Abstract: A system for treating contaminated sediments dredged from waterways is disclosed. Dredged sediments are divided into coarse and fine fractions. The coarse fraction is washed to remove contaminants. The fine fraction and the contaminants removed from the coarse fraction are admixed, followed by filtering to produce a dewatered fraction. The dewatered fraction is then melted in a plasma melter to form a molten mass of glass or slag. The molten mass is then cooled to form a stable, low-leachability product. During the plasma melting operation, organic contaminants are destroyed and contaminants such as heavy metals are contained within the matrix of the melted glass or slag. After cooling the melted material may be provided in the form of aggregate, granules or fibers useful for various applications such as road fill, roofing granules and rock wool.

Abstract: A hydrogen source and carbon dioxide are activated by irradiating a high energy beam onto the hydrogen source formed of hydrogen gas and/or a gaseous hydrogen compound, and onto exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas is reduced by the activated hydrogen in order to transform the carbon dioxide into a solid or liquid compound and then recover it. It is preferable to dispose mesh materials for promoting the reduction reaction with the carbon dioxide in the exhaust gas in multiple layers within the reaction container. The size of the aperture of the mesh materials is set so as to gradually decrease in the direction of the flow of the mixed gas. It is also preferable to form the cross-sectional area of the reaction container so as to gradually decrease in the direction of the flow of the mixed gas.

Abstract: Control system and method for monitoring and controlling the stoichiometry of a secondary air burner in a thermal oxidizer. The burner control system secures a certain stoichiometry independent of possible simultaneous changes of the gas mixture flow rate and/or of the combustible impurity concentration in the process gas. The firing rate of the burner is adjusted by a controller. Additionally, the flow of the burner fuel and of the process gas mixture are measured and transformed into separate signals. Both signals are sent to an evaluation apparatus that compares the signals and generates a third signal based upon that comparison. This third signal is in communication with a device that changes the gas mixture flow resistance, and thus the desired amount of gas mixture will be diverted for the combustion of the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the application of robotics to screen and optimize microorganisms for their bioremediation capabilities. In particular, the present invention provides methods to screen for the ability of microorganisms to metabolize particular compounds of interest in bioremediation applications. The present invention also provides a method for discovery of microorganisms useful for bioremediation and biomining, as well as other applications where microbial metabolism is useful for catalyzing chemical biotransformations.

Abstract: A continuous treating method for converting waste into resources is provided that includes the steps of comminuting, liquefying, condensing hot gaseous oil, separating organic matter form inorganic matter, and washing the inorganic matter. Prior to the liquefaction step, the comminuted waste is soaked in oil in an inclined screw conveyor for wetting the comminuted waste and excluding air therefrom during subsequent steps. The liquefaction is carried out within a converter having a rotating screw for displacing the oil soaked waste therethrough during a time period approximating 30 minutes. The waste within the converter is maintained at a temperature within the approximating range of 200.degree.-370.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for treating contaminated solids such as contaminated soil or sludge includes feeding the solids into a preheater and pneumatically conveying the solids through the preheater by preheated primary air into and through an oxidation chamber by cocurrent flow. Secondary air is directed into the oxidation chamber through a plurality of perforations in the wall of the oxidation chamber to combine with and sustain the fluidized state of the solid-gas mixture. The primary air is preferably produced by an air blower which blows the air through a preheater to produce hot air. The temperature of the fluidized bed is controlled by the temperature of the primary air. The temperature should be hot enough that the lighter hydrocarbons spontaneously ignite in the oxidation chamber. The exothermic combustion causes the remaining organic material present in the contaminated solids to then vaporize and burn.

Abstract: A mobile safety structure for the storing and handling of containers of hrdous materials comprising multiple modular storage units. The modular storage units may be configured in tandem to form one embodiment of the modular mobile safety 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 units in the stack. A pull down safety ladder affixed to the roof assembly of all units except the top unit in the stack allows the user to gain access to each unit in the stack of modular storage units.

Abstract: A tank furnace for the inertization of non-flammable batch, which contains hazardous substances, metals and less than 10% by weight of carbon, by vitrification with glass forming aggregates by producing a glassy melt. The furnace has a batch charging device and a tank, on the rim of which a furnace crown rests, electrodes for heating the melt, a supply of oxidizing gases to the melt and, as an outlet for the melt, an overflow channel which can be heated. Nozzles are installed in the bottom of the tank to introduce oxidizing gases in order to reduce the eluate values, and the electrodes are immersed in the melt from above. It is preferable to install the nozzles at sloping sidewalls of the tank which slope upwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: There is provided a microwave waste sterilizer comprising an upper outer shell, a lower outer shell, an upper means for guiding microwave energy, a lower means for guiding microwave energy, an upper means for dispersing microwave energy, and a lower means for dispersing microwave energy. There is also provided a method for sterilizing waste materials with dual sources of microwave energy. Further there is provided a method for dispersing microwave energy into a chamber such that the dispersed microwave energy creates a flux field of substantially uniform flux.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing filler materials for minerally bonded structural elements with thermal treatment of the starting materials to be used as filler materials involves subjecting comminuted high-polymer materials comprised of natural or synthetic origin materials to a shock-like heat radiation treatment by passing the materials under an irradiation unit to provide a temperature gradient of at least 20K per mm of travel distance of the materials beneath the irradiation unit in which an iron temperature of more than 600.degree. C. can be measured whereby the materials are inertized and are activated by heat in the range of a molar energy of 60 to 170 kJ*mol.sup.-1 and then placing the resulting activated materials in a crystal-forming solution of inorganic substances that enter into a permanently adhesive bond with a basic matrix of a composite material to be formed therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating fly ash produced by a waste incinerator and containing chlorides of toxic metals, which includes a step consisting of subjecting said fly ash to a phosphating reaction, at high temperature, to convert the chlorides of toxic metals into phosphates, the phosphating reaction being obtained by the addition of a reactant comprising a phosphorus compound, characterised in that said phosphorus compound is a non-metallic compound and in that the chlorinated products obtained are discharged in a gaseous form. It also relates to an installation for implementing this process.

Abstract: A thermal desorption system for treating and/or removing contaminants from various types of materials employs an induction tube furnace to heat the material to a high enough temperature to completely desorb it. The induction tube furnace includes a metal or metal alloy susceptor tube for containing the material to be treated and at least one induction coil surrounding the tube for heating the same. The susceptor tube is formed from a metal or metal alloy, such as a nickel based alloy, having a very high melting temperature which will allow it to be heated by the induction coil to temperatures as high as 1800.degree. F. The metal or metal alloy also has a relatively high electrical resistance to permit efficient magnetic coupling of energy from the induction coil to the tube, as well as a relatively high thermal conductivity to provide efficient heat transfer from the tube to the material to be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: There is described a travelling multi-functional disposal simulation instation for simulating the long-term behaviour of materials for disposal containing organic components. These can comprise disposable house refuse and similar wastes, but also contaminated soils. Simulation serves for recultivation, composing and similar soil investigations. The installation constructed for this purpose comprises a double-walled heatable container, a lower, inner base plate with a slight inclination to the horizontal and with at least one outlet opening at its lowermost point, a horizontal base plate disposed immediately above the said first base plate, and forming the support base for the fill material, and which is in the form of a screen base, two different lid formations extending in a gas-tight manner over the clear width of the container and being vertically adjustable along the inner wall, and a travelling undercarriage receiving the entire container.

Abstract: A flue-gas scrubbing arrangement removes sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from stack gases at low energy costs and converts these into non-noxious ammonium sulfate-nitrate, which is utilizable as an agricultural fertilizer. The flue gases, cleaned of fly ash, pass through a spray dryer, where water is spray-injected to cool and humidify the gas. Then the humidified gas passes through an e-beam reactor where high energy electrons bombard water and oxygen to create strong reagents that react with the SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.X to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These react with ammonia gas that is injected into the flue gas stream to form sulfate and nitrate salts of ammonia. The ammonia should be present in near stoichiometric amounts relative to the sulfur and nitrogen oxides. The flue gas with the moisture and entrained salts pass to a wet precipitator, where the salts are removed in aqueous solution, and the remaining, scrubbed flue gases pass to the stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and pertinent apparatus for purifying gases, exhaust gases, vapors, and brines, which are contaminated with undesirable chemical substances or contain high concentrations of these substances, by means of photocatalytic reactions occurring on the surface of catalysts.The catalysts are situated in a fixed or fluidized bed on catalyst carriers. In fluidized beds, the catalysts themselves can serve as catalyst carriers. The substrates to be purified are fed through a closed system which contains the catalyst carriers and catalysts.In the fixed-bed catalytic method, the catalyst carrier/catalyst system continuously or discontinuously passes through a washing zone to remove the generated mineralization products. The reaction is induced by shortwave photons of wavelengths between 250 and 400 nm.

Abstract: An electrically heated tank furnace is used to melt glass whereby a floating gall layer is formed on the melt, in particular during the vitrification of hazardous materials such as asbestos, fly ash, filter dust, whereby the tank of the furnace is fitted with a discharge outlet for the melt and an overflow channel with an inlet for the gall. A stream of ascending gas bubbles is produced in the melt. In order to promote better and automatic draining of the gall the stream of gas bubbles is produced directly in front of the overflow channel which thereby maintains a layer of liquid gall in the overflow channel and a layer of molten glass retained by a weir on the bottom of the overflow channel. The temperature in the overflow channel is chosen to be above the melting temperature of the gall, whilst the bottom layer of glass is maintained at a temperature at which the viscosity of the glass is so high that the glass does not drain out the overflow channel.

Abstract: An incandescent waste disposal system and method for the processing of waste and for rendering a hazardous component of the waste nonhazardous without discharge of harmful emissions are provided. The system includes a waste processing chamber, typically segmented into several sectors, wherein the waste is thermally and mechanically decomposed into a harmless residue by the action of rollers and an unrestricted arc plasma cloud that has a temperature sufficient to decompose the waste and render the hazardous component nonhazardous. The plasma cloud is created in a well-defined area in a reproducible manner and has a central region the temperature of which can reach 15,000.degree.-22,000.degree. F.

Abstract: An installation for the batchwise destruction of noxious materials is described. The noxious material is fed batchwise into a combustion furnace holding a burning coal bed which induces combustion or detonation and also serves as damper for explosion fragments. Burning combustion gases are withdrawn from the upper part of the furnace and conducted while burning to a gas/solid separator. Optionally the burnt out combustion gases are bubbled through water or aqueous solution for the absorption of poisonous gas components and an essentially clean carbon dioxide/air mixture is discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The battery disposal and collection apparatus includes a terminal connection having a terminal electrode pressed by a pressing structure on an upper cover, a battery guide case having a battery container to which the terminal electrode is inserted when the upper cover is closed, and which contains batteries, a rotary plate having an electrode terminal and a battery dropping hole on the plane of a rotary plate under the battery guide case. The electrode terminal contacts the terminal of a battery at the side opposite to the one at the terminal electrode when the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container contacts the terminal electrode. A battery discharger discharges current flowing between the terminal electrode contacting the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container and the electrode terminal. A battery receiver stores the battery which is discharged by the battery discharger and dropped through the battery dropping hole of the rotary plate.

Abstract: A glass melter for vitrifying material including radioactive and hazardous materials. In one embodiment, the melter comprises an inner vessel or container having a solidified glass skull, at least one pair of vertically-oriented, retractable electrodes, a first wall spaced apart from said inner vessel to define a dry annulus therebetween for radiatively cooling the inner vessel, and a second wall spaced apart from said first wall to define a second annulus that serves as a water jacket when filled with water. Each electrode has a protective sleeve therearound with means formed therebetween for passing a purging gas therethrough. A central access nozzle allows waste material and glass formers to be fed into the inner vessel while simultaneously venting the off-gas generated in the inner vessel. Also, the dry annulus can have fluid circulating therethrough for regulated cooling or leak detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating contaminated soil by breaking up the contaminated soil and separating the soil by particle size and passing the smaller sized soil particles though a series of soil washes in a first direction while directing the washing water in a second direction which is opposite to the first. The apparatus is preferably portable and provides for a continuous cleaning of the soil and recycling of the water in order to allow the decontaminated soil to be immediately returned to the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the microwave removal of contaminated concrete surfaces. The apparatus comprises a housing adapted to pass over a support surface. The housing includes a waveguide for directing microwave energy to the surface at an angle maximizing absorption of microwave energy by the surface. The apparatus is further provided with a source of microwave energy operably associated with the waveguide, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency of between about 10.6 GHz and about 24 GHz and acts to remove the uppermost layer from the surface. The apparatus further includes a debris containment assembly comprising a vacuum assembly operably associated with the housing. The vacuum assembly is adapted to remove debris from the area adjacent the surface.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of waste matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone such that the waste material is pyrolyzed during its transit through the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for treating an emulsion of hydrocarbons and solids such as sludge includes spraying the sludge into a preheater and pneumatically conveying it by primary air into an oxidation chamber. Secondary air is directed into the oxidation chamber through a plurality of perforations in the wall of the oxidation chamber to combine with and sustain the fluidized state of the solid-gas mixture. The primary air is preferably produced by passing the proceeds of an air blower through a preheater to produce hot air. The oxidizer is arranged at an incline so that the gas solid mixture of hot air and contaminated soil flows upwardly. The temperature of the fluidized bed is controlled by the temperature of the primary air so that lighter hydrocarbons spontaneously ignite in the oxidation chamber. The exothermic combustion causes the remaining organic material present in the contaminated solids to vaporize and burn.

Abstract: Equipment for automatically sanitizing medical waste is mounted in a tightly closable housing (2) provided with charge and discharge openings (9, 10). The housing contains a shredder (20) for comminuting the inserted raw waste and for conveying the shredded material to a mixing vessel (32) where it is diluted by water and thoroughly mixed; and a container (27) for storing tubes filled with several kinds of sanitizing materials and which is configured to dispense the required number and kinds of tubes into the shredder in accordance with the pH value of the mixture in the vessel signalled to a selective valve mechanism (39) by a sensor attached to the vessel. The equipment further includes a pump (33) for recirculating liquid from the vessel to the shredder, and a pump (34) for draining fluid from the mixing vessel. A conveyor (25) conveys the sanitized waste out of the vessel and out of the housing. Electronic and control equipment is provided for operating the various components.

Abstract: Gases such as effluent air from industrial processes are cleaned in a purifying assembly which contains a filter bed with a bulk quantity of a cleaning composition. The cleaning composition is populated with micro-organisms and it is a mixture of grapeseeds (1-95%), beer draff (1-50%), minerals (0.01-40%) and lava dross or lava split. 13. Contaminated soil may be reclaimed with the method by forming a bulk mixture of the soil to be reclaimed with the purifying composition. Air is then conducted through the bulk mixture for cleaning the same.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of waste material includes a waste-receiving module for receiving waste material and blending it with glassmaking additives. The waste-receiving module is enclosed within a waste-receiving module container which is capable of being sealed for over the road transport so that the waste-receiving module can be transported safely from one source of waste material to another without complete decontamination. The system also includes a melter module containing a melter for melting together the blended waste material and glassmaking additives to form homogeneous molten glass and thereby stabilize the waste material. The molten glass is discharged to form a vitrified waste material. The melter module is comprised of one or more melter module containers which are capable of being sealed for over the road transport so that the melter module can be transported safely from one source of waste material to another without complete decontamination.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: A multistage, double closed-loop process and apparatus for organic destruction and removal of volatile organics compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, and halogen acids, removal of toxic metals, and recovery of precious metals and hydrocarbon fuels from gaseous, liquid, and surface-contaminated solid waste streams. Organic destruction of heavy-molecule VOCs is accomplished in a non-combustion thermal reactor by means of thermal energy. Further organic destruction is accomplished by catalytic oxidation. Removing toxic heavy metals or recovering precious metals is accomplished in a bubble-bed reactor in which sub-micron size particles of heavy metals are nucleated, condensed, and deposited onto particles comprising the bed. Acid, particulate, and gas sorbing further remove hazardous substances. Hydrocarbon fuels are recovered by condensing. The process involves high temperature recycling without use of air combustion or incineration to promote a very high degree of decontamination.

Abstract: A microwave refining and melting furnace for the treatment of dissolved or solid products includes a first waveguide traversed by a microwave beam generated by a generator coupled to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide is provided with a material supply orifice located at an upper part thereof close to a first end of the first waveguide. The first waveguide has at a lower part thereof, close to a second end, an overflow lock of variable height making it possible to define a retention volume for the materials, which have been progressively melted by a continuous flow along the lower wall of the first waveguide, from the reception point thereof in the first guide. A second waveguide is connected to the first waveguide for refining the materials.

Abstract: A processing chamber for the treatment and decontamination of biological or medical waste includes a rotating waste treatment system carried within an open-top processing chamber, a cap for closing the chamber opening, a gas-pervious liner carried within the chamber for preventing waste from adhering to the underside of the cap as a result of waste-treatment operations, a sealing member disposed at and for sealing the interface of the cap and the processing chamber, and a chemical indicator carried within the interior of the processing chamber for confirming the presence of decontaminant during a waste treatment cycle.

Abstract: A reactor enclosed in a pressure vessel in a manner that the walls of the pressure vessel are thermally insulated and chemically isolated from the harsh environment of the reaction zone in the reactor. This allows the pressure vessel to handle the high pressures involved, since it is maintained at a reasonably low temperature range. Simultaneously, it allows the reactor to handle the high temperatures involved, since the pressure differentials around it are only minimal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides a way of collecting, treating, processing and recycling a variety of hazardous waste material and transforming such materials into a stable, granular nonhazardous substance suitable for safe disposal. The apparatus disclosed combines a variety of separate mechanisms and devices such as vibrating screens, motorized crushers, conveyor systems, and electric or fuel powered motors into a single integrated machine. Chemical additives can be used to treat the waste and bond to any heavy, leachable materials such as lead, copper, cadmium, zinc and other metals and thus lower their leaching characteristics to acceptable nonhazardous levels in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards. A concrete additive is added to the waste and the mixture is ground into a manageable substance of uniform texture and consistency.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for economically making crystallized glass products from waste ash produced from the sewage sludge dewatered by organic matters, which is usually regarded to be difficult to process. The melting is performed in two furnaces: the primary melting furnace and the secondary melting furnace. The primary furnace melts waste ash and the primary melt is charged into the secondary melting furnace. The glassy material produced in the secondary melting furnace is charged into a crystallization furnace to convert the glassy material to a crystallized glass product. This basic configuration of the apparatus allows the production of either irregular shaped crystallized products, such as crushed stone like products, or crystallized manufactured products, such as tiles and blocks, depending on the combination of processing equipment and their operating conditions.

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

Abstract: Sludges and slurries, e.g., oil, grease or paint based, are encapsulated into fly ash or similar particulate material by adding solvents to effect the encapsulation and absorption of the sludge. Subsequently, the particulate material is heated to remove the solvent, leaving a dry powder which may then be used as a filler for various applications, including production of breeze blocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation, in particular filtration of liquids and solids from solid-liquid mixtures, such as from a mineral, ore, coal or sludge suspensions of contaminated earth. The processing space of the filtration apparatus is submitted to overpressure and includes a collector container for solid-liquid mixture, a pressure filter, a discharge system and container for condensate and solid matter. The separation or filtration takes place at an overpressure and at an elevated temperature, preferably 40.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., conveniently 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably about 150.degree. C. The pressure filter device communicates with a source for a heated medium.

Abstract: A disposal of waste material including water, volatile components and vitrifiable components, the waste material is heated in a dehydrator to remove the water, heated in a high-temperature dryer to vaporize hydrocarbon liquids, and then fed to the focus point of a primary plasma reactor where plasma arc jets are focused on the surface of a pool of the vitrifiable components. At the focus point the vitrifiable components are melted, and the volatile components are volatized. The melted vitrifiable components are received in a quench chamber where they solidify on a quench roller and are broken into chips and delivered to a receiving area. Heat from the quench chamber is transferred to the dehydrator and high-temperature dryer. The hydrocarbon liquids and volatized components are fed to a secondary plasma reactor where they are disassociated into their elemental components.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: In order to more especially to be able to dispose of appliance having foam materials containing propellant in a manner compatible with the environment such the same are introduced into a chamber (1) where foam materials are blasted or blasted off in order to render possible the detachment of the synthetic resin foam and to destroy the cell structure while releasing the propellant contained therein. In order to improve upon such disposal and more particularly to decrease the energy requirement there is the provision in accordance that the blasting or blasting away is performed by means of a cooled fluid flow, preferably, water whose temperature is below that of the boiling point of the propellant. As a result the propellants released are immediately liquified or remain liquid.

Abstract: A drum is introduced into an interlock chamber and the interlock chamber is sealed. A door leading to a transition chamber is opened and the drum is moved into the transition chamber. The transition chamber is contained within a spool valve which includes a pair of drum grips. The drum grips are actuated to grasp the drum. The drum grips are rotatably coupled to an inner element of the spool valve. The inner element is rotated with respect to a housing and a drum manipulator grasps an end of the drum. The drum is displaced from the transition chamber toward a treatment chamber. The drum is cut into a desired shape and/or number of pieces with the drum and the material contained therein being deposited into the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A process for photolytic degradation of the organic and nitrogenous components of high explosives in organic solvent is described. The process can be applied with a module photolytic apparatus so that munitions can be destroyed without endangering the environment or toxifying large quantities of water. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealed system for facilitating the safe transfer of hazardous material through a port in the floor of a containment enclosure to an open topped storage container positionable in precise axial alignment below the port and supported on a lift cart for vertical movement toward and away from the port. The port is defined by a vertically depending flange or enclosure ring in the floor of the containment enclosure and is closeable by a seal cover within said containment enclosure positionable for sealing engagement with the periphery of the port. The port is also closed alternately by a sturdy plastic bag supported from a seal ring engageable in leak-proof sealed relation with the port and partially contained within the storage container supported on the lift cart. A succession of bags are positioned under the port, elevated into sealed relation with the port, filled, sealed shut, severed from the sealed port and lowered and removed for permanent storage.

Abstract: To reliably sterilize hospital refuse in a quantities and configuration in which it occurs on its collection, the plant includes a refuse loading device, a shredder, a motorized screw for refuse conveying, a microwave oven and a device for removing the treated refuse upon its exit from the oven.

Abstract: In the method of destroying hydrocarbons disclosed herein, a high temperature plasma is generated from an electrical discharge in a flow of hydrogen gas devoid of oxygen. The hydrocarbon to be destroyed is injected into the plasma thereby to decompose the hydrocarbon and produce an increased amount of hydrogen gas and also carbon particles. The carbon is then separated from the flow and at least a portion of the increased hydrogen is combined or combusted with atmospheric oxygen to generate electric current. That current is then applied to generate the plasma. Another portion of the hydrogen gas is fed back to feed the plasma generation. For hydrocarbon materials containing chlorine, the discharge flow is passed through an alkaline scrubber. An advantage of the method is that it produes carbon of exceptional purity which has significant commercial uses.

Abstract: A fluid tight waste materials receptacle is located within a housing which has an upper access opening through which infectious wastes from medical clinics or the like may be deposited in the receptacle. A lower access opening enables entry and withdrawal of a sterilized waste receiver which may, for example, be a wheeled cart. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end and is pivotable between a first orientation at which the open end is coincident with the upper access opening in order to receive wastes and a second orientation at which the open end is turned downward to discharge wastes into the receiver. A closure pivoted to the housing seats in and seals the open end of the receptacle when it is at the first orientation. The receptacle is periodically evacuated and steam is admitted to sterilize the contents prior to discharge into the receiver.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for transforming contaminated material such as liquid wastewaters, into a solid and chemically stable composition which can be utilized as construction material, or which is safe for land disposal. The contaminated material is blended with solidification agents such as cement or lime until substantial amalgamation of the agent and material is completed. The contaminated material is contained within microencapsulation matrices which physically isolate the contaminated material from the environment. The apparatus is transportable and can be brought to the contamination site to transform the contaminated material into the solid and chemically stable composition.

Abstract: For disposal of waste material including water, volatile components and vitrifiable components, the waste material is heated in a dehydrator to remove the water, heated in a high-temperature dryer to vaporize hydrocarbon liquids, and then fed to the focus point of a primary plasma reactor where plasma arc jets are focused on the surface of a pool of the vitrifiable components. At the focus point the vitrifiable components are melted, and the volatile components are volatized. The melted vitrifiable components are received in a quench chamber where they solidify on a quench roller and are broken into chips and delivered to a receiving area. Heat from the quench chamber is transferred to the dehydrator and high-temperature dryer. The hydrocarbon liquids and volatized components are fed to a secondary plasma reactor where they are disassociated into their elemental components.

Abstract: A method and an incinerator in which halogenated organic compounds are burned in the presence of oxygen or oxygen enriched air to produce combustion products. The combustion products potentially include unreacted oxygen and halogenated organic compounds which can react with oxygen to produce halogenated furans and dioxins. The formation of the halogenated furans and dioxins is minimized by firing a burner, burning a hydrogen containing fuel at a fuel-rich stoichiometry, into the combustion products so that the fuel will react with the unreacted oxygen. This will reduce formation of the halogenated furans and dioxins. Any of the halogenated furans and dioxins that are formed are substantially eliminated by the reaction of hydrogen supplied by the fuel with the halogenated furans and dioxins.