The chemical characterization and possible reuses of hazardous wastes generated by the General Electric Silicone Products Division in Waterford, N.Y
Manufacturers in every industry are faced with the often insurmountable task of waste management and disposal. This research describes procedures used to characterize a listed solid hazardous waste from a silicone manufacturer and the investigation of possible industrial applications for the 25,000...
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| Format: | Dissertation |
| Language: | English |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
01-01-1993
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| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Manufacturers in every industry are faced with the often insurmountable task of waste management and disposal. This research describes procedures used to characterize a listed solid hazardous waste from a silicone manufacturer and the investigation of possible industrial applications for the 25,000 tons of waste which is landfilled each year. Although this research deals with a specific industrial waste, it illustrates procedures which could be used to characterize other solid wastes and approaches to studying possible applications for the waste rather than the typical modes of disposal. Samples taken at various stages in the waste water treatment process were characterized by loss on ignition at varying temperatures, X-ray diffraction, infrared absorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and chemical analyses including atomic absorption and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies. Successful wet chemical methods were developed to analyze all types of wastes collected. Results showed that the major component, amorphous silica, was present in all samples. Calcium carbonate and copper were also present in significant amounts. The characterization led to the investigation of reuse alternatives for some samples and the dismissal of others. Possible industrial applications investigated were copper recovery by bioleaching, using the material as a raw material for manufacturing glass, or in the cement and concrete industry. The first two applications were investigated by other research groups at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This research focused on the latter reuse possibility. Solids that contain over 70% amorphous silica and constituting 85% of the waste stream were tested as a partial replacement for or as an additive to cement in mortar and concrete. Appreciable improvements in compressive strength over the control after 28 days were achieved. Results of EPA leaching procedures showed the solids, mortar and concrete specimens to be well below the established limits for the regulated metals. It was concluded that the materials did not pose a hazard to the environment when used in this application. Several concrete companies have submitted proposals to the silicone manufacturer for use of this material in their processes. Through this research, it was found that the ability to utilize the bulk of the hazardous waste generated appears economically and environmentally feasible. |
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| ISBN: | 9798209045342 |