Mercury Control Technology Assessment Study, D. F. Goldsmith Chemical and Metal Corporation, Evanston, Illinois. In-Depth Survey Report for the Site Visit of May 4-6, 1982

摘要

An in-depth survey was conducted at the D. F. Goldsmith Chemical and Metal Corporation in Evanston, Illinois; emphasis was placed on the recirculating air unit for control of mercury (7439976) vapor. Major products were prime virgin mercury, precious metals and rare inorganic chemicals. Mercury was poured into an open vessel which was subsequently covered, and the mercury treated by agitation with an acidic or caustic solution. Mercury was then transferred to the still where it was batch distilled. After distillation, mercury was bottled in 1 or 5 pound quantities and packed and shipped. The ventilation system included local exhaust, dilution, and recirculation steps. Local exhaust ventilation was particularly important at the bottle filling station. Personal protective equipment included respirators, disposable lab coats, vinyl coated cloth gloves, plastic shoe coverings, and barrier creams. Work practices were controlled, and biological and air monitoring were in place. The recirculating unit removed 76 percent of the mercury vapor in the air stream. The authors recommend that a study be made of the advisability of using a charcoal filter in addition to the manganese-oxide precoat bag filter with post filtration.