ELECTROMAGNETIC METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL-CONTAINING VOLUMES

摘要

Methods and apparatus for treating containers (130) holding mixed wastes and regions (16) of the earth contaminated with radioactive materials or mixed waste provide for extracting one of non-radiocactive or radioactive materials from the contaminated volume. The method also includes using a phase-modulated multiple antenna system (22) for treating larger near-surface volumes and for creating steerable and variable heating patterns. The radio frequency antenna apparatus (160) can be used for volatilizing non-radioactive materials from containers or volumes of the earth and disposing of them in a safe and controlled manner.