Dynamic Adsorbents Inc. (DAI)
has formulated a specialty proprietary adsorbent
(Alumina C) allowing PCBs to be removed safely from
contaminated sites. Alumina C is a chemically and
physically modified form of alumina with highly
favorable properties for the collection and
isolation of PCBs. Using industrial size batch
chromatography, PCB contaminated soil and other
environmental waste is passed through columns packed
with Alumina C. PCBs are separated out through the
adsorption process which occurs when PCBs come into
contact with Alumina C. The captured PCBs remain in
the column attached to the alumina. This bonded
material then contains virtually all of the PCB
material and the alumina bonded adsorbent may be
disposed of using appropriate destruction
technology. The use of this potent adsorbent serves
as an efficient means to gather PCBs in one
location, subsequently aiding destruction
technologies which may subsequently be used to
dechlorinate these hazardous aromatic compounds.
Using Alumina C for PCB removal
had been demonstrated to be advantageous. Batch
chromatographic purification systems are
transportable and are taken directly to the
contaminated sites in need of clean-up. Using this
technique there is no need to build a physical plant
eliminating high operating costs. Energy
requirements are low, with no high pressure or high
temperatures being utilized. PCBs collected (eluted)
and bound to Alumina C are gathered in one location
and then safely carried to their final disposal
site. While chromatography uses batch processing
rather than continuous in-line processing this
technique is proving to provide superior separation
capabilities.
