NCD980602163_19820111_Warren County PCB Landfill_SERB C_Plasma Torch De-Activation of PCB-OCR

DIVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
P.O. Box 2091
Raleigh, N.C. 27602-2091
MEMORANDUM
January 11, 1982
SUBJECT~·· Plasma Torch De-Activation of PCB
Ronald H. Levine, M.D., M.P.H.
STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR
I .1 ··.
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch sent a representative to
Kingston, 'Ontario on Septe~ber 9,-1981 to bbserve a pilot scale elasma
Arc Pyrolysis project designed for the destruction of PCB;s.
Dr. T. G. Barton, Project Director and probably the most knowledgeable
scientist-engineer studying plasma torch destruction of PCB's, was
specifically asked about the applicability of the process for destruction
of PCB contaminated solids, such as soil-PCB mixtures. Dr. Barton con-
firmed that while the plasma arc process could destruct this type material,
it is almost totally impractical with existing systems. Existing systems
are designed for liquid feed not continuous solid feed to handle soil-PCB
mixtures. If a plasma arc system were to be developed for soil-PCB mixtures,
it would require multiple combustion chambers for slag-gasification followed
by combustion of the PCB gases. These systems do not exist. Capacity
(pounds per hr) and volume (40,000 yd 3oil-pcb mixture) would dictate the
development of a large complex mulitple chamber system that could not by
any reasonable consideration be a mobile system for treatment in place.
There appears to be a significant lack of understanding by the general
public about what ·is "possible" and what is practical with respect to PCB
d·isposal. Plasma Arc Pyrolysis, Rotary Kiln and Fluidi.zed bed and liquid
injection combustion systems can be developed to destroy PCB. All but
liquid injection could be' utilized for destruction of soil-PCB mixtures if
no consideration is given to the costs of design-d evelopment·, operation
and maintenance or the economic and engineering practicability of burning
7 99. 99 percent.
Mrs. Sharp should be requested to justify the 500,000 in place treatment
cost and identify the methods.
Enclosed is a copy of the latest paper by Dr. Barton.
Jomes B. Hunt, Jr/ Sarah T. Morrow, M.O, MP.H STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES GOVERNOR · SECRETARY