Author(s)

I. H. Jung, Y. J. Mah & M. J. Lee

Abstract

Transformer oil contaminated with 74 ppm of PCBs was decomposed by an electron accelerator of 1.5 MeV energy, 50 mA beam current, and 75 kW power. Sample oil contaminated with PCBs was obtained from the transformer commercially used for more than 30 years and stocked in an electric power company in Korea for treatment. Irradiation was carried out at normal temperature and pressure without any pre-treatment and any additives. Physical and electrical properties were maintained after irradiation. It seems to be clear that the concentration of the PCBs decreased with increasing dose of irradiation. No peak of PCBs was observed at the dose of 200 kGy. Electron beam degradation of PCBs can be a useful tool for treatment of the PCBs contaminated transformer oil. Keywords: PCBs, decomposition, waste treatment, electron accelerator, electron beam. 1 Introduction Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were commercially produced from the 1920s as complex mixtures containing multiple isomers at different degrees of chlorination for a variety of applications, including dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers, heat transfer fluids, hydraulic fluids, lubricating and cutting oils, and as additives in pesticides, paints, carbonless copy paper, adhesives, sealants, and plastics. They are highly chemically stable and resist microbial, photochemical, chemical, and thermal degradation. They are physically stable with very low vapor pressures and water solubility. PCBs have entered the environment through both use and disposal. Since PCBs do not readily degrade in the environment and are lipophilic, they persist

Keywords

PCBs, decomposition, waste treatment, electron accelerator, electron beam.