Processes and apparatus for converting poly- and perfluoroalkyl materials

Abstract

A process and apparatus for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The PFAS is oxidized to a fluoride species using an oxidation reaction zone, preferably a thermal oxidation apparatus. The reaction zone is provided having at least one reactor containing a solid reactant for neutralizing the fluoride species. The solid reactant is also configured to decompose any remaining PFAS in the effluent from the oxidation zone. A cooling zone, such as a quenching zone, may be located between the reaction zone and the oxidation zone. The PFAS may be liquid PFAS injected into the thermal oxidation apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Application) This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 586,777, filed on February 26, 2024, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 494,701, filed on April 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention generally relates to processes and apparatuses for removing and decomposing perfluoroalkyl substances.

Background Art

[0003] Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are "forever chemicals" that are very stable and persist in the environment. PFAS has been associated with harmful effects on the kidneys, liver, blood, and immune system. Examples of PFAS are surfactants in industrial and consumer products such as fire-fighting foams, alkaline cleaners, paints, non-stick cooking utensils, carpets, interior decorations, shampoos, floor abrasives, smoke suppressants, semiconductors, photographic films, pesticide formulations, food packaging, masking tapes, and denture cleaners. The EPA has a list of over 179 PFAS that are toxic.

[0004] Typical PFAS concentrations are in the range of pg / L to ng / L. Currently, the EPA recommends a maximum limit of less than 70 ppt of PFAS, but more stringent EPA regulations and limits are being proposed. Therefore, there is a continuing need to improve the purification of PFAS.

[0005] While it is known that adsorbents can be used to adsorb and remove PFAS from flows, the possibility of adsorbed PFAS leaching into the environment from discarded adsorbents remains. Treating contaminated materials to decompose PFAS is also known. Since PFAS are likely effective for their intended purpose, but limited in quantity, it is desirable to provide methods for the effective and efficient removal and decomposition of PFAS. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] This invention provides for the removal and decomposition of PFAS. PFAS can be oxidized in a thermal oxidation apparatus and then decomposed in a mineralization reactor. Mineralization reduces the opportunity for the release of light fluorinated hydrocarbons or other components from the oxidation of PFAS. Furthermore, the mineralization reactor neutralizes the fluoride species produced by the oxidation.

[0007] The process of the present invention can be used with liquid PFAS and allows the flow to be injected into a thermal oxidation apparatus without the need for separate evaporation equipment. Furthermore, direct injection reduces residence time and minimizes the size of the required equipment.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention may be characterized in at least one embodiment by providing a process for converting PFAS by thermally oxidizing a feed containing poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a thermal oxidation zone to provide a thermal oxidation effluent containing fluoride species, and by cooling the thermal oxidation effluent in a cooling zone to lower its temperature.

[0009] The cooling zone may be a rapid cooling zone. The rapid cooling zone may be able to receive a rapid cooling fluid injected into it. The rapid cooling fluid may be water, air, or a combination thereof.

[0010] The cooling zone may also be a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from thermal oxidation effluent to a heat exchange fluid.

[0011] The process may also include measuring the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent and adjusting the flow of the cooling fluid based on the measured temperature.

[0012] The thermal oxidation zone may include a container, and the cooling zone may be located inside the container and / or form part of the container.

[0013] The cooling zone can be manipulated to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%.

[0014] The process may also include neutralizing fluoride species with solid reactants in a reaction zone having a container of solid reactants, and converting any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to fluorinated salts with the solid reactants in the reaction zone.

[0015] In another embodiment, the present invention may generally be characterized by providing a process for converting PFAS by supplying a feed containing PFAS to a thermal oxidation zone having a container and configured to thermally oxidize poly and perfluoroalkyl materials (PFAS) to fluoride species and to provide thermal oxidation effluent, and cooling the thermal oxidation effluent with a cooling fluid in a cooling zone to lower the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent.

[0016] The cooling zone may be a rapid cooling zone that forms part of the container.

[0017] The cooling fluid may be water, air, or both. The cooling fluid may be injected into the quenching zone.

[0018] The cooling zone may also be a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from thermal oxidation effluent to a heat exchange fluid.

[0019] This process may also include measuring the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent and adjusting the flow of the cooling fluid based on the measured temperature. The cooling zone may be operated to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%.

[0020] The process may further include sending a thermal oxidation effluent to a reaction zone having a vessel containing a solid reactant, the solid reactant being configured to neutralize fluoride species and convert any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to a fluoride salt.

[0021] In a further aspect, the present invention generally provides an apparatus for converting poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), comprising a thermal oxidation zone having a vessel and configured to receive a feed containing PFAS and operate at a temperature sufficient to thermally oxidize the PFAS to fluoride species and provide a thermal oxidation effluent, and a cooling zone configured to receive the thermal oxidation effluent and reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%.

[0022] The cooling zone may be a quench zone forming part of the vessel.

[0023] The apparatus may also include a reaction zone having a vessel containing a solid reactant, the solid reactant being configured to neutralize fluoride species and convert any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to a fluoride salt. The cooling zone may be disposed between the thermal oxidation zone and the reaction zone.

[0024] Further aspects, embodiments, and details of the present invention, all of which may be combined in any manner, are described in the following detailed description of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with each of the figures of the following drawings. [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present application is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] As described above, the present invention provides for the removal and decomposition of PFAS. The PFAS is oxidized in a thermal oxidation unit and then the residual PFAS can be subjected to decomposition in one or more mineralization reactors. Mineralization reduces the opportunity for the release of light fluorinated hydrocarbons or other components from the oxidation of PFAS. Further, the mineralization reactor neutralizes fluoride species generated by the oxidation.

[0027] As used herein, "PFAS" means poly and perfluoroalkyl substances, including fluorinated resins, that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom. Compounds commonly manufactured, used, or found include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPS), perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFNS), or perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). This list is not intended to be exhaustive and is merely illustrative. Additional PFAS compounds can be found, for example, in the definitions provided by the EPA. Further, it should be understood that "PFAS" also refers to intermediate compounds generated during the conversion of the original PFAS compounds.

[0028] As used herein, the term “flow” may include a variety of hydrocarbon molecules, such as linear, branched, or cyclic alkanes, alkenes, alkadienes, and alkynes, and optionally other substances, such as gases (e.g., hydrogen) or impurities (e.g., heavy metals, as well as sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds). Aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons may also be included in the flow.

[0029] As used herein, the term “substantially” can mean an amount of at least 90%, preferably 95%, and optimally 99% by weight of the compound or class of compounds in the flow.

[0030] As shown in the diagram, the process flow line in the diagram can be referred to in the same sense as, for example, a line, pipe, feed, discharge, product, or flow.

[0031] As used herein, the term “zone” may refer to an area containing one or more pieces of equipment and / or one or more subzones. Examples of equipment include one or more reactors or reaction vessels, heaters, exchangers, pipes, pumps, compressors, and controllers. In addition, equipment such as reactors, dryers, or vessels may further comprise one or more zones or subzones.

[0032] Taking these general principles into consideration, one or more embodiments of the present invention are described with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting.

[0033] Referring to the figure, an apparatus 10 for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is shown. Apparatus 10 accepts a feed stream 12 containing PFAS. In various embodiments, the feed stream 12 is a liquid feed stream containing PFAS in either liquid phase or dissolved solid phase. The feed stream 12 is intended to contain about 0.01% by weight of PFAS or about 10% by weight of PFAS. However, these amounts are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, "about" means including + / - 10% of the stated amount.

[0034] The feed stream 12 is sent to an oxidation zone 14 which includes at least one reaction vessel 16. In the oxidation zone 14, the PFAS is oxidized to one or more fluoride species, such as anionic fluoride species, among other components. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidation zone 14 includes a thermal oxidation zone 18, in which at least a portion of the reaction vessel 16 includes a thermal oxidation device 20. Thus, the oxidation effluent may also include combustion products.

[0035] As is well known, the thermal oxidation apparatus 20 includes one or more burners 22 that receive a fuel gas stream 24 and a combustion air stream 26 that react within the thermal oxidation zone 18 to produce a flame. The temperature intended for the thermal oxidation zone 18 is a temperature sufficient to oxidize the PFAS and may be about 500°C to about 2,300°C. Furthermore, the intended residence time may be less than about 30 seconds, or less than about 15 seconds, or less than about 10 seconds, or about 0.5 to about 3 seconds. Hereinafter, these are merely intended or exemplary values ​​and are not intended to be limiting.

[0036] The feed stream 12 can be injected into the thermal oxidation zone 18. One or more injection nozzles 28 can be provided in the reaction vessel 16 to inject the feed stream 12 into the thermal oxidation zone 18. The feed stream 12 can be sprayed before entering the reaction vessel 16. For example, the feed stream 12 may be sprayed with a spray fluid 30, such as air, and then the spray fluid and liquid PFAS (to be sprayed) may be injected into the thermal oxidation zone 18. Alternatively, the feed stream 12 may be sprayed with a mechanical sprayer, and therefore a separate spray fluid 30 may not be required to spray the feed stream 12.

[0037] According to the process of the present invention, at least 90% by weight, or 90-99.999% by weight, or 90-99.9999% by weight of the PFAS from the supply stream 12 is converted to fluoride species in the oxidation zone 14. In some embodiments, 100% by weight of the PFAS is converted to fluoride species in the oxidation zone 14.

[0038] To increase the decomposition of PFAS and reduce the reactivity of fluoride species, the oxidation zone effluent 32 is sent to the reaction zone 40. However, before reaching the reaction zone 40, the oxidation zone effluent 32 may be cooled in the thermal reduction zone 34, i.e., the cooling zone, so that the temperature of the oxidation zone effluent 32 is preferably reduced by at least 5%.

[0039] The heat reduction zone 34 may include a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the oxidation zone effluent 32 to the heat exchange fluid. The heat exchanger may be located inside or outside the reaction vessel 16.

[0040] Additionally, or alternatively, the thermal reduction zone 34 may include a quenching zone 36, which may be part of the reaction vessel 16 within the oxidation zone 14. The quenching zone 36 receives a quenching fluid 38, which can be injected into the quenching zone. The quenching fluid 38 may be water, air, or a combination thereof.

[0041] In some embodiments, sensors (not shown) or other monitoring devices can be used to measure the temperature of the oxidation zone effluent 32 at various locations (i.e., upstream of the heat reduction zone 34 and / or downstream of the heat reduction zone 34). The obtained or measured temperatures may be compared to a predetermined temperature or other setpoint, and the flow of the cooling fluid (i.e., heat exchange fluid and / or quenching fluid 38) may be adjusted in accordance with the comparison to increase or decrease the temperature of the oxidation zone effluent 32.

[0042] Whether or not thermal reduction is performed, the effluent 32 from the oxidation zone is sent to the reaction zone 40 to reduce the reactivity of the fluoride species and increase the decomposition of PFAS. On the other hand, oxidation may be carried out at a first temperature, and neutralization and conversion may be carried out at a second temperature at least 5% lower than the first temperature.

[0043] The reaction zone 40 may include one or more mineralization reactors 42. If one or more mineralization reactors 42 are used, the reactors 42 may be arranged in series, in parallel, or in other configurations.

[0044] Each mineralization reactor 42 is configured to operate at a temperature between the ambient temperature and approximately 1,000°C. Furthermore, different reactors 42 are intended to have different operating temperatures. For example, the first mineralization reactor 42 may have an operating temperature range of approximately 300°C to approximately 1,000°C, while the second mineralization reactor 42, which receives the effluent from the first mineralization reactor, may have an operating temperature range of approximately 1,000°C from the ambient temperature.

[0045] Mineralization minimizes emissions of light fluorinated hydrocarbons (which have a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide). The mineralization reactor 42 contains solid reactants configured to neutralize fluoride species and convert any PFAS in the oxidative effluent into fluorinated salts (as well as carbon dioxide, water, and other compounds). The solid reactants may be bases of calcium, sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and combinations thereof. "Base" means including oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, phosphates, and silicates. Therefore, the solid reactants may be salts of calcium, sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, or combinations thereof, or aluminum oxide, or both. For example, the solid reactants may be calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium carbonate, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The oxidation zone effluent 32 may remain in the mineralization reactor 42 and / or in the presence of solid reactants for 0.5 seconds to 10 minutes.

[0047] The spillover logistics 44 from the reaction zone 40 may be treated in a treatment zone (not shown) which includes many wet scrubbers, dry scrubbers, protective floors, catalytic reaction zones, or any combination thereof, before being released into the atmosphere.

[0048] Any of the lines, conduits, units, devices, containers, surrounding environments, zones, or similar entities described above may comprise one or more monitoring components, including sensors, measuring devices, data acquisition devices, or data transmission devices. Signals, process, or state measurements and data from the monitoring components can be used to monitor conditions within, around, and on process equipment. Signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by the monitoring components may be collected, processed, and / or transmitted via one or more networks or connections, which may be private or public, general or specific, direct or indirect, wired or wireless, encrypted or unencrypted, and / or a combination thereof. This specification is not intended to limit us in this respect.

[0049] Signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by the monitoring components may be transmitted to one or more computing devices or systems. A computing device or system may include at least one processor and memory for storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause one or more computing devices to perform a process that may include one or more steps.

[0050] For example, one or more computing devices may be configured to receive data from one or more monitoring components relating to at least one component of equipment associated with a process. One or more computing devices or systems may be configured to analyze the data. Based on the analysis of the data, one or more computing devices or systems may be configured to determine one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more processes described herein. One or more computing devices or systems may be configured to transmit encrypted or unencrypted data containing one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more processes described herein.

[0051] experiment thermal oxidation Modeling the thermal oxidation zone begins with the known properties of the fuel, atmosphere, and waste (PFAS + others, where applicable). Using industry-known values, including but not limited to latent heat of vaporization, heat capacity, adiabatic flame temperature, and the chemical composition of these flows (where applicable), the model can begin calculating the estimated flame temperature within the oxidation zone. The operating temperature of the bulk oxidation zone is then modeled using the target excess oxygen value. Since the size and shape of the oxidation zone container can be freely adjusted by the designer, calculations can be made to determine the bulk residence time of the oxidation zone based on this specific shape, vapor flow rate, and temperature. By combining years of operational data (temperature profiles, fuel flow rates, chimney exhaust samples, etc.) collected from units designed to oxidize halogen-containing organic waste with the aforementioned calculation data, a sufficient oxidation zone model can be created to target the desired oxidation and removal efficiency.

[0052] In the thermal oxidation zone modeling, a PFAS-containing wastewater stream consisting of 0.5 wt% PFAS and 99.5 wt% water was oxidized in a thermal oxidation modeling program at 1,343.3°C and a minimum residence time of 2 seconds. Pure methane was used as the fuel source for oxidation, and ambient air was used as the oxygen source. The theoretical model results showed a conversion rate of over 99.9999% of PFAS waste to HF.

[0053] HF neutralization The neutralization of HF by mineralization using a Ca-based adsorbent was modeled using a shrinking core model. This model is used to help determine the required number of mineralization reactors and the sizing of the reactor mineralization reactor or reactor. The shrinking core model is affected by several material parameters, including particle porosity, pore size, particle diameter, and HF diffusivity, as well as reactor conditions (temperature, HF concentration). Furthermore, the equilibrium concentration of HF under mineralization reactor conditions in the presence of other molecules (water, CO2) is key to determining the potential need for multiple reactors in series.

[0054] The effluent from a modeled thermal oxidation reactor containing both HF and PFAS materials was simulated in Unisim and cooled from the thermal oxidation reactor effluent temperature to 550°C using a quenching fluid (either air or water). This cooled flow provided inlet conditions to a mineralization / neutralization reactor model, including flow rate, temperature, and pressure, as well as concentrations of HF, CO2, and water. Reactor inlet conditions for air and water quenching are outlined in Table 1 below.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] These reactor inlet conditions are used to determine the effective diffusion rate (48 cm²). 2 The estimated particle diameter (0.21 cm) and the output of the model were input into the shrinking core neutralization model. The model output predicted the mineralization zone length. This, combined with the operating time and pressure drop requirements, was used to determine the size of the reactor diameter and tangential length. Equilibrium HF slip was also calculated based on the reactor conditions shown in Table 2 below.

[0057] [Table 2]

[0058] In the cases of rapid cooling with air and water described above, the equilibrium HF slip is 3 ppm and 9 ppm, respectively. By performing an additional cooling step and a polishing mineralization reactor following the primary mineralization reactor, the equilibrium HF slip can be reduced to meet environmental regulations. For example, cooling to 300°C by rapid cooling with air and water yields HF slips of 0.1 ppm and 0.3 ppm, respectively.

[0059] PFAS and calcium bases PFOA (0.15 g) was dissolved in water (15 g), and UOP zeolite (0.98 g) was added. The zeolite was prepared according to the method described in U.S. Patent No. 10632454. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 day. The solid was separated from the liquid by centrifugation. The zeolite was mixed with water and centrifuged to wash away the unadsorbed PFAS. The PFOA-supported zeolite was dried at 80°C in a rotary evaporator. PFOA-supported zeolite (1.0 g) was mixed with calcium oxide (1.42 g) and ground using a mortar and pestle. The solid mixture was then slowly poured into a glass reactor and heated in a furnace at 525°C for 20 minutes. After cooling, the solid was analyzed by XRD. XRD showed the formation of calcium fluoride. Similar results are expected when PFAS is introduced into a calcium base.

[0060] Specific Embodiments The following will be explained in conjunction with specific embodiments, but it should be understood that this explanation is intended to illustrate the scope of the preceding explanation and the attached claims, and is not intended to limit them.

[0061] A first embodiment of the present invention is a process for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl materials (PFAS), comprising: thermally oxidizing a feed containing PFAS in a thermal oxidation zone to provide a thermal oxidation effluent containing fluoride species; and cooling the thermal oxidation effluent in a cooling zone to lower the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone includes a quenching zone. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the quenching zone receives a quenching fluid injected into the quenching zone. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the quenching fluid includes water, air, or a combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone comprises a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the thermal oxidation effluent to a heat exchange fluid. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, further comprising measuring the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent and adjusting the flow of a cooling fluid based on the measured temperature. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the thermal oxidation zone includes a container and the cooling zone is located within the container or forms part of the container. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone is operated to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, further comprising neutralizing a fluoride species with a solid reactant in a reaction zone including a container containing a solid reactant and converting any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to a fluorine salt with the solid reactant in the reaction zone.

[0062] A second embodiment of the present invention is a process for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl materials (PFAS), comprising sending a feed containing PFAS to a thermal oxidation zone, wherein the thermal oxidation zone includes a container and is configured to thermally oxidize the PFAS to fluoride species and to provide thermal oxidation effluent, and a cooling zone is used to cool the thermal oxidation effluent with a cooling fluid to lower its temperature. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone includes a quenching zone that forms part of the container. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling fluid includes water, air, or a combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling fluid is injected into the quenching zone. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone comprises a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the thermal oxidation effluent to a heat exchange fluid. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, further comprising measuring the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent and adjusting the flow of the cooling fluid based on the measured temperature. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone is operated to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, further comprising sending the thermal oxidation effluent to a reaction zone including a container of solid reactants, wherein the solid reactants are configured to neutralize fluoride species and convert any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to fluorine salts.

[0063] A third embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl materials (PFAS), comprising a container and a thermal oxidation zone configured to receive a feed containing PFAS and to operate at a temperature sufficient to thermally oxidize the PFAS to fluoride species and to provide thermal oxidation effluent; and a cooling zone configured to receive the thermal oxidation effluent and to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the third embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone includes a quenching zone that forms part of the container. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the third embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the cooling zone includes a reaction zone comprising a container containing solid reactants, further comprising a reaction zone configured to neutralize fluoride species and convert any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent to fluorine salts, and the cooling zone is located between the thermal oxidation zone and the reaction zone.

[0064] Without further detail, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to utilize the invention to the fullest extent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and will readily identify its essential characteristics, and will be able to make various changes and modifications to the invention to suit various uses and conditions. Accordingly, the prior preferred specific embodiments should be interpreted as merely illustrative and not to limit the remainder of this disclosure in any way, but are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0065] In the above, all temperatures are given in degrees Celsius, and all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

[0066] It should be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art that various other components, such as valves, pumps, filters, and coolers, are not shown in the drawings because their details are well within the scope of knowledge of those skilled in the art, and their description is not essential for the practice or understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A process for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), wherein the process is: In the thermal oxidation zone (18), the feed (12) containing PFAS is thermally oxidized to provide a thermal oxidation effluent (32) containing fluoride species. In the cooling zone (34), the thermal oxidation effluent (32) is cooled to lower the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent (32), A process that includes this.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the cooling zone (34) includes a rapid cooling zone (36).

3. The process according to claim 2, wherein the rapid cooling zone (36) receives the rapidly cooling fluid (38) injected into the rapid cooling zone (36).

4. The process according to claim 3, wherein the rapidly cooling fluid (38) includes water, air, or a combination thereof.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the cooling zone (34) comprises a heat exchange zone having a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the thermal oxidation effluent (32) to a heat exchange fluid.

6. The temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent (32) is measured, Adjusting the flow of the cooling fluid based on the measured temperature, The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal oxidation zone (18) includes a container (16), and the cooling zone (32) is located within the container (16) or forms part of the container (16).

8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cooling zone (32) is operated to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent (32) by at least 5%.

9. In a reaction zone (40) including a container (42) containing a solid reactant, the fluoride species is neutralized with the solid reactant, In the reaction zone, the solid reactants convert any PFAS in the thermal oxidation effluent (32) into a fluorine salt, The process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

10. An apparatus for converting poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), wherein the apparatus is An oxidation zone (18) is configured to include a container (16) and to receive a feed (12) containing PFAS, to operate at a temperature sufficient to thermally oxidize the PFAS to a fluoride species, and to provide oxidation effluent (32), An apparatus comprising: a cooling zone (34) configured to receive the thermal oxidation effluent (32) and to reduce the temperature of the thermal oxidation effluent by at least 5%.

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