Abstract: A method for restraining a chemical discharge comprising (a) deploying a binding agent into a receptacle containing a hazardous material in a liquid state upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined event that increases the risk of accidentally discharging or leaking the hazardous material from the receptacle; and (b) contacting the hazardous material with the binding agent to form a composition comprising at least a portion of the hazardous material and the binding agent and having at least one property selected from a solid or semisolid state, a viscosity greater than the hazardous material s viscosity at ambient conditions, a vapor pressure lower than the hazardous material s vapor pressure at ambient conditions, and a surface tension greater that the hazardous material s surface tension.

Abstract: A process for melting material to be treated includes placing material to be treated in a container that may include an insulating lining, heating the material to be treated and melting the material to be treated, preferably allowing the melted material to cool to form a vitrified and/or crystalline mass, and disposing of the mass. The mass is either disposed while contained in container or removed from container after cooling and disposed. Insulating lining may comprise one or more layers of a thermal insulating material, one or more layers of refractory material, or a combination thereof. The material to be treated may be heated by placing at least two electrodes in the material to be treated and passing a current between the electrodes, or alternatively, by placing at least one heating element in the material to be treated and passing heat into the material to be treated.

Abstract: A method of incorporating a material in a settable binder is disclosed. The binder includes a source of caustic magnesium oxide. The method involves mixing the material with the binder, either as part of a slurry or for subsequent formation into a slurry, and then adding a setting agent to the slurry. The setting agent is added to enhance setting of the binder. The material can be a hazardous waste material or components thereof. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that when the setting agent is added after mixing of the material with the binder, that a superior setting of the material in the binder can be achieved. The settable composition can comprise only a caustic magnesium oxide binder and a setting agent for the binder, as the inventors have surprisingly discovered that there is no need for any other binding agents, thus providing a simpler binder composition and method of use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for solidifying soil and industrial waste and a solidified material prepared thereby. The solidified material of soil and industrial waste is prepared by adding 2-6 parts by weight of a 3-5-fold dilution of a solidifying agent and 3-15 parts by weight of cement to 100 parts by weight of soil, industrial waste or a mixture of two or more thereof. The solidified material prepared according to this method has excellent density, strength, elasticity and durability, and thus can be used as a substitute for stone material. Also, it can be advantageously used in high-temperature and high-humidity areas, because external impact or pressure is relieved because it is absorbed by asphalt.

Abstract: The invention provides a cementitious composition comprising at least one sulphoaluminate cement which comprises a sulphoaluminate salt of an alkaline earth metal, the cementitious composition being essentially free of other cementitious components. Preferably the at least one sulphoaluminate salt of an alkaline earth metal comprises calcium sulphoaluminate and the cementitious composition additionally comprises at least one further salt of an alkaline earth metal, preferably calcium sulphate. The invention also provides a method for the encapsulation of materials, the method comprising treating the materials with the said at least one cementitious composition. Preferably, the materials which are encapsulated according to the method of the invention comprise waste materials generated in the nuclear processing industry comprising amphoteric reactive metals.

Abstract: Cost-effective tailored earth materials and methods of making and using these tailored earth materials are disclosed. These tailored earth materials can be used to treat (filter) emergent contaminants, such as perchlorate, from water or brine. The sorbed contaminants on the spent tailored earth materials can be degraded after use by bioremediation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with an aggregate will form an environmentally safe, structurally sound road base material. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: A target material (60) to be treated in a liquid reactant metal is loaded into a containment area defined within a liquid reactant metal treatment vessel (11). The containment area is then placed below the level (L) of the liquid reactant metal in the treatment vessel (11). This places the target material (60) in contact with the liquid reactant metal and allows the desired reactions to occur. Reaction products are then removed from the treatment vessel (11). Placing the containment area below the level (L) of liquid reactant metal in the treatment vessel (11) may be accomplished by pivoting the vessel from a loading position to a treating position to shift the level of liquid reactant metal in the vessel.

Abstract: A method for solidifying an oil-contaminated aqueous waste in situ or ex situ includes the step of combining the oil-contaminated waste with a clay, a cement and a sulfite salt solidification agent to form a solidified waste matrix, wherein the solidification agent undergoes hydration and cementation reactions in the waste matrix in the presence of water. Optionally, heavy metal stabilizing agents can also be combined with the waste.

Abstract: Thermoreversible organogelator compositions comprising compounds of the formula: where X is C6 to C12 alkylene and R is C9 to C12 alkyl, and their methods of use, including forming a gel to immobilize a solvent using the compound. The method can be used to form gels that can be used for the transportation of volatile organic solvents like gasoline, cooking oil, and contaminated organic liquids to be incinerated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: A process for melting material to be treated includes placing material to be treated in a container that may include an insulating lining, heating the material to be treated and melting the material to be treated, preferably allowing the melted material to cool to form a vitrified and/or crystalline mass, and disposing of the mass. The mass is either disposed while contained in container or removed from container after cooling and disposed. Insulating lining may comprise one or more layers of a thermal insulating material, one or more layers of refractory material, or a combination thereof. The material to be treated may be heated by placing at least two electrodes in the material to be treated and passing a current between the electrodes, or alternatively, by placing at least one heating element in the material to be treated and passing heat into the material to be treated.

Abstract: A method of using high temperature plasma to disintegrate waste containing titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) comprises heating a mixture of titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc), a vitrifying material and optionally selected waste soil to a temperature of 1,220° C. to 10,000° C. until the mixture becomes a molten lava. The plasma breaks down the titanyl phthalocyanine and encapsulates the benign products in the lava that is chemically very stable. Since the titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) is disintegrated completely in the process, the titanyl phtbalocyanine (TiOPc) no longer represents a threat to the environmental.

Abstract: A process for producing building materials, such as asphalt, cement, concrete, mortar, or plaster board from liquid paint sludge containing water and paint solids produced from overspray in commercial paint booth operations. The preferred embodiment comprises adding the liquid paint sludge as the hydrating agent directly to the building material mix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes one or more processes to immobilize a waste that contains one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds present in the waste. Each of the processes create a barrier against leaching and diffusion of the wastes. The first barrier is created by integrating the waste with an immobilizing mineral. The second barrier is a layer of non-radioactive or non-hazardous material that covers the first barrier. The second barrier may be created using an overgrowth procedure or by sintering. The third barrier is created by a rock or glass matrix that surrounds the first and/or second barriers. The fourth barrier is created by ensuring that the rock or glass has the same or similar composition as the indigenous rock at the disposal site. The resultant rock or glass matrix is in equilibrium with the groundwater or local hydrothermal solutions that are saturated with components of the indigenous rock of the disposal area.

Abstract: A process for immobilizing metallic sodium in glass form. The process comprises: (A) introducing in a dispersed state, into a reactor, an amount of a vitrified matrix precursor, metallic sodium and iron oxide (Fe2O3) sufficient to ensure oxidation of the metallic sodium; (B) producing a homogeneous mixture of these constituents; (C) heating the mixture to a temperature between 1000–1600° C. to form a molten homogeneous mixture in which the sodium introduced in (A) is converted to sodium oxide; and (D) recovering and cooling the molten mixture to obtain a vitrified matrix having a homogeneous composition, which matrix incorporates the sodium introduced in (A) as a constituent oxide. In a particular embodiment, the process may be used for the containment of metallic sodium containing radioactive elements.

Abstract: A method of collecting, treating, transporting and disposing of hazardous debris which combines the standards of macroencapsulation and microencapsulation and involves the use of a liner to contain hazardous debris together with reagents that reduce leachability of a constituent of the hazardous debris. The liner is supported in a rolloff box or other transportable container on site where the hazardous debris is collected. Prior to placing hazardous debris into the liner, a layer of reagent(s) is provided in the bottom of the liner. Once hazardous debris is loaded in the liner, addition free flowing reagent(s) is/are added to fill void space in and around the hazardous debris, after which the top of the liner is sealed for disposal in a landfill.

Abstract: The process for environmental pacification of drill cuttings which contain drilling fluid residue is characterized by mixing said cuttings with dehydrated limestone coke ash in the presence of water. Upon mixing the drilling fluid residue becomes entrapped into a non-leaching solid. Following treatment of drill cuttings with dehydrated limestone coke ash the resulting product has particular use as a road or work area base in connection with a topping which includes calcium sulfate hemihydrates.

Abstract: Glass produced on basis of a raw material in form of a mixture of mainly mineral-containing components comprising sludge from e.g. purification plants and waste products from the industry, and having a determined chemical composition adjusted on basis of knowledge of the chemical composition of the mineral-containing components forming part of the glass. The glass is produced from the raw material which after mineralization is pressed into briquettes that are hardened and subsequently melted in e.g. a blast furnace under oxygen supply, and where the melt is quenched and dried. Large amounts of waste products and waste substances that are normally deposited either treated or untreated can be reused and utilized at production of the glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to immobilize radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a borosilicate glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides borosilicate glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization of metal bearing waste is provided that is based upon the discovery that landfills have anaerobic environments. This process includes adjusting the pH of the waste and adding a sulfide containing reducing agent to the waste to achieve a reducing environment. In one embodiment, electric arc furnace dust is stabilized for landfill disposal. Also provided is a method for a determination of landfilled waste leachability. This method is performed under conditions that simulate the chemical characteristics of landfills. In one embodiment, stabilized metal bearing waste is deoxygenated and a simulated leachate is prepared under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method of preventing and controlling sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage in a mass of sulfidic waste is provided. The mass of sulfidic waste includes a cover. The method involves applying under the cover of an oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture, substantially throughout the mass of sulfidic waste, in a quantity sufficient to create a pressure differential between the inside of the mass of sulfidic waste and the open atmosphere outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste, such that the oxygen gas concentration inside the mass of sulfidic waste is substantially equal to, or less than, the atmospheric oxygen gas concentration outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste. The system includes a distribution system and sensors for detecting acid rock drainage conditions of the mass of sulfidic waste, and in response applying an effective amount of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture.

Abstract: A process for disposing of solvent-containing liquids so that they do not contaminate ground water. An absorbent blend is mixed into a water-containing solvent mixture at the rate of about 1 lb. of blend per gallon of liquid. The blend is made up of a swellable polymer, consisting of polyacrylamide/polyacrylate co-polymer salt or poly 2-propenamide-co-2-propenoic acid homopolymer salt which swells and absorbs liquid. The blend also contains a mixture of solid absorbents. The resulting mixture is stirred in the container until it becomes thick and then it is allowed to set to provide a disposable modeling clay-like solid. The resulting solid material, after curing, may be then simply added to solid trash, and thus, be freed from contaminating ground water.

Abstract: A melter for the vitrification of waste, and method of using the melter, in the form of a disposal canister, wherein the melter is capable of filling multiple disposal canisters of waste and subsequently of being filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in like manner to that of a disposal canister. In the method of the invention, while waste is loaded into the melter, it is melted and then allowed to flow out of the melter and into a disposal container. The filled disposal container is then removed and and replaced with an empty disposal container. This is repeated until a fixed number of disposal containers are filled. Then, the melter is filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in the same manner as for a disposal canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture and a process for the treatment of waste materials and the use of the mixture for the treatment of waste materials and waste material treated therewith. The mixture comprises (A) at least one zinc salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (B) at least one calcium salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (C) at least one hydrophobing agent, (D) at least one amino alcohol and (E) NH3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations and, more particularly, to cement composition that include improved lost circulation materials, and methods of using such cement compositions in subterranean formations. In certain exemplary embodiments, the improved lost circulation materials include inelastic particles of polyethylene, polystyrene and/or polypropylene. Optionally, the cement compositions also may include additives such as fly ash, a surfactant, a dispersant, a fluid loss control additive, a conventional lost circulation material, an generator, a retarder, a salt, a mica, fiber, a formation-conditioning agent, fumed silica, bentonite, expanding additives, microspheres, weighting materials, or a defoamer.

Abstract: A subject matter of the invention is a process for destroying waste and/or rendering it inert, in particular industrial, biological or farm-produce waste: use is made of a reactor provided with heating means comprising at least one submerged burner, and said reactor is fed with at least partially vitrifiable materials, which are heated with said heating means in order to form and to maintain, in the reactor, an at least partially liquid/foamy phase at at least 800° C. Then said waste is introduced into said phase in order for its organic components to be decomposed therein by combustion and/or its inorganic components to be melted or coated in said phase. Finally, said phase, charged with molten/coated waste and/or with combustion products from said waste, is withdrawn from the reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of contaminated materials including soils and solids to stabilize and reduce the mobility of heavy metal contaminated materials. Compositions and processes are disclosed for encapsulating and/or complexing certain heavy metals to render waste non-hazardous. Preferred treatment compositions include mixtures of monoammonium phosphate and bed ash which includes among other components, lime. The bed ash typically comprises lime, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, sulfur, and may comprise additional components such as, for example, magnesium oxide, and iron oxide. Processes are disclosed for using the treatment compositions at various application amounts, including relatively low application amounts, such as an amount of 5% by weight, to treat waste such as heavy metal contaminated soil to reduce the levels of certain heavy metals, and, in particular barium, to acceptable limits.

Abstract: An emulsifier composition for treating marine cuttings, preferably in situ, to convert free hydrocarbons to isolated hydrocarbons; drill cuttings treated with the emulsifier composition; droplets of the emulsified free hydrocarbons; drill cuttings further treated with encapsulating material; and, isolated hydrocarbons comprising encapsulated droplets of free hydrocarbons and emulsifier.

Abstract: A method to significantly reduce mounding on the seafloor near oil drilling operations comprising the steps of: mixing drilling fluids with organic contaminates in a high shear mixer; adding a solidification agent which expands when hydrated and electrolytically attracts said organic contaminates to its surface; adding a cellulosic additive in an amount between 1 and 50 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid forming a mixture; adding a cell transport agent in an amount between 0.5 wt % and 10 wt % based on the amount of said organic contaminate in the drilling fluid, wherein said cell transport agent is capable of transporting large organic molecules through cell walls and neutralizing said mixture to a pH of between 7 and 8 to said mixture; and mixing at a high shear rate until said mixture forms a fine powder, dispersing said fine powder into the sea.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions from liquid solutions includes contacting the liquid solution with solid barium compounds as adsorbents so that the at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions in liquid solution are subject to an exchange reaction with the anion of solid barium compounds to produce products including at least one of solid barium chromate and oxy-metal barium compounds and are removed from the liquid solution by a liquid-solid separation operation. A method for stabilizing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions that are present in liquid or sludge wastes includes mixing the liquid or sludge wastes with barium compounds in solid form, so that the at least one of chromate and oxy-metal ions are immobilized in a solidified body after curing of the mixture.

Abstract: A process for melting material to be treated includes placing material to be treated in a container that may include an insulating lining, heating the material to be treated and melting the material to be treated, preferably allowing the melted material to cool to form a vitrified and/or crystalline mass, and disposing of the mass. The mass is either disposed while contained in container or removed from container after cooling and disposed. Insulating lining may comprise one or more layers of a thermal insulating material, one or more layers of refractory material, or a combination thereof. The material to be treated may be heated by placing at least two electrodes in the material to be treated and passing a current between the electrodes, or alternatively, by placing at least one heating element in the material to be treated and passing heat into the material to be treated.

Abstract: A sealable container for receiving toxic waste for long-term storage is described, the container comprising sheet metal members welded together to form a main fillable volume; four hollow, sheet metal, vertically directed leg portions situated at corner positions on the container, and, a separate lid member fixable to the container to seal at least the main fillable volume wherein the majority of the weld length utilized in the container construction is constituted by fillet welds. Further constructions are described having means to prevent flotation of waste in a liquid grout prior to solidification thereof and constructions where the leg volumes are independently fillable of the main volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture and a process for the treatment of waste materials and the use of the mixture for the treatment of waste materials and waste material treated therewith. The mixture comprises (A) at least one zinc salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (B) at least one calcium salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (C) at least one hydrophobing agent, (D) at least on amino alcohol and (E) NH3.

Abstract: A crystal substance formed by precipitating as fibrous aggregates by making a metal aliphatic carboxylate dissolve completely in pure water, stirring, and gradually cooling the resulting solution. A method of preparing the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for recovering flowing oil and method of recovering flowing oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A material for solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil and method of solidifying liquid hydrocarbon, waste tempura oil and edible oil by using the fibrous crystal aggregates. A method of preparing the solidifying material.

Abstract: A dry pulverulent ash composition is described which comprises a dry pulverulent fly ash to be used as a portland cement substitute for improving the physical properties of a finished concrete product. The ash composition includes fly ash together with an oxidizer present in a dry pulverulent form that is unreacted with the ash and is maintained in an unreacted state during shipment and storage but is capable of reacting with the fly ash upon an addition of water to convert virtually all and preferably over 95% of the sulfur compounds present in the ash to the sulfite form. The oxidizer is present in minor amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition. An aggregate comprising pellets can also be added to the composition together with a minor amount of portland cement and a conditioner e.g., accelerator to form a concrete block product that is up to 10% lighter than a standard concrete block that does not use the present composition and at the same time exhibits improved crushing strength.

Abstract: Apparatus for containing, transporting, and storing or disposing of radioactive machinery, including decommissioned nuclear reactor pressure vessels. An improved, economically-produced container allows easier handling and packaging of machinery within plants where the machinery has been installed, and offers improved shock absorption and attenuation characteristics, especially when packaging is complete, through the provision, for example, of integral fenders. The invention also includes methods of making the container.

Abstract: A new method for combining magnesium oxide, MgO, and magnesium dihydrogen phosphate to form an inexpensive compactible ceramic to stabilize very low solubility metal oxides, ashes, swarfs, and other iron or metal-based additives, to create products and waste forms which can be poured or dye cast, and to reinforce and strengthen the ceramics formed by the addition of fibers to the initial ceramic mixture.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination and solidification of dredged material is described. The method includes, in the following order, (a) adding a lime-based binder to dredged material to form a mixture; (b) letting the mixture cool to about ambient temperature; and (c) adding to the mixture a chelating agent. The order of the steps may not be reversed without affecting the effectiveness of the treatment of the dredged material. A method for producing filler containing decontaminated and solidified dredged material is also described. The method includes treating dredged material with a lime-based binder and a chelating agent and adding the resulting mixture to concrete.

Abstract: A reactive coating composition and method for treating a surface including heavy metals by applying the reactive coating composition to the surface. The surface can be, for example, a paint layer containing heavy metals. The reactive coating composition includes a stabilizing agent to stabilize the heavy metal and a permeability enhancing agent to increase the permeability of the paint layer, facilitating the reaction of the heavy metal with the stabilizing agent. The structure including the treated paint layer can be left in place or can be disposed in a non-hazardous landfill.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes one or more processes to immobilize a waste that contains one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds present in the waste. Each of the processes create a barrier against leaching and diffusion of the wastes. The first barrier is created by integrating the waste with an immobilizing mineral. The second barrier is a layer of non-radioactive or non-hazardous material that covers the first barrier. The second barrier may be created using an overgrowth procedure or by sintering. The third barrier is created by a rock or glass matrix that surrounds the first and/or second barriers. The fourth barrier is created by ensuring that the rock or glass has the same or similar composition as the indigenous rock at the disposal site. The resultant rock or glass matrix is in equilibrium with the groundwater or local hydrothermal solutions that are saturated with components of the indigenous rock of the disposal area.

Abstract: Encapsulating calcined radioactive waste in strong, corrosion-resistant spheres of dimensions such that heat from the radiation melts the ice at a rate which brings the spheres to the bottom of the permanent icefield in a relatively short time, with the resulting waste ultimately being no more hazardous than natural uranium ore.

Abstract: A subject matter of the invention is a process for destroying waste and/or rendering it inert, in particular industrial, biological or farm-produce waste: use is made of a reactor provided with heating means comprising at least one submerged burner, and said reactor is fed with at least partially vitrifiable materials, which are heated with said heating means in order to form and to maintain, in the reactor, an at least partially liquid/foamy phase at at least 800° C. Then said waste is introduced into said phase in order for its organic components to be decomposed therein by combustion and/or its inorganic components to be melted or coated in said phase. Finally, said phase, charged with molten/coated waste and/or with combustion products from said waste, is withdrawn from the reactor.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon contaminants in drill cuttings generated in an oil drilling operation are removed by mixing the drill cuttings with an agglomerant to produce a pre-treatment mixture; heating to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants under a condition in which vapor entrainable particles of the drill cuttings are agglomerated by the agglomerant, and caking of drill cuttings is inhibited; drill cuttings having a reduced content of the contaminant are removed, and vaporized hydrocarbons having a reduced content of vapor entrainable particles are recovered. In this way, the particulate content of vapors escaping from the drill cuttings is reduced.

Abstract: A supplemental agent for a hazardous waste composition containing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) includes potassium magnesium sulfate or a magnesium salt such as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride. The supplemental agent when mixed with EAFD and water, along with either lime inherent within the EAFD or added lime, reduces the leaching of heavy metals from the waste composition over a wide range of leaching conditions, including both acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments. The method for reducing the concentration of heavy metals in a leachate from the EAFD involves forming a mixture of EAFD, water, the supplemental agent, and, optionally, ferrous sulfate, along with lime, then permitting the mixture to react.

Abstract: An oil treating agent of W/O emulsion, wherein an aqueous dispersed phase is dispersed in an oily continuous phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is an alkaline mixture solution obtained by mixing water, a solution comprising water and an alcohol, or a water-free alcohol solution with an alkali hydroxide e.g. sodium hydroxide or with a metal alkoxide e.g. sodium alkoxide and the continuous phase comprises a liquid incompatible with the dispersed phase.

Abstract: Methods for inducing the precipitation of substantially water insoluble mineral carbonates in pores, spaces and fractures by conveying a carbon-dioxide (ie. CO2) bearing gaseous phase or an oxidised-carbon-bearing aqueous phase into spaces where reaction with an existing or introduced fluid phase of appropriate composition occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces where reaction of the fluid components with a fluid delivery medium occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces under controlled physical conditions such that unassisted reaction of the fluid components occurs.

Abstract: (A) Heavy metal-containing wastes are kneaded in melt with (B) an alkali metal compound or an alkaline earth metal compound and (C) sulfur, or with (E) a sulfide, or with these along with (D) a salt of a metal of which the standard electrode potential is higher than that of the cation of the component (B) or (E), in the presence of a non-aqueous medium, and the resulting melt mixture is cooled and solidified. In the method of treating heavy metal-containing wastes, the heavy metals in the wastes are efficiently passivated, and the heavy metals thus passivated are not released from the treated wastes.