Abstract: A method of treatment of aqueous liquid contaminated by pollutants, includes (i) mixing the contaminated aqueous liquid with a mineral binder in order to produce an homogeneous slurry, (ii) depositing the slurry, (iii) letting the slurry set and harden, wherein the mineral binder includes Portland cement, and wherein the contaminated aqueous liquid includes organic pollutants.

Abstract: Methods for filling a container with hazardous waste are disclosed. One method includes moving the container to a position where a filling head adds solid hazardous waste to the container, coupling a lid to the container to close the container while the container is at the position, and moving the closed container away from the position. Another method includes aerating dry cementitious material in the container with a mixer, adding hazardous waste to the container, mixing the cementitious material and the hazardous waste with the mixer, and controlling the speed of the mixer.

Abstract: A process is disclosed which converts intractable, semi-solid drill cuttings into a free-flowing granular, soil-like SDC material, which, after appropriate compaction, can be beneficially used for a variety of engineering construction applications, thereby removing the need for disposal with its associated costs and environmental impact, and as a result improving the overall economics for gas well development, together with improving corporate sustainability and reducing liability.

Abstract: A process for treating a tailings stream comprises (a) contacting (1) a gelling agent and (2) an activator with said tailings stream to produce a gel; (b) entrapping solids including sand and clay, and other solid particles with the gel; and (c) allowing the gel to strengthen and solidify to produce a trafficable deposit; wherein the tailings stream comprises water and solids, which solids comprise sand, clay and other solids particles, and wherein 5% by volume to 100% by volume of the solids have a particle size less than 0.05 mm, based on the total volume of the solids. The process may further comprises spreading the gel produced in step (a) or the trafficable deposit produced in step (c) over a surface. The present invention is particularly useful to treat tailings streams produced in processes to extract bitumen from oil sands ores.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for stabilizing waste by landfilling, including mixing the waste with ash after burning oil shale, whereby safely stabilizing inorganic or organic waste by embedding it in a hardened matter exhibiting a high compression strength.

Abstract: Containers and methods for disposing unused pharmaceutical product are disclosed. Each container (100, 200, 300) may include a container body (104, 204, 304) with an internal chamber (116, 216, 316) for storing pharmaceutical product, along with a cover (124, 224, 324) for selectively limiting access to the chamber (116, 216, 316). An encapsulation component (128, 228, 328) may be selectively disposable within the chamber (116, 216, 316), and may be operable to encapsulate the pharmaceutical product within the container (100, 200, 300). For instance, the encapsulation component (128, 228, 328) may melt and/or flow into contact with the pharmaceutical product and thereafter solidify to encapsulate the pharmaceutical product. The encapsulation component (128, 228, 328) may melt and thereafter solidify between the cover (124, 224, 324) and shell (104, 204, 304) to limit removal of the cover (124, 224, 324) from the shell (104, 204, 304).

Abstract: A method for vitrification of waste to reduce the formation of persistent secondary phases comprising separating at least one glass frit constituent from an initial glass frit to form a modified glass frit. The waste, modified glass frit, and the at least one glass frit constituent are mixed together with the modified glass frit and the at least one glass frit constituent being added as separate components. The resulting mixture is vitrified.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an ingress port configured to permit injection of a liquid hardenable solution into the container to encapsulate the sharp portion. The method of use includes inserting the sharp metal instrument into the container, and injecting a liquid hardenable solution into the container through the ingress port to encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The hardenable solution then hardens, encapsulating the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The liquid hardenable solution is injected by a base or base unit configured to receive the container and to inject the solution through the ingress port.

Abstract: Methods and products for hardening/solidifying waste paint for disposal, which are ideal for use with water-based paints, acrylic paints, latex paints and oil-based paints using a single product which is both safe to use and safe for landfill disposal. In one illustrative embodiment, the product may comprise coconut coir, manufactured in a loose granulated grade, a compressed pellet grade, or a suitable mixture thereof which allows a user to choose the correct grades desired for as specific application to solidify waste paint materials safe for landfill disposal. Methods of use may include selecting the appropriate grade for a particular usage, solidifying waste paint and disposing of the waste paint absorbed into the selected coconut coir product.

Abstract: A system for filling a container with hazardous waste includes a primary confinement chamber that houses a lid handling mechanism and a filling head. The lid handling mechanism may be used to remove and/or recouple the lid to the container as part of the process of filling the container in such a way to ensure the exterior of the container is not contaminated by the hazardous waste. The filling head may be configured to add the hazardous waste to the container, mix the contents of the container, and/or vent air from the container.

Abstract: An assembly and method for processing human waste includes providing a supporting base having an opening within which a waste reservoir is affixed. The assembly may be installed on or below a rim of a toilet bowl. Solidification and pathogen killing materials are provided. The materials are deposited in the reservoir either prior to or upon accumulation of waste in the reservoir. The reservoir with the solidified waste is then sealed and transported to a collection facility.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for solidification of liquid medical waste for use in connection with a vessel configured to receive an aqueous liquid to be solidified. The system includes an absorbent composition including a plurality of surface cross-linked superabsorbent particles and a plurality of second particles. Additionally, a soluble packet may be included so that the absorbent composition is released upon dissolution of the packet. The invention also includes a liquid solidification system for reducing gel block and a method of solidifying liquid medical waste.

Abstract: A sulfur-sand limestone mortar and methods of preparing the sulfur-sand limestone mortar and disposing of elemental sulfur, are disclosed. In embodiments, the sulfur-sand limestone mortar includes elemental sulfur, limestone powder, and sand. Modifiers, such as plasticizers, are not required and are not used in embodiments of the sulfur-sand limestone mortar. In embodiments of the method to prepare the sulfur-sand limestone mortar, each of the elemental sulfur, limestone powder, and sand are heated to at least 140 C, then combined, and then allowed to solidify.

Abstract: By-product materials are processed to mitigate undesirable effects. In some embodiments, industrial waste by-products are recycled using calcium polysulfide and used in building materials. In certain implementations, toxins are rendered non-viable as human pathogens by reaction with calcium polysulfide to create non-soluble sulfide crystals locked in the material as hydration is completed. The sulfides are not soluble in water and are locked into position within the resulting hydrate material, which mitigates escape of or changes of state in the toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for converting hazardous waste glass into safe and usable material. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ceramic products from toxic-metal-containing waste glass, thereby safely encapsulating the metals and other hazardous components within the ceramic products.

Abstract: A system, method, and composition for generating a composition made from a combination of fly ash, FGD purge water, a fixation agent such as lime, and/or synthetic gypsum which, when mixed in the right proportions, results in a material that is easily handled and sets up over time in a relatively impermeable manner that significantly reduces the leaching of contaminants that would otherwise be readily available for release into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to immobilize high alkaline radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a silicate-based glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides silicate-based glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method for filling a container with hazardous waste includes moving the container to a first location where a filling head adds the hazardous waste to the container, vents air from the container, and mixes the hazardous waste in the container. A lid is coupled to the container while it is at the first location.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating produced water recovered from an oil recovery process. An oil-water mixture is collected from an oil bearing formation. The oil-water mixture is directed to a separator that separates the oil-water mixture to yield produced water and an oil product. The produced water includes water, dissolved organics and dissolved inorganic solids. The produced water is directed to a crystallizer. In the crystallizer, the produced water is concentrated by heating the produced water. Concentrating the produced water causes the organic and inorganic solids to precipitate from the produced water and form solid crystals, including salt crystals. Further, concentrating the produced water in the crystallizer produces an organic melt including the solid crystals. Thereafter, the method or process entails cooling the organic melt such that the organic melt solidifies into an organic solid structure, and wherein substantially no free water is present in the organic solid structure.

Abstract: This invention reveals to the public the centralized sump oil and acid oil treatment process and system. The process consist of (1) the filter; (2) entry to reaction kettle, the sodium carbonate solution added at the time of air floatation till PH value keeps about 6.0-8.0; and emulsion splitter and flocculating agent added for further reaction; (3) suspension of air floatation and static settlement; (4) the international crude oil is collected after the detergent oil at the upper level of the reaction kettle is dehydrated under normal and reduced pressure; the wastewater is drained after filtering by the natural oil removal tank and the oil-water filter; the sludge is solidified by the cement and the quick lime and aluminium oxide are used as the coagulant aid for solidifying the sludge.

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: 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: Compositions and methods for producing a manufactured product, a method for making a liquid absorbent, and processes for disposal of flammable liquids with a flue gas desulfurization by-product. The compositions for the manufactured products combine a binder and the by-product. The composition contains a greater percentage by weight of the by-product than the binder. The methods for producing manufactured products include dewatering the gypsum-depleted waste stream to reduce a water content, and forming the manufactured product. The method for making a liquid absorbent includes dewatering, granulating, drying, heating, and packaging a granulated gypsum-depleted composition as the liquid absorbent. The processes for disposal of flammable liquids include distributing a by-product into contact with flammable liquid, absorbing the liquid, transporting, and igniting the flammable liquid. The artificial soils are a combination of by-product and animal waste.

Abstract: A method of rendering hazardous materials less dangerous comprising trapping the hazardous material in nanopores of a nanoporous composite material, reacting the trapped hazardous material to render it less volatile/soluble, sealing the trapped hazardous material, and vitrifying the nanoporous material containing the less volatile/soluble hazardous material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is provided an evaporator/calciner in which hazardous materials, such as radioactive liquids, are converted into chemically stable, solid forms by evaporating, drying and calcination within a single vessel, that can then be sealed and used for long term storage.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stabilizing and solidifying elemental mercury using sulfur and paraffin. The method includes reacting elemental mercury with sulfur to prepare a mercury sulfide compound, adding a mixture of the mercury sulfide compound and the remaining sulfur after the reaction to high-temperature liquid paraffin to melt the remaining sulfur, and cooling the sulfur to solidify the mercury sulfide compound. According to the method of stabilizing and solidifying elemental mercury using sulfur and paraffin, a surface of a solidified product is covered with a thin paraffin layer to prevent exposure to the outside.

Abstract: A Method and Device for solidification of waste liquids and fluids is disclosed, which is particularly well suited to processing radioactive waste fluids. Set forth is a receiving unit or subassembly for housing solidification agent, and one or more manifold units or subassemblies positioned within the receiving unit for providing waste fluid. The subassemblies operate in relation to each other to provide, position and mix solidification agent or polymer with waste fluid so that a dirt-like polymerized waste product is produced and positioned in the container for removal or later safe shipment or storage. Mathematical relationships, in preferred embodiments or aspects are utilized in determining number and sizing of manifold openings, and pressure of waste to be provided, to meet the requirements of waste fluids to be transported through these openings into the receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to immobilize high alkaline radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a silicate-based glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides silicate-based glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.

Abstract: A method for disposing of liquid aqueous laboratory waste is described, which involves solidifying the liquid waste with a suitable isovolumic, space-filling superabsorbent polymer within a disposable impermeable film-type container held in an open top, reusable rigid outer container such as a laboratory beaker, and closing and removing the disposable container containing the solidified waste from the rigid outer container. The waste held in the film-type container can be finally disposed of through incineration or deposit in a suitable landfill.

Abstract: A method and process for recycling municipal and chemical wastes to obtain reusable materials or products for manufacturing of new goods. The present invention processes reusable chemicals for energy and reusable raw materials for manufacturing and reselling of products. Through the separation of municipal wastes, the user is able to further distinguish the distinct properties of the involved materials by its raw components and useful, potentially reusable chemical components. By the method of reprocessing raw materials, the present invention yields newly made products that are reusable and available for resale out of old scraps of chemical or municipal waste. Recycled products include and are not excluded to toys, kitchen appliances, military weaponry, missiles, fireworks, and vehicles.

Abstract: A radioactive containment composition may be created for containing radionuclides from a radioactive material by mixing a clay mineral with water. This mixture may form an aqueous clay suspension. The mixture can be refined by filtering to remove coarse material. The aqueous clay suspension may be applied to a radioactive material, allowing the radionuclides to be exchanged with cations in the aqueous clay suspension. The resulting aqueous slurry, a silver-based solution may be added to produce a suspension. The suspension may be collected, heated and analyzed.

Abstract: Disposal of medications presents a multifaceted problem where medications disposed of via sewage systems can eventually affect water supplies. Meanwhile disposal via normal solid waste systems faces a similar problem and have the added dilemma of potential diversion of drugs of abuse. Combining those medications with an absorbent mixture containing bentonite clay with other absorptive materials allows those medications to be disposed of in a form that limits exposure to a water supply while simultaneously hedging diversion.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to immobilize radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a borosilicate glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides borosilicate glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.

Abstract: Industrial process for the treatment of RSW without selecting, that after being milled are added with sanitizing solutions, binders and hardeners which chemically immobilize them avoid the production of percolating liquids, leaching of heavy metals and generation of greenhouse gases. The resulting material—a grey, warm and malleable paste—forges, allowing diverse uses; it can be directly buried in the ground without special protections; can be used as construction material for urban furniture or architectural structures; or can be anchored in the ocean, building habitats of ocean ecosystems, if it is properly packaged in waterproof material.

Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of chemical contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, cerium oxalate and/or a cerium salt. The aggregate composition can include more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound, and in a particular embodiment consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally a binder and/or flow aid. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include removing or detoxifying chemical contaminants in water.

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

Abstract: A method for the exclusive and singular treatment of all pharmaceuticals and drugs in any form that have passed their effective date, or are no longer of use to the individual, by mixing the pharmaceuticals and drugs with a granular solidification agent and water to form a non hazardous slurry which will solidify the liquefied pharmaceuticals and drugs into a non hazardous, environmentally friendly mixture safe for disposal into normal solid trash receptacles and landfills, and no longer a potential legal risk from ingestion after depositing into trash system. In this treatment the additional potential health risk and legal liability is eliminated from drugs and pharmaceuticals going into toilets and drains to sanitary sewers or septic tanks, and becoming liquid and untreatable at municipal wastewater treatment plants or septic fields, thereby returning to fresh water resources causing a risk to the general public health.

Abstract: Methods of disposing of sorbent bodies comprising at least one toxic element which is substantially prevented from leaching into the surrounding environment are disclosed. The at least one toxic element which is prevented from leaching into the surrounding environment may include, for example, mercury, selenium, or both. The methods of disposing of said sorbent bodies may include, for example, depositing the sorbent bodies in a landfill. Landfill-disposable sorbent bodies which are configured to substantially prevent leaching into the surrounding environment of at least one toxic element are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for recycling a sodium salt by decomposition of a sodium nitride liquid waste, comprising a neutralization step in which a nitric acid liquid waste or an off-gas having nitric acid dissolved therein which is produced through a wet reprocessing process comprising a dissolution step for dissolving a spent nuclear fuel in nitric acid is neutralized by adding or contacting the nitrate liquid waste or the off-gas to or with at least one sodium salt selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate, thereby yielding a sodium nitrate liquid waste; a sodium nitrate-decomposition step in which the sodium nitrate liquid waste is reductively decomposed with a reducing agent, thereby decomposing sodium nitrate into a nitrogen gas and the sodium salt; and a recycle step for recycling the sodium salt into the neutralization step or wet reprocessing process.

Abstract: A radioactive containment composition may be created for containing radionuclides from a radioactive material by mixing a clay mineral with water. This mixture may form an aqueous clay suspension. The mixture can be refined by filtering to remove coarse material. The aqueous clay suspension may be applied to a radioactive material, allowing the radionuclides to be exchanged with cations in the aqueous clay suspension. The resulting aqueous slurry, a silver-based solution may be added to produce a suspension. The suspension may be collected, heated and analyzed.

Abstract: The invention relates a sorbent and method of using the sorbent, more specifically to an inert sorbent and a method for treating an environmentally contaminated zone with the inert sorbent.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes to immobilize radioactive and/or hazardous waste in a borosilicate glass, the waste containing one or more of radionuclides, hazardous elements, hazardous compounds, and/or other compounds. The invention also provides borosilicate glass compositions for use in immobilizing radioactive and/or hazardous waste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for solidifying soil and industrial waste. The solidifying composition contains 16-24 wt % of straight asphalt, 0.06-0.10 wt % of an emulsifier for asphalt, 0.8-1.2 wt % of light oil, heavy oil or a mixture thereof, 0.01-0.03 wt % of calcium chloride, 0.8-1.2 wt % of lignin, 0.7-1.3 wt % of an acrylic emulsion-based asphalt modifier, 0.13-0.21 wt % of sodium hydroxide, 0.22-0.34 wt % of oleic acid, and the balance of water. A solidified material formed using this solidifying composition has increased density, strength and elasticity, improved durability and a short curing time. Furthermore, the solidifying composition enables soil and industrial waste to be recycled as a substitute for stone materials, such that it allows material sources to be readily secured in public or construction work fields, leading to a reduction in construction cost, and can also contribute to the preservation of the natural environment.

Abstract: A method of solidifying toxic or hazardous liquid waste, including the steps of pumping an aqueous waste, e.g., from a drilling fluid holding area; through a shearing device; adding the layered phyllosilicate to said aqueous waste in an amount sufficient to solidify the aqueous waste sufficiently such that the solidified aqueous waste has no free liquid; shearing the pumped aqueous waste, containing said layered phyllosilicate, sufficiently to partially exfoliate the layered phyllosilicate into phyllosilicate platelets and tactoids while in contact with the aqueous waste; pumping the sheared aqueous waste and layered phyllosilicate to a solidification area; and allowing the sheared aqueous waste and partially exfoliated layered phyllosilicate sufficient time to solidify such that there are no free liquids remaining in the solidified waste.

Abstract: There is described a method of treating a waste having both liquid and solid fractions, the method consisting of adding to the waste a mineral absorbent in an amount from about 1.5 to 10 weight percent of the waste.

Abstract: A process for melting material to be treated includes placing material to be treated in a container that may include an insulating lining, heating the material to be treated and melting the material to be treated, preferably allowing the melted material to cool to form a vitrified and/or crystalline mass, and disposing of the mass. The mass is either disposed while contained in container or removed from container after cooling and disposed. Heat loss and melt-surface disruptions can be minimized with an engineered overburden material, which covers at least a portion of an exposed surface of the material to be treated.

Abstract: A method of waste stabilization by mineralization of waste material in situ in a treatment container suitable or treatment, transit, storage and disposal. The waste material may be mixed with mineralizing additives and, optionally, reducing additives, in the treatment container or in a separate mixing vessel. The mixture is then subjected to heat in the treatment container to heat-activate mineralization of the mixture and form a stable, mineralized, monolithic solid. This stabilized mass may then be transported in the same treatment container for storage and disposal.