What Happens To Flammable Liquids During Disposal?

Flammable liquids are often referred to as silent workhorses, playing important behind-the-scenes roles in various industrial processes.

They are indispensable in manufacturing, cleaning and other operations, where their chemical properties make them effective solvents, fuels and reactants. But once their usefulness wanes, a common question is: What becomes of these volatile substances? 

For companies that want to incorporate more environmentally friendly waste processes into their operations, sustainable options are available for disposing of flammable liquids. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to flammable liquids during the disposal process and how your company can minimize its environmental impact.

Flammable Liquids Are Transported To A TSDF

One of the initial stages of disposal is transporting flammable liquid waste to the appropriate treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF). Flammable liquids should always be transported by a licensed hazardous waste transporter.

Flammable liquids are packaged with care to ensure safety during transportation. They are typically stored in specially designed containers that meet stringent regulatory standards, such as those set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Common packaging options include steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and jerry cans, all of which are engineered to prevent leaks and resist impact. At Samex, flammable liquid wastes are typically received in drums, totes and tankers. 

These containers are often equipped with secure, airtight seals to prevent the escape of vapors, which can be particularly hazardous.

In addition to the packaging, flammable liquids are labeled with appropriate hazard warnings and handling instructions. Labels must clearly indicate the contents, the potential hazards and any necessary precautionary measures, such as "flammable," "keep away from heat," and "handle with care." 

Transporters must also ensure that the flammable liquids are properly segregated from incompatible materials and are securely fastened to prevent movement during transit.

Flammable Liquids Are Analyzed

While TSDFs may have different processes for dealing with flammable liquids once they are transported, at Samex Environmental, once flammable liquids are received, technicians complete a fingerprint analysis to identify the specific properties and composition of the waste. This analysis includes testing pH, BTU, water content and solids content. 

By determining the pH, technicians can understand the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid, which is important for safe handling and disposal. Measuring the BTU provides insight into the energy potential of the liquid, which is essential for any waste-to-energy processes that might be used. 

Water content analysis helps in understanding the proportion of liquid that is not flammable, while solid content measurement identifies any non-liquid materials present in the waste. This thorough analysis ensures that the flammable liquids are handled, treated and disposed of in the most appropriate and safe manner. 

Once the waste has been analyzed and checked against the accompanying manifest, appropriate pricing can be calculated, and the transporter of record is notified.  

Waste Is Directed To Appropriate Recycling Area

Solvent distillation offers facilities the opportunity to take their recycling and sustainability to the next level. While at some disposal facilities, waste may end up in landfills or burned in an incinerator, at Samex, state-of-the-art solvent distillation equipment treats waste and turns it into reusable products that are then sold back into the industry. 

What is solvent distillation? Solvent distillation is a process that recovers and purifies used solvents, allowing them to be reused while reducing waste and environmental impact. After spent solvents are transported to a solvent distillation facility for disposal, the process involves a series of four steps:

1. Heating: The liquid mixture, which includes the solvent and other components, is heated to increase the temperature of the solvent. The use of heat is essential in driving the separation process by providing the energy needed to vaporize the solvent.
2. Vaporization: As the temperature rises, the solvent undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor, leaving behind the non-volatile components.
3. Condensation: The solvent vapor is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid form, resulting in the separation of the solvent from the original mixture.
4. Collection: The condensed solvent is collected, and the remaining substances (residues) are left behind.

Any solvents that do not change into a vapor state remain in the bottom of the still (still bottoms). The pure solvent is packaged and ready to go back to industry for industrial uses. 

The solvent distillation process reduces waste and helps your business achieve cost-effective solvent recovery. As part of the solvent recycling process, solvent distillation is an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for your industrial waste. 

What happens to the still bottoms? Once they are removed, they go to a fuel blending area, where they are blended into an alternative fuel. During this process, waste is directed to the appropriate blending tank.

For example, solvent blends with a high percentage of solids are directed to the hydro pulper to keep the solids in the solution. 

Flammable solids can also be converted to an alternative fuel. These typically include items like wipes, cardboard, discontinued or expired products, personal protection equipment and other debris contaminated by flammable liquids and hazardous waste. Powerful magnets remove any ferrous metals not previously detected before the waste goes through the shredder and into bins. Once bins are full, they are transported to a local cement kiln just 90 miles away.

Which flammable liquids are compatible with these processes? 

Waste that is compatible with solvent distillation include:

• Thinners
• Alcohols 
• Acetone
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone
• Ethyl Acetate
• Halogenated Solvents

Waste that is compatible with liquid fuel blending include:

• Petroleum Distillates
• Aerosols
• Commodity Packs
• Flammable/Corrosives
• Mixed Flammable Liquids with less than 30% water

Waste that is compatible with solids fuel blending include:

• Debris and Rags
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Small Plastic Containers
• Non-Hazardous Solid Waste
• No Metals or Ceramics

Embracing these sustainable disposal methods not only ensures regulatory compliance but also supports environmental stewardship and cost-effective waste management for your company.