Design of a new gas scrubber

Identifier:  TFG:2464

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG2464

Authors:  Galve García, Alba María

Abstract:
In the current plant is the D-1002 gas scrubber in charge of absorbing traces of monomers from the vents before sending them to the atmosphere. The Environmental Authorization is in the process of being reviewed and there is a risk of reducing these Limit Values, causing D-1002 to be insufficient for the treatment of venting. In order to minimize emissions to the atmosphere and work within the Established Limits Values (VLE's), a new and innovative project has been studied. The present project consists of designing a new vent treatment unit capable of absorbing styrene with greater efficiency than the current one and connecting it in series to D-1002. This will be formed by a gas scrubber, two plate type heat exchangers and a positive displacement pump. The new alternative is expected to minimize styrene emissions by 58% compared to current ones. On the other hand, it has been designed in such a way that it does not generate any new waste, since the solvent used is fed to the production reaction of polymeric polyol. In addition, the flow of water operation in D-1002 could be minimized, reducing the costs of wastewater treatment. This project is a defensive investment with an initial cost of 1.6 M € with the aim of not stopping the production of polymeric polyol. The return time of said investment would occur in the same year, with a useful life of 15 years. In addition, this alternative would be a saving compared to a direct flame incinerator with a Net Present Value of 456 thousand € calculated with an interest rate of 10% and an Internal Rate of Return of 17%. Being the gas scrubber a more environmentally friendly alternative that does not generate greenhouse gases.