This project aims to demonstrate an innovative, low-temperature thermal treatment technology for the destruction and mineralization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in impacted solid and liquid wastes. The overarching objective is to advance a gas-solid catalytic PFAS treatment process from technology readiness level (TRL) 4/5 to TRL 7 through a small-scale system demonstration. Specific technical objectives include achieving greater than 99.99% PFAS destruction and removal efficiency, confirming average PFAS mineralization efficiencies greater than 95% based on fluorine mass balance, verifying the absence of gas-phase PFAS and products of incomplete destruction (PID), and establishing robust operating parameters across a range of waste matrices and conditions. The demonstration will validate system performance using a skid-mounted, small-scale pilot unit and will employ comprehensive gas- and solid-phase analytical methods, including test methods 45, 50, and 55, on-line Fourier transform infrared, and total fluorine analysis, to confirm destruction efficiency, mineralization, and PID control.

The technology integrates moderate-temperature thermal desorption (approximately 450–600°C) with a downstream catalytic gas-solid contactor consisting of a fixed bed packed with calcium oxide (CaO). PFAS-impacted wastes are heated in a primary thermal unit to release PFAS into the gas phase, where thermolytic cleavage initiates decomposition. The resulting fluorinated intermediates react with CaO in the fixed-bed gas-solid contactor to form stable, inert calcium fluoride, thereby achieving mineralization while suppressing the formation of undesirable byproducts. This configuration avoids the need for high-temperature thermal oxidizers and wet scrubbers commonly required in conventional incineration systems.

This technology offers a deployable, materials-efficient, and energy-reducing solution for the treatment of PFAS-impacted soils, sediments, spent granular activated carbon, ion exchange resins, biosolids, and aqueous film-forming foam concentrates. By enabling high levels of PFAS destruction and mineralization at substantially lower temperatures than conventional thermal treatment and eliminating the need for secondary thermal oxidizers for many waste streams, the system reduces fuel consumption, system complexity, and permitting burdens while improving operational safety. Successful demonstration will provide validated performance data, analytical protocols, and operational guidance to support regulatory acceptance and broader adoption, enabling more sustainable, cost-effective, and on-site management of PFAS-impacted wastes. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2028)