Fact Sheet: Solvent Recovery in a Fiber Production Plant

Virginia Waste Minimization Program
Vol. 1 Issue 2

A Waste Reduction Success Story from the Virginia Waste Minimization Program on solvent recovery in a fiber production plant.

Abstract

The fiber department of a large manufacturing plant reduced Its air emissions by recovering a process solvent. A water scrubber was used for emission recovery, which was followed by purification in a distillation column.

Background

E. I. DuPont de Nemours Company of Waynesboro, Virginia. manufactures synthetic fibers. One process used dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent in the fiber production. Before waste minimization process modifications were undertaken, the operation resulted in the release of 1,700 tons/year of DMF to the air from fiber dryers. This hazardous waste release posed problems concerning the potential for exceeding the Clean Air Act fence line guidelines.

Implementation

DuPont decided to recycle the DMF vapors by using a water scrubber for recovery and distillation for purification. The company constructed two scrubbing columns, utilizing both a packed section and bubble cap trays. The water was recirculated at the rate of about 3,500 GPM. and the total air thruput was 150.000 CFM. The solution withdrawn was at a concentration of 5% DMF and was sent to a distillation column for purification.

Results

The company was able to recover 1,400 tons/year DMF emissions as a result of installing a scrubber system. Overall plant air emissions were reduced by 70%, and purchases of virgin DMF decreased by almost 3 million pounds/year. The new system did not generate any new wastes for disposal. DuPont received emissions credits for future plant expansions as a result of implementation of this waste reduction technology.

This Waste Reduction Success Story is provided as a service of the Virginia, Waste Minimization Program, a technical assistance program of the Virginia Department of Waste Management.

For more information on opportunities to reduce waste contact:

Virginia Waste Minimization Program
11th Floor Monroe Building, 101 North 14th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-371-8716 or 1-800-552-2075
TDD 804-371-8737


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Last Updated: October 24, 1995