INTEGRATED FIXATION SYSTEMS

摘要

The invention provides rupturable barriers between soluble metals and fixation reagents as a part of integrated fixation systems in apparatuses that house soluble metals, to ameliorate release into the environment of solubilized metals. The fixation reagents may be held within a container, the surface of which container comprises a rupturable barrier. When the barrier between them is ruptured, the fixation reagents react with the soluble metals to form less soluble metal compounds. This may occur when the reagents are either released from a container or accessed while within the container. Apparatuses of the invention may include various types of batteries, mercury switches, ballasts from fluorescent lights, electronic circuit boards, spent solar panels and the like. The containers for fixation reagents of the invention may include capsules, impregnated mats and the like. Reagents may include cements, sulfides, phosphates, buffers, absorbents and the like in either liquid, slurry or solid form. In one aspect of the present invention, the container is integrated into the manufacture of a commercial apparatus, such that reagents are released or accessed when the useful life of the apparatus has been completed, either during storage prior to disposal of the apparatus or on disposal of the apparatus.