Abstract: The present invention relates to vitrification of ion exchange resins that have become loaded with hazardous or radioactive wastes, in a way that produces a homogenous and durable waste form and reduces the disposal volume of the resin. The methods of the present invention involve directly adding borosilicate glass formers and an oxidizer to the ion exchange resin and heating the mixture at sufficient temperature to produce homogeneous glass.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from −7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing an explosive substance for reprocessing heats a heat carrier to a melting point of a fusible component of the explosive substance, the heated heat carrier being a liquid having a density less than a density of any component of the explosive substance. The heated heat carrier is jetted onto a surface of the explosive substance for removing another component of the explosive substance from the surface in a suspension. The suspension is added to a separator filled with the heated heat carrier. When a weight limit of the explosive substance in the separator is reached, the mixture in the separator is stabilized and precipitated by holding in the separator for at least 10 minutes. A predetermined weight of melted trotyl is added to the mixture in the separator and the mixture mixed to a homogeneous mass for discharge.

Abstract: A one-step method and compositions for stabilization of heavy metals, acid gas removal and pH control in hazardous and toxic solid, semi-solid, liquid and/or gaseous matrices using a mixture of reactive agents in a single product, for the broader purpose of enhancing environmental pollution control, prevention and remediation are described. The product contains sulfonated calcium aluminum magnesium phosphate. This material may be used alone or in combination with magnesium sulfite and/or hydroboracite.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a medium containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or dioxins is disclosed. The contaminated medium is brought into contact with hairy roots derived through introduction of an Ri plasmid from Agrobacterium rhizogenes into a plant capable of absorbing, or absorbing and decomposing PCBs or dioxins, or is brought into contact with regenerated plantlets derived from the hairy roots, to thereby cause the hairy roots or regenerated plantlets to absorb, or absorb and decompose PCBs or dioxins.

Abstract: Granulated particles by making use an initial feedstock having particle size of −150 mesh and 90% or greater particle size of 200 mesh. The feedstock may be contacted in a pan granulator which includes a minor amount of nucleating material of about −35 mesh. Binder is introduced into the pan granulator to progressively layer the feedstock material onto the nucleating to form a final granular fertilizer or other product in any desired size distribution. The method by which the granules are formed is interruptible and is particularly useful for forming granules having a plurality of layers of differing material. The granules, by formation with dust feedstock and in the absence of seed material, lack a core and therefore include the maximum amount of tightly packed feedstock. This results in substantial increases in the break strength of the granules with uniform homogeneous cross-sections.

Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a method for processing metal waste incorporating substantial zirconium as exemplified by nuclear fuel rods which include enriched uranium and other nuclear products. This process contemplates conversion of the zirconium and other constituents into oxides by mixing with an acid, subsequently forming a solution or a gel which is either dried or frozen, thereby yielding a green shaped body. The green body is thereafter sintered to form a dimensionally and structurally stable monolith for disposal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the precipitation of soluble sodium oxalate in Bayer process liquor which comprises adding a surface active quaternary ammonium compound to the Bayer process liquor and then subsequently adding a mixture of a hydrophobic oil and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: Fluorocarbons including perfluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons are highly efficiently decomposed by contacting a gaseous fluorocarbon with a reagent comprising carbon and an alkaline earth metal or carbon, an alkaline earth metal and an alkali metal at an elevated temperature, the decomposed halogen being fixed to the reagent.

Abstract: A method for decomposing and eliminating dioxins contained in flyash at a lower temperature and in a shorter time is provided, in which dioxides or dioxins-containing materials are brought into contact with amine compounds and/or ammonium compounds at a temperature lower than 300 ° C. Chlorine in dioxines reacts with amine compounds and/or ammonium compounds and thus the dechlorination or replacement reaction of dioxin quickly proceeds under lower temperature. The method makes it possible to decompose dioxins under low temperature range in which dioxins have been thought to be undecomposable.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from −7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: Kelp/seaweed extract biocatalyst compositions, methods of making the kelp/seaweed extract biocatalyst compositions and methods of using these biocatalyst compositions are disclosed. The biocatalyst compositions are useful in wastewater treatment, bioremediation and the elimination of grease from grease traps and sewage systems. In addition, the biocatalyst compositions are useful in home, garden and lawn care applications.

Abstract: A process for destroying CS2 in soil by alkaline oxidation by controlledly combining reagents with CS2-contaminated soil, preferably by first performing a caustic presoak with NaOH followed by stagewise addition of oxidant, preferably percarbonate, such that oxidative reagents mix with a uniform mixture of CS2-contaminated soil and caustic at a rate to prevent volatization of CS2. Off-gas produced by CS2 oxidation is collected and oxidized. The end product soil has substantially all of its CS2 oxidized.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing an operation of a producing process for obtaining an iron carbide product having a goal composition in a two-stages reaction process. A first-stage reaction process for partially reducing an iron-containing material for iron making is carried out, and a second-stage reaction process for performing further reduction and carburization is then carried out. A solid sample is taken at an outlet of a reactor for the first-stage reaction process to measure a reduction ratio of the solid sample. By regulating a parameter capable of changing a reduction ratio of the first-stage reaction process, an IC ratio obtained after the second-stage reaction process can be adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing iron carbide, in which metallic carbide is difficult to be formed on the inside of heating tubes of a tube-shaped heater for heating reducing gas and carburizing gas to be supplied to a reactor. Carburizing gas which is supplied to reactor 1 is heated in tube-shaped heater 6 by combustion gas used for heating reducing gas and circulating gas, and then a mixture comprising carburizing gas, reducing gas and circulating gas is supplied to reactor 1. Iron-containing raw materials are reduced and carburized in reactor 1.

Abstract: A fertilizer especially suitable for gramineous plants which has a high supplying ability and a high absorption/availability efficiency of silicic acid and a method for using the same. Silica gel was applied to a test field of paddy rice by 50 g/m2. The silicic acid content in stalks and leaves of paddy rice became extremely high compared with a case where a conventional silicic acid fertilizer was applied. As the result, the stalks became strong by being silicificated and therefore were prevented from being borne down even when ears became heavy with rice, and the harvest yield of rice increased.

Abstract: Granular composite fertilizer compositions are prepared by applying a liquid mixture of urea and formaldehyde to a dry substrate such as a phosphorus source, a potassium source, a secondary nutrient source, a micronutrient source or mixtures thereof and reacting the liquid mixture in situ to form methylene urea reaction products which promote binding of the substrate into a granular composite while granulating the substrate at the same time that the liquid mixture reacts in order to form the granular composite fertilizer compositions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for non-incendiary disposal of rockets, projectiles, missiles and similar devices and parts thereof. The method and apparatus employs a series of steps whereby a rocket is sheared into sections where the sections or pieces are then directed to baskets which hold the pieces and which baskets are transferred through a hydrolyzing solution and remain in the hydrolyzing solution for a sufficient period to enable decontamination of both the rocket parts as well as propellant to residual agents. The process involves pushing the basket along an output channel where various parts are transferred to the basket through controlled blast doors. In other instances, such explosive devices such as bursters are handled in a similar manner by exposing the bursting agents to caustic baths while controlling the rate of caustic flow to assure decontamination of all such parts.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing organic and inorganic matter and having a solids content of at most 12% by weight to provide a purified liquid phase and a solid organic fertilizer or organic soil improver. The process includes subjecting the effluent to one or more primary liquid/solid separation steps to obtain a liquid medium containing no more than 3% by weight of dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 300 NTU and a collection of concentrates containing in total 15% by weight dry matter. The liquid medium is subjected to ultra filtration or micro filtration to obtain an ultra filtrate or a micro filtrate containing at most 1% by weight dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 100 NTU. The ultra filtrate or micro filtrate is subjected to a reverse osmosis operation to obtain a concentrate and a permeate. The permeate constitutes a purified aqueous phase.

Abstract: A chemical warfare agent decontaminating composition of a mixture of a carbonate component, peroxide component, and alcohol component effective to degrade a chemical warfare agent. A method for neutralizing chemical warfare agents also is disclosed.