Abstract: Decontamination of nuclear facilities is necessary to reduce the radiation field during normal operations and decommissioning of complex equipment. In this invention, we discuss gel and foam based diphosphonic acid (HEDPA) chemical solutions that are unique in that these solutions can be applied at room temperature; provide protection to the base metal for continued applications of the equipment; and reduce the final waste form production to one step. The HEDPA gels and foams are formulated with benign chemicals, including various solvents, such as ionic liquids and reducing and complexing agents such as hydroxamic acids, and formaldehyde sulfoxylate. Gel and foam based HEDPA processes allow for decontamination of difficult to reach surfaces that are unmanageable with traditional aqueous process methods. Also, the gel and foam components are optimized to maximize the dissolution rate and assist in the chemical transformation of the gel and foam to a stable waste form.

Abstract: A surface contaminated by a radioactive isotope is cleaned by applying to it a solution that contains an ion-specific resin that is weakly bonded to an ion and a weak anion solution including a carrier, water, and an ion that frees the radioactive isotope from the contaminated surface. The radioactive isotope bonds with the ion-specific resin, replacing the ion weakly bonded to said ion-specific resin. In a preferred embodiment, the ion-specific resin is made in the counterion form of citrate, the ion that is weakly bonded to the ion-specific resin is citrate, the carrier is glycerin, the water is de-ionized or distilled, and the ion that frees the radioactive isotope from the contaminated surface is salicylate.

Abstract: Decontamination formulations for neutralization of toxic industrial chemicals, and methods of making and using same. The formulations are effective for neutralizing malathion, hydrogen cyanide, sodium cyanide, butyl isocyanate, carbon disulfide, phosgene gas, capsaicin in commercial pepper spray, chlorine gas, anhydrous ammonia gas; and may be effective at neutralizing hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, ethylene oxide, methyl bromide, boron trichloride, fluorine, tetraethyl pyrophosphate, phosphorous trichloride, arsine, and tungsten hexafluoride.

Abstract: A prewetted cleaning wipe for cleaning surfaces and having low volatile organic chemical and low nonvolatile residue properties comprising a wipe substrate wetted with an aqueous solution of high purity water and an effective amount of an acetylenic alcohol surface active agent. The surface active agent is preferably an acetylenic diol. Preferred acetylenic diols include dimethyl octynediol and tetramethyl decynediol.

Abstract: Formation of solid-water detoxifying reagents for chemical and biological agents. Solutions of detoxifying reagent for chemical and biological agents are coated using small quantities of hydrophobic nanoparticles by vigorous agitation or by aerosolization of the solution in the presence of the hydrophobic nanoparticles to form a solid powder. For example, when hydrophobic fumed silica particles are shaken in the presence of IN oxone solution in approximately a 95:5-weight ratio, a dry powder results. The hydrophobic silica forms a porous coating of insoluble fine particles around the solution. Since the chemical or biological agent tends to be hydrophobic on contact with the weakly encapsulated detoxifying solution, the porous coating breaks down and the detoxifying reagent is delivered directly to the chemical or biological agent for maximum concentration at the point of need.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for treating and removing stains from an object and for removing residue following a clean-up after a chemical or biological weapons attack. The composition uses ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol mixed with one or more salts, such as bromides and chlorides, a chelator and a dispersant, mixed with water. The preferred salts are myristyltrimethylammonium bromide and benzethonium chloride, the chelator is tetrasodium salt ethylenediamine of tetraacetic acid, and the dispersant is polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for treating and removing stains from an object and for removing residue following a clean-up after a chemical or biological weapons attack. The composition uses ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol mixed with one or more salts, such as bromides and chlorides, a chelator and a dispersant, mixed with water. The preferred salts are myristyltrimethylammonium bromide and benzethonium chloride, the chelator is tetrasodium salt ethylenediamine of tetraacetic acid, and the dispersant is polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: An acidic cleaning formulation containing a surface modification agent selected from a group consisting of a hydrolyzed trialkoxysilane or a hydrolyzable quaternary silane and a surfactant is disclosed. The cleaning formulation is stable, provides excellent cleaning efficacy and deposits a silane coating on the surfaces to which it is applied to leave a protective coating thereon. Also, disclosed is a method for applying the cleaning formulation to hard surfaces covered by water.

Abstract: A formulation and method of making and using that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological toxants, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents. The aqueous formulation is non-toxic and non-corrosive and can be delivered as a long-lasting foam, spray, or fog. The formulation includes solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the CW or BW toxant susceptible to attack, so that a nucleophillic agent can attack the compound via a hydrolysis or oxidation reaction. The formulation can kill up to 99.99999% of bacterial spores within one hour of exposure.

Abstract: A method for removing a wide variety of radioactive contaminants from a contaminated surface sufficient for the surface to be classified as a low-level waste or as free release. Contaminated surfaces may be classified as Class C, Class B, Class A, or high-level radioactive wastes prior to treatment. An aqueous solution having a wetting agent and a complex substituted keto-amine is provided. The aqueous solution is left on the surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the aqueous solution which is then removed. Depending on the type and condition of the surface, an acid may be added to the aqueous solution to aid in the contaminant removal process. However, typical metals surfaces may often be treated effectively without the use of concentrated acids or with dilute concentrations of such acids. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a variety of previously contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: Clean room wipe products, methods of preparing them, and methods of using them are described. The clean room wipes are intended for use in cleaning up alkaline contaminants in clean room environments. The wipes contain impregnated acidic solutions, e.g., solutions of organic acids and optionally solvents, which are intended to reduce or eliminate the possibility of spontaneous combustion of the contaminated wipes, that is, when the wipes are used to contain spills of alkaline products such as hydroxylamine-based products and other caustic based formulations.

Abstract: A method for removing radioactive contaminants from a given surface. An aqueous solution having a wetting agent and a complex substituted keto-amine is provided. The solution is left on the surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the aqueous solution which is then removed. Depending on the type and condition of the surface, a concentrated acid may be added to the aqueous solution to aid in the contaminant removal process. In such a case, a pH of less than 3.0, and preferably less than 1.5 is maintained. If a concentrated acid is used, the acidic solution containing radioactive contaminants is preferably neutralized by an alkaline material to a pH of between 5.5 and 9.0. Removal of thorium contamination from railcars is one useful application of the invention. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a previously contaminated surface.

Abstract: An environmentally benign process for remediating contaminated matter includes contact with a lixiviant. The lixiviant contains a chelating agent which chemically reacts with a selected contaminant, forming a chelate soluble within the lixiviant and thus extracting the selected contaminant from the matter. The lixiviant, including the chelate, is separated from the particulate matter, and chemically treated to demobilize the chelate. The selected contaminant is separated from the lixiviant and sent for disposal or further processing. The remidiated matter is also sent for disposal or further processing.

Abstract: A formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents. The formulation of the present invention non-toxic and non-corrosive and can be delivered by a variety of means and in different phases. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The at least one reactive compound can be an oxidizing compound, a nucleophilic compound or a mixture of both. The formulation can kill up to 99.99999% of bacterial spores within one hour of exposure.

Abstract: A decontamination formulation is provided which is effective against a broad spectrum of chemical and biological warfare agents and radioactive dusts, comprising an active decontamination agent, a co-solvent, a buffer system to optimize the initial reaction pH above 8.5 and more preferably in the range of 10 to 11 for favoring oxidation of VX and HD and hydrolysis of G agents, and a surfactant similar to fire-fighting foaming agent. Formulations comprise, in water by weight, 1% to 15% of a hydrated chloroisocyanuric acid salt, 1% to 10% of a polypropylene glycol co-solvent, 1% to 15% surfactant and a buffer system to initially maintain said formulation at a pH from about 11 to about 8.5 for sufficient duration to effect decontamination. The formulation can be provided in kit form or concentrate form, be prepared, in part, in advance or on site, and be dispensed in foam form which aids in coating and adhering of the decontamination formulation to contaminated surfaces.

Abstract: A method for removing radioactive contaminants from a given surface. An acidic solution having a pH of less than 3.0, and preferably less than 1.5, of a complex substituted keto-amine, and a mixture of a saturated and unsaturated lower alcohol (e.g. isopropyl alcohol and propargyl alcohol), and concentrated acid is applied to a contaminated surface. The solution is left on said surface for a time sufficient to remove the radioactive contaminants into the acidic solution and then removed. The acidic solution containing the radioactive contaminants is preferably neuralized by an alkaline material to a pH of between 5.5 and 9.0. Removal of thorium contamination from railcars is one useful application of the invention. The method of the present invention has the effect of removing substantially all of the radioactive contaminants from a previously contaminated surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a degreasing composition, to a liquid, to a gel and to a degreasing foam which comprise said composition. The composition according to the invention comprises a base, a polyethoxylated fatty alcohol, saturated or unsaturated, a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and water. The invention also relates to a degreasing and/or decontamination process of a surface using said composition, said liquid, said gel, and/or said degreasing foam.

Abstract: A remediation composition for cleaning a soil mass and ground water contaminated with an organic contaminant and for reducing emanation of foul air from contaminated sites. The composition comprises an aqueous carrier, TRITON X-100 as a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is selected from a group of surfactants consisting of TRITON X-155 and TRITON X-190. In presence of certain hydrocarbon, a total contaminant-emulsifying capacity of the remediation composition is greater than a sum of the contaminant-emulsifying capacities of the first and second surfactants. In another aspect of the present invention, surfactants TRITON X-15, TRITON X-35 and TRITON X-45 are used in association with TRITON X-100 such that their miscibilities with an aqueous carrier in the presence of TRITON X-100 is greater than their solubilities with the aqueous carrier alone.

Abstract: A pollution remedial composition primarily for treating polychlorinated biphenyl compounds is disclosed. The pollution remedial composition includes from about 35 to about 40 volume % of a soluble silicate; from about 0.25 to about 2 volume % of a surfactant; from about 2 to about 5 volume % of a polyol; and the remainder water. The soluble silicate is preferably sodium silicate. The surfactant is preferably Tergitol brand surfactant. The polyol is preferably polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: A foaming decontaminating composition useful for chemical and biological warfare applications. The foaming decontaminating composition has a quaternary ammonium complex component, a corrosion inhibitor, an oxidizer component and a foam component, with an adjusted pH of at least 8.

Abstract: A remediation composition for cleaning a soil mass and ground water contaminated with an organic contaminant and for reducing emanation of foul air from contaminated sites. The composition comprises an aqueous carrier, TRITON X-100 as a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is selected from a group of surfactants consisting of TRITON X-155 and TRITON X-190. In presence of certain hydrocarbon, a total contaminant-emulsifying capacity of the remediation composition is greater than a sum of the contaminant-emulsifying capacities of the first and second surfactants. In another aspect of the present invention, surfactants TRITON X-15, TRITON X-35 and TRITON X-45 are used in association with TRITON X-100 such that their miscibilities with an aqueous carrier in the presence of TRITON X-100 is greater than their solubilities with the aqueous carrier alone.

Abstract: A solid phase bilge water cleaning composition which is biodegradable and environmentally safe is disclosed. The composition includes a polysorbitan monostearate wax such as polyoxyethylenesorbitan monostearate and a mixture of nonionic alkyl detergent with about 18% sodium meta-silicate and about 12% chlorinated trisodium phosphate.

Abstract: A liquid composition and method for chemical remediation of eroded soil or oil-damaged vegetation and/or soil. In a preferred embodiment the soil remediation composition is characterized by a homogenous aqueous solution having selected quantities of urea, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), hydrated calcium nitrate and an ionic or non-ionic surfactant such as ether sulfate. The composition solution is typically sprayed either full-strength or at a selected dilution on the oil-damaged soil and vegetation or eroded, sparsely-vegetated or oil-damaged soil, and rapidly penetrates the soil to the vegetation roots to cleanse the vegetation and soil, activate hydrocarbon-consuming bacteria in the case of oil spills, and promote plant nitrogen assimilation and rapid growth and ground coverage of vegetation. The treated soil is typically seeded to enhance grass or vegetation growth and coverage.

Abstract: An organomineral decontamination gel that is used to decontaminate surfaces, in particular metal surfaces. The organomineral gel is made up of a colloid solution containing the combination of a mineral viscosing agent and an organic viscosing agent (coviscosant) chosen from among hydrosoluble organic polymers and surfactants. The presence of an organic viscosing agent improves the rheological properties of gels and substantially reduces their mineral content which generates smaller quantities of solid waste. A decontamination process for metal surface which entails applying the organomineral gel onto the surface to be decontaminated, maintaining this gel on the surface and removing the gel from the surface in particular by rinsing is also provided.

Abstract: A composition for decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, pacularly a peracid-based composition for effective decontamination of materials soiled by toxic agents, such as organophosphates and organosulfur compounds. The composition further includes a cationic surfactant.

Abstract: A composition is provided which has been formulated to render non-hazardous surfaces which are coated with lead-based paints or surface soil which is contaminated with lead compounds. The composition is an aqueous mixture comprising hydrogen peroxide, ammonium hydroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid. The composition is effective on surfaces which may be comprised of wood, metal, concrete, wallboard or plaster without destroying the integrity of these surfaces.

Abstract: A citrus scented cosmetic is described wherein citrus water distillate is substituted for some or all of the distilled and/or deionized water typically used as an ingredient in the cosmetic. Citrus water distillate is an economical, environmentally-friendly source of purified "soft" water which imparts a natural citrus odor to the cosmetic.

Abstract: De-scaling solution comprising about 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. % nitric acid, about 0.1 wt. % to 1 wt. % phosphoric acid, about 0.5 wt. % to about 9 wt. % hydrogen peroxide, about 2 wt. % to about 12 wt. % surfactant and the balance water, preferably deionized. Optionally, a catalyst such as NiCl.sub.2 or FeCl.sub.2 may be added to the solution.

Abstract: A method for operating the LOMI decontamination process in a regenerative manner. The method incorporates an initial injection of a dilute LOMI solution (vanadous formate, picolinic acid and sodium hydroxide) into a decontamination circuit followed by operation of a small cluster of cation exchange columns during the decontamination process. The cation exchange resin is used to remove metals in the same manner as in prior decontamination processes but operation of the cation exchange resin is continued to allow picolinic acid initially bound to the cation exchange resin to be released and recycled to the LOMI solution. Operation of the cation exchange columns ceases after the picolinic acid has been released but before the metals (e.g. sodium, iron and vanadium) are released back to the LOMI solution. The cluster of cation exchange columns are operated according to a sequence wherein one column is releasing picolinic acid while another is binding picolinic acid.

Abstract: A cleaning process and water-based cleaning compositions effective for the removal of radionuclides, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals from surfaces of all types, more especially porous surfaces, surfaces that contain irregularities and microscopic voids into which contaminants may migrate and lodge thereby creating a substrate below the surface that must also be cleaned, and particulate surfaces. The cleaning blends and processes remove contaminants from porous and irregular surfaces to such a depth below the surface and into the substrate, and to such an extent, that the cleaned surface satisfies current regulations promulgated by the EPA and NRC relating to standards for decontamination. The process also allows sealing of cleaned surfaces, if desired, with an impermeable coating of a synthetic polymeric composition in order to retard subsequent migration of any residual contaminants to the surface.

Abstract: A method is described for the decontamination of equipment contaminated with chemical warfare agents. The warfare agents are not destroyed by aggressive chemicals, as is usual, but instead are extracted using a microemulsion and rinsed off.