Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for purging oxygen from a sealed container interior and a purge substance used in such method. The method is exemplified herein in an improved batch process and apparatus for the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon containing material in a sealed reactor interior. According to the present invention the improved batch process may comprise, 1) loading the hydrocarbon containing material into and sealing the reactor, 2) purging or expelling oxygen from said reactor, and 3) heating said reactor to a predetermined temperature so as to obtain decomposition products, the improvement residing in the purging step including loading the reactor with an oxyphilic solution prior to sealing and heating the interior of the sealed reactor to a predetermined temperature to induce the oxyphilic solution to drive oxygen out of the interior of the container through said gas evacuation component.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for purging oxygen from a sealed container interior and a purge substance used in such method. The method is exemplified herein in an improved batch process and apparatus for the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbon containing material in a sealed reactor interior. According to the present invention the improved batch process may comprise, 1) loading the hydrocarbon containing material into and sealing the reactor, 2) purging or expelling oxygen from said reactor, and 3) heating said reactor to a predetermined temperature so as to obtain decomposition products, the improvement residing in the purging step including loading the reactor with an oxyphilic solution prior to sealing and heating the interior of the sealed reactor to a predetermined temperature to induce the oxyphilic solution to drive oxygen out of the interior of the container through said gas evacuation component.

Abstract: A pyrolysis batch process is disclosed for recycling hydrocarbon containing used material such as plastics including ABS, polystyrene styrene and other non-chlorinated hydrocarbons, car fluff such as solid plastics, foam plastics, fabrics and the like, and more particularly scrap tires so as to obtain useful light oil and fuel gases. Used tire cuttings are loaded into a rotatable reactor which is closed, evacuated, rotated and heated until exothermic reaction is initiated. The reactor internal pressure is then allowed to increase to and is regulated within the range of atmospheric pressure and above. Upon continuing reactor rotation and heating, condensable hydrocarbon vapors and gaseous hydrocarbons are produced. The vapors are condensed into oil while the gaseous hydrocarbons are used as a fuel for reactor heating.

Abstract: This apparatus can effect pyrolysis of hydrocarbon containing material at high temperature of 400.degree. to 500.degree. C. and under vacuum in consecutive batches. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum rotatable at a variable speed about a horizontal axis and spacedly surrounded by a heat insulating sheath; a gas burner heats the rotating drum along its entire length from the exterior of the same; a chimney communicates with the space between the drum and the sheath, which has ventilation openings closable by trap doors; the drum is supported by bearings so to allow its axial thermal expansion. A manifold system of filters is stationarily mounted within the rotating drum to filter out fine solid residues from the pyrolytic gases and vapors. This manifold is connected to a discharge tube which exits from one end of the drum and is fitted with a sealing joint to seal the drum around the stationary discharge tube.