This technology solidifies and stabilizes organic and inorganic contaminants in soils, sludge, and liquid wastes. First, a proprietary reagent chemically bonds with contaminants in wastes. The waste and reagent mixture is then mixed with pozzolanic, cementitious materials, which combine to form a stabilized matrix. Reagents are selected based on target waste characteristics. Treated material is a nonleaching, high-strength, stabilized end-product.
The WASTECH, Inc. (WASTECH), technology uses standard engineering and construction equipment. Because the type and dose of reagents depend on waste characteristics, treatability studies and site investigations must be conducted to determine the proper treatment formula.
Treatment usually begins with waste excavation. Large pieces of debris in the waste must be screened and removed. The waste is then placed into a high shear mixer, along with premeasured quantities of water and SuperSet®, WASTECH's proprietary reagent (see figure below).
Next, pozzolanic, cementitious materials are added to the waste-reagent mixture, stabilizing the waste and completing the treatment process. The WASTECH technology does not generate by-products. The process may also be applied in situ.
The WASTECH technology can treat a wide variety of waste streams consisting of soils, sludges, and raw organic streams, including lubricating oil, evaporator bottoms, chelating agents, and ion-exchange resins, with contaminant concentrations ranging from parts per million levels to 40 percent by volume. The technology can also treat wastes generated by the petroleum, chemical, pesticide, and wood-preserving industries, as well as wastes generated by many other chemical manufacturing and industrial processes. The WASTECH technology can also be applied to mixed wastes containing organic, inorganic, and radioactive contaminants.
The technology was accepted into the SITE Demonstration Program in spring 1989. A field demonstration at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia was completed in August 1991. WASTECH subsequently conducted a bench-scale study in 1992 under glovebox conditions to develop a detailed mass balance of volatile organic compounds. The Innovative Technology Evaluation Report will be available in 1997. The technology is being commercially applied to treat hazardous wastes contaminated with various organics, inorganics, and mixed wastes.
This technology is no longer available from the vendor. For further information about the process, contact the EPA Project Manager.
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Terrence Lyons
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7589
Fax: 513-569-7676