EP0846016A1

EP0846016A1 - Method and plant for processing asbestos-containing waste

Info

Publication number: EP0846016A1
Application number: EP96915921A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gérard Debailleul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-06-16
Filing date: 1996-06-10
Publication date: 1998-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2016-06-10
Also published as: CA2225523C; PL182770B1; HUP9901933A3; PT846016E; WO1997000099A1; JP3776935B2; GR3032632T3; DE69605927D1; NZ308981A; CA2225523A1; EP0846016B1; IL122613A0; HUP9901933A2; AU704269B2; HU225596B1; CZ290478B6; DK0846016T3; JPH11507585A; IL122613A; DE69605927T2

Abstract

A method for processing asbestos-containing waste from a site generating same, wherein the waste is transferred from the site to a processing reactor filled with a gaseous medium without exposing the waste to an external environment, a basic reaction solution is fed into the reactor, a reaction is carried out to give a substantially fibre-free reaction product, the reaction product is separated into a solid phase and a liquid phase, the separated liquid phase and optionally the gaseous medium removed from the reactor after the reaction are recycled to form the basic reaction solution, the separated solid phase is recovered to enable upgrading thereof, and a small amount of unrecoverable waste containing no asbestos fibres is discharged from the reactor.

Description

"Method and installation for treating asbestos-containing waste"

The present invention relates to a process for treating waste containing asbestos, coming from a site generating such waste, comprising a reaction by attacking said waste with a basic solution until a reactive product is obtained. ¬ substantially without asbestos fibers.

The harmful effects of asbestos in the human respiratory system are well known. Most countries in the world are making arrangements to dismantle asbestos, particularly in buildings. Currently, during disassembly, asbestos is stored in double bags and is then transported to treatment centers.

The most important treatment centers carry out a) a coating in hydraulic binders and a landfill of the product obtained, or b) an incineration by vitrification at very high temperature.

In both cases, there are major drawbacks:

- the risks linked to transport and storage, during which the slightest incident can result in environmental pollution,

- solution a) only postulates the problem, since it does not destroy the asbestos fibers,

- solution b) is very expensive, - Solutions a) and b) do not provide any revalorization of the products resulting from the treatment.

In addition, treatments with acids are known which have the drawback of polluting the environment with other hazardous waste.

Finally, there are known treatments for waste containing asbestos in an alkaline medium.

WO-A-93/18867 describes a process in which the waste is first of all very finely ground in the presence of at least one substance releasing OH ions ^" in the water, so as to form an aqueous suspension This suspension is optionally then transferred to an autoclave and treated at high temperature and pressure. This process has the disadvantage of a very fine prior grinding step, which requires a very powerful, and therefore fixed, installation. It therefore does not solve the problems inherent in the transport and storage of waste, and it appears to be very costly, and nothing is provided with regard to the vapors and liquid effluents which are released during the process and which in turn risk being pollute the environment.

WO-A-94/08661 describes a treatment method as indicated at the beginning. The only purpose of this process is to produce waste which can be discharged into a depot without the risks inherent in asbestos. The only installation described for carrying out this treatment is a large, fixed treatment center, which therefore provides no solution to the problems of transport and storage of waste containing asbestos. Finally, during treatment, the waste undergoes energy-intensive compaction before being introduced into the treatment chamber. The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an installation which avoid the abovementioned drawbacks and which allow treatment of the waste on the site generating such waste. The term “waste generating site” should be understood to mean not only a building in which all the elements containing asbestos are dismantled, but also, for example, a refuse deposit where sachets containing asbestos have been previously accumulated. It is therefore desirable that the installation is small and transportable.

The invention further aims to avoid any risk of pollution between the generator site and the reactor which will treat the waste, that is to say the risk of putting the waste in bags and transporting it. these sachets to a remote processing center. The bagging of construction debris is difficult and very often causes the puncturing of bags, which then allows the asbestos to spread into the atmosphere outside the site.

The invention also aims to prevent as much as possible any outflow of product involved in the treatment, insofar as it still contains asbestos fibers. The products resulting from the treatment will be advantageously either recycled or suitable for upgrading.

The invention finally aims to avoid any crushing, crushing or compacting prior to entry into the reactor and therefore an introduction into it, without sorting, asbestos-laden substrates.

These problems are solved, according to the invention, by a method as described at the beginning, comprising

- transfer of waste containing asbestos from the generator site to the interior a treatment reactor, without the waste being in contact with an external environment,

a supply of the reactor with basic attack solution, the above attack until said reaction product, which is substantially free of fibers, is obtained,

- separation of the reaction product into a solid phase and a liquid phase,

recycling the liquid phase resulting from the separation and optionally from a gaseous medium withdrawn from the reactor after the attack, for the formation of the basic attack solution,

- recovery of the solid phase resulting from the separation with a view to possible revalorization, and - a discharge from the reactor of a small amount of irrecoverable waste, not containing asbestos fibers, the aforementioned steps being carried out in a circuit without possible output of asbestos fibers to the outside, any product from this circuit being substantially free of any asbestos fiber.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transfer takes place in a removable, closed container, and the method further comprises, during or after the transfer, an external washing of the container with a washing liquid. This eliminates the asbestos dust which may have settled on the container during its presence in the waste generating site and therefore does not contaminate the place, close to the site, where the basic attack will have location. Preferably, the washing water of the container is recycled in the formation of basic attack solution which avoids any pollution of the environment at the outlet of the closed container outside the waste generating site. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the removable container used for the above transfer is also the reactor in which the attack reaction takes place. There is therefore in this case no risk of pollution by asbestos during the transfer from one container to another, the waste without sorting is directly introduced into the reactor at the generator site itself.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attack reaction is carried out with the basic attack solution at a temperature of the order of 175 to 190 ° C and under a pressure of about 8 to 10 kg / cm ² .

According to an improved embodiment of the invention, the attack comprises

a first attack in the reactor with the basic attack solution at a temperature enabling a product to be separated from the asbestos fibers with respect to the other waste, while maintaining a low pressure in the reactor,

- separation of the above-mentioned product of separation into a solid phase having a concentrated volume compared to the waste containing asbestos transferred to the reactor and a liquid phase, - recycling of this liquid phase for the formation of the basic solution attack,

- An introduction of the solid phase of concentrated volume, resulting from the product of separation, in an additional reactor, - a second attack, in the additional reactor, of this solid phase of volume concentrated by the basic attack solution, at a sufficiently high temperature and pressure to obtain said fiber-free reaction product, and - cooling of said reaction product before its aforementioned separation. This treatment method allows in a first step to reduce the volume of waste containing asbestos. For example, flocking asbestos waste is generally present, during disassembly, in the form of a cotton wool whose specific weight is of the order of 150 to 300 g per liter. During the first attack, carried out at a relatively moderate temperature, it is possible to use reactors, for example autoclaves, which are much lighter and above all less expensive because of the low pressure used. In the second attack step, the solid phase treated has a volume reduced by 70% compared to the volume of waste used in the first attack. The second reactor used can then subject this solid phase to a high temperature, sufficient to make the asbestos fibers disappear, without necessarily having to reach in this second reactor, an excessively high pressure. It is thus possible to increase the yield, by drastically reducing the cost of the removable reactors.

Other embodiments of the process according to the invention are indicated in particular in the appended process claims. According to the invention, the problems posed with an installation for implementing the method according to the invention have also been resolved. These installations are indicated in particular in the appended installation claims. Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without implied limitation and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 together schematically represent a treatment installation according to 1 • invention.

FIG. 4 represents a schematic view, partially in section, of a part of the installation according to the invention on a platform transportable on a trailer.

FIG. 5 represents a schematic view, partially in section, of another part of the installation according to the invention on another portable platform on trailer.

FIG. 6 schematically represents, in combination with FIGS. 1 and 3, an alternative embodiment of a treatment installation according to the invention.

In the various drawings, identical or analogous elements are designated by the same references.

The installation illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a reactor 1 in the form of an autoclave which can be sealed in a sealed manner by a cover, for example a folding cover 2. This reactor is designed to be able to withstand internal pressures up to 10 kg / cm ² . It can be moved here on a trolley 3 provided with casters 4. This assembly is dimensioned so as to be able to enter buildings, and therefore to be able to pass through doors and enter an elevator. This makes it possible to fill the reactor 1 with waste dismantled in the building, containing asbestos fibers, without prior sorting or grinding. Once the reactor is filled at the waste generating site itself, and therefore without handling bags, the reactor is taken out of the building where the waste is dismantled.

It is then preferably brought to a watering station 5 (FIG. 1) which is provided with a watering ramp. upper sage 6, preferably supplied with water under pressure, and a cabin 7, the floor of which is arranged as a collecting basin 8 for washing water, which is then responsible for the dust which has accumulated on the reactor during its passing through the site generating waste, dust which probably itself contains asbestos fibers. The harvested washing water is sent to a collecting tank 9, via an outlet pipe 10, fitted with a pump 11. The tank 9 is, in the illustrated embodiment, itself mounted so that it can be moved on wheels.

In Figure 2, we can see the part of an installation according to the invention in which the reactor content is subjected to attack by an aqueous basic solution.

The reactor 1 has been transferred from the carriage 3 to a support 12 capable of tilting around a shaft 13. By a quick coupling 14, the output shaft of a rotary motor 15 is coupled to an agitator installed in a manner known at the bottom of the reactor. A motor, not shown, makes it possible to rotate the shaft 13 on its axis and to tilt the reactor. All these measures allow appropriate agitation of the reactor contents during the attack.

Quick connection fittings make it possible to connect the reactor 1 to an upper pipe 16 and to a lower pipe 17, each closable by a valve means. In the example illustrated, the upper duct

16 is in communication with a multi-way valve 18. Depending on the controlled opening, the valve 18 allows entry of rinsing water into the reactor from line 19 and / or entry of basic attack solution from the conduit 20. Electric heating elements 21 are, in the illustrated embodiment, provided inside the reactor 1, and they are connected to a current source when the reactor is in place on the support 12.

The attack with the aqueous basic solution can therefore take place in the reactor 1, without possible exit of asbestos fibers to the outside. The basic etching solution may for example be an aqueous solution of OH ^" ion generating agent, such as alkaline or alkaline earth bases, in particular 25 M NaOH in flakes, obtained for example by dissolving in 0.5 part by volume of water of 1 part by volume of such NaOH flakes. The attack preferably takes place at a temperature of 175 to 190 ° C. and under a pressure of 8 to 10 kg / cm ² , for a period 20 to 30 minutes, advantageously with slow stirring, possibly intermittently. After this attack, there is substantially no more asbestos fibers in the reaction product which has a pasty consistency. This reaction product is removed from the reactor 1 via the lower pipe 17, after opening the corresponding valve, and it is brought to a running centrifuge 22. This transfer can be followed by an internal rinsing of the reactor by supplying rinsing water from the pipe 19.

In the centrifuge, fresh or rinsing water can also be supplied by a water inlet conduit 23. The centrifuge makes it possible to separate in the pasty product a liquid phase and a solid precipitate. The liquid phase consisting mainly of water and base of attack is recovered at the bottom of the centrifuge to be recycled by a recycling conduit 24. The solid precipitate is sent through the outlet 25 in a tank 26 from which a revalorization of this precipitate can take place.

Depending on the nature of the asbestos treated, different solid materials will be obtained. In the case of amphiboles, a ferrate precipitate (complex iron hydroxide) will be obtained which can be arranged according to its use, in particular as a flocculant for heavy metals in industrial water or in hydrometallurgical solutions. For other types of asbestos, such as chrysotiles, the precipitates will, for example, be mixed in a cement-based composition, or introduced as adjuvants in refractory materials.

Reactor 1, at the time of its closure on the generator site, contains, in addition, waste intro¬ duced with air heavily loaded with dust and therefore with asbestos fibers. During the attack, these suspended particles are washed and attacked in the same way as solid waste, and the asbestos fibers which were in suspension are therefore also destroyed.

After closing of the conduit 17, when all the pasty mass forming the reaction product has left the reactor, the upper conduit 16 is again opened, after having closed the channels of the multiple valve 18 leading to the conduits 19 and 20. A third channel is then open which communicates with a gas pipe 27 provided with a vacuum pump 28. The gaseous medium present in the reactor 1 is then sucked into the pipe 28. When a slight depression has been established in the reactor 1, the path to line 27 is in turn closed, and communication between line 16 and reactor 1 can be closed.

The cover 2 of the reactor 1 can then be opened without any danger of pollution of the environment. Debris that has been introduced with the waste asbestos on the generating site, for example bricks, pieces of wood, etc., can then be discharged by tilting the reactor, and possibly by scraping the interior. This debris, completely devoid of asbestos fibers, can then be transported to a depot or another destination.

In Figure 3, there is shown the part of the installation used for the formation of the basic etching solution according to the invention. In the example illustrated, the installation comprises a solution preparation tank 29, capable of withstanding a pressure of 10 kg / cm ² and capable of being heated for example by a heating jacket 30 in which a thermal fluid circulates, including oil. The thermal fluid enters at 31 into the jacket 30 and exits at 32.

The caustic soda flakes are fed from above at 33 in the tank 29, from a silo 34 and passing through a conveyor screw 35. Fresh or rinsing water can be provided in the tank 29 via the inlet pipe 36. An outlet pipe 37 of the basic attack solution makes it possible to take the latter from the bottom of the tank 29, using a pump 38. This outlet pipe 37 is in communication with the conduit 20 previously mentioned (see FIG. 2) by a valve 39 which is open when the reactor 1 is to be supplied with basic attack solution. When the valve 39 is closed, the basic attack solution is recycled to the top of the tank 29 by a bypass 40, using a static mixer 41. In this tank the basic solution is brought to the desired concentration, at a temperature close to boiling, for example 120 ° C.

In the example illustrated, the installation also advantageously comprises a tank equalization 42 of the basic attack solution. This tank is preferably capable of withstanding a pressure of 5 kg / cm ² , and it is capable of being weakly heated, for example by a heating jacket 43 in which a thermal fluid, in particular oil, circulates. . The thermal fluid enters at 44 in the jacket 43 and leaves there at 45.

The caustic soda flakes are fed from above at 46 in the tank 42, starting from the silo 34 and passing through a conveyor screw 47.

Fresh water or rinsing water can be introduced into the tank 42 through the inlet pipe 48. An outlet pipe 49 of the basic solution of equalization makes it possible to take the latter from the bottom of the tank 42, using a pump 50. This outlet duct 49 is in communication with a supply duct 51, by a valve 52. This supply duct 51 makes it possible to introduce at the top of the preparation tank 29 a basic equalization solution and thus obtain a basic attack solution of uniform composition. When the valve 52 is closed, the basic equalization solution is recycled to the top of the tank 42 by a bypass 53, using a static mixer 54.

In this tank 42, the liquid phase separated in the centrifuge is brought through the conduit 24 (see FIG. 2), which makes it possible to recover an important part of the basic attack solution which has already been used. The conduit 27, through which the gaseous medium of the reactor 1 leaves after the attack, also opens out at the top of the equalization tank 42. Finally, the collecting tank 9 (see FIG. 1) can also be placed in communication with the tank 42, via line 55, for introducing there the water for washing the outside of the reactor 1. It is also possible, according to another embodiment, for the water for the inside rinsing of the reactor to be directly recycled into recycling conduit 24 without passing through the centrifuge. In this medium formed by liquids and gases from various sources, the base of attack is dissolved at low temperature until reaching the saturation threshold.

As can be seen, in this instal¬ lation, all the reagents are introduced into a circuit in a sealed manner vis-à-vis the atmosphere, and all the liquid and gaseous effluents are recycled. It leaves the process implemented in this installation only a solid reaction product which can be revalorized and debris which cannot be attacked by the basic attack solution. These two output products do not contain asbestos fibers after analysis. In Figure 4, there is shown the arrangement on a plate 56, transportable by trailer, of the formation part of the basic attack solution of one installation.

The tanks 29 and 42 of FIG. 3 are supported on the plate 56. Next to these tanks is a current thermal fluid heating device with a thermal fluid tank 57 and a boiler 58.

In Figure 5, there is shown a battery of reactors 1 supported on a plate 64 transportable by trailer. In this exemplary embodiment, the reactors are introduced into a heated enclosure 59, the upper part of which can be opened for the introduction or the extraction of the reactor 1. This operation is carried out using a device lifting device known per se 60. The heated enclosure 59 is supported on two shaft ends 65 and 66 coaxial so as to be able to rotate about their axis. Agitation of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute is for example favorable.

The left reactor in FIG. 5 is supplied by a removable container in the form of a tank 61, whose upper wall 62 can be opened for the introduction of waste on the generating site. The bottom of this tank 61, provided transportable and movable between the generator site and the transportable treatment unit according to the invention, is formed of a hopper 63 closable by a drawer, not shown. Similarly, the upper opening of the reactor is then closed by a corresponding drawer cover. When the two drawers are open, the waste from the tank 61 can flow into the reactor 1, so that it cannot come into contact with the surrounding medium.

Next to the reactors 1, the centrifuge 22 is installed. The two trays 56 and 64 can be installed side by side and to allow communication between the different containers by the conduits mentioned above.

It should be understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims below.

It is for example conceivable that the installation should proceed to the treatment of waste containing asbestos already bagged and abandoned in a depot, or waste of the carpet, felt, etc. type. In this case, it can be advantageous to provide mechanical shredding of waste. This can take place according to the invention inside the reactor 1, by introducing therein a few fragments of stainless steel. The internal surface of the reactor can also be provided with shredding elements, for example in the form of small hooks.

In FIG. 6, an improved variant embodiment of the installation according to the invention is illustrated, where the reactor 1 formed from an autoclave at high pressure of the installation according to Figures 1 to 3 is replaced by two successive reactors: 1) a removable reactor, for example in the form of a small autoclave capable of operating under extremely moderate pressure and 2 °) a fixed reactor 1 ". Autoclaves corresponding to the requirements of the removable reactor are those commonly used in chemical laboratories, and they are readily available on the market at moderate cost. These autoclaves have the additional advantage to be able to be provided much lighter and less resistant to pressure, due to the low pressure used.

The asbestos-containing waste is introduced into the reactor 1a as in the reactor 1 in FIG. 1 and the latter is advantageously washed in the same way at the outlet of the waste generating site. It is then connected to an upper conduit 16 * which makes it possible to put it in communication with the preparation tank 29 of the basic attack solution.

It is known that a 100% NaOH solution (25 molars) only gives off vapor from 180 ° C. If a temperature below this is maintained in the reactor l 'by the heating element 21', the pressure does not increase significantly in the reactor l ', while the action of the soda makes it possible to separate the different solid waste. Asbestos waste from flocking or industry comes initially in the form of a cotton wool whose specific weight is between 150 and 300g per liter, which results in a large volume to be treated for little asbestos eliminated.

For example, treatment of waste in reactor 1 • is provided with the basic solution attack at a temperature of 160 to 175 ° C, advantageously 170 ° C, for 15 minutes.

The reaction product is then transferred via a line 17 'to a first centrifuge 22' where the liquid phase is separated from the solid phase. The liquid phase is recycled through line 24 'to the preparation tank 29 or to the equalization tank 42.

The solid phase is in the form of a paste which still contains asbestos fibers, which are completely separated. After analysis, we have already been able to estimate that, in this state, the fibers obtained no longer pose any danger to human health. This solid phase now has a volume reduced by 70% compared to that introduced into the reactor. It is brought, via a conduit 25 ′, to reactor 1 ". This is a fixed reactor, that is to say one which no longer needs to be moved to the site generating waste, and yet it is of a small volume. Provision may be made for it to be arranged horizontally so as to be able to be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis.

The basic etching solution is introduced via the 16 "conduit and a temperature above 180 ° C., for example from 190 to 210 ° C., advantageously approximately 200 ° C., is maintained in the reactor 1" by a source of heat 21 ". There is then decomposition and total disappearance of the asbestos fibers, and formation of a pressure inside the reactor. However, as the treated volume of solid phase is reduced, a pressure of 2.5 kg at 10 kg / cm ² , preferably 2.5 to 5 kg / cm ² , may be sufficient.

The reaction product is then transferred to a second centrifuge 22 "through line 17", passing through a cooling device 70. Here, the temperature of the product from reactor 1 "is dropped below the temperature at which the sodium hydroxide vaporizes, i.e. about 180 ° C. In this centrifuge there is separation of the liquid phase and the solid phase. The liquid phase is recycled through line 24 "to the preparation and / or equalization vats of the basic attack solution and the solid phase is brought through line 25" to tank 26.

The conduits 16 ′ and 16 ", can, like the conduit 16 in FIG. 2, serve as means for recycling the gaseous medium from the respective reactor to the source of basic attack solution.

In summary, some main advantages of the process and the installation according to the invention can be listed:

- Safety is increased by the elimination of transport between the generator site and the treatment plant and by the absence of any packaging of the waste, which avoids any risk due to tearing of the bags, - The closing and washing of the reactors before their exit from asbestos-generating sites and the absence of reopening of the reactors before destruction of the asbestos.

- Ease of use. - The absence of the need to sort, grind or crush the rubble to be introduced into the reactors.

- Total destruction of asbestos fibers at a relatively low cost. - The revalorization of materials which will become marketable and the recycling of liquids and gases, which avoids any release into the air or any evacuation in the sewers or the ground.

Claims

1. A method of treating asbestos-containing waste from a site generating such waste, comprising a reaction by attacking said waste with a basic solution until a reaction product is obtained which is substantially free of asbestos fibers, characterized in that it includes

- a transfer of waste containing asbestos from the generator site to the interior of a treatment reactor, without the waste being in contact with an external environment,

- supplying the reactor with basic attack solution,

the above attack until said reaction product, which is substantially free of fibers, is obtained,

- separation of the reaction product into a solid phase and a liquid phase,

recycling the liquid phase resulting from the separation, and optionally a gaseous medium withdrawn from the reactor after the attack, for the formation of the basic attack solution,

- recovery of the solid phase resulting from the separation with a view to possible upgrading, and

- a discharge out of the reactor of a small amount of irrecoverable waste, not containing asbestos fibers, the aforementioned steps being carried out in a circuit without possible outlet of asbestos fibers to the outside, any product from this circuit being substantially free of any asbestos fiber.

2. Method according to claim 1, charac¬ terized in that the transfer takes place in a removable, closed container, and in that the method further comprises, during or after the transfer, an external washing of the container by a washing liquid.

3. Method according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the transfer takes place in said reactor, as a removable container.

4. Method according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the transfer takes place in said reactor, by means of the removable container.

5. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises recovering said washing liquid and recycling it for said formation of the basic attack solution.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises, during said attack, agitation of the waste in the reactor, and optionally a simultaneous shredding thereof.

7. Method according to any one of claims l to 6, characterized in that said separation comprises, in a sealed manner vis-à-vis the outside, an evacuation of the reaction product out of the reactor and a centrifugation of the product evacuated, as well as optionally rinsing the interior of the reactor with a rinsing liquid, which is then brought to centrifugation or directly to the formation of the basic attack solution.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the basic attack solution contains water as solvent and an agent for generating OH ions ^" soluble in water, in particular a alkaline or alkaline earth base, preferably NaOH or KOH, advantageously in a ratio of 0.5 part by volume of water to 0.75 to 1 part by volume of agent for generating OH ions.

9. The method of claim 8, charac¬ terized in that the formation of basic attack solution comprises a dissolution of the agent generating OH ions ^" in water at a temperature of about 100 to 130 ° C, preferably at 120 ° C.

10. The method of claim 9, characterized in that the formation of basic attack solution further comprises dissolving the ion-generating agent OH ^" in cold or lukewarm water to form an equalizing solution which is then brought into said dissolution at a temperature of the order of 100 to 130 ° C.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the attack reaction is carried out with an aqueous NaOH attack solution, at a temperature of the order of 175 to 190 ° C, and under a pressure of about 8 to 10 kg / cm ² .

12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the attack comprises

an introduction of the solid phase of concentrated volume, obtained from the decoupling product, into an additional reactor, a second attack, in the additional reactor, of this solid phase of volume concentrated by the basic attack solution, at a temperature and a pressure high enough to obtain said reaction product without fibers, and

- cooling of said reaction product before its aforementioned separation.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the first attack is carried out with an aqueous NaOH attack solution at a temperature below 180 ° C, preferably of the order of 160 to 175 ° C, advantageously d '' about 170 ° C, in that the second attack is carried out with an aqueous solution of NaOH attack at a temperature above 180 ° C, preferably of the order of 190 to 210 ° C, advantageously of about 200 ° C, at a pressure of 2 to 10 kg / cm ² , preferably 2.5 to 5 kg / cm ² , and in that the cooling is carried out to a temperature below 180 ° C.

14. Method according to one of claims

1 to 13, characterized in that the liquid phase resulting from the separation, the gaseous medium withdrawn from the reactor, a washing liquid outside the reactor and optionally a liquid for rinsing inside the reactor as well as a liquid phase coming from a separation of a product for separating the asbestos fibers from the other waste, is brought to a dissolution of agent generating OH ions ^" in cold or lukewarm water, for the formation of the basic solution d 'attack.

15. Installation for the implementation of a process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a reactor (1; l ', 1 "), a transfer element (i, l ', 62), so that said transfer of waste inside the reactor (1; l', 1 "), without the waste being in contact with the external environment, a source (29, 42) of basic attack solution connected to the reactor (1; l ', 1 "), a separator (22; 22', 22") connected to the reactor (1; 1 *, 1 " ) and capable of separating the reaction product into a solid phase and a liquid phase, a recycling conduit (24; 24 ', 24 ") from the liquid phase coming from the separator to the source (29, 42) of basic solution of attack, possibly recycling means (16; 16 ', 16 ", 27, 28) of the gaseous medium of the reactor (1; l', 1"), towards the source (29, 42) of basic attack solution than, and an outlet (25; 25 ', 25 ", 26) for the solid phase coming from the separator (22; 22', 22").

16. Installation according to claim 15, characterized in that the transfer element is a removable tank (62) which is filled with waste at the generating site and in that the reactor (1) comprises an opening through which the waste containing the asbestos from the removable tank (62) can be introduced in a sealed manner into the reactor (1), without the waste coming into contact with the outside environment, and a cover (2) capable of closing this opening.

17. Installation according to claim 15, characterized in that the transfer element is the reactor (1, l '), which is removably arranged, and in that the reactor (1, l') comprises an opening by which waste containing asbestos can be introduced into the reactor at the generator site and a cover (2) capable of closing this opening.

18. Installation according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises an external washing device (5) of the transfer element (1, l ', 62) and a harvesting (7, 8, 9) of the washing water connected to the source (29, 42) of basic attack solution so as to recycle said washing water there.

19. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, during the attack, the reactor is supported on a frame so as to be able to undergo a stirring movement.

20. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a heat source (21, 59) capable of heating the basic etching solution in the reactor to a temperature of the order of 175-190 ° C, and in that the reactor (1) is capable of withstanding a pressure of the order of 10 kg / cm ² .

21. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a heat source (21 ') capable of heating the basic attack solution in the reactor (1') to a temperature allowing the '' obtaining a product for separating the asbestos fibers from other waste, while maintaining a low pressure in the reactor (l ¹ ), an intermediate separator (22 ') separating a solid phase having a concentrated volume compared to waste containing asbestos transferred to the reactor (l ¹ ) and a liquid phase, an additional recycling conduit (24 ') of the liquid phase obtained towards the source of basic etching solution, an additional reactor ( 1 ") into which the solid phase of concentrated volume is introduced, an additional heat source (21") capable of heating the basic attack solution in the reactor additional (1 ") at a temperature and at a pressure sufficient to obtain a fiber-free reaction product, the aforementioned separator (22") being connected to the reactor ( ¹¹ ) via the intermediate separator (22 ') and of the additional reactor (1 "), and a cooling device (70) of said reaction product leaving the additional reactor (1").

22. Installation according to claim 21, characterized in that the heat source (21 •) is capable of heating the basic etching solution in the reactor (1 ') to a temperature below 180 ° C, preferably l from 160 to 175 ° C, preferably about 170 ° C, and in that the additional heat source (21 ") is capable of heating the basic etching solution in the additional reactor (1") to a temperature above 180 ° C, preferably around 190 to 210 ° C, advantageously around 200 ° C, the additional reactor (1 ") being able to withstand a pressure of 2 to 10 kg / cm ² , preferably from 2.5 to 5 kg / cm ² .

23. Installation according to claim 20, characterized in that the heat source comprises a circulation of hot oil in a double-walled envelope (59) surrounding the reactor.

24. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the source of basic etching solution comprises a preparation tank (29) into which the agent for generating OH ions is introduced, and a solvent , preferably water, and a heat source (30) making it possible to heat this solution to a temperature of the order of 100 to 120 ° C.

25. Installation according to claim 24, characterized in that the basic solution source further comprises an equalization tank (42) in which are introduced the agent OH ion generation ", and a solvent, preferably water, as well as the liquid phase from the separator (22), the gaseous medium taken from the reactor (1; l ', 1" ) after the attack, a liquid for washing the outside of the reactor and possibly a liquid for rinsing the inside of the reactor, as well as a liquid phase resulting from a separation of a product for separating the asbestos fibers from the other waste.

26. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that the separator (22; 22 ', 22 ") is a centrifuge.

27. Installation according to any one of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that it is supported on one or more plates (56, 64) movable on the road.