Method for dissolution and stabilization of silica-rich fibers

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871224

Jantzen, Carol M ^[1]

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1. Aiken, SC

A method for dissolving silica-rich fibers such as borosilicate fibers, fiberglass and asbestos to stabilize them for disposal. The method comprises (1) immersing the fibers in hot, five-weight-percent sodium hydroxide solution until the concentration of dissolved silica reaches equilibrium and a only a residue is left (about 48 hours), then immersing the residue in hot, five-weight-percent nitric acid until the residue dissolves (about 96 hours). After adjusting the pH of the dissolved fibers to be caustic, the solution can then be added to a waste vitrification stream for safe disposal. The method is useful in disposing contaminated HEME and HEPA filters.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5686365
• OSTI ID: 871224
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
dissolution
stabilization
silica-rich
fibers
dissolving
borosilicate
fiberglass
asbestos
stabilize
disposal
comprises
immersing
hot
five-weight-percent
sodium
hydroxide
solution
concentration
dissolved
silica
reaches
equilibrium
residue
left
48
hours
nitric
acid
dissolves
96
adjusting
ph
caustic
added
waste
vitrification
stream
safe
useful
disposing
contaminated
heme
hepa
filters
hepa filter
sodium hydroxide
method comprises
nitric acid
safe disposal
method comprise
hydroxide solution
silica-rich fibers
oxide solution
/501/65/134/588/