Method for the neutralization of hazardous materials
AssigneeToxco, Inc.
InventorWilliam J. McLaughlin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for neutralizing hazardous materials wherein the material and if applicable, the device within which such material is contained, is first cooled to substantially sub-ambient temperatures. The material is then safely extractable from such device and exposed to the appropriate reactants in order to form benign products. Most of the hazards associated with accessing, handling, and reacting these materials are thereby eliminated and such is achieved in relatively economical manner.
Claims17
A method for neutralizing a hazardous material, comprising the steps of:
- cooling said hazardous material to substantially below room temperature;
- and
- reacting said cooled material with one or more reagents selected to yield non-hazardous or less hazardous products.
A method for neutralizing hazardous materials disposed within a containment vessel, comprising the steps of:
- cooling said containment vessel to substantially below room temperature such that said hazardous material contained therein is similarly cooled to below room temperature;
- opening said cooled vessel to expose said hazardous material;
- and
- reacting said cooled material with one or more reagents selected to yield non-hazardous or less hazardous products.
A method for neutralizing hazardous material contained within munitions, comprising the steps of:
- cooling said munitions to substantially below room temperature such that said hazardous material contained therein is similarly cooled to substantially below room temperature;
- mechanically shearing said munitions so as to expose said hazardous material;
- and
- reacting said hazardous material with reagents selected to yield non-hazardous or less hazardous products.
A method of neutralizing lithium contained within a lithium boiler, comprising the steps of:
- submersing said lithium boiler in liquid argon so as to cool said lithium contained therein to about -300.degree. F.;
- shearing open said boiler to expose said lithium;
- and
- reacting lithium with water to form lithium hydroxide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.