Abstract: A transport or storage container holding radioactive waste and a body of water is dried by the steps of first draining or pumping out the body of water and thereby leaving residual water in the container. Then at least one solid drying agent is introduced into an interior the container for removing from the interior of the container for removing the physically or chemically bonded residual water. The solid drying agent is an alkaline earth salt, particularly an alkaline earth oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and an apparatus for producing a shaped article. The method comprises obtaining a freshly produced aluminosilicate-containing particulate waste material and, before the waste material cools to ambient temperature, mixing the waste material into a mixture, wherein the mixture comprises the aluminosilicate, a metal oxide, an alkali, a water soluble silicate and water; shaping the mixture; and curing the shaped mixture, whereby the shaped article is produced.

Abstract: A reagent system for treating heavy metal-contaminated materials is provided and includes an oxidizer, a soluble phosphate, and an alkaline hydroxide source, such as a caustic soda or lime. A method of treating mine waste bearing one or more heavy metals is also provided and includes the step of admixing a reagent system with heavy metal-containing material to preferentially reduce the leachability of heavy metals and form precipitates and complexes of low metal solubility that remain stable within the host solid matrix for long durations in acidic and abrasive conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of simultaneously processing fly ash and COPR, which can treat the fly ash and COPR harmlessly during the landfilling process through biochemical and engineering measures. The method includes: transferring the fly ash and COPR to the yard; laying an impervious layer inside the yard; laying a diversion material at a bottom of the yard; laying a mixture layer on the diversion material, where the mixture layer contains a biogas residue, a waste carbon source, ferrous sulfate, a nutritional additive, the waste incineration fly ash and COPR; placing an internal-electrolysis ceramsite layer on the mixture layer; injecting a carbon source solution from an upper portion of the yard and collecting a leachate to a collection device through the diversion material irregularly during the operation; and recirculating the leachate to a top of the yard for spray reinjection.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing fluorides and arsenic in soil includes: step 1, adding a calcium-containing compound to the soil contaminated by fluorides and arsenic, stirring uniformly, and standing for curing; step 2, adding an iron-containing compound to the mixture obtained in step 1, stirring uniformly, and standing for curing; and step 3, adding water to the mixture obtained in step 2, optionally adding a pH adjusting agent to adjust the gravimetric water content to 30%-40%, and standing for curing. The method uses calcium-containing and iron-containing compounds in a step-by-step manner, makes full use of the advantages of different passivation materials, combines the advantages of all reagents, and establishes an economical, efficient and environmentally friendly method for stabilizing fluorides and arsenic in soil to achieve effective remediation of contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing arsenic includes adding calcium arsenate to a glass-forming material containing iron, silica, and alkaline components so that an iron/silica weight ratio is in a range of 0.5 to 0.9 and an amount of alkaline components is in a range of 14 wt % to 26 wt %, and thereby incorporating the arsenic into a glass solidified body. For example, the method for immobilizing arsenic may include: adding an alkaline solution and an oxidizing agent to a copper-arsenic-containing substance, and thereby carrying out an oxidizing leaching; separating a leach residue by solid-liquid separation; adding calcium hydroxide to a recovered alkaline arsenate solution to generate calcium arsenate; and adding the glass-forming material to the recovered calcium arsenate so that the iron/silica weight ratio and the amount of alkaline components are in the above-mentioned ranges, and thereby incorporating the arsenic into the glass solidified body.

Abstract: Provided is a vitrification process method of aluminum and filter radioactive wastes to produce high quality of glass solidification fit for legislations and rules as vitrification final product, comprising developing frit composition needed in vitrifying the aluminum and filter radioactive wastes, suitably mixing the aluminum and filter radioactive wastes with the frit and producing glass solidification having composition range of oxides of aluminum and filter radioactive wastes to maintain lower than 100 poise viscosity which is operating parameter of a melting furnace. The vitrification process method of aluminum and filter radioactive wastes comprise mixing the aluminum and filter radioactive wastes with the frit in an induction heating low temperature melting furnace and meting it at the temperature of 1,100˜1,200° C. to produce glass solidification.

Abstract: A method for sequestrating arsenic oxides, comprising forming an insoluble and stable glass incorporating a fully oxidized form of arsenic generated by oxidation of an initial lower oxide of arsenic and stabilization by calcium salt formation. The glass composition for sequestration of arsenic comprises from 50 to 75% silica; from 0.5 to 3% Al2O3; from 1 to 15% MnO; from 5 to 15% CaO; from 1 to 20% As2O5 and from 8 to 14% Na2O, less than four percent of iron oxides, magnesium oxide and other oxides.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components: reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or CI in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for stabilizing a heavy metal in a heavy metal bearing paint residue to reduce leaching of the heavy metal from a waste subject to natural or induced leaching conditions by addition of environmentally safe, worker safe, and multi-media compatible stabilizing agent comprising beef bone meal. Beef bone meal is added to the blast media, and provides effective reduction of heavy metal content in waste leachate and effectively removes paint residue without causing visible embedding on the substrate surface, which meets the SSPC SP10 criteria for surface preparation prior to painting. The methods described herein may be used outside of or within an OSHA containment building or collection device. The resultant stabilized paint residue and spent blast media mixture is suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse, or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method for disposal of Mature Fine Tailings (MFT) from oilsands or other mining operations, comprising: i) providing MFT from a source of MFT; ii) adding a viscosity enhancer to the MFT to increase the viscosity of the MFT; iii) adding a hardening agent to the MFT to increase the strength of said MFT; iv) disposing of the MFT on open ground or underground. Prior to the viscosity enhancement step, the MFT may be thickened by vacuum evaporation, hydrocloning and/or centrifuging. Coarse Sand Tailings (CST) may be added to the MFT prior to disposal step to form a pumpable slurry.

Abstract: By-product materials are processed to mitigate undesirable effects. In some embodiments, industrial waste by-products are recycled using calcium polysulfide and used in building materials. In certain implementations, toxins are rendered non-viable as human pathogens by reaction with calcium polysulfide to create non-soluble sulfide crystals locked in the material as hydration is completed. The sulfides are not soluble in water and are locked into position within the resulting hydrate material, which mitigates escape of or changes of state in the toxins.

Abstract: A method for sequestrating arsenic oxides, comprising forming an insoluble and stable glass incorporating a fully oxidized form of arsenic generated by oxidation of an initial lower oxide of arsenic and stabilization by calcium salt formation. The glass composition for sequestration of arsenic comprises from 50 to 75% silica; from 0.5 to 3% Al2O3; from 1 to 15% MnO; from 5 to 15% CaO; from 1 to 20% As2O5 and from 8 to 14% Na2O, less than four percent of iron oxides, magnesium oxide and other oxides.

Abstract: A system, method, and composition for generating a composition made from a combination of fly ash, FGD purge water, a fixation agent such as lime, and/or synthetic gypsum which, when mixed in the right proportions, results in a material that is easily handled and sets up over time in a relatively impermeable manner that significantly reduces the leaching of contaminants that would otherwise be readily available for release into the environment.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing self-supporting film production. The method includes the steps of: determining at least one scrap factor which relates to a total amount of scrap in processing a film product; correlating the at least one scrap factor to at least one processing parameter; and adjusting the at least one processing parameter to reduce the total amount of scrap in processing the film product. The present invention also relates to a system for optimizing film production.

Abstract: A dry ash collector for a combustion system is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the system may contain a reception zone for receiving falling ash from a furnace; an ash zone providing a container for storing falling ash; and an ash seal. Methods for using the dry ash collector and combinations with a full combustion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating produced water recovered from an oil recovery process. An oil-water mixture is collected from an oil bearing formation. The oil-water mixture is directed to a separator that separates the oil-water mixture to yield produced water and an oil product. The produced water includes water, dissolved organics and dissolved inorganic solids. The produced water is directed to a crystallizer. In the crystallizer, the produced water is concentrated by heating the produced water. Concentrating the produced water causes the organic and inorganic solids to precipitate from the produced water and form solid crystals, including salt crystals. Further, concentrating the produced water in the crystallizer produces an organic melt including the solid crystals. Thereafter, the method or process entails cooling the organic melt such that the organic melt solidifies into an organic solid structure, and wherein substantially no free water is present in the organic solid structure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a heated and sealed reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide within the reaction vessel. The formed mercury (II) sulfide is then unloaded from the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Waste storage vessels formed from a composition including calcium silicate, magnesium or calcium oxides and an acid phosphate are provided. The composition may also include fly ash or kaolin with or without the calcium silicate.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.

Abstract: A method for processing mine tailings includes introducing a volume of dried densified biomass products to mine tailings to produce a conglomerate mixture having substantially no liquid.

Abstract: A dry ash collector for a combustion system is disclosed. Certain embodiments of the system may contain a reception zone for receiving falling ash from a furnace; an ash zone providing a container for storing falling ash; and an ash seal. Methods for using the dry ash collector and combinations with a full combustion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one example of an embodiment of the invention, a method for producing an aggregate is disclosed comprising mixing sewage sludge from a waste water treatment facility with a non-coal combustion ash silicoaluminous waste material, agglomerating the mixture to form an agglomerate, and pyroprocessing the agglomerate to form an aggregate. The waste material may comprise municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, incinerator fly ash, incinerator filter dusts, cement kiln dusts, waste glass, blast furnace slag, kiln dusts, and/or granite sawing residues, for example. The method may further comprise milling the waste material prior to mixing. Preferably, the milling is wet milling. Pyroprocessing of the agglomerate may take place in a rotary kiln. The resulting aggregate may be a lightweight or a normal weight, sintered or vitrified aggregate. Aggregates and methods for making aggregates of high and low calcium silicoaluminous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a sludge aggregate concrete includes the steps of collecting and dehydrating sludge, sintering the sludge at a temperature of about 800˜900° C., grinding and sieving the sludge through a screen to obtain sludge ash, forming the sludge ash into an artificial sludge aggregate by mixing the sludge ash with an inorganic binder and water followed by granularizing, and mixing the artificial sludge aggregate with an inorganic binder and water to form the sludge aggregate concrete product.

Abstract: A process for treating particulate material containing heavy metal generated during a manufacturing process is disclosed. The process includes providing particulate material containing heavy metal within an enclosed area and mixing an additive of calcium silicate forming material with the particulate material in the enclosed area to create an additive-particulate material. The additive-particulate material can be passed into a waste collection device located downstream of the enclosed area. The calcium silicate forming material can be provided as particles with a particle size of minus 50 to plus 325 mesh. An additional aspect of the invention is an additive for use in such a process for treating metallic oxide impregnated dust, which has a particle size of plus 325 mesh and consists essentially of calcium silicate forming material.

Abstract: A calcium-sodium polysulfide chemical reagent and methods for producing the reagent. The reagent is a blend of calcium polysulfide and sodium polysulfide that can be prepared using various types, sources and ratios of lime, elemental sulfur and sulfide ion using either virgin or waste materials. The reagent is amenable to inexpensive and high rate production methods at ambient or warmer temperatures. The reagent can be used to precipitate metals from wastewater, stabilize hexavalent chrome in hazardous waste residues, remove mercury from coal fired power plants, and as an electrolyte in large-scale bromide/polysulfide electrical storage batteries.

Abstract: An industrial waste byproduct from a titanium metal or a titanium dioxide production process can be utilized as a partial cement replacement. In some embodiments, the byproduct can comprise a byproduct from the production of titanium dioxide pigment from a sulphate process or from a chloride process. The cement can be used to make concrete and other cementitious material products for structural and non-structural uses, for example, grout, mortar, gunite, stucco, masonry, decorative stonework, bricks, blocks, roof tiles, floor tiles, cobblestones, pavers, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble pulverized or fine particle DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating mercury (II) sulfide from elemental mercury. Elemental mercury is injected into a reaction vessel containing vaporized sulfur. The elemental mercury reacts with at least a portion of the vaporized sulfur to form the mercury (II) sulfide.

Abstract: A method of solidifying toxic or hazardous liquid waste, including the steps of pumping an aqueous waste, e.g., from a drilling fluid holding area; through a shearing device; adding the layered phyllosilicate to said aqueous waste in an amount sufficient to solidify the aqueous waste sufficiently such that the solidified aqueous waste has no free liquid; shearing the pumped aqueous waste, containing said layered phyllosilicate, sufficiently to partially exfoliate the layered phyllosilicate into phyllosilicate platelets and tactoids while in contact with the aqueous waste; pumping the sheared aqueous waste and layered phyllosilicate to a solidification area; and allowing the sheared aqueous waste and partially exfoliated layered phyllosilicate sufficient time to solidify such that there are no free liquids remaining in the solidified waste.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

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: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble pulverized or fine particle DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: Self-remediating filters have a heavy metal remediation agent contained in a water-soluble, polymeric material, adjacent to or disposed in a filter medium. A method of remediating conventional, heavy metal-contaminated filters is also provided, wherein a contaminated filter is allowed to contact an aqueous slurry of a heavy metal remediation agent.

Abstract: A method for low-cost arsenic removal from drinking water using chemically prepared bottom ash pre-treated with ferrous sulfate and then sodium hydroxide. Deposits on the surface of particles of bottom ash form of activated iron adsorbent with a high affinity for arsenic. In laboratory tests, a miniscule 5 grams of pre-treated bottom ash was sufficient to remove the arsenic from 2 liters of 2400 ppb (parts per billion) arsenic-laden water to a level below 50 ppb (the present United States Environmental Protection Agency limit). By increasing the amount of pre-treated bottom ash, even lower levels of post-treatment arsenic are expected. It is further expected that this invention supplies a very low-cost solution to arsenic poisoning for large population segments.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method of disposing of waste material in a waste stream, including positioning a porous foamed glass member characterized by an open-cell interconnected pore network in contact with a volume of liquid to be purified and removing an amount of an undesired material from the volume of liquid.

Abstract: A method of solidifying toxic or hazardous liquid waste, including the steps of pumping an aqueous waste, e.g., from a drilling fluid holding area; through a shearing device; adding the layered phyllosilicate to said aqueous waste in an amount sufficient to solidify the aqueous waste sufficiently such that the solidified aqueous waste has no free liquid; shearing the pumped aqueous waste, containing said layered phyllosilicate, sufficiently to partially exfoliate the layered phyllosilicate into phyllosilicate platelets and tactoids while in contact with the aqueous waste; pumping the sheared aqueous waste and layered phyllosilicate to a solidification area; and allowing the sheared aqueous waste and partially exfoliated layered phyllosilicate sufficient time to solidify such that there are no free liquids remaining in the solidified waste.

Abstract: Tropospheric volume elements enriched with vital elements and/or protective substances as well as procedures for their production and application. The term “vital elements” applies to all matter supporting the development of life within the earth's biosphere and the term “protective substances” means all those substances which contribute directly or indirectly to the prevention of harmful effects on the earth's biosphere and in particular on man. Tropospheric volume elements in the form of clouds which contain contaminants and which can escape from industrial facilities due to damage or malfunction are enriched with protective substances which prevent the organism from taking in radioactive elements and minimize the extent of the area affected by the clouds and possess additional warning and identification properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing the amount of ammonia evolved from a cementitious or pozzolanic mixture containing contaminated fly ash, including: providing fly ash contaminated with ammonia or ammonium-containing compounds; and adding a halogenated hydantoin to the contaminated fly ash, wherein upon the formation of a slurry, the halogenated hydantoin reacts with ammonia to reduce the evolution of ammonia gas from the slurry. Another method includes adding a halogenated succinimide to the contaminated fly ash, adding sodium dichloroisocyanurate to the contaminated fly ash, or adding a halogenated sulfamate to the contaminated fly ash.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a glass frit for the containment by vitrification of a material comprising at least one oxidizable or reducible chemical species, and also to a process for the containment of said material by vitrification. The process for the manufacture of the glass frit comprises a step of incorporating into a raw glass frit at least one redox couple, the nature and the amount of which make it possible to maintain said at least one chemical species in its oxidized or reduced state. The containment process comprises mixing and hot melting the resulting glass frit and the material to be contained. The present invention makes it possible to optimize the containment of pollutants such as radionucleides, metals and metalloids. The material may be nuclear waste or a material derived from the incineration of household refuse.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the encapsulation of fine particulate materials which comprises treating these materials with a microfine hydraulic inorganic filler which, typically, comprises a cementitious material, such as Portland Cement. The filler is ground to a much smaller particle size than is normally used in the production of a grout and is provided in the form of an aqueous composition for the treatment of the fine particulate materials by pumping under pressure through these materials such that they become intimately encapsulated. The method is particularly applicable to the treatment of waste materials and, most particularly, waste materials which are encountered in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: Methods of treating hazardous materials, such as, for example, contaminated soils, are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include treating a contaminated soil with a hazardous material treatment composition to form a resulting material. In one aspect, the hazardous material treatment composition may include mostly salt, and from 0.5 to 15 wt % sorbent. The method may further include treating the resulting material with one or more inorganic binding agents. Other methods of treating hazardous materials are also disclosed, as well as compositions for treating hazardous materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of arsenic-contaminated soil, said method being capable of insolubilizing arsenic compounds (in organic form or tri- or pentavalent inorganic form), thereby reducing their leaching level below the environmental standard value for soil. The method consists of heating arsenic-contaminated soil at 200 to 700° C. and mixing the heated soil with a calcium compound and water. The method also consists of mixing arsenic-contaminated soil with a calcium compound, heating the mixed soil at 200 to 700° C., and mixing the heated soil with water.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for optimal stabilization of incinerator ash subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of a combined acidulation and stabilization agent, such that the acidulated and stabilized ash requires TCLP Fluid #1 and the leaching of lead and cadmium is controlled to desired levels. The resultant ash after stabilization is suitable for disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of arsenic-contaminated soil, said method being capable of insolubilizing arsenic compounds (in organic form or tri- or pentavalent inorganic form), thereby reducing their leaching level below the environmental standard value for soil. The method consists of heating arsenic-contaminated soil at 200 to 700° C. and mixing the heated soil with a calcium compound and water. The method also consists of mixing arsenic-contaminated soil with a calcium compound, heating the mixed soil at 200 to 700° C., and mixing the heated soil with water.

Abstract: An improved flowable fill material and method for producing same that provides a medium for disposal of waste wood or other reclaimed debris, including wood treated with anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal materials including those containing copper, chromium and arsenic bearing compounds. The flowable fill material, comprised entirely of recovered and/or recycled materials, provides a medium for the safe disposal of chipped wood or other recovered waste by effectively encapsulating wood chips and substantially retarding further decomposition. Encapsulation of treated wood substantially reduces leaching of arsenic and/or other toxic substances contained therein. The systematic mixing of water, Class C fly ash, and wood chips in specific proportions carries out the present invention.

Abstract: A leaching-stabilized heavy metal-contaminated matrix can be stored in a subsurface saturated zone by contacting the matrix with an amount of an agent for increasing acid-neutralization capacity sufficient to provide the stored matrix a preselected permanence level.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for chemical stabilization of combined Pb and As bearing materials, contaminated soils and wastes subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of stabilizing agents such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.