WASTE TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Containerized medical waste is carried by a conveyor under a negative pressure to a multiple-stage shredder (10). Sodium hypochlorite is added at several points in the liquid component which is separated out, is recirculated. The compressed solid is conveyed through a temperature treatment stage (12) in which the temperature is maintained at a level just under 212 DEG F by the introduction of steam. The pressure is maintained at or below atmospheric pressure at all points in the system to prevent release of contaminated materials into the atmosphere. By using the combination of sodium hypochlorite and steam, it is possible to eliminate live microorganisms entirely while still taking advantage of low pressure to avoid accidental release of contaminated materials. The conveyor (66, 68) in the temperature treatment stage is controlled by temperature sensors so that it moves only when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.