Abstract: Methods and systems for degradation of polymeric substances is provided. An example method includes generating structurally altered gas molecules from water, where the structurally altered gas molecules have a higher probability of attraction of electrons into areas adjunct to the structurally altered gas molecules than molecules of the water. The method further includes infusing the structurally altered gas molecules into a matter containing the polymeric substances, where upon being infused, the structurally altered gas molecules cause a decrease in concentration of the polymeric substances in the matter.

Abstract: A process for pyrolysis of a mixed plastic stream that contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is provided in which the chloride from PVC is removed from an initial melting reactor that heats the mixed plastic stream to a sufficient temperature to produce HCl but at a low enough temperature to avoid production of organochlorides. Chloride is primarily removed in a vapor stream from the initial melting reactor, while additional chloride removal may be removed downstream from the melting reactor by the use of sorbent addition to the pyrolysis reactor and by subsequent adsorbent beds.

Abstract: A plastic catalytic pyrolysis process that can produce high yields of ethylene, propylene and other light olefins from waste plastics is disclosed. The catalytic product stream is quenched to below catalytic pyrolysis temperature quickly after exiting the reactor or bulk separation from the catalyst. Quench preserves selectivity of light olefinic monomers. The catalytic pyrolysis process can be operated in a single stage or a two-stage process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a waste substance containing perfluoro- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and mineralizing the PFAS, at least partially. The method includes combining the PFAS with a first amendment in a reactor to create a combination, heating and pressurizing the combination to hydrothermal conditions, and holding the combination at hydrothermal conditions for a holding time sufficient to at least partially mineralize the PFAS to create a treated combination.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite (G-PMC) is disclosed. The packaging material has improved barrier resistance to gas and liquid permeants. Also disclosed is a method of improving barrier resistance of a polymer to a permeant, the method comprising forming a graphene-reinforced polymer matrix composite within the polymer. The packaging material may be used for packaging food, drug, perfume, etc. and to make various containers.

Abstract: A method of detoxifying a liquid chemical agent is provided using a surface-modified metal organic framework having an amine-based compound deposited on a surface and pores thereof, or bonded to the inside of a frame, wherein when the surface-modified metal organic framework comes into contact with the liquid chemical agent, a reaction with moisture in the atmosphere occurs and, the liquid chemical agent is removed through a hydrolysis reaction, thereby detoxifying chemical agents, such as nerve agents and vesicants, and assuring a high detoxification effect on liquid chemical agents at room temperature even with a small amount of the surface-modified metal organic framework.

Abstract: A method for destroying pyrotechnic materials including providing an apparatus having an inlet and an outlet and configured to mechanically destroy pyrotechnic materials and discharge pyrotechnic debris through the outlet, feeding water and pyrotechnic materials to the inlet of the apparatus so that the apparatus mechanically destroys the pyrotechnic materials and discharges pyrotechnic debris and water through the outlet, introducing the discharged pyrotechnic debris and water to a reservoir of water so that water-soluble components of the pyrotechnic debris dissolve into the water of the reservoir, light-density water-insoluble components float to the top of the reservoir and high-density water-insoluble components settle at bottom of the reservoir, and filtering the reservoir of water to separate water from the water-insoluble components.

Abstract: A device and method for the destruction of commercial explosives, improvised explosive devices (IED) and military grade weapons, particularly weapons with fragmentary and shrapnel ejection during detonation. The device is a multi-layer blanket with an impermeable first outer layer made of plastic or similar fiber. A blasting mat is located adjacent to the impermeable outermost layer for the containment of fragmentary and shrapnel ejection, should a detonation occur. One or more neutralization reagents are located between the blasting mat layer and a second, water-soluble seal, acting as an opposing outer layer. The versatile neutralization reagent(s) are released and rapidly react with the explosive fillers of breached munitions and similar devices when the water-soluble seal contacts water, while the outermost plastic layer isolates the neutralization reagents against the explosive item during the neutralization process and the blast mat provides protection in the event of an unexpected detonation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing contaminants from soil and groundwater by extracting the contaminants and assisting the extraction by provision of an oxidant introduced prior to or simultaneously with a surfactant into the subsurface. Extractable contaminant can be extracted from the subsurface. The amount and/or distribution of contaminant in the subsurface can be characterized. The extracting of contaminant and the introducing of oxidant and surfactant can be coordinated to reduce contaminant to a target amount. A portion of the contaminant can be oxidizable.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of biomass to hydrocarbon products such as transportation fuels, kerosene, diesel oil, fuel oil, chemical and refinery plant feeds. The instant process uses a hydrocarbon or synthesis gas co-feed and hot pressurized water to convert the biomass in a manner commonly referred to as hydrothermal liquefaction.

Abstract: A method is provided for the decontamination of radioactive carbonaceous material, such as graphite, in which an injection of steam is planned into the material, concurrent with a first roasting thermal treatment of the material at a temperature between 1200° C. and 1500° C. Advantageously, the first treatment may be followed by a second treatment at a lower temperature with an injection of carbon oxide for oxidation according to the Boudouard reaction.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a novel composition which acts as a barrier to noxious agents while adding self-detoxifying catalytic treatments to neutralize the noxious and harmful warfare agents when applied for example on a fabric, or other solid support.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of carbonaceous radioactive waste, comprising the delivery of waste to one or more radioactive isotope separation stations isotopes, said isotopes being among at least carbon 14, chlorine 36, and tritium. Advantageously, the delivery to each of the stations occurs in wet form, with water being a common medium for conveying the waste to each of the separation stations.

Abstract: We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used ionic liquid catalyst for safe disposal, comprising hydrolyzing the used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide with a basic solution at a temperature from ?20° C. to 90° C. to produce a hydrolyzed product, evolve a hydrogen halide gas, and dissolve the hydrogen halide gas into the basic solution.

Abstract: A hybrid polymer composition can include a polymeric material that has dispersed within it a plurality of photocatalytic particles and a plurality of conductive particles at least some of which are in contact with one or more of the plurality of photocatalytic particles such that the conductive particles provide electron donating and electron accepting properties to the photocatalytic particles to enhance the creation of free radicals upon exposure of the hybrid polymer composition to one or more degradation enhancing factors. Examples of degradation enhancing factors can include, but are not limited to, one or more of visible light, ultraviolet light, moisture, and ozone. The photocatalytic particles can include a metal oxide, such as for example titanium dioxide and/or another non-toxic metal oxide. Related methods, articles, and the like are described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for disposing wastes comprising the steps of conducting a hydrothermal decomposition reaction of the wastes, separating the products into a solid fuel and waste water, combusting the solid fuel, scrubbing the combustion gas, generating steam using the heat generated by the combustion, and purifying the waste water, exhibit a high energy-efficiency, while exhibiting a high removal rate of the pollutants generated during the combustion.

Abstract: We provide a process and apparatus for preparing a used catalyst for disposal, comprising: a. hydrolyzing a used ionic liquid catalyst comprising an anhydrous metal halide to produce a hydrolyzed product; and b. separating the hydrolyzed product into a liquid phase and a solid phase; wherein the liquid phase comprises a non-water-reactive aqueous phase and a hydrocarbon phase; and wherein the solid phase comprises a solid portion of the hydrolyzed product, that is not water reactive. A vessel is used for the hydrolyzing and a separator is used for the separating.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a novel composition which acts as a barrier to noxious agents while adding self-detoxifying catalytic treatments to neutralize the noxious and harmful warfare agents when applied for example on a fabric, or other solid support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from a gas stream is provided which includes (a) introducing the gas stream into a reaction chamber of a scrubber; (b) oxidizing first contaminants in a liquid phase with a reactive species in a sump of the scrubber for providing an oxidizing solution; (c) oxidizing second contaminants in a gas phase of the gas stream above the sump with excess reactive species disengaging from the oxidizing solution in the sump; (d) oxidizing and scrubbing third contaminants in a gas-liquid contact assembly disposed above the gas stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material for safe disposal thereof without the necessity of incineration or use of disinfectants are described. An alkaline solution having a concentration and an amount effective for hydrolyzing the biological material is brought into contact therewith by means of rotating paddles which both pound the biological material into small pieces and thoroughly mix the alkaline solution with the material under pressure and at elevated temperature. Following the hydrolysis of the biological material, a chosen portion of the water is removed from the alkaline solution and from the liquefied biological material, such that the resulting product solidifies when cooled. The present safe disposal of the biological material does not require incineration thereof, the addition of disinfectants thereto, or the discharge of liquid effluent containing processed biological material into the sewage system.

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: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: Described are method of treating a radioactive organic waste stream comprising: (a) mixing a radioactive organic waste stream comprising organic compounds and radionuclides with phosphoric acid to form a reaction mixture; (b) heating the reaction mixture to a desired temperature in the presence of an oxidant to oxidize organic compounds present in the waste stream, and removing oxidized organic compounds from the reaction mixture; (c) optionally, adding a reducing agent to the reaction mixture to form insoluble radioactive metal phosphate compounds comprising one or more of the radionuclides, and separating the insoluble radioactive metal phosphate compounds from the reaction mixture; (d) optionally, adding a fluorine compound to the reaction mixture to react with uranium that may be present in the reaction mixture to form uranium hexafluoride, and removing uranium hexafluoride from the reaction mixture; (e) adding ammonia to the reaction mixture to neutralize phosphoric acid and to form ammonium phosphate

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for decomposing a body of a deceased person, as an alternative to traditional cremation. The apparatus includes a primary vessel where the body is treated with a highly basic solvent to render the body into skeletal remains and liquid remains. A clamp is applied to the skull during processing for solvent access to the skull. A secondary vessel is used to receive the liquid remains from the primary vessel and further treat them. During this further treatment, the skeletal remains left in the primary vessel after the liquefied portion has been transferred to the secondary vessel, can be treated to be decolorized and deodorized, and then returned to the decedent's next of kin as ash-like material.

Abstract: An exhaust gas containing a perfluoride compound (PFC) and SiF4 is conducted into a silicon remover and brought into contact with water. A reaction water supplied from a water supplying piping and air supplied from an air supplying piping are mixed with the exhaust gas exhausted from the silicon remover. The exhaust gas containing water, air, and CF4 is heated at 700° C. by a heater. The exhaust gas containing PFC is conducted to a catalyst layer filled with an alumina group catalyst. The PFC is decomposed to HF and CO2 by the catalyst. The exhaust gas containing HF and CO2 at a high temperature exhausted from the catalyst layer is cooled in a cooling apparatus. Subsequently, the exhaust gas is conducted to an acidic gas removing apparatus to remove HF. In this way, the silicon component is removed from the exhaust gas before introducing the exhaust gas into the catalyst layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hydrolyzing biological material for safe disposal thereof without the necessity of incineration or use of disinfectants are described. An alkaline solution having a concentration and an amount effective for hydrolyzing the biological material is brought into contact therewith by means of rotating paddles which both pound the biological material into small pieces and thoroughly mix the alkaline solution with the material under pressure and at elevated temperature. Following the hydrolysis of the biological material, a chosen portion of the water is removed from the alkaline solution and from the liquefied biological material, such that the resulting product solidifies when cooled. The present safe disposal of the biological material does not require incineration thereof, the addition of disinfectants thereto, or the discharge of liquid effluent containing processed biological material into the sewage system.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for neutralization and decontamination of toxic chemical and biological agents. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses a nontoxic, non-corrosive composition capable of neutralizing and decontaminating toxic chemical and biological agents in a very short period of time. The present subject matter finds utility in a great number of occasions, including, but not limited to, military actions or terrorist attacks where chemical or biological agents are utilized.

Abstract: An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.

Abstract: An alkaline hydrolysis unit, and method of using the same to dispose of a cadaver, the alkaline hydrolysis unit comprising: a chamber for receiving a cadaver to be chemically decomposed, the chamber including a head-receiving part intended to receive the head of a cadaver; a recirculation pump fluidly connected to the chamber of the alkaline hydrolysis unit and adapted to recirculate fluids within the chamber; a head retaining means locatable in the chamber for retaining the head of the cadaver in the head-receiving part of the chamber; and at least one recirculation jet fluidly connected to the recirculation pump and positioned to aim fluid from the recirculation pump at the head-receiving part of the chamber.

Abstract: A method of deactivating an explosive composition provided in an explosive cartridge, which method comprises exposing the explosive composition to a deactivating agent that renders the explosive composition insensitive to detonation, wherein the deactivating agent is a chemical.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly alkaline solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly alkaline solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a decreased concentration of radioisotope.

Abstract: A system for chemically disposing energetic material enclosed in assembled devices includes a porous basket. The porous basket forms an enclosed chamber for receiving the assembled devices. Further, the basket is supported by a rotatable basket arm that is, in turn, connected to a lifting arm. In addition to these structures, the system includes a tank that holds a hydrolysis solution. The tank is positioned to allow the lifting arm to submerge the basket into the solution. After submersion, the basket arm rotates the basket in the solution to flow the hydrolysis solution into contact with the assembled devices therein. As a result, the assembled devices react with the solution so that the solution penetrates the assembled devices, allowing the solution to contact and react with the energetic material to render the energetic material non-energetic.

Abstract: A polymeric hypernucleophilic catalyst is effective for hydrolytic destruction of chemical threat agents under mild conditions, e.g., near neutral pH and at ambient temperatures. The polymeric hypernucleophilic catalysts are particularly useful to affect rapid destruction of chemical threat agents on sensitive surfaces such as paint, metal, rubber, plastic, fabric, wood, and skin. Catalyst formulations such as creams, lotions, sprays, foams, powders, or gels, and articles such as filters, wipes, membranes, yarns, fabrics, and articles of clothing, may be used for detoxification of or prophylactic protection against chemical threat agents.

Abstract: Degradation of phosphate esters, particularly neurotoxins and pesticides, is performed using metallocene derivatives, more particularly molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. A metallocene derivative is hydrolyzed and then reacted with a phosphate ester. The preferred metallocene derivatives are molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. The phosphate esters can include, but are not limited to, VX, VE, VG, VM, GB, GD, GA, GF, parathion, paraoxon, triazophos, oxydemeton-methyl, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl, representing both chemical warfare agents as well as pesticides and insecticides.

Abstract: Degradation of phosphate esters, particularly neurotoxins and pesticides, is performed using metallocene derivatives, more particularly molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. A metallocene derivative is hydrolyzed and then reacted with a phosphate ester. The preferred metallocene derivatives are molybdocene and tungstocene derivatives. The phosphate esters can include, but are not limited to, VX, VE, VG, VM, GB, GD, GA, GF, parathion, paraoxon, triazophos, oxydemeton-methyl, chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and pirimiphos-methyl, representing both chemical warfare agents as well as pesticides and insecticides.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions.

Abstract: A gas stream containing at least one fluorine compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of carbon and fluorine, compounds of carbon, hydrogen and fluorine, compounds of sulfur and fluorine, compounds of nitrogen and fluorine and compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and fluorine is contacted with a catalyst comprising at least one of alumina, titania, zirconia and silica, preferably a catalyst comprising alumina and at least one of nickel oxide, zinc oxide and titania in the presence of steam, thereby hydrolyzing the fluorine compound at a relatively low temperature, e.g. 200°–800° C., to convert the fluorine of the fluorine compound to hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A method of removing harmful components of a perfluorocarbon gas or a perfluorocompound including the step of mixing at least one of a hydrocarbon gas and NH3 gas with an exhaust gas containing a perfluorocarbon or a perfluorocompound discharged from manufacturing equipment. The method also includes the step of thermally decomposing the resulting mixed gas in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for treating an industrial waste stream containing a borane compound including contacting the industrial waste stream with a resin carrying an oxidation catalyst that is capable of oxidizing the borane compound to boric acid.