U.S. EPA Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program
On-Site Solidification Technology Funderburk and Associates (Formerly HAZCON)

Abstract

HAZCON, Inc. (now Funderburk and Associates, Apollo Beach, Florida), developed an on-site solidification process designed to treat soils with up to 25% organics. A key feature of the HAZCON process is a special patented nontoxic additive, Chloranan, which is claimed to neutralize the inhibiting effects that organic contaminants have on the hydration of cement-based materials. The technology is applicable to solid wastes containing heavy metals and high concentrations (up to 25 percent) of oil. Soils, sludges, and sediments can be treated either in-situ or ex-situ. The process involves mixing hazardous waste material and cement with Chloranan. As the mixture cures, the metals and organics are immobilized and bound by encapsulation into a hardened, leach-resistant, concrete-like mass. The process was demonstrated in October 1987 at a former waste oil processing plant in Douglassville, Pennsylvania. The site soil contained high levels of oil and grease (250,000 parts per million [ppm]) and heavy metals (22,000 ppm lead), and low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) (100 ppm) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) (75 ppm). The major objectives of the SITE demonstration were to evaluate the HAZCON solidification technology in the following areas: (1) ability to immobilize site contaminants; and (2) probable long-term stability and integrity of the solidified mass. Samples were taken prior to treatment and after treatment at intervals of 7 days, 28 days, 9 months, and 22 months. The physical test results indicated a UCS between 220 and 1,570 psi. Low permeabilities (10-9 cm/sec) were recorded, and the porosity of the treated wastes was moderate. Durability test results showed no change in physical strength after the wet and dry and freeze and thaw cycles. The waste volume increased by about 120 percent. The results of the leaching tests were mixed. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) results for the stabilized wastes showed that concentrations of metals, VOCs, and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) were below 1 ppm. Lead concentrations in leachate decreased by a factor of 200 to below 100 parts per billion. VOC and SVOC concentrations in the TCLP leachate were not affected by treatment. Oil and grease concentrations were greater in the treated waste TCLP leachate (4 ppm) than in the untreated waste TCLP leachate (less than 2 ppm). Economics analysis of the process suggests a cost range between $97 and $206/ton for the treatment of similar wastes at various throughputs and on-stream factors.

Posted July 12, 1999

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