Abstract: A method for recovering carbon fibers from composite material waste includes coating a solid acid powder onto a surface of a composite material waste having carbon fibers and a resin matrix, pyrolyzing the resin matrix of the coated composite material waste in an inert environment, and oxidizing the pyrolyzed resin of the composite material waste in an air environment.

Abstract: Drug disposal devices and systems for reducing the amount of drug contained in a transdermal drug delivery patch are disclosed. The drug disposal devices contain an adsorbing substance, such as activated carbon, and are capable of adsorbing residual drug from the transdermal patch and preventing back-extraction of the drug. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the drug disposal devices and methods of using the drug disposal devices for reducing the amount of drug contained within a transdermal drug delivery patch.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide titanium oxide granules that have a novel structure and have a characteristic of highly efficient decomposing capability, and a method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using the granules. The present invention has been completed based on the finding that a method of decomposing plastic waste by using titanium oxide granules having a transition metal and/or a transition metal oxide, in particular copper, supported thereon enables decomposition of plastic waste at extremely high efficiency in a low-temperature region for a long period of time as compared to methods of decomposing plastic waste by using the related-art titanium oxide granules.

Abstract: A treatment process of persistent organic pollutants contained in particles is provided. Said process includes reacting persistent organic pollutant in particles under hydrothermal conditions in the presence of Fe2+ and Fe3+. Several beneficial effects can be achieved, including 1) no other additive is needed during the reaction process; 2) Fe2+ and Fe3+ are safe, cheap and extensive sources; 3) because Fe2+ and Fe3+ are dissolved, they can fully disperse into particles, and fully contact can be achieved, thus obtaining a decomposition rate no less than 70% of the persistent organic pollutants is under subcritical conditions.

Abstract: A pesticidal composition comprising 4-phenoxyphenyl 2-(2-pyridyloxy)propyl ether; a hydrophobic organic solvent capable of dissolving 0.1-fold by weight of 4-phenoxyphenyl 2-(2-pyridyloxy)propyl ether at 0° C.; polyvinyl alcohol; a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated castor oil, alkoxylated hydrogenated castor oil and alkoxylated hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid ester; and water, is excellent in storage stability.

Abstract: A continuous process for the thermal treatment of a refinery sludge, comprising the following operations: a. drying of the refinery sludge, possibly mixed with pet-coke, at a temperature ranging from 110 to 120° C.; b. gasification of the dried sludge, at a temperature ranging from 750 to 950° C., for a time of 30 to 60 minutes, in the presence of a gas containing oxygen and water vapour, with the associated production of synthesis gas (CO+H2) and a solid residue; c. combustion of the synthesis gas at a temperature ranging from 850 to 1,200° C. and recycling of the combustion products for the drying and gasification phases; and d. inertization of the solid residue, at a temperature ranging from 1,300 to 1,500° C., by vitrification with plasma torches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of hazardous waste, the process comprising: (i) providing a hazardous waste; (ii) providing a further waste; (iii) plasma treating the hazardous waste in a first plasma treatment unit, (iv) gasifying the further waste in a gasification unit to produce an offgas and a char material; and (v) plasma treating the offgas, and optionally the char material, in a second plasma treatment unit to produce a syngas, (vi) optionally treating the syngas in a gas cleaning plant, wherein the first plasma treatment unit is arranged to plasma treat at least some of the solid by-products from the gasification unit and/or the second plasma treatment unit and/or the gas cleaning plant.

Abstract: A method of separating a high boiling component from a mixture containing organic and/or inorganic boiling components which method involves providing an induction heated screw conveyor having an auger and passing the mixture through the induction heated screw conveyor while inductively heating the auger so as to heat the mixture in the induction heated screw conveyor. The mixture is heated to a temperature that is sufficient to cause the boiling component(s) to separate from the mixture as a vapor and the boiling component is removed from the induction heated screw conveyor.

Abstract: Method for the stabilization of contaminants within a material selected from soils, mining tailings and by-products, sludge wastes and industrial wastes, by mixing the material with an alum sludge composition. The composition includes one or more aluminum compound(s) and/or complex(es) together with a reactive carbon material.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, in a treatment zone, reacting an oxygen-comprising gas, one or more selected ferric/ferrous chelates, one or more selected nitrates and/or nitrites, and/or anaerobic wastewater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment by pulmonary delivery of a bioscavenger to animals as an effective antidote to prevent toxicity produced by exposure of an animal to nerve agents and other toxic substances.

Abstract: The waste disposal system disclosed herein includes a chamber operated at high ampere and low voltage, the chamber configured to inject smoke on a stream of free radicals. In one implementation, the stream of free radicals is generated from a plasma igniter and the smoke is generated from waste products, such as hospital waste products.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

Abstract: A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: Presented herein are compositions including a linear tenso-active surfactant which, upon contact and mechanical stirring of a hydrocarbon body, induces emulsification, resulting in oxidation of fatty acid aliphatic bodies. The compositions solve the problem of hydrocarbon pollution. The hydrocarbon decomposer and its by-products dissolve hydrocarbons present in polluted bodies such as clays, soils, water and sand. Methods of the invention create a residue that is a fertilizer, at room temperature and with no need for high pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.

Abstract: Provided is a method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using titanium oxide granules which are easily separated from metals and inorganic substances, have a highly efficient decomposing capability, and have a characteristic of fine powder formation resistance during pyrolysis. More specifically, the method of decomposing plastic and organic waste by using titanium oxide granules which are easily separated from metals and inorganic substances, have a highly efficient decomposing capability, and have a characteristic of fine powder formation resistance during pyrolysis has been established by optimizing the characteristics of titanium oxide granules.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decontaminating disposable protective products prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), used in a nuclear power plant, to less than minimum detectable activity (MDA) are disclosed. In the disclosed methods and apparatus, solid protective products made of PVA, generated from a nuclear power plant, are dissolved into a liquid, and then are decontaminated to less than MDA. The PVA solution decontaminated in this way is concentrated to an appropriate concentration or dried, and finally is subjected to self-disposal. This can fundamentally block the generation amount of combustible waste amounting to 50% or more of low and intermediate level waste of nuclear power plants, thereby considerably contributing to a reduction of the operating expenses of the nuclear power plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or controlling VOC emissions from a low-pressure storage tank for a VOC-containing substance stored or transported as a liquid in the storage tank are provided. The apparatus and method include a filter media operatively positioned between a headspace in the storage tank and the atmosphere, wherein: (i) a gaseous substance from a headspace in the storage tank passes through the filter media to be vented to the atmosphere; (ii) the filter media comprises a permeable substrate and a liquid stripper for a VOC, wherein the liquid stripper coats the permeable substrate; (iii) the filter media provides a gaseous back pressure across the filter media to the atmosphere of less than 1 psig; and (iv) a liquid condensate from the filter media can drip or flow under gravity back into the storage tank.

Abstract: A DNA hybrid which comprises a porous oxide matrix and DNA immobilized thereon, and is useful for environmental clean-up, where the hybrid is prepared by removing a dispersion medium from a dispersion of colloidal oxide and DNA.

Abstract: A method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit is described. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of ablating a surface layer of a wall by sweeping the said layer, comprising: a step of directional control by an optical deflector of a plurality of pulsed laser beams; a step of ablating the layer on impact zones created by the plurality of laser beams, each impact zone being defined by a centre and by a characteristic dimension; the method is characterized in that the impact zones are disjoint, the distance between each centre of the impact zones being equal to at least ten times the largest characteristic dimension of the impact zones. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: A method for safely disposing of medicines includes converting the medicines into a partially solid mass that may be incinerated. The medicines may be treated with a bittering agent capable of denaturing the stored medicines and with a coloring agent capable of providing a characteristic color to the denatured medicines. The medicines may also be treated with a thickening agent that is capable of converting the denatured medicines into a partially solid disposable mass, prior to incinerating the medicines.

Abstract: A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: A VOC treatment apparatus is provided for treating substantially opaque VOCs and comprises a processing chamber (24) in which VOCs are treated; and a solar energy introducing device (8). The solar energy introducing device (8) comprises a tubular structure having a first end located external to the processing chamber (24) and having a first inlet (14) through which concentrated sunlight is received and a second inlet (16) through which a flow of substantially optically transmittant gas is received. The solar energy introducing device (8) has a second end (18) that opens into the processing chamber (24) and terminates in a nozzle providing an outlet for the substantially optically transmittant gas and the concentrated sunlight. In use the optically transmittant gas exits the second end of the device in a jet to create an optically transmittant zone in the substantially opaque VOCs within the processing chamber (24), in which zone the sunlight can travel.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a decontaminant dispenser which may be used as a projectile. The invention also relates to a decontamination process using the decontaminant dispenser. The decontaminant dispenser may be thrown by hand, launched as an artillery shell or the payload for a missile, or dropped by an airplane into the area to be decontaminated. The dispenser may be placed in the area to be decontaminated. The decontaminant dispenser may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: Tissue digestion methods and apparatuses that provide easy, safe and inexpensive disposal of biological tissue, for example animal carcasses and human cadavers, are disclosed. Embodiments include tissue digesters with elongated cylindrical vessels for holding digestive fluid and baskets for holding tissue within said vessel. Embodiments include baskets with perforations to allow circulation of digestive fluid around and about the tissue. In one form the basket holding the tissue is horizontally loaded into a horizontally disposed vessel. The vessel is then tilted to a more vertical orientation. Gravity helps to collect the tissue fragments in a sloped collection region of the basket, which is located near a mixer to allow continual agitation of the tissue fragments as they are digested. The tissue digester can operate efficiently at lower temperature and pressures, is mechanically less complicated, consumes less power and is less expensive to manufacture than conventional tissue digesting systems.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.

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: Presented herein are compositions including a linear tenso-active surfactant which, upon contact and mechanical stirring of a hydrocarbon body, induces emulsification, resulting in oxidation of fatty acid aliphatic bodies. The compositions solve the problem of hydrocarbon pollution. The hydrocarbon decomposer and its by-products dissolve hydrocarbons present in polluted bodies such as clays, soils, water and sand. Methods of the invention create a residue that is a fertilizer, at room temperature and with no need for high pressure.

Abstract: Winrows is a specific process which executes in synergy with Fill-A-Box©™ and Stat-Medicament-Disposal(c)™ removal of food waste (bio-waste) from landfills and water systems. It quantifies data by address/location by weight of food waste (bio-waste) that is then converted under cap and trade to carbon off-set credits for address/location through Greenebank(c)™. It is a converted 13 gallon collapsible garbage holder that has been modified to hold extra bags and a carbon filter. The food waste (bio-waste) is used in vermiculture, and composting. The liquid by-product and final product is harvested and sold and any excess is converted to swill for pig feed. Curbside pickup by Fill-A-Box©™ scans and weighs the bags and transmits data to Winrows database by address/location.

Abstract: An assay for screening potential hydrolysis enhancing agents capable of facilitating the hydrolysis of a substantially water insoluble halogenated compound such as mustard gas (HD) in an aqueous reaction mixture is disclosed. The assay includes at least one chamber adapted for receiving and retaining the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound and a potential hydrolysis agent in an aqueous reaction mixture, and a pH indicating agent adapted to produce a visible color change corresponding to the amount of the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound hydrolyzed in the aqueous reaction mixture wherein the rate of hydrolysis can be established by measuring the change in the detectable signal over time.

Abstract: Secure containers are disclosed for disposal of unused, experimental, and/or expired pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, veterinary medicines, and/or similar materials, where the containers include at least one unidirectional apparatus for depositing materials into an interior of the container, while resisting normal attempts at retrieval of deposited materials. Methods are also disclosed for making and using the secure containers including a unidirectional member supporting deposition of materials into an interior of the container, while resisting withdrawal of deposited materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a steam biomass reactor converts organic waste placed inside a sealed steam injected reactor to biogas (methane CH4 and carbon dioxide CO2). The amount of liquid introduced into the reactor can be minimized, increased methane and CO2 can be produced, and the methane produced can have higher Btu values as compared to methane produced in other reactors. Some embodiments provide a method of injecting steam into a sealed vessel that is loaded with organic waste and collecting the methane produced by accelerated decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the waste within the vessel. The steam accelerates the decomposition of the organic refuse, thereby enhancing the production of methane gas and CO2.

Abstract: Provided is a method for scavenging airborne formaldehyde. The method comprises contacting the airborne formaldehyde with a formaldehyde scavenger of the formula I: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and RA are as defined herein.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for producing products results in solid waste and organic waste disposed in an air stream. The organic waste is subject to oxidation by a thermal oxidizer receiving the air stream from the manufacturing apparatus for oxidizing the organic waste. The thermal oxidizer includes a clean air outlet for venting the oxidized air stream to the atmosphere. A gasifier receives solid waste from the manufacturing apparatus for gasifying the solid waste and producing synthetic gas. The synthetic gas is introduced to the thermal oxidizer for providing additional thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer reducing the amount of fossil fuel required to provide thermal energy to the thermal oxidizer that is necessary for oxidizing the organic waste disposed in said air stream.

Abstract: Method and device for inactivating a microbiologically contaminated mass containing solid particles. The method includes mixing the mass containing solid particles with a gelatinizing agent, transporting the mixed mass of solid particles and gelatinizing agent through a shaping device structured so that the mixed mass, at least in one area, is shaped to form a lamellar volume with a layer thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, and impinging the formed lamellar volume of the mixed mass with accelerated electrons.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: The present application is concerned with compositions for providing phase-stable microemulsion decontamination formulations for treating surfaces, and in particular for treating surfaces contaminated with chemical and/or biological warfare agents.

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: Method for in situ reclamation of an area contaminated by organic compounds, comprising: introducing at least one chelating agent into said area; allowing said chelating agent to diffuse through said area; introducing at least one stabilizing agent; introducing an aqueous solution comprising at least one peroxide.

Abstract: An oxidizing liquid (20), such as hydrogen peroxide, is vaporized (18) and the vapor is used to deactivate nerve gas, blistering gas, or other biologically active substances such as pathogens, biotoxins, and prions. A second chemical compound (42) in vapor, mist, or fog form is used in conjunction with the oxidizing vapor. In one embodiment, the second chemical preconditions the biologically active substances to be deactivated more efficiently by the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the second chemical boosts the reactivity of the oxidizing vapor. In another embodiment, the other chemical reacts with the oxidizing vapor to form an intermediate compound that deactivates at least some of the biologically active substances.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic constituents from various matrices. A method of separating such constituents is also provided.

Abstract: An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treating exhaust gases comprising organosilicon components or accompanying substances. The invention more specifically relates to the use of bulk regenerator materials as storage materials allowing periodic removal, purification, and redelivery to the system. The invention solves the problem of clogged regenerator-storage materials during regenerative post-combustion of exhaust gases containing organosilicon components.

Abstract: A method of reducing styrene emissions in aqueous cured-in-place pipe closed molding processes and other aqueous environments using a styrene reduction agent. The reduction agent generally comprises a calibrated mixture of salts including sodium chloride plus three persulfate salts: ammonium (APS), potassium (KPS), and sodium (NPS). These ingredients are combined in powder form and are compressed into soluble capsules containing calibrated amounts of the mixture. The capsule(s) may be prescribed through the use of software. Capsule(s) are added to the cure water prior to starting the boiler equipment for the Cured-In-Place Pipe process in order to reduce the residual monomer content in either process or waste streams.

Abstract: The method of the invention provides means of destroying highly stable metal cyanide ions found in a solution, and converting the cyanide to harmless by-products. Contrary to conventional methods which merely complex the cyanide into a mechanically or physically removable complex, the present method destroys the cyanide found in the sample. The invention is directed to a method of destroying cyanide comprising providing a highly alkaline solution containing a metal cyanide ions; and subjecting the solution to electro-oxidation.

Abstract: Method for removing the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating a nuclear fuel pellet comprising uranium dioxide UO2, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) the polymer is pyrolysed in a reducing atmosphere; and b) the carbon residues obtained after the pyrolysis step (a) are selectively oxidized, the oxidation being carried out at temperature above 1000° C. in an atmosphere comprising carbon dioxide CO2. Such a method makes it possible to remove the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating the pellet while avoiding or limiting the risk of radiological contamination by the formation of U3O8.