Processing of Carbon Disulfide at KRC for Safe Disposal

Abstract

The Karnaphuli Rayon Complex (KRC) was permanently closed down in January 1997 by leaving behind about 180 tons of Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) in sixteen storage tanks at various locations of KRC and CS₂ plant including in some vessels of CS₂ plant itself. An incineration facility was planned, designed, constructed, commissioned and operated to dispose all CS₂ left behind. The facility used some of the facilities of the closed Sulfuric Acid Plant (30 tpd) which was closed in December 2002. The incineration facility was commissioned on April 1, 2008 and the processing of CS₂ was completed on September 16, 2008. Catastrophic failure of the tanks was inevitable and matter of time. Such failure would have led to events worse than Bhopal causing deaths, fatal injuries and immediate environmental damage of all types. This is a success story of local engineering endeavor from laboratory to industry.

Keywords: Carbon Disulfide, KRC, Incineration, Safe Disposal

DOI = 10.3329/cerb.v13i1.3207

Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 13 (2009) 25-28