Apparatus for in situ heating and vitrification
An apparatus for decontaminating ground areas where toxic chemicals are buried includes a plurality of spaced electrodes located in the ground and to which a voltage is applied for bringing about current flow. Power delivered to the ground volatilizes the chemicals that are then collected and directed to a gas treatment system. A preferred form of the invention employs high voltage arc discharge between the electrodes for heating a ground region to relatively high temperatures at relatively low power levels. Electrodes according to the present invention are provided with preferentially active lower portions between which current flows for the purpose of soil heating or for soil melting and vitrification. Promoting current flow below ground level avoids predominantly superficial treatment and increases electrode life. 15 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- Assignee:
- Battelle Memorial Inst., Richland, WA (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5316411; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-994172
- OSTI ID:
- 7035156
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 21 Dec 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
SOILS
DECONTAMINATION
TOXIC MATERIALS
WASTE PROCESSING
REMEDIAL ACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
CLEANING
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
PROCESSING
WASTE MANAGEMENT
540220* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)