Abstract: A method for disposing of waste material employs an agglomerate formed by molding an admixture of waste material and thermosetting binder. The use of a thermoplastic resin sheet in conjunction with the agglomeration mold promotes the safety of the molding process. Dust and mold leakage is abated and it subsequently yields a resin coated agglomerate that is safe for handling. The performance of the agglomerate is enhanced by formation of a coating of resin chemically bonded onto its surface. The performance of the agglomerate may be further enhanced by the formation of a seam-free thermoplastic resin jacket over the resin coated agglomerate.

Abstract: A method for disposing of waste material employs an agglomerate formed by molding an admixture of waste material and thermosetting binder. The use of a thermoplastic resin sheet in conjunction with the agglomeration mold promotes the safety of the molding process. Dust and mold leakage is abated and it subsequently yields a resin coated agglomerate that is safe for handling. The performance of the agglomerate is enhanced by formation of a coating of resin chemically bonded onto its surface. The performance of the agglomerate may be further enhanced by the formation of a seam-free thermoplastic resin jacket over the resin coated agglomerate.

Abstract: Cushioned overpacks are employed for containing, transporting, and storing discarded electrical transformers contaminated by toxic materials such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Other articles may be similarly contained, transported, and stored using such cushioned overpacks. The discarded transformers are then consigned to such overpacks together with one or more cushions. The cushions serve to prevent puncturing of the overpack by the transformers during transport and storage. Preferred cushions have a foam composition and are inserted into the overpack by means of a pour-in-place process. Preferred overpacks include an inner surface which is roughened so as to adhere to the inserted cushion. After the insertion of the transformer and cushion is complete the assembly is hermetically sealed by a spin welded closure onto the receptacle. Uncushioned overpacks are fabricated at or near the process site by rotational molding.

Abstract: A spin welding apparatus is employed for hermetically sealing seamless overpacks. The seamless overpacks are utilized, for example, for isolating corroding 55 gallon drums which contain hazardous materials. The overpacks include a receiver which contains the 55 gallon drum and a cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one another across a horizontal plane. The welding surfaces have a composition of heat fusible plastic. During the spin welding process, the cover is rotationally driven by the spin welding apparatus while simultaneously being forced downward onto the receiver, which is held stationary. Frictional heat melts the opposing welding surfaces. After the rotational motion stops, the opposing welding surfaces cool and solidify to form a seamless weld joint. During the spin welding process, the covers are rendered susceptible to centrifugal imbalance due their large size.

Abstract: A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides.

Abstract: A staged mold and method for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides.

Abstract: A spin welding apparatus is employed for hermetically sealing seamless overpacks. The seamless overpacks are utilized, for example, for isolating corroding 55 gallon drums which contain hazardous materials. The overpacks include a receiver which contains the 55 gallon drum and a cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one cover which is spin welded onto the receiver. The receiver and cover have circular welding surfaces which oppose one another across a horizontal plane. The welding surfaces have a composition of heat fusible plastic. During the spin welding process, the cover is rotationally driven by the spin welding apparatus while simultaneously being forced downward onto the receiver, which is held stationary. Frictional heat melts the opposing welding surfaces. After the rotational motion stops, the opposing welding surfaces cool and solidify to form a seamless weld joint.

Abstract: A staged mold for stabilizing hazardous wastes for final disposal by molding an agglomerate of the hazardous wastes and encapsulating the agglomerate. Three stages are employed in the process. In the first stage, a first mold body is positioned on a first mold base, a mixture of the hazardous wastes and a thermosetting plastic is loaded into the mold, the mixture is mechanically compressed, heat is applied to cure the mixture to form a rigid agglomerate, and the first mold body is removed leaving the agglomerate sitting on the first mold base. In the second stage, a clamshell second mold body is positioned around the agglomerate and the first mold base, a powdered thermoplastic resin is poured on top of the agglomerate and in the gap between the sides of the agglomerate and the second mold body, the thermoplastic is compressed, heat is applied to melt the thermoplastic, and the plastic is cooled jacketing the agglomerate on the top and sides.