The Babcock & Wilcox Company

James J Warchol

William Downs

Thomas J Flynn

Stanley J Vecci

Daniel R Rowley

George H Hay

Steve C Datsko

Mixed waste containing organic constituents and low level radioactive waste is remediated in a circulating fluidized bed combustor. Three separators are used to filter the flue gas and separate fine radioactive material from coarse non-radioactive material thereby concentrating the radioactive portion. A primary separator separates large material such as sand, lime, flyash or unburned fuel particles from the flue gas leaving the furnace of the combustor. The flue gas is then passed to a secondary separator for the collection of finer particles. In turn, the flue gas is passed to a tertiary separator for the collection of the finest particles of the flue gas containing low level radioactive waste. Solids entrained in the primary separator are recycled back into the bed of the combustor through an L-valve. Solids entrained at the secondary separator are also recycled back into the bed.

Remediation of low level radioactive mixed waste in a fluidized bed

A closed combustion system is used to incinerate hazardous wastes and vitrify ash. An incinerator is provided with pure oxygen, hazardous waste and fuel for incinerating the hazardous waste. Slag from the incinerator is treated separately. Combusted products from the incinerator such as flue gases, liquids, solids and ash are channeled through the system and recirculated back to the incinerator for incineration. A dust collector is used to collect ash from the combusted product and recirculate back to the incinerator. A condensing heat exchanger is used to collect and dispose of waste liquids. Filters are used for filtering particulates from the combusted product. A CaO pebble bed is provided for causing reactions with the flue gases. Remaining insert gas in the system are bled into the atmosphere. Flue gases from the system are recirculated back into the pure oxygen for entry into the incinerator in order to provide temperature control.

Incineration of hazardous wastes using closed cycle combustion ash

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Alliance, OH, United States of America

James J Warchol