A method and device for the continuous removal of degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (

摘要

ABSTRACTA system and apparatus therefor for the removal anddestruction of harmful toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)from a fluid, such as electrical transformer oil. The contami-nated fluid is pumped through heating equipment to raise itstemperature to a predetermined level prior to its being fed intoa mixing chamber. An injector mechanism feeds a predeterminedquantity of a reagent, such as an elemental sodium dispersion,into the mixing chamber where a power-driven impeller thoroughlymixes the two fluids. This mixture is fed into a reaction zone,preferably consisting of a plurality of closely nested back-and-forth tubes of a predetermined length and cross-sectional areawherein a chemical reaction occurs between the PCB-fluid andreagent forming harmless by-products which are insoluble in thenow-decontaminated fluid, The solid by-products are removed ina separator, such as a filtering medium or centrifuge, and allygases and water vapor are removed in a deep vacuum degasser.The trapped, harmless by-products then can be disposed of in aconventional, safe manner and the decontaminated fluid can bereturned to its point of origin for reuse.