Asbestos processing
AssigneePMC International B.V.
InventorKlaas Jansen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is directed to a method for processing asbestos-containing steel scrap into useful products, which products can be handled in a safe manner. In accordance with the present invention the asbestos-containing steel scrap is melted in a furnace, which results in destruction of the asbestos fibers. It has been found possible to carry out such a process in an economically feasible manner. In accordance with the invention asbestos-containing steel is heated to high temperature so that the steel melts. As a result the asbestos will be converted into harmless material, which allows for safe handling and processing of the resulting products.
Claims8
A process for recycling asbestos-containing steel scrap that is contaminated with friable asbestos, which scrap comprises a combination of steel and asbestos, which process comprises the steps of:
- a) subjecting said asbestos-containing steel scrap to a temperature above the solidus temperature of said steel by completely submerging said steel scrap in a melt, which comprises molten steel;
- b) allowing said steel scrap to melt and to mix into said molten steel, while allowing a slag to form, wherein said asbestos is converted into non-crystalline material, which dissolves in said steel and/or accumulates in said slag;
- c) allowing said molten steel to cool, thus forming a homogeneous steel scrap product that is substantially free of asbestos fibers;
- and
- d) analyzing the homogeneous steel scrap product to produce a certificate of analysis so that said product may be used in steel mills for altering the composition of further steel melts;
- wherein said steps a) and b) are carried out in a room that is sealed off from an environment in a substantially gas-tight manner that is obtained by maintaining said room under a pressure that is subatmospheric, so as to prevent emission of fibers into said environment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.