Hydrogen peroxide in clean processes

In this chapter, the current and potential contribution of hydrogen peroxide to waste minimisation will be examined. The main focus of the review, in line with the whole of this book, will be the chemicals industry. However, some attention will be given to pulp and paper and to metals applications, in view of the overall significance of these. The uses of hydrogen peroxide in intrinsically clean processes and in end-of-pipe treatments, both now and in the future, are explored. 

As these plants approach the end of their operating life, however, it is expected that their replacements will be based on an integrated design approach where prevention, rather than cure, of waste problems is the guiding principle. For oxidation processes, this amounts to a progressive movement in the industry from use of H2O2 for effluent treatment to use in the process itself. For other processes, H2O2 will continue to play a part in effluent treatment practice unless and until such effluents can themselves be eliminated by other clean process alternatives. 

An intermediate case between in-process and end-of-pipe use is that of product purification, including colour and odour removal. Some examples of this using H2O2 will also be identified. Such a purification step can itself produce effluent, the nature of which is a factor in choosing the oxidant. 

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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IN CLEAN PROCESSES 9.5 Chemical industry applications... 

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