Thermodynamic Modeling of the Stage of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Preparation to Thermal Decomposition

Abstract

The reaction of Sovol (technical mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls) with sodium methoxide in dimethyl sulfoxide and methanol has been studied using the thermodynamic modeling method. The optimal process conditions have been elaborated: 1 atm, 115°C, 0.25 mol of dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.085 mol of methanol, the polychlorinated biphenyls: sodium methoxide molar ratio = 1: 4. Experimental data on the interaction of the polychlorinated biphenyls with sodium methoxide under the theoretically determined conditions have revealed a range of positive effects: savings of the reactants, complete conversion, and the formation of potentially less toxic compounds. The studied interaction can serve as a stage for the pretreatment of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls for the pyrolytic destruction.