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PROPOSAL:

Execute a Contract to Cost Share Demonstration of Dynamic Recirculation/Fluidized Bed Solvent Recovery from Spray Coating Operations

SYNOPSIS:

The cost to control VOC emissions from spray coating operations is related to the volume of airflow through the spray booth that must be handled by the pollution control equipment. The ARB has awarded a contract to demonstrate a dynamically optimized recirculation system coupled with a fluidized bed control system on a large spray coating operation. The innovative recirculation system minimizes airflow through the system without compromising worker protection while the control system allows for recovery of the exhausted solvent. ARB has requested AQMD cost sharing to complete the demonstration at a site in the Basin. The total cost of the proposed project is about $561,200 with AQMD cost-share not to exceed $50,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, October 16, 1998. Less than a quorum was present; those Committee Members who were present communicated their concurrence.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with the ARB in an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the Advanced Technology Fund to cost share the demonstration of Dynamic Recirculation/Fluidized Bed Solvent Recovery from spray coating operations.

Barry Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer

Background

Surface coatings account for over 75 tons per day of VOC emissions in the AQMD. The majority of surface coatings are applied in spray booths. Currently emissions of surface coatings are regulated by limiting the VOC content of the coating or by requiring post-application control equipment such as carbon adsorption, or thermal or catalytic oxidation. The cost of control equipment can be quite expensive and is generally designed for larger sources. The ability to control emissions from spray booths will help control new sources through the BACT program and also contribute to the menu of AQMP strategies available for existing sources.

Spray booths have been historically difficult to control due to the large volumes exhausted by the booth. Large air volumes are required to protect worker exposure from the evaporated solvents in the coatings and to control the concentration of solvents below a flammable or explosive level. Because of the large flow volumes, a large control device is needed which requires a large capital and operating investment. Efforts to minimize or concentrate the exhaust flow could dramatically reduce the cost of control.

Proposal

The proposed project involves demonstrating a full-scale dynamic recirculation system coupled with a fluidized bed adsorption device to control VOC emissions from a spray coating operation. Dynamic recirculation is an enhancement of simple recirculation by controlling the amount of recirculation to minimize the exhaust flow. Lower exhaust flows result in reduced control costs.

Fluid bed adsorption systems allow for collection and recovery or treatment of the VOCs in the exhaust stream. Resins used in the fluid bed systems can be customized to particular VOCs to optimize control. By combining dynamic recirculation with a fluid bed, a potentially more cost effective control system can be achieved on sources that had been previously uncontrolled.

As part of the AQMD cost-sharing, the contractor will specifically develop a model to optimize the control system needed for dynamic recirculation and comply with local health and safety regulations including Cal-OSHA and local and state fire codes. In addition, the contractor will conduct technology transfer and public outreach activities to disseminate the results and applicability of the technology.

This proposed project is included in the September 1997 Update of the Technology Advancement Plan within the proposed program area, 97S3-3, "Development and Demonstration of Advanced VOC Controls for Industrial Operations."

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project will seek to demonstrate a control strategy that may have wide applicability to a large number of surface coating operations. By regulating the amount of exhaust air, savings would be realized in heating and cooling costs and the resulting exhaust mixture would be more concentrated, facilitating control. A smaller control system could also be used. Consequently, this optimization should reduce costs and facilitate emission control. This would not only benefit existing operators that need to expand their operations; it would also contribute to the BACT process for new sources and provide emission reduction options for the upcoming Air Quality Management Plan.

There are over 10,000 permitted spray booths in the AQMD. It is projected that this technology would be applicable to the more than 5,000 larger usage booths in which metal, wood, and architectural coatings are applied. Overall control efficiencies of over 85% are anticipated through the application of this technology. If successfully demonstrated and fully implemented, this technology could reduce up to 5 tons of VOC per day.

Technology transfer and public outreach will disseminate the project results to interested parties including industry, the public, and the regulatory community. Such awareness will allow for all groups to make more informed decisions regarding spray-coating operations.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII(B)(2) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interests of the AQMD. Specifically, the reason is: B.2.d. (1) projects involving cost sharing by multiple sponsors

The proposed project combines the resources of the Air Resources Board, Steelcase North America, Southern California Edison, and Air Quality Specialists. The project was originally selected for funding by the ARB through a competitive solicitation under the Innovative Clean Air Technology Program. The following table indicates the cost sharing of each participant.

Resource Impacts

The total cost of this proposed project is $561,200, with cost sharing as noted above. Sufficient funds are available in the Advanced Technology Fund to co-sponsor this project in an amount not to exceed $50,000. This fund was established as trust fund for revenues received as a result of fines, penalties, and settlements from air pollution violations. These settlements were legally binding agreements that linked payment by the violators to use by the AQMD to support the development and demonstration of advanced technologies, and the assessment of resulting emissions benefits.

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