Abstract: A method and device for limiting the degassing of tritiated waste issued from the nuclear industry are provided. The method reduces an amount of generated tritiated hydrogen (T2 or HT) and/or tritiated water (HTO or T2O) including at least one piece of tritiated waste from the nuclear industry. The method includes placing the package in contact with a mixture including manganese dioxide (MnO2) combined with a component that includes silver; and placing the package in contact with a molecular sieve.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure relate to tissue digestion and, more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for varying the number, size, and/or location of one or more tissue compartments within a digestive fluid vessel. Some examples include partitions that may be selectively positioned within a vessel (and may be selectively removable from the vessel) to create one or more tissue compartments. The partitions may be positioned, repositioned and rearranged within the vessel to form one or more tissue compartments. The partitions may be solid or include apertures, and may be oriented in horizontally and/or vertically. Alternate embodiments include one or more selectively closeable apertures that permit digestive fluid to circulate along alternate pathways, which can permit tissue digestion with reduced digestive fluid levels. Still further embodiments include baskets that are selectively positionable within the tissue digester.

Abstract: A decontamination method of solid-state material contaminated by radiocesium comprising bringing the solid-state material containing radiocesium in contact with a first processing solution and preferably eluting cesium ion from the solid-state material to the liquid phase under the presence of potassium ion or ammonium ion.

Abstract: An organic synthesis of materials to achieve removal of low molecular weight ionic species, such as transition metal ions including cobalt, iron, nickel, and zinc, from aqueous solutions. The synthesis includes the steps of providing a cation exchange resin, functionalizing the cation exchange resin using a chloride intermediate to form a sulfonyl chloride resin, and reacting a multi-amine based ligand with the sulfonyl chloride resin to form a sequestration resin. The synthesis further includes the steps of cooling the sequestration resin, and washing and drying the sequestration resin.

Abstract: A method of preparing a simple ceramic ingot of a spent filter having radioactive cesium trapped therein, and a ceramic ingot of a spent filter having improved properties such as leach resistance, thermal stability, and cesium content are provided. The method includes grinding and mixing a spent filter having cesium trapped therein, adding a solidifying agent, and sintering the spent filter. The method of preparing a ceramic ingot of a spent filter can be useful in preparing the ceramic ingot of the spent filter from only the spent filter by means of simple grinding and sintering, and in preparing the ceramic ingot of the spent filter by adding a small amount of a solidifying agent. The ceramic ingot of the spent filter has a high density and improved thermal stability, and shows improved leach resistance since a leach rate of a radioactive material is remarkably low. Therefore, the spent filter having radioactive cesium trapped therein can be effectively used to prepare a stable ceramic ingot.

Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a method for removing radioactive cesium, or radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium that is simple and low-cost, further does not require an energy source such as electricity, moreover can take in and stably immobilize the removed radioactive substances within a solid, and can reduce the volume of radioactive waste as necessary, and to provide a hydrophilic resin composition using for the method for removing radioactive cesium, or radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium, and the object of the present invention is achieved by using a hydrophilic resin composition containing: at least one hydrophilic resin selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic polyurethane resin, a hydrophilic polyurea resin, and a hydrophilic polyurethane-polyurea resin each having at least a hydrophilic segment; and a zeolite dispersed therein in a ratio of at least 1 to 200 mass parts relative to 100 mass parts of the hydrophilic resin.

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: 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: Provided is a method for disposal of radioactive waste which can reduce the radiation level until the waste can be reused as landfill or the like and which prevents the leakage of radiation nuclides in the ground. The method includes the following: a primary treatment step of turning the radioactive waste into a radioactive waste (primary treated waste) which has a radiation level equal to or less than a reference value via a radiation shielding agent composed of or predominantly composed of a Ca-based inorganic compound; and a secondary treatment step of heating to melt the primary treated waste and thereafter cooling the same to glass granules, and then sealing radioactive nuclides in the glass body.

Abstract: A method is described for the treatment of ferrous nuclear waste, produced in operations of pickling of contaminated metallic surfaces, which makes it possible to minimize the volumes of liquid phases to be treated and to recycle the by-products thereof to the process.

Abstract: The invention provides an optimal method for stabilization of heavy metal bearing paint residue subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of environment safe, worker safe, multi-media compatible, non-separating, non-embedding, stabilizing agent and optional complexing agent(s) to the blast media, thus allowing for pre-blending of stabilizer and blast media and field production of a uniform and steady state stabilizer within media for stabilization outside or within an OSHA containment building or collection device, such that leaching of heavy metals such as lead are inhibited to desired levels. The resultant stabilized paint residue and spent blast media mixture is suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse, or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of disposing of radioactive metal waste using melting decontamination, including sorting radioactive metal waste generated in nuclear fuel processing or production facilities by predetermined sorting criteria, and charging sorted metal waste into a melting furnace so as to be melted; adding a impurity remover to the melt of the melting furnace to remove generated slag; pouring the melt having no slag into a mold to form an ingot; subjecting the ingot to gamma spectroscopy using a gamma spectrometer to measure gamma rays of U-235 (185.72 keV, 57.2%) among uranium isotopes, performing detector calibration using a certified reference material and self-absorption correction depending on the density of a medium using MCNP computer code, and calculating total radioactivity of the ingot from the quantified radioactivity and mass of U-235; and efficiently and rapidly determining whether the ingot subjected to radioactivity measurement satisfies a clearance limit.

Abstract: Methods for partially decontaminating radioactive waste wherein the waste is first mixed, or brought in contact, with at least one corrosive medium. Activation energy is then supplied to the corrosive medium, so that at least a portion of the radionuclide present in the waste is converted into at least one gaseous reaction product, or is dissolved, by hydrogen or hydrogen ions, oxygen or oxygen ions, and/or halogen (for example chlorine) or halogen ions from the corrosive medium. The aim is that of decontaminating a 12C/13C-containing porous solid waste, which is contaminated with the 14C radionuclide. For this purpose, CO2 and/or hydrogen are applied as corrosive media to the waste, so that at least a portion of the waste is reacted to form at least one gaseous reaction product, wherein the process temperature is selected so that the 14C radionuclide is enriched in the reaction product over 12C/13C.

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: A method for vitrification of high level waste to reduce the formation of persistent secondary phases comprising the steps of providing a high level waste for vitrification; providing a glass frit additive for mixing with said high level waste; redistributing selected constituents of said glass frit for mixing separately as raw chemicals with said high level waste; and, feeding said high level waste, said glass frit additive, and the redistributed glass frit constituents to a melter for vitrification of said high level waste so that formation of secondary phases is suppressed.

Abstract: A device for the removal of heavy metals and heavy metal complexes, such as thimerosal, from medications is provided wherein the device comprises a solid support having at least one substantially purified metallothionein protein associated therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for recovering metals such as gallium, indium and aluminum from III-V group compound semiconductors or semiconducting materials thereof containing arsenic, antimony and/or selenium. The method includes the step of adsorbing the arsenic, antimony and selenium selectively to an adsorbent containing the rare-earth metal compound with the use of the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting an iron-bearing residue generated in a hydrometallurgical process that contains small amounts of soluble heavy metals into a stable form by means of a neutralising agent. The residue is elutriated and the elutriated residue is fed into at least one stabilisation or homogenisation reactor, into which a neutralising agent is also routed, and the homogenous mixing together of the residue and neutralising agent takes place by means of a helix mixer, where the ratio of the diameter of the mixer to the diameter of the reactor is 0.75-0.99.

Abstract: Methods to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in chromite processing wastes include one or more of the following steps: contacting the chromite processing wastes with an oxygen scavenger or chemical reducer; permitting the chromite processing wastes to react with the oxygen scavenger or chemical reducer; contacting the chromite processing wastes with ferrous ion; contacting the chromite processing wastes with sulfide ion; and, contacting the chromite processing wastes with ferrous sulfide.

Abstract: A procedure for the on-site reduction to a predetermined level of the concentration of hexavalent chromium in a saturated or unsaturated contaminated area or ground, in which an in-depth treatment of this area or ground is carried out with a predetermined quantity of a gaseous mixture consisting of hydrogen and another inert gas in order to chemically reduce the hexavalent chromium to a state of lower valence, in particular to the state of trivalent chromium.

Abstract: A novel method for remediating metals includes treating the metals with a mesoporous nanocomposite such as HMS, MCM-41 or MCM-48. The metal is preferably lead but can be at least one metal selected from Pb, Hg, Cd, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, In, Se, Ga, Te, Bi, Ni, Cu, Mo, Ni, Cu, Sr, Ba or Co. The treating is preferably performed at a pH of about 4 to about 12. In the invention, the treating can also include desorbing the metal from the mesoporous nanocomposite at a pH of about 2 or less.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a method of processing a waste material that contains mercury or a mercury compound, and chlorine or a mercury chloride, the method including a step of adding a chlorine scavenger to the waste material, and stowing the waste material in a treatment vessel; and a step of subjecting the waste material to a blasting treatment by fitting an explosive to the treatment vessel and detonating the explosive inside a pressure-proof container.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for making and using micro-porous particulates at least partially composed of metal sulfides, particularly alkaline earth metal and transition metal sulfides, as sorbents for removal of mercury from flue gas. Calcium sulfide micro-porous powders derived from the high temperature reduction of calcium sulfate and calcium sulfite are disclosed to be reactive substrates for a group of sorbents for adsorption of mercury from coal combustion flue gases produced by the utilities industry, as well as from natural gas and gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons. The sorbents are useful for cost-effectively adsorbing elemental mercury and oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gases, including those containing acid gases (e.g., SO.sub.2, NO and NO.sub.2, and HCl), over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: A device for the removal of heavy metals and heavy metal complexes, such as thimerosal, from medications is provided wherein the device comprises a dosing device or a solid support having at least one substantially purified metallothionein protein associated therewith. Additionally, methods to remove thimerosal from medications are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble pulverized or fine particle DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A system for removing mercury from combustion gas. The system includes a combustion device, a stack, and a duct system that couples the combustion device to the stack. The system further comprises an injection system that is coupled to the duct system. The injection system injects sorbents including alkali-based sorbents and carbon-based sorbents into the duct system.

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: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

Abstract: Methods to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in chromite processing wastes include one or more of the following steps: contacting the chromite processing wastes with an oxygen scavenger or chemical reducer; permitting the chromite processing wastes to react with the oxygen scavenger or chemical reducer; contacting the chromite processing wastes with ferrous ion; contacting the chromite processing wastes with sulfide ion; and, contacting the chromite processing wastes with ferrous sulfide.

Abstract: In methods for treatment of in ground chromium ore processing residue contamination, ferrous sulfide is provided as a substantially insoluble material in the residue deposit. The ferrous sulfide accordingly may remain substantially in place, in the pores of the soil or residue, even over long periods of time, regardless of underground water movement or diffusion. As a result, the ferrous sulfide may act continuously to chemically reduce and remove contamination. As hexavalent chromium diffuses from the soil or residue, it is reduced by the ferrous sulfide. The ferrous sulfide may be placed into the underground deposit by injecting a ferrous salt solution into the deposit, waiting for a precipitation to elapse, and then injecting a sulfide solution into the deposit.

Abstract: A method of removing heavy metals from incinerator fly ashes has the steps of: Determining the type of waste and its treating mode of an incinerator, and determining the outlet(s) and quantities of original fly ash (OFA) and reacted fly ash (RAF) in the incineration facility; Sampling OFA and RFA from their generation positions and detecting properties of OFA and RFA respectively; Calculating heavy metal(s) which exceeds the TCLP standard; Determining an optimal mixing ratio of OFA and RFA for two independent outlets, or the quantity of OFA or RFA that should be added with the convergence of OFA and RFA for one outlet; Extracting heavy metals from the mixed fly ash by a liquid to remove the heavy metals.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system reduces particulate emissions resulting from wear of the brake pad and rotor during stopping or slowing of a vehicle. The rotor includes at least one friction surface, that has an outer coating of a corrosion and wear-resistant material. This outer coating can optionally include a first layer comprising a crystalline material and a second layer overlaying and contacting the first layer and comprising an amorphous material. The first layer and the second layer can optionally have an inter-layer period of less than 10 nm such that the structure of the outer coating is that of a superlattice. A brake member that includes a friction material is mounted to a caliper on the vehicle with the friction material disposed opposite the at least one friction surface so that the friction material reversibly engages with the outer coating of the corrosion and wear-resistant material when the braking system is operated to stop or slow the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for solid-phase activation and neutralization of bauxite refinery residue (“red mud”) comprises the steps of preparing a quantity of untreated red mud having a moisture content of approximately 15 percent by weight, introducing a quantity of at least one reagent, and mixing in a mixer the quantity of untreated red mud and the quantity of at least one reagent. The mixing step is adapted to expose reaction sites at the nano-particle level. In one embodiment, the at least one reagent is calcium chloride and magnesium chloride salts. In another embodiment, an acid is introduced to the quantity of untreated red mud and the quantity of at least one reagent. A neutralized and activated red mud formed by the process is suitable for heavy metals remediation in soil and water.

Abstract: Mercury is removed from contaminated waste by firstly applying a sulfur reagent to the waste. Mercury in the waste is then permitted to migrate to the reagent and is stabilized in a mercury sulfide compound. The stable compound may then be removed from the waste which itself remains in situ following mercury removal therefrom.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization and treatment of heavy metal bearing materials and wastes subject to acid leaching tests or leach conditions and odor limits by addition of acid semi-soluble DiCalcium Phosphate DiHydrate such that the leaching potential is inhibited to desired levels and odors are reduced to desired levels and the material or waste is free flowing, more permeable, less weight and permits immediate handling and disposal or reuse. The resultant material or waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.

Abstract: A transportable process for the oxidation of deconstruction and demolition debris contaminated with lead-based paint that includes sizing and heating waste for a predetermined period of time and at a temperature in the range of 500° to 1,200° C. The process results in concentration of the lead in a small volume of product possessing physical and chemical properties that promotes recycling of the lead rather than disposal of the lead in landfills.

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: A treatment method includes heating a treatment target object under reduced pressure in a hermetic zone to vaporize a component of the treatment target object, and opening a hermetic door and inserting a tube from a side of a treatment system for the vaporized component adjoining the hermetic zone with the hermetic door therebetween such that the tube shields the hermetic door from the hermetic zone to introduce the component vaporized from the treatment target object to the treatment system side.

Abstract: A system for separating and extracting heavy metals from polluted liquid waste includes a pressurizing unit for pressurizing an extracting solvent using a high-pressure gas, so that the extracting solvent contains supersaturated air and is then jetted into a pneumatic stirring, reacting and separating apparatus, in which the supersaturated air in the extracting solvent instantaneously leaches out to thereby produce a large quantity of micro-sized extracting solvent-bearing bubbles that react with heavy metal-polluted liquid waste contained in the pneumatic stirring, reacting and separating apparatus to separate heavy metals from water. A gas supplying device is connected to and supplies gas to the pneumatic stirring, reacting and separating apparatus to stir the heavy metal-polluted liquid waste. And, a pumping unit is connected to the pneumatic stirring, reacting and separating apparatus to pump out heavy metal-separated water to achieve the object of removing heavy metals from liquid waste.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treatment of arsenic-contaminated soil, said method being capable of insolubilizing arsenic compounds (in organic form or tri- or pentavalent inorganic form), thereby reducing their leaching level below the environmental standard value for soil. The method consists of heating arsenic-contaminated soil at 200 to 700° C. and mixing the heated soil with a calcium compound and water. The method also consists of mixing arsenic-contaminated soil with a calcium compound, heating the mixed soil at 200 to 700° C., and mixing the heated soil with water.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for the safe and effective detoxification of a hazardous compound containing the arsenic and or the like. The method for the detoxification of a hazardous compound according to the present invention is characterized in that the hazardous compound containing at lest one element selected from the groups comprising arsenic, antimony and selenium is converted to a harmless substance produced by the food chain system.

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: A high temperature and high pressure process utilizes dehaloganation, oxidation, or similar reactions to chemically alter hazardous organic chemicals to render them non-hazardous. The method is particularly adaptable to the treatment of sediments in bodies of water and includes process steps to destroy contaminants such as PCBs in one product stream and to capture heavy metals for disposal in a smaller second product stream.

Abstract: Methods for the removal of lead from a metal silicate during the process of manufacturing of such a material are provided. With the reliance upon lower cost starting silicon dioxide starting materials that are known to exhibit elevated amounts of heavy metal therein for the purpose of producing metal silicates (such as sodium silicate, as one example), it has been realized that removal of significant amounts of such heavy metals is necessary to comply with certain regulatory requirements in order to provide a finished material that exhibits the same low level of heavy metal contamination as compared with finished materials that are made from more expensive, purer starting silicon dioxides. Two general methods may be followed for such decontamination purposes. One entails the introduction of a calcium phosphate material, such as dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and/or hydroxyapatite, to a formed metal silicate solution but prior to filtering.

Abstract: Devices, such as solid supports having metal binding proteins, such as metallothionein proteins, bound thereto are disclosed for removing metals from substrates in need of having such metals removed therefrom. Specifically membranes having metallothionein proteins from the brine shrimp Artemia are disclosed for removing metals from liquid substrates. Associated methods for removing metals from substrates using metallothionein proteins are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chlorine-containing waste is processed inside a heating device, an alkali metal compound and a calcium compound are given into the heating device while the temperature of a solid phase inside the heating device is maintained at 400 to 1500° C., chlorine that is contained in the chlorine-containing waste and that has not been bound by the alkali metal compound is bound in the solid phase by the calcium compound, and chlorine is converted into alkali metal chloride from calcium chloride generated in the course of the processing of the chlorine-containing waste.

Abstract: Methods for the removal of lead from a metal silicate during the process of manufacturing of such a material are provided. With the reliance upon lower cost starting silicon dioxide starting materials that are known to exhibit elevated amounts of heavy metal therein for the purpose of producing metal silicates (such as sodium silicate, as one example), it has been realized that removal of significant amounts of such heavy metals is necessary to comply with certain regulatory requirements in order to provide a finished material that exhibits the same low level of heavy metal contamination as compared with finished materials that are made from more expensive, purer starting silicon dioxides. Two general methods may be followed for such decontamination purposes. One entails the introduction of a calcium phosphate material, such as dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, and/or hydroxyapatite, to a formed metal silicate solution but prior to filtering.

Abstract: A chemical process for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic)—treated wood, from which CCA and detoxified wood are recovered for recycling comprising the steps of (a) treating CCA-treated wood in the presence of a liquefying reagent such as an organic solvent at 100–250° C. with or without ferrous ions to form liquefied CCA-treated wood (b) adding water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent to the liquefied CCA-treated wood with stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of liquefied CCA-treated wood (c) adding complexing or precipitating agents, such as phosphoric acid or calcium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of step (b) thereby precipitating insoluble heavy metal complexes or precipitates and forming a solution of detoxified CCA-treated wood (d) separating said heavy metal complexes or precipitates from the solution of detoxified liquefied CCA-treated wood and (e) isolating chromated copper arsenate from said heavy metal complex or precipitate.

Abstract: Metal binding proteins, associated compositions and methods for their production and use are disclosed. The metal binding proteins include have amino acid sequences analogous to at least one metal binding protein, and conservative amino acid substitutions thereof from a brine shrimp (Artemia). Also provided are the associated nucleic acid sequences encoding metal binding proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for stabilization of lead smelter slag and matte subject to acid and water leaching tests or leach conditions by addition of stabilizing agents into the smelter feed such that leaching of lead is inhibited to desired levels. The resultant waste after stabilization is deemed suitable for on-site reuse, off-site reuse or disposal as RCRA non-hazardous waste.