Mobile Asbestos Decontamination By Microwave Hybrid Heating

Abstract

Within the European project "New Safe and Cost Effective Techniques Against Asbestos Risks" different methods for decontamination of asbestos in asbestos containing wastes, abbreviated as ACW from building industry were investigated. A mobile asbestos decontamination unit was developed, aiming at the complete disintegration of asbestos fibres on-site. The process is based on a chemo-thermal treatment. Disintegration of fibres is achieved by addition of chemical reactants at temperatures of 300 to 500 °C. Heating is performed by a combination of microwave and infra-red heating devices. Microscopic and phase analysis show a complete destruction of asbestos fibres.