Patent ID: 6096227
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: B03B,B09C

Abstract:
A method of treating industrial sludge comprising substrate particles contaminated with hydrocarbon compounds of high molecular weight to recover hydrocarbon compounds of lower molecular weight therefrom, comprising the steps of:a) introducing said industrial sludge into a treated aqueous solution to form a fluidized solid particulate material;b) first separating a first liquid effluent containing a first amount of hydrocarbon compounds from said fluidized material, a second amount of high molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds remaining with said fluidized material;c) adding an amount of hydrogen peroxide to said fluidized material, said amount being sufficient to lyse said remaining high molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds to form lower molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds and being insufficient to oxidize said compounds to carbon dioxide;d) lysing by oxidation at ambient pressure and at a temperature less than 100.degree. C. at least a portion of said remaining high molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds to form lower molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds; ande) second separating said lower molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds from said fluidized material.