Cleaner Technology Projects in Denmark 1996
Elimination of Organic Wastewater from Organic Batch Production
Elimination af organisk spildevand fra organisk batchproduktion
Arbejdsrapport nr. 9, 1996, Miljøstyrelsen
The general purpose of this project is the recovery of 80% organic solvents and the reduction of A/S GEA’s water consumption of 2,000-3,000 m³ per year. This report maps out and evaluates the possibilities of technical solutions and their impact on the environment, energy and economy.
The project is divided into three sections. The first section contains the development and construction of a pilot plant. The second section contains a theoretical investigation of the pilot plant together with a determination of how the plant works and which factors are decisive for its effect. The final section describes the pilot plant tests, which aims at the practical aspects and the efficiency of the plant.
The solution concept, which is based on changing the service liquid from water to oil, is indeed applicable. The change of the service liquid makes it possible to make a substantial reduction of the water consumption through the substitution of water. Furthermore, the recovery of the solvents is simplified, as the steam from the production only enters one fraction.
Experience from practical and technical details, as regards to the solution concept and the pilot plant, has been gathered. In order to find and evaluate the solutions, technical literature, investigations and tests were used.
The over-all impression is the following:
 | It is technically possible to eliminate the solvents and reduce the water consumption |
| Solutions should be made in accordance with the type of solvent, the existing equipment in the production area, and the production programme |
| Recovery of solvents and reduction of water consumption, dependent on the product programme and the production methods, can be a successful approach. |
| Future requirements to the environment can only be met if the producer reduces, and in the long term, eliminates the disposal of liquid. |
A condition of an efficient use of the concept is the specific type of solvent, which is used. The solvents can be divided into three groups with a high, medium and low steam pressure. The higher the steam pressure of the solvent, the more applicable is the solution concept, as the level of evaporation increases with the level of the steam pressure.
Author/ institution
A/S GEA
This report is subsidised by the National Council for Recycling and Cleaner Production
ISSN no. 0908-9195
ISBN no. 87-7810-541-2