ChemSTEER v.2 Self Guided Tutorial U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Chemical...

ChemSTEER v.2 Self Guided TutorialChemSTEER v.2 Self Guided TutorialU.S. EPAOffice of Pollution Prevention and ToxicsChemical Engineering BranchWashington, DC

May 2004Beta Version

WelcomeWelcome

Welcome to the ChemSTEER self-guided tutorial!

This tutorial is designed to provide you with basic information about creating an assessment using the May 2004 beta version of the ChemSTEER software.

Hit the space bar to continue…

Welcome Welcome (continued)(continued)

…Hit the space bar to continue to the next slide

ChemSTEER is a complex tool designed for use by technically knowledgeable users.

Prior to reviewing this tutorial, it may be helpful to review the ChemSTEER Overview (The overview is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/http://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/).

Welcome Welcome (continued)(continued)


*Note: Some ChemSTEER items and functions are omitted from this tutorial, as they are used internally by EPA. You will find all of these included in ChemSTEER’s comprehensive Help System.

This tutorial consists of 122 individual slides.

Summary of New Features Summary of New Features


Since the last public release of ChemSTEER in July 2003, the following new functions have been implemented in this version:

•Capability of opening/modifying older assessments with new versions of the software

•Automatic transfer of contact information to multiple Contact Reports•Operation NAICS code search function•New Recirculating Water-Cooling Tower Additive Use industry-specific operation

•Automatic transfer of site information from operation to another

Summary of New Features Summary of New Features (continued)(continued)


•Container unloading & cleaning sources/activities are automatically added to operations as a pair (one is automatically added when the other is added by the user)

•Model status messages on the Releases and Exposures tabs•Ability to run two sets of inputs (or conditions) in a single model to calculate two release or exposure estimates

•Releases are no longer combined in ChemSTEER or in the IRER

Some key new features are highlighted in this tutorial.

•Overview•Managing and Saving Your Assessments•General•Chemical•Operations•Operation Parameters

Main MenuMain MenuYou may view this tutorial in its entirety or you may jump to a specific section by clicking it in the list below:

•Releases•Exposures•Industry-Specific Operations•Optional Information•Reports•For More Information…

At the end of each section, you may either continue to the next screen or you may return to this main menu by clicking this button: Main Menu

OverviewOverview


ChemSTEER is a personal computer-based program that calculates screening-level estimates of environmental releases of and worker exposures to a chemical within an industrial/commercial setting. ChemSTEER is appropriate to use when data do not exist or are insufficient.

Screening-level estimates are generally intended to be conservative – in other words, they are likely to be higher than releases and exposures that might actually be occurring in a real world setting.

ChemSTEER is designed to guide you, step-by-step through the various inputs and settings that are needed to “build” your assessment scenario.

This is best achieved by clicking on each screen tab from left to right:

OverviewOverview (continued)(continued)


OverviewOverview (continued)(continued)

The ChemSTEER Help SystemChemSTEER Help System contains information about creating assessments, as well as documentation explaining each release and exposure model used in the calculations (equations, default input values, logic). You should read the Help System thoroughly and consult it often to use ChemSTEER most effectively.

Main Menu …Or hit the space bar to go to the next topic

Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSet Your Database PreferenceSet Your Database Preference

ChemSTEER saves each assessment into a database file. By collecting multiple assessments within a single ChemSTEER database file, you use less disk space than saving single assessments to multiple ChemSTEER database files.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSet Your Database PreferenceSet Your Database Preference (continued)(continued)

To select your default database file, go to the Preferences menu and click Default Database.

Click Browse and use the navigator window to select your preferred database file. Select it, click Open, and click OK.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsStart a New AssessmentStart a New Assessment

To start a new assessment, go to the File menu and click New Assessment.

This will clear all information from the ChemSTEER screens. If you had a previous assessment open, ChemSTEER will prompt you to save any recent changes before clearing the screens for the new assessment.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsOpen an Existing AssessmentOpen an Existing Assessment

To open an existing assessment, go to the File menu and click Open Assessment.

Use the navigator window to select the database file containing the assessment. Click Open.Select the assessment and click Open.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsOpen an Existing AssessmentOpen an Existing Assessment (continued)(continued)

You may use the database search function to locate a particular assessment by clicking the Search button.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsOpen an Existing AssessmentOpen an Existing Assessment (continued)(continued)

NEW Function!NEW Function! ChemSTEER now allows you to open and modify assessments that were previously created and saved with an earlier version of the software. Any assessment that is created with this version of ChemSTEER may be opened, reviewed, and modified using future versions of the software.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSave Your AssessmentSave Your Assessment

You may save your assessment at any point while you are working on it (you are encouraged to save often to reduce the risk of loosing data!).


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSave Your AssessmentSave Your Assessment (continued)(continued)

To save the current assessment, go to the File menu and click Save Assessment.

This function will automatically save your recent changes to the assessment, overwriting the previous version.If you wish to save recent changes to a NEW assessment, click Save Assessment As (explained in the next slide).


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSave Your Current Assessment To a New NameSave Your Current Assessment To a New Name

To save your recent changes to a new assessment in an existing database, you must change at least one of the identifying fields: Type, Status, Fiscal Year, or Identifier.

Then, go to File and click Save Assessment As. Use the navigator window to select the desired database file and click Open.

*ChemSTEER automatically names your assessment according to what you entered in the Identifier field in the General screen.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSave Your Current Assessment To a New NameSave Your Current Assessment To a New Name((continued)continued)

Create a New Database FileYou may also wish to create a new database file. When you are ready to save your assessment, go to the File menu and click Save Assessment As.Use the navigator window to select your target subdirectory and enter a name for your database (with a ‘.mdb’ extension). Click Open.


Managing and Saving Your AssessmentsManaging and Saving Your AssessmentsSave Your Current Assessment To a New NameSave Your Current Assessment To a New Name((continued)continued)

Create a New Database File (continued)

*Note:*Note: By collecting multiple assessments within a single ChemSTEER database file, you use less disk space than saving single assessments to multiple ChemSTEER database files. It is beneficial to consider this when organizing your assessments, to ascertain that you are using disk space efficiently.


Vapor Model PreferencesVapor Model Preferences

Vapor models are used by default for some liquid-related souces/ activities when Adjusted Vapor Pressure of the assessed chemical is within AVPlow and AVPhigh. To change either or both of the range endpoints, simply enter a new value for AVPlow and/or AVPhigh.


You can perform these updates by going to the Preferences menu and clicking Vapor Model Activation.

The vapor model activation preference is a global default used by all new assessments. Changing the range used within a single assessment is covered later in this tutorial. Be sure to read the Help System for more details.

GeneralGeneral

When you click the General tab, a screen displaying general information about the assessment is shown.

To add or modify the General information, click the Update General Information button.


GeneralGeneral (continued)(continued)

1. Choose Other Assessment Type – some options limit the Identifier field for internal EPA databases.

2. Choose Other assessment Status – most options indicate level of EPA review.

3. Enter the Fiscal Year 4. Enter an assessment Identifier -

this allows you to designate a unique name for the assessment.


*Note: These 4 elements are used together to distinguish the assessment from others saved within a common database… similar to unique file names used within a single directory on your PC.


4. Verify/modify the Date of the assessment – this element is automatically populated with the current date. You may also enter a new date.

5. If the assessment will contain TSCA CBI, be sure the box next to”CBI” is checked.



6. Enter Assessor information: you may enter the name, affiliation, phone number, and email address for one or two assessors (i.e., persons preparing the assessment).

7. Enter the Company information: you may enter the company name, address, city, state, zip code, and contact information for the assessment.



Add/Modify Contact ReportsAdd/Modify Contact ReportsChemSTEER allows you to save information about the assessment that is gathered through contact with another individual in a Contact Report.

To create or modify a Contact Report, click on the View/Update Contact Report(s) button in the General screen.


General General (continued)(continued)

To add or modify the Revision Notes/ Assessment Identifier information, click the Update Revision Notes/ Assessment Overview button.


ChemicalChemical

When you click the Chemical tab, a screen displaying information about the chemical being assessed is shown.

To add or modify the Chemical information, click the Update Chemical Information button.


ChemicalChemical (continued)(continued)

Enter the following information about the chemical being assessed in the appropriate fields:•Chemical name•Chemical category•Trade name(s)•CAS number•Molecular formula•Type of notice (internal EPA designator) – select manufacturing and/or import by checking the appropriate box(es)



Enter the following information about the chemical being assessed in the appropriate fields:•Domestic production volume (PVd, kg/yr) – the annual amount of the chemical to be assessed that is manufactured domestically•Imported production volume (PVi, kg/yr) – the annual amount of the chemical to be assessed that is imported to the U.S.•Total assessed production volume (PV, kg/yr) – the total annual amount of the chemical to be assessed (PV = PVd + PVi); ChemSTEER automatically sums your entries for PVd and PVi, and displays PV

*Note:*Note: Fields shown in red on the ChemSTEER screen denote values that are widely used by the assessment models. It is highly recommended that you enter a value for these fields before continuing with the assessment.



Enter the following information about the chemical being assessed in the appropriate fields:•Vapor pressure (VPchem, torr) – the vapor pressure of the pure chemical to be assessed; you may also enter the reference temperature (oC) for this value•Molecular weight (MW, g/mol) – the molecular weight of the chemical to be assessed•% < 500 g/mol and % < 1000 g/mol – for use with high molecular weight polymers; indication of the distribution of molecular weight of the chemical to be assessed.




Enter the following information about the chemical being assessed in the appropriate fields:•Density (Dchem, g/cm3) – the density of the pure chemical to be assessed; you may also enter the reference temperature (oC) for this value•Solubility in water (WSchem, g/L) – the solubility of the pure chemical in water; you may also enter the reference temperature (oC) for this value or simply check the box indicating the chemical is ‘dispersible’

•General description of end use(s)




Clicking the View Exposure Limits button, you can search for and view published OSHA PELs and NIOSH RELs for several existing chemicals.

In the future, you may link selected PELs/RELs directly to the models for use in calculating worker exposures.


OperationsOperations

Click on the Operations tab and each of its subtabs to build your scenario and enter necessary information about each operation in your assessment.


OperationsOperationsChoose OperationsChoose Operations

The first step in building a scenario to be assessed is to choose the operations. Begin by clicking the Update Operations button in the Operations screen to choose the operations in your scenario.


An operation is a workplace or set of “homogeneous” workplaces with essentially the same (or similar) processes, equipment, chemical throughputs, procedures, and worker populations, such that the releases and exposures to the chemical being assessed can be assumed similar for all of the workplaces in the set.

OperationsOperationsChoose Operations Choose Operations (continued)(continued)

At the top of the Update Operations screen is a list of Available Operations that you may choose.

To select an operation, you may either double-click on it or click it once and then click the Add to list button.

The selected operation then appears in the Selected Operations list at the bottom of the Update Operations screen. Continue this process for each operation you wish to include in your assessment.



Generally, operations are either:

•Manufacturing - chemical is created in this operation and thus, an assessment includes only the chemical exiting from this type of operation;•Processing - chemical both enters into and exits from this type of operation; example: chemical is received by a formulator and mixed into another product for distribution; or•Use - final use of the chemical and thus, an assessment includes only the chemical entering into this type of operation; the chemical either is converted into another chemical, is incorporated into an article, or is primarily disposed as waste.


Chemical Mfr’d

Chemical Processed

Chemical Used


Example: To build an assessment wherein a chemical is manufactured and then processed/formulated into two different products:Select User-defined Manufacturing, and then Select User-defined Processing two times (one for each type of processing). You will notice that the second User-defined Processing appears as ‘User-defined Processing: 2’.



Renaming OperationsIt is helpful to rename the operations to better describe your assessment. To do this, select the operation clicking on it in the Selected Operations list and enter the new name.

In our example, the operations are renamed to Manufacture, Formulation of Paint, and Formulation of Cleaner.


OperationsOperationsIndicate Operation RelationshipsIndicate Operation Relationships

The next step in building your assessment scenario is to indicate the relationships of your chosen operations (i.e., the order in which they are performed). Click on the Relationships subtab in the Operations screen.

Select the desired operation at the top of the Operations screen and click the Update Relationships button.


OperationsOperationsIndicate Operation Relationships Indicate Operation Relationships (continued)(continued)

As a default, ChemSTEER will define the relationships in a straight series relationship as follows:


Manufacturing

100% PV

Processing 1

100% PV

Processing 2

100% PVEtc…

However, you may rearrange your operations in ChemSTEER into any desired configuration. For example:

Manufacture

100% PV

Formulation of Paint

70% PV

Formulation of Cleaner

30% PV


In our example, the chemical is first manufactured and then it is processed into either a paint or a cleaner product.ChemSTEER had chosen ‘Formulation of Paint’ as the subsequent operation to ‘Manufacturing’ as a default.

The second processing operation, ‘Formulation of Cleaner’ is added to the list of subsequent operations to ‘Manufacturing’.




ChemSTEER tracks the distribution of the total assessment production volume (PV) within parallel operations based on the Fraction of PV and the PVop input values.

Enter the appropriate Fraction of PV or PVop by clicking on the associated field in the list of subsequent operations.

NOTE: Fraction of PV is the percent (0-100%) of the total assessment PV that pertains to the subsequent operation.

OperationsOperationsOperation DescriptionOperation Description

You may enter North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes and other descriptions associated with each operation of the assessment by clicking on the Description subtab within the Operations screen.

Select the desired operation at the top of the Operations screen and click the Update NAICS and Description button


OperationsOperationsOperation DescriptionOperation Description (continued)(continued)

To add an associated NAICS code, click the Add/Remove NAICS button

and…

Select a NAICS code from the list by either double-clicking it or clicking it once and clicking the Select button.


NEW Function!NEW Function! You can search for a particular NAICS code by entering all or a portion of the code in the Search for box and clicking Search.

OperationsOperationsOperation DescriptionOperation Description (continued)(continued)

You should enter a description of process steps, equipment, and other relevant details for the selected operation by typing them within the Process Description box in the Update Operation Description screen.


OperationsOperationsPhysical State(s) of the ChemicalPhysical State(s) of the Chemical

You may enter information pertaining to the physical state of the chemical being assessed within each operation by clicking on the Physical States subtab within the Operations screen.

Select the desired operation at the top of the Operations screen and click the Update Physical State button.


OperationsOperationsIdentify the Sources of Release and Worker ActivitiesIdentify the Sources of Release and Worker Activities

For each operation of the assessment, you must select at least one release source or worker activity for which ChemSTEER will calculate estimated releases and/or exposures by clicking on the Sources/Activities subtab within the Operations screen.

This selection is critical, as it will determine which default release/exposure models are used for the calculations.


Select the desired operation at the top of the Operations screen and click the Update Sources/Activities button.

OperationsOperationsIdentify the Sources of Release and Worker Activities Identify the Sources of Release and Worker Activities (continued)(continued)

Sources/Activities are listed in categories in the upper list. To show or hide the list of specific sources/ activities, double-click on the category. Select the source/activity by either double-clicking it or clicking it once and then clicking the Add to operation button.


To the right of the source/activity are two columns that typically indicate whether default release and/or exposure models will be activated. To change either of these settings, simply click on the field in the column and type ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

OperationsOperationsEnter Facility InformationEnter Facility Information

You may enter information regarding the facility(ies) that is performing the operations of the assessment by clicking the Site Information subtab within the Operations screen.

Select the desired operation at the top of the Operations screen and click the Site Information button.


Operation ParametersOperation Parameters

Click on the Operation Parameters tab and each of the subtabs to verify or edit the default values for key operation parameters (e.g., mass balance of chemical into and out of the operation, calculation of the number of containers filled and/or emptied during the operation).


Operation ParametersOperation ParametersMass Balance ParametersMass Balance Parameters ChemSTEER allows a great

amount of flexibility in which input parameters can be entered for each assessment. We will set the mass balance parameters for the “Formulation of Paint” operation. *Note: You are highly encouraged to review this topic in the ChemSTEER ChemSTEER Help SystemHelp System for a more complete description (refer to Guide to Using ChemSTEER Tabs – Operation Parameters Tab – Mass Balance Parameters Subtab).


Click the Update Parameters button to enter the mass balance parameters for the selected operation.

Operation ParametersOperation ParametersMass Balance Parameters Mass Balance Parameters (Continued)(Continued)

Mass Accounting Basis SelectionContinuous or Batch processes: Continuous processes generally have continuous feed of raw materials and output of product; Batch processes generally have discontinuous feed of raw materials and output of product. Raw Material or Product basis:Raw material basis causes ChemSTEER to utilize the current settings for the chemical as it enters the selected operation (e.g., utilizing the settings for the chemical exiting the previous operation in a series). Product basis causes ChemSTEER to utilize the current settings for the chemical as it exits the selected operation.



Mass Balance Basis SelectionStrategy: If you know more about the product of an operation (i.e., typical production rates and composition of the chemical within the product), selecting Product as the basis is often the most practical strategy. Similarly, if more is known about the use of the chemical as a raw material for the selected operation, selecting Raw Material is often the best approach.


For the Formulation of Paint operation, we will select a Batch process with a Product basis.


Specify Mass Balance Input ParametersThe second subtab contains the input parameters that ChemSTEER uses to calculate the remaining mass balance parameters. The specific parameters that are displayed on this subtab are determined by which combination of Continuous/Batch and Raw Material/Product bases was chosen in the Mass Balance Basis Selection subtab.



Specify Mass Balance Input Parameters

Specify at least one of these

Specify at least one of theseYou may also specify this

If you wish to complete the mass balance, you must specify exactly three of the five parameters listed, as instructed on the screen.



Specify Mass Balance Input ParametersFor the Formulation of Paint operation, it is known that:

there are 5 paint formulators (NS)

the paint product contains 0.1kg chemical/kg paint (Yprod) (i.e.,

10% chemical)

50 kg of paint is produced in each batch (BMOprod).



Specify Mass Balance Input ParametersWhen you have completed entering the three known parameters, click on the Calculate remaining two parameters button.

After entering the three known values, ChemSTEER determines that 5 kg of chemical is used in each batch (BMOchem) and that 314 batches are run at each site annually (Nby) to process the amount of chemical being assessed.



Specify Other Batch ParametersYou may specify the additional batch parameters shown in the screen.

Note: This subtab pertains to batch processes only (there are no additional parameters to verify for continuous processes).


Operation ParametersOperation ParametersContainer ParametersContainer Parameters

The Container Parameters subtab allows you to verify and/or edit the default settings for how the mass balance around loading and unloading containers with materials containing the chemical.

We will set the container parameters for the “Formulation of Paint” operation.


*Note: You are highly encouraged to review this topic in the ChemSTEER Help SystemChemSTEER Help System for a more complete description (refer to Guide to Using ChemSTEER Tabs – Operation Parameters Tab – Container Parameters Subtab).

Operation ParametersOperation ParametersContainer Parameters Container Parameters (Continued)(Continued)

The Container Parameters subtab displays the list of container-related sources/activities that were chosen for the selected operation (e.g., unloading liquid raw material from drums) along with the current values for the key container parameters.

These sources/activities can be viewed according to what type of material is handled by clicking on each of the subtabs, Raw Material, Product, or Other Material.



The Container Parameters By Activity subtab shows several container parameters for the entire operation. Some of these parameters are commonly used in models for container-related sources/ activities.



Verify/Select Container ParametersDouble-click on a container-related source/activity to view the Verify/Select Container Parameters by Source Activity subtab.

For our chosen source/activity, ChemSTEER assumes that the needed amount of raw material is pumped directly from the drum into the process. Thus…



Verify/Select Container Parameters…approximately 17 drums of our raw material will be used over the 314-day operating year and…

0.055 (5.5%) of a drum will be used per day.

The default drum unloading rate is 20 drums per hour, which determines the total number of hours (OHa) it takes to pump the amount of chemical needed per day.



Verify/Select Container ParametersYou may choose three parameters to specify and ChemSTEER will adjust the remaining two parameters accordingly. Let’s assume that in our scenario, the paint formulator will empty drums as needed into a process supply tank…



Verify/Select Container ParametersWe will specify:the total number of containers emptied per year (Ncy) is 18 drums/site-year; the number of containers emptied per day (Ncd) is 1 drum/site-day; and the container unload rate (r) is 2 drums/hr.



Verify/Select Container ParametersAfter clicking the Calculate remaining two parameters button, ChemSTEER determines that:

the source/activity occurs over 18 days/site-year (ODa) and

it will take 0.5 hr/site-day to perform this activity (OHa).



Verify/Select Container ParametersIn this subtab, ChemSTEER will calculate the mass of raw material in each container.

Alternatively, you may simply enter the mass of raw material in each container.

These parameters impact the values calculated in the Verify/Select Container Parameters by Source/Activity subtab.



Verify/Select Container ParametersIn our example, we will adjust the volume of the raw material drums from the default of 55 gallons to 45 gallons. After clicking off of the Volume capacity of container (Vc) box, the Mass capacity of the container (MCi) is adjusted to approximately 148 kg raw material/drum.



Verify/Select Container ParametersClick back to the Verify/Select Container Parameters by Source/Activity subtab to see how the container volume adjustment affected our initial input values. By decreasing the default drum volume, an additional drum will be needed per year to account for the amount of chemical being assessed in this operation (see the new value for Ncy).


Operation ParametersOperation ParametersShared Parameters/FactorsShared Parameters/Factors

The Shared Parameters/ Factors subtab contains other parameters that are used by more than one model for a particular source/ activity (e.g., vapor pressure correction factor used by both the release model and exposure model).


*Note: You are highly encouraged to review this topic in the ChemSTEER Help SystemChemSTEER Help System for a more complete description (refer to Guide to Using ChemSTEER Tabs – Operation Parameters Tab – Shared Parameters/Factors Subtab).

Operation ParametersOperation ParametersShared Parameters/Factors Shared Parameters/Factors (Continued)(Continued) Click on the Update

Available Shared Parameters/Factors button to view the types of shared parameters that are available.

Currently, ChemSTEER utilizes the following types of shared parameters:•Vapor Models;•Automobile Spray Painting; and• NEW!NEW! Recirculating Water Cooling Tower


*Note: Future versions of ChemSTEER will include additional types of shared parameters (e.g., those pertaining to industry operations).

Operation ParametersOperation ParametersShared Parameters/Factors Shared Parameters/Factors (Continued)(Continued)

To change the value of a shared parameter, double-click anywhere in that parameter’s row in the grid.

Let’s update the default value for the VP correction factor (X) of the product of the selected operation.



You have 5 options for setting the VP correction factors (X) the material(s) being handled in the operation – shown in the screen at right.

We will change the default from Xprod=1 (VP of product equivalent to VP of pure chemical) toXprod = 0.1 (mole fraction of the chemical is equivalent to Yprod)



The adjusted vapor pressure (AVP) of the paint material has been modified as a result of our change in Xprod.

Note: the AVP of the raw material remains equivalent to the pure chemical’s VP (Xrm=1).



ChemSTEER will only use certain vapor release and exposure models if the material’s AVP is within a specified tolerance range.

i.e., if the AVP of the material is less than a minimum or greater than a maximum, the vapor models will not be used in the assessment.


ChemSTEER allows you to set this range for the current assessment.

Click the Update AVPRange button on this subtab.


NOTE:NOTE: All shared parameters are programmed with default values, which will provide the most conservative results.

In most cases, you will not need to modify these default values.

You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with these shared parameters before revising the default values. Be sure to review the relevant Help System topics.


ReleasesReleases

Click on the Releases tab to choose the models (i.e., algorithms) and associated input parameters used to calculate the releases to water, air, incineration, and/or landfill from each of the chosen sources within each of the operations of your assessment.


ReleasesReleases (Continued)(Continued)

ChemSTEER currently contains 15 different models that can be used to calculate releases, each with their own set of default settings and values.

You are highly encouraged to review this topic in the ChemSTEER Help ChemSTEER Help SystemSystem for a more complete description of the models and their bases before selecting alternative models to the ChemSTEER defaults and/or modifying default input values (refer to ChemSTEER Estimation Methods and Models – Environmental Releases).



1. Select an operation from the Operation drop down list.

2. Select a source for which releases are calculated from the Source drop down list.

The model(s) used to calculate the releases from the selected source within the selected operation appear in the Release Model(s) box.



The parameters used by the selected release model appear in the Release Input Parameters subtab. This subtab also indicates which parameters are ChemSTEER default values, the origin of the parameter value (i.e., whether previously input in another tab or calculated from other input parameters), the current value, and the units.


ReleasesReleases3. Add or Remove a Release Model3. Add or Remove a Release Model

Click on the Add or Remove a Release Model button in the Releases screen to change the default models that are used for the selected release source.

The Add/Remove Release Models screen will appear with a list of the most appropriate alternative models for the selected release source.


ReleasesReleases3. Add or Remove a Release Model3. Add or Remove a Release Model (continued)(continued)

In our example, the default model for estimating the fugitive air releases from cleaning a single, large vessel was the Mass Transfer Coefficient Model. An alternative model that could be used is the Penetration Model.

We have removed the Mass Transfer Coefficient Model and added the Penetration Model to calculate the fugitive releases of the chemical to air during equipment cleaning.


ReleasesReleases4. View/Update Model Information4. View/Update Model Information Click on the View/Update Model

Information button in the Releases screen to modify the default model parameter values to be used in the calculations.

The View/Update Release Model Information screen displays information about the selected model, including:•the equation(s) used in the calculation, •a description of the basis/source of the model, and •a list of the parameters used by the model.


ReleasesReleases4. View/Update Model Information 4. View/Update Model Information (Continued)(Continued)

To change a parameter value, click on the associated Type field. For some parameters, you will change the Type field from ‘Default’ to ‘Non-default’. If you choose ‘Non-default’, you may then click on the associated Value field and enter the new value for the parameter.

Other parameters will prompt you to select from a specified list of alternative values.



NEW Function!NEW Function!You can use a single model to to calculate two results using two sets of input parameters.

Click on the check boxes to toggle the parameters for the model Output 1 and/or Output 2 (we have enabled both sets of parameters).


You can use this feature to compare release estimates using two alternative input values (or conditions for an assessment). A full description of this new function is provided in the ChemSTEER Estimation Methods and Models section of the Help System.


For example, we will modify the Output 1 frequency (Freq) of the fugitive release of chemical to air from the cleaning of a single, large vessel in the Formulation of Paint operation.

As a default, ChemSTEER assumes that this cleaning is performed each operating day and thus, Freq is equal to the operating days (OD) value (314 days/yr). By clicking on the Type 1 field (for Output 1), a new screen listing the other options for Freq is displayed.


For this output, we will assume that the vessels are only cleaned once per month, instead of every day. Therefore, we select the ‘User-defined’ non-default value and enter 12 days/site-yr.


After clicking OK, we see that the Output 1 Freq parameter in the View/Update Release Model Information screen has been updated to a user-defined, non-default value of 12 days/site-yr. *We will retain the default value of 314 days/site-yr for Output 2.

NEW Function!NEW Function! You may also change the characterization for each of the outputs by selecting from the list or entering your own label.


Note: If the Type field contains ‘Model Output’, you may not modify the value. It is calculated from other model parameters when the model is run.

ReleasesReleases5. Modify Media of Release5. Modify Media of Release

Click on the Modify Media of Release button in the Releases screen to change the default media (i.e., water, air, incineration, landfill) to which the selected source releases will be emitted.

The Update release media output specifications screen will appear. In this screen, the selected operation and release source is listed, as well as the selected release model and description of the model basis/source.

In this screen, you can apportion the total amount of the calculated release to more than one target media.


ReleasesReleases5. Modify Media of Release5. Modify Media of Release (Continued)(Continued)

For example, if the residues from the cleaning of the single, large vessel are treated in a WWT system that is 90% efficient in removing the chemical from the final effluent, we would apportion the total release as:•90% to sludge (collected and sent to an incinerator); and•10% to water.


Single, large Single, large process vesselprocess vessel

On-site On-site WWT SystemWWT System(90% efficient)(90% efficient)Residual chemical Residual chemical

in monthly in monthly equipment washesequipment washes 90% of chemical 90% of chemical

residue removed residue removed with WWT sludge – with WWT sludge – sent to incineratorsent to incinerator

10% of chemical 10% of chemical residue remains in residue remains in water effluentwater effluent

ReleasesReleases5. Modify Media of Release5. Modify Media of Release (Continued)(Continued)

This is accomplished by modifying the 100% default to water to be 10% and entering 90% to incineration. Another modification that you may enter in this screen is establishing alternative target media designations. For example, if the sludge from the WWT system could be either incinerated or landfilled, we would enter the 90% designation next to Incineration or Landfill.


Thus, we have designated that 10% of the total amount of chemical residue from the single, large process vessel cleanings is released to water and 90% of the residue is released to either incineration or landfill.


6. Click the Run Model(s) button to execute the release model calculations.

7. Click on the Estimated Releases subtab to view the results of the calculations. This screen displays the media of release, the number of sites releasing the chemical, the days of release (days/site-yr), the daily release rate (kg/site-day), the annual release rate (kg/year; all sites), and the basis for the selected release model.


ExposuresExposures

Click on the Exposures tab to choose the models (i.e., algorithms) and associated input parameters used to calculate the inhalation and dermal exposures to workers while performing each of the chosen activities within each of the operations of your assessment.


ExposuresExposures (Continued)(Continued)

ChemSTEER currently contains more than 15 different models that can be used to calculate exposures, each with their own set of default settings and values.

You are highly encouraged to review this topic in the ChemSTEER Help SystemChemSTEER Help System for a more complete description of the models and their bases before selecting alternative models to the ChemSTEER defaults and/or modifying default input values (refer to ChemSTEER Estimation Methods and Models – Worker Exposures).



1. Select an operation from the Operation drop down list.

2. Select a worker activity for which exposures are calculated from the Source drop down list.



The parameters used by the dermal exposure model appear in the Dermal Model Input Parameters subtab. The model used to calculate the dermal exposure during the activity within the selected operation appears with the associated form of the chemical.This subtab also indicates which parameters are ChemSTEER default values, the origin of the parameter value (i.e., whether previously input in another tab or calculated from other input parameters), the current value, and the units.



Similarly, the parameters used by the inhalation exposure model appear in the Inhalation Model Input Parameters subtab. The model used to calculate the dermal exposure during the activity within the selected operation appears with the associated form of the chemical. Like the Dermal Model Input Parameter subtab, this subtab displays the parameters’ Type, Origin, Value, and Units.


ExposuresExposures3. Add or Remove an Exposure Model3. Add or Remove an Exposure Model

Click on the Add or Remove an Exposure Model button in the Exposures tab to change the default models that are used for the selected exposure activity.


The Add/Remove Exposure Models screen will appear with drop down lists of alternative dermal and inhalation models that you may choose.

ExposuresExposures3. Add or Remove an Exposure Model3. Add or Remove an Exposure Model

In our example, the default model for estimating the worker dermal exposures during unloading of the chemical in raw material from drums is the 2-Hand Dermal Contact with Liquid Model.

An alternative model that could be used is the 1-Hand Dermal Contact with Liquids Model.


We have selected this model from the Dermal Model drop down list.

ExposuresExposures4. View/Update Model Information4. View/Update Model Information

Click on either the Dermal Model Input Parameters or the Inhalation Model Input Parameters subtab and click the View/Update Model Information button in the Exposures tab to modify the default model parameter values to be used in the calculations.

The View/Update Exposure Model Information screen displays information about the selected model, including:•the equation(s) used in the calculation, •a description of the mechanism of exposure,•the chemical state,•the basis/source of the model, and•a list of the parameters used by the model.


ExposuresExposures4. View/Update Model Information 4. View/Update Model Information (Continued)(Continued)

To change a parameter value, click on the associated Type field.

For some parameters, you will change the Type field from ‘Default’ to ‘Non-default’. If you choose ‘Non-default’, you may then click on the associated Value field and enter the new value for the parameter.

Other parameters will prompt you to select from a specified list of alternative values.



NEW Function!NEW Function!You can use a single model to to calculate two results using two sets of input parameters.

Click on the check boxes to toggle the parameters for the model Output 1 and/or Output 2 (we have enabled both sets of parameters).


You can use this feature to compare exposure estimates using two alternative input values (or conditions for an assessment). A full description of this new function is provided in the ChemSTEER Estimation Methods and Models section of the Help System.


For example, we will modify the Output 2 exposure duration (h) of the worker inhalation of the chemical during the unloading activity in the Formulation of Paint operation.

As a default, ChemSTEER assumed that this activity is performed over 0.5 hours per day (from the Container Parameters subtab).

First, we click on the Type 2 field and change ‘Default’ to Non-default’.


Next, we assume that workers unload drums 8 hours/day as a worst case. So, we enter 8 hrs/day in the Value 2 field.


NEW Function!NEW Function! You may also change the characterization for each of the outputs by selecting from the list or entering your own label.

We have characterized Output 2 exposures (8 hrs/day) as “Worst Case” and retained the default of 0.5 hr/day for Output 1, characterized as “Typical”.



Once you have completed updating/reviewing all of the parameters for the selected exposure model, click OK to return to the Exposures tab. Note: If the Type field contains ‘Model Output’, you may not modify the value. It is calculated from other model parameters when the model is run.



5. Click the Run Model(s) button to execute the release model calculations.

6. Click on the Activity Exposure Estimates subtab to view the results of the calculations. This screen displays the type of exposure, the estimated value, and the associated units.


Industry-Specific OperationsIndustry-Specific Operations

ChemSTEER contains several specific operations that pertain to various industry scenarios.


These operations are programmed with specific default input parameters that are based on industry data collected by EPA and documented in their series of Generic Scenarios.

Industry-Specific OperationsIndustry-Specific Operations (Continued)(Continued)

Currently, ChemSTEER contains the following four industry-specific operations that may be chosen for assessments:

• Adhesives Formulation;

• Automobile OEM Spray Coating;

• Automobile Refinish Spray Coating; and

• NEW!NEW! Recirculating Water-Cooling Tower Additive Use



As with all operations, they are selected in the Operations tab…



…Their relationship with the other operations in the assessment scenario must be established in the Relationships subtab.



As you click through the remaining subtabs in the Operations screen, you will see that some of the information, such as industry-specific release sources/worker activities, is “pre-programmed” for each of these industry-specific operations.

Of course, you may wish to add and/or modify the default information as it pertains to your assessment.



In addition the Operation Parameters tab, Mass Balance Parameters screens, contain pre-programmed default values for the industry-specific operation.



Some industry-specific operations have their own set of shared parameters.

The automotive spray operations’ models use spray gun type in their calculations.



Finally, the models used to calculate releases and/or worker exposures that occur during the industry-specific sources/activities are based in information specific to the chosen industry.


Optional InformationOptional Information

To enter additional information about your assessment, click on the Optional Information tab.


Optional InformationOptional Information (Continued)(Continued)

This tab contains several input screens that you may select from the drop down list, including:

• MSDS/Label/Exposure Limits;• Pollution Prevention

Considerations; and• Notes and Key Assumptions used

in the assessment.

Some of the input screens are designed to serve EPA’s internal assessments, including:

• SAT Data;• Exposure-based Criteria; and• Other Uses, Occupational

Exposure Rating, and Consumer Use.


ReportsReportsThere are two types of reports that are currently programmed into ChemSTEER: the Initial Review Engineering Report (IRER) and the Contact Report.


Contact ReportThe Contact Report summarizes information obtained through contact with an individual pertaining to the assessment. This information is input into ChemSTEER in the General tab.

IREREPA currently uses the IRER for their assessments of new chemicals under the Premanufacture Notice program. This report is a summary of the assessment and summarizes all of the information that is input or calculated by ChemSTEER.

ReportsReports (Continued)(Continued)

To run a report, go to the Reports menu and click View IRER Report or View Contact Report. A preview of the report will be displayed.


To print the report, click on the print button:

You may also save the report to an electronic file by going to the Reports menu and clicking on one of the Save… options.

ReportsReports (Continued)(Continued)


You may elect to save the report into one of the following formats: Adobe Acrobat® (pdf); Microsoft Excel ® (xls); Microsoft Word ® (doc); Rich Text Format (rtf); Tab-Separated Text; and Text (txt).

*Note: this function has been optimized for saving reports to Text (txt) format for subsequent viewing/editing using Wordperfect ®. The remaining formats have not been extensively tested.

ConclusionConclusion

Reviewing the ChemSTEER self-guided tutorial will not make you an expert ChemSTEER user!

Creating an assessment using the ChemSTEER software is complex and gaining assessment proficiency will require much practice and learning.

Hit the space bar to continue…

For More Information:For More Information:


Contact information and the most recent version of ChemSTEER are available from the following EPA Internet site:

http://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/http://www.epa.gov/oppt/exposure/

This web site also contains links to the ChemSTEER Overview presentation, as well as to other exposure-related information and models available from EPA.

ChemSTEER v.2 Self Guided Tutorial U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Chemical...

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