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Asbestos Removal System (EnviroSystem)
The Need
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Pipes coated with asphaltic materials often
use felt outerwraps that contain asbestos in high quantities. Such pipe wraps are spanned
under regulated asbestos coating materials (RACMS) according to the EPA (Environmental
Protection Agency). Asbestos, itself is a very toxic material that can cause various fatal
lung diseases and cancers. The EPA and OSHA have
issued stringent regulations and minimum standards that cover the handling, removal, and
disposal of RACMS to minimize workers exposure to asbestos. In addition, state
requirements pose tougher regulations. Methods that permit the removal of asbestos
coatings in an effective and productive manner on-site are needed. |
High pressure water jet coating removal equipment and
containment shroud
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The Technology
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A new asbestos removal system called
EnviroSystem(TM) has been developed by CUPS Systems, Inc., and GRI (Gas Research
Institute). It basically comprises a portable line traveling system that is composed of a
high-pressure water jet coating removal device, called HydroKleaner, a vacuum pump, a side
boom, a pump sled, a process sled, and a 20 cu.yd. disposal container. The system is
operated by workers wearing protective gear and clothing. 
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The process uses high-pressure water jets that
strike the coating surface at pressures up to 20,000 psi. At these pressures, the water
jet has the ability to scrape off the layer of asbestos in addition to corrosion products
and soluble salts. The materials are collected without emision coming from the shroud
either as a mist or water dropping onto the ground. The collected material is transferred
to a cyclone separator and then to a 20 cu.yd. disposable container. The collected water,
is pumped as slurry into filtration units that can handle sizes as small as 1 micron. The
process also uses a 3,800-gallon tank that provides water for the high pressure pump. |
EnviroSystem operating along right-of-way
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The Benefits
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The technology is capable of cleaning 6- to
48-in. diameter lines. The production rate of the operation could go as high as 17 linear
ft./minute. This is highly acceptable by industry standards. The portability of the
EnviroSystemTM means that the entire operation can be set up in a remote yard virtually
anywhere. Most importantly, the application of the asbestos removal system has produced
results in compliance with the applicable regulations and safety standards.. |
Status
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The system has been implemented in a series of
rigorous yard and field experiments. It was utilized in a major rehabilitation project
located in Kansas in 1993. The project consisted of a 27 mile 30-in. pipeline for Northern
Natural Gas Co. JOMAX Construction Co. was selected as the prime contractor. The
application of the system in that project was very successful with all air monitoring and
water sampling results showing non-detectable levels of asbestos. |
Barriers
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There is still no information on the cost
associated with such a system. This cost includes R&D, ownership, and operation costs.
As a matter of fact, this system has yet to prove that it is cost effective. |
Points of Contact
- Sid Taylor, CUPS Systems, Inc. 6101 Antoine Dr Apt 6214,
Houston, TX 77091-3512, Phone: (713) 681-5040
- CRC-Evans Rehabilitation Systems. P.O. Box 3227, Houston, TX
77253-3227, Phone: (713) 460-2900
- JOMAX Construction Co. PO Box 701 (67530), South 281
Highway, Great Bend KS 67530, Phone: (316) 792-3686
- Gas Research Institute. 8600 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago,
IL 60631-3562, Phone: (773) 399-8100
- Northern Natural Gas Co. Customer Service - EB4155, PO.Box
1188, Houston, Texas 77251-1188
References
Taylor, Sid: 'Asbestos Removal System Proves successful
on 27-mile Gas Line', Pipe Line Industry, Gulf Publishing Co., Vol 77, Number 7, July
1994.
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
MMS01/LHM
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