Stabilisation - Vitrification

Vitrification uses heat to melt (at very high temperature, above melting point, e.g. 1,500° to 2,300°C) the waste, then decrease abruptly the temperature to solidify harmful chemicals in a solid mass of glasslike material. It can be applied on soil in-situ (in-situ vitrification or ISV) and ground in a treatment unit (ex-situ).

Ultimate waste from pollution (e.g. polluted soils, solid waste)

Equipment can be imported and installed. Transportable vitrification systems exist.

Contaminants is stabilized and solidified in a glasslike material, with better long term performance than other solidification means (hydraulic binding agent).

Complete characterization of the candidate waste stream is essential, before initiating either in-situ or ex-situ vitrification, to determine what glass forms are already present in the waste and what additional glass stabilizers and fluxes need to be added.
Debris greater than 60 mm in diameter typically must be removed prior to processing.

Use, storage, or disposal of the vitrified slag is required.
High level of heat/ energy is required.

Concerns include the durability of the vitrified waste. Although, vitrified waste, as compared to a grouted or cemented waste form, are expected to be more stable over longer periods due to the corrosion resistance of glass.
The heat used to melt the soil can also destroy some of the harmful chemicals and cause others to evaporate. The evaporated chemicals must be captured and treated.

Related to waste management and disposal (for the glass like material) and to gas emission and treatment during vitrification.

Vitrification is a proven technology that has been employed during various oil spills.
However, very high level of energy is required, which leads to high costs.

OPEX: from 150 to 230 Euros/ ton (Source: KOLLER), depending on the size and capabilities of the installation, to more than 300 Euros/ ton for specific waste.