Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for remediating, detoxifying and containing various types of asbestos fibers and asbestos containing materials, such as crocidolite (and other forms of Riebeckite), and tremolite. The end-product of the method may be reclaimed or recycled as useable surfacing, structural and decorative materials. In some embodiments of the invention some end-products of the process may be used as a synthetic gemstone, counter-surfacing material cutting tool, resin for manufacture of furniture products, while others may be used to reclaim natural sand. In one embodiment of this invention crocidolite or other forms of reibeckite or tremolite asbestos debris in loose form or as a component of asbestos cement or other asbestos containing products is converted to a form of engineered quartz, yielding as a synthetic form of the gemstone Tiger's Eye or Hawk's eye.

Abstract: The compound is a clay aqueous suspension made of at least one 2:1 layer phyllosilicate clay mineral, at least one 1:1 layer phyllosilicate clay mineral, and water that can be used to sequester asbestos, such as chrysotile, as well as dust and other fibrous particles, at all scales of contamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of techniques for treating a waste material of an asbestos-containing material, from emergency treatment, dismantling, or transportation of an already constructed asbestos-containing material to a heating and melting treatment of the dismantled asbestos-containing waste material. The preset invention provides a method of preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos involving melting an asbestos-containing waste material, into which lithium silicate is impregnated in a melting furnace for treating an asbestos-containing material into harmless. The lithium silicate impregnated into the asbestos-containing waste material forms a gel within the range of temperatures of 500 to 1,100° C., and the formed gel adheres onto the surfaces of asbestos fibers, thereby preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos. Moreover, the melting temperature of asbestos can be reduced to about 1,360° C.

Abstract: A method of waste stabilization by mineralization of waste material in situ in a treatment container suitable or treatment, transit, storage and disposal. The waste material may be mixed with mineralizing additives and, optionally, reducing additives, in the treatment container or in a separate mixing vessel. The mixture is then subjected to heat in the treatment container to heat-activate mineralization of the mixture and form a stable, mineralized, monolithic solid. This stabilized mass may then be transported in the same treatment container for storage and disposal.

Abstract: The compound is a clay aqueous suspension made of at least one 2:1 layer phyllosilicate clay mineral, at least one 1:1 layer phyllosilicate clay mineral, and water that can be used to sequester asbestos, such as chrysotile, as well as dust and other fibrous particles, at all scales of contamination.

Abstract: A method for transforming a waste product containing or completely formed of amiantus comprising subjecting the waste product to several working phases and adding of components such as calcined alumina, clay and material having a given porosity so to produce a final manufactured product free of any amiantus.

Abstract: The method for preventing asbestos from freeing airborne particles comprises sequentially heating and the asbestos in the following surrounding temperatures values and maintaining the asbestos in these surrounding temperature values until the asbestos changes to the following corresponding colors: a) between 125° F. (52° C.) and 175° F. (79° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform pale russet-red color; b) between 225° F. (107° C.) and 275° F. (135° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform dark russet-red color; c) between 325° F. (163° C.) and 375° F. (191° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform dark orange color; d) between 425° F. (218° C.) and 475° F. (246° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform red color; e) between 525° F. (274° C.) and 575° F. (302° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform grey color; and f) between 625° F. (329° C.) and 675° F. (357° C.) until the asbestos changes to a uniform opaque white color.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel silica gel nanofibers having an outer diameter lower than 100 nm, a length of up to 1 cm, a specific surface area of from 600 to 1000 m2/g and pore diameters of from 2 to 10 nm. Also disclosed are novel silica glass nanofibers having an outer diameter and a length similar to that of the above silica gel fibers. The silica gel nanofibers are prepared by reacting chrysotile in an aqueous solution containing a controlled-proton-releasing agent and cation-complexing agent, whereby the cations of the silicate are replaced by protons and dissolved, with production of solid fibrous and amorphous hydrated silica. The silica glass nanofibers are made by dehydrating the silica gel nanofibers at temperatures close to 1000° C. These nanofibers have numerous potential applications, especially due to their capacity to adsorb or absorb ions and metals, especially catalytically useful metals such as copper and silver.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, at least about 0.1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, and a stable foam forming amount of a foaming agent system composed of a non-ionic alkyl polyglycoside alone or with additional non-ionic foaming agents. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition in the form of a foam also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, at least about 0.1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, and a stable foam forming amount of a foaming agent system composed of a non-ionic alkyl polyglycoside alone or with additional non-ionic foaming agents. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition in the form of a foam also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for processing asbestos-containing waste from a waste generating site, wherein the waste is transferred from the site to a processing reactor without exposing the waste to an external environment, a basic reaction solution is fed into the reactor, a reaction is carried out to give a substantially fiber-free reaction product, and the reaction product is separated into a solid phase and a liquid phase. The separated liquid phase is optionally recycled to form the basic reaction solution and the separated solid phase is optionally recovered to enable upgrading thereof.

Abstract: A composition for converting asbestos-containing material, covering metal pipes or other metal surfaces, to non-regulated, environmentally benign-materials, and inhibiting the corrosion of the metal pipes or other metal surfaces. The composition comprises a combination of at least two multiple-functional group reagents, in which each reagent includes a Fluro acid component and a corrosion inhibiting compoment. A method for converting asbestos-containing material, covering metal pipes or other metal surfaces, to non-regulated, environmentally benign-materials, and inhibiting the corrosion of the metal pipes or other metal surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of a hexafluorosilicate salt, and free of or having only small amounts of an inorganic acid, an inorganic acid salt or a mixture thereof. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an inorganic acid, and from about 0.1 to about 4% by weight of a tetrafluoroborate of ammonia, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of a boron tetrafluoride salt, free of or having only small amounts of an inorganic acid, an inorganic acid salt or a mixture thereof. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an inorganic acid, and from about 0.1 to about 4% by weight of a hexafluorosilicate of ammonia, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of phosphoric acid, and from about 0.1 to about 4% by weight of a source of fluoride ions. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, at least about 0.1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, and a stable foam forming amount of a foaming agent system having both cationic and non-ionic functionality. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition in the form of a foam also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, optionally a source of fluoride ions, and a corrosion inhibiting amount of thiourea, a lower alkylthiourea, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.15 alkylpyridinium halide or mixtures thereof. A method of transforming an asbestos-containing building material, while part of a building structure, into a non-asbestos material by using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically heated tank furnace is used to melt glass whereby a floating gall layer is formed on the melt, in particular during the vitrification of hazardous materials such as asbestos, fly ash, filter dust, whereby the tank of the furnace is fitted with a discharge outlet for the melt and an overflow channel with an inlet for the gall. A stream of ascending gas bubbles is produced in the melt. In order to promote better and automatic draining of the gall the stream of gas bubbles is produced directly in front of the overflow channel which thereby maintains a layer of liquid gall in the overflow channel and a layer of molten glass retained by a weir on the bottom of the overflow channel. The temperature in the overflow channel is chosen to be above the melting temperature of the gall, whilst the bottom layer of glass is maintained at a temperature at which the viscosity of the glass is so high that the glass does not drain out the overflow channel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a process of treatment and environment-friendly utilization of asbestos-cement products including a thermal process to transform the asbestos component. Inventively, this is achieved by a coarse reduction of the asbestos-cement products under black side conditions with maintained vacuum. Then, the material is ground to asbestos-cement meal and fed to the flame zone of the rotary kiln of a cement clinker production line. Depending on the fuel type used, the portion of fed asbestos-cement meal varies between 2 and 5%, related to the amount of cement raw meal, substituting 2 to 5% of the cement raw meal mix at a time. The thermal transformation of the asbestos component takes place with temperatures of approximately 1800.degree. C. in the burner zone. The modified residual substance becomes a constituent of the cement clinker due to assimilation in the kiln charge.

Abstract: Asbestos cement may be converted to a harmless product by melting at a melt temperature of 1400.degree. to 1700.degree. C. a blend of 50 to 85% by weight asbestos cement with 15 to 50% by weight of additives that include naturally occurring silicate material such that the total blend has a CaO content of not more than 50%. The melt is discharged from the furnace, cooled and solidified and may be used as aggregate or, generally after solidification as regular units, may be used as part or all of the charge for producing MMV fibre material. It is of particular value for the production of man made vitreous fibre material that has low alumina content and is soluble in lung fluids.

Abstract: In a process for disposal of asbestos or substances containing it, the initial material is converted by very fine grinding together with at least one material OH.sup.- -ions in water in aqueous suspension into a material having non-fibrous stable mineral phases. In a non-hazardous manner therefore, asbestos is eliminated from the end product to be disposed of or otherwise used.

Abstract: A method for rendering asbestos in an asbestos-containing material harmless comprises wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid and at least 1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos. Wetting with the solutions also facilitates the removal of asbestos-containing material from the substrate on which it is installed.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate, for example, to abate asbestos or lead paint by encasement, includes dispersing particulate solids in at least one liquid thermosetting resin, about 100% of said solids having a U.S. Standard mesh size of about 225 mesh or smaller and at least about 10% of said solids having a U.S. Standard mesh size of about 325 mesh or smaller; dispersing an effective amount of at least one catalyst in said resin to cure said resin within a determined period of time, the resulting mixture being a curable resin system; and spraying said curable resin system on to said substrate using an airless spray system. A product made by such method and an article comprised of such a coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing of pellets of chrysotile asbestos fibers, wherein asbestos fibers containing from 5 to 20% by weight of water are pelletized to form wet pellets that are subsequently dried until their residual water content reaches 0 to 1% by weight. Then, an aqueous solution or suspension of a substance compatible with the intended use of the pellets is sprayed onto the same to form a selective protective coating that eliminates release of asbestos dust and airborne particles. The obtained pellets have excellent mechanical properties that make them easy to handle, thereby allowing safe and easy transportation of chrysotile asbestos in bulk.

Abstract: Asbestos products installed in buildings are treated by application of an aqueous solution that coalesces anti/or encapsulates the asbestos fiber and dust content thereof. Textured asbestos containing materials are thereby rendered safe in an economical, efficient manner by conversion of such fiber and dust to a state permanently immune to flotation in air.

Abstract: A method for rendering asbestos in an asbestos-containing material harmless comprises wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid and at least 1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride The acid hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos. Wetting with the solutions also facilitates the removal of asbestos-containing material from the substrate on which it is installed.

Abstract: Treatment solutions for removing asbestos containing materials from substrates and for converting asbestos-containing materials to a non-asbestos material, which comprises an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an acid and 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid solution hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: A method for treating asbestos-containing material for removing such material from a substrate where it is installed and for destroying the asbestos in such asbestos-containing material, comprising wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of a weak organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Optionally, the aqueous solution further comprises about 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The weak acid solution assists in the removal of the asbestos-containing material and hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.