Abstract: A laboratory bench-top fume hood comprises an enclosure containing a working chamber with a frontal opening for manual access and airflow into the chamber. A plenum behind the working chamber is connectable to an air extraction system. An apertured, curved baffle plate separates the working chamber from the plenum, and is convex from the plenum side, improving airflow and increasing usable volume of the working chamber. Slots in the baffle plate may be fitted with guide vanes extending into the plenum. A slot adjacent a roof of the working chamber is effective for creating evenly-distributed air flows. The roof may be curved to encourage an airflow to follow the roof profile to the baffle plate. Sidewalls of the working chamber may bow outwardly but converge towards the opening. The baffle plate may comprise a set of separately dismountable panels, to aid cleaning and provide access to the plenum.

Abstract: A laboratory bench-top fume hood comprises an enclosure containing a working chamber with a frontal opening for manual access and airflow into the chamber. A plenum behind the working chamber is connectable to an air extraction system. An apertured, curved baffle plate separates the working chamber from the plenum, and is convex from the plenum side, improving airflow and increasing usable volume of the working chamber. Slots in the baffle plate may be fitted with guide vanes extending into the plenum. A slot adjacent a roof of the working chamber is effective for creating evenly-distributed air flows. The roof may be curved to encourage an airflow to follow the roof profile to the baffle plate. Sidewalls of the working chamber may bow outwardly but converge towards the opening. The baffle plate may comprise a set of separately dismountable panels, to aid cleaning and provide access to the plenum.

Abstract: A controlled environment cabinet comprises a working chamber made up of clear panels and a stainless steel frame. Two frontal panels may be raised on hinges to access an interior of the chamber. Working armports are provided, closed by a flexible membrane, which is slit such that an operator may pass an arm into the chamber, but the membrane closes around the arm, restricting airflow out of the chamber. An air treatment unit is supplied with air from the chamber by a fan/filter unit. The air treatment unit can raise or lower the temperature and relative humidity of the air, and the fan/filter unit contains a HEPA filter to remove particulates suspended in the air. The treated air is passed back to the chamber. Controls are provided, whereby a desired temperature, humidity and air flow rate or rate of atmosphere exchange within the chamber may be set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of metal alloys, metal oxides and slag-based products, such as mineral wool, from industrial waste materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for recycling industrial waste materials into valuable commercial products, including, pure metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, and a molten slag comprising non-reducible metal oxides which thereafter can be converted to vitreous fiber and shot. Industrial waste materials suitable for use in the present invention include metal-containing waste products, particularly inorganic hazardous waste materials. The present process accomplishes total recycling in such a manner that the entire industrial waste material is consumed and converted to useful products.

Abstract: A smelting process for blending hazardous and non-hazardous inorganic industrial wastes with carbon or aluminum reducing agents to simultaneously recover metal alloys (reducible metals), metal oxides (volatile reducible metals), carbon dioxide and man-made vitreous fiber (non reducible metals). Wastes including hazardous wastes of U.S. EPA Series D, F, P, K, and U are pulverized and blended with liquids such as water or waste water to produce a homogeneous mass. The mass is formed into briquettes and melted in a cupola or plasma arc furnace in the presence of carbon or aluminum to reduce metals. Other types of furnaces such as an electric arc furnace may be used to avoid the steps of forming and curing briquettes. Reduction is carried out at temperatures between 1660 and 3100 degrees Fahrenheit. Calcium flux from calcium-stabilized wastes enhances mineral wool quality, lowers the sulfur content of metals and raises pH to facilitate metal reduction. Reducible metals are reduced and drawn off into molds.

Abstract: A method of recycling hazardous and non-hazardous industrial wastes to reclaim valuable metals, metal alloys, and metal oxides, and to produce mineral wool. Wastes including hazardous wastes of USEPA Series D, F, P, K, and U are pulverized and blended with liquids such as water or wastewater to produce a homogeneous mass. Calcium from calcium-stabilized wastes is used to enhance the quality of the mineral wool, lower the sulfur content, remove phosphorous, and raise pH to facilitate metal reduction. The mass is formed into briquettes and melted in a cupola or shaft furnace in the presence of carbon or aluminum to reduce metals. Other types of furnaces such as an electric arc furnace may be used to avoid the steps of forming and curing briquettes. Reduction is carried out at temperatures between 1660 and 3100 degrees Fahrenheit. Reducible metals are reduced and drawn off into molds. Substantial purity is obtained in the recovered reducible metals.

Abstract: The method of oxidizing organic compounds, such as 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, in an aqueous system of pH not more than about 4, the method comprising oxidizing the organic compound by contacting the compound with an oxidizing agent, such as air, in the aqueous system in the presence of a catalytic amount of a cocatalyst system, is improved by using as the cocatalyst system a catalytic combination of nitrate ions, at least one of either bromide ions or iodide ions, and transition metal ions of at least one transition metal having two or more oxidation states, such as vanadium ions. This cocatalyst system enhances the rate of oxidation of the organic compounds.