Abstract: In processes of this invention aqueous waste solutions containing a variety of mixed waste contaminants are treated to remove the contaminants by a sequential addition of chemicals and adsorption/ion exchange powdered materials to remove the contaminants including lead, cadmium, uranium, cesium-137, strontium-85/90, trichloroethylene and benzene, and impurities including iron and calcium. Staged conditioning of the waste solution produces a polydisperse system of size enlarged complexes of the contaminants in three distinct configurations: water-soluble metal complexes, insoluble metal precipitation complexes, and contaminant-bearing particles of ion exchange and adsorbent materials. The volume of the waste is reduced by separation of the polydisperse system by cross-flow microfiltration, followed by low-temperature evaporation and/or filter pressing. The water produced as filtrate is discharged if it meets a specified target water quality, or else the filtrate is recycled until the target is achieved.

Abstract: Combustible, solid radioactive waste, such as paper, plastics, rubber, cloth and wood, are reduced in volume to an ash residue using pyrohydrolysis, a method which combines pyrolysis of the waste in a vessel at temperatures in the range of 500.degree. to 700.degree. C. and gasification of residual carbon with superheated steam. Pressures of 1.0 to 3.5 MPa are used with steam flows in the range 4 to 50 grams/second/cubic meter so that carbon containing components of the waste are removed as gaseous decomposition products in the form of carbon monoxide and hydrogen leaving an ash residue.

Abstract: A control system including a controller for reading temperature values from sensors in a gas turbine, determining the reliability of the sensors, and issuing a fuel control signal for use in controlling the turbine is disclosed. The fuel control signal has a calculated value which is a function of the turbine operating temperature derived from the values of temperature signals generated by the sensors.