摘要
This study was motivated by the world interest in the development of advanced processes of waste decomposition, due to the need of safer decomposition processes, particularly for the POPs （Persistent Organic Pollutants） and the organochlorines. A tendency observed at several countries is the adoption of progressively more demanding legislation for the atmospheric emissions from the waste decomposition processes. The suitable final disposal of hazardous organic wastes such as PCBs （Polychlorinated Biphenyls）, pesticides, herbicides and hospital residues constitutes a serious problem. In some point of their lifecycles, these wastes should be destroyed, in reason of the risk that they represent for the human being, animals and plants. The process involves a chemical reactor containing molten salts, such as sodium carbonate or some alkaline carbonates mixtures to decompose the organic waste. The decomposition is performed by submerged oxidation. Waste is injected below the surface of a turbulent salt bath along with the oxidizing agent. Decomposition of halogenated compounds, among which some pesticides, is particularly effective in molten salts. The process presents properties such as intrinsically safe control of organochlorine emissions. This work describes the process developed at IPEN/CNEN-SP （Nuclear and Energetic Research Institute/Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission） for complete thermal decomposition of hazardous wastes through oxidation submerged in molten salts.
