4.

26 PYROLYSIS
Description:

Pyrolysis is formally defined as chemical decomposition induced in organic

materials by heat in the absence of oxygen. In practice, it is not possible to
achieve a completely oxygen-free atmosphere; actual pyrolytic systems are
operated with less than stoichiometric quantities of oxygen. Because some
oxygen will be present in any pyrolytic system, nominal oxidation will occur.
If volatile or semivolatile materials are present in the waste, thermal desorption
will also occur.

4-26 TYPICAL PYROLYSIS PROCESS

Pyrolysis transforms hazardous organic materials into gaseous components,

small quantities of liquid, and a solid residue (coke) containing fixed carbon
and ash. Pyrolysis of organic materials produce combustible gases, including
carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, and other hydrocarbons. If the offgases are cooled, liquids condense producing an oil/tar residue and
contaminated water. Pyrolysis typically occurs under pressure and at operating
temperatures above 430 C (800 F). The pyrolysis gases require further
treatment. The off-gases may be treated in a secondary combustion chamber,
flared, and partially condensed. Particulate removal equipment such as fabric
filters or wet scrubbers are also required.
Pyrolysis is an emerging technology. Although the basic concepts of the
process have been validated, the performance data for an emerging technology
have not been evaluated according to methods approved by EPA and adhering
to EPA quality assurance/quality control standards. Performance data are
currently available only for vendors. Also, existing data are limited in scope
and quantity/quality and are frequently of a proprietary nature.
Applicability: The target contaminant groups for pyrolysis are SVOCs and pesticides. The process
is applicable for the separation of organics from refinery wastes, coal tar wastes, woodMK01\RPT:02281012.009\compgde.426

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EX SITU SOIL TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES

treating wastes, creosote-contaminated soils, hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, mixed

(radioactive and hazardous) wastes, synthetic rubber processing wastes, and paint
waste.
Pyrolysis systems may be applicable to a number or organic materials that
"crack" or undergo a chemical decomposition in the presence of heat. Pyrolysis
has shown promise in treating organic contaminants in soils and oily sludges.
Chemical contaminants for which treatment data exist include PCBs, dioxins,
PAHs, and many other organics. Pyrolysis is not effective in either destroying
or physically separating inorganics from the contaminated medium. Volatile
metals may be removed as a result of the higher temperatures associated with
the process but are similarly not destroyed.
Limitations:

Data Needs:

Performance
Data:

Factors that may limit the applicability and effectiveness of the process include:

There are specific feed size and materials handling requirements that
impact applicability or cost at specific sites.

The technology requires drying of the soil to achieve a low soil moisture
content (<1%).

Highly abrasive feed can potentially damage the processor unit.

High moisture content increases treatment costs.

Treated media containing heavy metals may require stabilization.

A detailed discussion of these data elements is provided in Subsection 2.2.1

(Data Requirements for Soil, Sediment, and Sludge). In addition to identifying
soil contaminants and their concentrations, information necessary for
engineering thermal systems to specific applications include soil moisture
content and classification (no sieve analysis is necessary), and the soil fusion
temperature.

Limited performance data are available for pyrolytic systems treating hazardous
wastes containing PCBs, dioxins, and other organics. The quality of this
information has not been determined. These data are included as a general
indication of the performance of pyrolysis equipment and may not be directly
transferrable to a specific Superfund site. Site characterization and treatability
studies are essential in further refining and screening the pyrolysis technology.

Cost:

The overall cost for remediating approximately 18,200 metric tons (20,000
tons) of contaminated media is expected to be approximately $330 per metric
ton ($300 per ton).

References:

EPA, 1992. AOSTRA-SoilTech Anaerobic Thermal Processor: Wide Beach

Development Site, Demonstration Bulletin, EPA, ORD, Washington, DC,
EPA/540/MR-92/008.

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4.26 PYROLYSIS

EPA, 1992. Pyrolysis Treatment, Engineering Bulletin, EPA, OERR,

Washington, DC, EPA/540/S-92/010.
EPA, 1992. SoilTech Anaerobic Thermal Processor: Outboard Marine
Corporation Site, Demonstration Bulletin, EPA, ORD, Washington, DC,
EPA/540/MR-92/078.

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Site Information:
Site Name
HT-V

Contact
TDI Thermal Dynamics

Deutsche
Babcock Anlagen
AG
Wide Beach
Superfund Site
NY

NA
SoilTech, Inc.

Beginning
Levels

Summary

Levels
Attained

Mobile thermal desorption

unit with pyrolytic mode

Dioxin

99.99%
removal

Desorb and combust

volatiles

Polycyclic
aromatics

99.77%
removal

Anaerobic thermal
processor (ATP), indirectly
heated rotary kiln

5,000 ppm PCB

<2 ppm

Costs
NA

NA
$290/metric ton
($265/ton)

Note: NA = Not Available.

Points of Contact:
Contact

Government Agency

Phone

Location

Donald Oberacker

EPA RREL

(513) 569-7510

26 West M.L. King Dr.

Cincinnati, OH 45268

Paul dePercin

EPA RREL

(513) 569-7797
Fax: (513) 569-7620

26 West M.L. King Dr.

Cincinnati, OH 45268

Technology
Demonstration and
Transfer Branch

USAEC

(410) 671-2054
Fax: (410) 612-6836

SFIM-AEC-ETD
APG, MD 21010-5401

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