Gulf Coast Environmental Systems

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An Introduction to Odor Control

Pollution control equipment can generally fall between two categories: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Control, or Odor Control. But what is the difference between these two classifications?

VOC: The Environmental Protection Agency classifies Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to mean “any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions.”

Odor: The EPA refers to this category as “nuisance odors.” A nuisance odor is any strong smell coming from a facility, that could potentially disrupt the community. These odors are generally the result of cooking or processing of organic compounds.

Although the chemical makeup of some odors are regulated by the EPA, these nuisance odors are not generally regulated at a federal level; however, many state and local agencies have established nuisance odor guidelines and limitations. Failure to plan for appropriate odor control often leads to complaints, unplanned shutdowns, as well as sometimes pricey equipment upgrades and retrofits.  [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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2020 Pollution Control Outlook

We have all seen the industry outlook articles, claiming to name the upcoming industry leaders and trends for this year. You might notice these articles list completely irrelevant “trends” and a number of companies that paid to be called “up and coming,” Gulf Coast Environmental Systems has been recognized as an industry leader for nearly two-decades. We work in some of the most challenging environments on the planet, with some of the harshest pollutants. Because of this, we have a constant pulse on the pollution control field.

With 2020 upon us, we sat down with a few of our in-house experts and put together a list of trends and changes the industry should expect this year.

The most obvious issue facing nearly every industrial facility is the public focus on pollution and climate change. In 2019, we were presented with study after study proving a connection between pollution and serious human health risks, and even death. With 24-hour access to these studies, and widespread social media use, the general public is starting to raise their voice in protest, and demanding government action. This, in combination with increased urbanization in previously underdeveloped areas, the regulatory agencies of the world have started to demand more stringent destruction requirements.

Most of the trends we expect to see in 2020 are related to the pressure that these regulatory industries are facing, regarding specific applications and/or emissions. Below are the “hot topics” for 2020: [Read more…]

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Is There Money Hiding in Your Landfill?

What gases are released by landfills?

Landfills consist of a complex mix of gases and VOCs, and are a source of major pollution, and potential revenue… which we will address later in this article. Dangerous gases like methane (CH4),  carbon dioxide(CO2), sulfides (SOx), and ammonia, are created by the decomposition and evaporation of organic compounds, as well as chemical reactions between waste components. Methane and carbon dioxide are the most prevalent, making up between 90 and 98% of all gases and VOCs released. Methane from Landfills

Why are these chemicals a concern?

These gases and VOCs are considered greenhouse gases, and play a huge role in global warming. According to the EPA, in the United States, landfills are the third most prevalent source of methane, and other greenhouse gases. Another risk when dealing with methane is the flammability of the gas, which is incredibly high. When condensed into a small space, methane is considered an explosive, and should be handled with extreme caution. Landfill gas explosions are not uncommon.

In addition to pollution and the risk of exploding, these VOCs pose a serious risk to human health. They have been linked to eye, throat and lung irritation, nausea, headache, nasal blockage, sleeping difficulties, weight loss, chest pain, and even asthma. Some recent studies indicate a connection between air pollution, and Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and slow fetal development. [Read more…]

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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