Abstract:
A method for remediating non-homogeneous radioactive waste to significantly reduce the waste mass/volume and to convert such waste to products that meet federal regulatory compliance standards is disclosed. High level waste (HLW) stored in underground tanks is typically a multi component mixture. After removal of the waste from the tanks or other storage areas the waste is isolated in a thermal desorption-type reaction vessel where the waste is pyrolized at pre-determined and carefully controlled temperatures, pressures, and atmospheres. This process eliminates organics, volatile metals, moisture and other low boiling temperature/high vapor pressure components and converts non-volatile waste to more stable metal oxides. Off-gas treatment systems scrub, treat and dispose of all off-gas components. A thermal desorption-type apparatus especially well suited for performing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A low-pollutant system for waste materials treatment includes a process chamber for converting organic components of the waste materials into a flammable gas and a two-stage vortex burning chamber for complete combustion of the flammable gas. The vortex burning chamber includes a first substantially-horizontal combustion chamber and a second substantially-vertical combustion chamber disposed at a right angle to each other and communicating therebetween. The first combustion chamber has an inlet portion for receiving the flammable combustion gas from the gas generator means for injecting primary air into the first combustion chamber, thereby forming a mixture of air and the flammable gas and thereby igniting the mixture for partial oxidation thereof. The first combustion chamber has a converging distal portion for discharging the partially-oxidized mixture of air and the flammable gas tangentially into the second combustion chamber, where the gas is mixed with the secondary air which is injected tangentially into the second combustion chamber, thereby substantially completely oxidizing the partially-oxidized mixture of air and the flammable gas. The second combustion chamber has an outlet portion for discharge of the waste gas resulting from the two-stage combustion of the flammable gas and the solids separated from the gas.
Abstract:
The invention relates to apparatus for processing waste, in particular hospital waste, the apparatus including a gasification chamber (1) into which the waste is inserted to be subjected to degassing and to combustion, a post-combustion chamber (2) for the gases coming from the gasification chamber, and a melting chamber (3) in which the slag coming from the gasification chamber (1) is exposed to high temperature for vitrification purposes.
Abstract:
A method of treating biomass material, particularly plant-derived biomass material, to produce pyrolysis thereof, comprising subjecting the biomass material to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwave radiation, while the material is being agitated, under suitable conditions to produce a desired degree of pyrolysis.
Abstract:
A multi-step process is provided in which waste material is processed in two or more steps. Specifically, an earlier step of the process heats the waste material at a first temperature. This results in a release of vapors for materials having a boiling point that is lower than the first temperature. A subsequent step of the process heats some or all of the remaining waste material at a second temperature, which is preferably higher than the first temperature. The subsequent heating results in a release of additional vapors for those materials having a boiling point that is lower than the second temperature. A system configured to carry out the process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A waste recycling apparatus includes a temporary storage tank, a pyrolyzing furnace, a first blower, a material storage tank, a second blower, and a rotary valve and a magnetic device. The temporary storage tank carries a waste. The pyrolyzing furnace decomposes the waste into a non-iron material and an iron material. The first blower produces winds to blow the waste into the pyrolyzing furnace. The material storage tank stores the non-iron material and the iron material and includes an outlet. The second blower produces winds to blow the non-iron material and the iron material into the material storage tank. The rotary valve controls a discharge quantity of the non-iron material and the iron material. The magnetic device is installed on a side of the outlet, and the magnetic device attracts the iron material to separate the non-iron material and the iron material. The waste recycling apparatus can recycle wastes automatically.
Abstract:
A reactor (107) for pyrolysis of carbonizable plastic and rubber materials is disclosed including at least an earlier stage reaction chamber (401) and a later stage reaction chamber (105), in which the earlier stage reaction chamber receives the materials for pyrolysis, and the later stage reaction chamber receives treated materials from the earlier stage reaction chamber for subsequent pyrolysis, and the reactor (107) includes a three-way valve (407) for directing the gaseous pyrolysis products from the later stage reaction chamber to one of three pathways, each to a different destination.
Abstract:
A multi-step process is provided in which waste material is processed in two or more steps. Specifically, an earlier step of the process heats the waste material at a first temperature. This results in a release of vapors for materials having a boiling point that is lower than the first temperature. A subsequent step of the process heats some or all of the remaining waste material at a second temperature, which is preferably higher than the first temperature. The subsequent heating results in a release of additional vapors for those materials having a boiling point that is lower than the second temperature. A system configured to carry out the process is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4′-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition further incorporates radioactive waste, namely depleted uranium oxide, and can be used in conjunction with specially designed containers for storing radioactive material. The resulting polymer/waste composition cures at room temperature and does not deteriorate or suffer structural damage when exposed to higher levels of gamma radiation, nor do the mechanical or chemical properties undergo any detectable change. The composition is resistant to biodegradation and combustion, and does not creep or shrink during thermal cycling.
Abstract:
A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4null-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition further incorporates radioactive waste, namely depleted uranium oxide, and can be used in conjunction with specially designed containers for storing radioactive material. The resulting polymer/waste composition cures at room temperature and does not deteriorate or suffer structural damage when exposed to higher levels of gamma radiation, nor do the mechanical or chemical properties undergo any detectable change. The composition is resistant to biodegradation and combustion, and does not creep or shrink during thermal cycling.