Composition and process for the encapsulation and stabilization of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes
AssigneeAssociated Universities, Inc.
InventorsPaul D. Kalb, Peter Colombo
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Abstract
The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.
Claims10
A process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed waste, which comprises:
- (a) subjecting the following components substantially simultaneously to heating and mixing conditions
- (i) a dry waste powder having a particle size not greater than 3,000 microns obtained by reducing substantially dry waste including radioactive, hazardous and mixed waste to said dry waste powder,
- (ii) a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and
- (iii) an anhydrous additive capable of forming a precipitate with a component of said dry waste, thereby forming a homogenous molten matrix;
- (b) directing said molten matrix into a polyethylene container provided with temperature characteristics which permit controlled cooling of said matrix in said container thereby forming a monolithic waste form having at least a first and second barrier to leaching of components from said dry waste powder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.