Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides apparatus and a process for removing mercury from solid waste material. The solid waste material is placed in a vacuum chamber. The chamber is heated above the vaporization temperature of mercury. A vacuum condition is formed and then, while the temperature is maintained above the vaporization temperature of mercury, an inert gas is placed in the vacuum chamber. During this heating period, the pressure in the vacuum chamber is periodically varied from a maximum to a minimum. The apparatus utilized is a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump, and a pipe that contains a mercury condenser. The pipe also functions through a side inlet as a means for introducing the inert gas into the vacuum chamber, while the vacuum pump is closed off. A control unit for controlling the alternate periods of mercury vapor withdrawal and inert gas introduction into the vacuum chamber is provided.

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First Claim