Gulf Coast Environmental Systems

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Case Study – Specialty Chemical Refurbished Solution

Industry: Specialty Chemical/Materials
Project Type: Chemical
Location: Louisiana
Project Goal: A quickly commissioned pollution control solution
Equipment Type: Refurbished Thermal Oxidizer

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Gulf Coast Environmental Systems was tasked with finding a pollution control solution for a chemical application which had an unusually tight timeline.

CLIENT OVERVIEW:
This customer manufactures and sells high-performance specialty chemicals and materials. One of the largest chemical providers in the world, this company operates in two separate segments; Catalyst Technologies and Materials Technologies. Catalyst Technologies provides fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts to produce petroleum-based fuels like gasoline and diesel. They also supply methanol-to-olefins catalysts for the conversion of methanol into petrochemical feeds like ethylene and propylene. [Read more…]

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Sulfuric Acid

What is Sulfuric Acid?Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid, or vitriol, is a brownish, odorless, oily mineral acid. Although odorless, it has an obvious acidic taste that is said to be incredibly off-putting. It is generally considered stable and composed of sulfur, hydrogen, and oxygen. The molecular formula for sulfuric acid is H2SO4, and it is water-soluble, meaning it will not burn. It is considered extremely corrosive due to its highly acidic nature and in high concentrations, it is dehydrating and oxidizing. Another interesting property that sulfuric acid exhibits its ability to absorb water vapor from the air, which means its hygroscopic. Because of this, it is highly reactive with most chemicals, especially water.

Corrosive Sulfuric Acid

Where is Sulfuric Acid Found? [Read more…]

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Dimethyl Sulfide

What is Dimethyl Sulfide?Dimethyl sulfide

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), also known as methylthiomethane, is an organosulfur compound. It is a methyl sulfide, in which the sulfur atom is substituted by two methyl groups, with the chemical formula of (CH3)2S. It is a highly flammable straw-colored liquid, with a boiling point of 37 degrees Celsius, or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a compound that is easily recognized by its foul odor, that is often described as “cabbage like”. Unlike many other organosulfur compounds, this disagreeable odor is present in even low concentrations of DMS. Dimethyl sulfide is the product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) breakdown, and is also the result of bacterial metabolism of methanethiol.

Dimethyl Sulfide

Where is Dimethyl Sulfide Found? [Read more…]

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Methyl Mercaptan

What is Methyl Mercaptan?

methyl mercaptan

Methyl Mercaptan, also known as Methanethiol, is a volatile organic compound known as an organosulfur, because it contains sulfur. Methyl mercaptan is a member of a series of compounds, in which there can be chains of up to 20 carbon-atoms attached to sulfur. The chemical formula for methanethiol is CH3SH; it is classified as a thiol.  It is colorless, highly flammable, and has a strong rotten-cabbage-like odor. It is a colorless, low-boiling liquid, that is denser than water. When inhaled, Methyl Mercaptan is very toxic, and the dangerous gas is often overlooked when in low concentrations. It can undergo steam reforming to hydrogen-rich gas over cerium oxide-coated rhodium or aluminum oxide catalyst via the solid-gas reaction, under certain operating conditions. This process has potential use in toxic-waste treatment, such as removal of methanethiol present in industrial-waste off-gas. Because it is derived from decaying organic matter, Methyl Mercaptan is a weak acid, and is reactive with dissolved metals, in aqueous solutions. [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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