Patents Examined by Cybille Delacroix Murheid
  • Patent number: 5891011
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating and immobilizing waste for disposal. Waste, preferably, biologically, chemically and radioactively hazardous, and especially electronic wastes, such as circuit boards, are placed in a crucible and heated by microwaves to a temperature in the range of approximately 300.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. to incinerate organic materials, then heated further to a temperature in the range of approximately 1100.degree. C. to 1400.degree. C. at which temperature glass formers present in the waste will cause it to vitrify. Glass formers, such as borosilicate glass, quartz or fiberglass can be added at the start of the process to increase the silicate concentration sufficiently for vitrification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: George G. Wicks