Solvents are hazardous and difficult to destroy, in addition to being expensive and a significant cost that must be monitored. Because of their volatile nature, they pose a high fire hazard and must be handled as an explosion risk. Usually a Class 1, Div 2 explosion proof rating is needed. In addition, double containment is the norm because of the contamination risks.

A solvent must be segregated from other waste streams. Often the solvent is recycled and must be collected for sale to a licensed recycler. If not hauled from the premises, it must be destroyed. This usually achieved by oxidation using either combustion or advanced oxidation techniques.

Pumping solvent can be a problem because of incompatibility with seals and pump materials. Although PP is rated for some solvents, PVC and solvent welded joints are not. Typically the piping system must be stainless steel, and the pump lift stations must be rated explosion-proof. The best pump is an air operated stainless steel pump because air avoids all electrical risks. An explosion-proof solenoid valve may be located on the pump for air control, or a control and monitoring panel may be located in a safe area and include solenoid valves for pump control.

Wastech Solvent Collection Systems

Wastech is a leading supplier of solvent collections systems used with industrial processes and laboratory applications. These all-stainless-steel systems are rated for Class 1, Div 2 for explosive environments and have proven popular with local fire departments. Each collection system is monitored by a central control panel, which displays or communicates data on pump station performance and volume in the collection tank(s).

Two collection tanks with automatic change-over capabilities eliminate mistakes and accidents. The tanks are installed in a fire-rated enclosure with leak detection and monitoring sensors. Waste is discharged using an air operated pump into the waste hauler’s containers. Each system is fully monitored and can offer various communication options including SCADA reporting, PC monitoring or 24/7 beeper response. Central or local control panels are available using PLC or relay logic.

Standard Pump Lift Stations

Packaged pump lift stations are designed for the application and range in size from 15 to 110 gallon capacity. All units use air operated pumps sized to the application. Pumps, tanks and sensors are stainless steel and can be rated for IS or Class 1, Div 1 applications. Wastech fabricates all solvent lift stations using 304 stainless steel with or without containment. Larger systems come with standard 30, 60 and 110 gallon SS tanks and tops, and with appropriate sized pumps.

Standard pump lift station components include SS vent and inlet fittings, SS discharge piping, air operated SS pump, solenoid with air filter and regulator, and explosion proof metal float level switches. Accessories include a remote control panel, SS pulse dampener, 304 SS double containment, and leak detection switch.

Click for stock pump control panels and pricing.
 

Packaged Solvent Collection Systems

Packaged solvent collection systems are available for storage in a utility area feed by one or more solvent pump lift stations. These include one or two stainless steel drums in a special metal cabinet rated for flammable liquids. Automated switching between drums is possible, and often the entire system is monitored. A discharge pump with pump controls may be included for pumping to the tanker truck hauling the waste offsite. Sensors and solenoids will be stainless steel and will be rated for IS or Class 1, Div 2 applications.
 

* Tank drums 304SS, tight head, plug and flange top.
 
Standard features: enclosure, epoxy coated carbon steel with self-closing, self-latching two doors; rating for Flammable Liquids per OSHA, FM, NFPA; explosion proof metal float level switches; SS piping and fittings.
 
Accessories: remote monitoring panel, automatic tank switching, cabinet double containment with leak detection switch, air operated discharge pump, and audible or visual alarms.

Check out our Case Study: Solvent Collection Systems for Laboratories

Solvent collection systems are expensive, but necessary. Wastech is emerging as a leading supplier of total solutions, which include stainless steel fabrication. Call us at 818-998-3500 for a telephone consultation, engineering assistance, and a quotation. Using WebEX online teleconferencing, we can define the requirements, show examples of the hardware and other installations, and customize a solution.

• Ben Naylor – Application Engineer (ext 227)
• Harold Sipe – Senior Application Engineer (ext 224)