Investigate existing and potential soap waste treatment options and rank based on determined feasibility and practicality.
Sponsored by: PFNonwovens
Team Members
Nora Barter Alex Donitzen Robbie Koennecker Bayli Grossi Izzy McCahan
Instructor: Dr. Kimel
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Project Video
Project Summary
Overview
PFNonwovens LLC (PFN) is a global leader in the production of nonwoven textiles for use in a variety of markets including personal hygiene, agricultural, and medical disposables. With multiple production lines spanning various applications, an accumulation of soap waste occurs due to the nature of current processes for cleaning surplus solution from the manufacturing equipment during product changeover. The team initially aimed to reduce costs by reducing or eliminating the soap waste stream. However, upon further investigation, a lack of transparency in the remediation process by a third-party vendor, a tariff document stating the waste must be processed through that vendor, and no existing basis for allowable chemical limits presented a great challenge to the team. Ultimately, the team was tasked with developing an understanding of existing and potential waste remediation methods to be pursued in the future, given the restrictions of the tariff document be dissolved or adjusted.
Objectives
Investigate existing and potential soap waste treatment options and rank based on determined feasibility and practicality.
Approach
– Conduct literature review of soap waste treatment methods that are either standard in industry or potentially novel in application (mechanical filtration, chemical coagulation, electro coagulation, distillation).
– Create baseline matrix to rank and evaluate the four solutions identified.
– Summarize relevant definitions, governing bodies, stakeholders, and local and federal regulations pertaining to soap waste disposal.
– Develop a theoretical CAD model representing a system that would be easily integrated into PFN’s existing structures.
Outcomes
-The sponsor has a more thorough understanding of capabilities and limitations imposed by local and federal regulations while understanding the team recommends that PFN consult an expert and legal advice specifically pertaining to the signed tariff document prior to implementation to ensure solutions do not inadvertently result in fines or permit violations.
-Can Do Inc. LLC, the third-party vendor, and administrator of the tariff document, understands that PFN seeks to reduce or eliminate services rendered.