Vapor Recovery by Electrothermal Swing Adsorption
WP-200521
Objective
Numerous activities undertaken by the Department of Defense (DoD) generate volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as painting, paint stripping, and solvent cleaning. As environmental regulations become more numerous and stringent, efficient and practical vapor recovery technologies are needed to reduce air pollution and facilitate compliance. The objective of this project is to demonstrate that the VaPRRS™ technology can be efficiently and economically operated at a DoD site to control VOCs from a dedicated waste stream.
Technology Description
VaPRRS™ is a regenerative filter system that uses a high-performance activated carbon fabric contained within a vessel to control organic vapors from contaminated air streams. Applying an electrical current regenerates the fabric and causes rapid heating of the fabric, which efficiently desorbs the contaminants with minimal heating of the vessel. The adsorbate is released and condensed onto the inner surface of the vessel and collected as a liquid. After cooling, the filter is capable of reuse. A major advantage of this technology over conventional systems is that the entire adsorption, desorption, and recovery process occurs in the same vessel, ultimately reducing the size and cost of the system. Previous studies have shown removal efficiencies of greater than 99%.
Benefits
The successful demonstration of the VaPRRS™ technology will benefit DoD by providing a versatile and cost-effective means of controlling emissions, recovering solvents, and eliminating hazardous waste. If it is assumed that at least one large source from each of the Army's 26 major hazardous air pollutant (HAP) installations eventually will need a control for VOCs, a capital investment of approximately $16 million ($600 thousand per site) will be required. If the VaPRRS™ costs 20% less than existing technology, a capital savings of $3.2 million would be realized. Operational cost savings, hazardous waste reduction, recovery of reusable materials, and reduced liability will result in increased resources for the war fighter.
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr J Hay PhD
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Phone: 217-373-3485
Fax: 217-373-3430
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.