Hydrogenation and recycle of organic waste streams

Each year, billions of gallons of organic waste liquids are generated. Recently implemented EPA regulations now provide an economic driving force to minimize the net production of these waste materials. A hydrocarbon refining process employing catalytic hydrogenation has been expanded from current petroleum and petrochemical applications to the treatment and recycle of hazardous organic waste streams. In this paper, three classes of hazardous organic wastes are studied: PCB insulating liquids, halogenated petrochemical by-products, and residue from distillate oil sulfuric acid treatment. Pilot plant data are presented as the basis for evaluating the environmental and economic advantages of hydrogenation and reuse.