Comparison-Based Capital Cost Estimate

A comparison of capital cost estimates from the two economic studies that provide such information is given in Table 16-7. The data are given as dollars per million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) plant capacity. Results of the two studies are not directly comparable because the Schaack and Chan estimates are based on a grass-roots plant and include such incidental items as heated process buildings for water-based processes, truck loading dock and shelter where needed, and a water well with pump. The Houghton and BucklLn estimates (U.S. dollars) are based on the principal items of equipment only and a more recent time period. 

Based on data from a demonstration at the Savannah River site, the total cost for SPSH was estimated to be 86/yd. In contrast, the use of traditional SVE at the site would have cost an estimated 576/yd. Total capital cost for the Savannah River site demonstration was estimated to be 1,277,300. Total operation and maintenance cost was estimated to be 16,900 per month. Table 1 gives a cost comparison between SPSH and SVE (D105759, pp. 15,16 D222606, p. 232). Detailed breakouts of capital cost as well as operation and maintenance cost can be found in Case Study 2. 

Based on a study conducted by the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment Program, capital costs for GA s SCWO technology were thought to be 5 to 10% less than costs for incineration. Because of the uncertainties associated with this estimate, researchers reported to Congress that capital costs for SCWO and incineration were nearly equal. Labor requirements were found to be similar for the two technologies, but insufficient data was available for an in-depth comparison (D22691P, p. 2-30). 

All estimates are based on this author s interpretation of patent literature and similar treatment of capital and operational costs. The comparisons of processes are made for one throughput size, 22700 tonnes annually or 50000000 annual pounds of feed. 

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