Process for gamma ray induced degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls
The invention is a process for the in-situ destruction of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds in transformer oils and transformers. These compounds are broken down selectively by irradiation of the object or mixture using spent nuclear fuel or any isotopic source of high energy gamma radiation. For example, the level of applied dose required to decompose 400 ppm of polychlorinated biphenyl in transformer oil to less than 50 ppm is 500 kilograms. Destruction of polychlorinated biphenyls to levels of less than 50 ppm renders the transformer oil or transformer non-PCB contaminated under current regulations. Therefore, this process can be used to treat PCB contaminated oil and equipment to minimize or eliminate the generation of PCB hazardous waste. 5 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-94ID13223
- Assignee:
- Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,799,257/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-496,385; TRN: 99:001116
- OSTI ID:
- 672657
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 25 Aug 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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