Treatment of Complex Petrochemicals by
Incineration and Waste Stabilization Ponds
EARNEST F. GLOYNA, Professor and Dean
College of Engineering
University of Texas
Austin, Texas
MARVIN C. HERRING, Coordinator
Environmental Quality
Jefferson Chemical Company
Houston, Texas
DAVIS L. FORD, Manager
Engineering — Science, Inc.
Austin, Texas
INTRODUCTION
The disposal of organic waste streams can present some unique problems if an
industry finds itself in a watershed that is used for water supply, recreational
purposes and intense land development operations. This paper is based on a facility
which was originally located in a relatively back-woods area; a manufacturing unit
that underwent changes in management and production capacity; a facility that now
is located immediately upstream from a relatively new water supply reservoir; and a
specialty operation that produces a complex and difficult to biodegrade wastewater.
The products manufactured are specialty organic chemicals including amines,
polypropylene glycols, alkylene carbonates and acid salts or organic amines.
Considerable variability exists in the waste because of the flexibility of operating the
various lines.
As described below, wastewater control studies have led to a combination of
acceptable in-plant and effluent control practices. Through use of liquid incinerators
and waste stabilization ponds, it has been possible to solve a difficult waste disposal
problem.
WASTEWATER CONTROL STUDIES
Prior to these studies, the wastewater control system consisted of a process
sewer collection system and a surface drainage ditch. The process wastes were held
for one to two months in several series-connected ponds. These were overloaded and
effluents were not generally acceptable.
To initiate improvements in waste management, a series of independent tasks
were undertaken. These studies included: in-plant surveys, equipment modifications,
both laboratory and pilot-plant biological treatability investigations, and pilot-plant
incineration studies.
In-Plan t Survey
In-Plant surveys were conducted to determine the location, quantity and
quality of each waste stream. Following completion of this work, a material balance
was calculated and compared with the final effluent. This indicated that about 95 per
cent of all potential pollutants and sources had been identified and could be located
within the plant. Additional surveys were conducted periodically to insure accurate
source data.
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