WO2007051479A1 - Method and system for the treatment and processing of waste containing portions posing a health hazard - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating and processing waste containing residual substances that pose a health hazard, particularly toxic, infectious, and/or slightly irradiated residual substances, including different types of leftovers or residues representing different degrees of danger and hazard such as perishable and/or foul domestic waste, microorganisms, medicaments, narcotics, insecticides, pesticides, waste from slaughterhouses, prion-loaded tissue (PrP, BSE), infectious and cross-contaminated feces and sludge, septic tank sludge, heavy metal-loaded substances. The inventive method is characterized in that the volume of the waste is reduced while the total surface thereof is increased in a physical step by comminuting, especially shredding, the waste, whereupon additives that are added step by step chemically attack the waste in controlled conditions in at least one chemical step. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out said method.

Description

 Process and installation for the treatment and processing of waste containing harmful substances

The invention relates to a method for the treatment and processing of waste, in particular toxic, infectious and / or slightly radiation-contaminated residues, the remnants or residues of various kinds and various hazards and hazards such as perishable and / or spoiled household waste, microorganisms, drugs, narcotics, Insecticides, pesticides, slaughterhouse waste, prions contaminated tissues (PrP, BSE), infectious and cross-contaminated faeces and sludges, septic tank sludges, heavy metal contaminated substances, as well as a facility for performing the method.

For such a process purpose, in particular the following types of process are known in principle: 1. combustion and pyrolysis (heat treatment and

Roasting technologies): These processes are always accompanied by emissions whose health and environmental hazards are viewed very critically. The exhaust gas purification is expensive and the remaining residues (ashes) must be disposed of consuming. In some countries, this type of disposal technology is banned or strictly enforced, and it is difficult to obtain new construction and operating permits. A decentralized operation with low-risk transport routes is hardly possible. The incineration plant, whether stationary or mobile, is costly and has a long production and construction period. Some types of, in particular, pharmaceutical waste must not be incinerated, such as narcotics (heroin, LSD and different types of

Substances in liquid, powdery and solid form) and associated with the hospital or clinic operation Radiation containing residues and heavy metal residues and residues.

2. Autoclave / Steam Disinfection: The autoclave process works very effectively, but is time- and energy-consuming and associated with high acquisition costs. In addition to steam, most of the autoclave and steam disinfection systems use ethylene oxide as a gas with sterilizing properties, but it is extremely toxic, hazardous, and poses additional risks to the operator and the environment. The process technology is restricted to the disposal of infectious waste, since other substances and materials such as hypodermic needles and sharp-edged objects, chemical and pharmaceutical agents as well as other contaminated residues are not crushed and detoxified. After completion of the steam disinfection the disinfected residues are still recognizable and traceable to their origin. Therefore, these remnants must be aftertreated or disposed of separately or disposed of, causing additional costs, risks for humans and

Environment and a possible ethical damage to the image.

3. Microwave Method: The microwave method is one of the most common techniques for sterilizing infectious material. It works very effectively and is suitable for both stationary and mobile use. However, it is not a disposal method, because the sterilized substances remain more or less unchanged, even after treatment represent a preferred for the re-colonization of microorganisms material and require post-treatment and final disposal. In addition, the range of substances to be processed is limited; Thus, metallic objects such as needles, scalpels, metal containers are problematic. A detoxification of heavy metal contaminated remains or, for example, of chemical and pharmaceutical substances is not possible. In particular, the main object of the invention is to provide a process engineering for the waste treatment and disposal of infectious and hazardous waste, which is carried out with a variable size, mobile or stationary to operate plant with the lowest possible energy consumption and low-risk and widely available consumables and equipment thereby enabling residue- and emission-free operation and utilizing the material properties of the raw material produced. This results in the realization and implementation of the invention, inter alia, the following criteria:

1. a spatially compact, modular technique with little external structural engineering requirements, in order to carry out the processing of infectious and hazardous waste directly at the collection points (for example, hospitals);

2. Use of proven machine technology for short production and delivery times, low-maintenance operation and easy and fast procurement of spare parts and process consumables in local markets; 3. Maintenance, operation and environment-friendly design for trouble-free and safe operation; 4. Production of a raw material as single product as possible, from which man and the environment can produce harmless, marketable and valuable products and whose origin can not be inferred.

These objects are achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device 16. Preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims. The inventive method is used for the treatment and processing of waste with hazardous, especially toxic, infectious and / or slightly radiation contaminated residues, the remnants or residues of various kinds and various hazards and hazards include perishable and / or spoiled household waste, microorganisms, drugs, narcotics , Insecticides, pesticides, slaughterhouse waste, prions contaminated tissues (PrP, BSE), infectious and cross-contaminated faeces and sludges, septic tank sludges, heavy metal contaminated substances. The method according to the invention comprises a physical method step and at least one chemical method step. In the physical process step, the volume of the waste is reduced and the total surface area of the waste is reduced by comminution, as essentially by the mechanical processes of tearing, cutting, crushing, smashing, smashing, which occur during the shredding process. Later - preferably immediately thereafter - in at least one chemical process step, the added additives chemically attack the waste gradually and under controlled conditions, that is, such that no violent reactions lead to foaming, excessive heat and strong, rapid expansion.

Compared to the alternative and previously used and implemented technologies for the disposal of medical, infectious and hazardous waste, the present invention has the following advantages:

The central aspect of the process is a multi-stage chemical treatment process with both chemical detoxification and biocidal effects.

In addition, a special procedure is used Polymerization process used to fix irradiated material.

The aim of the chemical treatment by means of selected reagents (chemical additives) is on the one hand, the molecular restructuring of existing organic and inorganic substances or materials to simple, non-toxic and harmless substances, on the other hand, the killing of existing biological agents such as fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms. The solids are treated during the mechanical comminution process, for example in a shredder system. Liquid waste (in larger quantities) can be treated in a separate liquid treatment station using the same process and then added to the solid fraction.

A particularly preferred feature of the process is that the various types of waste and residue forms, such as sludge, solids, powders, liquids and fibers, can be processed together in a single treatment step. An exception here is, for example, the - upstream separate treatment - of larger quantities of liquids. For example, sludge, solids, powders, oily and greasy substances, and fiber materials are processed together in the shredding plant, where they are preneutralized against liquid wastes such as oils or chemicals in an integrated and independently operating liquid treatment station before being reacted by a mixer be injected.

After the chemical treatment, the neutralized material can be further processed by technical additives into a workable crude product, from which then can be produced by finishing technical products. The process thus serves, in particular, for the residue- and emission-free treatment, sterilization, detoxification and neutralization of undesirable toxic, infectious or otherwise dangerous or harmful residues or low-radiation residues, the process being designed so that liquid and solid wastes both separately and together can be treated. The wastes can be accepted at the plant according to the invention in the form in which they are obtained and collected on site. For example :

Hospital-specific solid waste, including, for example, hypodermic needles and sharp objects (scalpels, knives, blades) as well as small amounts of liquid waste containing vessels, are usually collected separately in hospital and are thus delivered to the processing plant. After being collected, they are fed into the shredder system and crushed there, resulting in a reduction in volume while increasing the contact area for the chemical additives. Larger quantities of liquid waste to be treated separately are introduced into a liquid waste pre-neutralization station. At the beginning of shredding, the first additive is added and the shredder space is exposed to ozone and nitrogen. The shredder is located directly above the mixer station into which the pre-reacted shredder material is entered. There, the second additive is added with stirring; Due to the onset of strongly exothermic reaction, it comes to temperature increase. After completion of the reaction, the third additive is added, whereby a strong increase in pH is achieved and thereby precipitation, in particular of the iron and aluminum hydroxides is achieved. These act as precipitants and coagulants, thus fixing problematic ingredients and providing the framework for the mineral matrix of the Process product to be formed raw material. Now, the identically chemically treated liquid wastes are added from the liquid waste pre-neutralization in the mixer to be mixed there with the solid residues. Subsequent addition of the dry additives completes the precipitation, coagulation and fixation of the ingredients and achieves a suitable consistency for the further processing of the material which, after discharge from the mixer station, becomes an inert - ie neutral, inert and inactive -, foreign-ready, sterile , represents earth-moist substance. This can now be mixed with suitable binders and either further processed into products used as landscaping material, pavement paving, planting boxes, fence elements, etc., or cast into blocks that are installed in landfills or used there as construction and sealing material for example for landfill cover. Slightly radiated residues and residues can be treated separately in the same plant but always strictly separated from other residues to avoid cross-contamination.

According to the invention, in particular, a multifunctional, essentially emission-, odor- and residue-free, preferably combustion steam or radiation-free sterilization, neutralization and conversion process for the treatment, disposal and processing of waste with hazardous, especially toxic, infectious, slightly radiation contaminated and / or otherwise dangerous contents of residues also of various danger and hazard classes coming from hospitals, doctors and dental practices or clinics, health care centers, funeral homes, morgues, agricultural

Test facilities, biochemical and chemical laboratories as well pharmaceutical, biological, microbiological, biochemical and related industries, but also originated only by private households and include residues or residues such as fluids, drugs, narcotics, infectious waste, microorganisms and their cultures, insecticides, pesticides, prions contaminated with prions (PrP , BSE), slaughterhouse waste, infectious and cross-contaminated faeces and sludges, septic tank sludges and heavy metal contaminated materials and substances. The process can be safely carried out for humans and the environment, and only harmless supplies can be used for the central chemical process; in the physical part of the process, shredding, for example, reduces the volume of waste and thus increases the total surface area of the material, allowing the additives added in the chemical process step to chemically and effectively penetrate the material deeply and to penetrate; The various chemical reactions that take place include, for example, oxidation, acid-base reactions, radical reactions, hydrolyzation of metal compounds and their conversion into metal oxides or hydroxides; the addition of the various reagents and additives is carried out stepwise, in particular in a defined order, in order to obtain an optimum reactive effect on the various and mutually mixed residues. The reaction conditions are controlled, and the reaction can be adapted to the essential properties of the materials and reactants (oxidation / reduction, acid-base behavior, pH control). The reaction regime preferably involves the mineralization of chemically degraded problem substances and their incorporation into an inorganic matrix by precipitation processes. This preferably produces an inert substance that can be reused without risk as a secondary raw material. In the inventive method, the described leach and dissolve chemical reaction existing heavy metals and other existing metal forms and convert them into poorly soluble metal oxides or hydroxides. The same basic additives and process equipment can be used to treat lightly radiated waste of various origins (such as laboratories, health care facilities or industry), with the restriction that this treatment should be performed strictly independently of all others if the possibility of cross-contamination of the non-radiated residues is to be avoided. As an additive, a mixture with I ₂ , Cu ₂ SO ₄ , MgSO ₄ , MgO, Fe ₂ O ₃ and / or Cu ₂ O is preferably used. The reacted material is preferably taken up in a polymer matrix and compressed by pressure in this.

Preferred according to the invention is the process in which the fundamental chemically induced mineralization and precipitation reaction to form amorphous or simple crystalline solids is crowned by the advantage of a chemical process for the cost-effective and environmentally friendly formation of a polymer foam as a matrix for safely receiving the treated materials. The polymer foam according to the invention is preferably comparable to a conventional polyurethane foam, but avoids the use of expensive and toxic isocyanate compounds; is then used a very inexpensive mixture of water, sugar and alcohol (propanol or iso-propanol, C ₃ H ₇ OH) and a conventional polyol from polyurethane production, which reacts slowly when merging and expanded by foaming. Preferably, the forming solid polymer matrix is compacted by external pressure, so that the treated, previously lightly radiation-loaded materials are firmly embedded in the matrix with the admixed additives. According to the invention, the method is furthermore preferred, in which the process can process the following residues: liquid, solid and slightly radiation-contaminated residues, metal-containing residues (such as filters and filter cartridges of heart-lung and dialysis machines, which for the most part consist of metal and ceramic sieves, needles, sharp-edged objects and other related materials), residues from cotton, synthetic and other fibers, rubber and plastic components, residues from chemotherapy, other pharmaceutical residues, waste from laboratories (for example blood vessels), residues of chemicals (for example xylene, benzene, toluene), waste medicines, tissues and surgical waste as well as generally infectious residues. Also preferred according to the invention is the process in which chemically highly reactive, strongly oxidizing and germicidal conditions are created which strongly decompose organic components (for example tissue, blood and blood plasma) and chemical compounds and have a killing effect on living organisms; chemical-biological efficiency is aided by an upstream mechanical disruption and comminution technique that provides controlled control of a desired maximum particle size to increase the surface area of the material and facilitate the attack of chemical additives, with the chemical heat of reaction additionally supporting the germicidal effect; The combined mechanical-chemical process results in a sterile end-product that no longer reflects its origin. According to the invention, the method is also preferred in which the physico-chemical process produces a chemically inert, biologically sterile and harmless from its appearance material according to laboratory analyzes, as a secondary raw material by adding normal cement, bentonite, lime, mortar binder , various adhesives, resin binders or other cementitious Binders can be used for the production of building materials.

According to the invention, the process is also still preferred, in which the process uses only those additives or aggregates which are widely available, in their concentration not toxic or more dangerous than the residues and residues to be neutralized and converted and are not direct in their used form or indirect hazards or risks to personnel and the environment.

And according to the invention, preference is given to the process for which the technical installations are constructed as a somewhat closed system without residues, effluents or emissions being generated and / or where the air in the closed installation is through the continuous exhaust air purification system by means of additional ozonization and ionization is regenerated and / or the spent air cleaner liquid is used again as a process water substitute.

According to the invention, the process is also still preferred, in which the process also degrades organic nitrogen compounds, such as, for example, proteins, which also include BSE-inducing prions, which are predominantly found in animal brains and bone marrow and are considered to be the source of BSE and related diseases. The treated material is then incorporated into the pressure-formed, thereby high-density polymer matrix, which is resistant to ultraviolet and infrared radiation and acids and bases resistant, fire-resistant, water-repellent and mechanically highly resilient and does not provide a breeding ground for microbial germs.

The process is preferably carried out at moderate temperatures without external heat, increased only by the mechanical friction and chemical reaction heat. The entire process can be left behind and emis- and, unlike incineration and roasting technologies, is preferably a flameless process.

After the chemical-physical treatment, the process preferably ends in a homogenization step which produces an inert, uniform mass from the introduced mixed residues, whose original origin can not be recognized and which represents a raw material which can be used for various products and applications can be reused in a manner harmless to humans and the environment.

EXAMPLES

In the following, the method according to the invention is described by way of example-without being limited to the following descriptions and illustrations, but only to claim 1-in particular also by means of examples of suitable chemical additives and usable technical means. The following figures are used:

Figure 1: "Storage and mixing tanks for additives, flow diagram" (Schematic representation, cross-sectional view) Mobile compact system, in particular the loading, mixing and storage stations and injection quantity measuring systems are shown for the liquid additives.

Figure 2: "shredder and mixing station, flow chart," (Schematic representation, cross-sectional view) flow chart for additives and solid waste, which are shown in particular: feed station (elevator), liquid, gas and solid station, liquid injection and gas injection station, shredder station with integrated hopper and directly below mixer station, dry additive Storage with supply system to the mixer, special additive mixing station for adding additives to the process for slightly radiation-contaminated waste.

Figure 2a: "shredder and mixing station, flow diagram" (Schematic representation, cross-sectional view) detail view of Figure 2, wherein in particular the upper operator's room is shown with hopper and shredder unit.

Figure 3: "Overall plant, longitudinal section": Schematic representation and longitudinal section view of a mobile plant and material flow diagram of the liquid additives and solid waste compact system with automatic control for continuous process, which is made possible by a dual mixer system.

Figure 3a: "Task Systems": Schematic representation and cross-sectional view (at right angles to the main axis of the system, rear end section) of a compact system with automatic control for continuous process.

Figure 4: Exhaust air purification system with wet cleaner (Schematic representation, cross-sectional view) flow diagram of the air and wet-cleaning liquid of a compact system. The schematic and the flow chart show the operation of the entire wet scrubber system including the air scrubber, the bubble system, the ozone task and the air and water or wet liquid reactivation by means of UV and infrared reactivators. A. PROCEDURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF TOXIC, INFECTIOUS OR OTHER THAN DANGEROUS RESIDUES

The process for processing such materials of different hazard or hazard classes has been tested and proven and works free of emissions, odors and residues. The process can handle all types of wastes and remains produced by hospitals, doctors and dental practices or clinics, health care centers, funeral homes, morgues, agricultural testing facilities, biochemical and chemical laboratories, and pharmaceutical, biological, microbiological, biochemical and related industries ,

The process can process remnants in liquid, solid, pasty, powdery, fibrous, gaseous and slightly contaminated forms. The residues to be processed are typically composed of blood, tissue, body parts, bandages, diapers, cotton, textiles, bandages, plastics, rubber, hypodermic needles, sharp objects, dextrose residues, contaminated blood containers, various chemical residues (for example xylene, benzene, alcohols and other organic and inorganic substances), X-ray films, surgical waste in general, batteries, workshop waste (such as oil, fats, paints, thinners, solvents), alt-drugs and pharmaceutical residues (such as fluids and drugs, narcotics, infectious material in general, biological crops), insecticides, pesticides, prion-containing tissues (PrP, BSE, from contaminated slaughterhouse waste), infectious and cross-contaminated faeces and sludges, residues and residues contaminated with heavy metals and other household and kitchen waste.

The process is designed to unsorted incoming materials and regardless of their consistency and chemical composition, including steel or stainless steel parts with a diameter of less than 25 mm and transferred to the shredding system for shredding (output at least 20 hp). The continuous physical, chemical and biological tests (using standard methods only in the European Union and in the United States of America) show that no toxic, infectious, dangerous or hazardous substances or germs can be mobilized from the final material; The process can therefore be termed the sterilization neutralization and detoxification process. The final material is inert and earth-dry in consistency, with no unpleasant odors or fumes, extinguishing, heat and fire-proof, and without any possibility of recognizing its origin.

The materials and reagents used for neutralization and sterilization are free and widely available on the market and do not present any particular problems or risks during transport, storage and handling. All required mixtures and concentrations of reagents to be adjusted are prepared in a separate additive mixing station.

For example, additives used

1. hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ )

Hydrogen peroxide is used in technical grade as an aqueous solution with a concentration of 5-50%, preferably with a concentration of 5%. To set the desired concentration of the additive in the mixing station, the mixing tank no. 2 (Fig. 1: Figure 1 (only one tank dargestelllt), Fig. 3: Figure Ia) with integrated circulation and medium transfer system (pump) (Fig : Numeral 2, 12, 13, 14, Fig. 3: numeral 2a) and outlet lines to the mixer and the storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) used. Since H ₂ O ₂ is highly reactive with the other additives used (see below), for safety reasons, the system of H ₂ O ₂ mixing, storage and charging units described above is constructed as an independent circuit (FIG. 3: point Ia, FIG. Mixing tank 2, number 1 mixing tank 1).

3% technical hydrochloric acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl) is stirred into the dilute H ₂ O ₂ solution. The mixing ratio is between 2 and 7% by volume, preferably 3% by volume of HCl. This mixed solution is placed in a specially marked storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) with integrated level control (Fig. 1: 4) and

(Figures 2 and 2a: numbers 10, 11, 12) and media circulation

(Pump, stirrer, blower) (Fig. 1: 9, 14, 15) transferred. The amount of liquid addition is measured and controlled using a visual level control measuring tank connected directly to the shredder hopper (Figures 2 and 2a: numbers 5, 6) and activated via a metering pump or, alternatively, pressurizing the metering tank operated at about 1.5 bar air pressure (as shown in the graph) to activate the arranged to multiple or mounted injectors and to maximize their performance (Fig. 2a: Figure 2, 10, 11, 12). The addition of the additive to the mixer can be activated by an independent injection pump or, depending on the design principle, by air pressure. As shown in the graph (Figure 1: numbers 5, 6, 24, 25), the gravity feed was chosen. The feeding of the liquid additive to the mixer (FIG. 1: number 5, 6, 20) is carried out centrally from the operator control room.

H ₂ O ₂ acts directly as an oxidant, serves as a source of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, and kills existing organisms (e.g., larvae) and microorganisms such as spores, germs, sponges, fungi, coliforms, yeast bacteria, tubercle bacilli, and others to the species the microorgan pathogens and toxins of aerobic and anaerobic character. It also degrades proteins, enzymes and other organic nitrogen compounds, including prions (Jacob-Creutzfeldt disease, mad cow disease (BSE)). Research in recent years have shown that proteins, enzymes and organic nitrogen compounds were as good degraded by chemical treatment at least as measured by combustion (1000 ⁰ C) (see "National and international laboratory testing and analysis" in the appendix).

The mixture of H ₂ O ₂ and HCl decomposes organic components (for example blood or tissue parts), chemically degrades, for example, xylene, toluene, phenol and oxidizes heavy metals into their higher-value oxides. These reactions already take place in the shredder chamber during the mechanical treatment. To assist the reaction, but in particular to prevent discharge of germs, toxic volatile substances or annoying odor with the suction air, the shredding chamber is continuously supplied with ozone (O ₃ ).

In addition, nitrogen (N ₂ ) is used as protective and inert gas.

2. Ozone (O ₃ )

Ozone is used as gas and generated directly in its own generator, because it is very unstable and decomposes to oxygen after a short time. It is blown into the reaction space in a continuous stream of air.

The gas has a strong oxidizing effect on many chemical substances (with functional groups) such as, for example, olefins, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, halogen compounds, amines and, in particular, on proteins, killing cell and tissue material or structures and on biological germs and microorganisms. Thus, it supports on the one hand in the reaction mixture the degradation of particular organic chemicals and substances as well as existing organisms and germs, but on the other hand also ensures that leave with the exhaust no harmful germs or odors the system that are whirled up during the shredding process.

3. Nitrogen (N ₂ )

Nitrogen is an inert gas and acts as a shielding gas against fire or explosion or dust explosion during the shredding process.

In addition, it leads to the mixing of the gases and vapors directly above the shredder zone, whereby the sterilizing effect is enhanced in this area: wet vapors with H ₂ O ₂ and HCl form especially with increasing temperature, caused by the mechanical forces of the rotating shredder head (Fig. 2 and 2a: Nos. 5, 6) during the comminution process and by the exothermic chemical reaction, over the reaction mixture together with the ozone a highly corrosive, germicidal and odor-degrading gas mixture.

4. Iron (III) chloride (FeCl ₃ )

Ferric chloride is used as an aqueous solution and can be obtained in solid form as iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and as a more highly concentrated solution (50% strength) in industrial grade. The range of dilution of FeCl ₃ with water for its use as an additive in this process can be adjusted to a concentration between 5 and 50%. Ideally, a concentration of 7% is used.

To this solution is added 2-7, preferably 5% by volume of a 3% aqueous sugar solution. This can be low-value industrial sugar, molasses or other saccharides or polysaccharides are used.

FeCl ₃ is used in many areas of environmental technology and is often used in the field of wastewater treatment as a reagent and flocculant. Partly also works with mixtures of FeCl ₃ and FeCl ₂ . It is corrosive and reacts violently with the additive introduced in step 1. The FeCl ₃ -sugar mixture is mixed at the mixing station in mixing tank no. 1 (FIG. 3: number 1) with integrated circulation (stirrer) and medium transfer system (pumps) (FIG. 1: number 2, 12, 13, 14, FIG. Mixing tank) and outlet lines to the mixer and the storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) formulated. For safety reasons FeCl ₃ is kept separate from the H ₂ O ₂ - leading system. The FeCl ₃ mixed solution is placed in a specially marked storage tank (Figure 1: Figure 3 (only one tank shown) with integrated liquid volume control (Figure 1: Figure 4), media circulation (pump, blower) (Figure 1: Figure 9). 14, 15) The liquid injection quantity is measured and controlled using a visual level control measuring tank and mechanical (gravity) overflow control (Fig. 1: 5, 6) .The tank is directly (Fig. The further chemical treatment takes place in the mixer, which is mounted below the shredder system (Figure 1 and 2 and 2a: paragraph 20.) The addition of the additive in the mixer takes place depending on the design principle via an independent pump , via air pressure or, as shown in the graph (Figure 1: Figure 5, 24, 25), via gravity feed The supply of the additive to the mixer (Figure 1: figure 5, 20) is centrally projected out of the operator control room ommen.

The pretreated mixture from the shredder is gravity fed into the current mixer (Fig. 1 & 2 u. 2a: 20) and then the FeCl ₃ additive is added.

FeCl ₃ reacts vigorously and exothermically with the mixture of H ₂ O ₂ and HCl still active in the reaction mixture, and intermediately highly reactive intermediates such as hydroxyl radicals form, which react particularly strongly with organic compounds and oxidatively degrade them. Just as much metals and metal compounds are attacked. Metals and heavy metals are converted to their most stable oxidation states and eventually mineralized.

Hydrogen peroxide reacts in the presence of iron salts to form highly reactive oxygen compounds. Most well known is the reaction described by Fenton between H ₂ O ₂ and Fe ²⁺ (Fenton's reagent), which can be represented as follows:

Fe ²⁺ + H ₂ O ₂ -> Fe ³⁺ + - OH + OH ^' Fe ³⁺ + H ₂ O ₂ -> Fe ²⁺ + 0OH + H ⁺ ,

This represents a catalytic cycle during which the highly reactive oxygen species HO ₂ and -OH (hydroxyl radical) are formed. The long-term studies and tests on this procedure have shown that the use of ΛTOΏ. FeCl ₃ provides improved results compared to FeCl 2. In addition, FeCl _{3 is} easier to handle and store (FeCl ₂ is oxidized to FeCl ₃ by air oxygen) and cheaper to obtain. The sugar used in the process has been empirically proven to be more reactive in the course of the tests. Excess FeCl ₃ is later in the course by addition of sodium hydroxide to iron hydroxide Fe (OH) ₃ , which then acts coagulant in its precipitation and acts as a flocculant.

The oxidative degradation of organic compounds by means of H ₂ O ₂ is a tried and often used method (in chemistry). For example, phenol becomes light completely degraded by H ₂ O ₂ according to the following reaction scheme: C ₆ H ₅ OH + 14 H ₂ O ₂ -> 6 CO ₂ + 17 H ₂ O. However, an essential aspect of the invention is to create a chemical-physical environment in the process flow to safely and comprehensively treat the large and in detail mostly unknown variety of substances and ingredients in the waste and, above all, to reduce the toxic and hazardous substances and convert them into harmless substances and then fix them. For fixation, the iron hydroxide which precipitates from excess iron (III) chloride in basic and the aluminum sulfate Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ described below act as coagulants to which, above all, metal oxides and other mineral constituents are bound. This is to ensure that no pollutants can return to the biosphere via normal processes.

An additional criterion is that after completion of the process, the material obtained has a quality that allows suitable further processing to the end product.

It has been shown that the described process meets all these criteria.

5. Aluminum sulfate Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃

Aluminum sulfate (also alum cake) is widely used as a flocculant such as in wastewater treatment plants. It is very easily water-soluble and commercially available as a basic chemical in solid form. In the process, it can be used as an aqueous solution in the concentration range between 1.5 and 50 wt.%. The preferred concentration is 5% by weight. It has been empirically proven that an addition of 5% by volume of propanol (C ₃ H ₇ OH) or isopropanol (iC ₃ H ₇ OH; "Alcohol for external application") to the aqueous aluminum sulfate solution improves the subsequent precipitation process impact. The aluminum sulfate itself serves as an additional coagulating and flocculating agent. In the acidic medium, it remains initially dissolved, but precipitates in the same way as iron (III) in the basic, wherein mineral substances are bound and precipitated with.

The precipitated material constitutes an amorphous framework, which later optimally integrates into the overall matrix in the further processing process and thereby immobilizes the stored substances. The mixture of aluminum sulphate and alcohol in the mixing station in the mixing tank no. 1 (Figure 3: Figure 1) with integrated circulation (stirrer) and medium transfer system (pumps) (Fig. 1: 2, 12, 13, 14, mixing tank ) and outlet lines to the mixer and the storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) formulated.

The mixed solution is placed in a specially marked storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) (only one tank shown) with integrated liquid volume control (Fig. 1: 4), media circulation (pump, blower) (Fig 1: Number 9, 14, 15 ).

The amount of liquid injection is measured and controlled using a visual level control and mechanical (gravity) spill control (Fig. 1: 5, 6) measuring tank. The tank is connected directly to the mixer (Fig. 1 no. 25). The further chemical treatment takes place in the mixer, which is mounted below the shredder system (Fig. I and 2 and 2a: paragraph 20). Depending on the design principle, the additive is added to the mixer via an independent pump, via air pressure or, as shown in the diagram (FIG. 1: number 5, 24, 25), via gravity feed. The feeding of the additive to the mixer (FIG. 1: number 5, 20) is carried out centrally from the operator control room.

6. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is a corrosive and highly corrosive compound that dissolves very easily in water and has a strong alkaline effect. It is commercially available in solid and dissolved form in wide concentration ranges.

In the process treated here, it serves as a pH-regulating base for precipitation of iron (III) and aluminum hydroxide already described above and for binding or neutralizing inorganic and organic acids.

It can be used in the concentration range between 2 and 50 wt.%, Preferably, it is used with 7 wt.%. With the addition of the sodium hydroxide solution, the chemical treatment process is terminated. The final pH of the is adjusted to pH 9.

The sodium hydroxide solution is mixed in the mixing tank No. 1 (Fig. 3: No. 1) with integrated circulation (stirrer) and medium transfer system (pump) (Fig. 1: 2, 12, 13, 14, mixing tank ) and outlet lines to the mixer and the storage tank (Fig. 1: 3) formulated.

For safety reasons, the caustic soda is kept separate from the H ₂ O ₂ - leading system. The solution is placed in a specially marked storage tank (Figure 1: Item 3 (only one tank shown) with integrated liquid volume control (Figure 1: Figure 4), media circulation (pump, blower) (Figure 1: Numbers 9, 14, 15) The liquid injection quantity is measured and controlled using a visual level control and mechanical (gravity) spill control measuring tank (Figure 1: numbers 5, 6) The tank is directly (Figure 1 numeral 25) with the mixer The further chemical treatment takes place in the mixer, which is mounted below the shredder system (Figures 1 and 2 and 2a: Item 20). Depending on the design principle, the sodium hydroxide solution is added to the mixer via an independent pump, via air pressure or, as shown in the diagram (FIG. 1: number 5, 24, 25), via gravity feed. The feeding of the additive to the mixer (FIG. 1 _: number 5, 20) is carried out centrally from the operator control room.

The mixing time after addition of the described chemical additives is preferably 15 minutes in total in the mixer. In general, the total mixing time depends on the concentration of the additives used. At a lower concentration, a longer mixing time (chemical contact time or reaction time) is required than when using higher concentrations. Caution: A higher or higher concentration leads to a higher temperature, to increased gas and vapor formation, which must be absorbed by the wet scrubber. The specified mixing time is based on the concentrations recommended above. After the reaction time in the mixer, the first solid additive is added to the reacted, neutralized and sterilized mixture.

7. Lime

As lime for bonding and light pre-solidification of the material powdered limestone or in its place slaked lime (Ca (OH) ₂ ) or a mixture of both can be used. The lime is produced from a silo (FIGS. 2 and 3: number 4; FIGS. 2a and 3a number 4, 4a) by means of a conveyor system (FIGS. 2 and 2a and 3: number 14) into the rotating mixer (FIG 2, 2a and 3 and 3a: number 20). The amount to be introduced is 10% by volume of the volume of material treated; when using a mixture of lime and slaked lime, it is possible to work with 8% by volume and in the case of pure slaked lime with 5% by volume. After addition, mix for 5 minutes before finally adding the binder.

8. Cement

Cement serves as a binder for the production of concrete as a raw product from which various molded parts can be produced by further processing. Portland cement is generally used, but other types can be used as desired.

In special cases, other binders can also be used, for example bentonite, mortar, adhesives or mixtures thereof, as required. The cement is introduced into the mixer over the same distance as the lime. After addition, stirring is continued for about 5 minutes in the mixer before the concrete is then discharged. In addition, it is possible to add other additives such as plasticizers, water repellents, color pigments, etc.

The amount of cement depends on the desired concrete quality, which depends on the type of final product to be produced. For example, to produce standard blocks for secondary use or for safe disposal in a landfill, the mixture is spiked with 0.8 kilograms per 20 kilograms of treated material. Tests have shown that any products can be produced from the raw concrete produced: this includes building material elements for interior as well as exterior construction. However, for ethical reasons, it is recommended that only products for outdoor use, such as landscaping or consolidating slope protection elements, fence panels, paving slabs or curbs be made. In order to prove the durability of these materials, the following products were manufactured: hollow blocks, water-based stucco with acid-resistant and color-stable properties, floor plates for landfill coverings, sewer pipes, channel elements, fasteners and bricks and paving stones. These products were installed to assess their behavior under normal environmental conditions. The focus was on the assessment of physical and biological behavior. It could be shown that there was no renewed mold growth or growth of other microbial cultures and a growth of beneficial plants, algae and mosses, especially in products in landscape design area see without problems. The materials show high fire resistance, a very good insulation capacity, do not develop toxic or dangerous vapors with prolonged exposure to heat or contact with acids. In addition, they retain an appealing appearance even over long periods of time.

B. PROCEDURE FOR TREATING EASY

RADIATED WASTE

A specific group of residues from hospitals, clinics, dental clinics and laboratories are low-dose radiation-contaminated wastes. For these substances a special treatment procedure based on the procedure described above was developed. It is a purely empirical method that has been developed in long series of trials and tests. A physical explanation of the results obtained is omitted. All of the process development and radiation testing performed in the radiation laboratory of the Department of Radiology, University of the Philippines. Preliminary tests for several various applications were carried out in the Swiss radiation laboratory UFAG in Zurich and in the Louis Pasteur laboratory in Strasbourg, France (see results of the laboratory analysis in the appendix). The slightly radio-contaminated waste is separated and collected, transported and stored under special safety precautions. The work-up follows the method described above, wherein in addition to the described additives, a further, specially developed mixture is supplied and the final integration into a solid matrix by means of a special polymer is made, which is produced in contrast to a conventional polyurethane from harmless starting materials (see below ). For processing, the solid wastes are introduced into the shredder system (Figures 2 and 2a and 3 and 3a: numbers 5, 6). The additional, special additive is produced in the optional third reagent mixing tank (FIG. 2: No. 12) and via a pressurized additive measuring tank (FIG. 2: Nos. 10, 11), which leads directly to the shredding station (FIG : Number 9) is connected, injected. (Liquid or powdery waste can be added to the mixer directly in a 1: 1 weight ratio to the solid material).

The additives are supplied to the wastes to be treated in the manner and sequence given above and in the concentrations and dosages specified there. Together with the iron (III) chloride solution, the special additive is added to the mixer. It is dosed so that each kilogram of waste about 0.2 1 additive is added.

The special additive consists of Cu ₂ SO ₄ , MgSO ₄ , MgO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , Cu ₂ O and I ₂ in water. In each case, 0.5 to 5 l, preferably 1 l of powdered Cu ₂ SO ₄ and MgSO _{4 are} dissolved in 10 l of water. This solution is a mixture of equal amounts of iodine and the above specified metal oxides with 3 to max. 20%, preferably 7% of the volume of the sulfate solution added and slurried.

After adding the additives to the mixer, a mixing time of preferably 20 minutes is required before adjusting to a pH of about 10-12 by adding caustic soda solution, which is necessary for subsequent production of the particular polymer matrix.

The polymer matrix resembles a polyurethane foam in its behavior and appearance. In contrast to polyurethane, it is not produced using highly toxic isocyanate, but instead from the harmless substances sugar (glucose, C ₅ Hi ₂ O ₆ ) and propanol (C ₃ H ₇ OH) or isopropanol UC ₃ H ₇ OH).

500 g of sugar are dissolved in a mixture of 600 ml of water and 300 ml of propanol or isopropanol (component A). This solution comes with the same

Volume of a polyurethane used for polyurethane production conventionally used (component B) and stirred thoroughly. After some time, reaction starts with foaming.

To fix 15 kilograms of treated waste from the mixer, they are mixed with 0.70 liter of component A and 0.70 liter of component B.

Within 5 minutes, the material must be placed in a variable mold and subjected to a pressure of at least 1,500, better 2500 pounds per square inch (psi). After the reaction time of approximately 10 minutes under pressure, the

Material will be taken out of the mold and will rest for another hour to final cure. sen. Subsequently, the material is cured and can be spent accordingly.

It is again emphasized that the process described is the empirical result of many years of tests and trials, ranging from beakers in laboratories to large-scale pilot plants. At the forefront of development was the practical suitability, which was constantly checked by laboratory analyzes. A theoretical explanation of the results obtained is explicitly not attempted, since this can hardly be stated due to the complexity of possible chemical and physical effects in such a diverse mixture of substances.

All investigations were carried out with independent and accredited laboratories. The laboratory analysis shows that after 30 minutes to one hour, the radiation level has dropped by more than 98.30%.

C. EXEMPLARY DESCRIPTION OF A PLANT AND ITS AREAS

1. Receiving and feeding station

It serves the waste acceptance and the loading of the plant with the different and partially presorted waste in solid and liquid form. The wastes usually delivered in yellow sacks (color coding for infectious and biohazardous wastes) are first weighed and then with the closed conveyor system (Fig 2, 2, 3, Fig. 3 and 3a: Fig. 29, 29a) to the shred filling hopper (Fig. 2 and 2a: paragraphs 5, 6), the liquid residues are placed in the liquid mixing tank (Figure 2: figure 12). The conveyor system is provided with the safety installations discussed below. 2. Shredder station with hopper (Fig.2 and 2a: Number 5.6)

Hopper and shredder form a coherent system with multiple input ports (Figures 2 and 2a: numbers 1, 2, 3, 9) for supplying the liquid additives and gases. The system is connected to the integrated air, dust, steam and gas control system with wet scrubber (Fig. 4: numbers 1, 3). The shredder outlet is located directly above the mixer (Figures 2 and 2a: Item 20) and the material grain size is defined by an exchangeable perforated screen.

3. Mixing station for liquid waste

This (Figure 2: figure 12) is an integrated stirrer system with all necessary connections for chemicals and aggregates needed for pretreatment of the liquid wastes before being sent via an injection system (Figures 2 and 2a: point 9) , 10, 11, 12) are injected directly into the shredder filling funnel or into the mixer (Figures 2 and 2a: Item 20). The decision on where the injection takes place depends on the pre-neutralized material.

4. Mixing station (Figures 2 and 2a: Item 20)

The mixer picks up the pre-reacted material from the shredder for final treatment. The mixer is at the additive or chemical station (Fig.

1: 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 25) controlled out of the operator and control room.

It is connected to the integrated air, dust, vapor and gas control system or wet scrubber (Fig

1, 3) connected. 5. Dry Additive Feeding Station (Figures 2 and 2a: Items 4, 14)

These are twin-chamber silo storage tanks located above the mixer. The dry or

Pulverzusatzstoff- or reagents supply via electric timer-controlled screw conveyor (Fig.

2 and 2a: numeral 14) which indicates the calculated quantity

Add additive. The feeding of the silos can be done manually or by means of a conveyor system.

6. discharge system

After the reactions have ended and the mixing process has ended, the sterilized and neutralized material is discharged from the mixer by means of an outlet screw conveyor (Fig. 2: Item 15). The material can then be further processed as a secondary raw material.

7. Mixing station for additives (FIG. 1: numbers 1, 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

The mixing station for the additives consists of two identical but separate systems to ensure separation of H ₂ O ₂ from all other additives, especially FeCl ₃ . Each system consists of mixing tank, stirrer, pumps and connections to chemical tanks, wet scrubbers, water inlet and storage tanks. H ₂ O ₂ is passed through the entire system separately via its own piping system, its own storage tank and its own mixing and injection station (Fig. 1: 3, 4, 5, 6, 24, 25).

8. Wet cleaner system

The system is used for air purification and air control. It is designed according to the wet scrubber principle, which is activated by two blower units (FIG. 4: FIG. Number 1, 3). The wet scrubber works with negative pressure, but due to its construction, it also ensures its safe function in the event of overpressure, in order to increase the pressure in the event of strong reactions with gas or vapor.

The wet cleaning system is connected to all important parts of the system where exhaust air problems could arise. It is a self-contained and circulating system. The wet scrubber has its own integrated air and water or liquid reactivation and control systems. In the four-chamber wet scrubber (Figure 4: Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15), ozone is continuously injected into the wet scrubber liquid and the circulated air flows through an air scrubber before entering the wet scrubber chamber. The discharged air and the discharged, continuously circulating wet-cleaning water are conducted via UV stations operating independently of one another (FIG. 4: points 9, 10). The air passes through an activated carbon filter station (Figure 4: Figure 4) before reentering the system and the wet scrubber water is returned to the scrubber chamber.

9. General installed security features

In addition to the standard basic safety features on the electrical and mechanical system, other facilities have been integrated, such as:

9.a pump and circulation systems:

All pump systems (Figures 1 and 4: Nos. 2, 13, 16) are redundantly equipped with bypasses. If one pump fails or has to be serviced, the other pump takes over the function of the first one. This avoids interruptions to the main process. 9. b Emergency:

The system is equipped with an independent pressurized fresh water system (Fig. 1 and 2: Numbers 21, 22, 23) in order to be able to operate the emergency shower with integrated eyewash and full body shower system. At the same time, the fresh water system acts as a process and reaction emergency shutdown. That is why the fresh water system is connected to all equipment and facilities where chemical reactions take place.

9. c Air Pollution Prevention:

To protect against airborne bacteria, microorganisms and other germs, the system is also equipped with a dark ultraviolet system and germicidal lamps. The lamps are installed in every room and every chamber. The lamps are concealed as they are mounted between two ceilings (Fig. 3a: numbers 1, 2, 7, 8) with separate service openings and integrated airflow. In the operator room, the UV and germicidal lamps are only switched on during standstill and switched off again at least one hour before the start of operation. Only in the processing departments, where nobody is allowed to stand during operation, the lights are permanently switched on.

9.d communication:

Each room and chamber is connected to an intercom system to ensure unrestricted communication during operation and maintenance.

9.e Additional controls: Other controls include the visual flow direction control system, pH and process reaction temperature controls, visual control of additive levels in the storage tanks and sample tanks, and visual and pH control on the wet scrubber with integrated color coding to estimate which Time the wet cleaning liquid needs to be replaced. The exchanged wet scrubber liquid is introduced into a process residual water tank and reused in and during the continuous treatment process as fresh water substitute.

The delivered waste can be inspected and tested for radiation and larger metal parts in addition to the standardized incoming inspection.

9.f operational safety:

Certain sections of the system are color-coded and only personnel with the corresponding color code may enter the section concerned.

Reference numerals to Figure 1

1. Additive mixing tank with line connections 2. Transfer system with filling line system,

Mixing cycle and process feed

3. Additive storage tank with connecting pipe system to storage tank, stirring system and exit for exhaust air cleaning 4. Level control for storage tank

5. Additive storage tank with pipe connection to the compulsory mixer

6. Visual level control for storage tank

7. Air extraction system combined with exhaust air cleaning

8. Additive storage tank exhaust system

9. Air blowing system in the additive storage tank for additive mixing

10. Water piping for flushing and cleaning 11. Water piping for flushing and cleaning

12. Compressed air line for cleaning and maintenance

13. Umpumpleitung the storage tank

14. Connecting pipe from mixing tank to storage tank

15. Circulation system from wet scrubber to additive mixing tank

16. Circulation pump with piping system for filling, mixing circuit and process feed

17. Bypass pipe from wet scrubber to additive mixing tank 18. Circulation pipe from wet scrubber

19. Optional cleaning line

20. Compulsory mixer

21. Pressure water line for cleaning and maintenance 22. Line from pressurized water tank 23. Pressurized water tank with connection to the emergency shower

24. Overflow tube of the storage tank

25. Supply pipe for additives from the feed tank to the mixer Reference numerals to Figure 2

1. Heated material lift 2. Lift cabin for material transport to the task area, electrically operated

3. Electric motor for material lift

4. Dry additive silo

5. Shredder 6. Shredder roller

7. Air extraction with connection to the wet cleaner

8. Water pipe

9. nitrogen line

10. Pressure feed tank for additives 11. Air pressure pipe for feed tank

12. mixing tank

13. Nitrogen tank

14. Feed system for driers in the mixer

15. Mixer discharge system 16. Tank for product additives (cement) 20. Mixer (compulsory mixer) 23. Pressurized water tank

Reference numerals to Figure 2a

I. Ozone Delivery 2. Additive Feed

3. Feed tube from the ozone generator

4. Dry additive silo

5. Shredder and shredder funnels

6. Shredder roller 7. Suction system, connected with wet cleaner

8. Distribution line for pressurized water

9. Nitrogen gas connection

10. Feed tank for additives

II. Supply line to the feed tank 12. visual level gauge

13. Nitrogen tank

14. Screw conveyor for dry matter additives

15. Pressurized water pipeline 20. Mixer (compulsory mixer) 23. Pressurized water tank

Reference numerals to Figure 3

1, mixing tank 1 for additives Ia mixing tank 2 for additives

2, Circulation pump with bypass system 2a Circulation pump with bypass system

3, 3a additive storage tanks

4, dry additive silo 5. Shredder and shredder funnel

6. Shredder chamber and shredder roller

7. Feed tank for additives

8. Injection nozzles for additives

9. Injection Nozzles for Additives 14. Screw Feeders for Dry Additives

15. Discharge system for finished material

20,20a mixer (compulsory mixer)

28. Task unit for residual material

29,29a Lifting system for residue transport 30,30a Cable and conduit protection pipes

31. Shredder outlet to the mixer

32. Ozone generator and ionizer 33. Flow meter in the control room 33a Compressed air control 33. b Electrical check

33. c process control

33. d Visual level indicator for additives

34. flow control

35. Maintenance door 36. Compressed air compressor Reference numerals to Figure 3a

1 . UV light lamp in the air cleaning system

2. Anti-germ lamp in the air cleaning system

3. Air circulation

4,4a dry additive silo

5.6 shredder hopper 7. Maintenance bottom flap

8. Cover the air purification system

9. Air extraction, connected with wet cleaner

10. Air extraction, connected with wet cleaner

11. Pump for wet cleaner water 12. Maintenance door

13th lift flap

14. Piping system for wet cleaners

15. Discharge screw conveyor for final material 20. Mixer (compulsory mixer) 26. Wet scrubber

29. Enveloped elevator

29a. Elevator motor and mechanics

36. Compressed air compressor

Reference to remote list to FIG. 4

1 . Blower in front of the wet cleaner

2. Scrubber circulation pump

3. Turbo blower after the wet cleaner

4. Exhaust filter with activated charcoal insert

5. Exhaust pipe with built-in air nozzles 6. Air cleaning nozzles

7. Connecting tube between the chambers

8. ozone discharge pipe

9. UV system for air purification (bacteria control) 10. Wet cleaner application system 11. UV system for water purification

12. Level and quality control (visual color control) in the wet cleaner

13. System main pump

14. cleaner chamber

Claims

claims

1. A method for the treatment and processing of waste containing hazardous, especially toxic, infectious and / or slightly radiation contaminated residues, the remnants or residues of various kinds and various hazards and hazards include such as perishable and / or spoiled household waste, microorganisms, drugs, narcotics, Insecticides, pesticides, slaughterhouse waste, prion contaminated tissues (PrP, BSE), infectious and cross - contaminated feces and sludges, septic tank sludges, heavy metal contaminated substances, characterized in that reduced in a physical process step by crushing, in particular shredding, the volume of waste and the total surface of the Waste is increased before in at least one chemical process step gradually added additives under controlled conditions chemically attack the waste.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it does not have a combustion, steaming or radiation step.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the at least one chemical process step, an oxidation, acid-base reaction, free radical reaction, hydrolyzing of metal compounds and / or their conversion into metal oxides, hydroxides or their mixed forms expires.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an initial detection step, the type of residues is recognized and that in the at least one chemical process The reaction procedure and / or the stepwise addition of the additive properties of the recognized residues, in particular their oxidation / reduction behavior and / or acid-base behavior and / or by pH control, are adjusted.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one chemical process step by the Reaktionsfüh- tion, the mineralization of chemically degraded problem substances and their incorporation into an inorganic matrix is caused by precipitation processes.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an inert substance as the only product of the process, which can be reused as a raw material without risk.

7. Process according to the preceding claim, characterized by a chemically inert, biologically sterile and harmless product of its appearance, which is used as raw material by adding cement, bentonite, lime, mortar binder, various adhesives, resin binders and / or other zeolites. mentartigen binders for the production of building materials is used.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that leached and dissolved in the at least one chemical process step heavy metals and other metal forms and converted into poorly soluble metal oxides or hydroxides.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment of slightly radiation-contaminated waste, regardless of origin and / or with the same basic additives and process equipment, but not recognized by recognized radiation-contaminated waste in order to avoid the risk of cross-contamination of the non-radiated residues.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mixture with I ₂ , Cu ₂ SO ₄ , MgSO ₄ , MgO, Fe ₂ O ₃ and / or Cu ₂ O is used as an additive.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reacted material in a polymer matrix, in particular a polymer foam, taken and compressed by pressure in this.

12. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the matrix without the addition of isocyanate compounds and / or from a low-cost mixture of water, sugar and alcohol (propanol or iso-propanol, C ₃ H ₇ OH) and polyol, in particular from polyurethane production, is formed by foaming expanding.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a chemically induced mineralization and precipitation reaction to form amorphous or simple crystalline solids.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air is continuously regenerated in the environment of the process by means of ozonization and / or ionization.

15. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that and used exhaust air cleaner liquid is recycled as process water substitute in the at least one chemical process step.

6. Plant for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.