KALMATRON KF-aßy
INTRODUCTION
The current industry research is dedicated to the isolation, decontamination and industrial dumping of the most dangerous chemical waste, Mercury [Hg], which as ill effects on the human body and the environment. Examples of these physical effects on the human body include:
Poisoning by evaporation, which causes Minamata disease;
Chronic irritation of skin and eyes from direct contact;
Birth Defects from direct contact;
Ionizing radiation causes both acute disease and delayed effects, such as cancer or adverse reproductive effects;
Environmental agents of Mercury can also cause biological effects without overt clinical illness (for example, chromosome damage from irradiation). The health significance of such sub-clinical changes is not yet clear. The full toxic potential of Mercury has not been completely tested.
DUMPING AND DECONTAMINATION OF MERCURY
Effective methods of long-term isolation of such strong and multi-functional sources of environmental contamination do not exist. There are many reasons why it is so difficult, including:
The area where Mercury is dumped should be inaccessible to the public and trespassers;
Isolation of Mercury-containing objects, both in a pure form, and as part of some equipment, should be provided by materials, containers and structures which have the following properties:
Impermeable to liquids and gases, both from the positive and negative sides;
High resistance to salts and electrochemical corrosion;
Provide stability against cycling temperatures (freeze/thaw resistance);
Shield against radiation;
The object of isolation should be immovable within the structure of the container;
The safety of such devices should be durable based on the decay rate for Mercury, but no less than 200 years.
The dump/disposal site should be in a location which is easily accessible for periodic inspections and maintenance, without the necessity for specialized machinery.
The aforementioned requirements strongly indicate that the decontamination level and safety measures required for the maximum isolation of Mercury waste must be exemplary.
We propose an engineering solution, utilizing our protective materials. This solution provides for the safe and durable dumping of Mercury waste. For the most economically feasible project, we need to obtain the following supplemental information about the present Mercury waste situation:
The biggest atomic number of the Mercury;
The matter phase of the Mercury;
The sizes and weights of the smallest and biggest objects to be dumped;
The age of the Mercury waste at the present time;
Your preference for the dumping of the Mercury:
Underwater, underground or shallow dumping;
Placed in handy blocks or massive containers;
Used as part of a structure, or just dumped as waste.
MERCURY DECONTAMINATION PROJECT EXAMPLE
The above figure shows the principal of decontamination of Mercury.
The cylindrical shape of the container is the most durable of geometrical features. However, any shape can be used for simplicity of materials, application, transportation or dumping.
A superficial wire net is placed just under the sacrificial layer (see Fig. 2).
A monolithic, cylindrical container with KF-B and KF-aby, poured into the mold at the same time.
Pure Mercury, or any other forms of debris or contaminated equipment, should be precast with KF-aby or the KF-aby powder and the Mercury can be strewn into the container in a weight ratio of 1:1.
The monolithic lead might be prepared separately or on a job site.
The following diagram is a standard wall cross-section of the Kalmatron® container.
Figure 2
NOTE: The size of the container and the amount of KF-aby will be provided to you after we determine the requirements based upon complete information about the source of radiation you give to us.
Another possibility for the isolation of Mercury waste is to bury it in massive structures, such as foundations, dams, underground tunnels, sewage systems, bases of bridges, freeways, etc.
We are ready to assist you in developing a solution to your particular scenario. Engineering solutions that include the most reliable Kalmatron® KF-B and KF-aby will result in long-term isolation of the Mercury waste.