Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection and containment of hydrocarbons that may be spilled or leaked by equipment utilizing an internal combustion engine, transmission or fuel tank prevents pollution of the environment. Hydrocarbons accumulated in a spill collection apparatus are directed to a spill containment device where they are absorbed and solidified into a rubber-like mass. Solidification of hydrocarbons and retaining them within a hydrocarbon impermeable housing prevents them from contaminating the surface below the equipment and facilitates their handling for disposal.

Abstract: An absorption mat 1 receives organic hydrocarbons in liquid, paste-like or solid form, for example, oil, fats, fuels and solvents. The absorption mat includes a plate-like molded body 2 made of rubber granulate 3 or rubber shavings 3 bonded to each other to define a plate-like body. A base layer 6 resistant to the hydrocarbons is joined by vulcanization to the plate-like molded body 2. The base layer 6 is a composite base barrier layer including first and second layers (10, 12) made of hydrocarbon resistant material and a mesh-like support layer 14 is sandwiched and trapped between the first and second layers (10, 12) for preventing unwanted stretching of the mat during manufacture and when handling before placement on the ground or floor area and when in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable system for controlling and absorbing petroleum spills, such as occurs upon accidental damage to a diesel fuel tank of a truck. The system has a collapsible containment pool which can be stowed when not in use and then easily deployed to receive petroleum products as they are spilled, a quantity of microbial material for biodegrading petroleum products, a quantity of petroleum-bonding polymer-based material, safety glasses and safety gloves to be worn by the attendant using the system. The system further consists of a bag in which the containment pool can be stowed and a bag in which the microbial material, polymer-based material, safety gloves, and safety glasses can be stowed. Upon discovery of a petroleum spill or potential spill, the containment pool can be quickly deployed into position to receive any spilled petroleum products which can be biodegraded by dispersion of the microbial material onto the petroleum products.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the decontamination of waste matter, in particular for soil remediation. The methods include making and applying a polymer composition to waste matter and subjecting the waste matter and polymer composition to radiation, preferably microwave radiation.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating mixed waste in which a thermoplastic polymer having a melting temperature less than about 150.degree. C. and sulfur and mixed waste are mixed at an elevated temperature not greater than about 200.degree. C. and mixed for a time sufficient to intimately mix the constituents, and then cooled to a solid. The resulting solid is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.

Abstract: This invention involves the solidification of aqueous waste with neutralized cross-linked polyacrylates prior to landfill disposal and to further minimize leachate treatment from landfills through the direct application of a neutralized cross-linked polyacrylate throughout the land filling and disposal process.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified-within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer-of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons-within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an encapment process for rapidly stabilizing and substantially reducing the volume of moisture bearing radioactive and mixed hazardous waste materials. The present process effectively utilizes polyacrylate encapsulating material in combination with equipment or systems which deliver the encapsulates to the waste material being processed. The polyacrylates may be dispersed from a pressurized vessel to stop leaks and spills, added to solid waste material to produce waste material which has no free standing liquids, or added to liquid waste material and dried to significantly reduce the volume of the waste material and produce a waste product having no free standing liquids.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of removing paint containing heavy metal from a surface without the production of hazardous wastes. Specifically, this method involves applying a coating preparation to the heavy metal containing paint prior to its removal from its surface. The preparation contains lead reactive chemicals such as phosphates, metal sulfides and organic sulfides. The preparation may also contain buffers such as magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide. These chemicals react with the heavy metals rendering them nonhazardous. The invention also involves the coating preparation itself.

Abstract: A foamed solid product characterized in that said product is produced and prepared by a continuos process comprising mixing water permeated municipal solid waste (MSW) with a solidification reagent, wherein said solidification reagent initiates a polymerization reaction with the waste and the polymerization reaction forms a rigid polymer matrix therein. In addition, the polymer matrix also expands in volume during the polymerization reaction to form a foamed, environmentally stable, recycled solid product.

Abstract: To treat waste containing harmful netals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, etc., the waste is mixed with a treating agent containing, as the essential constituent component, solid acid(s) and/or cement and additionally a caking inhibitor, kneaded with water where necessary, then solidified by curing. Harmful metals are thereby stabilized in the thus-solidified cakes and are not released therefrom.

Abstract: There are provided a solidifying material used for radioactive waste which comprises a latent hydraulic material, an ultra-fine powder substance and a dispersing agent, and a process for the solidification of radioactive wastes which comprises kneading the above solidifying material with a cure stimulating agent, radioactive waste and, as occasion demands, water, and then curing the mixture by aging. Since the solidifying material of the present invention has excellent properties such as large treating capacity, excellent water resistance and large compressive strength, not only temporary storage but also permanent storage of radioactive wastes can be made.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: A method for containing potentially infectious devices. The potentially infectious devices are deposited is a container to which is added an MDI-based urethane prepolymer-containing composition to at least partially envelope the potentially infectious devices. The prepolymer containing composition is caused to harden through polymerization to immobilize the devices, and to act as a sterilizing or disinfectant agent due in large part to the exothermic nature of the reaction.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of a hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon is intimately mixed with an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution includes a hydrophilic monomer, a cross-linking agent and an emulsifier. The emulsion is then solidified for disposal through the addition of reduction/oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

Abstract: In this process for the treatment of waste products, the waste products are separated in a first and a second group with respective pH-value of maximum 7 or higher than 7. The waste products of the first group are made increasingly acid whereas those of the second group are basified. This is done by adding an acid to the first group and a base to the second group in order to obtain a pH-value of maximum 5 for the first group and a pH-value of minimum 8 for the second group. An oxidant and metallic precipitating reagents are added to the first group of waste products. The thus treated waste products are combined in an alkaline mixture that is absorbed in a polymeric matrix by adding reaction components for the formation of a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: Enhanced gel properties (e.g., faster gel time, higher attainable gel strengths) are achieved by reducing the pH and/or increasing the salt of a monovalent and/or divalent cation concentration of an aqueous reaction medium in which a polymer is reacted with an organic crosslinking agent. In addition, the gelation time of an aqueous composition comprising a polymer and an organic crosslinking agent is reduced by heating the composition above about 48.9.degree. C. (120.degree. F.) prior to injecting the composition into a subterranean formation. Alternatively, the gelation time of the aqueous composition is increased by incorporating a pH increasing agent into the composition.

Abstract: A method of containing and remediating contaminants within the soil includes the step of placing a gel barrier into the soil for containing the contaminants. The gel barrier and the soil contained therein define the containment zone. Microorganisms capable of remediating the contaminants in the soil are added to the containment zone. The gel barrier is produced by preparing an aqueous solution of a gel precursor, injecting the aqueous solution into the soil at a desired location, and crosslinking in situ the gel precursor to form the gel barrier at the desired location.

Abstract: A low-temperature method for producing coated hazardous waste pellets which re used as the aggregate in a concrete wasteform is characterized by combining hazardous waste with a chemically setting organic polymer to form a mixture which is formed into pellets. The pellets are first coated with epoxy and then coated with a silicate-based powder. The liquid concrete-pellet mixture is then placed in molds which can be rotated to concentrate the pellets away from the perimeter of the wasteform. The double-coated hazardous waste pellets have improved bonding when used as a coarse aggregate in a concrete mixture. The resulting wasteform is self-supporting and needs no external container for transportation, storage, or disposal.

Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leach when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.

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 non-shrink grout including Portland cement, sand and an additive which is a polymer incorporating at least one of a calcium compound and aluminum metal so as to be reactive with the cement. The grout when fresh expands during curing by gas formation and by hydration and expands when hardened. The grout is useful in construction.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.

Abstract: An expansive Portland cement incorporating an expansive additive which is a polymer incorporating a calcium compound reactive with the cement is described. The shrinkage compensating concrete produced is much less likely to crack and is used in slabs and other structural systems where cracking of the concrete is a problem.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for solidification of waste fluids such as used antifreeze solutions, thereby facilitating disposal of said waste fluids. The method is applicable to aqueous waste fluids, which may be formed by addition of appropriate amounts of water, if necessary, to the original waste fluids. The method comprises mixing an ion adsorption agent with the aqueous waste fluid, followed by addition of a water-absorbent acrylic polymer material. Following agitation or stirring of the aqueous waste fluid/ion adsorption agent/water-absorbent polymer mixture, solidification is achieved. The solidified mixture is readily handled for disposal such as by incineration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for transforming contaminated material such as liquid wastewaters, into a solid and chemically stable composition which can be utilized as construction material, or which is safe for land disposal. The contaminated material is blended with solidification agents such as cement or lime until substantial amalgamation of the agent and material is completed. The contaminated material is contained within microencapsulation matrices which physically isolate the contaminated material from the environment. The apparatus is transportable and can be brought to the contamination site to transform the contaminated material into the solid and chemically stable composition.

Abstract: Processes and devices are disclosed for converting an aqueous waste solution, such as a radioactive waste stream, into a highly concentrated sludge having substantially little or no water. In turn, the sludge may be converted into a solid polymeric form suitable for storage. The processes utilize a carrier liquid which has a boiling point higher than that of water, and which facilitates the transfer of heat to the water to vaporize the water into steam. A subsequent separation of the dewatered solution yields the highly concentrated sludge.

Abstract: A process for conditioning waste materials containing at least one waste material plastic, includes the steps of mixing the waste material to form a homogenous plurality of particulate waste material members; and, blending the homogenous plurality of particulate waste material members with a thermosetting blend resin and a cross-linking catalyst to form a blend. The waste material plastic forms ionic bonds with the thermosetting blend resin. A filled plastic product according to the invention includes a thermosetting resin matrix, and a filler material having a plurality of particles containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of heavy metals and filler plastics. The filler resins are selected from the group consisting of thermosetting materials and thermoplastic materials, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods for the encapsulation and solidification of waste material, particularly radioactive ion exchange resin bead media, are provided along with the apparatus to accomplish the methods, and the final encapsulated storage article. The ion exchange resin is solidified within a containment vessel by the addition of a thermosettable polymeric binder without the need for a pre-mixing vessel. The resulting exothermic conditions occasioned by the curing of the polymer are controlled by the sequential delivery of the polymeric binder, preferably through an injection lance.

Abstract: A method of containing hazardous and toxic wastes includes the steps of irporating the dried waste, in a salt form, in melted polymer, such as asphalt, and forming the waste salt and asphalt blend into aggregate pellets. The pellets are coated with a powdered coating material that is compatible with a portland cement-based mortar or other cementitious material which is used. The coated particles are mixed with mortar to form a polymer-aggregate concrete and cast into wasteforms for storage or burial. If it is desirable to produce a waste form with a continuous layer of mortar on the exterior of the concrete monolith the mold can be placed on a turntable and spun, or otherwise exposed to a centrifugal force to force the mortar to the outside of the mold. Centrifugal separation is possible because the polymer-waste mixture typically has a specific gravity near 1.5 while that of the cementitious mixture is typically greater than 2.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composition which is useful for forming construction blocks and encapsulating hazardous materials, a process for producing blocks and encapsulating the material, and blocks made of the material. This composition is a mixture of pozzoulanic fly ash and bottom ash. The weight ratio of fly ash:bottom ash is preferably in the range 80:20% by weight to 20:80% by weight. The process comprises the steps of (a) blending a dry mixture comprising the ash mixture with water; (b) transferring the blended mixture into a compression zone and (c) compressing the blended mixture in the compression zone to form a brick of the desired size.

Abstract: The particulate waste is mixed with plastic waste in a screw extruder, pressed and extruded. The particulate waste and plastic waste are introduced into the feed hopper of a screw extruder. The components introduced are intimately mixed in the screw extruder by the rotating screw(s) and firmly compressed. The pressure in the mixture may be up to 100 bar. The particulate waste is bound in the plastic in a way that prevents any further contact with the environment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating medical wastes composed mainly of plastic materials, in which microwaves are applied to the medical wastes, and also circulating hot air is applied to the medical wastes, and preferably the microwaves are applied to the medical wastes in a concentrated manner during an initial stage of the treatment at which water contained in the medical wastes is heated and mostly evaporated. Apparatus for performing this treatment method includes a sealed apparatus body having a medical waste introduction door and hot air outlet and inlet and, a medical waste receiving vessel for being received in the sealed apparatus body, and a hot air circulating line interconnecting the hot air outlet and inlet and the circulating line has a hot air heater and a hot air circulating blower.

Abstract: A method for solidification or encapsulation of compositions containing a substantially continuous aqueous phase comprising uniformly incorporating into said compositions core-shell polymer particles and subsequently neutralizing said polymer particles by incorporating into said compositions an organic or inorganic base. The neutralized polymer particles swell and absorb substantially all of said aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method of disposing of photographic fixer and developer. The fixer and developer, preferably in equal quantities, are mixed and the mixture combined with an absorbing polymer which is substantially insoluble in the mixture of photographic fixer and developer. The polymer is capable of absorbing at least approximately 20 times its weight of the electrolytic aqueous base solution of fixer and developer. Once immobilized, the silver precipitates as insoluble silver sulfide and the mixture can be disposed of in a landfill or similar site designed to receive nontoxic waste.

Abstract: A composition for the fixation of hydrocarbons from contaminated oily soil. The contaminated oily soil is a component in a cold mix asphaltic concrete. The soil is mixed with asphaltic roof cuttings and mineral aggregates to form the mixture. The mixture is coated with a cold mix emulsion to form an asphaltic concrete. The hydrocarbons do not leach from the set concrete.

Abstract: Polymers (and especially hydroxyethylcellulose) are crosslinked using a lanthanide as a crosslinking agent. The crosslinked polymers have utility in well completion, well stimulation, enhanced oil recovery, and subterranean fluid containment operations.