Development of Microwave Plasma Detoxification Process for Hazardous Wastes. Phase I.

摘要

The microwave process described in this report is a relatively new application of what has been termed the 'fourth state of matter',or the 'plasma state'. It is the first practical application of a microwave discharge to the decomposition of chemical compounds in significant quantities. This report describes a recent,successful, R&D effort in which a former 'grams-per-hour'system was scaled up to a 5to 7pounds-per-hour system,and then its performance was verified with several typical hazardous materials. The materials tested and detoxified were Malathion,methyl-bromide,polychlorinated biphenyls, phenylmercuric acetate,and Kepone. Complete detoxification resulted. Further benefits of the process are the competitive,reasonable costs of about $0.20per pound of material processed,including all costs. The process warrants further development,namely additional scale-up to pilot and field units. Presently,units up to 100pounds per hour or so appear feasible to construct and be operable within two or three years.