Questions from a layperson seeking help regarding a laboratory waste organic solvent collection system
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There is a paint laboratory that requires a certain amount of organic solvents, mainly toluene, propylene, methanol, ethanol, lipids, and so on. The organic solvents used after the experiments are poured into the sink located in the fume hood, where they flow into a small stainless-steel storage tank (100L) situated beneath the fume hood for temporary storage. When a certain level of liquid is reached in the tank (about 20L, as the tank is relatively large), an electric explosion-proof diaphragm pump made of stainless steel is activated to transfer the waste liquid from the small tank to a larger stainless-steel tank located in the explosion-proof area. Once a sufficient amount of liquid has been collected (300L), it is sent to a specialized disposal company for further processing. All parts of the system that come into contact with media are made of 304 stainless steel, while seals and other components are made of PTFE; the entire system is electrically grounded. The vent of the 100L tank is connected to the duct of the fume hood, while the vent of the 300L tank is connected to a flame arrester and an activated carbon filter before being vented to a higher point. All pipes in the system are DN20 stainless steel seamless pipes (GBT14976). Please help me check the following issues: 1. I’m not sure which specifications or standards should be followed for the design of this system. For construction and acceptance, I plan to use the GB50235-97 Code for Construction and Acceptance of Industrial Metal Piping Projects. Is this necessary? 2. The system shouldn’t be considered a pressure pipeline, right? There’s no need to be under the supervision of any authorities, right? 3. Are there any aspects that have not been considered sufficiently? I just browsed the internet a bit, and didn’t find any useful information. I was rather shocked by the rules and regulations of many laboratories; it seems that it would be better to simply use a waste container for those substances. Installing a system only introduces even more variables. 4. Must organic solvents, especially waste liquids with mixed components, be handled with care? So, a guide pipe needs to be installed at the tank inlet extending to the bottom of the tank, right? This post was last edited by bedlin on 2009-3-19 21:01]
Especially solvents that are in contact with air, keep them as far away as possible from static electricity and sparks, and avoid collisions. It may seem like there’s little solvent present, but it actually contains a lot of energy, enough to burn the skin
1. It is not a pressure pipeline. 2. It is advisable to hire an environmental consulting firm to conduct an environmental impact assessment and propose storage solutions for laboratory waste liquids. 3. I think your collection system is too complicated; instead of investing in that, it’s better to collect and store the waste, and then have a hazardous waste disposal company come and remove it on a regular basis.