How is the AJT vitrification process different than similar processes that have not been successful in the past?
Past vitrification processes have attempted to encapsulate the toxic material into the glass itself. This has not generally been successful because over a period of time, because of a number of circumstances, the toxic material “leaks” or leaches out of the glass. This leaked material, or leachate as it is named, can severely contaminate ground water or cause other problems. The AJT Process, however, does not trap the toxic material into the glass. The heat of the arc furnace makes it possible to decompose hazardous material or to vaporize it and drive the fumes and vapors from the glass. The gases driven off are captured in the Air Emissions System and prevented from entering the atmosphere. Therefore, the glass or aggregate produced by the AJT Process has no trapped internal contamination in to leach out at a later time.
