Treatment of PCB by Hydrothermal Decomposition

Abstract

Though PCB disposal lagged for fear of generating dioxin's by incineration since 1974, it has been permitted by means of chemical treatment with revision of the law in June 1998. By introducing technology from SRI of the US, we developed hydrothermal decomposition method for PCB so that it will be decomposed in hydrothermal water containing sodium carbonate. The result of fundamental test and pilot test demonstrated that PCB can be treated regardless of its concentration. We also demonstrated that paper, wood and organic solvent can be decomposed, and easily established the treatment system to make harmless perfectly the polluted vessels like a transformer or a capacitor.