From:
Daniel Kuespert <00001747427132b7-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Acetone recycling system recommendation
Date:
Sep 1, 2022 16:03 UTC
Reply-To:
Daniel Kuespert <dkuespert**At_Symbol_Here**proton.me>
Message-ID:
<79787733-3561-41B2-B7AC-62401680D5F1**At_Symbol_Here**proton.me>
In-Reply-To:
<F5CEA1C2-968D-479B-B2A9-5B976DA0FAE6**At_Symbol_Here**chem.ucla.edu>
Exactly what are you trying to separate from the acetone, and why do you need to recycle it? Recycling solvents in labs, while I’ve done it before, is usually not an economic solution, particularly if the other components of the mixture vary a lot. Plus, as Craig notes, it’s frequently hazardous—you’re working with flammable/toxic solvents, in significant quantities, near heat and electrical sources.
Regards,
Dan
-------------------------------------------------
Daniel Kuespert, PhD, CSP
Member, American Chemical Society (ACS)
Member, ACS Division of Chemical Health & Safety (CHAS)
Chair-elect, CHAS 2022
Associate, CCS, 2021-2022
CHAS Fellow
11101 Wood Elves Way
Columbia, MD 21044-1003
410-992-9709 vox
443-980-0989 mobile
There are recycling systems available for several solvents and when used properly they can save costs and contribute to sustainability. However, most of those solvents are highly flammable (i.e. acetone), so rigorous care must be put into the placement and operation of the recycling systems. And, in particular, training of personnel using the systems.
I was a consultant on a case where a worker was badly burned while conducting toluene recycling. Needless to say, there were numerous issues in how the lab was set up, how the system was used, and how workers were trained. Said differently, the incident could have been avoided.
Craig
Craig A. Merlic
Professor of Chemistry, UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Executive Director, UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
I have had good luck with CBG Biotech, we are separating a mineral oil and acetone mixture. They sell several models.
Does anyone have a recommendation for an acetone recycling system?
