Solidification/Stabilization
Introduction:
As for in situ solidification/stabilization (S/S), ex situ S/S contaminants are physically bound or enclosed within a stabilized mass (solidification), or chemical reactions are induced between the stabilizing agent and contaminants to reduce their mobility (stabilization). Ex situ S/S, however, typically requires disposal of the resultant materials. Under CERCLA material can be replaced on site.
There are many innovations in the stabilization and solidification technology. Most of the innovations are modifications of proven processes and are directed to encapsulation or immobilizing the harmful constituents and involve processing of the waste or contaminated soil. Nine distinct innovative processes or groups of processes include: (1) bituminization, (2) emulsified asphalt, (3) modified sulfur cement, (4) polyethylene extrusion, (5) pozzolan/Portland cement, (6) radioactive waste solidification, (7) sludge stabilization, (8)soluble phosphates, and (9) vitrification/molten glass.
Typical ex situ S/S is a short- to medium-term technology.
Bituminization
In the bituminization process, wastes are embedded in molten bitumen and encapsulated when the bitumen cools. The process combines heated bitumen and a concentrate of the waste material, usually in slurry form, in a heated extruder containing screws that mix the bitumen and waste. Water is evaporated from the mixture to about 0.5% moisture. The final product is a homogenous mixture of extruded solids and bitumen.
Emulsified Asphalt
Asphalt emulsions are very fine droplets of asphalt dispersed in water that are stabilized by chemical emulsifying agents. The emulsions are available as either cationic or anionic emulsions. The emulsified asphalt process involves adding emulsified asphalts having the appropriate charge to hydrophilic liquid or semiliquid wastes at ambient temperature. After mixing, the emulsion breaks, the water in the waste is released, and the organic phase forms a continuous matrix of hydrophobic asphalt around the waste solids. In some cases, additional neutralizing agents, such as lime or gypsum, may be required. After given sufficient time to set and cure, the resulting solid asphalt has the waste uniformly distributed throughout it and is impermeable to water.
Modified Sulfur Cement
Modified sulfur cement is a commercially-available thermoplastic material. It is easily melted (127° to 149° C (260° to 300° F)) and then mixed with the waste to form a homogenous molten slurry which is discharged to suitable containers for cooling, storage, and disposal. A variety of common mixing devices, such as, paddle mixers and pug mills, can be used. The relatively low temperatures used limit emissions of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide to allowable threshold values.
Polyethylene Extrusion
The polyethylene extrusion process involves the mixing of polyethylene binders and dry waste materials using a heated cylinder containing a mixing/transport screw. The heated, homogenous mixture exits the cylinder through an output die into a mold, where it cools and solidifies. Polyethylene’s properties produce a very stable, solidified product. The process has been tested on nitrate salt wastes at plant-scale, establishing its viability, and on various other wastes at the bench and pilot scale.
-
Most popular related searches
Customer comments
No comments were found for Solidification/Stabilization. Be the first to comment!