Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of a hexafluorosilicate salt, and free of or having only small amounts of an inorganic acid, an inorganic acid salt or a mixture thereof. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, at least about 0.1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, and a stable foam forming amount of a foaming agent system having both cationic and non-ionic functionality. A method of transforming the asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material using the present composition in the form of a foam also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating hazardous cations is provided comprising supplying a pretreated substrate containing the cations; contacting the substrate with an organo-silane compound to form a coating on the substrate; and allowing the coating to cure. A medium for containing hazardous cations is also provided, comprising a substrate having ion-exchange capacity and a silane-containing coating on the substrate.

Abstract: The treating material for polychlorobiphenyl-containing oil comprises calcium oxide provided with a hydrophobic property by deposition of an oil and capable of taking place water absorbing exothermic reaction upon decomposition of the oil, sepiolite, vermiculite or zeolite as a porous material having an ion exchanging capability, capable of adsorbing the polychlorobiphenyl-containing oil and the hydrophobic calcium oxide and decomposing the oil, and potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate and neutral detergent as an oil decomposing agent for decomposing the oil deposited on calcium oxide. By mixing the treating material with polychlorobiphenyl-containing oil, the oil component is decomposed into a powder at a low temperature and chlorine is liberated from polychlorobiphenyl by the ion exchanging capability and changed to a nontoxic chlorine compound such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride.

Abstract: A composition for transforming a chrysotile asbestos-containing material into a non-asbestos material is disclosed, wherein the composition comprises water, at least about 30% by weight of an acid component, optionally a source of fluoride ions, and a corrosion inhibiting amount of thiourea, a lower alkylthiourea, a C.sub.8 -C.sub.15 alkylpyridinium halide or mixtures thereof. A method of transforming an asbestos-containing building material, while part of a building structure, into a non-asbestos material by using the present composition also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the leaching of lead from a lead bearing material or waste. The method includes contacting the material or waste with a water soluble phosphate and a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent is at least slightly water soluble, whereby a lead product is formed which is less soluble than the lead originally in the material or waste, thereby reducing the leaching of lead from the material or waste as determined by a leach test performed on the material or waste.

Abstract: Noxious wastes are detoxicated by admixing a detoxicating agent to noxious wastes containing heavy metals, PCB, or the like and eliminating noxious materials in the wastes, in which the detoxicating agent comprises sodium, potassium, calcium, lithium, barium, magnesium, strontium, cobalt or nickel, copper and zinc contained in an ionic state to a diluted aqueous solution comprising tannin and pyrolignous acid as the main ingredient. Further, the detoxicating agent is admixed together with cement to the noxious wastes containing heavy metals, PCB or the like, thereby eliminating noxious substances in the wastes and solidifying them.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the formation of organic gels by dissolving organic gelling agents in organic solvents. The aryl cyclohexanol gelling agents employed in this invention are not structurally related to previously known gellation agents and they exhibit potent gellation activity, for example, from 0.2-5%, by weight, of gelling agent is able to immobilize a variety of organic solvents. The gels formed range from optically transparent to slightly translucent, and complete fluidity can be restored by either increasing the temperature (reversible) or by chemical treatment (irreversible).

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of contaminated materials including soils and solids, and in particular to chemical treatment of waste or solids containing high levels of heavy metals such as lead, by treating the waste or solid with an additive from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, monocalcium phosphate monammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate either alone or in combination with Portland cement.

Abstract: Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for stabilizing heavy metals in ash. The steps of the process include: (a) preparing an aqueous slurry of ash and water; (b) decreasing the pH of the aqueous slurry to less than about 5.0 in the presence of an iron salt; (c) treating the aqueous slurry with (1) an organo sulfur containing compound, (2) an alkaline extract of peat moss, and (3) an alkaline earth metal containing compound. Heavy metals in ash treated by this process will not leach into the environment.

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 method is described for the decontamination of equipment contaminated with chemical warfare agents. The warfare agents are not destroyed by aggressive chemicals, as is usual, but instead are extracted using a microemulsion and rinsed off.

Abstract: Steam plasma reactor incorporating an induction steam plasma torch where superheated steam is generated and passed through an induction coil or coils to generate high temperature steam plasma for conversion and disposal of waste products such as low level radioactive waste, energetics, such as solid rocket propellants, liquid rocket fuel, chemical agents such as nerve gas, industrial waste such as paint sludge, hazardous chemical waste, medical waste and other general wastes in a downstream conversion reactor referred to as a plasma energy recycle and conversion (PERC) reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of contaminated materials including soils and solids to reduce its permeability, and in particular to chemical treatment of waste or solids containing high levels of heavy metals such as lead, by treating the waste or solid with an additive such as monocalcium phosphate either alone or in combination with Portland Cement.

Abstract: The invention is the new material, a ternary compound of cesium, silica, and titania, together with a method of making the ternary compound, cesium titanium silicate pollucite. More specifically, the invention is Cs.sub.2 Ti.sub.2 Si.sub.4 O.sub.13 pollucite which is a new crystalline phase representing a novel class of Ti-containing zeolites. Compositions contain relatively high Cs.sub.2 O and TiO.sub.2 loadings and are durable glass and ceramic materials. The amount of TiO.sub.2 and Cs.sub.2 that can be incorporated into these glasses and crystalline ceramics far exceeds the limits set for the borosilicate high level waste glass.

Abstract: A composition and process for the safe removal and treatment of hazardous waste material is described. This composition is a mixture of grout like cement containing the hazardous waste and a minor amount of an alkali metal silicate and a gelling agent. Some of the cement may be replaced by blast furnace slag, fly ash or kiln dust. The hazardous waste is then safely contained within the resulting cementitious material and can be safely disposed by burial, for example. The contaminated wastes are contained within the block and will not be exposed by regular soil actions. In addition, a vault-like formation made from the composition of this invention may be used to contain the hazardous wastes. This composition and process is particularly useful for treating soil contaminated by low level radioactive materials.

Abstract: A buffering agent for a cementitious hazardous waste composition, containing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) and water, includes dolomitic lime, namely either dolomitic quicklime, dolomitic monohydrated lime or dolomitic dihydrated lime. Dolomitic lime serves as a buffering agent for the hazardous waste composition by maintaining the pH of the waste composition within a target range over which solubility of several heavy metals tends to be minimized. These heavy metals include lead, zinc and cadmium, among others, and the pH range within which the heavy metals experience a minimum solubility is approximately 8.5 to 11.5, and preferably 9.4 to 10.2. In addition, dolomitic lime is substantially insoluble in water, so that the buffering agent will not leach or diffuse out of the waste composition.

Abstract: Improved concrete or mortar materials wherein cement in the precursors for these is replaced by electric arc furnace dust in amounts from 0+% to 4% or more based on the amount of cement by weight. In addition, the electric arc furnace dust can be used as an additive to obtain the same effect.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for catalyzing sequential reductive dehalogenation reactions on aliphatic halocarbons using free radical intermediates. More specifically, this invention involves the use of biologically derived peroxidases in the generation of a variety of oxidation or reduction agents consisting of cation radicals, anion radicals, neutral radicals, or oxygen radicals. Such oxidation and reduction agents can be employed in combination to carry out sequential reductive dehalogenation reactions on aliphatic halocarbons to thereby degrade various recalcitrant organic compounds such as organic environmental pollutants.

Abstract: Method for the thermal cleaning of objects, in particular for removing materials such as plastics and such from metal objects (4), whereby the objects (4) to be cleaned are placed in a room (3) and are heated up to a temperature at which the materials to be removed pyrolyze, characterized in that the temperature of the objects (4) to be cleaned is controlled by means of a temperature sensor (6) which is situated in a measuring space (7), in particular a receiver (9) placed under the workpieces, which also serves to collect the melted plastics.

Abstract: A non-shrink grout including Portland cement, sand and an additive which is a polymer incorporating at least one of a calcium compound and aluminum metal so as to be reactive with the cement. The grout when fresh expands during curing by gas formation and by hydration and expands when hardened. The grout is useful in construction.

Abstract: A process for providing more efficient and effective chemical stabilization of solid residues containing lead is described. The process consists of introducing into the residue, or solutions in contact with these residues, polyprotic acid oxyanions that can form insoluble acid oxyanion-lead complexes in solution. Included in this category of compounds are phosphates, borates, vanadates, selenates, arsenates, carbonates, chromates and sulfates. To maximize the effectiveness of acid oxyanion treatment of lead-bearing residues that also contain noncarbonate hardness producing elements such as calcium and magnesium, the introduction of an alkali-metal carbonate, such as sodium carbonate, along with the acid oxyanion is recommended. This alkali-metal carbonate additive can increase the solubility of acid-oxyanions, particularly in solutions with high levels of calcium and magnesium, thereby promoting the more efficient formation of insoluble lead-oxyanion complexes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing the leaching of lead from a lead bearing waste, The method includes contacting the waste with a water soluble phosphate and a complexing agent, wherein the complexing agent is at least slightly water soluble, whereby a lead product is formed which is less soluble than the lead originally in the waste, thereby reducing the leaching of lead from the waste as determined by a leach test performed on the waste.

Abstract: The organic chemical waste content of contaminated materials such as soils and debris is immobilized by mixing such wastes with an agent consisting of a mixture of particulate rubber and biogenic amorphous silica. Where the semi-volatile content of the waste is known to predominate a greater portion of particulate rubber is advantageous and where such waste is known to be entirely semi-volatile organic material such agent advantageously consists essentially or comprises particulate rubber. Conversely, where the organic content of such wastes is predominately volatile organic material a greater portion of biogenic amorphous silica should be employed and where such organic waste is known to be entirely volatile organic such additive is advantageously biogenic amorphous silica.

Abstract: A method for rendering asbestos in an asbestos-containing material harmless comprises wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid and at least 1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos. Wetting with the solutions also facilitates the removal of asbestos-containing material from the substrate on which it is installed.

Abstract: A composition and process for the safe removal and treatment of hazardous waste material is described. This composition is a mixture of grout like cement containing the hazardous waste and a minor amount of an alkali metal silicate and a gelling agent. The hazardous waste is then safely contained within the resulting cementitious material and can be safely disposed by burial, for example. The contaminated wastes are contained within the block and will not be exposed by regular soil actions. This composition and process is particularly useful for treating soil contaminated by low level radioactive materials.

Abstract: An expansive Portland cement incorporating an expansive additive which is a polymer incorporating a calcium compound reactive with the cement is described. The shrinkage compensating concrete produced is much less likely to crack and is used in slabs and other structural systems where cracking of the concrete is a problem.

Abstract: Pollution remedial compositions are disclosed which comprise a soluble silicate, a surfactant, a polyol, and water.

Abstract: Waste materials containing pathogenic microorganisms may be processed by a method that includes granulating the waste material; treating the granulated waste material by heating at a temperature of about 160.degree. to about 200.degree. C. at a pressure of about 90 to about 226 psi in an atmosphere of the steam from a non-isotonic salt solution. The treatment is conducted for a period of time sufficient to substantially reduce the amount of pathogenic microorganisms present in the waste material. After treatment, the material is separated into useful solid and liquid phases.

Abstract: Surfaces contaminated with chloromethylmethyl ether and bis-chloromethyl ether may be decontaminated by treating them with an aqueous solution of a basic organic amine, for example a tertiary amine, a nonionic surfactant and an alkali-metal hydroxide.

Abstract: Composition and methods for carrying out a variety of oxidation reactions, reduction reactions, or both utilizing a free radical generating catalyst, a mediator, and a reductant are disclosed, The free radical generating catalyst is generally a peroxidase obtained from living organisms, such as white rot fungi. Suitable peroxidases include lignin peroxidase, horse radish peroxidase, and lactoperoxidase. Suitable mediators include veratryl alcohol, iodine, methoxybenzenes, Mn II, and ABTS. Suitable reductants include EDTA, oxalate, hydroquinones, quinones plus quinone reductase, and hydrogen peroxide. The free radical generating catalyst is generally activated in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and reacts with the mediator to form the free radical of the mediator, which is an oxidant. The free radical of the mediator in turn reacts with the reductant to form the free radical of the reductant, which is also a reductant.

Abstract: A stabilized ammonium polysulfide solution comprising an aqueous solution of ammonium polysulfide and a stabilizing amount of a water soluble, stabilizing compound that can be an azacyclic compound, a compound having the formula R--O--(C.sub.n H.sub.2n)NH.sub.2 or a compound having the formula (CH.sub.3).sub.2 NR.sub.1, the pH of the composition being from 7 to 14, the stabilized composition being useful in controlling the cyanide concentration in aqueous streams.

Abstract: Reagent compositions suitable for use in degrading and detoxifying polyhalogenated organic compounds comprising an aprotic solvent having dissolved therein (a) an effective amount of hydrogen donor, (b) an effective amount of a compound which produces hydroxide ion or alkoxide ion, and (c) dioxygen, are shown. These reagent compositions may be used to produce superoxide ion in situ for use in a variety of industrial applications to degrade halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g., PCBs. The generation of superoxide ion may be catalyzed by the presence of anthraquinone and derivatives thereof. Reagent compositions containing (a) an effective amount of hydrogen donor, e.g., hydroxylamine, (b) an effective amount of a compound which produces hydroxide ion or alkoxide ion and (c) dioxygen are also shown. In preferred methods the dioxygen is bubbled through the solutions to continuously form superoxide ion.

Abstract: A method for rendering asbestos in an asbestos-containing material harmless comprises wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid and at least 1% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride The acid hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos. Wetting with the solutions also facilitates the removal of asbestos-containing material from the substrate on which it is installed.

Abstract: Treatment solutions for removing asbestos containing materials from substrates and for converting asbestos-containing materials to a non-asbestos material, which comprises an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of an acid and 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The acid solution hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: A method for treating asbestos-containing material for removing such material from a substrate where it is installed and for destroying the asbestos in such asbestos-containing material, comprising wetting the material with an aqueous solution containing about 1 to 25% by weight of a weak organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid. Optionally, the aqueous solution further comprises about 1 to 10% by weight of a source of fluoride ions, such as ammonium fluoride. The weak acid solution assists in the removal of the asbestos-containing material and hydrolyses the magnesium oxide units in asbestos while the fluoride ions attack the interleaved silica layers in the crystal structure of asbestos, thereby destroying the fibrous nature of the asbestos.

Abstract: A waste material which contains chromium and/or lead impurities is treated by mixing the waste material with diatomaceous earth and/or sodium borate and then heating the mixture in a free oxygen containing gas at about 500.degree.-1500.degree. C., preferably in the presence of steam.

Abstract: Various halogenated aromatic compounds, particularly polychlorinated biphls, and the like, are dehalogenated by reaction with alkali metal in the presence of liquid hydrosiloxane. A selected solvent or diluent may be present. The alkali metal halide reaction product may be removed by washing. It has been found substantially complete dehalogenation is achieved readily at ambient temperatures when the hydrosiloxane is present. The dehalogenated aromatic moiety normally is recovered intact. This method has been found very effective in the destruction and removal of PCB contaminants.