Date of Award

3-13-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Mark N. Goltz, PhD

Abstract

Perchlorate contamination of drinking water is a problem that has recently gained national attention. The purpose of this research was to develop a tool to predict the cost and performance of tailored granular activated carbon (T-GAC), an innovative technology to treat perchlorate-contaminated water. The ability to predict cost and performance is essential to promote transfer and commercialization of innovative technologies. This study investigated how data obtained from small-scale laboratory tests could be applied to predict cost and performance of a full-scale T-GAC system to treat perchlorate-contaminated water. A technology model was developed using GAC design principles and using a multi-component Freundlich isotherm to describe sorption of perchlorate on T-GAC, in the presence of competing anions. Data from laboratory column experiments were used to obtain model parameters. Cost data used in the model were based on conventional GAC installations, as modified to account for the benefits of T-GAC in treating perchlorate-contaminated water. Application of the model showed that performance and cost of a T-GAC system is very sensitive to the presence of competing ions. T-GAC appears to be a viable technology to treat perchlorate-contaminated water when the perchlorate concentrations are low and competing ion concentrations are not significant.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GEM-ENV-07-M12

DTIC Accession Number

ADA465968

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