Destruction of Asbestos-Containing Materials Using Plasma Arc Technology.
Abstract
The proper control of asbestos containing material (ACM) is a top priority of the Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD has control or responsibility for a large quantity of property, the majority of which has some level of asbestos management problems. Plasma arc technology destruction of ACM can be an effective, economical, and timely solution to the asbestos disposal problem. The very high temperatures achievable with plasma arc torches can convert asbestos and ACM into a chemically inert glasslike residue that meets all Federal (EPA) and local regulatory compliance. The development of this emerging technology for the destruction of ACM is an important and desirable step toward construction and testing of a basic prototype system. This study tested and evaluated concepts for the vitrification and destruction of ACM taken directly from asbestos abatement project sites. Results of the Construction Productivity Advancement Research (CPAR) test program indicated that plasma arc technology would successfully process pure asbestos and ACM into a safe and harmless vitrified product. The study also addressed the design criteria for a mobile Plasma Pyrolysis System (PAPS) for on site destruction of ACM, including a time schedule to develop and test an industrial scale prototype system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA326759
Entities
People
- Edgar D. Smith
- Hany H. Zaghioul
- Louis J. Oirceo
- Robert A. Newsom
- Stephen W. Maloney
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory