Keywords

Hazardous waste site remediation, Hydrazine, Methyl hydrazine

Abstract

Hydrazine (HZ) and monomethylhydrazine (MMH) are used extensively as hypergolic propellants at Kennedy Space Center. These highly reactive fuels are considered highly toxic, and potentially carcinogenic. Consequently, the transport, handling, and disposal of hydrazines is strictly regulated to protect personnel and the environment. Currently, KSC generates large volumes of hydrazine-laden wastewater for disposal. This waste is contained and shipped on public highways for subsequent disposal by incineration presenting a potentially catastrophic threat to the environment and the general public in the event of an accidental release. Other existing remediation methods include oxidative and reductive pathways as well as biodegradation in fixed film reactors. Each of these methods has associated drawbacks and limitations that make them unsuitable for industrial use. Recently, hydrazine neutralization by reaction with alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKGA) to form the stabilized pyridazine derivatives PCA and mPCA has been explored. The applicability of this technique for use at KSC has been established and procedural considerations for implementation have been addressed. Experimental evidence based on worst case scenario decontamination processing simulations and reaction characterization has suggested that AKGA can cost effectively function as a drop-in replacement for current neutralizers with minimal modification to existing infrastructure and operating procedures. Further work will be necessary to satisfy permitting iv requirements and verify that the reaction product stream is non-hazardous in light of limited toxicity data.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2011

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Clausen, Christian

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Chemistry

Degree Program

Chemistry

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004148

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004148

Language

English

Release Date

December 2011

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences, Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

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Included in

Chemistry Commons

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