chemistry., Sustainable Industry/Business, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Hazardous, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Hazardous Waste, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Environmental Engineering, chemical use efficiency, waste minimization, waste recovery, recycled waste products, clean technology, membrane technology, industrial waste, pollution prevention, solvent recovery, hazardous waste treatment, electronics , isopropyl alcohol recovery, waste reduction, cleaner production, industrial process, electronics industry, membrane processes, pollution control, solvent recycling, advanced treatment technologiesProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase I:
Development of a Membrane-Based System for the Recovery and Reuse of SolventsThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.