Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and low cost method for processing radioactively-contaminated water. The method for processing radioactively-contaminated water comprising a freeze concentration step of generating ice having lowered concentration of radioactive substance from radioactive substance containing contaminated water and concentrating the radioactive substances in the residual contaminated water by the interface progressive freeze concentration process. Preferably, the method further comprises a nitrogen substitution step of reducing dissolved oxygen in the contaminated water and adding nitrogen gas to the contaminated water, as a previous step of the freeze concentration step. Preferably, the radioactive substance is radioactive cesium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of optimizing self-supporting film production. The method includes the steps of: determining at least one scrap factor which relates to a total amount of scrap in processing a film product; correlating the at least one scrap factor to at least one processing parameter; and adjusting the at least one processing parameter to reduce the total amount of scrap in processing the film product. The present invention also relates to a system for optimizing film production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a waste treatment furnace and method comprising: Generating a molten metal bed, which moves in a forward direction, such as to define a closed circuit in a cyclical and continuous manner, the surface of said bed comprising at least one essentially-slag-free segment. Loading waste onto the aforementioned essentially-slag-free segment, the waste being dragged by the molten metal bed such that it floats in the mentioned forward direction. Retaining the waste on the surface of the molten metal bed as it moves in the mentioned forward direction. Treating the waste under the effect of the constant and continuous heat exchange generated by the movement of the molten metal bed beneath the waste retained thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing medical waste including: (i) a drum defining a substantially cylindrical treatment chamber having a closed end and a substantially open end, wherein the drum is rotationally balanced about a rotational axis; (ii) an enclosing body supporting the drum; (iii) a movable barrier for selectively closing the opening for accessing the open end of the drum; (iv) a structure for supporting the enclosing body so that the pitch of the rotational axis of the drum is positioned or can be positioned in at least one position between about 0 degrees and about 30 degrees. According to one aspect, the apparatus has a chemical generator for generating a germicidal agent. According to yet another aspect, the apparatus has a movable mounting such that the pitch of the rotational axis of the drum can be selectively moved.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for off-planet waste disposal including elevating waste into space via a space elevator and projecting the waste into the sun so as to dispose of the waste.

Abstract: Disclosed is an airbag deployment device that includes a containment vessel and a retention rack disposed within the containment vessel, wherein the retention rack comprises at least one container, and wherein at least one airbag pyrotechnic actuator may be placed within the at least one container and secured through utilization of at least one pin.

Abstract: A method for treating bottom ash from a waste incineration plant. The invention relates in particular to a method for treating bottom ash from a domestic waste incineration plant. In accordance with the invention bottom ash having a size ranging up to 2 mm is treated by removing a previously determined component. The treatment comprises at least one of the following steps: the removal of organic components, the removal of heavy metals, the removal of ions and the removal of a fraction having a size of up to 50 ?m. It is preferred for the nonferrous heavy metals to be removed and the ferrous metals to remain in the fraction. Most preferably at least one of the treatment steps comprises a wet treatment.

Abstract: Toxic waste is laced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Subsequently, wherever the RFID tags are detected in an area, a conclusion is drawn that there is a presence, either past or present, of the toxic waste in the area.

Abstract: Tropospheric volume elements enriched with vital elements and/or protective substances as well as procedures for their production and application. The term “vital elements” applies to all matter supporting the development of life within the earth's biosphere and the term “protective substances” means all those substances which contribute directly or indirectly to the prevention of harmful effects on the earth's biosphere and in particular on man. Tropospheric volume elements in the form of clouds which contain contaminants and which can escape from industrial facilities due to damage or malfunction are enriched with protective substances which prevent the organism from taking in radioactive elements and minimize the extent of the area affected by the clouds and possess additional warning and identification properties.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the removal of organic pollutants from soil by extraction with a lipophylic solvent, wherein the improvement consists in the fact that the purified soil is treated with water to remove the residual solvent. This process allows the residual solvent to be completely removed from the purified soil enabling it to be re-inserted into the environment, with a low energy consumption and a greater guarante of safety in the running of the plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production and use of encapsulated and/or concentrically-constructed fertilizer or bioremediation granules such as, for example, granules of 0.5 mm to 10 mm in diameter constructed so that there are at least two components to the granule including a core with a surrounding capsule or a core with one or more concentric layers that are distinguishable from the core with respect to nutrient content, density, hardness, solubility, composition, microbial content and permeability, as in permeability to odors or the permeability of nutrients that might volatize to the atmosphere or leach into the soil. The basic idea was to create a method for manufacturing and using fertilizer granules, which incorporate multiple concentric layers or a core plus an encapsulating outer layer.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the removal of organic pollutants from soil by extraction with a lipophylic solvent, wherein the improvement consists in the fact that the purified soil is treated with water to remove the residual solvent. This process allows the residual solvent to be completely removed from the purified soil enabling it to be re-inserted into the environment, with a low energy consumption and a greater guarante of safety in the running of the plant.

Abstract: A method for remotely accessing packages suspect of containing hazardous devices. The method includes using a continuous stream of high velocity abrasive particles and/or fluid(s) created in-situ while attached to a remotely or autonomously operated vehicle to breach the exterior surface of a suspect package well below the impact initiation threshold thus preventing sufficient stimuli to initiate explosive, pyrotechnic, or flammable materials. An automatic standoff device may be used to allow the operator of a remotely operated vehicle or the feedback mechanism of an autonomously operated vehicle to optimally locate the abrasive fluid stream.

Abstract: A lead abatement method approved for use by governmental agencies is described. The method id achieved by first applying a highly compliant protective film over a lead contaminated surface. The film includes an exposed layer and an adhesive layer composed of an adhesive material adapted for substantially permanent bonding to the contaminated surface. The exposed surface is then perforated and a topcoat is applied to the exposed surface. The topcoat is adapted for treatment of the exposed surface of the film so as to permit treatment of the topcoat in a desired manner.

Abstract: A method for transforming a waste product containing or completely formed of amiantus comprising subjecting the waste product to several working phases and adding of components such as calcined alumina, clay and material having a given porosity so to produce a final manufactured product free of any amiantus.

Abstract: An environmentally benign process for remediating contaminated matter includes contact with a lixiviant. The lixiviant contains a chelating agent which chemically reacts with a selected contaminant, forming a chelate soluble within the lixiviant and thus extracting the selected contaminant from the matter. The lixiviant, including the chelate, is separated from the particulate matter, and chemically treated to demobilize the chelate. The selected contaminant is separated from the lixiviant and sent for disposal or further processing. The remidiated matter is also sent for disposal or further processing.

Abstract: It is suggested to machine contaminated surfaces, in particular radioactively contaminated concrete surfaces and masonry with pneumatically actuated striking tools. It has been shown that this is an extremely low-dust machining method with which the essentially the particles are struck off in the size order of 0.2 to 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A method for recombining and then solidifying groups of soil particles by utilizing changes in the status and properties of soil particles which comprises a combination (in an adhering state) between soil particles and groups polymers (humin) in an aqueous solution (solvent). By using specified solvents, the preliminary treatment of separating soil particles and polymers is initiated. Secondarily, each structure of groups of soil particles is observed microscopically as a metal complex, and the combining method is accomplished by utilizing substitution based on various reactions (i.e. SN, SE, and SEAr type reactions) along with electron transfer in a solvent made of specified solutes. The substitution includes the rock forming function through the substitution of the hydrogen atom within the hydroxyl group of clay minerals as molecular components and the dehydration and dissociation function resulted from the binding structure of oxygen molecule O2− and Al3+ as components of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A method for remedying contamination of a subsurface environment by a non-aqueous phase liquid that is denser than water (DNAPL). The subsurface environment has a resident aqueous phase and a DNAPL phase. A dense aqueous solution that has a density greater than a density of the DNAPL phase is introduced to the subsurface environment. The dense aqueous solution displaces the resident aqueous phase and causes the DNAPL phase to rise above the greater density aqueous solution. The DNAPL phase is then recovered, which substantially remedies the contamination of the subsurface environment. An alternative method provides for introducing a dense solution layer that has a density greater than the density of the DNAPL phase beneath the subsurface region contaminated with the DNAPL phase. Next, the water table is lowered so as to create an unsaturated porous medium above the dense solution layer and to downwardly mobilize the DNAPL phase to the top of the dense solution layer.

Abstract: A method for remedying contamination of a subsurface environment by a non-aqueous phase liquid that is denser than water (DNAPL). The subsurface environment has a resident aqueous phase and a DNAPL phase. A dense aqueous solution that has a density greater than a density of the DNAPL phase is introduced to the subsurface environment. The dense aqueous solution displaces the resident aqueous phase and causes the DNAPL phase to rise above the greater density aqueous solution. The DNAPL phase is then recovered, which substantially remedies the contamination of the subsurface environment.

Abstract: Some ground water sites are capable of achieving risk-based closure without remedial efforts due to the soil's natural intrinsic remediation. However, in many cases this may not be possible due to the magnitude of the contamination. Surfactant enhanced intrinsic remediation is capable of enhancing natural remediation in several ways. First, by introducing the surfactant above its Krafft temperature when the ground water temperature is below the surfactant Krafft temperature, it is possible to install a permeable, sorptive wall that significantly decreases the contaminant migration, thereby improving the opportunity for natural intrinsic remediation to mitigate the contamination. If the contaminant levels are too great for this approach, as may be the case when “source zone” soil contamination is present, the approach is coupled with active extraction/ surfactant enhanced intrinsic remediation of the “source” zone (e.g., surfactant flushing).

Abstract: The present invention combines an alkaline mixture, adjuvant surfactant, and water, thereby creating a treatment mixture, for eliminating acid generation in sulfide bearing material. After determining a level of acidity of a sulfide bearing material, a user derives an alkaline mixture to neutralize the level of acidity of the sulfide bearing material. The alkaline mixture of the present invention comprises highly reactive calcium oxide and lower reactive calcium carbonate. The user then combines the alkaline mixture with an adjuvant surfactant and water to generate a treatment mixture. The treatment mixture is applied to the sulfide bearing material, thereby eliminating acid generation.

Abstract: A method for reducing the concentration of radioactive material in a contaminated area by removing contaminated soil from the contaminated area; determining a field survey specific activity concentration representative of the remaining soil in the contaminated area; comparing the field survey specific activity concentration with a field validation data set to determine the total concentration of contaminating radioactive material in the contaminated area and removing additional quantities of contaminated soil from the contaminated area as required. The soil area may alternatively be blended with clean soil to reduce the concentration of radioactive material in the soil or a combination of blending and removal may be used. A method for estimating the total concentration of radioactive material in a soil sample is provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of activated charcoal granule compositions which, when dry spread and "watered-in" to a site, reduces undesirable biological activity of deleterious organic compounds. When wet, these granules disperse very rapidly with a large dispersion area to original granule diameter ratio. The granules have high loadings of charcoal, i.e., from about 60 to about 95 weight percent and contain from about 5 to about 40 weight percent of a surfactant system which exhibits excellent dispersing; rewetting; and binding properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for conversion in a container of reactive material comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and lithium into its respective metal hydroxide. First the container is purged of essentially all oxygen with an essentially dry gas that is inert with respect to the reactive material. Next, a carrier gas is introduced into the container that is inert with respect to the reactive material. The humidity of the carrier gas, the temperatures of the reactive material, condensing surfaces inside the container, and the carrier gas are all suitable to allow water to condense out of the carrier gas once the carrier gas contacts the condensing surfaces and the reactive material. The condensed water will then react with the reactive material thereby forming the respective metal hydroxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the remediation of sites containing coal tar compositions that contain polynuclear aromatic compounds. The remediation entails altering the coal tar compositions to substantially decrease the bioavailability of the polynuclear aromatic compounds. The process includes the contacting and blending of the coal tar with petroleum coke for a time sufficient to produce a uniform admixture. The weight ratio of the petroleum coke to coal tar is generally from about 1:1 to about 10:1. Processes are also disclosed for the determination of the proper blending ratio to achieve a necessary level of remediation.

Abstract: A containment attachment device 10 for operatively connecting a glovebag 200 to plastic sheeting 100 covering hazardous material. The device 10 includes an inner split ring member 20 connected on one end 22 to a middle ring member 30 wherein the free end 21 of the split ring member 20 is inserted through a slit 101 in the plastic sheeting 100 to captively engage a generally circular portion of the plastic sheeting 100. A collar potion 41 having an outer ring portion 42 is provided with fastening means 51 for securing the device 10 together wherein the glovebag 200 is operatively connected to the collar portion 41.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of hazardous waste material by burning in a cement-producing kiln includes providing a predetermined quantity of hazardous waste material in a predetermined configuration, and providing an apparatus for aerating and using that apparatus to aerate the hazardous waste material to produce a supplementary fuel having a predetermined density. The method also includes providing an apparatus for injecting the hazardous waste material into the cement kiln and includes the step of injecting the hazardous waste material into the cement kiln at a predetermined injection rate thereby causing the hazardous waste material to burn while suspended in the kiln atmosphere and causing the hazardous waste material to supplement the primary fuel source and maintaining the cement-producing temperature within the kiln.

Abstract: A cap having two chambers provides a means for and method of decomposing or neutralizing a hazardous chemical residue in a container after it has been emptied at the point of consumption. One of the chambers is a screw cap which normally closes and seals the container prior to the consumption of the hazardous chemical. The other chamber contains a measured amount of a second chemical which decomposes or neutralizes the residue of the hazardous chemical. The other chamber may be sealed off by a rupturable membrane, a screw cap, a friction held stopper, or a tear-off top, any of which may be ruptured or removed at the time when the residue is to be decomposed or neutralized. In the preferred embodiment, a screw cap is removed from the second chamber and the cap is inverted and screwed onto the container rupturing the membrane in the process, thereby releasing the second chemical into the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for neutralizing a heating element contaminated with acid. A housing is provided which receives water and a base material. The water and base material combine within the housing to form a neutralizing agent. The neutralizing agent is then passed through the heating element in order to neutralize the heating element for safe disposal as municipal waste.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide clathrate having a lump diameter enough to precipitate on a desired abyssal position of the sea without being drifted by a seawater flow of the abyss can be produced by bringing an aqueous solution into contact with carbon dioxide with the interposition of an interface in a reactor and retaining this contact; adjusting the pressure in the reactor to 13 atm or more, the temperature of the aqueous solution to a level of more than 5.degree. C. to 10.degree. C., the temperature of the interface to a level of more than 10.degree. C. to 15.degree. C. and the temperature of a lug inserted into the aqueous solution to a level of more than 0.degree. C. to 5.degree. C.; producing/growing the carbon dioxide clathrate on the lug; and then heating the lug to a temperature of more than 10.degree. C. to 30.degree. C. to separate/drop the carbon dioxide clathrate therefrom.

Abstract: A system for the delivery, storage and disposal of medical supplies including a lidded receptacle for receiving the supplies and facilitating their delivery to a use site, such lidded container subsequently being employed in the collection and ultimate disposal of waste medical supplies. The preferred receptacle includes lid means that serves to temporarily close the receptacle when unused medical supplies are held within the receptacle, and that serves the further subsequent function of lockingly closing and sealing the receptacle when waste medical supplies are contained in the receptacle.