COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2018/1147
of 10 August 2018
establishing best available techniques (BAT) conclusions for waste treatment, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council
(Text with EEA relevance)
Article 1
Article 2
ANNEX
SCOPE
DEFINITIONS
Term used |
Definition |
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General terms |
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Channelled emissions |
Emissions of pollutants into the environment through any kind of duct, pipe, stack, etc. This also includes emissions from open-top biofilters. |
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Continuous measurement |
Measurement using an ‘automated measuring system’ permanently installed on site. |
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Declaration of cleanliness |
Written document provided by the waste producer/holder certifying that the empty waste packaging concerned (e.g. drums, containers) is clean with respect to the acceptance criteria. |
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Diffuse emissions |
Non-channelled emissions (e.g. of dust, organic compounds, odour) which can result from ‘area’ sources (e.g. tanks) or ‘point’ sources (e.g. pipe flanges). This also includes emissions from open-air windrow composting. |
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Direct discharge |
Discharge to a receiving water body without further downstream waste water treatment. |
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Emissions factors |
Numbers that can be multiplied by known data such as plant/process data or throughput data to estimate emissions. |
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Existing plant |
A plant that is not a new plant. |
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Flaring |
High-temperature oxidation to burn combustible compounds of waste gases from industrial operations with an open flame. Flaring is primarily used for burning off flammable gas for safety reasons or during non-routine operating conditions. |
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Fly ashes |
Particles from the combustion chamber or formed within the flue-gas stream, that are transported in the flue-gas. |
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Fugitive emissions |
Diffuse emissions from ‘point’ sources. |
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Hazardous waste |
Hazardous waste as defined in point 2 of Article 3 of Directive 2008/98/EC. |
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Indirect discharge |
Discharge which is not a direct discharge. |
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Liquid biodegradable waste |
Waste of biological origin with a relatively high water content (e.g. fat separator contents, organic sludges, catering waste). |
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Major plant upgrade |
A major change in the design or technology of a plant with major adjustments or replacements of the process and/or abatement technique(s) and associated equipment. |
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Mechanical biological treatment (MBT) |
Treatment of mixed solid waste combining mechanical treatment with biological treatment such as aerobic or anaerobic treatment. |
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New plant |
A plant first permitted at the site of the installation following the publication of these BAT conclusions or a complete replacement of a plant following the publication of these BAT conclusions. |
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Output |
The treated waste exiting the waste treatment plant. |
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Pasty waste |
Sludge which is not free-flowing. |
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Periodic measurement |
Measurement at specified time intervals using manual or automated methods. |
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Recovery |
Recovery as defined in Article 3(15) of Directive 2008/98/EC. |
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Re-refining |
Treatments carried out on waste oil to transform it to base oil. |
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Regeneration |
Treatments and processes mainly designed to make the treated materials (e.g. spent activated carbon or spent solvent) suitable again for a similar use. |
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Sensitive receptor |
Area which needs special protection, such as:
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Surface impoundment |
Placement of liquid or sludgy discards into pits, ponds, lagoons, etc. |
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Treatment of waste with calorific value |
Treatment of waste wood, waste oil, waste plastics, waste solvents, etc. to obtain a fuel or to allow a better recovery of its calorific value. |
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VFCs |
Volatile (hydro)fluorocarbons: VOCs consisting of fluorinated (hydro)carbons, in particular chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). |
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VHCs |
Volatile hydrocarbons: VOCs consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon (e.g. ethane, propane, iso-butane, cyclopentane). |
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VOC |
Volatile organic compound as defined in Article 3(45) of Directive 2010/75/EU. |
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Waste holder |
Waste holder as defined in Article 3(6) of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(4). |
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Waste input |
The incoming waste to be treated in the waste treatment plant. |
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Water-based liquid waste |
Waste consisting of aqueous liquids, acids/alkalis or pumpable sludges (e.g. emulsions, waste acids, aqueous marine waste) which is not liquid biodegradable waste. |
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Pollutants/parameters |
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AOX |
Adsorbable organically bound halogens, expressed as Cl, include adsorbable organically bound chlorine, bromine and iodine. |
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Arsenic |
Arsenic, expressed as As, includes all inorganic and organic arsenic compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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BOD |
Biochemical oxygen demand. Amount of oxygen needed for the biochemical oxidation of organic and/or inorganic matter in five (BOD5) or in seven (BOD7) days. |
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Cadmium |
Cadmium, expressed as Cd, includes all inorganic and organic cadmium compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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CFCs |
Chlorofluorocarbons: VOCs consisting of carbon, chlorine and fluorine. |
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Chromium |
Chromium, expressed as Cr, includes all inorganic and organic chromium compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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Hexavalent chromium |
Hexavalent chromium, expressed as Cr(VI), includes all chromium compounds where the chromium is in the oxidation state +6. |
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COD |
Chemical oxygen demand. Amount of oxygen needed for the total chemical oxidation of the organic matter to carbon dioxide. COD is an indicator for the mass concentration of organic compounds. |
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Copper |
Copper, expressed as Cu, includes all inorganic and organic copper compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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Cyanide |
Free cyanide, expressed as CN-. |
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Dust |
Total particulate matter (in air). |
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HOI |
Hydrocarbon oil index. The sum of compounds extractable with a hydrocarbon solvent (including long-chain or branched aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons). |
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HCl |
All inorganic gaseous chlorine compounds, expressed as HCl. |
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HF |
All inorganic gaseous fluorine compounds, expressed as HF. |
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H2S |
Hydrogen sulphide. Carbonyl sulphide and mercaptans are not included. |
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Lead |
Lead, expressed as Pb, includes all inorganic and organic lead compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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Mercury |
Mercury, expressed as Hg, includes elementary mercury and all inorganic and organic mercury compounds, gaseous, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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NH3 |
Ammonia. |
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Nickel |
Nickel, expressed as Ni, includes all inorganic and organic nickel compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
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Odour concentration |
Number of European Odour Units (ouE) in one cubic metre at standard conditions measured by dynamic olfactometry according to EN 13725. |
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PCB |
Polychlorinated biphenyl. |
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Dioxin-like PCBs |
Polychlorinated biphenyls as listed in Commission Regulation (EC) No 199/2006(5). |
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PCDD/F |
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan(s). |
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PFOA |
Perfluorooctanoic acid. |
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PFOS |
Perfluorooctanesulphonic acid. |
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Phenol index |
The sum of phenolic compounds, expressed as phenol concentration and measured according to EN ISO 14402. |
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TOC |
Total organic carbon, expressed as C (in water), includes all organic compounds. |
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Total N |
Total nitrogen, expressed as N, includes free ammonia and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) and organically bound nitrogen. |
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Total P |
Total phosphorus, expressed as P, includes all inorganic and organic phosphorus compounds, dissolved or bound to particles |
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TSS |
Total suspended solids. Mass concentration of all suspended solids (in water), measured via filtration through glass fibre filters and gravimetry. |
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TVOC |
Total volatile organic carbon, expressed as C (in air). |
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Zinc |
Zinc, expressed as Zn, includes all inorganic and organic zinc compounds, dissolved or bound to particles. |
Acronym |
Definition |
EMS |
Environmental management system |
EoLVs |
End-of-life vehicles (as defined in Article 2(2) of Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(6)) |
HEPA |
High-efficiency particle air (filter) |
IBC |
Intermediate bulk container |
LDAR |
Leak detection and repair |
LEV |
Local exhaust ventilation system |
POP |
Persistent organic pollutant (as listed in Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council(7)) |
WEEE |
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (as defined in Article 3(1) of Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council(8)) |
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Type of measurement |
Averaging period |
Definition |
Continuous |
Daily average |
Average over a period of one day based on valid hourly or half-hourly averages. |
Periodic |
Average over the sampling period |
Average value of three consecutive measurements of at least 30 minutes each(9). |
1. GENERAL BAT CONCLUSIONS
1.1.
Technique |
Description |
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a. |
Set up and implement waste characterisation and pre-acceptance procedures |
These procedures aim to ensure the technical (and legal) suitability of waste treatment operations for a particular waste prior to the arrival of the waste at the plant. They include procedures to collect information about the waste input and may include waste sampling and characterisation to achieve sufficient knowledge of the waste composition. Waste pre-acceptance procedures are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
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b. |
Set up and implement waste acceptance procedures |
Acceptance procedures aim to confirm the characteristics of the waste, as identified in the pre-acceptance stage. These procedures define the elements to be verified upon the arrival of the waste at the plant as well as the waste acceptance and rejection criteria. They may include waste sampling, inspection and analysis. Waste acceptance procedures are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
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c. |
Set up and implement a waste tracking system and inventory |
A waste tracking system and inventory aim to track the location and quantity of waste in the plant. It holds all the information generated during waste pre-acceptance procedures (e.g. date of arrival at the plant and unique reference number of the waste, information on the previous waste holder(s), pre-acceptance and acceptance analysis results, intended treatment route, nature and quantity of the waste held on site including all identified hazards), acceptance, storage, treatment and/or transfer off site. The waste tracking system is risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
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d. |
Set up and implement an output quality management system |
This technique involves setting up and implementing an output quality management system, so as to ensure that the output of the waste treatment is in line with the expectations, using for example existing EN standards. This management system also allows the performance of the waste treatment to be monitored and optimised, and for this purpose may include a material flow analysis of relevant components throughout the waste treatment. The use of a material flow analysis is risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
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e. |
Ensure waste segregation |
Waste is kept separated depending on its properties in order to enable easier and environmentally safer storage and treatment. Waste segregation relies on the physical separation of waste and on procedures that identify when and where wastes are stored. |
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f. |
Ensure waste compatibility prior to mixing or blending of waste |
Compatibility is ensured by a set of verification measures and tests in order to detect any unwanted and/or potentially dangerous chemical reactions between wastes (e.g. polymerisation, gas evolution, exothermal reaction, decomposition, crystallisation, precipitation) when mixing, blending or carrying out other treatment operations. The compatibility tests are risk-based considering, for example, the hazardous properties of the waste, the risks posed by the waste in terms of process safety, occupational safety and environmental impact, as well as the information provided by the previous waste holder(s). |
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g. |
Sort incoming solid waste |
Sorting of incoming solid waste(10) aims to prevent unwanted material from entering subsequent waste treatment process(es). It may include:
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Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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a. |
Optimised storage location |
This includes techniques such as:
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Generally applicable to new plants. |
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b. |
Adequate storage capacity |
Measures are taken to avoid accumulation of waste, such as:
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Generally applicable. |
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c. |
Safe storage operation |
This includes measures such as:
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d. |
Separate area for storage and handling of packaged hazardous waste |
When relevant, a dedicated area is used for storage and handling of packaged hazardous waste. |
1.2.
Substance/parameter |
Standard(s) |
Waste treatment process |
Minimum monitoring frequency(11) (12) |
Monitoring associated with |
Adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX)(13) (14) |
EN ISO 9562 |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
BAT 20 |
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX)(13) (14) |
EN ISO 15680 |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every month |
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Chemical oxygen demand (COD)(15) (16) |
No EN standard available |
All waste treatments except treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Free cyanide (CN-)(13) (14) |
Various EN standards available (i.e. EN ISO 14403-1 and -2) |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Hydrocarbon oil index (HOI)(14) |
EN ISO 9377-2 |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs |
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Re-refining of waste oil |
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Physico-chemical treatment of waste with calorific value |
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Water washing of excavated contaminated soil |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn)(13) (14) |
Various EN standards available (e.g. EN ISO 11885, EN ISO 17294-2, EN ISO 15586) |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs |
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Mechanical biological treatment of waste |
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Re-refining of waste oil |
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Physico-chemical treatment of waste with calorific value |
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Physico-chemical treatment of solid and/or pasty waste |
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Regeneration of spent solvents |
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Water washing of excavated contaminated soil |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Manganese (Mn)(13) (14) |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))(13) (14) |
Various EN standards available (i.e. EN ISO 10304-3, EN ISO 23913) |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Mercury (Hg)(13) (14) |
Various EN standards available (i.e. EN ISO 17852, EN ISO 12846) |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs |
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Mechanical biological treatment of waste |
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Re-refining of waste oil |
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Physico-chemical treatment of waste with calorific value |
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Physico-chemical treatment of solid and/or pasty waste |
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Regeneration of spent solvents |
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Water washing of excavated contaminated soil |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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PFOA(13) |
No EN standard available |
All waste treatments |
Once every six months |
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PFOS(13) |
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Phenol index(16) |
EN ISO 14402 |
Re-refining of waste oil |
Once every month |
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Physico-chemical treatment of waste with calorific value |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Total nitrogen (Total N)(16) |
EN 12260, EN ISO 11905-1 |
Biological treatment of waste |
Once every month |
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Re-refining of waste oil |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Total organic carbon (TOC)(15) (16) |
EN 1484 |
All waste treatments except treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Total phosphorus (Total P)(16) |
Various EN standards available (i.e. EN ISO 15681-1 and -2, EN ISO 6878, EN ISO 11885) |
Biological treatment of waste |
Once every month |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
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Total suspended solids (TSS)(16) |
EN 872 |
All waste treatments except treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every month |
|
Treatment of water-based liquid waste |
Once every day |
Substance/Parameter |
Standard(s) |
Waste treatment process |
Minimum monitoring frequency(17) |
Monitoring associated with |
Brominated flame retardants(18) |
No EN standard available |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every year |
BAT 25 |
CFCs |
No EN standard available |
Treatment of WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs |
Once every six months |
BAT 29 |
Dioxin-like PCBs |
EN 1948-1, -2, and -4(19) |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste(18) |
Once every year |
BAT 25 |
Decontamination of equipment containing PCBs |
Once every three months |
BAT 51 |
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Dust |
EN 13284-1 |
Mechanical treatment of waste |
Once every six months |
BAT 25 |
Mechanical biological treatment of waste |
BAT 34 |
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Physico-chemical treatment of solid and/or pasty waste |
BAT 41 |
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Thermal treatment of spent activated carbon, waste catalysts and excavated contaminated soil |
BAT 49 |
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Water washing of excavated contaminated soil |
BAT 50 |
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HCl |
EN 1911 |
Thermal treatment of spent activated carbon, waste catalysts and excavated contaminated soil(18) |
Once every six months |
BAT 49 |
Treatment of water-based liquid waste(18) |
BAT 53 |
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HF |
No EN standard available |
Thermal treatment of spent activated carbon, waste catalysts and excavated contaminated soil(18) |
Once every six months |
BAT 49 |
Hg |
EN 13211 |
Treatment of WEEE containing mercury |
Once every three months |
BAT 32 |
H2S |
No EN standard available |
Biological treatment of waste(20) |
Once every six months |
BAT 34 |
Metals and metalloids except mercury (e.g. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V)(18) |
EN 14385 |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every year |
BAT 25 |
NH3 |
No EN standard available |
Biological treatment of waste(20) |
Once every six months |
BAT 34 |
Physico-chemical treatment of solid and/or pasty waste(18) |
Once every six months |
BAT 41 |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste(18) |
BAT 53 |
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Odour concentration |
EN 13725 |
Biological treatment of waste(21) |
Once every six months |
BAT 34 |
PCDD/F(18) |
EN 1948-1, -2 and -3(19) |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every year |
BAT 25 |
TVOC |
EN 12619 |
Mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste |
Once every six months |
BAT 25 |
Treatment of WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs |
Once every six months |
BAT 29 |
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Mechanical treatment of waste with calorific value(18) |
Once every six months |
BAT 31 |
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Mechanical biological treatment of waste |
Once every six months |
BAT 34 |
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Physico-chemical treatment of solid and/or pasty waste(18) |
Once every six months |
BAT 41 |
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Re-refining of waste oil |
BAT 44 |
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Physico-chemical treatment of waste with calorific value |
BAT 45 |
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Regeneration of spent solvents |
BAT 47 |
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Thermal treatment of spent activated carbon, waste catalysts and excavated contaminated soil |
BAT 49 |
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Water washing of excavated contaminated soil |
BAT 50 |
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Treatment of water-based liquid waste(18) |
BAT 53 |
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Decontamination of equipment containing PCBs(22) |
Once every three months |
BAT 51 |
Technique |
Description |
|
a |
Measurement |
Sniffing methods, optical gas imaging, solar occultation flux or differential absorption. See descriptions in Section 6.2. |
b |
Emissions factors |
Calculation of emissions based on emissions factors, periodically validated (e.g. once every two years) by measurements. |
c |
Mass balance |
Calculation of diffuse emissions using a mass balance considering the solvent input, channelled emissions to air, emissions to water, the solvent in the process output, and process (e.g. distillation) residues. |
1.3.
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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a. |
Minimising residence times |
Minimising the residence time of (potentially) odorous waste in storage or in handling systems (e.g. pipes, tanks, containers), in particular under anaerobic conditions. When relevant, adequate provisions are made for the acceptance of seasonal peak volumes of waste. |
Only applicable to open systems. |
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b. |
Using chemical treatment |
Using chemicals to destroy or to reduce the formation of odorous compounds (e.g. to oxidise or to precipitate hydrogen sulphide). |
Not applicable if it may hamper the desired output quality. |
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c. |
Optimising aerobic treatment |
In the case of aerobic treatment of water-based liquid waste, it may include:
In the case of aerobic treatment of waste other than water-based liquid waste, see BAT 36. |
Generally applicable. |
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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a. |
Minimising the number of potential diffuse emission sources |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
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b. |
Selection and use of high-integrity equipment |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Applicability may be restricted in the case of existing plants due to operability requirements. |
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c. |
Corrosion prevention |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
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d. |
Containment, collection and treatment of diffuse emissions |
This includes techniques such as:
|
The use of enclosed equipment or buildings may be restricted by safety considerations such as the risk of explosion or oxygen depletion. The use of enclosed equipment or buildings may also be constrained by the volume of waste. |
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e. |
Dampening |
Dampening potential sources of diffuse dust emissions (e.g. waste storage, traffic areas, and open handling processes) with water or fog. |
Generally applicable. |
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f. |
Maintenance |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
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g. |
Cleaning of waste treatment and storage areas |
This includes techniques such as regularly cleaning the whole waste treatment area (halls, traffic areas, storage areas, etc.), conveyor belts, equipment and containers. |
Generally applicable. |
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h. |
Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programme |
See Section 6.2. When emissions of organic compounds are expected, a LDAR programme is set up and implemented using a risk-based approach, considering in particular the design of the plant and the amount and nature of the organic compounds concerned. |
Generally applicable. |
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Correct plant design |
This includes the provision of a gas recovery system with sufficient capacity and the use of high-integrity relief valves. |
Generally applicable to new plants. A gas recovery system may be retrofitted in existing plants. |
b. |
Plant management |
This includes balancing the gas system and using advanced process control. |
Generally applicable. |
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Correct design of flaring devices |
Optimisation of height and pressure, assistance by steam, air or gas, type of flare tips, etc., to enable smokeless and reliable operation and to ensure the efficient combustion of excess gases. |
Generally applicable to new flares. In existing plants, applicability may be restricted, e.g. due to maintenance time availability. |
b. |
Monitoring and recording as part of flare management |
This includes continuous monitoring of the quantity of gas sent to flaring. It may include estimations of other parameters (e.g. composition of gas flow, heat content, ratio of assistance, velocity, purge gas flow rate, pollutant emissions (e.g. NOX, CO, hydrocarbons), noise). The recording of flaring events usually includes the duration and number of events and allows for the quantification of emissions and the potential prevention of future flaring events. |
Generally applicable. |
1.4.
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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a. |
Appropriate location of equipment and buildings |
Noise levels can be reduced by increasing the distance between the emitter and the receiver, by using buildings as noise screens and by relocating building exits or entrances. |
For existing plants, the relocation of equipment and building exits or entrances may be restricted by a lack of space or excessive costs. |
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b. |
Operational measures |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
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c. |
Low-noise equipment |
This may include direct drive motors, compressors, pumps and flares. |
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d. |
Noise and vibration control equipment |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Applicability may be restricted by a lack of space (for existing plants). |
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e. |
Noise attenuation |
Noise propagation can be reduced by inserting obstacles between emitters and receivers (e.g. protection walls, embankments and buildings). |
Applicable only to existing plants, as the design of new plants should make this technique unnecessary. For existing plants, the insertion of obstacles may be restricted by a lack of space. For mechanical treatment in shredders of metal wastes, it is applicable within the constraints associated with the risk of deflagration in shredders. |
1.5.
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
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a. |
Water management |
Water consumption is optimised by using measures which may include:
|
Generally applicable. |
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b. |
Water recirculation |
Water streams are recirculated within the plant, if necessary after treatment. The degree of recirculation is limited by the water balance of the plant, the content of impurities (e.g. odorous compounds) and/or the characteristics of the water streams (e.g. nutrient content). |
Generally applicable. |
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c. |
Impermeable surface |
Depending on the risks posed by the waste in terms of soil and/or water contamination, the surface of the whole waste treatment area (e.g. waste reception, handling, storage, treatment and dispatch areas) is made impermeable to the liquids concerned. |
Generally applicable. |
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d. |
Techniques to reduce the likelihood and impact of overflows and failures from tanks and vessels |
Depending on the risks posed by the liquids contained in tanks and vessels in terms of soil and/or water contamination, this includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
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e. |
Roofing of waste storage and treatment areas |
Depending on the risks posed by the waste in terms of soil and/or water contamination, waste is stored and treated in covered areas to prevent contact with rainwater and thus minimise the volume of contaminated run-off water. |
Applicability may be constrained when high volumes of waste are stored or treated (e.g. mechanical treatment in shredders of metal waste). |
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f. |
Segregation of water streams |
Each water stream (e.g. surface run-off water, process water) is collected and treated separately, based on the pollutant content and on the combination of treatment techniques. In particular, uncontaminated waste water streams are segregated from waste water streams that require treatment. |
Generally applicable to new plants. Generally applicable to existing plants within the constraints associated with the layout of the water collection system. |
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g. |
Adequate drainage infrastructure |
The waste treatment area is connected to drainage infrastructure. Rainwater falling on the treatment and storage areas is collected in the drainage infrastructure along with washing water, occasional spillages, etc. and, depending on the pollutant content, recirculated or sent for further treatment. |
Generally applicable to new plants. Generally applicable to existing plants within the constraints associated with the layout of the water drainage system. |
||||||||
h. |
Design and maintenance provisions to allow detection and repair of leaks |
Regular monitoring for potential leakages is risk-based, and, when necessary, equipment is repaired. The use of underground components is minimised. When underground components are used, and depending on the risks posed by the waste contained in those components in terms of soil and/or water contamination, secondary containment of underground components is put in place. |
The use of above-ground components is generally applicable to new plants. It may be limited however by the risk of freezing. The installation of secondary containment may be limited in the case of existing plants. |
||||||||
i. |
Appropriate buffer storage capacity |
Appropriate buffer storage capacity is provided for waste water generated during other than normal operating conditions using a risk-based approach (e.g. taking into account the nature of the pollutants, the effects of downstream waste water treatment, and the receiving environment). The discharge of waste water from this buffer storage is only possible after appropriate measures are taken (e.g. monitor, treat, reuse). |
Generally applicable to new plants. For existing plants, applicability may be limited by space availability and by the layout of the water collection system. |
Technique(23) |
Typical pollutants targeted |
Applicability |
|
Preliminary and primary treatment, e.g. |
|||
a. |
Equalisation |
All pollutants |
Generally applicable. |
b. |
Neutralisation |
Acids, alkalis |
|
c. |
Physical separation, e.g. screens, sieves, grit separators, grease separators, oil-water separation or primary settlement tanks |
Gross solids, suspended solids, oil/grease |
|
Physico-chemical treatment, e.g. |
|||
d. |
Adsorption |
Adsorbable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. hydrocarbons, mercury, AOX |
Generally applicable. |
e. |
Distillation/rectification |
Dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants that can be distilled, e.g. some solvents |
|
f. |
Precipitation |
Precipitable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. metals, phosphorus |
|
g. |
Chemical oxidation |
Oxidisable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. nitrite, cyanide |
|
h. |
Chemical reduction |
Reducible dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) |
|
i. |
Evaporation |
Soluble contaminants |
|
j. |
Ion exchange |
Ionic dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. metals |
|
k. |
Stripping |
Purgeable pollutants, e.g. hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), some adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX), hydrocarbons |
|
Biological treatment, e.g. |
|||
l. |
Activated sludge process |
Biodegradable organic compounds |
Generally applicable. |
m. |
Membrane bioreactor |
||
Nitrogen removal |
|||
n. |
Nitrification/denitrification when the treatment includes a biological treatment |
Total nitrogen, ammonia |
Nitrification may not be applicable in the case of high chloride concentrations (e.g. above 10 g/l) and when the reduction of the chloride concentration prior to nitrification would not be justified by the environmental benefits. Nitrification is not applicable when the temperature of the waste water is low (e.g. below 12 °C). |
Solids removal, e.g. |
|||
o. |
Coagulation and flocculation |
Suspended solids and particulate-bound metals |
Generally applicable. |
p. |
Sedimentation |
||
q. |
Filtration (e.g. sand filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration) |
||
r. |
Flotation |
Substance/Parameter |
BAT-AEL(24) |
Waste treatment process to which the BAT-AEL applies |
|||||||||||||||||
Total organic carbon (TOC)(25) |
10-60 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
10-100 mg/l(26) (27) |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)(25) |
30-180 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
30-300 mg/l(26) (27) |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Total suspended solids (TSS) |
5-60 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Hydrocarbon oil index (HOI) |
0,5-10 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Total nitrogen (Total N) |
1-25 mg/l(28) (29) |
|
|||||||||||||||||
10-60 mg/l(28) (29) (30) |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Total phosphorus (Total P) |
0,3-2 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
1-3 mg/l(27) |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Phenol index |
0,05-0,2 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
0,05-0,3 mg/l |
|
||||||||||||||||||
Free cyanide (CN-)(31) |
0,02-0,1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX)(31) |
0,2-1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Metals and metalloids(31) |
Arsenic (expressed as As) |
0,01-0,05 mg/l |
|
||||||||||||||||
Cadmium (expressed as Cd) |
0,01-0,05 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Chromium (expressed as Cr) |
0,01-0,15 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Copper (expressed as Cu) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Lead (expressed as Pb) |
0,05-0,1 mg/l(32) |
||||||||||||||||||
Nickel (expressed as Ni) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Mercury (expressed as Hg) |
0,5-5 μg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Zinc (expressed as Zn) |
0,1-1 mg/l(33) |
||||||||||||||||||
Arsenic (expressed as As) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Cadmium (expressed as Cd) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Chromium (expressed as Cr) |
0,01-0,3 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Hexavalent chromium (expressed as Cr(VI)) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Copper (expressed as Cu) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Lead (expressed as Pb) |
0,05-0,3 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Nickel (expressed as Ni) |
0,05-1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Mercury (expressed as Hg) |
1-10 μg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Zinc (expressed as Zn) |
0,1-2 mg/l |
Substance/Parameter |
BAT-AEL(34) (35) |
Waste treatment process to which the BAT-AEL applies |
|||||||||||||||||
Hydrocarbon oil index (HOI) |
0,5-10 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Free cyanide (CN-)(36) |
0,02-0,1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX)(36) |
0,2-1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Metals and metalloids(36) |
Arsenic (expressed as As) |
0,01-0,05 mg/l |
|
||||||||||||||||
Cadmium (expressed as Cd) |
0,01-0,05 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Chromium (expressed as Cr) |
0,01-0,15 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Copper (expressed as Cu) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Lead (expressed as Pb) |
0,05-0,1 mg/l(37) |
||||||||||||||||||
Nickel (expressed as Ni) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Mercury (expressed as Hg) |
0,5-5 μg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Zinc (expressed as Zn) |
0,1-1 mg/l(38) |
||||||||||||||||||
Arsenic (expressed as As) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
|
|||||||||||||||||
Cadmium (expressed as Cd) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Chromium (expressed as Cr) |
0,01-0,3 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Hexavalent chromium (expressed as Cr(VI)) |
0,01-0,1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Copper (expressed as Cu) |
0,05-0,5 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Lead (expressed as Pb) |
0,05-0,3 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Nickel (expressed as Ni) |
0,05-1 mg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Mercury (expressed as Hg) |
1-10 μg/l |
||||||||||||||||||
Zinc (expressed as Zn) |
0,1-2 mg/l |
1.6.
Technique |
Description |
|||||||
a. |
Protection measures |
These include measures such as:
|
||||||
b. |
Management of incidental/accidental emissions |
Procedures are established and technical provisions are in place to manage (in terms of possible containment) emissions from accidents and incidents such as emissions from spillages, firefighting water, or safety valves. |
||||||
c. |
Incident/accident registration and assessment system |
This includes techniques such as:
|
1.7.
1.8.
Technique |
Description |
|||||||
a. |
Energy efficiency plan |
An energy efficiency plan entails defining and calculating the specific energy consumption of the activity (or activities), setting key performance indicators on an annual basis (for example, specific energy consumption expressed in kWh/tonne of waste processed) and planning periodic improvement targets and related actions. The plan is adapted to the specificities of the waste treatment in terms of process(es) carried out, waste stream(s) treated, etc. |
||||||
b. |
Energy balance record |
An energy balance record provides a breakdown of the energy consumption and generation (including exportation) by the type of source (i.e. electricity, gas, conventional liquid fuels, conventional solid fuels, and waste). This includes:
The energy balance record is adapted to the specificities of the waste treatment in terms of process(es) carried out, waste stream(s) treated, etc. |
1.9.
2. BAT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE MECHANICAL TREATMENT OF WASTE
2.1.
2.1.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Cyclone |
See Section 6.1. Cyclones are mainly used as preliminary separators for coarse dust. |
Generally applicable. |
b. |
Fabric filter |
See Section 6.1. |
May not be applicable to exhaust air ducts directly connected to the shredder when the effects of deflagration on the fabric filter cannot be mitigated (e.g. by using pressure relief valves). |
c. |
Wet scrubbing |
See Section 6.1. |
Generally applicable. |
d. |
Water injection into the shredder |
The waste to be shredded is damped by injecting water into the shredder. The amount of water injected is regulated in relation to the amount of waste being shredded (which may be monitored via the energy consumed by the shredder motor). The waste gas that contains residual dust is directed to cyclone(s) and/or a wet scrubber. |
Only applicable within the constraints associated with local conditions (e.g. low temperature, drought). |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
Dust |
mg/Nm3 |
2-5(39) |
2.2.
2.2.1. Overall environmental performance
2.2.2. Deflagrations
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|||||||
a. |
Deflagration management plan |
This includes:
|
Generally applicable. |
||||||
b. |
Pressure relief dampers |
Pressure relief dampers are installed to relieve pressure waves coming from deflagrations that would otherwise cause major damage and subsequent emissions. |
|||||||
c. |
Pre-shredding |
Use of a low-speed shredder installed upstream of the main shredder |
Generally applicable for new plants, depending on the input material. Applicable for major plant upgrades where a significant number of deflagrations have been substantiated. |
2.2.3. Energy efficiency
2.3.
2.3.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Optimised removal and capture of refrigerants and oils |
All refrigerants and oils are removed from the WEEE containing VFCs and/or VHCs and captured by a vacuum suction system (e.g. achieving refrigerant removal of at least 90 %). Refrigerants are separated from oils and the oils are degassed. The amount of oil remaining in the compressor is reduced to a minimum (so that the compressor does not drip). |
b. |
Cryogenic condensation |
Waste gas containing organic compounds such as VFCs/VHCs is sent to a cryogenic condensation unit where they are liquefied (see description in Section 6.1). The liquefied gas is stored in pressurised vessels for further treatment. |
c. |
Adsorption |
Waste gas containing organic compounds such as VFCs/VHCs is led into adsorption systems (see description in Section 6.1). The spent activated carbon is regenerated by means of heated air pumped into the filter to desorb the organic compounds. Subsequently, the regeneration waste gas is compressed and cooled in order to liquefy the organic compounds (in some cases by cryogenic condensation). The liquefied gas is then stored in pressurised vessels. The remaining waste gas from the compression stage is usually led back into the adsorption system in order to minimise VFC/VHC emissions. |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
TVOC |
mg/Nm3 |
3-15 |
CFCs |
mg/Nm3 |
0,5-10 |
2.3.2. Explosions
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Inert atmosphere |
By injecting inert gas (e.g. nitrogen), the oxygen concentration in enclosed equipment (e.g. in enclosed shredders, crushers, dust and foam collectors) is reduced (e.g. to 4 vol-%). |
b. |
Forced ventilation |
By using forced ventilation, the hydrocarbon concentration in enclosed equipment (e.g. in enclosed shredders, crushers, dust and foam collectors) is reduced to < 25 % of the lower explosive limit. |
2.4.
2.4.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Biofilter |
|
c. |
Thermal oxidation |
|
d. |
Wet scrubbing |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
TVOC |
mg/Nm3 |
10-30(40) |
2.5.
2.5.1. Emissions to air
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
Mercury (Hg) |
μg/Nm3 |
2-7 |
3. BAT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF WASTE
3.1.
3.1.1. Overall environmental performance
3.1.2. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Biofilter |
See Section 6.1. A pretreatment of the waste gas before the biofilter (e.g. with a water or acid scrubber) may be needed in the case of a high NH3 content (e.g. 5-40 mg/Nm3) in order to control the media pH and to limit the formation of N2O in the biofilter. Some other odorous compounds (e.g. mercaptans, H2S) can cause acidification of the biofilter media and necessitate the use of a water or alkaline scrubber for pretreatment of the waste gas before the biofilter. |
c. |
Fabric filter |
See Section 6.1. The fabric filter is used in the case of mechanical biological treatment of waste. |
d. |
Thermal oxidation |
See Section 6.1. |
e. |
Wet scrubbing |
See Section 6.1. Water, acid or alkaline scrubbers are used in combination with a biofilter, thermal oxidation or adsorption on activated carbon. |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
Waste treatment process |
NH3 (41) (42) |
mg/Nm3 |
0,3-20 |
All biological treatments of waste |
Odour concentration(41) (42) |
ouE/Nm3 |
200-1 000 |
|
Dust |
mg/Nm3 |
2-5 |
Mechanical biological treatment of waste |
TVOC |
mg/Nm3 |
5-40(43) |
3.1.3. Emissions to water and water usage
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Segregation of water streams |
Leachate seeping from compost piles and windrows is segregated from surface run-off water (see BAT 19f). |
Generally applicable to new plants. Generally applicable to existing plants within the constraints associated with the layout of the water circuits. |
b. |
Water recirculation |
Recirculating process water streams (e.g. from dewatering of liquid digestate in anaerobic processes) or using as much as possible other water streams (e.g. water condensate, rinsing water, surface run-off water). The degree of recirculation is limited by the water balance of the plant, the content of impurities (e.g. heavy metals, salts, pathogens, odorous compounds) and/or the characteristics of the water streams (e.g. nutrient content). |
Generally applicable. |
c. |
Minimisation of the generation of leachate |
Optimising the moisture content of the waste in order to minimise the generation of leachate. |
Generally applicable. |
3.2.
3.2.1. Overall environmental performance
3.2.2. Odour and diffuse emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|||||
a. |
Use of semipermeable membrane covers |
Active composting windrows are covered by semipermeable membranes. |
Generally applicable. |
||||
b. |
Adaptation of operations to the meteorological conditions |
This includes techniques such as the following:
|
Generally applicable. |
3.3.
3.3.1. Emissions to air
3.4.
3.4.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Segregation of the waste gas streams |
Splitting of the total waste gas stream into waste gas streams with a high pollutant content and waste gas streams with a low pollutant content, as identified in the inventory mentioned in BAT 3. |
Generally applicable to new plants. Generally applicable to existing plants within the constraints associated with the layout of the air circuits. |
b. |
Recirculation of waste gas |
Recirculation of waste gas with a low pollutant content in the biological process followed by waste gas treatment adapted to the concentration of pollutants (see BAT 34). The use of waste gas in the biological process may be limited by the waste gas temperature and/or the pollutant content. It may be necessary to condense the water vapour contained in the waste gas before reuse. In this case, cooling is necessary, and the condensed water is recirculated when possible (see BAT 35) or treated before discharge. |
4. BAT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL TREATMENT OF WASTE
4.1.
4.1.1. Overall environmental performance
4.1.2. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Biofilter |
|
c. |
Fabric filter |
|
d. |
Wet scrubbing |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL (Average over the sampling period) |
Dust |
mg/Nm3 |
2-5 |
4.2.
4.2.1. Overall environmental performance
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Material recovery |
Using the organic residues from vacuum distillation, solvent extraction, thin film evaporators, etc. in asphalt products, etc. |
b. |
Energy recovery |
Using the organic residues from vacuum distillation, solvent extraction, thin film evaporators, etc. to recover energy. |
4.2.2. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Thermal oxidation |
See Section 6.1. This includes when the waste gas is sent to a process furnace or a boiler. |
c. |
Wet scrubbing |
See Section 6.1. |
4.3.
4.3.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1 |
b. |
Cryogenic condensation |
|
c. |
Thermal oxidation |
|
d. |
Wet scrubbing |
4.4.
4.4.1. Overall environmental performance
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Material recovery |
Solvents are recovered from the distillation residues by evaporation. |
Applicability may be restricted when the energy demand is excessive with regards to the quantity of solvent recovered. |
b. |
Energy recovery |
The residues from distillation are used to recover energy. |
Generally applicable. |
4.4.2. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|
a. |
Recirculation of process off-gases in a steam boiler |
The process off-gases from the condensers are sent to the steam boiler supplying the plant. |
May not be applicable to the treatment of halogenated solvent wastes, in order to avoid generating and emitting PCBs and/or PCDD/F. |
b. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
There may be limitations to the applicability of the technique due to safety reasons (e.g. activated carbon beds tend to self-ignite when loaded with ketones). |
c. |
Thermal oxidation |
See Section 6.1. |
May not be applicable to the treatment of halogenated solvent wastes, in order to avoid generating and emitting PCBs and/or PCDD/F. |
d. |
Condensation or cryogenic condensation |
See Section 6.1. |
Generally applicable. |
e. |
Wet scrubbing |
See Section 6.1. |
Generally applicable. |
4.5.
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL(44) (Average over the sampling period) |
TVOC |
mg/Nm3 |
5-30 |
4.6.
4.6.1. Overall environmental performance
Technique |
Description |
Applicability |
|||||||
a. |
Heat recovery from the furnace off-gas |
Recovered heat may be used, for example, for preheating of combustion air or for the generation of steam, which is also used in the reactivation of the spent activated carbon. |
Generally applicable. |
||||||
b. |
Indirectly fired furnace |
An indirectly fired furnace is used to avoid contact between the contents of the furnace and the flue-gases from the burner(s). |
Indirectly fired furnaces are normally constructed with a metal tube and applicability may be restricted due to corrosion problems. There may be also economic restrictions for retrofitting existing plants. |
||||||
c. |
Process-integrated techniques to reduce emissions to air |
This includes techniques such as:
|
Generally applicable. |
4.6.2. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Cyclone |
See Section 6.1. The technique is used in combination with further abatement techniques. |
b. |
Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) |
See Section 6.1. |
c. |
Fabric filter |
|
d. |
Wet scrubbing |
|
e. |
Adsorption |
|
f. |
Condensation |
|
g. |
Thermal oxidation(45) |
4.7.
4.7.1. Emissions to air
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Fabric filter |
|
c. |
Wet scrubbing |
4.8.
4.8.1. Overall environmental performance
Technique |
Description |
|||||||||
a. |
Coating of the storage and treatment areas |
This includes techniques such as:
|
||||||||
b. |
Implementation of staff access rules to prevent dispersion of contamination |
This includes techniques such as:
|
||||||||
c. |
Optimised equipment cleaning and drainage |
This includes techniques such as:
|
||||||||
d. |
Control and monitoring of emissions to air |
This includes techniques such as:
|
||||||||
e. |
Disposal of waste treatment residues |
This includes techniques such as:
|
||||||||
f. |
Recovery of solvent when solvent washing is used |
Organic solvent is collected and distilled to be reused in the process. |
5. BAT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF WATER-BASED LIQUID WASTE
5.1.
5.2.
Technique |
Description |
|
a. |
Adsorption |
See Section 6.1. |
b. |
Biofilter |
|
c. |
Thermal oxidation |
|
d. |
Wet scrubbing |
Parameter |
Unit |
BAT-AEL(46) (Average over the sampling period) |
Hydrogen chloride (HCl) |
mg/Nm3 |
1-5 |
TVOC |
3-20(47) |
6. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUES
6.1.
Technique |
Typical pollutant(s) abated |
Description |
Adsorption |
Mercury, volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulphide, odorous compounds |
Adsorption is a heterogeneous reaction in which gas molecules are retained on a solid or liquid surface that prefers specific compounds to others and thus removes them from effluent streams. When the surface has adsorbed as much as it can, the adsorbent is replaced or the adsorbed content is desorbed as part of the regeneration of the adsorbent. When desorbed, the contaminants are usually at a higher concentration and can either be recovered or disposed of. The most common adsorbent is granular activated carbon. |
Biofilter |
Ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, volatile organic compounds, odorous compounds |
The waste gas stream is passed through a bed of organic material (such as peat, heather, compost, root, tree bark, softwood and different combinations) or some inert material (such as clay, activated carbon, and polyurethane), where it is biologically oxidised by naturally occurring microorganisms into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic salts and biomass. A biofilter is designed considering the type(s) of waste input. An appropriate bed material, e.g. in terms of water retention capacity, bulk density, porosity, structural integrity, is selected. Also important are an appropriate height and surface area of the filter bed. The biofilter is connected to a suitable ventilation and air circulation system in order to ensure a uniform air distribution through the bed and a sufficient residence time of the waste gas inside the bed. |
Condensation and cryogenic condensation |
Volatile organic compounds |
Condensation is a technique that eliminates solvent vapours from a waste gas stream by reducing its temperature below its dew point. For cryogenic condensation, the operating temperature can be down to – 120 °C, but in practice it is often between – 40 °C and – 80 °C in the condensation device. Cryogenic condensation can cope with all VOCs and volatile inorganic pollutants, irrespective of their individual vapour pressures. The low temperatures applied allow for very high condensation efficiencies which make it well-suited as a final VOC emission control technique. |
Cyclone |
Dust |
Cyclone filters are used to remove heavier particulates, which ‘fall out’ as the waste gases are forced into a rotating motion before they leave the separator. Cyclones are used to control particulate material, primarily PM10. |
Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) |
Dust |
Electrostatic precipitators operate such that particles are charged and separated under the influence of an electrical field. Electrostatic precipitators are capable of operating under a wide range of conditions. In a dry ESP, the collected material is mechanically removed (e.g. by shaking, vibration, compressed air), while in a wet ESP it is flushed with a suitable liquid, usually water. |
Fabric filter |
Dust |
Fabric filters, often referred to as bag filters, are constructed from porous woven or felted fabric through which gases are passed to remove particles. The use of a fabric filter requires the selection of a fabric suitable for the characteristics of the waste gas and the maximum operating temperature. |
HEPA filter |
Dust |
HEPA filters (high-efficiency particle air filters) are absolute filters. The filter medium consists of paper or matted glass fibre with a high packing density. The waste gas stream is passed through the filter medium, where particulate matter is collected. |
Thermal oxidation |
Volatile organic compounds |
The oxidation of combustible gases and odorants in a waste gas stream by heating the mixture of contaminants with air or oxygen to above its auto-ignition point in a combustion chamber and maintaining it at a high temperature long enough to complete its combustion to carbon dioxide and water. |
Wet scrubbing |
Dust, volatile organic compounds, gaseous acidic compounds (alkaline scrubber), gaseous alkaline compounds (acid scrubber) |
The removal of gaseous or particulate pollutants from a gas stream via mass transfer to a liquid solvent, often water or an aqueous solution. It may involve a chemical reaction (e.g. in an acid or alkaline scrubber). In some cases, the compounds may be recovered from the solvent. |
6.2.
Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programme |
Volatile organic compounds |
A structured approach to reduce fugitive emissions of organic compounds by detection and subsequent repair or replacement of leaking components. Currently, sniffing (described by EN 15446) and optical gas imaging methods are available for the identification of leaks. Sniffing method: The first step is the detection using hand-held organic compound analysers measuring the concentration adjacent to the equipment (e.g. using flame ionisation or photo-ionisation). The second step consists of enclosing the component in an impermeable bag to carry out a direct measurement at the source of the emission. This second step is sometimes replaced by mathematical correlation curves derived from statistical results obtained from a large number of previous measurements made on similar components. Optical gas imaging methods: Optical imaging uses small lightweight hand-held cameras which enable the visualisation of gas leaks in real time, so that they appear as ‘smoke’ on a video recorder together with the normal image of the component concerned, to easily and rapidly locate significant organic compound leaks. Active systems produce an image with a back-scattered infrared laser light reflected on the component and its surroundings. Passive systems are based on the natural infrared radiation of the equipment and its surroundings. |
Measurement of diffuse VOC emissions |
Volatile organic compounds |
Sniffing and optical gas imaging methods are described under leak detection and repair programme. Full screening and quantification of emissions from the installation can be undertaken with an appropriate combination of complementary methods, e.g. Solar occultation flux (SOF) or Differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL) campaigns. These results can be used for trend evaluation over time, cross-checking and updating/validation of the ongoing LDAR programme. Solar occultation flux (SOF): The technique is based on the recording and spectrometric Fourier Transform analysis of a broadband infrared or ultraviolet/visible sunlight spectrum along a given geographical itinerary, crossing the wind direction and cutting through VOC plumes. Differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL): This is a laser-based technique using differential absorption LIDAR (light detection and ranging), which is the optical analogue of radio wave-based RADAR. The technique relies on the backscattering of laser beam pulses by atmospheric aerosols, and the analysis of the spectral properties of the returned light collected with a telescope. |
6.3.
Technique |
Typical pollutant(s) targeted |
Description |
Activated sludge process |
Biodegradable organic compounds |
The biological oxidation of dissolved organic pollutants with oxygen using the metabolism of microorganisms. In the presence of dissolved oxygen (injected as air or pure oxygen), the organic components are transformed into carbon dioxide, water or other metabolites and biomass (i.e. the activated sludge). The microorganisms are maintained in suspension in the waste water and the whole mixture is mechanically aerated. The activated sludge mixture is sent to a separation facility from where the sludge is recycled to the aeration tank. |
Adsorption |
Adsorbable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. hydrocarbons, mercury, AOX |
Separation method in which compounds (i.e. pollutants) in a fluid (i.e. waste water) are retained on a solid surface (typically activated carbon). |
Chemical oxidation |
Oxidisable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. nitrite, cyanide |
Organic compounds are oxidised to less harmful and more easily biodegradable compounds. Techniques include wet oxidation or oxidation with ozone or hydrogen peroxide, optionally supported by catalysts or UV radiation. Chemical oxidation is also used to degrade organic compounds causing odour, taste and colour and for disinfection purposes. |
Chemical reduction |
Reducible dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) |
Chemical reduction is the conversion of pollutants by chemical reducing agents into similar but less harmful or hazardous compounds. |
Coagulation and flocculation |
Suspended solids and particulate-bound metals |
Coagulation and flocculation are used to separate suspended solids from waste water and are often carried out in successive steps. Coagulation is carried out by adding coagulants with charges opposite to those of the suspended solids. Flocculation is carried out by adding polymers, so that collisions of microfloc particles cause them to bond to produce larger flocs. The flocs formed are subsequently separated by sedimentation, air flotation or filtration. |
Distillation/rectification |
Dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants that can be distilled, e.g. some solvents |
Distillation is a technique to separate compounds with different boiling points by partial evaporation and recondensation. Waste water distillation is the removal of low-boiling contaminants from waste water by transferring them into the vapour phase. Distillation is carried out in columns, equipped with plates or packing material, and a downstream condenser. |
Equalisation |
All pollutants |
Balancing of flows and pollutant loads by using tanks or other management techniques. |
Evaporation |
Soluble pollutants |
The use of distillation (see above) to concentrate aqueous solutions of high-boiling substances for further use, processing or disposal (e.g. waste water incineration) by transferring water to the vapour phase. It is typically carried out in multistage units with increasing vacuum, to reduce the energy demand. The water vapours are condensed, to be reused or discharged as waste water. |
Filtration |
Suspended solids and particulate-bound metals |
The separation of solids from waste water by passing them through a porous medium, e.g. sand filtration, microfiltration and ultrafiltration. |
Flotation |
The separation of solid or liquid particles from waste water by attaching them to fine gas bubbles, usually air. The buoyant particles accumulate at the water surface and are collected with skimmers. |
|
Ion exchange |
Ionic dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. metals |
The retention of undesired or hazardous ionic constituents of waste water and their replacement by more acceptable ions using an ion exchange resin. The pollutants are temporarily retained and afterwards released into a regeneration or backwashing liquid. |
Membrane bioreactor |
Biodegradable organic compounds |
A combination of activated sludge treatment and membrane filtration. Two variants are used: a) an external recirculation loop between the activated sludge tank and the membrane module; and b) immersion of the membrane module in the aerated activated sludge tank, where the effluent is filtered through a hollow fibre membrane, the biomass remaining in the tank. |
Membrane filtration |
Suspended solids and particulate-bound metals |
Microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) are membrane filtration processes that retain and concentrate, on one side of the membrane, pollutants such as suspended particles and colloidal particles contained in waste waters. |
Neutralisation |
Acids, alkalis |
The adjustment of the pH of waste water to a neutral level (approximately 7) by the addition of chemicals. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) may be used to increase the pH, whereas sulphuric acid (H2SO4), hydrochloric acid (HCl) or carbon dioxide (CO2) may be used to decrease the pH. The precipitation of some pollutants may occur during neutralisation. |
Nitrification/denitrification |
Total nitrogen, ammonia |
A two-step process that is typically incorporated into biological waste water treatment plants. The first step is aerobic nitrification where microorganisms oxidise ammonium (NH4 +) to the intermediate nitrite (NO2 -), which is then further oxidised to nitrate (NO3 -). In the subsequent anoxic denitrification step, microorganisms chemically reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas. |
Oil-water separation |
Oil/grease |
The separation of oil and water and subsequent oil removal by gravity separation of free oil, using separation equipment or emulsion breaking (using emulsion breaking chemicals such as metal salts, mineral acids, adsorbents and organic polymers). |
Sedimentation |
Suspended solids and particulate-bound metals |
The separation of suspended particles by gravitational settling. |
Precipitation |
Precipitable dissolved non-biodegradable or inhibitory pollutants, e.g. metals, phosphorus |
The conversion of dissolved pollutants into insoluble compounds by adding precipitants. The solid precipitates formed are subsequently separated by sedimentation, air flotation or filtration. |
Stripping |
Purgeable pollutants, e.g. hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), some adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX), hydrocarbons |
The removal of purgeable pollutants from the aqueous phase by a gaseous phase (e.g. steam, nitrogen or air) that is passed through the liquid. They are subsequently recovered (e.g. by condensation) for further use or disposal. The removal efficiency may be enhanced by increasing the temperature or reducing the pressure. |
6.4.
Technique |
Description |
Air classification |
Air classification (or air separation, or aeraulic separation) is a process of approximate sizing of dry mixtures of different particle sizes into groups or grades at cut points ranging from 10 mesh to sub-mesh sizes. Air classifiers (also called windsifters) complement screens in applications requiring cut points below commercial screen sizes, and supplement sieves and screens for coarser cuts where the special advantages of air classification warrant it. |
All-metal separator |
Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous) are sorted by means of a detection coil, in which the magnetic field is influenced by metal particles, linked to a processor that controls the air jet for ejecting the materials that have been detected. |
Electromagnetic separation of non-ferrous metals |
Non-ferrous metals are sorted by means of eddy current separators. An eddy current is induced by a series of rare earth magnetic or ceramic rotors at the head of a conveyor that spins at high speed independently of the conveyor. This process induces temporary magnetic forces in non-magnetic metals of the same polarity as the rotor, causing the metals to be repelled away and then separated from the other feedstock. |
Manual separation |
Material is manually separated by means of visual examination by staff on a picking line or on the floor, either to selectively remove a target material from a general waste stream or to remove contamination from an output stream to increase purity. This technique generally targets recyclables (glass, plastic, etc.) and any contaminants, hazardous materials and oversized materials such as WEEE. |
Magnetic separation |
Ferrous metals are sorted by means of a magnet which attracts ferrous metal materials. This can be carried out, for example, by an overband magnetic separator or a magnetic drum. |
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) |
Materials are sorted by means of a near-infrared sensor which scans the whole width of the belt conveyor and transmits the characteristic spectra of the different materials to a data processor which controls an air jet for ejecting the materials that have been detected. Generally NIRS is not suitable for sorting black materials. |
Sink-float tanks |
Solid materials are separated into two flows by exploiting the different material densities. |
Size separation |
Materials are sorted according to their particle size. This can be carried out by drum screens, linear and circular oscillating screens, flip-flop screens, flat screens, tumbler screens and moving grates. |
Vibration table |
Materials are separated according to their density and size, moving (in slurry in the case of wet tables or wet density separators) across an inclined table, which oscillates backwards and forwards. |
X-ray systems |
Material composites are sorted according to various material densities, halogen components, or organic components, with the aid of X-rays. The characteristics of the different materials are transmitted to a data processor which controls an air jet for ejecting the materials that have been detected. |
6.5.
Accident management plan |
The accident management plan is part of the EMS (see BAT 1) and identifies hazards posed by the plant and the associated risks and defines measures to address these risks. It considers the inventory of pollutants present or likely to be present which could have environmental consequences if they escape. |
Residues management plan |
A residues management plan is part of the EMS (see BAT 1) and is a set of measures aiming to (1) minimise the generation of residues arising from the treatment of waste; (2) optimise the reuse, regeneration, recycling and/or recovery of energy of the residues, and (3) ensure the proper disposal of residues. |