To the best of our knowledge, this technology is not being used in the Joint Services. This datasheet will not be updated

A high temperature vitrification process can convert hazardous waste into a nonhazardous glass/ceramic matrix which can be used as a commercial product. Organic components in the waste stream are gasified by the system and utilized as an auxiliary energy source. Inorganic components of the waste stream are incorporated into the glass/ceramic matrix. The glass/ceramic matrix is extremely stable and passes typical regulatory leachate tests.

The vitrification system consists of four sections, (1) feed preparation, (2) preheater, (3) vitrifier/converter, and (4) air pollution control/off gas treatment system. The feed preparation system consists of a counter-current rotary drum dryer, batch surge bin to maintain uniform waste feed and allow for the addition of glass formers, and auger feeders to convey the waste to the preheater. The preheater is an indirect gas-fired auger preheater which heats the waste to over 1100^oF. This effectively gasifies the organic contaminants contained in the waste stream to allow them to be used as fuel. The vitrifier/converter heats the inorganic waste to 2700^oF in a well mixed chamber. Oxygen enriched natural gas is the primary energy source for the vitrifier/converter. The molten glass/ceramic exits the vitrifier through a discharge system that allows the molten material to be shaped into useful products. Flue gas from the vitrifier flows through a high temperature heat exchanger. The cooled flue gases pass through a dry baghouse for particulate capture, a wet acid/gas packed tower venturi scrubber, an ammonia scrubber to remove NO_x, and an activated carbon filter to remove any trace organics. Dust from the baghouse is recycled back into the vitrification process.

Waste streams which can be processed with the vitrification process include garnet residues, plating wastes, sand blast media residues, waste water sludges, paint residues, asbestos, medical waste, and incinerator ash. Waste volume reductions as high as 75% have been achieved with this process. In addition to the glass/ceramic product a wastewater stream is produced from the flue gas wet scrubber. This process can also process low level radioactive wastes resulting in a stable radioactive glass/ceramic matrix.

This type of vitrification system is being investigated for applicability at McClellan and Tinker Air Force Bases. Currently the Navy is pursuing another type of vitrification system which uses Joule electrical heating for treating hazardous wastes in Hawai’i. There are several other types of vitrification systems such as Plasma Arc, Vortec type, etc.

The use of vitrification of hazardous waste streams can be used to meet land disposal limits under 40 CFR 268. Vitrification of hazardous waste will require a RCRA permit for treatment of hazardous waste and may require an air permit.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved

Proper design, operation, and maintenance of vitrification system is required to ensure safe operation. All operators must be properly trained in the operation and maintenance of the vitrification system. Operators must also be trained in hazardous waste operations as required by OSHA and EPA regulations.

Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

• The system is compact and transportable.
• Can treat a variety of metal contaminated wastes while achieving regulatory leachate and land disposal limit requirements.
• Can process mixed organic/inorganic waste streams in solid and/or sludge forms on a batch or continuous basis.
• Uses the energy content of the organic waste contaminants to minimize operating costs.
• Converts hazardous wastes into nonhazardous forms which can be used to manufacture commercial products and provides a permanent treatment solution.
• Requires a RCRA Part B Permit.

• Treatment of radioactive wastes will produce a radioactive glass which needs to be handled according to applicable regulations for radioactive materials.

The following cost elements for treatment of hazardous wastes using the vitrification process is compared to incineration. Capital costs, including installation, range from $2,000,000 for a solid/dust system to $2,500,000 for a sludge system. Both systems process 500-1,000 kg/hr of waste material. Operating costs of the vitrification process range from $100 to $420 per ton. The operating costs include labor, fuel, and maintenance.

Assumptions:

• Costs are for a sludge vitrification system.
• Process 1,000 tons per year.
• Utility costs: $35/ton
• Glass former chemicals: $19/ton
• Air pollution control chemicals: $42/ton
• Spare parts/ maintenance costs: $54/ton
• Labor (at $30/hr) costs: $460/ton
• Miscellaneous costs (laboratory analysis, insurance, etc.): $39/ton
• Incineration disposal costs: $3,000/ton
• Glass product used but generates no income

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Vitrification and Incineration

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Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.