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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Vitrification of waste

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872236

A method for encapsulating and immobilizing waste for disposal. Waste, preferably, biologically, chemically and radioactively hazardous, and especially electronic wastes, such as circuit boards, are placed in a crucible and heated by microwaves to a temperature in the range of approximately 300.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. to incinerate organic materials, then heated further to a temperature in the range of approximately 1100.degree. C. to 1400.degree. C. at which temperature glass formers present in the waste will cause it to vitrify. Glass formers, such as borosilicate glass, quartz or fiberglass can be added at the start of the process to increase the silicate concentration sufficiently for vitrification.

Research Organization:
WESTINGHOUSE SAVANNAH RIVER CO
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-89SR18035
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 5891011
OSTI ID:
872236
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English