Abstract: A hearth for use in a thermal processor or incinerator includes a substantially planar grate which is inclined upwardly and which is vibrated in such a way that material deposited on the input end of the grate moves upwardly toward the output end thereof. A dam in the form of a raised wall at the beginning of the grate prevents liquids and other materials from spilling off. A plurality of openings passing through the grate allow combustion air to pass therethrough from below. Located beneath the hearth is an ash bin in the form of a plenum which catches and accumulates ashes that fall through the air openings in the grate. Air forced into the plenum is used to clean out the ash by opening an outlet port at the end thereof.

Abstract: A pyrolysis chamber includes a bath of molten salt divided by a horizontally disposed baffle into an upper layer and a lower layer. Connected to one end of the chamber is a furnace including submerged burners for heating the salt and for maintaining it in its molten state. The molten salt flows from the furnace across the upper bath layer and back to the furnace in the lower layer. Hydrocarbon containing material is fed onto the upper bath layer and is pyrolyzed as it moves toward the discharge end of the chamber where the spent material is removed; the hydrocarbon gases being recovered by an exhaust system in the chamber. The molten salt acts as a seal between the atmospheres of the furnace and the pyrolysis chamber and also functions to remove pollutants from the combustion gases of the burners in the furnace.

Abstract: A hazardous materials incineration system is disclosed which includes a solid waste combustor of the inclined, oscillating or rocking type and a liquid waste combustor suitable to incinerate wastes in liquid form. The combustion products from both the solid waste combustor and the liquid waste combustor are fed to an afterburner which is equipped with burners to maintain elevated temperatures throughout the length of the afterburner chamber. The products of combustion exit the afterburner into a conditioning unit which eliminates larger particulate matter, cools the combustion products and releases certain additives into the moving gas stream prior to entry into a baghouse. All neutralized salts are withdrawn at the baghouse and the gaseous baghouse effluent is directed to a further aqueous liquor contact apparatus prior to exhausting to atmosphere through a forced draft stack system.