摘要:
Disclosed is a separator for separating a meltable solid from a mixture with other solids. The separator has a tank for holding a fluid; a container at least partially inside the tank, made at least in part of a screen through which the fluid can pass and melted solids can flow, but through which the unmelted solid material will not flow; and a heater for heating the fluid above the melting point of the meltable solids. Also disclosed is a method of separating a meltable solid from a mixture with other solids. The mixture of solids is placed in the container of the separator and the fluid is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the meltable solid, whereby the meltable solid flows through the screen out of the container, while the other solids remain within the container.
摘要:
A process is disclosed for recovering elemental phosphorus from an aqueous sludge and converting the residue into non-hazardous waste. The sludge is separated into (1) a slurry of water containing suspended phosphorus and dirt particles and (2) coarse solids. A flocculating agent is added to the slurry to agglomerate the suspended phosphorus and dirt particles, which are recovered from the water and are heated to melt elemental phosphorus particles. A coalescing agent is added to coalesce the melted elemental phosphorus, which is separated from the dirt particles. The coarse solids are mixed with hot water to melt the phosphorus sludge, which is separated from inert solids. The solids are heated to burn any residual elemental phosphorus. The separated molten phosphorus sludge is stirred with a solution of chromic acid to recover the phosphorus as a separate phase. A reducing agent is added to the remaining water and solids to reduce the Cr+6 to Cr+3. Finally, an alkali is added to the water and solids to react the residual phosphorus and form phosphorous compounds. The reaction mass is filtered and the filter cake can be placed in a landfill as a non-hazardous waste.