Commmodore Environmental Services, Inc.'s (Commodore), solvated electron remediation system chemically transforms toxic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), pesticides, and other halogenated compounds into relatively benign substances. The solvating system uses a solution of ammonia and an "active" metal to create a powerful reducing agent that can clean up contaminated soils, sediments, and liquids.
A solvated electron solution is a liquid homogeneous mixture that produces a large supply of free electrons. It can be created by combining liquid ammonia with a metal such as sodium, calcium, lithium, or potassium. When a solvated electron solution is mixed with a contaminated material, the free electrons in the solution chemically convert the contaminant to relatively harmless substances and salts.
The solvating system consists of components to move and recover the ammonia (such as piping, pumps, and tanks), along with reactor vessels which hold the contaminated medium and the solvating solution. The system can be transported to different field sites, but the process is performed ex situ, meaning that the contaminated medium must be introduced into the reactor vessels.
The treatment process begins by placing the contaminated medium into the reactor vessels, where the medium is then mixed with ammonia. One of the reactive metals (usually sodium) is then added to the contaminated medium-ammonia mixture, and a chemical reaction ensues. After the chemical reaction is complete (about 1 minute), the ammonia is removed to a discharge tank for reuse. The treated medium is then removed from the reactor vessels, tested for contamination, and returned to the site.
Commodore claims that its solvating electron remediation system can effectively decontaminate soils, sludges, sediments, oils, hand tools, and personal protective clothing. The technology chemically transforms PCBs, pesticides, and other halogenated compounds into relatively benign salts. Commodore also believes that the technology is effective in treating chemical warfare agents and radionuclides.
Commodore was accepted into the SITE Demonstration Program in 1995 and is also participating in the Rapid Commercialization Initiative (RCI). RCI was created by the Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and EPA to assist in the integration of innovative technologies into the marketplace.
Commodore demonstrated the solvating system at the Construction Battalion Supply Center in Port Hueneme, California in September 1996. The demonstration was designed to evaluate the system's performance capability, costs, and design parameters. Results from the demonstration will be presented in an Innovative Technology Evaluation Report, which will be available in 1997.
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail:
dePercin.Paul@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Neil Drobny
Commodore Environmental Services, Inc.
1487 Delashmut Avenue
Columbus, OH 43212
614-297-0365
Fax: 614-297-7535