Abstract: A system and method for neutralizing a biological organism is provided. The system includes a first element is made from paraformaldehyde. A second element is configured to generate heat and decompose the paraformaldehyde into formaldehyde gas. In one embodiment, the second element is configured to have an exothermic and self-sustaining alloying reaction in response to being thermally energized by an initiator.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a method of processing a waste material that contains mercury or a mercury compound, and chlorine or a mercury chloride, the method including a step of adding a chlorine scavenger to the waste material, and stowing the waste material in a treatment vessel; and a step of subjecting the waste material to a blasting treatment by fitting an explosive to the treatment vessel and detonating the explosive inside a pressure-proof container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of catalysts of general formula (I): (L1)M1-X-M2(L2)??(I) wherein: M1 and M2, either identical or different, represent metal atoms; X represents a nitrogen atom; L1 and L2, either identical or different are coordinated with M1 and M2, respectively, and represent ligands of the tetradentate type, for catalytic oxidation of halogenated compounds.

Abstract: Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents in situ is achieved by delivering ferric ammonium citrate into the soils and/or water. The induction of ferric ammonium citrate into sulfate-rich reducing conditions initiates a combined abiotic and biotic mechanism for the dechlorination of subsurface contaminants. Initial and rapid removal of chlorinated solvents is achieved by way of reductive transformation, a mechanism utilizing the creation of an iron-bound soil mineral (pyrite) followed by stimulating conditions for enhanced biological natural attenuation.

Abstract: A treatment system and a method for removal of at least one halogenated compound, such as PCBs, found in contaminated systems are provided. The treatment system includes a polymer blanket for receiving at least one non-polar solvent. The halogenated compound permeates into or through a wall of the polymer blanket where it is solubilized with at least one non-polar solvent received by said polymer blanket forming a halogenated solvent mixture. This treatment system and method provides for the in situ removal of halogenated compounds from the contaminated system. In one embodiment, the halogenated solvent mixture is subjected to subsequent processes which destroy and/or degrade the halogenated compound.

Abstract: A two step process for the destruction of a precursor material using a steam plasma in a three zone reactor wherein the precursor material is hydrolyzed as a first step in the high temperature zone of the reactor, followed by a second step of medium temperature oxidation of the reactant stream in the combustion zone of the reactor where combustion oxygen or air is injected and immediate quenching of the resulting gas stream to avoid the formation of unwanted by-products. A related apparatus includes a non transferred direct current steam plasma torch, an externally cooled three zone steam plasma reactor means for introducing the precursor material into the plasma plume of the plasma torch, means for introducing the combustion air or oxygen into the combustion zone, means for exiting the reactant mixture from the reactor and means for quenching the reactant mixture located at the exit end of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process consists of the hydrolytic decomposition of the polychlorinated hydrocarbons: of polychlorinated aliphatics and especially of polychlorinated aromatics and oxidizing the chlorine-free product at elevated temperature in the presence of a carrier gas in one unit characterized by a hot and a transitional temperature zone, whereby the calcium chloride and the exiting gas mixture are removed continuously and the excess heat of the highly exothermic process is utilized. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the process which is carried out in an Apparatus of FIG. 1.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for treating wastewater onboard small marine vessels. A pre-determined volume of wastewater generated onboard the vessel is mixed with a larger volume of seawater. This mixture is disinfected and subjected to further oxidation. The excess oxidants are neutralized and the treated effluent is discharged overboard the vessel.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating hazardous materials, such as those which result from an unwanted spill or leak, which comprise one or more of the steps or effects of: neutralizing the dispersed material; solidifying the dispersed material; immobilizing the material; and/or reducing the evolution of harmful or unwanted gaseous forms from the spillage, preferably using a binding agent which comprises a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer.

Abstract: High energy reaction of halogen-containing carbon, boron, silicon and nitrogen compounds, with base component comprising at least one atom selected from Groups IA to VIA, transition metals, lanthanides and actinides of the Periodic Table of the Elements, excluding aluminum and aluminum oxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the detoxification of chemical agents including chemical warfare agents such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, nerve agents of G and V type, lewisite and adamsite by reacting the chemical agents with hydroxyl radicals at a pH greater than 7.0 to detoxify the agents and to render them suitable for disposal. The process can be used on-site and can be easily scaled to fairly large sizes.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for producing products results in solid waste and organic waste disposed in an air stream. The organic waste is subject to oxidation by a thermal oxidizer receiving the air stream from the manufacturing apparatus for oxidizing the organic waste. The thermal oxidizer includes a clean air outlet for venting the oxidized air stream to the atmosphere. A gasifier receives solid waste from the manufacturing apparatus for gasifying the solid waste and producing synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is introduced to the thermal oxidizer for providing additional thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer reducing the amount of fossil fuel required to provide thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer that is necessary for oxidizing the organic waste disposed in said air stream.

Abstract: An exhaust gas containing a perfluoride compound (PFC) and SiF4 is conducted into a silicon remover and brought into contact with water. A reaction water supplied from a water supplying piping and air supplied from an air supplying piping are mixed with the exhaust gas exhausted from the silicon remover. The exhaust gas containing water, air, and CF4 is heated at 700° C. by a heater. The exhaust gas containing PFC is conducted to a catalyst layer filled with an alumina group catalyst. The PFC is decomposed to HF and CO2 by the catalyst. The exhaust gas containing HF and CO2 at a high temperature exhausted from the catalyst layer is cooled in a cooling apparatus. Subsequently, the exhaust gas is conducted to an acidic gas removing apparatus to remove HF. In this way, the silicon component is removed from the exhaust gas before introducing the exhaust gas into the catalyst layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for solidifying and stabilizing waste acid including steps of condensing waste acid containing phosphoric acid to reduce the volume; mixing the condensed waste acid with waste acid containing fluoroboric acid to solidify and stabilize the mixed waste acid. The pH of the mixed acid is adjusted by adding barium hydroxide as a neutralizer. The efficiency of solidifying waste acid can be improved by partially granulating and by adding solidifying agent indirectly. The method of the present invention can prevent intensely exothermic reaction caused by adding solidifying agents. Furthermore, the method of the present invention is controlled in a temperature of 30 to 45° C. to improve the polymerization of the mixed waste acid so that the efficiency of solidification thereof can be also improved.

Abstract: A method for gas phase application of chlorine dioxide within an enclosed volume that includes the steps of: climatizing the enclosed volume to achieve a relative humidity (RH) in the range of about 5% to about 56%; generating chlorine dioxide gas; and introducing the chlorine dioxide gas under specified conditions of chlorine dioxide gas concentration and contact time, the specified conditions being effective to eliminate contaminants within the closed volume, and further to mitigate corrosion within the enclosed volume during the gas phase application.

Abstract: An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C.

Abstract: PCBs are removed from contaminated media using a treatment system including zero-valent metal particles and an organic hydrogen donating solvent. The treatment system may include a weak acid in order to eliminate the need for a coating of catalytic noble metal on the zero-valent metal particles. If catalyzed zero-valent metal particles are used, the treatment system may include an organic hydrogen donating solvent that is a non-water solvent. The treatment system may be provided as a “paste-like” system that is preferably applied to natural media and ex-situ structures to eliminate PCBs.

Abstract: Method for removing the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating a nuclear fuel pellet comprising uranium dioxide UO2, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) the polymer is pyrolysed in a reducing atmosphere; and b) the carbon residues obtained after the pyrolysis step (a) are selectively oxidized, the oxidation being carried out at temperature above 1000° C. in an atmosphere comprising carbon dioxide CO2. Such a method makes it possible to remove the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating the pellet while avoiding or limiting the risk of radiological contamination by the formation of U3O8.

Abstract: A method for producing a decomposer of an organic halogenated compound comprises subjecting an iron powder produced beforehand to plastic deformation that gives the iron powder particles a flat shape. Further, an iron powder and a copper salt powder are mechanically mixed in a ball mill to produce a copper salt-containing iron particle powder in which the particles of the two powders are joined. In this case, the method for producing the decomposer of an organic halogenated compound is characterized in that the iron powder is mechanically deformed to give the particles a flat shape.

Abstract: A reduced weight decontamination formulation that utilizes a solid peracid compound (sodium borate peracetate) and a cationic surfactant (dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride) that can be packaged with all water removed. This reduces the packaged weight of the decontamination formulation by ˜80% (as compared to the “all-liquid” DF-200 formulation) and significantly lowers the logistics burden on the warfighter. Water (freshwater or saltwater) is added to the new decontamination formulation at the time of use from a local source.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a method whereby with respect to a microorganism present in an environment contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), capability of the microorganism to degrade contaminants can be judged promptly. In order to achieve the above-described object, a biological activity judging method according to the present invention is a method of judging capability of a contaminated environment to eliminate an organochlorine compound, in which using a DNA probe that allows a bacterium to be detected specifically, which has a degradation activity with respect to the organochlorine compound and/or a dechlorinated product thereof, the bacterium in the environment is detected. The present invention also provides a new type of polynucleotide that can be used as a DNA probe in the biological activity judging method according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method, using a photocatalyst, to accelerate the reduction of semivolatile organic chemicals absorbed into porous, solid materials. The porous, solid material having absorbed one or more semivolatile organic contaminants. The photocatalytic material located on the surface of the porous, solid material is exposed to a light source, under aerobic conditions, which excites the photocatalyst and results in the reduction of the absorbed semivolatile organic chemical contaminants.

Abstract: A method for dehalogenation detoxication of halogenated aromatic and/or cyclic compounds, based on the fact that at least one halogenated aromatic and/or cyclic compound is heated on a support matrix in a closed system at a temperature of 200 to 500° C. in the presence of copper in metallic form and/or in the form of copper compounds, a hydrogen donor, carbon and at least one additional reducing substance, capable of reducing cupric and cuprous ions to elemental copper at the above temperature.

Abstract: Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.

Abstract: Alkyl halides can be effectively scrubbed from gas streams containing them by passing the gas streams through dispersers having a very small pore size into an aqueous scrubbing liquid containing a nucleophile such as thiosulfate. Optionally, the addition of a water-soluble organic compound to the scrubbing liquid may increase the rate of destruction of the alkyl halide. Alkyl halides such as methyl bromide can be effectively scrubbed from enclosed spaces containing the halide, for example in enclosures used for fumigation.

Abstract: Method of remediating a soil contaminated by polyhalogenated hydrocarbons, in particular PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs, comprising the steps of removing and sieving the soil to free it of stones and gravel; possibly regulating the moisture content of the sieved soil to a value of 10-30%; subjecting the sieved soil to thermal treatment while it flows in the form of a thin, turbulent, dynamic layer in contact with a wall heated to at least 250° C.; separating the thermally treated soil from the steam generated following such treatment, the soil being substantially free of the aforementioned polyhalogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Decontamination formulations with an additive for enhancing mold remediation. The formulations include a solubilizing agent (e.g., a cationic surfactant), a reactive compound (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, a water-soluble bleaching activator (e.g., propylene glycol diacetate or glycerol diacetate), a mold remediation enhancer containing Fe or Mn, and water. The concentration of Fe2+ or Mn2+ ions in the aqueous mixture is in the range of about 0.0001% to about 0.001%. The enhanced formulations can be delivered, for example, as a foam, spray, liquid, fog, mist, or aerosol for neutralization of chemical compounds, and for killing certain biological compounds or agents and mold spores, on contaminated surfaces and materials.

Abstract: Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

Abstract: Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents is achieved by stimulating anaerobic microorganisms and thus increasing the rate of biological mineralization of the solvents. This is accomplished by a treatment process consisting of colloidal suspension of metal powder, an organic hydrogen donor, chemical oxygen scavengers in solution with essential nutrients, and vitamin stimulants such as B2 and B12 delivered via compressed gases N or CO2 so as not to oxygenate an environment targeted for anaerobic processes. The treatment stimulates naturally occurring microorganisms while oxidizing dissolved phase target compounds via the surface action of the iron particles resulting in the breakdown of chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, carbon tetrachloride and their daughter products.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for decontamination of organic halides in asphalt-containing wastes, such as PCBs in asphaltic potting compounds. The processes may use hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the asphaltic waste, and an alkali metal reactant, such as a sodium dispersion, to destroy the organic halides in the dissolved mixture.

Abstract: A treatment method includes heating a treatment target object under reduced pressure in a hermetic zone to vaporize a component of the treatment target object, and opening a hermetic door and inserting a tube from a side of a treatment system for the vaporized component adjoining the hermetic zone with the hermetic door therebetween such that the tube shields the hermetic door from the hermetic zone to introduce the component vaporized from the treatment target object to the treatment system side.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: A purifying agent for purifying soil or ground water which comprises a water suspension containing iron composite particles comprising ?-Fe and magnetite, and having an average particle diameter of 0.05 to 0.50 ?m, an S content of 3500 to 10000 ppm and an Al content of 0.10 to 1.50% by weight, and polyaspartic acid or a salt thereof. The purifying agent is capable of decomposing aliphatic organohalogen compounds or aromatic organohalogen compounds contained in the soil or ground water in an efficient, continuous and economical manner.

Abstract: A gas stream containing at least one fluorine compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of carbon and fluorine, compounds of carbon, hydrogen and fluorine, compounds of sulfur and fluorine, compounds of nitrogen and fluorine and compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and fluorine is contacted with a catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titania, zirconia and silica, preferably a catalyst comprising alumina and at least one of nickel oxide, zinc oxide and titania in the presence of steam, thereby hydrolyzing the fluorine compound at a relatively low temperature, e.g. 200°–800° C., to convert the fluorine of the fluorine compound to hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A high temperature and high pressure process utilizes dehaloganation, oxidation, or similar reactions to chemically alter hazardous organic chemicals to render them non-hazardous. The method is particularly adaptable to the treatment of sediments in bodies of water and includes process steps to destroy contaminants such as PCBs in one product stream and to capture heavy metals for disposal in a smaller second product stream.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst including a base material coated with a catalytic metal is made using mechanical milling techniques. The hydrogenation catalysts are used as an excellent catalyst for the dehalogenation of contaminated compounds and the remediation of other industrial compounds. Preferably, the hydrogenation catalyst is a bimetallic particle including zero-valent metal particles coated with a catalytic material. The mechanical milling technique is simpler and cheaper than previously used methods for producing hydrogenation catalysts.

Abstract: Methods of treating ground water and methods for reducing contaminants (e.g., chlorinated compounds in contaminated ground water) to harmless compounds in the presence of an elemental metal treatment composition. Said methods comprise injecting a treatment solution comprising a colloidal suspension of elemental metal particles (e.g., iron, a tin, a zinc, a palladium and mixtures thereof) having a nanoscale particle size and a carbohydrate in an organic liquid (e.g., dodecane, butyl acetate and polypropylene glycol ethyl ether acetate and mixtures thereof) into the ground, proximate to the contaminated ground water.

Abstract: A decontamination formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack, and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The formulation includes at least one solubilizing agent, a reactive compound, a bleaching activator, a sorbent additive, and water. The highly adsorbent, water-soluble sorbent additive (e.g., sorbitol or mannitol) is used to “dry out” one or more liquid ingredients, such as the liquid bleaching activator (e.g., propylene glycol diacetate or glycerol diacetate) and convert the activator into a dry, free-flowing powder that has an extended shelf life, and is more convenient to handle and mix in the field.

Abstract: A decontamination formulation and method of making that neutralizes the adverse health effects of both chemical and biological compounds, especially chemical warfare (CW) and biological warfare (BW) agents, and toxic industrial chemicals. The formulation provides solubilizing compounds that serve to effectively render the chemical and biological compounds, particularly CW and BW compounds, susceptible to attack, and at least one reactive compound that serves to attack (and detoxify or kill) the compound. The formulation includes at least one solubilizing agent, a reactive compound, a sorbent additive, and water. A highly adsorbent sorbent additive (e.g., amorphous silica, sorbitol, mannitol, etc.) is used to “dry out” one or more liquid ingredients into a dry, free-flowing powder that has an extended shelf life, and is more convenient to handle and mix in the field.

Abstract: Aqueous decontamination formulations that neutralize biological pathogens for disinfection and sterilization applications. Examples of suitable applications include disinfection of food processing equipment, disinfection of areas containing livestock, mold remediation, sterilization of medical instruments and direct disinfection of food surfaces, such as beef carcasses. The formulations include at least one reactive compound, bleaching activator, inorganic base, and water. The formulations can be packaged as a two-part kit system, and can have a pH value in the range of 7-8.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminants in soil and/or groundwater including adding a source of a peroxide and ozone to the in situ environment in amounts capable of producing reactive species sufficient to oxidize at least one of the contaminants without acidification of the environment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is provided for the decontamination of river bottoms. The system makes use of a barge, which is passed over the soil that needs to be decontaminated. The barge carries a high intensity laser, such as a 2,000 kW excimer YAG laser. The output of the laser is directed into a plurality of fiber optic cables. These fiber optic cables extend from the laser all the way down to the bottom of the river. The fiber optic cables direct the high intensity laser beams at the bottom of the river. The laser light reacts with the PCBs in the soil and breaks down and dissociates the chemicals into harmless by-products. Additionally, UV light emitters can also be attached to the fiber optic cables, near the river bottom, to assist in the PCB decontamination process.

Abstract: Chlorine-containing waste is processed inside a heating device, an alkali metal compound and a calcium compound are given into the heating device while the temperature of a solid phase inside the heating device is maintained at 400 to 1500° C., chlorine that is contained in the chlorine-containing waste and that has not been bound by the alkali metal compound is bound in the solid phase by the calcium compound, and chlorine is converted into alkali metal chloride from calcium chloride generated in the course of the processing of the chlorine-containing waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for decontaminating waters, especially groundwaters, which are heavily and complexly polluted with organic halogen compounds (HHC), in which process the contaminated waters are pre-treated in order to convert low-volatility HHC into more readily volatile components, the halogenated hydrocarbons are subsequently transferred from the aqueous phase to the gaseous phase where complete conversion into halogen-free compounds takes place at elevated temperature by means of catalytic reductive dehalogenation.

Abstract: There are disclosed various processes, apparatuses and systems for treating a halogen-containing gas such as F2 that involve generating a plasma in order to reduce chemically the halogen-containing gas into products that are more environmentally manageable. According to a particular embodiment, a reducing agent is mixed with the halogen-containing gas to produce a feed gas mixture and a non-thermal plasma is generated in the feed gas mixture in the presence of liquid water. According to another embodiment, a vaporized portion of a liquid reducing agent is mixed with the halogen-containing gas to produce a reaction mixture and a non-thermal plasma is generated in the reaction gas mixture to reduce the halogen-containing gas.

Abstract: Methods and equipment are provided for making polybichlorophenyl non-toxic. Methods include a first oxidation step, in which polybichlorophenyl is burned, and a second oxidation step, in which exhaust gas from the first oxidation step is oxidized by contact with metallic phthalocyanines or metallic phthalocyanine derivatives and with an oxygen supply compound. Equipment includes a first furnace for burning a polybichlorophenyl-containing oil with an auxiliary fuel and a second oxidation reaction unit. The second oxidation reaction unit connects to the first furnace under seal, and includes metallic phthalocyanine or metallic phthalocyanine derivative solution supply source and an oxygen supply compound supply source.

Abstract: The invention provides a remediation method of soil, water and/or gases by prompt dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbons by allowing the halogenated hydrocarbons contained at least in one of the soil, water and/or gases to contact an iron powder containing about 0.03 to about 2% by mass of sulfur preferably on the surface, and an iron powder for use in the remediation method.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating pollutants in a gaseous stream. The apparatus comprises tubular inlets for mixing a gas stream with other oxidative and inert gases for mixture and flame production within a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is heated by heating elements and has an interior wall with orifices through which heated air enters into the central reaction chamber. The oxidized gases are treated also for particles removal by flowing through a packed bed. The packed bed is cooled and its upper portion with air inlets to enhance condensation and particle growth in the bed. The treated gas stream is also scrubbed in a continuous regenerative scrubber comprising at least two vertically separated beds in which one bed can be regenerated while the other is operative so that the flow may be continuously passed through the bed.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating solids contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons includes a first step of heating the contaminated solids at a temperature high enough to volatize chlorine contaminates but below a temperature range favorable to the formation of the dioxins and furans to dechlorinate the contaminated solids. Volatilized chlorine contaminates are removed from the dechlorinated contaminated solids. The dechlorinated contaminated solids are then purged with an inert gas to remove oxygen from the dechlorinated contaminated solids. Thereafter the dechlorinated contaminated solids are heated in the absence of oxygen to a temperature sufficient to crack hydrocarbons contaminating the solids to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons.