TRIAL BURN AND RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR THREE BIF UNITS

 

Gerald J. Drake and Melissa L. Douglas

Compliance Strategies & Solutions, Inc.

 

John R. Jones, P.E.

Reilly Industries, Inc.

 

ABSTRACT

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency Region V (hereafter, EPA) required the Reilly Industries, Inc. (hereafter, Reilly) facility located in Indianapolis, Indiana to modify its container and tank storage RCRA Part B Permit to incorporate three on-site boilers burning hazardous waste.  The EPA required Reilly to conduct a Trial Burn on each of the boilers in order to establish permit limits and to collect data for determining the incremental risk presented by the facility.  Emissions testing was performed on Boilers 70K and 30K and included dioxin/furans, volatile organics, semivolatile organics, particulate matter, HCl/Cl2, PCBs, total organics, total hydrocarbons, and hexavalent chromium.  

 

The Trial Burn testing generated the necessary data for proposing RCRA Part B Permit limits and for conducting a direct and indirect human health risk assessment (hereafter, human health risk assessment) and a screening level ecological risk assessment (hereafter, ecological risk assessment).  Destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) results of greater than 99.999% were demonstrated.  A hexavalent chromium conversion ratio of 24.5% was also demonstrated.  The risk assessments demonstrated acceptable risks and hazards for all three boilers operating simultaneously, 365 days a year, at their maximum hazardous waste feed rates.

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The Reilly facility is a manufacturer of pyridine and pyridine-derived organic chemicals.  The production processes at the facility generate various waste streams that are either burned onsite in Boilers 70K, 30K, and 28K, or are shipped offsite for treatment.  The waste streams burned onsite in the boilers are classified as hazardous waste due to the characteristic of ignitability (D001), the characteristic of toxicity (D018 and D038), or are listed from non-specific sources (F003 and F005).  None of the boilers have air pollution control devices.

 

The EPA has primacy over the BIF program in the State of Indiana, and requested a RCRA Part B Permit Application for Reilly’s boilers in a letter received on February 11, 1998.  Pursuant to this letter, Reilly was required to modify their existing RCRA Part B Permit to add the boilers, perform a Trial Burn and to determine permit conditions based on the results of the human health and ecological risk assessments.  The EPA approved a Demonstration of Similarity for Boiler 28K and, therefore, emission testing was not required for this boiler.[1]

 

This paper briefly presents the test objectives and approach for gathering the information for permitting Boilers 70K, 30K, and 28K.  In addition, the significant test results and proposed permit limits associated with the Trial Burn and risk assessments are presented.

 

TEST OBJECTIVES

 

The objectives of the testing were to generate the data necessary to conduct human health and ecological risk assessments and to propose RCRA Part B Permit limits for the three boilers.  The test objectives are summarized as follows:


·         Demonstrate a DRE for the designated principal organic hazardous constituent (POHC) of at least 99.99%;

·         Demonstrate that carbon monoxide (CO) emissions were controlled to less than 100 parts per million dry volume (ppmdv) corrected to 7% oxygen (O2);

·         Demonstrate that particulate matter (PM) emissions were controlled to less than 180 milligrams per dry standard cubic meter (mg/dscm) of stack gas corrected to 7% O2 (0.08 grains per dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf) of stack gas corrected to 7% O2);

·         Develop the emissions data necessary to perform the human health and ecological risk assessments including polychlorinated dibenzo(p)dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (dioxins/furans), total hydrocarbons (THC), hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas (HCl/Cl2), metals, and other organic products of incomplete combustion (PICs);

·         Determine the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio for the combustion process; and

·         Establish limitations on the hazardous waste feed rate and other operating conditions that ensure compliance with the performance standards and the risk-based emission limits.

 

TEST APPROACH

 

The approach taken to design the test was based on satisfying the test objectives and the need to maximize the permit limits to achieve the greatest flexibility for facility operations.  The varied aspects of the test approach provided a number of cost saving opportunities that included a demonstration of similarity, minimizing test conditions, and minimizing sampling and analysis, which are discussed in the following sections.  Also, a summary of the testing that was actually performed is included.

 

Demonstration of Similarity

 

A demonstration of similarity for Boilers 30K and 28K was presented to the EPA.  The demonstration of similarity compared the feed streams, design, operation, and maintenance of the two non-identical boilers.[1]  The EPA approved the similarity for the two non-identical boilers with the stipulation that the permit limits for Boiler 28K be 3% lower than the limits demonstrated for Boiler 30K due to sizing differences.  Based on the demonstration of similarity, testing of Boiler 28K was not required.

 

Minimizing Test Conditions

 

The test was designed to obtain the data required to establish permit limits, maximize these limits, and confirm that the incremental risks posed by the operations was acceptable to the EPA and the public.  Trial Burns for boilers are traditionally designed with two test conditions.  One test condition is conducted at high temperatures and maximum feed rates, emissions, and operating conditions.  The second test condition is conducted at minimum temperatures and maximum emission concentrations.  Data for risk assessment purposes is often collected during a third test condition known as a Risk Burn.  Risk Burns are usually conducted at “normal” operating conditions, and are intended to produce lower emission rates that are representative of long-term operations rather than the higher rates of emissions measured at the extreme operating conditions of a Trial Burn.

 

Reilly chose to manage the incremental risk presented by its operations in such a manner that a separate Risk Burn test condition was not performed.  Instead, Reilly agreed to demonstrate acceptable risks and hazards by testing its boilers at the extreme of their operations.  Worst case emissions were demonstrated at the maximum feed rate/maximum temperature test condition and the minimum temperature DRE test condition of the Trial Burn.  The highest dioxin/furan emission rate determined during these two test conditions was used in the risk assessments.  The number of test conditions was minimized by eliminating a separate Risk Burn test condition and, thus, only two test conditions were performed on Boiler 70K and Boiler 30K.[1]

 

Minimizing Sampling and Analysis

 

A goal for all testing is to obtain only the data necessary to satisfy the test objectives.  A method for minimizing the amount of samples and analyses is to use the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits for metals.[2]    Feed stream analyses are required to demonstrate conformance with the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits.  This approach eliminates stack gas sampling for metals and provides significant cost savings for facilities with low metal feed rates.

 

At Reilly, the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limit for chromium was modified by a hexavalent chromium conversion ratio determined through stack gas and feed stream sampling and analysis.[3]  To accomplish this modification, feed stream sampling for total chromium and stack gas sampling for hexavalent chromium was required.  The demonstrated conversion ratio was then applied to the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limit to specify a total chromium feed rate limit that resulted in acceptable risks and hazards associated with hexavalent chromium emissions.  The hexavalent chromium emissions testing is an additional sampling train that is not normally required for a Trial Burn or Risk Burn.  However, this testing was performed in order to provide the facility with adequate feed rate limits having the least impact on normal operations.

 

Testing to support the risk assessment typically requires the stack gas sampling and analysis of metals.  Rather than testing metal emissions, the Adjusted Tier I or modified Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limit was used as inputs to the risk assessment modeling.  Because it was anticipated that these Adjusted Tier I values would result in unacceptable risk results (the tiered limits were based on direct inhalation only and did not include the indirect pathways), multiple iterations of the risk assessment calculations were conducted until they yielded acceptable incremental risks and hazards.  In other words, the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits for metals were modified until acceptable risks and hazards were achieved.  The modified values were then translated into the feed rate limits for the metals.  This method did not require sampling and analysis of the stack gases for the metals.  Instead, it allowed the metal feed rates to be maximized based on the successful results of the risk assessments.  It also allowed the development of different modes of operation without performing additional testing.  The additional modes of operation serve to grant Reilly a wider range of acceptable operations and they are discussed in greater detail later in this paper.

 

Summary of the Testing

 

Table I presents a summary of the sampling and analyses performed during the testing of Boilers 70K and 30K and the test condition(s) during which it was performed.

 

Table I

Summary of Sampling and Analyses of Boilers 70K and 30K

Parameter

Methods

Test Condition 1

Test Condition 2

Hazardous Waste and Spiking Stream Samples

Metals

3050B/Various

X

 

Total Chlorine/Chloride

5050/9056

X

 

Ash Content

ASTM D482

X

 

Volatile Organics

5030B/8260B

X

 

Semivolatile Organics

5030B/8270C

X

 

Semivolatile POHC

5030B/8270C

 

X

PCBs

HRGC/HRMS

X

 

Heat Content

ASTM D240

X

 

Stack Gas Samples

Particulate Matter

Method 5

X

 

Total Chlorine/Chloride

0050/9057

X

 

Hexavalent Chromium

0061/7199

X

 

Volatile Organics

0030/5041A/8260B

X

 

Semivolatile Organics

0010/3542/8270C

X

 

Semivolatile POHC

0010/3542/8270C

 

X

Dioxins/Furans

0023A/8290

X

X

PCBs

0023A/HRGC/HRMS

X

 

Total Organics – VOC

0040/GC/FID

X

 

Total Organics – SVOC

0010/GC/FID

X

 

Total Organics – GRAV

0010/Gravimetry

X

 

Carbon Monoxide

Method 10

X

X

Oxygen

Method 3A

X

X

Total Hydrocarbons

Method 25A

X

X

Test Condition 1 – High temperature and maximum operating conditions.

Test Condition 2 – Minimum temperature.

 

Several items should be noted about the information contained in Table I.  Stack gas sampling for dioxin/furans was conducted during both test conditions.  The highest emission rate (on a toxicity equivalence basis) was used in the risk assessments.  This was an agreement previously made with the EPA to eliminate long-term permit limits on feed rates.  Total hydrocarbon measurements were obtained during both test conditions to verify that similar emissions occurred at the different operating extremes.  The hazardous waste feed stream was analyzed for the volatile organics and semivolatile organics so that compounds not detected in the feed stream, the stack gases, and in historical analyses of the feed stream could be eliminated from inclusion in the risk assessments.[4]

 

SIGNIFICANT TEST RESULTS

 

The significant results of the testing on Boilers 70K and 30K are presented in this section.  The results of the testing were used in the performance of the human health and ecological risk assessments, which demonstrated acceptable risks and hazards.  The results presented include the emissions of PM, dioxin/furans, total organics and THC, and organic PICs, the DRE determination, and the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio determination.  Each of these is discussed in the following sections.

 

PM Emissions

 

The PM emissions were determined during Test Condition 1 while injecting ash spiking material into the waste feed stream.  Table II presents the PM emission results for each run and the sootblow corrected result for the test condition.[5]  The sootblow was performed during Run 3.  The total ash feed rate is also presented in Table II along with a corresponding partitioning factor.  The partitioning factor is defined as the ratio of the PM emissions to the total ash feed rate.

 

Table II

Summary of PM Emissions and Ash Feed Rates

 

Parameter

 

Run 1

 

Run 2

 

Run 3

Sootblow

Corrected

Boiler 70K

PM Emissions (mg/dscm @ 7% O2)

86.5

64.5

127.9

85.9

PM Emissions (gr/dscf @ 7% O2)

0.0378

0.0282

0.0559

0.0375

PM Emissions (g/hr @ 7% O2)

2,033

1,539

3,050

2,037

Ash Feed Rate (g/hr)

5,001

4,902

4,873

4,925

Partitioning Factor (%)

40.6

31.4

62.6

41.4

Boiler 30K

PM Emissions (mg/dscm @ 7% O2)

113.0

114.6

164.7

127.9

PM Emissions (gr/dscf @ 7% O2)

0.0494

0.0501

0.0720

0.0559

PM Emissions (g/hr @ 7% O2)

1,442

1,502

2,121

1,652

Ash Feed Rate (g/hr)

4,039

2,561

2,534

3,045

Partitioning Factor (%)

35.7

58.6

83.7

54.2

 

As indicated in Table II, ash partitioning to the stack gas ranged from approximately 31% to 59% during non-sootblow runs.  The sootblow runs showed partitioning of approximately 63% to 84%.  Correcting for the sootblow provided partitioning factors of approximately 41% to 54%. 

 

Dioxin/Furan Emissions

 

Dioxin/furan emissions were measured during both Test Condition 1 and Test Condition 2 for Boilers 70K and 30K.  Table III summarizes the dioxin/furan emissions converted to a TEQ basis and corrected to 7% O2.  The contribution of risk associated with these emissions is approximately 1.0E-08, which is three orders of magnitude less than the typical allowable incremental risks.[4]

 

Table III

Summary of Dioxin/Furan Emissions

 

Run Number

Boiler 70K

Total TEQ Emission Rate

Boiler 30K

Total TEQ Emission Rate

ng/hr

ng/dscm @7% O2

ng/hr

ng/dscm @7% O2

 

Test Condition 1 – Maximum Waste Feed Rate

Run 1

< 184

< 0.00642

< 290

< 0.0189

Run 2

< 185

< 0.00654

< 265

< 0.0177

Run 3

< 171

< 0.00579

< 256

< 0.0177

 

Test Condition 2 – Minimum Temperature

Run 1

< 68.3

< 0.00855

< 19.9

< 0.00507

Run 2

< 49.8

< 0.00535

< 21.5

< 0.00338

Run 3

< 70.5

< 0.00785

< 23.6

< 0.00384

 

On a mass emission rate basis, the highest dioxin/furan emissions occurred during the high feed rate test condition.  The emissions used in the risk assessments are those based on the mass emission rate.  Therefore, the highest dioxin/furan emissions occurred during the high feed rate test condition as demonstrated during the testing of Boilers 70K and 30K.

 

Total Organic and Total Hydrocarbon Emissions

 

Total organic emissions were determined during Test Condition 1 and included volatile (VOC), semivolatile (SVOC), and gravimetric (GRAV) fractions.  Total hydrocarbon emissions were measured during Test Condition 1 and Test Condition 2.  Table IV summarizes the total organic emissions by each fraction and as a total, and compares these values to the total hydrocarbon emissions that occurred during Test Condition 1.

 

Table IV

Total Organic and Total Hydrocarbon Emissions

 

Constituent

Boiler 70K (g/hr)

Boiler 30K (g/hr)

Run 1

Run 2

Run 3

Run 1

Run 2

Run 3

Total Organics - VOC

< 64.8

< 29.5

< 24.5

< 12.9

< 13.3

< 12.6

Total Organics – SVOC

56.2

40.7

50.0

63.0

92.9

60.8

Total Organics – GRAV

27.7

48.6

33.5

54.4

26.6

77.8

Total Organics

< 148.7

< 118.8

< 108.0

< 130.3

< 132.8

< 151.2

Total Hydrocarbons

< 4.5

< 4.5

13.6

9.1

9.1

< 4.5

 

As indicated in Table IV, the mass emission rates obtained from the total organic trains and the Method 25A THC analyzer do not compare favorably.  The total organic trains produced mass emission rates approximately one order of magnitude greater than the THC analyzer.

 

Table V presents a summary of the total hydrocarbon emissions measured during Test Condition 1 and Test Condition 2.

 

Table V

Summary of Total Hydrocarbon Emissions

Run Number

Boiler 70K THC Emissions (g/hr)

Boiler 30K THC Emissions (g/hr)

Test Condition 1

Test Condition 2

Test Condition 1

Test Condition 2

Run 1

< 4.5

< 4.5

9.1

< 4.5

Run 2

< 4.5

4.5

9.1

18.1

Run 3

13.6

9.1

< 4.5

18.1

 

In general, the mass emissions measured by the THC analyzer during the maximum waste feed rate and minimum temperature test conditions were equivalent.

 

In the uncertainty section of the risk assessments, a comparison of the total speciated organic emissions and the total unspeciated organic emissions was performed.  The total speciated organic emissions were obtained from the volatile organic, semivolatile organic, dioxin/furan, and PCB sample trains.  The total unspeciated organic emissions were obtained from the total organic VOC, SVOC, and GRAV fractions discussed above.  Table VI presents the speciated and unspeciated organic emissions that occurred during the testing.

 

Table VI

Speciated Versus Unspeciated Organic Emissions

 

Parameter

Boiler 70K

Boiler 30K

Run 1

Run 2

Run 3

Run 1

Run 2

Run 3

Speciated Organic Emissions (g/s)

0.0017

0.0042

0.0018

0.0025

0.0029

0.0029

Unspeciated Organic Emissions (g/s)

0.0398

0.0309

0.0274

0.0348

0.0356

0.0406

Percent Speciated (%)

4.27

13.53

6.42

7.16

8.26

7.22

 

As shown in Table VI, the percentage of speciated organic compounds detected during the testing was generally less than 10% of the unspeciated organics detected.

 

Organic PIC Emissions

 

Volatile and semivolatile organic and PCB emissions were measured during Test Condition 1 for inclusion in the risk assessments.  There were 38 volatile organic compounds and 23 semivolatile organic compounds measured pursuant to the target compound list developed for the testing.[6]  In addition, the coplanar and homologue group PCB emissions were also measured.  A summary of the results is not included due to the volume of information and its relatively low impact on the risk assessment results.  However, these data were incorporated into the risk assessment modeling, which yielded acceptable risks and hazards.

 

DRE Determination

 

The POHC designated for the Trial Burn was 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCB).  Table VII presents the POHC feed rate and emission rate data and the calculated DRE for each run of the testing on Boilers 70K and 30K.  The DRE for each run was demonstrated to be greater than 99.999%.

 

Table VII

Summary of DRE Determination

Parameter

Run 1

Run 2

Run 3

Boiler 70K

POHC Feed Rate (g/s)

5.6701

5.6663

5.6663

POHC Emission Rate (g/s)

< 5.06E-05

< 5.12E-05

< 5.00E-05

DRE (%)

> 99.99911

> 99.99910

> 99.99912

Boiler 30K

POHC Feed Rate (g/s)

2.6453

2.6377

2.6440

POHC Emission Rate (g/s)

< 1.51E-05

< 1.56E-05

< 1.52E-05

DRE (%)

> 99.99943

> 99.99941

> 99.99942

 

Hexavalent Chromium Conversion Ratio Determination

 

Testing was performed to demonstrate a hexavalent chromium conversion ratio for the boilers.  The hexavalent chromium conversion ratio is defined as the ratio of hexavalent chromium emissions to the total chromium feed rate.  The purpose of this demonstration was to measure the amount of hexavalent chromium that is formed (or left unchanged if hexavalent chromium is present in the feed) in the combustion process based on the feed rate of total chromium into the boiler. 

 

In order to determine the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio, the total chromium emissions were not measured during the testing, only the hexavalent chromium emissions and the total chromium feed rate were measured.  The hexavalent chromium conversion ratio is important because risk assessments only address the risks and hazards associated with hexavalent chromium.  Using an emission rate based on total chromium artificially increases the risks and hazards associated with the emissions.  Additionally, the total chromium feed rate limit is decreased for this same reason.  Therefore, the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio is used to increase the total chromium feed rate limit to a level that reflects the actual amounts modeled in the risk assessments.  Extrapolation to higher feed rate limits is allowed by the EPA.[7]  In addition, worst-case conditions were realized in the testing by using a hexavalent chromium spiking material to increase the total chromium feed rate.

 

The average total chromium feed rate that occurred during the testing was 9.40 g/hr, of which approximately 7.72 g/hr was contributed by the hexavalent chromium spiking material and approximately 1.68 g/hr was present in the hazardous waste feed stream (presumed to exist as trivalent chromium).  The hexavalent chromium emission rate measured during the testing was 2.30 g/hr.  Therefore, the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio was demonstrated to be 24.5%.

 

PROPOSED PERMIT LIMITS

 

Permit limits were proposed to the EPA based on the testing and risk assessment results.  The limits represent an incremental risk of less than 1x10-5 and a hazard index of less than 0.25.  The significant proposed permit limits are discussed in the following sections.

 

Operating Limits

 

The operating limits established during the testing included those parameters specified in Table VIII.  The maximum limits were established during Test Condition 1, and the minimum limits were established during Test Condition 2.

 

Table VIII

Summary of Proposed Operating Limits

Operating

Parameter

Proposed Permit Limits

Boiler 70K

Boiler 30K

Boiler 28K

Maximum Waste Feed Rate

0.47 Kg/s

(3,719 lb/hr)

0.29 Kg/s

(2,272 lb/hr)

0.28 Kg/s

(2,204 lb/hr)

Minimum Combustion Temperature

773°C (1,424°F)

768°C (1,414°F)

745°C (1,372°F)

Maximum Steam Production Rate

8.22 Kg/s

(65.20 Klb/hr)

4.06 Kg/s

(32.25 Klb/hr)

3.94 Kg/s

(31.28 Klb/hr)

Minimum Steam Production Rate

3.38 Kg/s

(26.80 Klb/hr)

1.31 Kg/s

(10.39 Klb/hr)

1.27 Kg/s

(10.08 Klb/hr)

 

Feed Rate Limits

 

Feed rate limits were established for ash, total chlorine/chloride, and the ten BIF metals.  The established ash feed rate limits were 4,926 g/hr, 3,045 g/hr, and 2,954 g/hr for Boilers 70K, 30K, and 28K, respectively, and were based on compliance with the PM emission standard.

 

The feed rate limit for total chlorine/chloride was established based on the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits and, for the final permit, the risk assessments.  For Boiler 70K, the chromium feed rate limit was based on the amount fed during the testing as required by the EPA.  For Boilers 30K and 28K, the feed rate limit for chromium was established based on the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits, the demonstrated hexavalent chromium conversion ratio from the Trial Burn and, for the final permit, the risk assessments.  The feed rate limits for the remaining metals were established based on the Adjusted Tier I feed rate screening limits from the Trial Burn and, for the final permit, the risk assessments.  Table IX summarizes and compares the feed rate limits for total chlorine/chloride and the metals based on the Trial Burn and the risk assessments.  Multiple risk assessment iterations were conducted in order to maximize the feed rate limit of chromium at the expense of the remaining metals.

 

Table IX

Summary of Proposed Chlorine and Metal Feed Rate Limits

 

Parameter

Boiler 70K (g/hr)

Boiler 30K (g/hr)

Boiler 28K (g/hr)

Tier IA

RA

Tier IA

RA

Tier IA

RA

Chlorine

216,000

8,500

45,800

5,000

44,426

4,500

Antimony

1,620

31.86

344

18.86

334

18.25

Arsenic

12.42

6.80

2.63

4.03

2.56

3.89

Barium

270,037

8.50

57,245

5.00

55,577

4.86

Beryllium

22.68

1.02

4.81

0.60

4.67

0.58

Cadmium

30.24

4.25

6.41

2.51

6.23

2.43

Chromium

9.40

9.40

3.88

7.76

3.76

3.76

Lead

486

35.64

103

21.06

100

20.41

Mercury

1,620

0.27

344

0.16

334

0.15

Silver

16,202

14.69

3,435

8.68

3,335

8.42

Thallium

2,700

0.85

572

0.50

556

0.49

Tier IA – Adjusted Tier I Feed Rate Screening Limit

RA – Risk Assessments

 

The risk assessment values presented in Table IX represent the simultaneous operation of the three boilers.  The risk assessment modeling was also conducted for other modes of operation, where combinations of the boilers or individual boilers were modeled.  In all, seven different modes of operation were modeled, and were identified as the 70K/30K/28K, 70K/30K, 70K/28K, 30K/28K, 70K, 30K, and 28K modes of operation.  The feed rate limits for the metals were allowed to change under the different modes of operation.  Table X presents the feed rate limits for the different modes of operation for antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, and cadmium.  Table XI presents the feed rate limits for the different modes of operation for chromium, lead, mercury, silver, and thallium.

 

Table X

Proposed Metal Feed Rate Limits for Different Modes of Operation

Operating

Mode

Proposed Feed Rate Limits (g/hr)

Antimony

Arsenic

Barium

Beryllium

Cadmium

70K/30K/28K

31.86/18.86

/18.25

6.80/4.03

/3.89

8.50/5.00

/4.86

1.02/0.60

/0.58

4.25/2.51

/2.43

70K/30K

47.88/28.26

11.16/6.48

84.96/50.04

1.02/0.60

6.37/3.78

70K/28K

47.88/28.26

11.16/6.41

84.96/50.04

1.02/0.58

6.37/3.04

30K/28K

33.91/33.91

4.32/4.32

50.04/50.04

0.60/0.58

2.51/2.43

70K

89.28

20.52

84.96

3.06

21.24

30K

67.68

11.34

100.08

1.20

5.00

28K

67.68

10.80

100.80

1.20

5.00

 

Table XI

Proposed Metal Feed Rate Limits for Different Modes of Operation

Operating

Mode

Proposed Feed Rate Limits (g/hr)

Chromium

Lead

Mercury

Silver

Thallium

70K/30K/28K

9.40/7.76

/3.76

35.64/21.06

/20.41

0.27/0.16

/0.15

14.69/8.68

/8.42

0.85/0.50

/0.49

70K/30K

10.74/8.82

47.52/28.08

0.33/0.20

22.03/13.03

1.27/0.75

70K/28K

10.74/8.82

47.52/28.08

0.33/0.20

22.03/13.03

1.27/0.75

30K/28K

9.63/9.63

35.10/35.10

0.33/0.33

14.98/14.98

0.86/0.86

70K

16.68

91.44

0.48

38.52

2.21

30K

11.24

70.20

0.67

29.95

1.73

28K

11.10

70.20

0.67

29.95

1.73

 

Because the chromium feed rate limits use the hexavalent chromium conversion ratio, a slightly different approach was used in addition to the risk assessment results to specify a feed rate limit for chromium.  The maximum feed rate demonstrated during testing was 9.40 g/hr of total chromium, of which 2.30 g/hr (24.5%) was attributed to hexavalent chromium.  Reilly also proposed an incremental feed rate increase above the 9.40 g/hr limit by assuming that 100% conversion to hexavalent chromium occurs at rates above the demonstrated 9.40 g/hr.  This approach was accepted by the EPA, and it provided Reilly with greater flexibility and assurance that the final feed rate limit would not present a hindrance to its operations.  The chromium feed rate limits presented in Table XI reflect this limitation.

 

Miscellaneous Limits

 

Permit limits were proposed for several miscellaneous parameters including combustion gas velocity, combustion chamber pressure, and waste firing system.  Since Reilly does not have a combustion gas flow rate measurement device, the permit limit for combustion gas velocity was proposed based on the specifications for the combustion air fans.  These specifications included the horsepower, revolutions per minute (RPMs), and the maximum design flow rate.  The combustion chamber is totally sealed as the means for controlling fugitive emissions, and it is not equipped with pressure monitoring devices.  Therefore, a permit limit on the combustion chamber pressure was not required.  The waste firing system permit limit was proposed as the atomizing media pressure being greater than the hazardous waste feed stream pressure as measured at the burner gun.  In these instances where miscellaneous permit constraints were needed, the facility was able to present alternative solutions to demonstrate compliance that further helped to reduce the financial cost and burden on facility operations.

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

The Trial Burn and Risk Burn testing was combined into a single test consisting of two test conditions.  The results of the testing satisfied the objective of generating data for obtaining a RCRA Part B Permit for three boilers and for conducting human health and ecological risk assessments.  DRE results of greater than 99.999% were demonstrated for the 1,2-DCB POHC.  A hexavalent chromium conversion ratio of 24.5% was demonstrated for the combustion process.  Permit limits were proposed based on the testing and the successful risk assessment results.  Feed rate limits for total chlorine/chloride and metals were proposed for seven different modes of operation.

 

REFERENCES

 

1.  Drake, G.J., Douglas, M.L., and Jones, J.R., “Reducing the Burdens of Compliance Testing Under Increasing Regulatory Requirements”, 2000 International Conference on Incineration and Thermal Treatment Technologies, Portland, Oregon, May 8-12, 2000.

 

2.  40 CFR 266.106(d) and (e).

 

3.  40 CFR 266.106(g).

 

4.  U.S. EPA, “Human Health Risk Assessment Protocol for Hazardous Waste Combustion Facilities”, Peer Review Draft, EPA530-D-98-001A, July 1998.

 

5.  U.S. EPA, “Technical Implementation Document for EPA’s Boiler and Industrial Furnace Regulations”, EPA530-R-92-011, March 1992, Section 5.2.3.9.

 

6.  Drake, G.J., Douglas, M.L., and Jones, J.R., “A Sophisticated Approach for Trial Burn Plan Development to Support a Post-Trial Burn Risk Assessment”, 2000 International Conference on Incineration and Thermal Treatment Technologies, Portland, Oregon, May 8-12, 2000.

 

7.  U.S. EPA, “Technical Implementation Document for EPA’s Boiler and Industrial Furnace Regulations”, EPA530-R-92-011, March 1992, Section 10.5.