Process To Destroy Structures Composed Of Metallic Parts Fused/Attached To Asbestos

Abstract

The present invention concerns processes to break up a structure made of metallic parts covered by asbestos. The process according to the present invention is essentially characterized by the fact that its implementation involves the following successive steps: cutting up of the structure by a laser beam or oxyacetylene torch to obtain fragments, coating of the cut fragments, and melting of the coated fragments in a closed furnace. Its application is especially for the destruction of asbestos covered metallic parts of large volume structures such as ships.

1 . A process for destroying a structure made of metallic parts covered with asbestos, characterized by the fact that its implementation involves the following successive steps:
 cutting up the structure using a laser beam to obtain fragments,   coating the fragments, and   melting the coated fragments in a closed furnace.   
     
     
         2 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the coating of the fragments is obtained by enclosing the fragments in a blister or by spraying on these fragments a coat of varnish. 
     
     
         3 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the laser generator is a powerful laser, the power of which is between about 5 and 50 kWh. 
     
     
         4 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the furnace is a plasma furnace able to produce a temperature between about 1400 and 4500 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         5 . The process according to  claim 4 , wherein the furnace is equipped with a lock-chamber to prevent heat from sending particles outside when opening a chamber of the furnace.