Abstract: Apparatus and methods for debinding articles. The apparatus and methods may transform binder from furnace exhaust before the exhaust is discharged to the atmosphere. The apparatus may include a furnace retort and a reactor. The furnace retort may be configured to: exclude ambient air; and receive a carrier gas. The reactor may be configured to: receive from the retort (a) the carrier gas and (b) material removed in the retort from the article; and combust, at a temperature no greater than 750° C., the material. The material may be decomposed binder. The material may be hydrocarbon from binder that is pyrolyzed in the retort. The carrier gas may include gas that is nonflammable gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dry mix for producing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix includes aggregate, cement, and bed ash. The bed ash contains the combustion product of a fluidized bed coal combustion reaction. Additionally, embodiments of a method of preparing the dry mix and embodiments of a method of preparing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix is also suitable for repairing soil slips, and embodiments of a method of repairing a soil slip are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dry mix for producing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix includes aggregate, cement, and bed ash. The bed ash contains the combustion product of a fluidized bed coal combustion reaction. Additionally, embodiments of a method of preparing the dry mix and embodiments of a method of preparing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix is also suitable for repairing soil slips, and embodiments of a method of repairing a soil slip are also provided.

Abstract: The EAFD stabilizer for returned concrete and mixer drum wash water includes various methods of using EAFD as a stabilizer in making concrete. The potentially hazardous stockpile of EAFD can be used in practical construction, which has a positive impact on the environment. A certain amount of EAFD is added to cement being mixed or to wash water and acts as a stabilizer, the wash water being used to make a cement mixture. This resultant EAFD stabilized concrete mixture stabilizes overnight.

Abstract: A low density annular grout composition for filling voids. The composition may consist of cementitious fly ash, water, set retarder and cellular foam. The composition may have a compressive strength of between 100 and 600 psi at seven days and less than 1500 psi at 28 days. The composition may have a density between 20 and 75 pcf. Also disclosed is a method of filling a void with a low density annular grout composition. The method can include determining the time necessary to fill the void, adding water and set retarder to a cementitious fly ash to make a wet mixture, adding air to the wet mixture, and adding the composition to the void.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for preparing a surface-reacted calcium carbonate in an aqueous environment. The process according to the present invention aims at avoiding the mandatory implementation of medium-strong to strong acids. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an aqueous suspension of surface-reacted calcium carbonate which is obtainable by the inventive process.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components: reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or CI in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

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: 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: Sorbent components containing halogen, calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents such as calcium bromide are added to the coal ahead of combustion and other components are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

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: Waste storage vessels formed from a composition including calcium silicate, magnesium or calcium oxides and an acid phosphate are provided. The composition may also include fly ash or kaolin with or without the calcium silicate.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.

Abstract: A method for making a sludge aggregate concrete includes the steps of collecting and dehydrating sludge, sintering the sludge at a temperature of about 800˜900° C., grinding and sieving the sludge through a screen to obtain sludge ash, forming the sludge ash into an artificial sludge aggregate by mixing the sludge ash with an inorganic binder and water followed by granularizing, and mixing the artificial sludge aggregate with an inorganic binder and water to form the sludge aggregate concrete product.

Abstract: In one example of an embodiment of the invention, a method for producing an aggregate is disclosed comprising mixing sewage sludge from a waste water treatment facility with a non-coal combustion ash silicoaluminous waste material, agglomerating the mixture to form an agglomerate, and pyroprocessing the agglomerate to form an aggregate. The waste material may comprise municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, incinerator fly ash, incinerator filter dusts, cement kiln dusts, waste glass, blast furnace slag, kiln dusts, and/or granite sawing residues, for example. The method may further comprise milling the waste material prior to mixing. Preferably, the milling is wet milling. Pyroprocessing of the agglomerate may take place in a rotary kiln. The resulting aggregate may be a lightweight or a normal weight, sintered or vitrified aggregate. Aggregates and methods for making aggregates of high and low calcium silicoaluminous materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating particulate material containing heavy metal generated during a manufacturing process is disclosed. The process includes providing particulate material containing heavy metal within an enclosed area and mixing an additive of calcium silicate forming material with the particulate material in the enclosed area to create an additive-particulate material. The additive-particulate material can be passed into a waste collection device located downstream of the enclosed area. The calcium silicate forming material can be provided as particles with a particle size of minus 50 to plus 325 mesh. An additional aspect of the invention is an additive for use in such a process for treating metallic oxide impregnated dust, which has a particle size of plus 325 mesh and consists essentially of calcium silicate forming material.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination and solidification of dredged material is described. The method includes, in the following order, (a) adding a lime-based binder to dredged material to form a mixture; (b) letting the mixture cool to about ambient temperature; and (c) adding to the mixture a chelating agent. The order of the steps may not be reversed without affecting the effectiveness of the treatment of the dredged material. A method for producing filler containing decontaminated and solidified dredged material is also described. The method includes treating dredged material with a lime-based binder and a chelating agent and adding the resulting mixture to concrete.

Abstract: An industrial waste byproduct from a titanium metal or a titanium dioxide production process can be utilized as a partial cement replacement. In some embodiments, the byproduct can comprise a byproduct from the production of titanium dioxide pigment from a sulphate process or from a chloride process. The cement can be used to make concrete and other cementitious material products for structural and non-structural uses, for example, grout, mortar, gunite, stucco, masonry, decorative stonework, bricks, blocks, roof tiles, floor tiles, cobblestones, pavers, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

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: The invention concerns a method for making a solid material from an alkaline metal hydroxide or one of its precursors, including mixing the alkaline hydroxide or one of its precursors with a calcium compound and silicon oxide in the presence of water. The invention also concerns a method for storing waste, the solid material being obtainable by said method as well as the use of said material.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of activated clays and cement additives from contaminated drill cuttings is provided. The substrate can be mixed with a mineral acid in a first reactor. The acidified substrate is then mixed with alkaline earth in a second reactor. The reactions are exothermic and provide heat to vaporize the contaminants, reaction products, and water. Recoverable constituents in the vapor can be condensed in a vapor collection system. The treated substrate can be heated and/or further reacted with acid, resulting in the formation of activated clays. For production of cement additives, the treated substrate can then be heated in a kiln and combined with cement clinker material for the preparation of cement and/or concrete.

Abstract: An accelerated-curing concrete masonry unit (CMU) mixture includes aggregate material, hydraulic cement and spent blasting abrasive particles, and may also include paint residue particles. The abrasive particles or abrasive and paint particles combined preferably make up at least 5.0% of the mixture by volume. Preferably, the hydraulic cement is Portland cement and the abrasive or combined particles make up about 10.0% to 17.0% of the mixture by volume. The abrasive particles typically have a fineness modulus ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 and more preferably from 0.75 to 1.2. Plastic particles may make up some or all of the abrasive particles. CMUs formed with this mixture are substantially more water repellent than standard CMUs and have a water absorption often no greater than 9.0 pounds per cubic foot. Preferred CMUs have an average net compressive strength of over 2,500 psi while levels of 3,000 psi or 3,500 psi are not uncommon.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the encapsulation of fine particulate materials which comprises treating these materials with a microfine hydraulic inorganic filler which, typically, comprises a cementitious material, such as Portland Cement. The filler is ground to a much smaller particle size than is normally used in the production of a grout and is provided in the form of an aqueous composition for the treatment of the fine particulate materials by pumping under pressure through these materials such that they become intimately encapsulated. The method is particularly applicable to the treatment of waste materials and, most particularly, waste materials which are encountered in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the stabilisation and disposal of elemental mercury, the method comprising treating the elemental mercury with a cementitious particulate filler material which additionally comprises an immobilisation treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the immobilisation treatment comprises an amalgamation treatment prior to the treatment with a cementitious particulate filler material. Preferably, the amalgamation is carried out using copper powder and dilute nitric acid and the cementitious particulate filler material comprises a mixture of Ordinary Portland Cement and Blast Furnace Slag. The method of the invention is carried out conveniently and rapidly, and the end product, after allowing to cure, is non-toxic, insoluble in water, easily handled, and immediately suitable for disposal. The method is particularly applicable to the safe disposal of elemental mercury which is contaminated with radioactive materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with an aggregate will form an environmentally safe, structurally sound road base material. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: An alternative cover for landfill may be formed from a slurry mixture of water, cementitious binder, adhesion enhancing admixture and fiber. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover landfilled wastes, granular material piles or for soil erosion control. The cover will harden to minimize water infiltration, wind blown dust, odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The water may include tap water, landfill leachate and wastewater. The binder may include Portland cement, blended cement, cement kiln dust, class C fly ash, and/or calcium sulphate hemihydrate. The adhesion enhancing admixture includes water-dispersible polymers. The fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood or plastic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating dredged material in which liquid is first added to the dredged material, and dewatering the dredged material to obtain a filtrate and a solid portion. Contaminants are removed from the dredged material by at least one oxidation process. The solid portion may be used to form structural articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” and aggregate waste and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: A method of chemically stabilizing multivalent oxyanions in residue materials such as wastes from glass manufacturing facilities which method involves adding to the residue material cement, lime and aluminum sulfate to form a clay-like material having a low leachability and permeability to water. Calcium polysulfide or other sulfide bearing materials can also be added to assist in stabilizing multivalent oxyanions by adjusting the oxidation-reduction potential of the stabilized waste matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to produce grade road base material using recycled oilfield waste, called “oil and gas waste,” more specifically, drilling waste and aggregate and a novel road base material. Hydration and mixing of the waste materials along with a binder, will achieve an irreversible pozzolanic chemical reaction necessary for stabilization into a road base. An asphalt emulsifier may be included in the binder to manufacture asphalt stabilized road base. The entire method is a cold batch process.

Abstract: Carbon-containing fly ash has been treated with optimum amounts of ozone. There is homogenous treatment of the fly ash with ozone and over saturation with ozone is avoided. In a further embodiment of the invention carbon, from various sources is oxygenated to be incorporated into concrete. The preferred oxygenating agent is ozone.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions from liquid solutions includes contacting the liquid solution with solid barium compounds as adsorbents so that the at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions in liquid solution are subject to an exchange reaction with the anion of solid barium compounds to produce products including at least one of solid barium chromate and oxy-metal barium compounds and are removed from the liquid solution by a liquid-solid separation operation. A method for stabilizing at least one of chromate and other oxy-metal ions that are present in liquid or sludge wastes includes mixing the liquid or sludge wastes with barium compounds in solid form, so that the at least one of chromate and oxy-metal ions are immobilized in a solidified body after curing of the mixture.

Abstract: A dry pulverulent ash composition is described which comprises a dry pulverulent fly ash to be used as a portland cement substitute for improving the physical properties of a finished concrete product. The ash composition includes fly ash together with an oxidizer present in a dry pulverulent form that is unreacted with the ash and is maintained in an unreacted state during shipment and storage but is capable of reacting with the fly ash upon an addition of water to convert virtually all and preferably over 95% of the sulfur compounds present in the ash to the sulfite form. The oxidizer is present in minor amount from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition. An aggregate comprising pellets can also be added to the composition together with a minor amount of portland cement and a conditioner e.g., accelerator to form a concrete block product that is up to 10% lighter than a standard concrete block that does not use the present composition and at the same time exhibits improved crushing strength.

Abstract: A new method for combining magnesium oxide, MgO, and magnesium dihydrogen phosphate to form an inexpensive compactible ceramic to stabilize very low solubility metal oxides, ashes, swarfs, and other iron or metal-based additives, to create products and waste forms which can be poured or dye cast, and to reinforce and strengthen the ceramics formed by the addition of fibers to the initial ceramic mixture.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved method for forming fly ash slurry by mixing fly ash and water with an additive containing 0.5-2 wt % ammonium salt of humic acid and 0.03 to 0.05 wt % tannin extract. The product slurry does not require large amount of water for transport to storage space due to its enhanced viscosity and stability.

Abstract: A leaching-stabilized heavy metal-contaminated matrix can be stored in a subsurface saturated zone by contacting the matrix with an amount of an agent for increasing acid-neutralization capacity sufficient to provide the stored matrix a preselected permanence level.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems of incorporating a mineral based particulate into Portland cement including agglomerating a particulate material and an agglomerating material to produce an additive, introducing the additive into a raw feed before burning the raw feed. By introducing the additive before burning, minerals are added to cement clinker.

Abstract: A supplemental agent for a hazardous waste composition containing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) includes potassium magnesium sulfate or a magnesium salt such as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride. The supplemental agent when mixed with EAFD and water, along with either lime inherent within the EAFD or added lime, reduces the leaching of heavy metals from the waste composition over a wide range of leaching conditions, including both acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments. The method for reducing the concentration of heavy metals in a leachate from the EAFD involves forming a mixture of EAFD, water, the supplemental agent, and, optionally, ferrous sulfate, along with lime, then permitting the mixture to react.

Abstract: Provided are structural material for bullet traps and the like, a method of producing it, and a structure comprising it. The material is suitable for entraining and immobilizing projectiles and fine particles in a sticky gel. It is prepared by mixing cement with a thickener to form a dry mixture. Water is mixed with a fine aggregate in a mixer. The dry mixture is combined with the aqueous mixture in the mixer to form a slurry. Calcium phosphate and an alumina compound are added, mixing each separately until homogeneous. The density of the mixture is measured and an aqueous foam is added to adjust the density to a pre-specified level. Fibers are mixed into the adjusted mixture to form a homogeneous slurry that may be poured into a mold or in place at a construction site. Upon curing, the material may be used as a structural component.

Abstract: A detoxifying agent for use in disposal of noxious wastes that is conducted by solidifying them with cement, consisting essentially of an aqueous solution which comprises as main components (a) small-sized metal cations whose 6-coordination ionic radii are less than 100 pm, (b) medium-sized metal cations whose 6-coordination ionic radii are between 100 pm and 140 pm, and (c) large-sized metal cations whose 6-coordination ionic radii are in excess of 140 pm. This detoxifying agent can provide cement-solidified materials having high strength, substantially free from exudation of toxic substances such as heavy metals, PCBs and dioxins.

Abstract: A method of treating metal-contaminated spent foundry sand, or other industrial waste, by combining the sand with a sulfite to produce insoluble metal sulfur oxide complexes that do not leach from the sand. The treated waste may also be processed to reducing “clumping,” thereby rendering the treated waste appropriate for use in another industrial process.

Abstract: Method for treating waste material contaminated with heavy metals so as to make it inert, characterized in that the material to be made inert, optionally at least in part neutralized, is subjected to the following operations, optionally under stirring: addition of a concentrate aqueous solution of orthophosphoric acid and an alkaline or alkaline earth salt thereof in a molar ration ranging from 1:5 to 5:1; optionally addition of water to give the homogeneous paste thus obtained a sufficient moisture content; addition of calcium hydroxide and/or calcium oxide; the resulting homogeneous paste being placed in the open air to help it dry out. The material thus obtained is fit to be disposed according to local environmental legislation.

Abstract: A method of treating metal-contaminated spent foundry sand, or other industrial waste, by combining the sand with a sulfite to produce insoluble metal sulfur oxide complexes that do not leach from the sand. The treated waste may also be processed to reduce “clumping,” thereby rendering the treated waste appropriate for use in another industrial process.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for the co-solidification of low-level radioactive wet wastes of BWR nuclear power plants, including concentrate waste, spent ion exchange resins and sludge wastes etc., with very high volume efficiency. In this invention, for promoting the stability of the solidified waste, sodium sulfate in the concentrate solution is converted to sodium hydroxide and barium sulfate by reacting with barium hydroxide. The conversion product barium sulfate possessing high density and stability is insoluble and used as a fine aggregate material in the solidified waste. Sodium hydroxide is used to stabilize ion exchange resins and to form a highly water-durable solidified waste form with silicates and phosphates in the solidification agent mixture. The solidification agent used in this invention is a formulated powder mixture completely made from inorganic materials. Therefore, there is no aging problem of the solidified waste.

Abstract: Waste is rendered inert, by cladding the waste in a cement base hydraulic binder including sulfoaluminate cement comprised by at least 30% by weight of the phase 3CaO.3Al2O3.CaSO4(C4A3S). The hydraulic binder can be either essentially constituted by sulfoaluminate cement, or instead comprise one or several zeolites. A pre-mix is provided for practicing the process, containing at least one zeolite and at least 15% of sulfoaluminate cement, comprised of at least 30% of the phase 3CaO.3Al2O3.CaSO4(C4A3{overscore (S)}). This pre-mix is preferably used for cladding residues of the incineration of household waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating filter dusts which are produced during the melting of inorganic compounds, especially those containing fluorides and/or oxides, in which process the filter dusts are fused. The disposal of the fused filter dusts is simple.

Abstract: In a method for the treatment, in particular stabilization, of materials containing environmentally noxious constituents, especially from the incineration of waste, in which the materials are treated with ferrous compounds and water, the materials are washed and stabilized chemically using a solution containing ferrous ions (Fe++) which allows the formation of stabilizing ferric oxides (Fe+++) on the materials, the ferric oxide formation being carried out by means of an oxidation under controlled conditions with respect to the nature and the amount of oxidizing agent, temperature and pH, whereafter, if desired, the treated materials are subjected to a thermal after-treatment.