Process for Removal of Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Technology
Halogenated hydrocarbons are widely used in flame retardants, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and solvents. The presence of these materials in waste streams continues to be a significant environmental problem. Traditional treatment methods require extensive energy, create toxic by-products, or are incompatible with air or water.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have developed a novel method to efficiently remove a variety of these of toxic compounds from waste streams at low cost by converting the halogenated hydrocarbons into non-halogenated materials.
Applications and Advantages
- Solution-based treatment that is compatible with air, water, and organic solvents
- Demonstrated to be effective for treatment of brominated flame retardants, DDT, halothane, CCl4, CBr4, and most Freons
- Reducing agent is cost effective and easy to manufacture
- Solution-based reducing agent facilitates easy handling and transportation
- Dehalogenation occurs at or slightly above room temperature
- Reducing agent produces salt for easy removal
Status
Utility patent granted in the United States (US 9,744,392).
Seeking licensee(s).
Contacts
Michael Fowler, michaelf@uoguelph.ca, 519-824-4120 x53808
Steve De Brabandere, sdebrab@uoguelph.ca 519-824-4120 x54916