Solvent waste treatment : an investment feasibility study

Abstract

With the growth of industry in Malta, in particular the Chemical-pharmaceutical sector, its by-products also increase, such as solvent waste. With no present infrastructure that supports the Maltese industry in relation to solvent waste treatment, at present such waste is exported to nearby countries in Europe. This dissertation tried to investigate the sources of solvent waste in the local scenario, its handling and their fate ones exported for treatment. Typically the exported waste is either incinerated or recovered in order to reuse the solvent. With these concepts an investigation was done with different scenarios of incineration and recovery in Malta. Different investment tools were utilised in the study to consider the most economically beneficial project to undertake. The investment tools utilised were net present value, payback period, accounting rate of return, internal rate of return and profitability index. Various decision making tools were also utilised in order to conclude which scenario will deemed best for the local situation. Research showed that with the current solvent waste production and present infrastructure in Malta the best choice from an economic point of view is to Upgrade the Marsa Thermal Treatment Plant in order to be capable to incinerate solvent waste. This is the most viable solution but only the Government may be able to tap in such an investment. If a private investor wants to invest then the best option is to Upgrade a Fine Chemical Plant with a Recovery Unit. Such an investment will not only process solvent waste but also recover solvent which can be sold locally. Finally it was concluded that these projects are not mutually exclusive although may seem to compete for the same resource. If managed properly either projects can succeed and be economically viable.