Methods for thermally degrading unwanted substances using particulate metal compositions
AssigneeHydronics, L.L.C.
InventorStephen R. Thomas
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Abstract
Methods and products for thermally degrading unwanted substances is provided which involves contacting such substances with a particulate metal composition in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt, and causing sufficient heat to be generated during such contacting to degrade the substance. The particulate metal compositions include respective quantities of particulate iron and magnesium, and optionally quantities of particulate aluminum and zinc. The compositions generate temperatures on the order of 300-550° F. during such thermal degradations, along with quantities of hydrogen gas and water vapor.
Claims15
A method of thermally degrading a substance comprising the steps of contacting the substance with a particulate metal composition in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt, said composition including respective quantities of particulate elemental iron and particulate elemental magnesium, and causing heat to be generated during said contacting step to develop thermal degradation temperatures of about 300° F. and above for degrading said substance.
The method of claim said salt being sodium chloride and present at a level from about 0.01-10% by weight in the composition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.