Transferring waste minimization solutions between industrial categories with a unit operations approach: I. Chemical and plating industries

Abstract
We describe a method that can be used to analyze chemical process flowsheets for waste minimization options for hazardous waste. The system is based on relating current waste minimization solutions to the waste generating unit operation. The system is simple and emphasizes EPA pollution prevention priorities. The system database contains numerous waste minimization solutions compiled from case studies, EPA reports, consultant reports and options identified during waste minimization visits. The database structure and the system which uses the database to analyze chemical process flow is described for two existing companies, a specialty chemical company and a plating company. A pollution prevention index (PPI) that emphasizes EPA pollution prevention priorities as well as economic and technical factors is proposed and is used by the system to rank solutions for a given process flowsheet. Analyses for the specific plating and specialty chemical companies examined are described in detail. It is shown that the new system and structure are effective in locating and providing an analysis of a chemical process flowsheet. The system has been applied to more than 16 South Carolina industries.

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