Abstract: A process for treating contaminated sludges such as municipal sewage sludge, industrial waste sludge and riverbottom sludge with calcium oxide (CaO) and/or calcium carbide (CaC.sub.2) with reclaiming and recycling of calcium oxide (CaO) from the reaction materials. The process is also applicable for dechlorinating PCB contaminated sludges.

Abstract: Hazardous radioactive waste is compacted and cast into safely handled monolithic castings having a radiation barrier wall completely enclosing the radioactive waste by centrifugal casting processes in which the barrier wall may be either a pre-formed shell transported to the jobsite or it may be formed by biaxial centrifugal casting and curing of the barrier wall in a mold. When a pre-formed shell is used, means are provided for thickening the radiation barrier if necessary by biaxial casting of additional barrier material inside of the shell. Castable radioactive material is cast inside the barrier wall before removal of the casting mold from the finished cast monolith. The cast monolith is supported for rotation as the mold is removed therefrom so that additional impact resisting and radiation barrier material can also easily be applied to the exterior surface monolith if radiation leakage exceeds tolerance levels.

Abstract: Hazardous radioactive waste is compacted and cast into safely handled monolithic castings having a radiation barrier wall completely enclosing the radioactive waste by centrifugal casting processes in which the barrier wall may be either a pre-formed shell transported to the jobsite or it may be formed by biaxial centrifugal casting and curing of the barrier wall in a mold. When a pre-formed shell is used, means provided for thickening the radiation barrier if necessary by biaxial casting of additional barrier material inside of the shell. Castable radioactive material is cast inside the barrier wall before removal of the casting mold from the finished cast monolith. The cast monolith is supported for rotation as the mold is removed therefrom so that additional impact resisting and radiation barrier material can also easily be applied to the exterior surface monolith if radiation leakage exceeds tolerance levels.

Abstract: A casting containing toxic waste is made by centrifugally casting toxic waste in a pre-formed cage having heat conducting means therein. The casting is formed with suitable shielding materials selected as a function of the waste being cast. The finished casting contains passageways through which heat is removed. These passageways are oriented such that when two or more castings are stacked in abutment, the passageways of adjacent castings interconnect.

Abstract: A casting containing toxic waste is made by centrifugally casting toxic waste in a pre-formed cage having heat conducting means therein. The casting is formed with suitable shielding materials selected as a function of the waste being cast. The finished casting may contain passageways through which heat is removed. These passageways are oriented such that when two or more castings are stacked in abutment, the passageways of adjacent castings interconnect. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming castings of polygonal exterior cross section having a contaminant barrier wall of substantially uniform thickness so that the waste storage volume of the castings is maximized and so that the castings may be stacked and stored in honeycomb fashion in a respository to minimize dead storage space.

Abstract: Low-Level radioactive wastes and the like are identified by composition and segregated based on specific contaminants identified. The separated wastes are subsequently encapsulated in a centrifugal process prior to disposal. The wastes advantageously are subjected to heat prior to classification in order to remove any volatiles and hydrocarbons present.

Abstract: Low-level radioactive wastes and the like are identified by composition and segregated based on specific contaminants identified. The separated wastes are subsequently encapsulated in a centrifugal process prior to disposal. The wastes advantageously are subjected to heat prior to classification in order to remove any volatiles and hydrocarbons present.

Abstract: Hazardous wastes are identified and treated in situ by forming a downwardly extending zone of particles in the waste. Toxic components in the waste are identified by injection of a pressurized fluid into the zone and capturing a sample of gases rising to the surface of the waste. At least one treatment agent is injected into the zone as appropriate until sampling indicates the particles of waste have been treated to a desired degree.

Abstract: The insitu method of detoxifying a hazardous waste impoundment to a desired degree at a first station thereon without contaminating the ambient atmosphere is carried out by an apparatus (U) that includes a power operated vehicle (V) that movably supports a frame (W) that has a confined space defining shroud (X) on the lower end thereof that is in sealing contact with the impoundment during the carrying out of the method. A power driven cutter (Z) when moved downwardly below the shroud (X) forms a vertical zone A of particled hazardous waste. Pressurized steam from a boiler (B) is discharged into zone A. Volatile toxic organic compounds in zone (A) flow upwardly into shroud (X). A blower (C) withdraws air, steam, toxic vapors and toxic gases from shroud (X) as a toxic stream and at a sufficiently rapid rate as to maintain a negative pressure within the shroud, with the stream after being freed of toxic components by a unit (P) being returned to zone A.

Abstract: Spills of hazardous materials are treated at the site of the spill using an integrated spill responder system which enables personnel to remain at a safe distance from the spill. The mobile, fully self-contained system is dispatched to the spill site and uses a remotely controlled spill treatment head which is maintained in close non-contact proximity to the spill. The system continuously monitors the progress of the treatment operation through various sensors mounted on a boom assembly, or by vacuum drawing samples of the spilled material and chemical treatment agents mixed therewith aboard the spill responder vehicle. Once the spill has been reduced to a non-hazardous form, the treated material can be left at the site of the spill, removed by standard vacuum trucks, or removed by the spill responder system itself by using internal storage tanks.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for detoxification of a hazardous waste containing lagoon comprising a bi-directionally operable cable operated process tool which is pulled through the lagoon and distributes treatment chemicals therein while being continuously supplied with the treatment chemicals from a supply thereof remote from the process tool. The process tool has a specially designed mixing throat and a flexible cable supported multi-panel shroud is disclosed for preventing the escape of toxic gases generated in the area of the process tool where mixing takes place to atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for extracting an undisturbed sample of soil to be tested from a subsurface location uses a cutter to remove unwanted soil from above the undisturbed sample. The device is particularly intended for extraction of soil from contaminated areas without loss of contaminants which are volatile at ambient temperatures. The device also is capable of chilling or freezing the sample in situ before extraction and testing. A method of using the device to take samples whenever volatile contaminants are sensed is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (U) is shown in FIGS. 11-13 that includes a power operated vehicle (V) that supports a vertically movable frame (W) that has a confined space defining shroud (X) on the lower end thereof that may be placed in sealing contact with the upper surface of a hazardous waste impoundment (Y) at a first station to permit the insitu detoxification of a desired portion of the impoundment. At least one power driven blade (Z) is rotated downwardly from within the shroud (X) into the impoundment to form a vertically extending zone (A-1) of particled material that is treated with a detoxifying agent that may be chemical, biological or heat from one or more plasma torches. Gases emitted during the formation of the particled zone (A-1) are subjected to scrub action by a liquid within shroud (X) and the liquid returned to zone (A-1). After the detoxification of a zone has been completed the apparatus (U) is moved to a succession of overlapping second stations where the above described method is repeated.

Abstract: Lime, preferably as calcium oxide, is mixed with the contents of sumps, such as oil well sumps, and these generally have a pasty or plastic consistency. The calcium oxide reacts with the materials present and also dehydrates the contents of the sump, causing the sump contents to stiffen. This mixing is performed by a drag line scoop that carries calcium oxide through the sump contents, mixing and blending the oxide and contents as it moves because of the unique construction of the mixing scoop. Once the mixing and blending is complete and reaction of the calcium oxide and the contents is complete, the sump contents are dredged and deposited on high ground to dry by the combined action of sun and air. Drying periods may range from several days to several weeks and the material thereupon becomes a dry, hard and stable type of soil suitable for fill purposes and which, when neutralized with acid, also may be suitable for agricultural purposes.

Abstract: Lime, preferably as calcium oxide, is mixed with the contents of sumps, such as oil well sumps, and these generally have a pasty or plastic consistency. The calcium oxide reacts with the materials present and also dehydrates the contents of the sump, causing the sump contents to stiffen. This mixing is performed by a drag line scoop that carries calcium oxide through the sump contents, mixing and blending the oxide and contents as it moves because of the unique construction of the mixing scoop. Once the mixing and blending is complete and reaction of the calcium oxide and the contents is complete, the sump contents are dredged and deposited on high ground to dry by the combined action of sun and air. Drying periods may range from several days to several weeks and the material thereupon becomes a dry, hard and stable type of soil suitable for fill purposes and which, when neutralized with acid, also may be suitable for agricultural purposes.