Method of operating a centrifugal plasma arc furnace
A centrifugal plasma arc furnace is used to vitrify contaminated soils and other waste materials. An assessment of the characteristics of the waste is performed prior to introducing the waste into the furnace. Based on the assessment, a predetermined amount of iron is added to each batch of waste. The waste is melted in an oxidizing atmosphere into a slag. The added iron is oxidized into Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. Time of exposure to oxygen is controlled so that the iron does not oxidize into Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Slag in the furnace remains relatively non-viscous and consequently it pours out of the furnace readily. Cooled and solidified slag produced by the furnace is very resistant to groundwater leaching. The slag can be safely buried in the earth without fear of contaminating groundwater. 3 figs.
- Research Organization:
- MSE Inc
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC22-88ID12735
- Assignee:
- MSE, Inc., Butte, MT (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,731,564/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-596,682; TRN: 98:004641
- OSTI ID:
- 597077
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 24 Mar 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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