Abstract: A self-sustaining system for converting organic waste feedstreams into usable solid and gas end products includes a plurality of interconnected retorts, an apparatus for flash pyrolyzing the feedstream to form intermediate gas and solid products, a source for introducing a water spray to refine and cool the intermediate products, a device for separating the gas product from the solid product and a device for regenerating, and thereby further refining, the solid product. In a self-sustaining process, wastes which would otherwise be landfilled are converted to an activated carbon product and a combustible gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and lower hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A self-sustaining system and process for converting organic waste feedstreams into usable solid and gas end products includes a plurality of interconnected retorts, an apparatus for flash pyrolyzing the feedstream to form intermediate gas and solid products, a means for introducing a water spray to refine and cool the intermediate products, a means for separating the gas product from the solid product and a means for regenerating, and thereby further refining, the solid product. In a self-sustaining process, wastes which would otherwise be landfilled are converted to an activated carbon product and a combustible gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and lower hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Pyrolytic apparatus for the rapid and efficient thermal dissociation of matter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a concentric tubular arrangement of high thermal conductivity in a heat sink configuration; inlet members for heat and feedstock; outlet members for solids, gases and heat exhaust; and a plurality of annular passages through which heat is brought into heat transfer relationship with an interior pyrolytic retort section for the dissociation of matter conveyed therein into solid, liquid and gaseous by-products. Provisions are made for the separate liberation of steam produced by the simultaneous interfacing of superheated steam and product gas during pyrolytic decomposition of high moisture content feedstocks. Additional hydrocarbons from the product gas evoluted in the pyrolytic retort section are provided by diversion of the gas to an annulus flanked on either side by adjacent annuli conveying the heat source supply to exit.