Bulk Disposal of Unserviceable Toxic Cresylic Acid Waste Using Polymerisation Technique

Pramod Kumar Rai; Amit Saxena; Ashok Singh Rawat; Vivek Kumar; Mritunjay Pandit; Jagdish Chandra Kapoor

doi:10.14429/dsj.61.515

Pramod Kumar Rai Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi
Amit Saxena Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi
Ashok Singh Rawat Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi
Vivek Kumar Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi
Mritunjay Pandit Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi
Jagdish Chandra Kapoor Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.515

Keywords: Cresylic acid, waste disposal method, polymerization

Abstract

A bulk amount of unserviceable toxic cresylic acid waste has been disposed off in a safe and environmentally benign manner. A process to immobilize this waste into non-toxic solid cresol formaldehyde polymer has been developed. Initial study was performed for 1.0 Kg batch size for optimizing the process parameters and conditions, and on the basis of this data, process was scaled-up for bulk disposal (100 Kg / batch). The effect of ratio of reactants, type of catalyst [H₂SO₄, NaOH and Ca(OH)₂], catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time have been studied in a batch process. Maximum immobilization in the 1.0 Kg batch studies was obtained when cresylic acid and formaldehyde were taken in a molar ratio 1 : 1.5 using NaOH as a catalyst. For bulk polymerization, a ratio of 1.0 : 1.2 (cresylic acid : formaldehyde) with NaOH {0.7 % (wt. / wt. of total charge)} was found optimum. The final polymerized product has been buried as per standard procedure in two brick lined pits and finally, the site has been declared as free from the toxic waste.

Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(5), pp.505-511, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.515

Author Biographies

Pramod Kumar Rai, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Dr Pramod Kumar Rai obtained PhD (Chemistry) from University of Rajasthan, Jaipur in 1992. Currently working as Scientist ‘E’ at Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi. He is working in the field of chelating polymers, carbons, fire retardants, waste disposal techniques, nano-materials and adsorption science. His scientific contribution involves: Development of pitch-based activated carbon spheres, ABC fire extinguishing powder, fire suppressing gel compositions, and metal oxide nanoparticles-based adsorbents. He is honoured with DRDO Spin-off Technology Award in 2006.

Amit Saxena, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Dr Amit Saxena obtained PhD (Chemistry)(Nanomaterials) from Jiwaji University, Gwalior, in 2009. Presently working as Scientist ‘C’ at CFEES, Delhi. He is working in the field of NBC defence especially protection against toxic chemicals, nanomaterials, adsorption science, fire retardants and waste disposal techniques. His scientific contribution involves: Development of adsorbents for CO filters, CO canister, Mark-II TCD paper, ABC fire extinguishing powder, fire suppressing gel compositions, and metal oxide nanoparticles-based adsorbents. Technology of ABC powder has been transferred to private firm.

Ashok Singh Rawat, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Mr Ashok Singh Rawat received MSc (Chemistry) from Institution of Chemist, Kolkata in 1995. Presently working as TO ‘A’, at CFEES, Delhi. He is working in the field of analytical chemistry and waste disposal techniques. His scientific contribution involves : Development of chelating polymers, pitch-based activated carbon spheres, ABC fire extinguishing powder, fire suppressing gel compositions, and metal oxide nanoparticles-based adsorbents. He is honored with DRDO Spin-off Technology Award in 2006.

Vivek Kumar, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Mr Vivek Kumar did BSc in 1992 from Delhi University, Delhi. Presently working as TO ‘A’, at CFEES, Delhi. He has expertise of working in the field of analytical chemistry and waste disposal techniques. His scientific contribution involves: Development of pitch-based activated carbon spheres, ABC fire extinguishing powder, fire suppressing gel compositions,and metal oxide nanoparticles-based adsorbents. He is honoured with DRDO Spin-off Technology Award in 2006.

Mritunjay Pandit, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Dr Mritunjay Pandit received his PhD (Chemical Engg.) from IIT Delhi in 1997. Presently working as Scientist at CFEES,Delhi. He is working for management of hazardous wastes. He is honored with DRDO Spin-off Technology Award in 2006. He has filed one patent. He is a co-author of one chapter in a book. He has guided three PhD students and several MTech and MSc projects.

Jagdish Chandra Kapoor, Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Delhi

Mr Jagdish Chander Kapoor received MSc from Bombay University in 1980. He retired as Director, CFEES, Delhi in 2010. Many DRDO projects of strategic importance have been completed in his guidance. He has published/presented several papers in national and international journals/conferences and filed many patents.