Waste Minimization Techniques

With these waste-minimization techniques, methanol synthesis is relatively clean, and poses no unique environmental hazards. The need for environmental controls is more closely associated with the synthesis gas generation process. 

The task force must be capable of identifying pollution reduc tion alternatives as well as be cognizant of inherent obstacles to the process. Barriers frequently arise from the anxiety associated with the belief that the program will negatively affect produc t quality or result in production losses. According to an EPA survey, 30 percent of indus-tiy comments responded that they were concerned that product qualify would decline if waste minimization techniques were implemented (Ref. 6). As such, the assessment team, and the team leader in particular, must be ready to react to these and other concerns (Ref. 2fy... 

Drilling fluid systems It is important to design the drilling fluid system with specific waste minimization practices in place. These waste minimization techniques should be integrated into the drilling fluid system portion of the drilling plan [51,54,55,67-71]. 

Pipe dope Pipe connections require the use of pipe dope. American Petroleum Institute (API) specified pipe dope contains about 30% lead by weight and, therefore, can be of concern when disposed of. One simple waste minimization technique is to ensure that all pipe dope is used and containers are completely empty. However, lead-free, biodegradable pipe dopes are now available and, if feasible, should be substituted for API specified pipe dope. Even if API specified pipe dope is necessary for making the required connections, pipe supply companies should be asked to provide pipe with lead-free pipe dope on the thread protectors. 

Solids control for the drilling fluid system An effective way to reduce the volume of drilling fluid waste is the use of solids control. The efficient use of solids control equipment (for example hydrocyclones and centrifuges) in combination with chemical flocculants minimizes the need for makeup water to dilute the fluid system. An enhanced solids control system designed to compliment a specific drilling operation is a very effective waste minimization technique. 

Rig-wash hoses A simple way to minimize the volume of waste rig-wash is to use high-pressure/low-volume nozzles on the rig-wash hose. A rig-wash hose left running can contribute significantly to the volume of waste in a reserve pit and the water needs for the drilling operation. If feasible, collection and treatment of rig-wash for reuse is a good waste minimization technique. 

When a sufficient stockpile of these bagged PVC particles are collected, they are sold back to or traded to the carton manufacturer for new cartons. In polymer synthesis, recycling and various waste minimization techniques have been practiced for many years. For example, in the production of many types of rubber (e.g.,... 

The first step in the methodology is the expansion of the foreground system (the acrylic acid plant) to include up-stream/input processes within the boundaries of the background system. This allows the traditional waste minimization techniques to be extended by considering a more complete description of the environmental impact of the process. Since a constant production rate is used as a design basis, downstream (product use) stages are not accounted for and the study is, therefore, a "cradle-to-gate"... 

Material substitution is a waste minimization technique that should result in a reduced hazard associated with a particular waste or a simphed means of waste treatment. It is important that all process impacts are thoroughly understood prior to instituting any material changes. 

Nonaqueous Waste Resists. One of the most exciting waste minimization techniques currently being tested is the elimination of the need for rinsing from both photoresist developing and stripping operations. This new process may eliminate spent developer wastes and wiU eliminate the spent resist stripper bath dnmp. 

To ensure that readers of this chapter have a common understanding of the technical terms used, several key terms are defined below. Waste minimization techniques showing... 

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