Control of Volatile Organic Compounds Emissions from Manufacturing

Mr. Jack R. Fanner., Chief
July 19, 1982
Paoe -2-
polymer manufacturing process. The major components to condense are styrene
and ethyl benzene. Their vapor pressures at 60°F and atmospheric pressure
are 3.5mms and S.Omms respectively, and this low vapor pressure enables them
to be readily condensed even at low concentrations in a vapor- stream. Condensation
is believed to be an accepted mode of control in a majority of the
- bulk polystyrene facilities in use in the United States. , .
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. - Monomer Recovery
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; To 'achieve kry'measure of prof irabiliry in the'.polystyrene .industry, .it is, .: :.'. '.' :
very important to.-maximize the' recovery of unused monomk. . Recovered monomer ' .
. can normally be reused,, after purilfication,,
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and must be success full^ recycled. ......
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condensing unused monoier from the vapor phase which is' i n the' , , , ,
',lastphase"of the process is,. therefore,"an. absolute findncial necessity. :.. .: ,.:
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a'polystyrene.process. .
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. ...;.... - ........ .: ........-:.-... ..;:..'.:...... :rene faciliiies Zo be reduced to below the recommended
RACT - (Reasonably .bailzble Control Technology) referred to in the CTG of
0.3 kgs per 1000 kgs or' producr.
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The attached information was taken from reports which were ap~roved.by the State
.emfronmental agency in Korceseer, Massachusetts, before the construction of
a new Polysar facility for p.olystyrene nanufacture. The ,technology used in. .
this facility to achieve the emission control levels shown is purely based" :
on the condensation t i ~ erechnol.ogy discussed in this letter, and.clearly :
illustrates the ability of this technology to achieve the conirol.required.
The data submitted is theoretical and will: be further substantiated. during
the initial operation: of the new facility: - ,. .
Based: on the information submitted wizh this letter concerning the emissions
of the latest Polysar facility in Leominster, Mas..sachusetts, ,l,,believe.-"itis
readily apparent %hat the trse of .an incinerator ,i,snot required' dr;e to the
snail irolune .........- of emissions actually discharged.
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