Abstract: A polymer coating is applied to the surface of a phosphate ceramic composite to effectively immobilize soluble salt anions encapsulated within the phosphate ceramic composite. The polymer coating is made from ceramic materials, including at least one inorganic metal compound, that wet and adhere to the surface structure of the phosphate ceramic composite, thereby isolating the soluble salt anions from the environment and ensuring long-term integrity of the phosphate ceramic composite.

Abstract: A thermal treatment wall emplaced to perform in-situ destruction of contaminants in groundwater. Thermal destruction of specific contaminants occurs by hydrous pyrolysis/oxidation at temperatures achievable by existing thermal remediation techniques (electrical heating or steam injection) in the presence of oxygen or soil mineral oxidants, such as MnO.sub.2. The thermal treatment wall can be installed in a variety of configurations depending on the specific objectives, and can be used for groundwater cleanup, wherein in-situ destruction of contaminants is carried out rather than extracting contaminated fluids to the surface, where they are to be cleaned. In addition, the thermal treatment wall can be used for both plume interdiction and near-wellhead in-situ groundwater treatment. Thus, this technique can be utilized for a variety of groundwater contamination problems.

Abstract: A method for recovering metals from metals-containing wastes, and vitrifying the remainder of the wastes for disposal. Metals-containing wastes such as circuit boards, cathode ray tubes, vacuum tubes, transistors and so forth, are broken up and placed in a suitable container. The container is heated by microwaves to a first temperature in the range of approximately 300-800.degree. C. to combust organic materials in the waste, then heated further to a second temperature in the range of approximately 1,000-1,550.degree. C. at which temperature glass formers present in the waste will cause it to melt and vitrify. Low-melting-point metals such as tin and aluminum can be recovered after organics combustion is substantially complete. Metals with higher melting points, such as gold, silver and copper, can be recovered from the solidified product or separated from the waste at their respective melting points. Network former-containing materials can be added at the start of the process to assist vitrification.

Abstract: A process and system for separating metals from a waste composition and for producing a reusable glass product is disclosed. The process includes heating waste materials containing at least one glass forming substance to a temperature sufficient to volatilize any volitile metals contained within the waste material. The waste material is also heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient for substantially all of the glass forming substances contained within the material to melt and form a molten glass. In one embodiment, the waste materials are heated in a reducing atmosphere in a direct contact radiant heating device, such as an electric arc furnace.

Abstract: Process for rendering ash inert, according to which a reactant selected from phosphoric acid and alkali metal phosphates is added to the ash, the phosphate-containing mixture thus obtained is subjected to puddling with water and a hydraulic binder so as to form a hydraulic mortar, and the mortar is subjected to setting and hardening.

Abstract: Known phosphate ceramic formulations are improved and the ability to produce iron-based phosphate ceramic systems is enabled by the addition of an oxidizing or reducing step during the acid-base reactions that form the phosphate ceramic products. The additives allow control of the rate of the acid-base reactions and concomitant heat generation. In an alternate embodiment, waste containing metal anions are stabilized in phosphate ceramic products by the addition of a reducing agent to the phosphate ceramic mixture. The reduced metal ions are more stable and/or reactive with the phosphate ions, resulting in the formation of insoluble metal species within the phosphate ceramic matrix, such that the resulting chemically bonded phosphate ceramic product has greater leach resistance.

Abstract: Processes for immobilizing solid contaminated materials, such as radioactive species, hazardous species, or combinations of both radioactive and hazardous species, comprise mixing the contaminated materials with hydrated ferric oxides, and then pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure to produce a solid composition. The water content of the mixture is adjusted if necessary. Contaminated materials dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution can be immobilized by precipitating hydrated ferric oxide in the solution, and adjusting the water content and pressing, as above. In another process in accordance with the present invention, hydrated ferric oxides are deposited on metal surfaces. The deposited ferric oxide is pressed to produce a solid coating adhered to the surface, to retard corrosion. A ceramic body of ferric oxide composition may also be made in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing mixed low-level waste is provided which uses low cost materials and has a relatively long hardening period. The method includes: forming a mixture of iron oxide powders having ratios, in mass %, of FeO:Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 :Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 equal to 25-40:40-10:35-50, or weighing a definite amount of magnetite powder. Metallurgical cinder can also be used as the source of iron oxides. A solution of the orthophosphoric acid, or a solution of the orthophosphoric acid and ferric oxide, is formed and a powder phase of low-level waste and the mixture of iron oxide powders or cinder (or magnetite powder) is also formed. The acid solution is mixed with the powder phase to form a slurry with the ratio of components (mass %) of waste:iron oxide powders or magnetite:acid solution=30-60:15-10:55-30. The slurry is blended to form a homogeneous mixture which is cured at room temperature to form the final product.

Abstract: A method for forming a radiation-absorbing barrier around a radioactive component by flowing a radiation-absorbing cement grout into a container which encloses the component. The radiation-absorbing cement grout comprises a cement slurry, a finished foam material, a bentonite gel, and a radiation-absorbing metal constituent.

Abstract: Injection of slurried wastes is carried out within deeply buried strata. Appropriate target strata are identified in terms of sufficient porosity and permeability, and overburden that includes permeable and impermeable strata. Slurry is injected at sufficient pressure to establish fracturing within the target strata. The injection pressures and the resulting waste pod are monitored by a suite of monitoring procedures, including bottomhole pressure and surface uplift. The injection is carried out in a series of injection episodes separated by interinjection episodes. Apparatus for preparing and injection the slurry include a mixing chamber, a partly encased well and a bottomhole pressure gauge. Process monitoring apparatus controls the operation of the system.

Abstract: A method is provided to remove volatile liquid contaminates from a contaminated volume of earth, the contaminated volume lying above a noncontaminated layer of earth, the method including the steps of: penetrating the contaminated volume with at least one wellbore so that a wellbore penetrates the contaminated volume and at least one wellbore penetrates the noncontaminated layer; applying heat from the wellbore within the noncontaminated layer to the noncontaminated layer until the temperature of a substantial portion of the noncontaminated layer that is contiguous with the contaminated layer is at least the boiling point temperature of contaminated liquids; and applying heat from the wellbore within the contaminated volume to the contaminated volume wherein the temperature of the contaminated volume rises to the boiling point of contaminated liquids after a substantial portion of the noncontaminated layer that is contiguous with the contaminated layer is about the boiling point of the contaminated liquids.

Abstract: A method of preventing thermite reactions during the high temperature incineration (slag temperature greater than 1200.degree. C.) of waste material streams containing aluminum and iron (steel) by mixing a low melting SiO.sub.2 containing material such as water glass or a mixture of sand with NaHCO.sub.3 or Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 with the waste material.

Abstract: An improvement to methods for heat treating flue gas cleaning residues (1) and residues from the industrial process generating said flue gases. For this purpose, the method comprises a physicochemical treatment step (2, 7), a heat treatment step (13) and a step involving treating gases generated by said heat treatment (19, 22, 28). These three steps are closely overlapped and combined both to minimise the volatilisation of volatile compounds during heat treatment and to remove separately the elements that cannot effectively be immobilised in the treated residue matrix during said heat treatment. The physicochemical treatment step may advantageously be combined with the wet cleaning step that may be included in the industrial process flue gas cleaning step. The method is particularly suitable for melting/vitrifying fly ash, agglomerating the finest fly ash, and destroying organic compounds such as dioxins and furans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying hazardous vapor phase or aqueous phase organic compound(s) by providing a polymeric siloxane based solvent in a vessel and adding the hazardous organic compound(s) and ozone to the solvent. The solvent may also comprise a mixture of polymeric siloxane based solvent and fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic composition which is is crystallized in situ from a thermally crystallizable mixture containing from about 40 to about 80 weight percent of electric arc furnace dust and from about 10 to about 40 weight percent of glass. The composition has a Vickers hardness of at least about 5.5 gigaPascals, a Vickers fracture toughness of from about 0.6 to about 1.5 megaPascals.meters.sup.0.5, and a density of from about 2.8 to about 4.1 grams per cubic centimeter; and it contains from about 20 to about 40 weight percent of an iron oxide. When the composition is tested in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure, it produces a leachate which contains no detectable mercury, no detectable barium, no detectable selenium, less than 0.2 parts per million of detectable lead, less than 0.5 parts per million of detectable chromium, less than 0.1 parts per million of detectable cadmium, less than 0.005 parts per million of detectable arsenic, and less than 0.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for stabilizing a subsurface area such as a buried waste pit for either long term storage, or interim storage and retrieval. A plurality of holes are drilled into the subsurface area with a high pressure drilling system provided with a drill stem having jet grouting nozzles. A grouting material is injected at high pressure through the jet grouting nozzles into a formed hole while the drill stem is withdrawn from the hole at a predetermined rate of rotation and translation. A grout-filled column is thereby formed with minimal grout returns, which when overlapped with other adjacent grout-filled columns encapsulates and binds the entire waste pit area to form a subsurface agglomeration or monolith of grout, soil, and waste. The formed monolith stabilizes the buried waste site against subsidence while simultaneously providing a barrier against contaminate migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable system for controlling and absorbing petroleum spills, such as occurs upon accidental damage to a diesel fuel tank of a truck. The system has a collapsible containment pool which can be stowed when not in use and then easily deployed to receive petroleum products as they are spilled, a quantity of microbial material for biodegrading petroleum products, a quantity of petroleum-bonding polymer-based material, safety glasses and safety gloves to be worn by the attendant using the system. The system further consists of a bag in which the containment pool can be stowed and a bag in which the microbial material, polymer-based material, safety gloves, and safety glasses can be stowed. Upon discovery of a petroleum spill or potential spill, the containment pool can be quickly deployed into position to receive any spilled petroleum products which can be biodegraded by dispersion of the microbial material onto the petroleum products.

Abstract: A toxic waste and glass frit are fed into an extruder having a helical screw. The glass frit, as well as any glassy material and glass-forming component in the waste, are melted in the extruder as the screw transports the waste and the frit through the extruder. The screw further mixes the waste and the frit and homogenizes the resulting mixture. The extruder is designed to generate high shear rates and high internal friction and at least a portion of the heat for melting is produced by such friction. A vitrified mass of the toxic waste is discharged from the extruder. The vitrified mass can be stored as is or can be pelletized and/or encapsulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming glass-ceramic tiles. Fly ash containing organic material, metal contaminants, and glass forming materials is oxidized under conditions effective to combust the organic material and partially oxidize the metallic contaminants and the glass forming materials. The oxidized glass forming materials are vitrified to form a glass melt. This glass melt is then formed into tiles containing metallic contaminants.

Abstract: An in-situ method for thermal desorption, extraction, and destruction of dense nonaqueous organic contaminants in fractured bedrock is accomplished through the use of thermal wells, a flameless oxidizer, and hot carbon adsorption chambers.

Abstract: A composition particularly useful in solidifying liquid wastes for disposal in landfills, including, for example, liquid industrial wastes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a composition primarily composed of bauxite tailings that remain after alumina extraction, also known as "red mud". The tailings are dewatered, dried to a low moisture content, sized to an optimal particulate size, and then applied to the liquid waste. The addition of a small amount of pozzolanic material can improve the handling and solidification characteristics of the composition under certain situations, and is provided in an alternative composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of creating a monolithic wasteform consisting of a binder which chemically immobilizes heavy metals and radioactive materials so as to render them environmentally safe. An apatite or apatite-like material may be employed in immobilizing the hazardous material. A preferred practice of the invention employs a hydroxyapatite or a calcium depleted hydroxyapatite into which the waste materials are substituted and immobilized. The stoichiometric apatite or calcium deficient hydroxyapatite may be formed in the aqueous solution containing heavy metals or radioactive materials, or both, wherein binding of the latter is effected. Alternatively, a preformed calcium deficient phosphate may be introduced into the solution having heavy metals or radioactive materials, or both, dissolved therein in effecting the desired binding in situ. A high strength monolithic wasteform which may be stored or buried for long-term, safe storage of the hazardous materials is produced.

Abstract: This invention involves the solidification of aqueous waste with neutralized cross-linked polyacrylates prior to landfill disposal and to further minimize leachate treatment from landfills through the direct application of a neutralized cross-linked polyacrylate throughout the land filling and disposal process.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a liquid oil without heating the liquid oil. The method utilizes a solidifying agent for liquid oil which includes a gel-in-oil forming material (I) and a temporarily protective material (II) for the gel forming material (I), the solidifying agent sealed in a heat resistive container being heated as sealed therein and then mixed with the liquid oil.

Abstract: A red brick comprising waste foundry sand of 30.about.50 wt %, dusts of 5.about.10 wt %, and a remainder of clay. The waste foundry sand and dusts can be efficiently recycled, and the quantity of the sand used, the supply of which sand which is nearly exhausted, can be reduced. The heating temperature in the red brick manufacturing process is remarkably lowered, and the economical efficiency of the manufacturing process is improved greatly by using iron oxide included in dusts, instead of a chemical compound to obtain desired color.

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.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for immobilizing an oily or non-polar substance in a concrete matrix comprising the following steps:(a) absorbing the said oily or non-polar substance into a calcined clay mineral;(b) incorporating the calcined clay mineral and absorbed oily or non-polar substance formed in step (i) in a hardenable concrete mix; and(c) permitting the resultant concrete mix to harden.

Abstract: A method and system for processing waste dries and reforms a sludge stream of the waste with a first reformed effluent stream to produce a gas effluent stream and a solids effluent stream. The gas effluent stream is reformed further to produce the first effluent stream, which is then directed back to the sludge stream.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. A voltage is applied across spaced electrical connections (72) of the melting vessel (46) to heat material within the melting vessel. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating, electric resistance heating, and using the metallic mixing vessel (12) as an electric resistance element. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating.

Abstract: A method of treating arsenic-contaminated matter using an aluminum compound in conjunction with an alkaline buffer, thereby stabilizing the arsenic contained in the contaminated matter and decreasing leaching ability. Preferably, the aluminum compound is a soluble aluminum salt such as aluminum sulfate and the alkaline buffer is magnesium oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermo-chemical remediation and decontamination of sediments and soils contaminated with organic contaminants as well as inorganic materials with subsequent beneficial reuse. Novel environmentally stable products of commercial value are produced when certain additives such as calcium and metal oxides are mixed with the contaminated materials. In the process, the mixture is heated to 1150.degree. C..about.1500.degree. C. to produce a molten reaction product with at least part of an excess amount of oxygen mixture or air is continuously bubbled through the melt in order to provide mixing and achieve high thermal destruction and removal efficiencies of the organic contaminants. The melt is then quickly quenched in moist air, steam, or water to avoid the transformation of the amorphous material into crystals. The inorganic contaminants such as chromium, nickel, zinc, etc. are incorporated and completely immobilized within the amorphous silicate network.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a waste material composite and article is described. One embodiment comprises waste material particles or fibers mixed with water to form a mash, blending a chemical binder with the mash, mixing in a cementious material and a filler agent. In another embodiment the chemical binder is added after the filler agent is added, but prior to the cemetious material. In yet another process, the mash which comprises water and paper particles is mixed with wheat residue and the chemical binder and then formed into a paper-wheat article which is pressed until cured. Still, in yet another process, rubber particles are heated, blended with the chemical binder, blended with cement, cooled, blended with ash, formed into an article and pressed until cured to form a cement-rubber composite article. The filler agent comprises calcium hydroxide, hydrated lime, carbonated lime or ash.

Abstract: To vitrify chlorine-containing residues from flue gas cleaning, in particular filter dust and residues from the flue gas scrubber, the residues are melted in a melting furnace (8) and then discharged. To condition the melt, alkali-containing fluxes are added in the form of an oxide, hydroxide or carbonate, the stoichiometric ratio between the total alkalis and the chlorine being greater than 0.75, preferably greater than 1. Particularly suitable compounds in this process are oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of sodium or of potassium, or a mixture of such substances.

Abstract: A method to produce structural products from benign waste is provided comprising mixing pretreated oxide with phosphoric acid to produce an acid solution, mixing the acid solution with waste particles to produce a slurry, and allowing the slurry to cure. The invention also provides for a structural material comprising waste particles enveloped by an inorganic binder.

Abstract: A process for determining one or more leachate concentrations of one or more components of a glass composition in an aqueous solution of the glass composition by identifying the components of the glass composition, including associated oxides, determining a preliminary glass dissolution estimator, .DELTA.G.sub.p, based upon the free energies of hydration for the component reactant species, determining an accelerated glass dissolution function, .DELTA.G.sub.a, based upon the free energy associated with weak acid dissociation, .DELTA.G.sub.a.sup.WA, and accelerated matrix dissolution at high pH, .DELTA.G.sub.a.sup.SB associated with solution strong base formation, and determining a final hydration free energy, .DELTA.G.sub.f. This final hydration free energy is then used to determine leachate concentrations for elements of interest using a regression analysis and the formula log.sub.10 (N C.sub.i (g/L))=a.sub.i +b.sub.i .DELTA.G.sub.f.

Abstract: A method for recovering metals from metals-containing wastes, and vitrifying the remainder of the wastes for disposal. Metals-containing wastes such as circuit boards, cathode ray tubes, vacuum tubes, transistors and so forth, are broken up and placed in a suitable container. The container is heated by microwaves to a first temperature in the range of approximately 300.degree.-800.degree. C. to combust organic materials in the waste, then heated further to a second temperature in the range of approximately 1,000.degree.-1,550.degree. C. at which temperature glass formers present in the waste will cause it to melt and vitrify. Low-melting-point metals such as tin and aluminum can be recovered after organics combustion is substantially complete. Metals with higher melting points, such as gold, silver and copper, can be recovered from the solidified product or separated from the waste at their respective melting points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating treatment of contaminated soil may be accomplished by regulating a soil volume rate and a neutralizing agent volume rate to insure proper application of the neutralizing agent to the contaminated soil. Control circuitry regulates the soil volume rate and the neutralizing agent volume rate, based on a soil/neutralizing agent ratio, to insure that the appropriate amount of neutralizing agent is applied to the contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating toxic waste by the vitrification thereof are described, the method comprising the steps of providing said waste in the form of relatively small pieces; optionally adding vitrifiable material to said waste; bringing a high intensity light source to bear on said waste and said optional vitrifiable material; said high intensity light source being of sufficient power to cause melting and subsequent vitrification of said waste; and, cooling and storing said vitrified material.

Abstract: A method for regulating the reaction temperature of a ceramic formulation process is provided comprising supplying a solution containing a monovalent alkali metal; mixing said solution with an oxide powder to create a binder; contacting said binder with bulk material to form a slurry; and allowing the slurry to cure. A highly crystalline waste form is also provided consisting of a binder containing potassium and waste substrate encapsulated by the binder.

Abstract: A sealing system for the engagement of a container (24) beneath a melting pot containing a molten material, comprising a shell (30) surrounding a nozzle (40), the nozzle being located in the axis of the neck of the container and permitting the pouring of the material from the melting pot into the container. The shell (30) has tight connection means with the nozzle (40), a base (32) having a bearing surface for the reception of a corresponding bearing surface on the container neck and at least one bellows (33, 34) surrounding the nozzle and connecting the tight connection means to said base, the bellows being able to render the shell retractable along the nozzle axis, means for introducing a gas flow between said bearing surfaces being provided in order to permit the circulation of part of said flow towards the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for forming a radiation-absorbing barrier around a radioactive component by flowing a radiation-absorbing cement grout into a container which encloses the component. The radiation-absorbing cement grout comprises a cement slurry, a finished foam material, a bentonite gel, and a radiation-absorbing metal constituent.

Abstract: Noxious wastes are detoxicated by admixing a detoxicating agent to noxious wastes containing heavy metals, PCB, or the like and eliminating noxious materials in the wastes, in which the detoxicating agent comprises sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, barium, magnesium, strontium, cobalt or nickel, copper and zinc contained in an ionic state to a diluted aqueous solution comprising tannin and pyrolignous acid as the main ingredient. Further, the detoxicating agent is admixed together with cement to the noxious wastes containing heavy metals, PCB or the like, thereby eliminating noxious substances in the wastes and solidifying them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for disposing of perlite, wherein perlite particles are removed by suction from a source, mixed with water and then compressed, whereby the volume of the perlite is reduced by the compression to about a third or a fifth of its original volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are waste disposal devices for minimizing contamination of an operating room table with blood and body fluids during and after a surgery while substantially reducing the volume of medical waste and disposable materials generated by surgery. In one embodiment the device includes a bag constructed to fit an operating room table having u-shaped margins for collecting fluid runoff, a drainage tube with valve and a closure means for sealing the bag. Upon completion of the surgery, the bag is quickly and easily removed and completely sealed to enclose contaminated fluids and draperies generated by surgery. Prior to disposal, the contaminated fluids and trapped air are vacuumed from the sealed bag thereby substantially minimizing the volume of the disposable material.

Abstract: A system for treating contaminated sediments dredged from waterways is disclosed. Dredged sediments are divided into coarse and fine fractions. The coarse fraction is washed to remove contaminants. The fine fraction and the contaminants removed from the coarse fraction are admixed, followed by filtering to produce a dewatered fraction. The dewatered fraction is then melted in a plasma melter to form a molten mass of glass or slag. The molten mass is then cooled to form a stable, low-leachability product. During the plasma melting operation, organic contaminants are destroyed and contaminants such as heavy metals are contained within the matrix of the melted glass or slag. After cooling the melted material may be provided in the form of aggregate, granules or fibers useful for various applications such as road fill, roofing granules and rock wool.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the degradation of persistent contaminants in soil. The method provides the combination of a stabilizing reagent and a degradative reagent where both are admixed into a contaminated soil site for the reduction of permeability at the site and the chemical degradation of the contaminant over time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for absorbing organic, ecologically stressed pollutants (1) such as oil, tar and phenols on grounds (12), rubble or solid disposal site surfaces which are floating on or in waters of a disposal site with liquid and/or sludge phases and/or solid sediments. This object is achieved in that in the invention fly ash (3) and/or cement-activated fly ash of large surface and evincing the structure of a hollow sphere, especially fly ash from lignite-powder fired boilers, is brought into contact with the pollutant, in that fly ash and pollutant are activated with water (5), being mixed into a pollutant-immobilized mixture (6) and being used in consolidating manner.

Abstract: To treat waste containing harmful netals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, etc., the waste is mixed with a treating agent containing, as the essential constituent component, solid acid(s) and/or cement and additionally a caking inhibitor, kneaded with water where necessary, then solidified by curing. Harmful metals are thereby stabilized in the thus-solidified cakes and are not released therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous heating and melting of a solid mixed waste bearing radioactive and hazardous materials to form separate metallic, slag and gaseous phases for producing compact forms of the waste material to facilitate disposal includes a copper split water-cooled (cold) crucible as a reaction vessel for receiving the waste material. The waste material is heated by means of the combination of a plasma torch directed into the open upper portion of the cold crucible and an electromagnetic flux produced by induction coils disposed about the crucible which is transparent to electromagnetic fields. A metallic phase of the waste material is formed in a lower portion of the crucible and is removed in the form of a compact ingot suitable for recycling and further processing. A glass-like, non-metallic slag phase containing radioactive elements is also formed in the crucible and flows out of the open upper portion of the crucible into a slag ingot mold for disposal.