A-Thermal Company Profile

LEADER IN HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT

COMPANY PROFILE

2014

Technology Partners

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07

Physical Address: 28 Keramiek Street, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, South Africa

Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999

Postal Address: P.O. Box 98, Olifantsfontein, 1665

Website: www.athermal.co.za

Who is A-Thermal Retort Technologies?

A-Thermal Retort Technologies (Pty) Ltd is a company that specialises in thermal treatment

of hazardous and toxic waste.

Amongst others, our clients include national and multinational pharmaceutical, chemical and

petrochemical companies. A-Thermal is the only company in South Africa and Africa that has

the capability to permanently dispose of halogenated organic waste, which is a far more

environmentally friendly alternative to the conventional methods of landfill, encapsulation or

exportation abroad.

Our premises are situated in Olifantsfontein.

The A-Thermal vision

It is our vision to be a safe, best-in-class hazardous and toxic waste thermal-destruction

company, who delivers services and products of the highest quality, on time and within the

agreed budget – promoting client confidence and trust.

Mission

A-Thermal’s mission is to enable our clients to dispose of their hazardous and toxic waste in

a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. We achieve this by fostering strong and

lasting stakeholder relationships and adding value to our clients’ businesses:

We build partnerships with our clients; identify and pursue real business opportunities

that solve business challenges.

We develop and involve a loyal, reliable, innovative and cost-competitive partner base.

We implement and continually upgrade the best processes, systems and tools

available.

We design, align and build an organisation of highly skilled, technically minded and

business-orientated professionals.

Message from our director

“A-Thermal is a technology-based company with highly qualified and determined personnel –

offering world-class hazardous and toxic waste thermal-destruction solutions for clients that

meet South African and international standards.

Our key focus is to ensure that we preserve the environment for future generations. Our drive

is to ensure that we engineer the best possible solution for waste treatment to meet the specific

needs of our clients.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



At the same time, A-Thermal aims to maximise the individual potential of its employees as

they develop new solutions – looking for a greener tomorrow.” – Dr CM Eleftheriades, Director.

Company history

A-Thermal was founded in 1996 with a clear scope in mind: to render hazardous and toxic

waste to a form that it is harmless to the environment. The company started as a mobile unit

moving to areas where large-scale rehabilitation was required. As we grew, so did the

awareness of society in terms of the risks associated with the landfilling of waste. A-Thermal

therefore moved to its current premises in Olifantsfontein.

The company grew over the past 18 years and established itself as a final destination for

any waste stream. A-Thermal prides itself on the fact that any waste brought into its premises

will be treated to ensure it is unrecognisable and non-hazardous to the environment. This

provides clients with the peace of mind that their waste has been treated responsibly.

Since A-thermal’s inception the following major developments were achieved:

A substantial increase to our customer base as well as tailor-made services to suit

each customer’s specific hazardous waste treatment and disposal needs.

Accreditation to ISO 14 001: 2004.

CAIA responsible care signatory.

Plant-efficiency upgrades in order to comply with new legislation.

Plant-recycling initiatives as part of the waste treatment hierarchy – reduce, reuse and

recycle – while still ensuring waste is treated to be unrecognisable.

Waste management hierarchy

A-Thermal is focused on the destruction of hazardous and toxic waste and also incorporates

recycling wherever possible. In terms of the waste management hierarchy below, these are

activities required when it is difficult to minimise or re-use waste.

A-Thermal and

Technology Partners’

Services & Solutions

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Our commitment to environmental management

Since A-Thermal is a hazardous waste treatment facility, care for the environment is a key

priority for the operation. We ensure minimal impact on the environment and emergency

preparedness. Management tools include:

the control of waste entering our site;

the correct storage of waste according to chemical compatibility and hazard nature;

an electronic waste-tracking system for easy reference and up-to-date stock control;

a zero-liquid discharge to the municipal wastewater system, including on-site water

treatment and recycling;

control interlocks on equipment for correct operating conditions;

residue analysis and declassification;

a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) for air emissions;

emergency response procedures, including drills;

monitoring committee meetings;

external audits of the Environmental Management Plan; and

the submission of a Quarterly Emission Report to the regulating authority.

A-Thermal services

In accordance with the Basel Convention, no waste shall be exported outside the borders of

a country if there exists a permitted facility capable of treating the waste within that country.

A-Thermal specialises in the safe thermal treatment

of hazardous and toxic waste.

Clients are provided with a Certificate of Thermal Destruction for all waste treated.

A-Thermal consists of two waste-disposal divisions:

A-Thermal Pharmaceutical Division

The A-Thermal Pharmaceutical Division specialises in permanent, secure destruction of

pharmaceuticals. Operations are supervised by a full-time pharmacist who monitors conditions

of operations and ensures legal compliance with the various Acts that govern the destruction

of pharmaceuticals.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Waste treated includes:

finished pharmaceutical products (expired and discontinued)

intermediate products

raw materials

quality assurance retention samples

natural, homeopathic or complimentary medicine

clinical trials

laboratories in pharmaceutical industries

medical devices

cosmetic industries

schedule 5 – 6 drugs (overseen by full-time on-site pharmacist)

A-Thermal offers guidance when specific destructions need to be undertaken. Clients have

the opportunity to witness the destruction of goods.

A-Thermal Chemical Division

The A-Thermal Chemical division is able to treat the following hazardous waste through

thermal destruction:

laboratory waste chemicals.

pesticides.

expired pure organo-chloride and organo-sulphide waste.

permanent destruction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

cyanide waste.

decontamination of containers used in the chemical and pesticides industry.

sludges and wastewater/liquids contaminated with organo-chlorides.

heavy metal contaminated waste such as mercury waste.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Thermal treatment process followed

A-Thermal follows a strict waste-destruction process explained below.

Thermal desorption

Waste material is fed into a rotary furnace where it is subjected to reducing conditions at a

temperature of 650 °C. The waste material within the retort is indirectly heated – volatile and

semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) being liberated into the gas phase. The

inert residue, which remains in the retort, is then cooled and sampled before being placed into

one-ton capacity bulk bags. The residue is de-listed in accordance with DWAF 1998: Minimum

Requirements for the Handling, Classification and Disposal of Hazardous Waste before being

disposed of in a GLB+ Landfill.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Oxidation

The off-gases from the rotary furnace then pass through a thermal oxidiser, where the gases

are exposed to oxidative conditions – and necessary turbulence at temperatures in excess of

1100 °C for a period longer than two seconds. The thermal oxidiser converts the non-

condensable VOCs into combustion products, namely carbon dioxide and water.

Gas clean-up

The off-gases from the oxidiser are subsequently cooled and passed through a mercury filter

system, which serves as a secondary measure and adsorbs trace amounts of mercury that

may be present in the off-gas stream. Off-gases are finally polished in the gas clean-up plant,

before being emitted from the stack. The stack is continuously monitored for the following

emission-gas concentrations:

HCl – (Hydrochloric acid)

CO – (Carbon monoxide)

CO2 – (Carbon dioxide)

SO2 – (Sulphur dioxide)

NO – (Nitrogen Oxide),

NO2 – (Nitrogen dioxide),

HF – (Hydrogen Fluoride),

TOC – (Total Organic Compound)

Hg – (Mercury)

Benzene and

PM (Particulate Matter).

Technologies used by A-Thermal

Pyrolysis: a rotary kiln is used for the pyrolysis of waste, using electricity to maintain a

temperature of 650 °C. Pyrolysis (also known as ‘retorting’) is the thermal treatment of a

material without oxygen. At high temperature, organics and water are vaporised, leaving a

carbon-rich residue.

Thermal oxidation: the resulting gas stream is fed to a thermal oxidiser, which operates at

1100 °C. Here, air is introduced for combustion of all organic compounds to carbon dioxide

and water. The gas in the oxidiser has a residence time of two seconds in a turbulent gas flow,

to ensure complete combustion of the organics, with a destruction efficiency of 99.9999%.

Gas cleaning: after thermal oxidation the gases are quenched to lower the gas stream’s

temperature to under 100 °C in less than one second. This sudden cooling reduces dioxin and

furan formation. Gases pass through a Venturi scrubber, in order to remove particulates and

neutralize acids, and enter a packed column for final gas cleaning.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Residue treatment: the solid residue consists of inert – decontaminated material from the kiln

is collected, stored and tested for the presence of heavy metals. Once results are received,

the residue is de-classified and can be safely sent to an appropriate landfill. In rare cases, if

results do not comply with legislative requirements, the residue is re-treated in the plant.

Particulate treatment: all the particulates caught in the gas clean-up system are sent to

settling tanks. Once the particles have settled, the water slurry is pumped to a filter press

where all the excess water is removed and a filter cake is collected. The filter cake is mixed

with the residue for declassification and the water is returned to the plant. Thus, the whole gas

clean-up system is closed with zero liquid effluent.

Air emissions: the gas discharged to atmosphere is continually monitored using a

combination of analysers: dust (particulates), CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, HCl, HF, VOCs, benzene

and mercury. This is in accordance with permit requirements.

Photograph of inside an A-Thermal plant

A-Thermal operating permits and accreditations

A-Thermal has been operating under the following permits:

Licences Governing authority

Air pollution and prevention Act (APPA) certificate:

Certificate number 2423, 30 July 2004

Department of Environmental Affairs

Atmospheric Emission Licence

(replacing APPA certificate)

Ekurhuleni Municipality:

Environmental Resource Management Air Quality and Climate Change

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Waste Management License:

Certificate number GPF-00-011

Gauteng Provincial Government

A-Thermal has been accredited according to the following:

Accreditation / Affiliation Authority

ISO 14 001: 2004 Certified by SGS

Responsible Care Commitment CAIA (Chemical and Allied Industries Association)

Organisation member Institute of Waste Management

Member NEASA (National Employers Association of South Africa)

Client SEESA (Small Enterprise Employers of South Africa)

Photograph

inside the

A-Thermal plant,

showing settling

tanks, the

scrubbing

system, fan and

stack

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



A-Thermal project references

In addition to normal operation of our facility, i.e. daily treatment of hazardous waste,

A-Thermal has been involved in the following projects:

The de-contamination of 3000 tons of Drins-contaminated soil for Shell Chemicals in

Johannesburg.

Treatment of banned pesticides and organic waste for DOW Chemicals and Sasol.

Destruction of pharmaceuticals and scheduled drugs for major multi-national and

South African pharmaceutical companies.

Treatment of emissions from a soil vapour extraction plant and remediation of a large

petrol leak along a pipeline operated by SAPREF, a petrochemical company in Durban.

Thermal treatment and recovery of mercury from mercury-contaminated waste for

Sasol Polymers.

Incineration of a sulphur-containing gas stream with sulphur scrubbing.

Our people

A-Thermal has a dedicated core engineering team who supervises the plant operation and

execute specific projects. The engineering team is headed by the engineering manager who

reports to the general manager.

Plant Operation consists of operations and maintenance teams, all suitably qualified for

specific roles and responsibilities. The SHEQ Department ensures that all required safety and

health regulations are strictly enforced.

Plant Operations and Engineering are supported by the Finance, Human Resource and

Administration Departments.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



The engineering team consists of six chemical engineers – four holding Masters degrees.

Members of the team are specialists in the following areas:

Hazardous waste pyrolysis and thermal oxidation

High temperature gas-solid reactions

High temperature fluidisation

Biomass and waste gasification

Hazardous waste transport, storage and waste declassification

Gas cleaning and air quality / environmental impact

Water recovery from wet scrubbing

Process equipment design.

Company culture

A-Thermal is a diverse, team-orientated company with a strong emphasis on implementing

innovative solutions for hazardous waste treatment. Due to the wide variety of client needs,

our employees are adaptable and experts in problem solving to overcome challenges

presented. We create solutions in line with best practices and ensure hazardous waste

treatment is environmentally responsible.

Our employees are given the opportunity to pursue projects in an entrepreneurial spirit. All

work on site is safety oriented and specialist training is provided. A-Thermal encourages

career development through training, studying and seminars – implemented at all levels.

A-Thermal also ensures social and community support through sponsorships. We utilise local

businesses as suppliers and consulting partners. As the business expanded our staff base

grew, thus ensuring job creation. Expansion now progressed to allow the creation of a worker’s

trust fund.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Contact details

You are welcome to contact us for assistance with your waste-disposal needs.

Street address: 28 Keramiek Street, Clayville, Olifantsfontein, South Africa


Telephone: +27 11 316 1800

Fax: +27 11 316 4999

E-mail: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.athermal.co.za/

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Technology partners

A-Thermal partners with leading waste-disposal specialists to ensure safe and responsible

destruction of various types of waste.

Medical waste disposal by autoclave technology

Cecor Allied Technologies is the first commercial autoclave treatment facility to process

medical waste in Gauteng. The unique form of non-burn technology adopted by Cecor is

considered to be a more environmentally friendly and efficient method of medical waste

disposal. Cecor Allied is a technically innovative and progressive company with a strong focus

on customer service, safety and compliance. They are conveniently situated in Olifantsfontein,

Gauteng and can easily be accessed by the R21 and N1 highways. Advantages of using Cecor

Allied as preferred technology partner:

Electronic waste tracking system: capable of e-mailing manifests and disposal

certificates directly to clients as soon as waste is destroyed.

Locally manufactured disposable and reusable medical waste containers, wheelie

bins, liners and boxes. Packaging is manufactured in accordance with SANS

requirements and has also been approved and tested by the South African Bureau of

Standards (SABS).

Distribution of containers and collection of medical waste for treatment and disposal.

Disinfection of re-usable containers and medical waste vehicles.

Telephone: +27 10 001 4250

Fax: +27 86 852 9078


Website: www.cecor.co.za


http://www.cecor.co.za/

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Anatomical and medical waste disposal (including pharmaceutical) by incineration

Cecor Retort Technologies operates a specialised facility for the thermal treatment of medical

waste, designed for the disposal of anatomical waste. The incineration is by rotary kiln and

thermal oxidiser, and is similar to the technology used by A-Thermal. However, the anatomical

waste has specific storage, handling and destruction requirements and is considered a

specialist operation. Contact details are the same as for Cecor Allied.

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Transporter and on Site-Management of Health Care Risk Waste including Hazardous

and Toxic Waste

Waste Resource Management (WRM) is a compliant Hazardous Waste Transporter that

transports Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW). This includes:

chemical, pharmaceutical and medical waste (HCRW); and

hazardous and toxic waste (for example, bulk chemicals, pesticides, PCBs, etc.)

WRM undertakes the transport of waste to various treatment & disposal facilities. Advantages

of using WRM as preferred technology partner:

WRM is a compliant and permitted hazardous waste transporter.

Tailoring transport requirements as per the technology partner needs.

On site management of waste streams.

Ensuring compliant collection transport and delivery of the client’s waste.

Vehicles are equipped with mobile scales and barcode scanners. Waste is weighed on

site in the presence of the client representative, who then signs and receives a

manifest document as proof of collection (this applies for HCRW).

Vehicles are equipped with real-time tracking technology.

All vehicles are equipped with digital radios, enabling constant communication with

staff to ensure clients are serviced on time as expected.

WRM also supplies containers, PPE and spill kits, as well as various other consumables for

the HCRW industry.

Telephone: +27 10 001 4250

Fax: +27 86 609 5555


Website: www.wasteresource.co.za


http://www.wasteresource.co.za/

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Thermal treatment of biomass waste including municipal wastewater sludges

Coal and Waste Utilisation (CWU) has been operating since 1988 in the waste sector with a

focus on treating and managing waste streams in an effective and environmentally conscious

manner. Currently, special emphasis is on wastewater sewage sludges from treatment works

and utilisation sewage sludge combustion with energy recovery, including power generation.

CWU specialises in fluidisation processes.

Contact can be made via A-Thermal or by visiting www.cwut.co.za.

Biomass gasification and green power

Carbo Consult & Engineering (CCE) owns the System Johansson Gas Producer (SJG)

technology (since 1994) and undertakes the manufacturing and sales of power producing

facilities. In 2010 Frost & Sullivan presented the South Africa Technology Innovation Award in

South Africa to CCE, assessing that SJG technology is the only tar-free gasification technology

in the world. SJG technology, based on the gasification of biomass in a fixed-bed downdraft

gasifier, is unique, simple and efficient. The gas produced by the gasifier is used as fuel in a

turbocharged, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE).

Telephone: +27 11 316 1800

Fax: +27 11 316 4999


Website: www.carboconsult.com

http://www.cwut.co.za/


http://www.carboconsult.com/

Reg. No. 1996/006526/07


Phone: +27 11 316-1800 Fax: +27 11 316-4999



Production of rubber crumb products from waste tyres

Energia Rubber Tech was founded in 2010 and since its inception has become the rubber

crumb supplier of choice to A-Thermal’s clients – due to the professional and technical

adherence to the quality specifications of their granulated rubber crumb products, as required

by the various industries.

Tyre dumping/disposal poses a dilemma for the upkeep of South Africa’s environment.

Recycling of waste tyres is preferred above energy usage or merely incinerating or landfilling

them as a method of disposal. The scope of Energia’s authorisation permits the storage,

handling and recycling of waste tyres and other waste rubbers using cold processes.

Energia Rubber Tech primarily produces the following products:

Rubber Crumb complying with COLTO and TG1 specifications for road construction.

Rubber Powder within the size grading range required for tailor-made applications.

Product description Micron grading Mesh grading Product code

Rubber crumb 1000 18 RC 18

Fine rubber powder 420 40 RP 40

Superfine rubber powder 300 50 RP 50

Superfine rubber powder 250 60 RP 60

Ultrafine rubber powder <150 80 - 100 RP 150

Telephone: +27 11 316 1800

Fax: +27 11 316 4999



Documents

A-Thermal Company Profile