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EP1062035A1 - Systemes de fixation integres - Google Patents

Systemes de fixation integres

Info

Publication number
EP1062035A1
EP1062035A1 EP99918998A EP99918998A EP1062035A1 EP 1062035 A1 EP1062035 A1 EP 1062035A1 EP 99918998 A EP99918998 A EP 99918998A EP 99918998 A EP99918998 A EP 99918998A EP 1062035 A1 EP1062035 A1 EP 1062035A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fixation
soluble
matrix
reagents
metal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP99918998A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
William C. Webster
Peter Hurley
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Solucorp Industries Ltd USA
Original Assignee
Solucorp Industries Ltd USA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/CA1998/001156 external-priority patent/WO1999033137A1/fr
Application filed by Solucorp Industries Ltd USA filed Critical Solucorp Industries Ltd USA
Priority to EP20030078630 priority Critical patent/EP1435674A1/fr
Publication of EP1062035A1 publication Critical patent/EP1062035A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B3/00—Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
    • C22B3/20—Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching
    • C22B3/42—Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by ion-exchange extraction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D3/00—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances
    • A62D3/30—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents
    • A62D3/33—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents by chemical fixing the harmful substance, e.g. by chelation or complexation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D3/00—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances
    • A62D3/30—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents
    • A62D3/37—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents by reduction, e.g. hydrogenation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D3/00—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances
    • A62D3/30—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents
    • A62D3/38—Processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances by reacting with chemical agents by oxidation; by combustion
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B17/00—Obtaining cadmium
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B3/00—Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
    • C22B3/20—Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching
    • C22B3/22—Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means, or by thermal decomposition
    • C22B3/24—Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means, or by thermal decomposition by adsorption on solid substances, e.g. by extraction with solid resins
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B43/00—Obtaining mercury
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B7/00—Working up raw materials other than ores, e.g. scrap, to produce non-ferrous metals and compounds thereof; Methods of a general interest or applied to the winning of more than two metals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/70—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr
    • H01J61/72—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr having a main light-emitting filling of easily vaporisable metal vapour, e.g. mercury
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/4235—Safety or regulating additives or arrangements in electrodes, separators or electrolyte
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/54—Reclaiming serviceable parts of waste accumulators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D2101/00—Harmful chemical substances made harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change
    • A62D2101/20—Organic substances
    • A62D2101/24—Organic substances containing heavy metals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D2101/00—Harmful chemical substances made harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change
    • A62D2101/40—Inorganic substances
    • A62D2101/43—Inorganic substances containing heavy metals, in the bonded or free state
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D2203/00—Aspects of processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change in the substances
    • A62D2203/04—Combined processes involving two or more non-distinct steps covered by groups A62D3/10 - A62D3/40
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D2203/00—Aspects of processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting chemical change in the substances
    • A62D2203/10—Apparatus specially adapted for treating harmful chemical agents; Details thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/06—Lead-acid accumulators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/24—Alkaline accumulators
    • H01M10/30—Nickel accumulators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
    • H01M2200/10—Temperature sensitive devices
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P10/00—Technologies related to metal processing
    • Y02P10/20—Recycling
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
    • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
    • Y02W30/84—Recycling of batteries or fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of apparatuses and methods for controlling release of solubilized metal wastes, including those metals which are the subject of environmental regulations.
  • the containers of the present invention provide capsules, absorbent mats or polymeric membranes which are adapted to release compositions that are capable of reacting with solubilized metals to produce insoluble metal compounds .
  • Ni-Cd batteries Cadmium, nickel
  • Zinc-carbon batteries Mercury, zinc
  • Silver oxide batteries Cadmium, silver, zinc
  • Lead-acid batteries have often been segregated from other waste for disposal. Facilities have been established to crush the batteries and reclaim the elemental lead. However, such batteries may leak during storage prior to disposal. Also, lead-acid batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is capable of dissolving the lead. As a result of these problems, it is common for the recycling sites to have contaminated soil and ground water, resulting in the need for expensive environmental remediation at such sites.
  • SLI Starting-lighting-ignition
  • BCI Battery Council International
  • Secondary lead Recycling lead from spent SLI batteries, referred to as secondary lead, is a major source of the annual production of lead. Currently, about 68% of the yearly U.S. consumption of lead is from secondary sources, the majority of which (about 90%) is from recycled SLI batteries. In 1997, in the U.S., 30 plants were actively engaged in the production of secondary lead.
  • lead-acid batteries When improperly disposed of, lead-acid batteries can corrode and release soluble lead and lead contaminated sulfuric acid into the environment, which in turn can pollute lakes, rivers, streams, ground water and eventually drinking water. In the event that lead-acid batteries are incinerated, lead will be released into the air and/or remain in the ash; in either case, a potentially dangerous environmental condition exists.
  • Ni-Cd batteries are ubiquitous in modern society as power sources for a wide variety of articles such as cellular and cordless phones, camcorders, CD players, laptop computers and cordless power tools.
  • the number of Ni-Cd batteries produced each year may be in the hundreds of millions in the U.S. alone.
  • Ni-Cd batteries When initially introduced, Ni-Cd batteries were typically and inadvertently disposed of in MSW. However, in 1996, in the U.S. a Federal law, The Mercury Containing and Rechargeable Battery Act (Public Law 104-142) was enacted to facilitate the efficient recycling of rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries, as well as to restrict the manufacture and use of certain mercury-containing batteries. Title I of that Act establishes uniform national labeling requirements for Ni-Cd batteries, small sealed lead-acid batteries, and certain other regulated batteries. Each battery or battery pack must bear a recycling symbol and recycling phrase appropriate to its electrical chemistries. Recovery of the metals in Ni-Cd batteries is currently conducted at only one facility in the United States. While these initiatives are a partial solution, they are not the total answer.
  • thermometer contains 0.5g to 3 g, thermostats 3 g, mercury switches 3.5 g, and fluorescent lights 10 mg to 40 mg.
  • MSW soluble-metal-containing devices
  • SPLP Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure
  • Table 2 summarizes the existing TCLP limits and the promulgated UTS limits for solubilized metals in soils and other non-wastewaters. Such limits are set out merely as examples and may change from time to time and may differ from one jurisdiction to another.
  • radioactive metals including radioactive cobalt, uranium, plutonium, americium, thorium, cesium and strontium.
  • Fixation reagents have previously been incorporated into a variety of polymeric matrices, such as ion-exchange matrices, that are resistant to release of the fixation reagent. Such matrices are typically resistant to degradation, and may be intended for long term use in aqueous environments.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,239,865 discloses a polyvinyl (dialkylthiocarbamoylthio) acetate resin, in which the fixation reagent is incorporated into the polymer, which is said to be insoluble in water or benzene.
  • 972,498 discloses covalently-modified heavy-metal-binding resins obtained by reacting nitrogen groups on the resin with carbon disulfide.
  • Zinc sulfide has also been suggested for use as a metal-binding agent in a water-insoluble hydrophilic matrix, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,280,925.
  • Matrices that are insoluble in water, but soluble in stomach acid, have been suggested for specialized use as a coating for lead paint, with the disclosed intention that such coatings will remain on the paint and not release the fixation reagents unless the paint is ingested, in which case the metal-binding agents will leach out of the matrix to bind lead so that it is not poisonous.
  • Water- insoluble films of polyvinyl alcohol that have been cured with borax are disclosed for such applications in U.S. Patent No. 4,112,191.
  • the invention provides a polymeric matrix comprising a fixation reagent, wherein the matrix comprises a water-soluble polymeric component that is at least as water- soluble as the fixation reagent under selected reaction conditions, and the fixation reagent is capable of reacting with a soluble metal to form a fixed metal compound that is less soluble than the soluble metal.
  • a polymeric matrix of this kind functions in a manner which is essentially the reverse of prior art water-insoluble films that may leach a fixation reagent under appropriate conditions.
  • the polymeric component of the matrix may be selected so as to be completely solubilized while the fixation reagent remains substantially in place, so that the fixation reagent residue of the polymeric matrix may serve as a barrier to the leaching of environmentally harmful heavy metals.
  • the invention provides an apparatus comprising a barrier separating a soluble metal from a fixation reagent, wherein the barrier is a polymeric matrix as described above.
  • the soluble metal and polymeric matrix may be housed in the apparatus, ie. they may together be retained as parts of the apparatus.
  • the barrier may be rupturable to expose the soluble metal to additional fixation reagent contained by the polymeric matrix.
  • a reaction may occur, under appropriate conditions, between the soluble metal and the fixation reagent to form a fixed metal compound that is less soluble than the soluble metal.
  • the fixed metal compound may be a substantially insoluble metal compound.
  • the polymeric matrix of the invention may form part of a soluble metal container, such as a bag for disposing of soluble-metal-containing wastes.
  • housing or “housed” is not to be understood as limiting the relevant structures to enclosures that completely encase a material. Rather, a housing denotes a physical connection that brings parts together as, for example, parts of the apparatus of the invention are housed in the apparatus in the sense that they are kept together as parts of the apparatus. Accordingly, soluble metals or fixation reagents may be housed in various embodiments of the invention by their incorporation into a single apparatus, and the apparatus need not encase or surround these parts of the apparatus .
  • the soluble metal may be selected from the group consisting of the following elements and compounds thereof: lead, nickel, cadmium, mercury, zinc, silver, vanadium, arsenic, beryllium, selenium, antimony, barium, chromium, thallium, cobalt, uranium, plutonium, thorium, strontium, cesium and americium.
  • the soluble metal is selected from the group consisting of the following elements and their compounds: lead, cadmium, and mercury.
  • the fixation reagent may be selected from the group consisting of sulfides, phosphates, hydroxides, silicates and carbonates. In one embodiment, the fixation reagent is selected from the group consisting of sulfides and phosphates. Where the fixation reagent is a sulfide, the fixed metal compound may be a substantially insoluble sulfide of the soluble metal. Where the fixation reagent is a phosphate, the fixed metal compound may be a substantially insoluble phosphate of the soluble metal.
  • An apparatus housing the fixation reagents and the soluble metal may be a battery, and the battery may have an electrode that comprises the soluble metal.
  • the battery may be a lead-acid battery wherein the soluble metal comprises lead.
  • the lead-acid battery may have an external casing, and a portion of the casing may house the fixation reagent.
  • the battery may be a nickel-cadmium battery wherein the soluble metal comprises cadmium or nickel, and a portion of the casing of the nickel- cadmium battery may house the fixation reagent, for example by being comprised of a polymeric matrix of the invention.
  • the present invention involves the utilization of integrated fixation systems in the manufacture of apparatuses, including devices, instruments, or appliances which contain metals in a form which can leach into the environment.
  • integrated waste treatment systems are provided in which various apparatuses are adapted to ameliorate leaching of soluble metals into the environment.
  • lead-acid batteries which contain soluble lead
  • Ni- Cd batteries which contain soluble cadmium and nickel
  • fixation systems and compositions of the present invention include sulfide and phosphate fixation systems which react with the solubilized metals to produce relatively insoluble metal sulfides and phosphates.
  • Other fixation systems may be used, either alone or in combination, including, among others, pH control, oxidizers, reducers, cementitious systems, and sorbents.
  • the quantity of the reactive composition provided in the apparatus is measured to achieve a generally stoichiometric reaction with the solubilized metal component of the apparatus, without providing an excess of reagent.
  • a container for fixation reagents may be provided, such as a container made out of a polymeric matrix of the invention.
  • fixation reagent containers of the present invention may be adapted to provide a mechanism whereby soluble metals may be reacted with fixation reagents while the metals are still contained within the apparatus or in the vicinity thereof.
  • the fixation reagents may react with the solubilized metals to form insoluble metal compounds when the reagents are either released from the container or the reagents are accessed by the solubilized metals while the reagents are within the fixation reagent container. The escape of solubilized metals from the apparatus into the environment is ameliorated by this reaction.
  • Apparatuses of the invention may include, among other things, various types of batteries, mercury switches, ballast from fluorescent lights, electronic circuit boards, solar panels or cells and the like.
  • the reagent containers of the invention may include, among other things, capsules, impregnated mats, polymeric matrices and the like.
  • Reagents of the invention may include, among other things, sulfides, phosphates, buffers and the like in either liquid, slurry or solid form.
  • the reagent container may be integrated into the apparatus, such that reagents are generally released or made accessible when the useful life of the apparatus has been completed, either during storage prior to disposal of the apparatus or on disposal of the apparatus.
  • the fixation reagents may be dispersed within a variety of matrices, such as a degradable or perforated polymeric matrix.
  • An aspect of the invention is therefore to provide a polymeric matrix incorporating fixation reagents, wherein the polymeric matrix is adapted to be permeable in a manner that facilitates the eventual contact between solubilized metals and fixation reagents.
  • the permeability of the matrix may be established at the outset, in its formulation, for example by providing a perforated or absorbent matrix.
  • the matrix may be adapted to be degradable, such as biodegradable or soluble matrices (such as water soluble matrices) .
  • the matrix may be adapted to become permeable when exposed to a solvent such as water.
  • the polymeric matrix of the invention may be partly or wholly coated with a barrier, such as a degradable or perforated barrier.
  • the barrier material may be selected to permit the protection of the fixation reagents in a dormant (unreacted) state, inhibiting the release of active fixation reagents, while also permitting degradation of the barrier at an appropriate time so that the fixation reagent in the matrix may be released or made accessible to solubilized metals.
  • the components of the fixation reagent may be separately dispersed in layers of the matrix as a multi-layer laminate, or separately dispersed in localized zones of the polymeric matrix, keeping the constituent components of the fixation reagent separate until they are allowed to mix as a result of the degradation of the matrix or infiltration of the matrix by a solvent such as water that mobilizes the fixation reagent.
  • the separation of fixation reagents in such embodiments may increase the stability of the fixation reagents for the period while the matrix is intact.
  • adsorbent compounds may be added such as activated carbon; metal oxides; synthetic materials such as activated alumina, organic polymers, zeolites and equivalents thereof; natural materials such as clays (with or without modification), Fuller's earth, diatomaceous earth (with or without modification) , peat moss, vermiculite, natural zeolites and equivalents thereof.
  • Adsorbents may be combined, for example, with sulfide fixation reagents
  • Figure 1 is a schematic side elevational, cross-sectional view of a lead-acid battery comprising six compartments, each with various adaptations for housing fixation reagents and soluble metals.
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of a nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery comprising a polyethylene insulator/fixation reagent container.
  • Ni-Cd nickel-cadmium
  • the present invention involves the utilization of integrated soluble metal fixation systems in the manufacture, use or disposal of various apparatuses, including devices, instruments, or appliances, which contain soluble metals in a form which can leach into the environment.
  • various apparatuses including devices, instruments, or appliances, which contain soluble metals in a form which can leach into the environment.
  • lead-acid batteries which contain soluble lead
  • Ni-Cd batteries which contain soluble cadmium and nickel
  • fixation reagents and compositions of the present invention include sulfide and phosphate fixation reagents which react with soluble metals to produce relatively insoluble metal sulfides and phosphates.
  • fixation systems may be used, either alone or in combination, including, among others, pH control, oxidizers, reducers, cementitious systems, and sorbents.
  • the quantity of fixation reagents provided in the container is measured to optimize the reaction between the fixation reagents and the soluble metal component (s) of the apparatus.
  • the optimum fixation reagent combination can be used in the correct dosage, avoiding concerns with either over dosing or under dosing of the fixation reagents.
  • Under dosing fixation reagents may fail to adequately control leaching of soluble metals because of incomplete fixation, resulting in environmental releases of solubilized metals.
  • fixation reagents beyond the cost disadvantage, may also create problems with particular fixation reagents.
  • overdosing of sulfide fixation reagents could result in reactive sulfides being released into the environment, or the release of toxic hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) gas produced from the reactive sulfide fixation reagents.
  • H 2 S toxic hydrogen sulfide
  • the application of fixation reagents to soluble metal contaminants before they are released from an apparatus in effect reduces the volume of waste to be treated and facilitates more efficient reaction of the fixation reagents with the soluble metals .
  • apparatus has its ordinary meaning, encompassing in various embodiments of the invention any device, instrument, appliance or other thing that contains soluble metals in a form that can leach into the environment during storage, use, or disposal of the apparatuses.
  • apparatuses include, but are not limited to, lead-acid automotive batteries, nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, mercury batteries, mercury switches, ballasts from fluorescent light fixtures, electronic circuit boards, solar panels/cells and the like, such as are listed in Table 1.
  • soluble metals are metals, or metal compounds or complexes, that are capable of becoming solubilized, i.e.
  • Solubilized metals are generally ionic, or in an equilibrium state with an ionic form, and may be complexed with other compounds. Soluble metals may be soluble in aqueous or non- aqueous media, and may become solubilized directly by a solvent or with the assistance of other factors such as heat, light or microbiological action. Metals may be present in an apparatus in a soluble form, or may become soluble during use, storage, or disposal of an apparatus. The term 'soluble metal' specifically includes those metals which are the subject of regulations promulgated from time-to-time by the U.S. EPA relating to the disposal of the metal or the concentration level of the metal in the environment (or the subject of similar environmental regulations in other jurisdictions).
  • fixation is the chemical reaction of a fixation reagent with a soluble metal to form a fixed metal compound that is less soluble than the soluble metal.
  • the fixation reaction produces an insoluble metal compound that is substantially insoluble in aqueous media.
  • the fixation reaction provides fixed metal compounds that are soluble at rates which make the solubilized metal available in the environment at concentrations below limits which are acceptable in accordance with prevailing environmental regulations, such as regulations promulgated from time-to-time by the U.S. EPA or similar agencies in other jurisdictions.
  • a "barrier” may be any means for physically separating soluble metals and fixation reagents, such as polymeric, metallic or vitreous members and equivalents thereof. Such barriers may be ruptured physically or chemically so that they break down to expose fixation reagents to soluble metals. In some embodiments, barriers may be adapted to rupture when an apparatus is crushed. Alternatively, an actuator may be provided on an apparatus for rupturing a barrier in the apparatus automatically or manually. Alternatively, the barrier may be rupturable by degradation over time, for example biodegradable or water-soluble barriers may be provided that are susceptible to decay after an article is disposed of.
  • a "fixation reagent container” may be any receptacle or means for retaining fixation reagents apart from the soluble metals with which they would otherwise react.
  • a "soluble metal container” may be any receptacle or means for retaining soluble metals apart from the fixation reagents with which they would otherwise react.
  • containers may include capsules and equivalent structures that enclose fixation reagents or soluble metals.
  • containers may include impregnated materials such as mats that may be impregnated or coated with fixation reagents or soluble metals, and equivalents thereof. In some embodiments, mats may be enclosed in capsules.
  • More than one container may be used in a particular apparatus.
  • capsules and mats may both be integrated into the construction of an apparatus.
  • Capsules may be rupturable by being breakable, degradable or dissolvable, or any other means of rupture, to facilitate release of fixation reagents or soluble metals at an appropriate time.
  • mats may be integrated into the construction of an apparatus in a manner that facilitates the occurrence of a fixation reaction between a fixation reagent and a soluble metal when a soluble metal is released from an apparatus in the vicinity of the mat.
  • Mats may be made of a polymeric matrix, and the polymeric matrix may be degradable, such as biodegradable or water-soluble matrices, with fixation reagents incorporated into the matrix.
  • Mats may take the form of liners, such as drum liners or landfill liners (for which drums and landfills are considered respectively to be the ' apparatus ' ) .
  • fixation reagents may be used in particular embodiments of the present invention.
  • the specific reagents to be used in any given application may be selected by those skilled in the art of the invention depending upon the requirements of that application.
  • Different fixation reagents may be considered suitable from a technical point of view, and the factors that will determine which reagent is selected will include the solubility of fixed metal compounds that are formed by the reaction between the fixation reagent and the soluble metal, the stability of the fixation reagent over time under the relevant conditions in the apparatus, and other technical attributes affecting the suitability of the reagent for the specific application as understood by those skilled in the art, as well as the practical considerations of the availability of the reagent and cost.
  • Fixation systems that use relatively high dosages of reagents may not be suitable for certain applications, as higher dosages result in the use of more space in the apparatus. Dosages of reagents may be varied by the incorporation of multiple types of containers. For example, pellets may be used in addition to bags to increase the reagent dose.
  • fixation systems that may be used in accordance with various aspects of the present invention are described below. The following discussion is not intended to limit the type of fixation system or systems that may be utilized by the invention. In accordance with the present invention, those skilled in the art can evaluate alternative fixation systems and select a suitable fixation system for each application of the invention.
  • fixation reagents and systems that may be useful in various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in: "Chemical fixation and solidification of hazardous wastes" J. R. Conner, Van Nostrand Reinhold (1990); U.S. Patent No. 5,202,033 (Stanforth et al) ; U.S. Patent No. 5,527,982 (Pal et al); U.S. Patent No.
  • the reagents are selected on the basis of their ability to ameliorate the leaching of soluble metals from a specific type of apparatus by reacting with the soluble metal in the apparatus to form an fixed metal compound that is less soluble than the soluble metal compound.
  • the suitability of a fixation system may be routinely assayed using established protocols such as the U.S. EPA's TCLP or SPLP.
  • the control of pH may be used in accordance with the present invention to fix soluble metals.
  • Precipitation of solubilized metals as hydroxides or carbonates may be accomplished by the use of calcium compounds such as quicklime (CaO) , hydrated lime (Ca(OH) 2 ) or carbonate (CaC0 3 ) ; magnesium compounds such as oxide (MgO) or hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ); or sodium compounds such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na 2 C0 3 ) .
  • CaO quicklime
  • Ca(OH) 2 hydrated lime
  • CaC0 3 carbonate
  • magnesium compounds such as oxide (MgO) or hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 )
  • sodium compounds such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na 2 C0 3 ) .
  • hydroxide fixation reagents may be contraindicated where the soluble metal forms amphoteric hydroxides.
  • Dosage rates which are established based on passing the aggressive, low pH extraction fluid of the TCLP may result in failures when the less aggressive extraction fluid of the SPLP is applied. Accordingly, pH control may not be the best fixation method in certain circumstances. In some situations, it may be desirable to combine pH control with other fixation systems in order to obtain the most favorable results.
  • a neutralization reaction involving the fixation reagents in the case of acidic waste streams, may be extremely exothermic. This may present operational problems. The use of quicklime raises this concern, in that an exothermic slaking reaction contributes additional heat. Also, the use of a carbonate may release C0 2 , which could limit its acceptability in confined spaces (such as some of the battery applications noted below) .
  • the base is a carbonate, such as calcium carbonate
  • the reaction of the base with an acidic solution of soluble metal may cause effervescence. An appropriate amount of such effervescence may facilitate the fixation reaction by improving the mixing of the fixation reagent with the soluble metal. High pHs, approaching the potentially hazardous corrosivity of pH 12.5, could result from the use of some alkaline reagent systems.
  • An alternative fixation process involves cementitious systems.
  • Portland cement, high alumina cement, and other cements may be used as fixation reagents.
  • Soluble silicates may be used in combination with Portland cement.
  • the soluble metals present in the waste may be reacted to some extent to form insoluble silicates, or in the case of high alumina cement, aluminates.
  • Such fixation reactions may produce a low porosity, hardened fixed metal product with high tortuosity, which in turn encapsulates the metals (whether reacted or not) .
  • Alkaline pHs are typical in the cementitious treated waste, as may be measured in the final extraction pH in the TCLP test, often in the optimal range for limiting solubility of the soluble metals.
  • the treated materials may pass the TCLP, due partially to the alkalinity of the treated waste, they may nevertheless fail the SPLP or leach high concentrations of amphoteric metals in the high pH condition which is associated with more normal disposal conditions. Fairly high dosage rates of fixation reagents may be required, in the 10% to 25% range in some embodiments, by wet weight of waste.
  • byproducts from such processes as cement or lime production, coal combustion and the like may be utilized as a replacement or partial replacement for cement in fixation processes of the invention that are similar in nature to cement fixation systems.
  • Such byproducts include, among others, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, various types of coal fly ashes, and silica fume.
  • Byproducts may be combined with Portland cement in some applications. Generally, the usefulness and limitations of these systems are similar to the Portland cement systems, but higher dosages of the byproducts may be required.
  • Oxidation or reduction reactions may play a part in fixation systems of the invention.
  • Certain metals have solubility and toxicity concerns related to the valance state of the metal.
  • Cr +6 compounds are generally highly soluble and very toxic, whereas Cr +3 compounds generally are not.
  • a ⁇ 3 compounds are generally more toxic, and may be more soluble depending on the fixation system used, than As +5 compounds. Therefore it is important to consider the possible need or utility of an oxidation or reduction treatment step as a part of the fixation regimen of the invention.
  • Common oxidizers that may be used in accordance with this aspect of the invention include permanganate, hypochlorite, peroxide and chemical equivalents thereof.
  • Common reducers include ferrous sulfate, sodium sulfites, various sulfides and equivalents thereof (aspects of which are discussed below in Example 3) .
  • pH adjustments may be used to enhance the oxidation or reduction step of a fixation system.
  • fixation systems which incorporate appropriate oxidation or reduction reactions.
  • sulfide reagents can be used for reduction and precipitation of hexavalent chromium.
  • Sulfide precipitation systems may be used in accordance with the present invention.
  • Both soluble and relatively insoluble sulfide reagents may be used, at very low dosage rates in some embodiments, to react with metallic compounds in waste and precipitate the metals as sulfides.
  • Most metal sulfides have extremely low solubilities over a wider range of pH than the corresponding oxides or hydroxides and they may therefore be more effective than cement-based systems in preventing solubilized metal releases into the environment.
  • sulfide treatment may release H 2 S, a toxic gas, during treatment.
  • fixed metal sulfides may resolubilize under oxidizing conditions.
  • an absorbent mat may be provided comprising a hydrophilic fibrous material having incorporated therein as a fixation reagent a reactive metal sulfide, the reactive metal sulfide being capable of reacting with a soluble metal to form a fixed metal compound that is less soluble than the soluble metal.
  • the mat may comprise a cellulosic material having zinc sulfide incorporated therein, such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,280,925 issued to Kiefer 28 July 1981, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the fixation reagents may be incorporated into a polymeric matrix that is adapted to permit contact between the fixation reagents and a solubilized metal.
  • the matrix may be combined with a barrier in a laminated arrangement, and such a laminate may be built up by heat bonding or adhesive bonding or cast co-extrusion of polymeric materials making up the matrix and the barrier.
  • a laminate structure may be obtained by applying a fixation-reagent- containing matrix as a surface coating (eg.
  • thermoplastic lamination and surface coating techniques may be combined.
  • the fixation-reagent-containing matrices of the invention may be applied to the surface of a substrate, such as the surface of a soluble-metal-containing apparatus.
  • the matrix may be applied as a layer underneath a product label, or as a binder within a structural member, such as a car body stiffening panel.
  • the invention may be manufactured into disposal bags, sacks or the linings thereof.
  • bags of the invention may be used for the containment of heavy-metal-containing wastes, such as batteries or incinerator ash.
  • the matrices of the invention, with or without barrier coatings may be fashioned into landfill liners, pellets or flakes.
  • the matrices of the invention may be adapted to enclose the fixation reagent in a 'dormant' state during the useable life of an apparatus, with degradation of the matrix (and barrier if there is one present) designed to occur on disposal of the apparatus.
  • the matrix is adapted to liberate the fixation reagent at an appropriate time to react with soluble metals leaking from the apparatus to render them less soluble.
  • Phosphate precipitation systems may also be used in accordance with the present invention to fix soluble metals as phosphates.
  • Soluble and relatively insoluble phosphate reagents may be used.
  • orthophosphates may be preferred.
  • these systems may advantageously be used in an alkaline environment, often with the addition of an alkaline additive, and may, for example, be effective in reducing the leaching of solubilized lead, zinc, cadmium, and copper from wastes.
  • relatively low dosage rates may be required, in some embodiments in the range of 2% to 10% phosphate by weight of soluble metal waste, in combination with 5% to 10% alkaline reagent by weight of waste. Resolubilization of metal phosphates in acid conditions may be a concern, and some metal phosphates may also resolubilize at high pHs .
  • a combination of sulfide and phosphate precipitation may be used as another aspect of the present invention.
  • Combinations of sulfide and phosphate reagents may be effective for reducing the leaching of soluble metals over a wide range of pH conditions.
  • the addition of the phosphates may prevent oxidation of the fixed metal sulfide compounds, providing long term stability for the fixed metal sulfide reaction products.
  • Such sulfide and phosphate fixation reagents are, for example, the subject of copending, commonly owned Patent Nos. 5,898,093 and 5,877,393, incorporated herein by reference (and may be available under the trade name Molecular Bonding SystemTM (MBSTM) ) from Solucorp Industries of West Nyack, New York) .
  • Very low dosage rates of phosphate and sulfide may be required, in the range of 2% to 10% total dry reagent weight as a percentage of the total soluble metal waste wet weight, in some embodiments.
  • sorbents may also be used as fixation reagents in the present invention. Such sorbents may be used in combination with other fixation reagents, to capture and fix soluble metals. In some embodiments, this approach involves the sorption of soluble metal compounds into the interior or onto the surface of the absorbing or adsorbing material. Fixation reagents may subsequently react with the sorbed metals.
  • Materials that may be used as sorbents include activated carbon; metal oxides; synthetic materials such as activated alumina, organic polymers, zeolites and equivalents thereof; natural materials such as clays (with or without modification), Fuller's earth, diatomaceous earth (with or without modification), peat moss, vermiculite, natural zeolites and equivalents thereof.
  • the fixation reagents may be novel or selected from reagents known in the art, such as those discussed above, and equivalents thereof, so that the fixation reaction will occur within the specific apparatus, or in the vicinity of that apparatus, resulting in the amelioration of migration of solubilized metals from the apparatus into the environment.
  • the system that is selected for each application will preferably provide an appropriate type and quantity of reagents to effectively prevent release of soluble metals from the apparatus of the invention.
  • lead-acid battery generally refers to a secondary storage battery in which the electrodes comprise lead, and the electrolyte comprises diluted sulfuric acid.
  • a major use of lead- acid batteries is in vehicle starting applications. Most vehicles use a 12-volt battery with a capacity in the range of 40-60 Ah. A typical battery weighs about 14.5 Kg or 32 lb, and has a sufficient high-rate capacity to deliver the 450-650A necessary to start an automobile engine. Approximately 60% of the battery's weight is lead or lead components.
  • a lead-acid battery is typically comprised of multiple cells, typically six cells in an automotive battery, with each individual cell containing lead plates and sulfuric acid.
  • Soluble lead waste may be released from a lead-acid battery as a result of breakage, spillage or leakage from the battery.
  • Such lead waste may be produced within the battery via a sulfation process in which lead sulfate is produced on the positive and/or negative plates of a lead-acid battery during discharge as the result of a chemical reaction between sulfuric acid and lead dioxide of the positive electrode, or between sulfuric acid and the metallic lead of the negative electrode.
  • Potential damage to the environment from lead-acid batteries may be related to: (1) the leakage that sometimes occurs during use or storage when a battery casing is cracked, (2) leakage that occurs during improper storage when the battery is not kept in an upright position, and (3) improper disposal of batteries.
  • Battery leakage may contain lead, antimony or other metals. Battery leakage is typically strongly acidic, and can therefore cause damage to equipment or the surrounding soil due to its corrosivity .
  • a mat may be added to the outer casing of a lead-acid battery.
  • the mat may be made of absorbent material (such as hard cardboard, ceramic, natural or synthetic fabric, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite or equivalents thereof) selected so that it can absorb and retain fixation chemicals within its matrix.
  • the mat may be impregnated with fixation reagents prior to its use in the construction of the battery.
  • fixation reagents for example, Molecular Bonding SystemTM (MBSTM) reagents
  • the mat may be placed inside the battery casing during its construction, in a manner that provides a guard against release of liquids from the bottom and sides of the battery in the event that the battery casing is cracked.
  • the mat may also be coated with a polymeric or alternative coating that is rupturable to expose the mat to the soluble metal.
  • casing mat 10 may be housed between inner battery casing 12 and outer battery casing 14.
  • Fixation reagents impregnating casing mat 10 may react with soluble metals that are released if cracks form in inner battery casing 12. Such cracks may for example occur during the removal, transport, handling or storage of a lead-acid battery.
  • Inner battery casing 12 thereby constitutes a rupturable barrier between the fixation reagents and the soluble metal housed in the battery.
  • Capsules 16 of fixation reagents may be used, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, either alone or in combination with casing mat 10. Capsules 16 containing fixation reagents may be housed in each cell 8 of lead-acid battery 6.
  • the barrier formed by the outer surface of capsule 16 may be adapted to maintain the integrity of the capsule during normal use of the battery, but to rupture and allow release of fixation reagents preferably after the useful life of the battery is complete.
  • Breakable capsule materials such as glass, plastic and equivalent materials may be used to facilitate the release of fixation reagents by breaking the capsule. Alternatively, other materials, such as polymers and gels, may be used that dissolve over time to release reagents.
  • release of the fixation reagents from capsules 16 may be activated manually or automatically in response to the lapse of time or a change in the condition of the battery, such as a pH change.
  • Capsules may be used to release fixation reagents that work to fix soluble metals and optionally to neutralize sulfuric acid or absorb free liquids in the battery.
  • capsule 16 comprising a neutralizing fixation reagent such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide or other neutralizing reagent may be positioned on wall 20 of each battery cell 8.
  • Capsule 16 be manually broken with plunger 18, preferably at the end of the useful life of the battery.
  • capsule 16 may be automatically ruptured by an actuated plunger (not shown) .
  • Plunger 18 may be actuated, for example, in response to a pH change in the battery which is monitored by a sensor (not shown) that triggers a plunger actuator (not shown) .
  • Capsules 16 may have an outer coating of glass, plastic or other equivalent breakable material that forms a breakable capsule. Plunger 18 may slidingly extend through a seal (not shown) in the top of the battery casings 12, 14.
  • a venting mechanism may be included in casings 12, 14 to allow for the release of pressure that may build up within cells 8 when neutralizing fixation reagents are released from capsule 16 (such pressure build up may be due to the heat from an exothermic neutralization reaction) .
  • Capsule 16 may contain a sufficient amount of a neutralizing fixation reagent to bring the sulfuric acid solution in each cell 8 to a pH level between about 4 and about 9, and preferably near neutral. In a typical embodiment of a standard automobile battery where there are six cells, six capsules may be utilized. The amount of neutralization reagent that is used in each cell 8 may be predetermined based on the size of the battery cells 8 and the strength of the sulfuric acid in the battery 6. In one embodiment of a typical 12-volt automotive battery, approximately 1 oz. of sodium hydroxide, or an equivalent base, may be required in each cell 8. When capsule 16 is ruptured in the presence of a sulfuric acid solution, an exothermic reaction may occur while the solution is neutralized.
  • Cell mat 4 comprising fixation reagents may be provided along the bottom of each cell 8 (with or without alternative casing mat 10) .
  • Cell mat 4 may have a heat labile coating, so that an exothermic reaction caused by the release of neutralizing fixation reagents from capsule 16 will melt the coating of cell mat 4.
  • the heat labile coating of cell mat 4 constitutes a rupturable barrier between fixation reagents and a soluble metal.
  • such a coating may be polymeric, such as a heat sensitive or pH sensitive plastic coating.
  • plycarbonate plastics may be used as coatings in formulations that are acid resistant but have weak resistance at alkaline pHs .
  • capsule 16 may be dissolvable, adapted to automatically release neutralizing fixation reagents at some point in time, preferably near the end of the life of the battery.
  • an additional plunger may be provided for rupturing cell mat 4, or a single plunger may serve to rupture both capsule 16 and cell mat 4, the plunger being adapted to break capsule 16 first and then, with further actuation, to break open cell mat 4.
  • fixation reagents such as calcium sulfide, triple superphosphate, calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide, in dry form, may be encapsulated in a breakable glass or polymeric material in a cell of the battery without a plunger.
  • the fixation reagents may remain in the capsule, in their solid form, until such time as the battery casing is crushed.
  • the casing and the container are ruptured and the soluble metal and the fixation reagents may react to form insoluble lead compounds, thereby immobilizing soluble lead ions present in the spent sulfuric acid, and also having the potential in some embodiments to form a reaction layer of lead sulfide on the surface of the remaining metallic lead of the battery electrode, to help prevent further solubilization of the lead.
  • An absorbent material may be included in alternative embodiments of capsules that may be adapted for neutralization of battery acid.
  • the absorbent may be vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, and equivalents thereof which would absorb the liquid in the battery.
  • Such absorbents may be used in combination with fixation reagents, including neutralizing fixation reagents.
  • capsule (s) containing fixation reagents may be positioned at or near the bottom of a cell(s) where they may be ruptured, preferably at the end of the useful life of the battery.
  • the capsules may contain a sufficient amount of fixation reagent to react with lead sulfate that has accumulated in the bottom of the battery during the battery's life.
  • the release of the fixation reagents may be triggered by the heat released from a neutralization reaction or a change in pH associated with a neutralization reaction triggered by the rupture of capsules as described above.
  • Capsules, mats or equivalent alternative containerization means for retaining fixation reagents known to those in the art may be utilized in various embodiments of the invention.
  • a capsule may be positioned on the bottom of each cell; the capsule including a highly absorbent material, a neutralizing fixation reagent, and additional metal stabilizing fixation reagent (s), such that the battery acid may be absorbed and neutralized and the soluble metals fixed when the capsule is ruptured.
  • the integrated fixation system of the invention offers dual protection against hazardous lead-acid contamination.
  • One mode of protection being a casing mat (as previously described) , which protects against the premature and accidental release of contamination through breakage of the casing of the lead-acid battery.
  • the other mode of protection being capsules or mats that are rupturable at an appropriate time to provide internal protection (preferably after the useful life of the battery) against spillage during handling, storage, recycling or illegal dumping.
  • Various embodiments may comprise multiple mats and capsules which will neutralize the battery's sulfuric acid solution and stabilize soluble metals. Absorbents may also be included in various embodiments of such mats and capsules to ameliorate fluid leakage.
  • a variety of neutralization and fixation reagents may be suitable for use with a variety of containers that could be used to make fixation reagents accessible to soluble metals in a variety of lead-acid batteries.
  • Ni-Cd rechargeable battery generally refers to a secondary storage battery in which the positive electrode comprises primarily nickel hydroxide, in some embodiments as a coating over a sintered nickel substrate, and the negative electrode comprises cadmium, also over a sintered nickel substrate in some embodiments.
  • the electrolyte in a typical embodiment, is an alkaline compound such as potassium hydroxide or other hydroxide.
  • the electrolyte may be absorbed within a non-woven nylon or polypropylene fabric which serves as a separator between the electrodes. In a typical embodiment, no free electrolyte is present in the dry cell configuration.
  • a "jelly-roll" construction is typical in cylindrical cell embodiments, in which the positive electrode, separator and negative electrode are rolled up together and placed in a nickel- plated cylinder.
  • the cover which acts as the positive terminal is typically connected to the nickel-plated case, which acts as the negative terminal, with the incorporation of an insulating seal.
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a cylindrical rechargeable Ni-Cd battery that incorporates these features.
  • Ni-Cd battery leakage may contain cadmium and nickel.
  • the leakage may also be alkaline. When batteries are left in equipment, the leaks can damage or ruin the equipment. Improper disposal of Ni-Cd batteries can result in leaching of cadmium and nickel from the metallic components of the battery into the environment.
  • a seal or insulating member of a Ni-Cd battery may be supplemented by the addition of a fixation reagent container.
  • the container may take the form of an O-ring, which is inserted between a seal member and the battery casing.
  • the O-ring may be made of an absorbent material that can absorb and retain fixation chemicals within its matrix.
  • the O-ring may be made of absorbent fiber which has been pretreated with sulfide or phosphate or combinations thereof with or without a base, as described in Example 3 herein.
  • a mat may be provided as an alternative or in addition to an O-ring.
  • Such a mat may be made of an absorbent material which has been impregnated with fixation reagents and coated to prevent premature release, or of a sandwich-type material, with the fixation ingredients in the middle of the sandwich. It would be positioned as a liner on the inside of the cylinder.
  • a rupturable barrier such as a polymeric or vitreous material, which material may be nonconductive.
  • the O-ring or mat may be coated with a thin plastic sheet, such as polyethylene.
  • a Ni-Cd AA battery may contain approximately 13 to 22% cadmium, 20 to 32% nickel, and 4% hydroxide.
  • An AA Ni- Cd battery may weigh about 26 grams. Accordingly, in such an example, approximately 5 grams of cadmium and 7 grams of nickel would be present.
  • about gram of fixation reagents may be provided in an o-ring and/or mat containers (including polymeric matrices comprising fixation reagents, including such matrices when formed into disposal bags).
  • fixation reagents may be suitable for use in a variety of containers in various Ni-Cd batteries.
  • the fixation reagents of the present invention may be a combination of a sulfide and phosphate, and optionally a base (sometimes referred to herein as the "MBSTM" reagents) .
  • MBSTM base
  • the present invention provides a process for treating soluble metals comprising:
  • a sulfide selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfide, calcium polysulfide, sodium sulfide, sodium hydrosulfide and iron sulfide, (ii) an inorganic phosphate and (iii) a base, preferably including calcium hydroxide.
  • calcium sulfide is a preferred component of the fixation reagents.
  • water may be provided in the apparatus, for example in the composition in the capsule.
  • the amount of water may be selected to adjust consistency of the fixation reagents at the time of reaction with the soluble metal so as to assist mass transfer.
  • the sulfide, phosphate or other reactive component of the fixation reagents may be provided in an amount optimized for approximately stoichiometric reaction with the soluble metal in the waste.
  • the sulfide may be used in an amount that is approximately the stoichiometic equivalent of the soluble metal in the apparatus.
  • the phosphate may be used in an amount that is approximately the stoichiometic equivalent of the soluble metal in the apparatus .
  • the sulfide and phosphate together may be used in an amount that is approximately the stoichiometic equivalent of the soluble metal in the apparatus.
  • the phosphate in the capsule composition may precipitate ferric iron that is present in the waste, so that the redox potential of the waste environment is rendered insufficient to oxidize the fixed sulfide metal compound.
  • orthophosphates are preferred phosphates in the fixation reagents.
  • preferred phosphates are calcium phosphate, phosphorus anhydride (P 2 0 5 ) , and triple super phosphate (TSP) , alone or in combination. TSP is manufactured by the addition and evaporation of sulfuric acid on commercial calcium carbonate.
  • the resultant product (which may be used as a fertilizer or food additive) typically contains varying levels of phosphoric acid, calcium dihydrogen phosphate, dicalcium hydrogen phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, residual calcium carbonate and silica grit.
  • a base may be provided as a component of the fixation reagents.
  • an amount of base is provided which is calculated to act rapidly to bring the initial pH of the soluble metal-containing mixture in the apparatus to above 8.0 when the barrier separating the fixation reagent and soluble metal is ruptured.
  • the base may comprise calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide or both.
  • the base is preferably of small particle size.
  • the base component may be used in an amount sufficient to provide 2 or more times the amount of neutralization capability as there is acid generation potential in the sulfide used as a fixation reagent.
  • the amount of base may be adapted to suppress the generation of hydrogen sulfide gas from a sulfide fixation reagent.
  • This example relates to the incorporation of fixation reagents in a polymeric matrix.
  • a wide variety of polymers may also be used to produce polymeric matricies incorporating fixation reagents.
  • a wide variety of components may be used in formulating the polymer matrix, such as surfactants, plasticisers and colorants.
  • the ingredients of a matrix are preferably selected so that the fixation reagents are inert with respect to the polymer matrix, so that the fixation reagents do not chemically react with the matrix during formulation or subsequently.
  • the degradable or permeable matrix may be comprised of a wide range of polymeric materials, such as: polyvinyl acetates (PVAc) ; polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) ; co-polymers of PVAc and PVA; hydrateable or degradable acrylic polymers, such as NEOCRYL (trademark) of Zeneca or JONCRYL (trademark) of Allied Colloids; sugar, starch or cellulose based materials, such as ethyl cellulose or hydrolyzed corn starch; biodegradable films or films capable of being degraded by sunlight, such as poly-hydroxylated polymers and co-polymers, PVA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(beta hydroxybutyrate) , polycaprolactone, BIOMAXTM of DuPont, BIOPOLTM of Zeneca, ECOFLEXTM of BASF, or the biodegradable plastics disclosed in International Patent Publication WO 98/39382 (incorporated herein by reference
  • the polymer of a degradable matrix may be water soluble at ambient temperatures that are likely to be encountered in a waste disposal environment.
  • the matrix may be selected based on its solubility at about 20°C over a defined period.
  • polymers may be selected that are completely soluble in water at 20°C over periods of: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month.
  • PVA and PVAc polymers or copolymers may be selected having the desired characteristics.
  • partially hydrolyzed PVAc resins may be selected for appropriate solubility, such as by selecting resins with an appropriate degree of hydrolysis.
  • matrices that are water soluble may be combined with fixation reagents that are relatively water- insoluble.
  • Such matrices may have the advantage of leaving a fixation reagent residue in place when the polymeric components of the matrix have been leached away.
  • polymeric matrix components having solubilities at 20°C as given above may be combined with fixation reagents that are substantially insoluble in water under the same conditions over the same (or longer) time period.
  • a polymeric component that is solubilized in water at 20°C in 30 minutes may be combined with a fixation reagent that is insoluble in water at 20°C over the same or a longer period, such as 1 hour, 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month.
  • a barrier or surface coating which does not include fixation reagents may be provided on the matrix to adapt the physical properties of the resultant sheet or film for particular uses.
  • a thin relatively water-insoluble barrier may for example be used to temporarily protect a water soluble matrix (for example as disclosed in International Patent Publications WO 92/01556 and WO 93/22125, which are hereby incorporated by reference)
  • the barrier may be comprised of materials such as the matrix materials set out above, and the following materials or combinations thereof: a perforated thermoplastic film as described in U.S. Patent No.
  • a flawed surface coating such as described IE 98/00028
  • a moisture penetrable material such as wax bonded woven or non-woven fibers, as described International Patent Publication WO 92/15454
  • a water degradable surface coating such as a water soluble polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate film or co-polymer thereof (including ethylene and styrenic co-polymers) ; water swellable or softenable coatings of acrylic or polyurethane
  • biodegradable films or coatings capable of being degraded by bacteria and/or sunlight such as poly-hydroxylated polymers and co-polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly (beta hydroxybutyrate) , polycaprolactone, BIOMAX (trademark) of DuPont, BIOPOL
  • a barrier coating may be applied by generic screen or flexographic printing techniques, which may be adapted to provide a very thin barrier coating with relatively few flaws when dry. Alternatively, such coatings may be applied by brush or spray painting. In some embodiments, barrier coating formulations may be selected to provide a smooth finish with acceptable drying times and minimal flashing on a particular substrate.
  • the fixation reagent (s) may be selected from materials or reagents capable of interacting with a solubilized metal of interest to render the metal less soluble in water, such as: agents which absorb and or adsorb heavy metals such as Fuller's earth, activated carbon; agents which retain heavy metals by ionic attraction, such as ethylenediamine- tetra acetic acid (EDTA) and its salts or ion exchange resins (eg DOWEX (trademark) resins of Dow Inc.); agents that react with solubilized metals to form insoluble salts, such as sulfides or phosphates; reducing compounds that reduce solubilized metals to produce less soluble forms of the metal; and, agents that cause the precipitation of fine soluble metal materials from colloidal suspensions or solutions, such a SUPERFLOC (trademark) effluent treatment and flocculating agents of Cytec.
  • agents which absorb and or adsorb heavy metals such as Fuller's earth, activated carbon
  • the fixation reagent (s) and/or components of the matrix will be soluble in water to varying degrees.
  • Such embodiments may be adapted for use with a particular soluble-metal-containing apparatus, in which the solubility of the metal over time is generally known (for example by empirical measurement) .
  • the components of the invention may be selected so that the matrix is at least as soluble as the fixation reagent.
  • the fixation reagent may be at least as soluble as the soluble metal.
  • the invention may accordingly be adapted so that when an apparatus is disposed of together with a film of the invention, the matrix will degrade at least as quickly as the metal will become solubilized, and once the matrix has degraded to become permeable, the fixation reagent will be mobilized by the solvent at least as easily as the soluble metal is mobilized by the solvent, so that under a given set of environmental conditions the fixation reagent will become available to react with a solubilized metal at an appropriate time.
  • matrices that are water-soluble may be preferred to matrices that are only porous (or that only become porous in use) . This is because a porous matrix may become plugged with insoluble deposits when the fixation reagent reacts with a solubilized metal. Soluble matrices may be adapted to avoid this potential problem by virtue of the fact that the polymeric matrix itself is degraded, and preferably in such embodiments degraded substantially completely, to expose the bulk of the fixation reagent.
  • matrices may be formulated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl acetate
  • PVAc polymers or co-polymers.
  • Parameters that may be varied in the formulation of PVA and PVAc matrices are well known in the art, such as the relative amounts of monomer and solvent, the choice of solvent and the speed of drying.
  • PVA and PVAc resins are widely available commercially, as are other ingredients that may be used to alter the properties of the matrix. For example,
  • PVA matrices may be formulated from approximately 75%-80% hydrolyzed PVA with an average molecular weight of about 20,000.
  • the pH of the fixation reagent may effect the polymerization of the matrix. Accordingly, acids and bases may be used to adapt the fixation reagent to facilitate incorporation into a particular matrix. In some embodiments, bases such as CaC0 3 or CaOH may be useful for this purpose as a component of the fixation reagent.
  • part hydrolyzed PVAc may be selected as the matrix resin.
  • a matrix may be adapted to have the ability to eventually swell on exposure to moisture to render the matrix permeable, and yet be impervious to partial to temporary immersion in water.
  • Such a matrix may be bonded to a wide variety of substrates or thermoplastically welded and glued to, and may be biodegradable in appropriate environmental conditions.
  • a solution of 35% hydrolyzed PVAc resin in meths/methyl acetate may for example be used (such as ALCOTEX 359B (trademark) ) .
  • Solvents for use in formulating PVAc matrices my include isopropyl alcohol and ethyl acetate. The speed of matrix drying during formulation may be varied in such embodiments by adjusting the ratio of the more volatile ester to the alcohol. To modify the surface finish, other agents may also be added that effect drying, such as l-methoxypropan-2-ol (DOWINOL PM from Dow or dipropyleneglycol methyl ether (DOWINOL DPM from Dow) .
  • DOWINOL PM l-methoxypropan-2-ol
  • DOWINOL DPM dipropyleneglycol methyl ether
  • Waxes such as a wax dispersion in isopropanol (such as CERACOL 99)
  • Silicone based antiblocking agents may also be used, although in some embodiments they may interfere with binding of laminate layers to the matrix.
  • Surfactants may also be used in the matrix, for example to aid in the incorporation of pigments and surface wetting on application.
  • Alternative surfactants may be organic salts (such as ALCOPOL 0) or non-ionic agents such as BRIJ (trademark) , SPAN (trademark), and TWEEN (trademark) type surfactants.
  • Anti-foaming agents may be usefully added to the matrix in some embodiments to inhibit flaw formation during application.
  • anti-foaming agents examples include FOAMEX 825 (trademark, Tego Chemie) or silicone oil type anti-foam agents.
  • Plasticisers may be added to improve the flexibility of the matrix or barrier coating, which may be particularly useful to facilitate adhesion of the matrix or barrier to flexible substrates such as polyethylene.
  • plasticizing agents are dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate or tributyl citrate butyric acid ester.
  • Colorants can be used directly in the matrices. All such optional additives to the matrix or barrier are to be selected based on their ability to achieve a desired result, while not interfering with the ability of the films and matrices of the invention to stabilize soluble metals.
  • fixation reagent may be used in the range of from 1% to 75% by total weight of the matrix (including fixation reagent) , alternative proportions include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%.
  • fixation reagent may be used in the range of from 1% to 75% by total weight of the matrix (including fixation reagent) , alternative proportions include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%.
  • Higher concentrations of fixation reagent may have the effect of raising the melting temperature of the matrix and increasing the stiffness of the matrix.
  • Lower concentrations of fixation reagent may be used to facilitate thermoplastic modifications to the matrix, such as the manufacture of extrusions.
  • matrices incorporating 5% to 10%, or about 50% fixation reagent may be used in alternative applications. Polymers may be selected accordingly.
  • solid fixation reagents may be incorporated into a resin matrix, such as a PVAc resin, by bead mill or shear head mixing.
  • fixation reagents may be mixed into a liquid matrix solution.
  • Fixation reagents may affect the viscosity of a matrix solution, and this parameter may be adjusted using appropriate solvents.
  • matrices to be used for painting surfaces may in some embodiments by adjusted to have a viscosity of 20-50cPs.
  • the dispersion stability of fixation reagents may be affected by the particle size of the fixation reagents, which may be more finely ground to facilitate stability, and by additives such as polymeric hyper-dispersants .
  • the polymeric matrices of the invention may be used in a wide variety of applications, such as blown films that may in turn be used in a wide range of manufactured products. Applications may for example include product labels, disposal bags, packaging, extruded items and injection moldings. Disposal bags or containers of the invention may bear a printed indication of the amount of fixation reagent incorporated into the item, or an indication of the capacity of the item to store particular soluble-metal-containing apparatuses. For example, a disposal bag of the invention may have a label thereon indicating the approximate number of batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries) that may be disposed of in the bag.
  • batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries
  • the fixation reagents and matrix may be selected to be preferentially soluble at a particular pH, such as an acid pH (particularly the acidic pH of the TCLP assay) .
  • a particular pH such as an acid pH (particularly the acidic pH of the TCLP assay) .
  • Calcium sulfide is an example of a fixation reagent that is sparingly soluble in water and preferentially soluble at an acidic pH.
  • Such reagents may be preferred where the soluble metal that it is intended to treat is one that will be preferentially solubilized at an acidic pH.
  • Ni-Cd batteries may be capable of leaching heavy metals.
  • One aspect of the invention is a bag for disposing of Ni- Cd batteries, wherein the bag is comprised of a film that includes a water-soluble matrix composed in part of calcium sulfide.
  • the matrix may be comprised of PVA or PVAc.
  • the fixation reagents of the matrix may further comprise an inorganic phosphate, such as TSP, and a base or bases, such as CaC0 3 and Ca(OH) 2 .
  • thermoplastic film of the invention comprises laminated layers A through E as follows:
  • A an optional decorative coating or moisture resistant barrier applied by painting, printing or adhesive, or as a heat bonded lamination
  • B a fixation-reagent-containing matrix comprised of TSP and CaC0 3 in a PVAc matrix, applied as a coating at approximately llg/m 2 (dry basis)
  • C a PVAc barrier coating at approximately 1.5g/m 2 (dry basis) ;
  • a fixation-reagent-containing matrix comprising CaS and CaC0 3 in a PVA matrix applied at 50-300g/m 2 , containing l-8g/m 2 CaS;
  • E an optional decorative coating or moisture resistant barrier applied by painting, printing or adhesive, or as a heat bonded lamination.
  • a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be provided, which may include a slip-sheet (or release sheet) .
  • alternative embodiments of a CaS-containing PVA matrix were prepared (having densities of 67 g/m 2 or 292.5 cf/m ) containing 10% by weight CaS and CaC0 3 (in 1:1 weight ratio).
  • a barrier layer of PVAc was applied approximately 12 microns thick, to leave a PVAc coat when dry of approximately 1.52 g/m 2 .
  • the TSP-containing PVAc matrix coating was applied on top of the dry PVAc barrier coat at a thickness of approximately 36 microns, to leave a dry coat containing about 11 g/m 2 of TSP and CaC0 3 .
  • Such films may be formed, for example, into plastic bags for disposal of soluble metal containing apparatuses . Such bags may be used by placing a soluble metal containing apparatus in the bag, and then disposing of the bag.
  • A an optional decorative coating or moisture resistant barrier applied by painting, printing or adhesive, or as a heat bonded lamination
  • B a fixation-reagent-containing matrix comprising CaS and CaC0 3 in a PVAc matrix applied at 9.7g/m 2 , containing approximately 1.3g/m 2 CaS;
  • C a PVAC barrier coating at approximately 1.5g/m 2 ;
  • D a fixation-reagent-containing matrix comprised of TSP and CaC0 3 in a PVAc matrix, applied as a coating of approximately llg/m 2 containing approximately 4.87 g/m 2 TSP;
  • E a substrate selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic film, foil, woven or non-woven fibers and similar materials;
  • a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be further provided, which may include a slip-sheet (or release sheet) .
  • the laminate film may be formed into a variety of products, such as bags or boxes, which may for example be used for containment of soluble metal containing residues such as incinerator ash.
  • a laminate film may be manufactured in roll form for use as a ground barrier to detoxify percolating groundwater contaminated with heavy metals.
  • a glycerol plasticised PVA film was prepared (using SOLPLAST B2.30 from Solplax Limited) of approximately 60g/m 2 density.
  • a fixation-reagent- containing-matrix was applied (by roller painting) comprising TSP: CaS: Ca (OH) 2 : CaC0 3 in approximate weight ratio of 15.1:38.8:7.3:38.8.
  • the matrix was applied at a wet density of 40g/m 2 , and contained 22g/m 2 of fixation reagents.
  • the matrix was prepared by adding 25g of the fixation reagent mixture to lOOg of a PVAc resin in the presence of ethyl acetate (50ml, 45g) and l-methoxypropan-2-ol (50ml, 46. lg).
  • the PVAc resin was taken from a stock prepared by combining 75ml (67.5g) of ethyl acetate and 25 ml (23.05g) of l-methoxypropan-2-ol (DOWINOL PM) , and then adding in series with stirring or gentle agitation: 300g of ALCOTEX 359B (Harlow Chemical Co.), lOg of CERACOL 99 (BYK Cera, and 2g of ALCOPOL 0 Concentrate (Allied Colloids) .
  • the film laminate thus produced was cut up and mixed with samples of chopped Ni-Cd battery parts (the laminate being 10% by weight battery parts) . This mixture was subjected to TCLP leaching.
  • the concentration of Cd in the leachate was 2,860 mg/1.
  • the concentration of Cd in the leachate was dramatically reduced to 15.6 mg.l.
  • the concentration of Ni in the sample without the film was 34.4 mg/1, which was reduced to 1.77 mg/1 when the film was added to the battery parts for TCLP leaching.
  • fixation-reagent-containing matrices such as are described above, may be coated with PVAc coatings that contain adsorbents, such as activated carbon or Fuller's earth.
  • adsorbents such as activated carbon or Fuller's earth.
  • Such coatings may be prepared by, for example, adding the adsorbent to the PVAc resin in place of the fixation reagents described above, for example adding 20% by weight of adsorbent.
  • Such adsorbents have been useful in some embodiments to inhibit the release of hydrogen sulfide from films that contain CaS, particularly when the film is exposed to water.
  • an adsorbent-containing PVAC coating of approximately 40g/m 2 (wet weight) was capable of significantly reducing or eliminating the odor of hydrogen sulfide gas when applied to a film of the type described above comprising as fixation reagents TSP: CaS : Ca (OH) 2 : CaC0 3 .

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
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  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
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  • Addition Polymer Or Copolymer, Post-Treatments, Or Chemical Modifications (AREA)
  • Polymers With Sulfur, Phosphorus Or Metals In The Main Chain (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des matrices et des films polymères renfermant des réactifs de fixation capables de réagir avec des métaux solubilisés pour former des composés métalliques moins solubles. Ces réactifs de fixation peuvent comprendre des sulfures et des phosphates inorganiques ainsi que des agents d'adsorption. Les matrices polymériques peuvent renfermer des alcools polyvinyliques et des acétates de polyvinyle. Dans certaines réalisations, la matrice polymère retenue doit être aussi soluble que le réactif de fixation choisi, en particulier aux conditions dans lesquelles il est prévu qu'elle entre en contact avec le métal solubilisé.
EP99918998A 1998-05-06 1999-05-06 Systemes de fixation integres Ceased EP1062035A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20030078630 EP1435674A1 (fr) 1998-05-06 1999-05-06 Systèmes de fixation integrés

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US7277198A 1998-05-06 1998-05-06
US72771 1998-05-06
PCT/CA1998/001156 WO1999033137A1 (fr) 1997-12-19 1998-12-21 Systemes de fixation integres
WOPCT/CA98/01156 1998-12-21
PCT/CA1999/000383 WO1999056867A2 (fr) 1998-05-06 1999-05-06 Systemes de fixation integres

Related Child Applications (1)

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EP3131645B1 (fr) * 2014-04-13 2019-01-30 Phinergy Ltd. Procédé et système de sécurité pour batterie à électrolyte liquide
US20230066390A1 (en) * 2021-08-31 2023-03-02 Ford Global Technologies, Llc H2s suppression and management in sulfide-based solid-state batteries

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JP3029841B2 (ja) * 1990-04-16 2000-04-10 株式会社豊田中央研究所 複合吸着材およびその製造方法
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CN110195162B (zh) * 2019-07-05 2020-12-18 长沙紫宸科技开发有限公司 一种砷碱渣中锑、砷、碱同步浸出分离的方法

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AU3695499A (en) 1999-11-23
EP1435674A1 (fr) 2004-07-07
WO1999056867A3 (fr) 1999-12-23

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