Estimation of retorted phosphor powder from spent fluorescent lamps by thermal process.

The degree of thermal stabilization of phosphor powder from spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs) manufactured by three companies (A, B, C) was estimated by examining mercury content in phosphor powder with retorting time, retorting temperature and rotational speed of drum. Mercury content of phosphor powders from spent fluorescent lamps manufactured by A, B and C companies as samples in thermal experiments was 4031 mg/kg, 3522 mg/kg and 3172 mg/kg, respectively. In the thermal experiments, the optimal conditions for retorting time, retorting temperature, and rotational speed were determined at 6h, 400°C, and 2.

Characteristics of mercury emission from linear type of spent fluorescent lamp.

In order to recycle the linear type of SFL (spent fluorescent lamp), mercury from SFL should be controlled to prevent leaking into the environment. For mercury emission from SFL, mercury concentration is estimated in the parts of SFL such as glass tube, phosphor powder, and base cap using the end-cutting unit. It is also evaluated mercury emission in the effluent gas in the end-cutting unit with changing flow rate.

Clinical characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma less than or equal to 5 mm on ultrasonography.

Management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma sized ≤5 mm identified on ultrasonography is controversial. In this study, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma sized ≤5 mm on ultrasonography in comparison to those >5 mm and sought to present rationales for optimal management in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma ≤5 mm. The medical records of 396 patients who underwent surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.