The MMT 3000 is an Alternative Technology treatment system used in conjunction with a dry proprietary powder chemical, Cold-Ster.
The system is designed to accept all types of waste generally found in a medical waste stream excluding radioactive materials. The types of waste acceptable for treatment in the MMT 3000 is regulated medical waste as defined by state regulations. In accordance with the STAAT II document (State and Territorial Association on Alternative Treatment Technologies, 1998), it has been our Companies experience that the typical medical waste stream is composed of 5% organic and 95% plastics, cellulose and glass. In addition, on average, there is 15% liquid in a normal medical waste stream.
The waste is transferred into the specifically designed waste bin. The waste is scanned for radioactive material and upon clearance; the waste is weighed and electronically recorded. The operator then engages the hydraulic lift system and the waste bin is lifted and dumped into the waste hopper. There is a hydraulic door on the waste hopper that opens automatically to receive the waste and closes automatically as the waste is transitioned into the grinding chambers.
After the waste hopper lid closes, the Cold-Ster hopper releases the Cold-Ster at a pre-measured 7.5% to weight of waste ratio and a water spray is automatically engaged to assist in the activation of the Cold-Ster. Once moisture comes in contact with the active ingredient in Cold-Ster, (Calcium Oxide), via the water spray provided in the system and the actual liquid in the waste stream, Calcium Hydroxide is produced. This mixture generates a near-boiling temperature and a pH value of about 11 to 12.5. The mode of action of Cold-Ster is a strong reducing agent, i.e. strong alkali, to denature proteins and other biochemicals.
The waste travels through the top treatment chamber where the teeth begin to grind and cut the waste while simultaneously mixing it with the activated Cold-Ster. The waste then drops from this treatment chamber and into the secondary treatment chamber where the mixing of Cold-Ster and the grinding action continues. The grinding in the secondary treatment chamber is at a significantly accelerated pace and reduces the original volume by more than 70%. The treated waste is then exited up through the exit auger where it must travel past a pH probe. The pH probe constantly measures the pH throughout the entire processing cycle and is recorded, along with the weights and times each load was dumped, on a printout that is given to the client after each run. The system is designed toallow for a pH reading range of 11 to 12.5. Any reading lower or higher than these specified parameters will result in an automatic shutdown of the lift system and out augers. The operators follow written procedures to appropriately handle the out of range waste and reinitiate the system.
The treated waste exits through the out augers directly into a compactor. The waste is reduced in volume by as much as 70% and there are no measurable air or wastewater emissions. The treated waste is characterized by its grayish color and odor-free scent. The waste is slightly moist to the touch and thoroughly unrecognizable.
