Gulf Coast Environmental Systems

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PFAS as Emerging Contaminates: PFOA and PFOS

What are Perfluoroalkyl Substances?

PFOA & PFOSPerfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made, highly fluorine chemicals, that are getting a lot of attention as emerging contaminants. Though there are nearly 4,800 different types of perfluoroalkyl substances, there are two that are commonly focused on because of their use in everyday household products: areperfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid. Perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA or C8, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula of C8HF15O2. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, also known as PFOS, is a chemical compound with the molecular formula of C8HF17O3S. Both are considered stable chemicals, comprised of 8 carbons. The stability of these carbons and fluorine atoms make them extremely persistent in the environment, and difficult to abate.

Where are Perfluoroalkyl Substances like PFOA and PFOS found?

PFOA and PFOS are industrial chemicals widely used, across the globe. Their known for their ability to repel water and other sticky substances, making them ideal for a number of different applications. Common applications include:

  • As surface protection for items such as:
    • Non-stick cookware
    • Furniture
    • Carpeting and rugs
  • A component in the manufacturing of:
    • Food and beverage packaging
    • Personal hygiene goods like floss, waxes, and makeup
    • Automotive parts and fabrics
    • Consumer goods packaging
    • Outdoor clothing and gear
  • They are also commonly used in manufacturing facilities as:
    • Surfactants
    • Emulsifiers
    • Coatings
    • Wetting agents

[Read more…]

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Clean Minds: Welcome, Mike Hornsby!

mike hornsbyGulf Coast Environmental Systems is excited to welcome Mr. Mike Hornsby. Mr. Hornsby is a Controls Engineer and PLC Programmer, who recently moved from Indiana, to join our control panel team, with his wife, Tina. With nearly twenty-five-years of experience, he has worked in facilities across the globe, from Canada to Vietnam, and GCES is thrilled to have him onboard.

Mr. Hornsby received his BS in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University in 1996, and has since worked with some of the biggest names in the business, from Johnson controls to Maxon Corporation. He started working with PLCs and interpretation in 2000, after a friend of his introduced him to it. He prides himself on staying up to date on any changes in the field, including NFPA updates. Mr. Hornsby says he is drawn to this field because “things are never the same, there are always new things to do and learn.” [Read more…]

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Amine Plant Case Study

May 2020 | Case Study | Amine Plant

Location: Texas

Employees: Over 11,000

Industry: Oil & Gas

Project Type: Amine Plant

Project Goal: Readying natural gas for pipeline quality with subsequent CO2 sequestration

Equipment Type: Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer

Executive Summary:

Gulf Coast Environmental Systems was tasked with find a pollution control solution for an Amine Plant, that would treat Carbon Dioxide (CO2) vent emissions.

Client Overview:

This customer is one of the biggest energy infrastructure providers in North America. They own and operate over 100 terminals, and tens of thousands of miles of pipeline. These terminals and pipelines store and transport petroleum products, chemicals, and CO2, among other things. Their customer portfolio includes some of the world’s largest oil producers, shippers, and distribution companies. They are a leader in enhanced oil recovery projects in the US using CO2 collected underground and in their own Amine plants. [Read more…]

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Emerging Contaminants

Emerging Contaminants

Emerging ContaminantsThe EPA lists 187 different chemicals and compounds as hazardous air pollutants (HAPS). These are compounds that’s emissions are regulated, and must be partially or fully destroyed from any exhaust stream, prior to being released in the atmosphere. These compounds are generally rather well known in the pollution control world, and there are established best practices for the handling of them. However, there is a new list of pollutants that is starting to garner attention from regulatory agencies; these are called “Emerging Contaminants.”

Emerging contaminants, also known as contaminants of emerging concern, have been identified in bodies of water, and are believed to negatively affect human health. The EPA is currently monitoring the following contaminants, all of which are the result of the manufacturing, use, or improper disposal of common products, medications, and chemicals: [Read more…]

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Status Update – 3/27/2020

Covid-19Status Update: Gulf Coast Environmental Systems is proud to support our nation’s critical infrastructure, during this unprecedented global event. Our current projects include systems to sterilize medical equipment/waste, process and transmit natural gas, fuel production, and to make semiconductors for critical medical, communication, and information systems.

We are open and operating normally, while taking every precaution to operate safely for our employees, customers, suppliers, and community. We are not under any shelter-in-place or other such restrictive orders. If such an order is issued, we are designated as an essential business by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and will continue to operate.

We stand ready to solve your problems, with new equipment, refurbishments, service and maintenance, upgrades, and repairs. Let us know how we can help you.

Chad Clark, CEO

sales@gcesystems.com

832.476.9024

Company Profile

Gulf Coast Environmental Systems (GCES) is your custom solutions provider for pollution control systems, industrial ovens, systems engineering and field support worldwide. Our unique approach is to analyze your process stream and business objectives and propose an ideal solution or range of options to help you optimize these objectives. GCES is a one-stop shop: we provide engineering services, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and ongoing support. With our broad base of expertise and large installed global base, we are well-positioned to solve your pollution control issues.

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