PRODUCTION OF AN ENVIRONMENTALLY COMPATIBLE DEICER FROM WASTES

Current highway and runway deicers include rock salt, urea and glycols, all of which are toxic to vegetation or aquatic life or are corrosive to bridges and vehicles. In some areas, deicing runoff must be confined for subsequent treatment. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is very expensive ($650) per ton) because of the high cost of glacial acetic acid. This project will investigate a unique technology for producing acetic acid from the cellulosic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW), which today also poses a serious threat to the environment. The technology will combine an established process for MSW gasification with an Engineering Resources process for the biological conversion of synthesis gas (CO, H2, CO2) into acetic acid. The combination results in a simple and economical process that has the potential to produce CMA for $80 per ton. Phase I of this project will involve laboratory experiments to measure reaction rates and acetic acid yields with MSW synthesis gas. Experiments will also be conducted to demonstrate CMA production by extraction of acetic acid and reaction with lime. The design and economics of a commercial facility will be projected to demonstrate economic feasibility. Phase II will include the design and operation of a continuous bench-scale unit for CMA production. A field test will be conducted to demonstrate the deicer performance. Scale-up parameters shall be developed for a pilot demonstration to be conducted in Phase III.