TRANSFERRING WASTE MINIMIZATION SOLUTIONS BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL CATEGORIES WITH A UNIT OPERATIONS APPROACH .1. CHEMICAL AND PLATING INDUSTRIES

We describe a method that can be used to analyze chemical process flow sheets for waste minimization options for hazardous waste. The system is based on relating current waste minimization solutions to the waste generating unit operation. The system is simple and emphasizes EPA po llution prevention priorities. The system database contains numerous w aste minimization solutions compiled from case studies, EPA reports, c onsultant reports and options identified during waste minimization vis its. The database structure and the system which uses the database to analyze chemical process flow is described for two existing companies, a specialty chemical company and a plating company. A pollution preve ntion index (PPI) that emphasizes EPA pollution prevention priorities as well as economic and technical factors is proposed and is used by t he system to rank solutions for a given process flowsheet. Analyses fo r the specific plating and specialty chemical companies examined are d escribed in detail. It is shown that the new system and structure are effective in locating and providing an analysis of a chemical process flowsheet. The system has been applied to more than 16 South Carolina industries.