Yellow phosphorus process to convert toxic chemicals to non-toxic products

Patent · Tue Jul 26 04:00:00 EDT 1994

OSTI ID:7201642

Chang, S G

The present invention relates to a process for generating reactive species for destroying toxic chemicals. This process first contacts air or oxygen with aqueous emulsions of molten yellow phosphorus. This contact results in rapid production of abundant reactive species such as O, O[sub 3], PO, PO[sub 2], etc. A gaseous or liquid aqueous solution organic or inorganic chemicals is next contacted by these reactive species to reduce the concentration of toxic chemical and result in a non-toxic product. The final oxidation product of yellow phosphorus is phosphoric acid of a quality which can be recovered for commercial use. A process is developed such that the byproduct, phosphoric acid, is obtained without contamination of toxic species in liquids treated. A gas stream containing ozone without contamination of phosphorus containing species is also obtained in a simple and cost-effective manner. This process is demonstrated to be effective for destroying many types of toxic organic, or inorganic, compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), aromatic chlorides, amines, alcohols, acids, nitro aromatics, aliphatic chlorides, polynuclear aromatic compounds (PAH), dyes, pesticides, sulfides, hydroxyamines, ureas, dithionates and the like. 20 figs.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5332563; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-819758
• OSTI ID: 7201642
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
DETOXIFICATION
INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
LIQUID WASTES
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
REMEDIAL ACTION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES