Processing biologically contaminated plastic waste for recycling - by moistening with hot liq., esp. glycerol, and decontaminating with microwaves, pref. with additional energy input

摘要

A method of processing biologically contaminated waste (I) is claimed, involving decontamination of (I) with microwaves; the novelty is that (I) is pre-moistened with a liq. (II) of b.pt. above 100 deg. C, pref. a preheated higher alcohol, esp. glycerol. Also claimed is an appts for carrying out the above process, comprising a treatment space fitted with an internal microwave generator and a feed container for (II) (pref. capable of being preheated). USE/ADVANTAGE - The process enables the decontamination of contaminated disposables, e.g. hospital waste; it is less expensive than autoclaving, and the use of glycerol as moistening liq. enables higher process temps, and improves the absorption conditions for microwaves, thus making the process applicable to plastic wast