Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A polymer modified asphalt (PMA) includes a modifier material mixed with hot asphalt to form a modified asphalt mixture and in which a gelatinous carrier material is mixed with an acidic activator material and a curing agent to form a solid crosslinking agent. The solid crosslinking agent is mixed with the modified asphalt mixture to produce a modified asphalt material having improved rheological characteristics which prevents gel and lump formation in PMA.

Abstract: A polymer modified asphalt (PMA) includes a modifier material mixed with hot asphalt to form a modified asphalt mixture and in which a gelatinous carrier material is mixed with an acidic activator material and a curing agent to form a solid crosslinking agent. The solid crosslinking agent is mixed with the modified asphalt mixture to produce a modified asphalt material having improved rheological characteristics which prevents gel and lump formation in PMA.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A method for making a modified polymer is characterized by re-capsulating the polymer via extrusion. A cross-linking agent is mixed with particles of synthetic rubber material to form a mixture which is then heated and delivered to an extrusion device. The extrusion device further heats the mixture and produces strands of modified polymer material which are cooled and pelletized to form small pellets of re-capsulated modified polymer. A partitioning or anti-blocking agent is added to the pellets to prevent re-agglomerization of the modified polymer. When mixed with asphalt for a sufficient period of time, a modified polymer asphalt is produced with enhanced rheological properties for high and low temperatures.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: A modifier material and method for making the same is characterized by the addition of a partitioning agent to a polymer material such as synthetic rubber to prevent reagglomeration of the rubber. The partitioning agent reduces the time required to disperse the modifier material in a material to be modified and also reduces the viscosity of the modified material so that the modified material is easier to handle. The partitioning agent preferably includes a mixture of phenyl formaldehyde resin and precipitated silica gel.

Abstract: A method for making a modified polymer is characterized by re-capsulating the polymer via extrusion. A cross-linking agent is mixed with particles of synthetic rubber material to form a mixture which is then heated and delivered to an extrusion device. The extrusion device further heats the mixture and produces strands of modified polymer material which are cooled and pelletized to form small pellets of re-capsulated modified polymer. A partitioning or anti-blocking agent is added to the pellets to prevent re-agglomerization of the modified polymer. When mixed with asphalt, a modified polymer asphalt is produced with enhanced Theological properties for high and low temperatures.

Abstract: A fuel resistant binder is characterized by the addition of a carrier curing agent to a modified, unmodified or emulsified asphalt material formed of a mixture of hot, cold or emulsified asphalt and carrier and activator materials. The carrier curing agent preferably is a polyurethane moisture curing solution. A cross-linking material and aggregate are also mixed with the binder to form a material suitable for patching cracks and holes in pavement and the like. The activator assists the polymer material in linking with the asphalt while the carrier prevents the formation of gel or lumps within the asphalt. The carrier curing agent resists the penetration of fuel into the binder.

Abstract: A fuel resistant binder is characterized by the addition of a carrier curing agent to a modified, unmodified or emulsified asphalt material formed of a mixture of hot, cold or emulsified asphalt and carrier and activator materials. The carrier curing agent preferably is a polyurethane moisture curing solution. A cross-linking material and aggregate are also mixed with the binder to form a material suitable for patching cracks and holes in pavement and the like. The activator assists the polymer material in linking with the asphalt while the carrier prevents the formation of gel or lumps within the asphalt. The carrier curing agent resists the penetration of fuel into the binder.

Abstract: A modifier material and method for making the same is characterized by the addition of a partitioning agent to a polymer material such as synthetic rubber to prevent reagglomeration of the rubber. The partitioning agent reduces the time required to disperse the modifier material in a material to be modified and also reduces the viscosity of the modified material so that the modified material is easier to handle. The partitioning agent preferably includes a mixture of phenyl formaldehyde resin and precipitated silica gel.

Abstract: A modifier material and method for making the same is characterized by the addition of a partitioning agent to a polymer material such as synthetic rubber to prevent reagglomeration of the rubber. The partitioning agent reduces the time required to disperse the modifier material in a material to be modified and also reduces the viscosity of the modified material so that the modified material is easier to handle.

Abstract: A modified asphalt and method for making the same is characterized by the addition of a partitioning agent to a polymer modifier material such as synthetic rubber to prevent reagglomeration of the rubber. The partitioning agent reduces the time required to disperse the modifier material in asphalt to be modified and also reduces the viscosity of the modified asphalt so that the modified asphalt is easier to handle.

Abstract: A polymer modified asphalt is characterized by the addition of a carrier material such as mineral oil. The carrier material is mixed with an activator material and then added to a hot mixture of polymer and asphalt. The activator assists the polymer material in linking with the asphalt while the carrier prevents the formation of gel or lumps within the asphalt. The modified asphalt retains its rheological and solubility characteristics.

Abstract: A polymer modified asphalt is characterized by the addition of a carrier material such as mineral oil. The carrier material is mixed with an activator material and then added to a hot mixture of polymer and asphalt. The activator assists the polymer material in linking with the asphalt while the carrier prevents the formation of gel or lumps within the asphalt. The modified asphalt retains its rheological and solubility characteristics.

Abstract: A compatibilizer and process for use in making crumb rubber modified asphalt. The compatibilizer causes the crumb rubber to completely interact with the asphalt, thereby improving the rheological properties of the asphalt and reducing the tendency of pavement made with the asphalt to ravel. The compatibilizer has as its reactive component one or more glycidyl groups; its polymeric backbone can be ethylenic, styrenic, or acrylic or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing modified asphalt is characterized by adding a dispersion agent such as furfural or vegetable oil to a modifier material and then mixing the modifier material with asphalt. The dispersion agent facilitates dispersion of the modifier through the asphalt to form a homogeneous mixture. A first activator is added to the mixture to produce a devulcanized and stabilized asphalt material having improved rheological, separation and solubility characteristics. A micro activator is also added to the mixture to improve the ductility of the modified asphalt. The modifier material comprises granular crumb rubber or polymer.