High-pressure solvent extraction and catalytic oxidation of hazardous wastes from aqueous streams

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-1990

Abstract

Our aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the supercritical fluid (SCF) extraction of contaminants from aqueous streams, and subsequent catalytic oxidation of the high pressure solvent/contaminant mixture. We want to use this knowledge to aid in the commercialization of SCF-based waste treatment processes. In SCF extraction a solvent gas such as carbon dioxide or propane, at high pressure and moderate temperature, is contacted with the liquid phase. Slight changes in the system temperature or pressure can cause large changes in solvent density and consequently in its ability to dissolve relatively nonvolatile components. Thus, manipulation of system temperature and pressure can be useful in extraction and separation of organic contaminants from aqueous streams. After the contaminants enter the supercritical phase, conventional technology would use distillation to separate the concentrated contaminants from the SCF phase. We are also investigating, as alternative to this distillation step, catalytic oxidation of the high pressure solvent/contaminant mixture. High-pressure air can be added to the SCF-contaminant mixture in the desired quantities and conventional mixed-metal oxides can be used as catalysts.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Hazardous Materials

First Page

291

Last Page

292

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