Catalytic Destruction of Hazardous Organics in Aqueous Wastes: Continuous Reactor System Experiments

A catalytic process is being developed at Pacific Northwest Laboratory for destroying hazardous organics in aqueous waste streams. Experiments have been conducted in a batch reactor and a bench-scale continuous reactor system. The batch experiments showed that a wide variety of organics and chlorinated organics can be destroyed by thermocatalytic treatment at 350°C to 400°C and 3000 to 4000 psig. This paper presents the results of experiments in a bench-scale continuous reactor system to determine the kinetic parameters for the process. The information obtained in this study was used to design larger-scale reactors and to develop a conceptual process design. Cost estimates for larger-scale facilities have been prepared by Onsite*Ofsite, Inc., who is working with Pacific Northwest Laboratory to transfer the technology to industry.