Cleaning contaminated solid materials - by mixing with washing fluid contg. chemical agent which dissolves contaminants and then adding biological agent

摘要

Material is washed with a fluid having a chemical and a biological component. The chemical component is biologically degradable while the biological component contains heterotrophic microorganisms for which the contaminating substances act as nourishment and the chemical component acts as a source of carbon and energy supply. In this way the contaminants are transferred into the washing fluid by its chemical component, and are then broken down by the microorganisms. The process is carried out continuously over a required period of time and at a required temp. The washing fluid may be treated with oxygen or other gases during the reaction process. The material being cleaned may firsly be mised with the chemical washing component, with the biological component being added in a later stage. Pref. the process is carried out in a drum mixer (1) and a drum reactor (2) which are incorporated in a single unit. A central nozzle (24) introduces the washing water (7, 8) which has been treated with compressed air, and the chemical component (18) into the mixing drum (1), and a second nozzle (36) introduces the biological component (16) into the reactor drum (2). Compressed air or gas is introduced into the reaction drum (2) via variable area nozzles (30). USE/ADVANTAGE - This invention is used for cleaning inert solid material such as factory waste, construction rubble etc. which is contaminated with for example aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals etc. Materials having a high moisture cotnent and a high content of combustible contaminants can be efficienctly handled, and minimum of contaminated residual material is produced.