Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing hazardous wastes directly from 55-gallon drums through the use of pyrolysis and steam reforming. The method is based on a pyrolyzer using heat to vaporize organics that are present in the hazardous wastes. The waste is heated in the original drums to avoid the bulk handling of alpha radionuclides and to ensure criticality control. At pyrolysis temperatures, all liquids and organics in the drums will evaporate and volatize. The resulting waste in the drums is a dry, inert, inorganic matrix with carbon char containing radioactive metals. The off-gas produced by pyrolysis mainly consists of water vapor, volatized organics, and acid gases from the decomposition of various plastics and other organics present in the waste drums. The off-gas produced by the pyrolysis is then collected and fed into an off-gas treatment system that is in fluid communication with pyrolyzer operated under oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: A system and method using fluidizing gas optionally augmented by oxygen for reducing nitrogen oxides present in a wide variety of waste materials. The system includes a single reaction vessel, or optionally multiple reaction vessels, providing multiple reaction bed zones in fluid communication. Reduction takes place quickly when steam or another fluidizing gas is injected into the reaction vessel or vessels. Reducing additives may be metered into the reaction vessel or vessels and/or provide energy input to facilitate reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen. The oxygen, when used, allows for some oxidation of waste by-products and provides an additional offset for thermal requirements of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for conversion of alkali metals, heavy metals, halogens, and sulfur into mineral products. The system includes a single reaction vessel. To begin the process, co-reactants such as lime and clay are mixed with waste feeds containing alkali metals, heavy metals, halogens, and sulfur. This mixture is then introduced into the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel is operated under reducing conditions. After the mineral products are allowed to form, they are collected from the reaction vessel.