Abstract: A decontamination system for particulate matter is provided. The system has a fluid treatment chamber within which three screw-type augers operate to mix hydrocarbon laden soil with treating fluid for removing the hydrocarbon therefrom. The treating fluid is maintained in a fluid reservoir and is circulated into and out of the treatment chamber. The fluid is heated by a direct and an indirect heater. The hydrocarbons are released from the soil and allowed to float to the top where they collect and are removed for recycle or disposal. The decontaminated soil is removed from the treating fluid by a drag slat conveyor that permits excess treating fluid to drain therefrom and be collected for reuse in the decontamination system. A cyclone separator is included to spin off suspended fines within the recovered treating fluid. Optionally, a fluid press may be employed to compress additional amounts of treating fluid from the decontaminated matter.

Abstract: Metal hydride compositions comprise a mixture of (a) from about 1 to about 10 parts, by molecular weight, of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, tin and zinc; (b) from about 1 to about 3 parts, by molecular weight, of an alkali metal hydroxide; and (c) from about 5 to about 10 parts, by molecular weight, of water. These compositions may be used in various applications, including, among others, methods for separating coal fines from coal fine waste slurries, methods for cleaning and desludging hydrocarbon storage tanks, methods for providing fire-retardant properties to composite materials and methods for providing corrosion protection to metal parts.

Abstract: A solar energy collector panel adapted to be mounted on a rooftop for heating air forced therethrough. The panel is rectangular in form and outwardly opens. A closure member is affixed to the outermost peripheral edge portion of the housing and forms a thermal barrier through which solar energy can travel into the interior of the housing, while thermal energy is restricted from traveling therefrom. The panel includes a plurality of parallel, adjacent, spaced-apart, series connected tunnels, each having a multiplicity of heat transfer members which absorb solar energy from the sun and dissipate thermal energy to air flowing thereacross. A blower pulls air from an outlet formed in the panel and directs the air into an enclosure. Cool air is received by an inlet formed in the panel and travels in series relationship through each of the tunnels so that thermal energy is transferred into the air as the air travels along a torturous path through the panel.