Plasma Melting Technology of Asbestos Wastes for recycling

Abstract

Chrysotile, an asbestos, and insulating materials containing chrysotile were melted by plasma, and the material properties of the slags obtained by melting were examined for their recycling potential. The asbestos wastes were melted in a graphite crucible by changing the waste compositions and also melted in an alumina crucible simultaneously with other waste materials such as carbon steel and concrete. Chrysotile decomposed completely by melting and asbestos fibers disappeared in the melted slag under all melting conditions. The slags have good material properties such as homogeneity and chemical stability satisfying the leaching guideline of the Environmental Agency (Notification No. 46) for recycling and can be used erials. Crystalline hard slag, which is easy to be used for construction materials, could be obtained by controlling the slag compositions or the melting conditions. These results show that a plasma melting method is appropriate for rendering asbestos waste harmless and converting it into usable products.