Improving the work environment in the fluorescent lamp recycling sector by optimizing mercury elimination.

One of the main issues in the fluorescent lamp recycling sector is the mercury contamination of output fractions and occupational exposure associated with recycling operations. The aim of this study is to carry out effective mercury mass balance determinations and improve mercury recovery by finding the optimal levels for the recycling process parameters. These optimizations will allow upstream mercury emissions to be reduced, which will help to avoid mercury exposure among WEEE recycling workers.

Feasibility of granular bed filtration of an aerosol of ultrafine metallic particles including a pressure drop regeneration system.

Unlabelled: A process for filtering an aerosol of ultrafine metallic particles (UFP) has been designed and tested, based on the principle of a multistage granular bed. The filtration system comprised a succession of granular beds of varying thickness composed of glass beads of different diameters. This system allows the pressure drop to be regenerated during filtration ("on-line" mode) using a vibrating probe.

Filtration of ultrafine metallic particles in industry.

Thermal metal spraying, metal cutting and arc welding processes generate large quantities of ultrafine particles that cause the irreversible clogging of industrial filters. The aim of the study performed was to identify the causes of the clogging of cartridge filters and investigate other paths for cleaning them. This study required the development of a test bench capable of reproducing a thermal spraying process to test the performances of different filtration techniques.

Assessment of exposure to ethanol vapors released during use of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs by healthcare workers.

Background: Despite the increasing use of Alcohol-Based Hand Rub solutions, few studies have quantified the concentrations of inhaled ethanol.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess ethanol exposure during hygienic and surgical hand disinfection practices.

Method: Ethanol concentrations were measured at the nose level of a wooden dummy and human volunteers.

Ultrafine particles emitted by flame and electric arc guns for thermal spraying of metals.

The ultrafine aerosol emitted by thermal spraying of metals using flame and electric arc processes has been characterized in terms of particle size distribution and emission rates based on both particle number and mass. Thermal spraying of Zn, Zn/Al, and Al was studied. Measurements taken using an electrical low pressure impactor and a condensation nucleus counter reveal an aerosol made up of very fine particles (80-95% of number distribution <100 nm).