Method for dissolution and stabilization of silica-rich fibers Page: 6 of 13
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3
In U.S. 4,995,916 issued February 1991 to Meikrantz et al.,
there is disclosed a process for decontaminating radioactively
contaminated filters made of phenolic resins, rather than borosilicate
glass, and recovery of hazardous material attached thereto. This
5 process begins with dissolution of the filter material in a strong acid
(8-12 M nitric acid) at elevated temperature to solubilize the filter
material, followed by recovery of the contaminant of interest using
standard chemical techniques.
However, there remains a need for a process for solubilizing
10 contaminated, hazardous silica-rich fibers, especially for use in
preparation of HEME and HEPA fiberglass filter materials for
disposal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present
invention is a method for dissolving silica-rich fibers, such as
borosilicate fibers, fiberglass and asbestos. The method comprises the
steps of (1) making a first mixture of sodium hydroxide and water; (2)
20 immersing the fibers in the first mixture; (3) maintaining the fibers in
this first mixture until the concentration of silica approaches
equilibrium and only a gelatinous residue of the fibers remains; (4)
removing the residue from the first mixture; (5) making a second
mixture of nitric acid and water; (6) immersing the residue in this
25 second mixture; and (7) maintaining the residue in the second mixture
until it dissolves.
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Jantzen, Carol M. Method for dissolution and stabilization of silica-rich fibers, patent, December 31, 1992; Aiken, South Carolina. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1318914/m1/6/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.