METHODS FOR PROCESSING BATTERY WASTE AND OTHER LEAD-CONTAMINATED MATERIALS

摘要

2104601 9214797 PCTABS00015 The present invention is directed to improved methods for processing battery wastes, battery casing debris and other lead contaminated materials. In another aspect of the present invention ebonite and other hard surface materials to which are adhered lead contaminants are mixed with water and abraded in a high energy scrubber to remove the adhered contaminants prior to separation of the cleaned ebonite from solution. In another aspect of the present invention, plastic and other soft materials contaminated with lead are mixed with a solution to dissolve lead contaminants. Separation of particulates produces clean scrap or recyclable plastic while carbonation of the wash water permits recovery of lead carbonate. Finally, the present invention provides methods for controlling dust contamination prior to and during processing by spraying the fine raw materials with an aqueous solution of a wetting agent.