A method for destroying halocarbons. Halocarbon materials are reacted in a dehalogenation process wherein they are combined with a solvent in the presence of a catalyst. A hydrogen-containing solvent is preferred which functions as both a solvating agent and hydrogen donor. To augment the hydrogen donation capacity of the solvent if needed (or when non-hydrogen-containing solvents are used), a supplemental hydrogen donor composition may be employed. In operation, at least one of the temperature ...

The invention provides processes for decontamination of organic halides in asphalt-containing wastes, such as PCBs in asphaltic potting compounds. The processes may use hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the asphaltic waste, and an alkali metal reactant, such as a sodium dispersion, to destroy the organic halides in the dissolved mixture.

Methods are provided for the dehalogenation of halogenated aromatics whereby an inert solvent, an alkali dispersion and high level contaminated material is placed in a vessel, and a low level contaminated inert fluid is then added as a coolant to maintain the temperature below the flash point during the reaction. The low level contaminated fluid is also decontaminated. Typically, the alkali by-product is then neutralized with water. Also taught is the use of water contaminated inert fluids as co...

A process utilizing a reactive exothermic liquid-inorganic solid hybrid, for the treatment of in-situ waste materials and in-process hazardous materials, including organic materials having contained therein polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The process makes possible the utilization of heat from exothermic reactions for breaking down PCBs in particular.

Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents is achieved by stimulating anaerobic microorganisms and thus increasing the rate of biological mineralization of the solvents. This is accomplished by a treatment process consisting of colloidal suspension of iron powder, polylactate ester such as glycerol tripolylactate, xylitol pentapolylactate, and sorbitol hexapolylactate, chemical oxygen scavengers in solution with essential nutrients, and vitamin stimulants...

A system and apparatus is provided for the decontamination of river bottoms. The system makes use of a barge, which is passed over the soil that needs to be decontaminated. The barge carries a high intensity laser, such as a 2,000 kW excimer YAG laser. The output of the laser is directed into a plurality of fiber optic cables. These fiber optic cables extend from the laser all the way down to the bottom of the river. The fiber optic cables direct the high intensity laser beams at the bottom of t...

Accelerated dechlorination of soil and water contaminated with chlorinated solvents is achieved by stimulating anaerobic microorganisms and thus increasing the rate of biological mineralization of the solvents. This is accomplished by a treatment process consisting of colloidal suspension of metal powder, an organic hydrogen donor, chemical oxygen scavengers in solution with essential nutrients, and vitamin stimulants such as B2 and B12 delivered via compressed gases N or CO2 so as not to oxygen...

A method for deactivating a toxic chemical agent comprising contacting said toxic chemical agent with an halogenated resin.

This invention relates to a PCB decomposition process which comprises the steps of reacting an organic material with sodium hydroxide to form sodium carbonate, and decomposing PCB with the aid of the sodium carbonate so formed.

A method for treatment of halogen-containing waste material, in particular PVC-containing waste material, is disclosed, wherein the waste material in a decomposition step is heated in a reaction zone in a substantially closed system essentially without addition of water to a temperature between 150 and 750.degree. C., preferably 250-350.degree. C., in the presence of a halogen-reactive compound selected from alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali and alkaline earth metal carbonates a...