Waste treatment apparatus and method
US5570845A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S241/606
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Containerized medical waste is treated by a process in which the materials are carried by a conveyor under a negative pressure to a multiple-stage shredder. Sodium hypochlorite is added at several points in the shredder section of the apparatus. The output of the shredder is compressed and the liquid component which is separated out is recirculated. The compressed solid is conveyed through a conveyor in which the temperature is maintained at a level just under 212.degree. F. by the introduction of steam. The pressure is maintained at or below atmospheric pressure at all points in the system to prevent release of contaminated materials into the atmosphere. By using the combination of sodium hypochlorite and steam, it is possible to eliminate live microorganisms entirely while still taking advantage of low pressure to avoid accidental release of contaminated materials. Heating by steam takes place in a conveyor which is controlled by temperature sensors so that it moves only when its temperature reaches a predetermined level, e.g. 205.degree. F. The intake conveyor is also controlled so that it does not feed waste into the treatment apparatus unless the temperature in the steam conve…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.