Abstract: A waste collection device which comprises, inside a pit, a plate for supporting at least one container; the plate is provided with supports adapted to limit its downward motion to a minimum elevation which allows the container to lie fully within the pit; a monolithic structure, with a base and a lid provided with waste insertion pillars, the base and the lid being spaced so that when the lid is at the level of the paving that surrounds the pit the base lies at a lower level than the supporting plate; the structure is provided with movement device.

Abstract: In a glass melter, a precious metal insert is used to protect a gas bubbler from corrosion at the orifice of the bubbler through which gas is injected into the melt. The use of a precious refractory metal insert at the bubbler orifice prevents the attack of molten glass on the bubbler. The precious metal is chosen from the refractory group of metals and the platinum group of metals. Preferably the precious metal from the platinum group is platinum or one of its alloys or one of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium and iridium. The precious metal from the refractory group is preferably chromium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which comprises a portable treatment method and apparatus for treating sediment and other waste material. A preselected solid composition is added to the sediment as it is drawn through a system which mixes the sediment and composition thoroughly to produce a homogenous mixture, which is then in turn deposited in a storage device for eventual removal from the site.

Abstract: A treating method comprising contacting a fluorine-containing interhalogen compound first with a treating agent for the fluorine component and then with a treating agent for the halogen component, treating agents therefor, and a method for treating exhaust gas containing a fluorine-containing interhalogen compound, comprising filling a treating agent for the fluorine component into the internal cylinder of a treating apparatus having a double cylinder structure consisting of an internal cylinder and an external cylinder, filling a treating agent for the halogen component into the external cylinder, feeding exhaust gas containing a fluorine-containing interhalogen compound into the internal cylinder to travel the internal cylinder and the external cylinder in this order, and then discharging the treated gas from the external cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multiple component process analysis and control includes the steps of obtaining a sample from a process stream, interrogating the sample using spectroscopy according to an established QA/QC protocol to determine the concentrations of a plurality of molecules in the sample, transmitting the determined concentrations to a control computer, determining control system response based upon the determined concentrations and a process model, implementing at least one facility action based on the control system response, and repeating the obtaining, interrogating, transmitting, determining and implementing steps. The apparatus extends the technology of multi-component analytical instrumentation to the direct use in a controller suitable of a wide variety of processes encountered in waste remediation, chemical manufacturing, combustion, and other industrial operations.

Abstract: A medical supply and sharps container includes a container body having a cover. Medical apparatus may be supplied the user in the container. The cover includes a lid or door defining an entry slot into the container after the medical apparatus has been removed and the container has been converted to a sharps container. In one form, a lid defines an entry slot through the cover for disposition of medical waste material onto an inclined chute underlying the lid whereby an individual's hand or fingers cannot be passed through the entry slot into the container. In another form, a hood and balanced shelf arrangement is releasably secured to the cover in a manner to open a door overlying an opening through the cover upon securement of the arrangement to the cover and to close the door upon removal of the arrangement from the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing particulate matter and residue build-up within a vacuum exhaust line of a semiconductor processing device. The apparatus uses RF energy to form excite the constituents of particulate matter exhausted from a semiconductor processing chamber into a plasma state such that the constituents react to form gaseous products that may be pumped through the vacuum line. The apparatus may include a collection chamber structured and arranged to collect particulate matter flowing through the apparatus and inhibiting egress of the particulate matter from the apparatus. The apparatus may further include an electrostatic collector to enhance particle collection in the collection chamber and to further inhibit egress of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A reconfigurable waste treatment system having one or more waste treatment units such as scrubbers, absorption units, and thermal destruction units, is provided for treating waste supplied to the treatment system from one or more waste sources. The treatment units are selectively connected between an output and an input of a distribution manifold. Each input may be selectively connected to a desired output to achieve a desired configuration of treatment units. A venturi vacuum pump and an inert gas supply are used to assist the evacuation of waste from the waste source. The inert gas can also be used to charge the system as a whole or selected treatment devices, when not in use, to prevent the accumulation of moisture therein. A flow/pressure regulator prevents the system from being overloaded. Holding vessels are provided for collecting waste to allow staged treatment and/or sampling. The system is enclosed in a containment chamber to prevent insufficiently treated waste from escaping into the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for soil remediation to remedy a soil contaminated with a pollutant less affecting the environment, which includes a soil borer having a rotatable drilling form or portion capable of agitating the soil, introducing into the soil at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a microorganism capable of degrading the pollutant, a nutrient for the microorganism and an inducer to make the microorganism express the pollutant-degrading activity, and measuring pollutant concentration in the soil.

Abstract: A method for the incineration of a fluid or fluidizable material by use of a pulsed plasma is disclosed. The plasma is produced by a confined discharge in a closed chamber having an exit port and containing an ablating material. The method comprises the following steps: a) introducing the material into the chamber; and b) generating a plasma by ignition within the chamber thereby producing a flow of the plasma which incinerates the fluid material. Further described are a process for the detoxification of waste materials and a method for cracking a first compound in order to form a second compound using the method of the invention. A plasma incinerator is also described.

Abstract: A filtration system for concentrating radioactive debris particulate provides efficient filtration, concentration and transport to collection canisters of radioactive particles from a refueling cavity, spent fuel pool, or other water volume where small particles must be removed from the water. The system includes a flushing pump module that draws contaminated water from a cut zone enclosure. The flushing pump module has a separator that removes large size particulate from the contaminated water. A solid media filter module receives the contaminated water from the flushing pump module and removes medium size particulate from the contaminated water. The solid media filter module has a structure for ejecting the medium size particulate and passing the ejected particulate to a concentrate handling module having a purge tank and a slurry transfer pump. A disposal canister station receives the medium size particulate from the slurry transfer pump and fills disposal canisters for transport and storage.

Abstract: A molten metal reactor (10) includes a reactor vessel having a heating section (11) formed from a dielectric material. The reactor vessel also includes a reaction section (12) connected to heating section (11). An induction heating coil (18) is associated with the reactor vessel heating section (11) and produces an electromagnetic field within a field area (19). A portion of the field extends through the heating section (11) for inductively heating a reactant metal (14) contained in the heating section, while a dielectric spacing material (25) positioned around induction heating coil (18) isolates electrically conductive materials from the induction heating field (19). A circulating arrangement (20) circulates molten reactant metal between the heating section (11) and reaction section (12) to react waste material introduced into the reactor in the reaction section, outside of the induction heating field (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing particulate matter and residue build-up within a vacuum exhaust line of a semiconductor processing device. The apparatus uses RF energy to form excite the constituents of particulate matter exhausted from a semiconductor processing chamber into a plasma state such that the constituents react to form gaseous products that may be pumped through the vacuum line. The apparatus may include a collection chamber structured and arranged to collect particulate matter flowing through the apparatus and inhibiting egress of the particulate matter from the apparatus. The apparatus may further include an electrostatic collector to enhance particle collection in the collection chamber and to further inhibit egress of the particulate matter.

Abstract: A mobile reuse center structure for containment and handling of hazardous materials comprising a base assembly having a containment pan, right side and left side walls, front and rear walls and a roof assembly. The right side wall and the front wall each have a door which allow access to the interior of the structure by its user. The left side wall has a plurality of deflagration vents which burst open when pressure is applied to the deflagration vents. The roof assembly has at each corner thereof a corner fitting which may receive a twistlock stacker. The twistlock stackers when coupled to the roof assembly corner fittings allow a drum rack to be stacked on top of and secured to the roof assembly. A machinery compartment is located in the rear end of the mobile reuse center structure. The machinery compartment includes the electrical control and power distribution system for the mobile reuse center structure.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus, and method of operation, for controlling and suppressing the explosive destruction of munitions by detonation in an explosion chamber. The apparatus comprises a double-walled steel explosion chamber which is moved by wheeled carriage means to a desired location. Granular shock-damping silica sand is introduced into fillable cavities within the chamber walls, ceiling and floor prior to use. After use, the sand is removed to lighten the chamber prior to transport. The floor of the chamber is covered with granular shock-damping pea gravel which may be added before use and removed before further transport. A munition to be destroyed is placed within an open-topped steel fragmentation containment unit. Vaporizable plastic bags of energy-absorbing water are disposed about the munition in a spaced array. An array of vent pipes vents the chamber into manifolds leading to an expansion tank or scrubber for further cooling and environmental treatment of the explosion products.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: The applicator directs microwaves through a guide (5) and housing to focus microwaves generated from a microwave emitter to the surface of a target of contaminated concrete. The housing (4) of the applicator has a elliptical base and a truncated elliptical section with two focal areas (F1) and (F2). A component (11) is arranged at the focal area (F1) in the direction of the waveguide to diffuse incident waves to a wall of the housing where they are reflected to the focusing area (F2).

Abstract: A mobile modular warehouse structure for the storing and handling of conters of hazardous materials comprising a control point modular storage unit and a plurality of warehouse modular storage units. The modular storage units may be configured in a row to form one embodiment of the mobile modular warehouse structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of adjacent modular storage units is provided by a bellows which is connected to and removable from a bellows support frame in a side wall of each modular storage unit. The modular storage units may also be configured in a stacked arrangement to form an alternate embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of the stacked modular storage units is provided through an opening between the control point modular storage unit and the warehouse modular storage unit stacked thereon. Stairs located in the control point modular storage unit allow the user to gain access to each unit in the stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing and protecting oblong and odd-sized objects with plastic sheeting that may form a cylindrical enclosure by pressure sealing extruded plastic profile fasteners located at opposing edges of the plastic sheet.The open ends of the cylindrical enclosure may closed by folding the sheeting at the ends and sealing it with duct tape, or the ends may be left open, thus allowing several sections of sheeting to be placed adjacent to each other to enclose an object that exceeds the width of the sheeting. The fasteners may be tinted with different colors to provide color coded pressure closable seals that provide information about the article or material enclosed. By using different color combinations, the color of pressure seal may indicate whether the plastic sheeting is protecting non-hazardous material or containing hazardous material, or indicate the type of contained hazardous material.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful method and apparatus for the controlled non-pyrolytic reduction of organic material comprising subjecting the material to microwave radiation in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: According to the present invention, boiler water is pressurized so that its boiling point is set at approximately 200.degree. C. to 320.degree. C. The boiler water is heated in at least two stages. Thermal energy of gases containing chlorine compounds is used to heat the water to its boiling point. Thermal energy of gases which do not contain chlorine compounds is used to heat the water from its boiling point until superheated steam of a given temperature is generated. The heating which uses the thermal energy of gases containing chlorine compounds is accomplished using the thermal energy from the combustion of pyrolysis gases obtained from a pyrolysis means in which waste material is supplied into a chamber containing a fluidized bed medium which has been heated to at least 300.degree. C., and a pyrolytic reaction is induced.

Abstract: Soil and mud of any kind may be decontaminated of its hazardous substances and petroleum products. The materials are mixed with water for soil and mud washing in a wet-type mixing and grinding mill. The washed out material is separated from the eluate which carries away the pollutants extracted from the soil and mud. The cleaned material can be safely returned to nature. The contaminated eluate is exposed to sorption media, such as lignite (brown coal, wood coal) ground to a particle size of a few microns. The sorption media adsorb the pollutants in the eluate fully. After removing the (solid) sorbens from the (liquid) eluate, they can be disposed of or treated for recycling. The eluate, now practically free of hazardous substances, may be released into surface or ground water, or may be pumped back into the industrial water recirculation system. The apparatus includes a wet-type mill which is fed from a soil and mud staging area and from the water recirculation system.

Abstract: A method of melting solid materials while controlling melt shape, without the expenditure of energy to melt unwanted quantities of surrounding materials, and an apparatus to effect the method. The method comprises the use of a planar starter path between electrodes so as to initiate melting and/or vitrification in a plane rather than in a discrete linear path between electrodes. Because melting is initiated along a significant portion of the linear dimension of the electrodes, creating a melted zone that is deeper than it is thick, the aspect ratio (depth "Y"/width "Z") of the melted mass is greater than 1.0.

Abstract: A high temperature gas containing sulfur oxides is desulfurized by converting sulfur oxides to ammonium compounds by the injection of ammonia and irradiation with an electron beam. The high temperature gas containing the sulfur oxides is cooled by contacting the gas with recirculated cooling water, then mixed with ammonia, air, and water and irradiated with an electron beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high efficiency generation of electricity and low oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) emissions are provided. The electricity is generated from combustion of hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion units using ultra lean fuel to air ratios in the range of 0.4-0.7 relative to stoichiometric operation in internal combustion engine-generators or ultra lean operation in gas turbines to ensure minimal production of pollutants such as NO.sub.x. The ultra lean operation also increases the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. High compression ratios (r=12 to 15) can also be employed to further increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Supplemental fuel, such as natural gas or diesel oil, may be added directly to the internal combustion engine-generator or gas turbine for combustion with the hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion unit.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for dewatering and containing radioactive, aqueous waste (44), the latter is introduced into a filtration container (12) and is ultimately disposed of in a disposable container structure (12, 48, 50), which comprises the filtration container (12) holding the dewatered waste (44), as well as an outer container (50) enclosing the filtration container (12). The filtration container is an inner sack (12) having a bottom (13) which is provided with a straining cloth and through which essentially all the dewatering is carried out. After the dewatering operation has been completed, the inner sack (12) is sealed and placed in the outer container (50) in order to be ultimately disposed of. For purposes of cleaning, the filtration water (17) may be recirculated through the waste during the dewatering operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating of hazardous waste by heating the waste in a pyrolyzing chamber and forming an off-gas, heating the off-gas for a sufficient time to destroy dioxins and furans, then reducing and cooling the off-gas in a secondary treating chamber having a graphite stack and recovering metallics by distillation.

Abstract: Fluorocarbons including perfluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons are highly efficiently decomposed by contacting a gaseous fluorocarbon with a reagent comprising carbon and an alkaline earth metal or carbon, an alkaline earth metal and an alkali metal at an elevated temperature, the decomposed halogen being fixed to the reagent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collection and containment of hydrocarbons that may be spilled or leaked by equipment utilizing an internal combustion engine, transmission or fuel tank prevents pollution of the environment. Hydrocarbons accumulated in a spill collection apparatus are directed to a spill containment device where they are absorbed and solidified into a rubber-like mass. Solidification of hydrocarbons and retaining them within a hydrocarbon impermeable housing prevents them from contaminating the surface below the equipment and facilitates their handling for disposal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a soil remediation device, and more particularly to a multi-section soil remediation device having at least one section for applying a variety of soil treatment regimes. The multi-section device can be independent of, or be adapted to mount to, a vehicle for operation in the field.

Abstract: Electro-osmotic infusion of ground water or chemically tailored electrolyte is used to enhance, maintain, or recondition electrical conductivity for the joule heating remediation technique. Induced flows can be used to infuse electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity into the vicinity of the electrodes, maintain the local saturation of near-electrode regions and resaturate a partially dried out zone with groundwater. Electro-osmotic infusion can also tailor the conductivity throughout the target layer by infusing chemically modified and/or heated electrolyte to improve conductivity contrast of the interior. Periodic polarity reversals will prevent large pH changes at the electrodes. Electro-osmotic infusion can be used to condition the electrical conductivity of the soil, particularly low permeability soil, before and during the heating operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rendering infectious and medical waste safe through heating and the disposal of said waste includes a body portion with a chamber to receive a container of medical waste. The chamber is connected with a filter for biological materials which escape from the waste container during heating. The contaminants are directed toward the filter by flowing out gas from the container in a predetermined direction as the waste container is heated to a temperature of preferably not less than 350.degree. F. and preferably not more than 385.degree. F. to render the waste biologically safe and unreusable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making a pollutant harmless by treating a material to be treated containing the pollutant. The method comprises the steps of: heating the material in a pressure resistant vessel hermetically to obtain a heated material; supplying the heated material from the vessel to a nozzle; and jetting out the material from the nozzle to collide against a collecting member arranged opposite to the nozzle.

Abstract: Reactor for containing high pressure, high temperature, corrosive reactions, especially supercritical water reactions. The reactor comprises an inner reactor vessel which houses the corrosive reaction, an outer containment vessel which contains a substantial level of the pressure, and insulating means to contain the high temperature of the inner reactor, which prevents the outer containment vessel from rising above a specified maximum temperature. Using this reactor, the lifetime and reliability of the materials of construction are increased because the outer pressure-containing vessel does not experience the high temperatures which tend to cause metals and alloys to lose ductility, and the inner reactor vessel does not experience a high pressure drop across its walls and, therefore, can be made of temperature and corrosive-resistant materials which are not required to sustain high stress without failure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact self-powered, tunable waste conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of highly robust operation which provides complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The system provides the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or by an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for treating biodegradable waste material in a landfill by aerobic degradation. Waste material is deposited in the landfill and covered. The moisture content in the landfill is increased from about 40% to about 70% and a source of oxygen is injected into the landfill to drive and maintain primarily aerobic degradation of the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is increased to substantially eliminate pathogens from the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is controlled within a range of about 130.degree. F. to about 150.degree. F. to sustain the primarily aerobic degradation. Any combination of oxygen content, moisture content, and temperature in the landfill is monitored and varied to sustain and maintain the primarily aerobic degradation in the landfill.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the art of treating waste using laser technology. Industrial and toxic waste materials are irradiated with a laser inside a spherical reactor chamber such that they are heated to high temperatures. Organic compounds are thermally destroyed and chemical bonds are broken. Cool oxygen is pumped into the reactor to provide a refractory protective shield. Silica is added into the vessel at the high temperatures and encapsulates any heavy metals into its crystal matrix. The resulting solidified product may have a hardness of at least 8 on the Knoops scale of hardness and may be used as tooling, road material, oven lining, building materials and the like.

Abstract: A process for in situ remediation of contaminated soils and/or residues is disclosed. This process takes advantage of a horizontal radial flow irrigating/draining system and sensors (8) located at midspacing between parallel conduit lines (5) to create an environment propitious to the action of decontaminating agents (plants, microorganisms, salts, acids, bases, buffers, enzymes, substrates, surfactants, etc.). For example, a water-saturated zone may be created, the level of water containing decontaminating agents is raised, maintained and/or lowered, which water-saturated encourage desorption or solubilization of soluble contaminants, by adjusting and controlling all the parameters of reaction (time, temperature, pH, oxygenation, etc.) The process is easily adaptably for many classes of contaminants, including volatile compounds and light non-aqueous phase liquids, by further installing supplementary sets of conduit lines and pumping means at adequate levels.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful method and apparatus for the controlled non-pyrolytic reduction of organic material comprising subjecting the material to microwave radiation in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deep remediation injection system for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil and ground water capable of progressive penetration both vertically and horizontally in contaminated soil and ground water having a soil penetrating lance for injecting air and oxygen and liquid with suspended biologicals into the contaminated soil as said soil penetrating lance is inserted for penetration in the soil, an air compressor for compressing air and delivering the air under pressure to the soil penetrating lance on one end, a liquid pump for pressurizing the liquid and suspended biologicals and delivering said liquid and suspended biologicals under pressure to the soil penetrating lance on one end, a gas connector control for connecting the gas compressor to the lance and for controlling the compressed gas flow, and a liquid connector means for connecting the liquid pump to the lance and controlling the pressurized liquids; and the method of developing a treatment grid both as to the depth of

Abstract: A material treatment process and apparatus are described, wherein the formation within a pyrolyser of a plasma having a temperature of at least 10,000.degree. C. into which material to be treated is injected as a fine spray or gas and wherein said material is moved as a stream through the pyrolyser toward the exit while maintained at a high temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high efficiency generation of electricity and low oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) emissions are provided. The electricity is generated from combustion of hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion units using ultra lean fuel to air ratios in the range of 0.4-0.7 relative to stoichiometric operation in internal combustion engine-generators or ultra lean operation in gas turbines to ensure minimal production of pollutants such as NO.sub.x. The ultra lean operation also increases the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. High compression ratios (r=12 to 15) can also be employed to further increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Supplemental fuel, such as natural gas or diesel oil, may be added directly to the internal combustion engine-generator or gas turbine for combustion with the hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion unit.

Abstract: A method for ex situ cleaning of contaminated soil using a closed system of heat-conductive solid-walled pipes embedded in the contaminated soil, the pipes being in communication with the heat source that heats and circulates air throughout the system of pipes, the method having the following steps of placing the contaminated soil in a heap on the pipes, substantially enclosing the soil heap with a vapor barrier, circulating heated air throughout the pipes to elevate the temperature of the surrounding soil to a temperature sufficient to cause vaporization of soil contaminants, extracting the vapor containing soil contaminants from the enclosed soil heap, and treating the vapor to remove contaminants and recycling the vapor.

Abstract: The improved method for treating waste gases by exposure to electron beams which comprises adding ammonia to a waste gas containing sulfur oxide (SO.sub.x) and/or nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) and thereafter exposing the gas to an electron beam so as to remove the sulfur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides therefrom is characterized by first mixing ammonia gas uniformly with air, then forming a homogeneous gas-liquid mixture from said gaseous mixture and water, and spraying said homogeneous mixture into a reactor. Efficient desulfurization can be realized even if the temperature of the waste gas being treated is fairly high at the exit of the reactor and the concentration of ammonium sulfamate in the by-product ammonium sulfate can be reduced.

Abstract: A process, formula and apparatus for the treatment and sterilization of biological, solid, liquid, ferrous metallic, non-ferrous metallic, toxic and hospital dangerous waste or residual material utilizes a mixture of oxygen, ozone, water, and optionally, carbon dioxide, in variable proportions and rates. The apparatus comprises an oxygen container (10) and a carbon dioxide container (11) from which the oxygen and the carbon dioxide are incorporated through respective conduits (13) and (15) to an ozonizer (1) provided with cooling water inlet (16) and outlet (17). The conduits (13) and (15) exit adjacent to the ozone conduit (14), up to the injector (3), and are actuated by the pump (2) and pass through the mixing conduit (4) to the absorption and outgassing tank (5) from which the conduit (6) for the washing fluid passes to the treatment tank (7) having a degasification valve (12) or catalyst.

Abstract: A sealing system for the engagement of a container (24) beneath a melting pot containing a molten material, comprising a shell (30) surrounding a nozzle (40), the nozzle being located in the axis of the neck of the container and permitting the pouring of the material from the melting pot into the container. The shell (30) has tight connection means with the nozzle (40), a base (32) having a bearing surface for the reception of a corresponding bearing surface on the container neck and at least one bellows (33, 34) surrounding the nozzle and connecting the tight connection means to said base, the bellows being able to render the shell retractable along the nozzle axis, means for introducing a gas flow between said bearing surfaces being provided in order to permit the circulation of part of said flow towards the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes a supply cylinder containing a hazardous fluid substance and having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and a vessel receiving end, for receiving and safely enclosing the supply cylinder; a conduit structure in fluid communication with the supply cylinder and with the receiving structure for delivering the hazardous fluid substance from the supply cylinder into the receiving structure; and a supply cylinder loading structure for loading the supply cylinder into the containment vessel, including a containment vessel pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the containment vessel into a substantially horizontal position and a supply cylinder pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the supply cylinder into a substantially horizontal position for sliding the supply cylinder into the vessel receiving end.

Abstract: Waste/industrial effluents containing contaminating amounts of organic and/or inorganic species, for example effluents containing sulfate or sulfuric acid values, or effluents emanating from the production of methionine, are safely and effectively purified in high yield, by first establishing, in a first reaction zone, an axially helically descending flowstream defining a phase of combustion, this phase of combustion comprising ignited admixture of a first oxidizing fluid and a combustible fuel; ejecting the phase of combustion through a port of restricted flow passage to impart an axially symmetrical vortex flow thereto and flash-expanding same into a second reaction zone; introducing effluent to be purified into the axially symmetrical vortex thus formed; and also introducing additional oxidizing fluid into such axially symmetrical vortex, whereby the effluent is disintegrated into a multitude of droplets entrained in unit volumes of the phase of combustion and thermally treated in the second reaction zone.

Abstract: A method of removing one or more mercury compounds from mercury-contaminated soil is disclosed. The method includes mixing the mercury-contaminated soil with an additive, and heating the thus produced mixture to a temperature which is below the boiling point of the one or more mercury compounds. The one or more mercury compounds are thereafter recovered from the soil. Preferably, the additive is a chloride compound of iron or nickel.

Abstract: Friable solid material contaminated by oxidizable hydrocarbons such as petrochemicals is delivered into a system wherein that material is subjected to a series of physical and chemical reactions to separate the contaminants from the solid material. The system can receive solid material, separate coarse and fine material and suspend the fine material in an aqueous medium. The aqueous suspension is subjected to temperature adjustment and the addition of an oxidizing agent preferably hydrogen peroxide. The suspension is agitated for a period of time to allow the hydrocarbons to be oxidized. The gaseous oxidation products are stripped and separated from the residual solid material. The aqueous suspension of solid material and diluent are physically separated and the solid material may be returned to its point of origin after treatment. The process and apparatus for carrying out the process are preferably applied to soils containing hydrocarbon pollutants.