There is a great need for safe, energy efficient, on-site methods for the decontamination of various chemical toxins. 99.8% of all polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in current electrical applications are used as dielectric fluid and amounts to about 30,000,000 gallons. The USEPA is reducing the risk of exposure to PCBs by requiring the accelerated phaseout of PCB transformers but there is presently no method available for the on-site treatment of PCBs and there is no mild chemical method for their ultimate disposal. Envirocon Systems has evaluated a novel PCB dechlorination method developed at the University of Louisville and believes this method has potential utility for the detoxification of transformer PCB fluids that presently represent a significant health hazard. Currently the University of Louisville hydrogenation method uses expensive noble metal catalysts but operates at room temperatures to achieve virtually complete dehalogenation in minutes. We propose to work with the University of Louisville group to systematically evaluate different catalysts, solvents and processes in order to find a commercially feasible and mobile PCB treatment protocol. Among the major advantages of the method is the avoidance of extreme conditions such as high temperatures which, in the case of partial pyrolysis, leads to increased production of dioxins and dibenzofurans.
