Vitrification is a process that turns a substance into a glass-like solid, often used for pollution remediation. Electric rods are inserted into the ground to raise the soil temperature and melt the soil, which then cools to a glass-like state. The process is in situ and prevents chemicals from being carried off-site. Vitrification can also be used for radioactive waste, but the process is more complicated and does not provide completely safe storage.
Vitrification is a scientific process that involves converting a substance into a glass-like solid. The basis of this process is that a substance is cooled into a liquid form which will eventually harden into a solid state. This process is sometimes used as a pollution remediation technique. One benefit of using vitrification for this purpose is that the process provides in situ solutions. Another benefit is that vitrified storage holds waste in a safer form.
When using vitrification for subsoil pollution, generally four electric rods are inserted into the ground forming a square. Electricity flows through the electrodes and passes through the ground from one electrical rod to another. As the electricity travels, the soil temperature is raised to extreme levels which causes the soil to melt. As the soil thaws, the electric rods travel deeper, allowing the process to work to greater depths. Eventually, the electricity supply is cut off and the soil vitrifies or cools to a glass-like state.
In the United States (USA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that it employs vitrification as a method of cleaning up pollution. The EPA says rain, groundwater, and wind are prevented from carrying chemicals off site. Once the pollution is trapped within the solid, the permanent blockage is left in the ground. When the blocks are next to each other you can use vitrification to connect them.
When such a process is conducted at the problem site, it is considered in situ. This means it is done in place, without transferring the problem to another location. In most cases, when vitrification is used as a pollution remediation technique, it has been in situ.
This process can also be used as a solution for radioactive waste. Such sensitive wastes have commonly been stored in liquid form, often in underground storage tanks. Storing such materials as liquids carries numerous risks, such as leaking containers resulting in a contaminated water supply. The radioactive vitrification process is different from other pollution remediation.
The vitrification of radioactive materials is generally more complicated than the process used for remediation of underground pollution. For example, one company outlines its process as involving steps in which waste is converted to powder, then glass-making materials are added before the combination is melted and cooled. Another important difference is that vitrification does not provide completely safe storage for radioactive materials. This process is believed to limit radioactive leakage. However, the vitrified blocks are still considered radioactive.
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