Before Stablex accepts waste or soil for treatment and disposal at the facility, samples are intensively analyzed to ensure safe handling and to formulate an optimal treatment recipe. Once approved, shipment may be scheduled. After arrival at the plant, wastes are re-analyzed to confirm their identity, chemically treated to reduce leachability of the contaminants, and then mixed with stabilizing agents.
Our unique process consists of 6 steps:
- Characterization
- Physical treatment
- Chemical treatment
- Precipitation
- Stabilization
- Placement
Pre-acceptance characterization
From laboratory analyses, we draw up a profile of the chemical and physical properties of the residue, allowing us to validate its admissibility and a specific treatment.
Physical treatment
Hazardous materials come in different forms. If necessary, their size must be reduced by grinding or shredding. This process helps the release of contaminants, thus enabling the chemical reactants to work more efficiently.
Chemical treatment
Then, a specific chemical treatment (oxidation, reduction, neutralization) is applied to minimize the chemical activity existing in the residue.
Precipitation
This phase reduces the toxicity of the residue by making the contaminants insoluble through precipitation. The subsequent effectiveness of stabilization and fixation depends on this step.
Stabilization and fixation
The addition of raw materials to pre-treated residues creates a matrix that stabilizes the previously deactivated and precipitated elements. The resulting compound, called the stablex product, is environmentally stable.
Placement and solidification
Stablex is deposited in specially designed placement cells to minimize the possibility of environmental contamination. When cured, stablex has a compressive strength comparable to that of lightweight concrete. Finally, the placement cell is covered for added environmental protection.