Techniques for disposal of solvents in vapour phase

The use of this approach may be required for end of pipe abatement when the quantity of solvent present in the vent stream is not sufficiently high to warrant a recovery process, as detailed above and is below what could be considered as best practice or exceeds an emission limit. 

1 Thermal incineration. A process of chemical reaction which is activated by heat which occurs within a specifically designed reactor, and is often utilised for treatment of waste-gas streams that contain traces of organic matter. This can be achieved thermally, by a homogeneous gas-phase reaction, or catalyti- 

High turbulence is required within the incinerator. This is achieved by imparting shear within the gas streams which may be directed in opposing directions. Alternatively baffles can be placed in the incinerator. The design of the equipment is specific to the application and must take into account the composition of the waste gas, the required temperature and residence time and the degree of turbulence needed to achieve complete combustion. 

The methods for treatment of liquid or solid waste are not so diverse and concentrate mainly upon thermal degradation. Open landfill, a typical practice for domestic and non-industrial waste, is no longer an acceptable process for chemical or solvent-containing waste. Discharge to any water course, sewer or sea, a practice previously considered appropriate, has long since been regarded as unsuitable for disposal of waste which, either whole or in part, consists of chemical solvents. 

---