Abstract: An installation for generating power, comprising a main combustion chamber for burning fossil fuels, having means for generating steam; at least one thermal pre-processing chamber for processing carbonaceous materials; and a guiding duct for guiding the flue gases of at least one thermal pre-processing chamber to the main combustion chamber. The airflow in the thermal pre-processing chamber is toroidal. The thermal pre-processing chamber comprises an annular series of blades, a device for generating an air flow through the series of blades, a burner located under the series of blades, a cone shaped element in the center of the series of blades. The guiding duct has particle removal means, which are arranged to remove particles down to a size wherein the particles do not disturb processes in the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incinerator for removing toxic substances contained in a flue gas. That is, there is here disclosed an incinerator for removing toxic substances in which a removal section for removing the toxic substances generated from a burning section is connected to the burning section for burning incineration substances, and an air flow of from the burning section to the removal section is prepared by a suction type negative pressure means or by an air duct type negative pressure means, so that a negative pressure condition is always maintained in the burning section.

Abstract: A distributing valve device for a heat accumulation type combustion system comprising a stationary valve mounted on an underside of a housing having six or more passages defined by partition walls provided therein at predetermined intervals, and having heat accumulators arranged in the passages, the stationary valve having six or more openings formed therein at an equal interval in circumferential direction of the stationary valve which communicate with the respective passages, and a rotary valve disposed in opposed relation on the stationary valve and having an exhaust gas supply opening, a treated gas discharge opening, and a purge gas supply opening formed therein sequentially in this order and at predetermined intervals in a direction of rotation of the rotary valve, wherein a seal member is arranged on a surface of the stationary valve in opposed relation to the rotary valve such that the seal member surrounds the each opening of the stationary valve, and a closed portion defined between the adjacent ope

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning pollutant-laden waste gas by regenerative thermal afterburning has two towers (1, 2) each divided into three heat-retaining chambers (14 to 16 and 17 to 19) by vertical partitions (10 to 13). Two opposite heat-retaining chambers (14 to 16 and 17 to 19) of the towers (1, 2) are connected by one switching chamber (26, 27, 28) in each case, said chambers being disposed between a loaded gas supply channel (29) and a clean gas removal channel (23). For alternately supplying loaded gas to two opposite heat-retaining chambers of the towers and removing clean gas from two other opposite heat-retaining chambers of the towers, each switching chamber (26, 27, 28) is adapted to be connected alternatively with the loaded gas supply channel (29) and the clean gas removal channel (23) by shut-off devices (50, 52, 53) operated with a control unit.

Abstract: A combustor system provides high temperature, high-dwell combustion of emission products, as from charcoal kilns, with inner and outer combustion chambers. Multiple inlets receive emission products from multiple heat exchangers omnidirectionally extending for continuous heat exchange connection between the combustor and emission sources. Hot products of combustion are delivered to each heat exchanger, each with multiple ducts in mutual heat exchange relationship including at least a hot products of combustion duct for receiving at the proximal end hot products of combustion from an outlet of the outer chamber, and conveying the hot products of combustion to the distal end at a respective emission source, an emissions inlet duct for receiving emission products at the distal end from the emission source, and a return products of combustion duct for receiving at the distal end the hot products of combustion and returning them to the combustor.

Abstract: A preferred waste treatment system and method employs multiple reactor zones for processing heterogeneous waste. In one embodiment, the reactor system (10) includes the following components: first (12) and second (14) solid waste feed subsystems; a liquid waste feed subsystem (16); a plasma torch or gas burner (18) for heating a preliminary vitrification chamber (20) of the reactor system (10); a joule effect heater (22) for heating a vitrification chamber (24); a gaseous effluent processing subsystem (26); first (30) and second (32) slag discharge processing subsystems; and a bulk processing unit (400), including a loading and/or cooling area (406), a waste destruction chamber (408) heated to temperatures between about 250° F. and 2100° F.; a conveying mechanism (418) between the loading area (406) and the waste destruction chamber (408). In an alternative embodiment, each of the reactor zones is heated by joule effect heaters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low-NOx combustion of a pulverized solid fuel in which combustion products from a partial oxidation combustor are mixed with a pulverized solid fuel, thereby preheating the pulverized solid fuel and resulting in devolatilization of at least a portion of the pulverized solid fuel. The preheated pulverized solid fuel and the devolatilization products are then burned in a burner firing directly into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A process for the incineration of particulate solids, especially biological waste matter with low caloric value, feeds the solids into a combustion chamber of a furnace together with a sub-stoichiometric amount of fresh air to control the rate of combustion and to inhibit the formation of sintered ash. The furnace for implementing the process can be a cyclone furnace having a primary combustion chamber with a first feed inlet for the solids and air and a second air inlet positioned between the first inlet and an exhaust gas outlet. A supply tube extends through the exhaust gas outlet of the primary combustion chamber to supply a source of fresh air at ambient temperature to maintain the primary combustion chamber at a desired temperature. The fresh air maintains the furnace temperature at least at about 850° C. and generally at about 850° C. to less than about 1100° C.

Abstract: A method and reactor for processing fuels with a wide particle size distribution, particularly for flame combustion. The fuel is blown tangentially with the aid of an airflow into a swirl chamber containing a burning mass, thus creating a vortex, from the center of which a flow of material is led out of the swirl chamber. The vortex created by the feed of the fuel-air mixture and the diameter of the outlet flow are arranged to create a selective delay for coarse particles, so that the size of the particles is reduced, through mechanical treatment caused by evaporation, pyrolysis, and collision, to become smaller than the desired limit value, before they escape from the swirl chamber. The temperature of the cylindrical jacket of the swirl chamber is held below the melting point of the ash.

Abstract: A refuse incinerating oven includes a refuse loading car, and a furnace body with lower and upper combustion chambers. The car is conveyed through the furnace body such that refuse loaded on the car can be ignited in the lower combustion chamber. The combustion exhaust generated in the lower combustion chamber flows into and is heated in the upper combustion chamber. A spraying tank is communicated with the upper combustion chamber for receiving the combustion exhaust. Water mist is sprayed to the combustion exhaust in the spraying tank so as to generate aerated water. The aerated water and the combustion exhaust flowing from the spraying tank are cooled as they flow into a reservoir. The aerated water is pumped from the reservoir to an upper end of a waterfall tank so as to generate a downwardly cascading water stream inside the waterfall tank. An exhaust port unit is connected to the upper end of the waterfall tank for sucking and releasing the combustion exhaust.

Abstract: The firing performance of a radial, scroll, or vortex cyclone furnace can be improved when firing difficult to burn materials having a relatively low heating value or a relatively high moisture content, such as sub-bituminous and lignite coals. This can be achieved by introducing additionally heated primary air into the burner of the radial and vortex cyclone furnace or separately introducing preheated or additionally heated auxiliary air into the scroll burner. Moreover, additionally heated tertiary air can be introduced into the radial and scroll burners to further improve firing performance. Moreover, additionally heated primary air can be mixed with the coal before introducing the mixture into the scroll burner to further improve firing performance.

Abstract: A waste tire incinerating and post-treatment system in which waste tires are continuously and efficiently burned. The system includes a waste tire reservoir tank, a hoist, a conveyor system, a tire-size sensing system, an incinerating part, a waste oil purifying part, a waste gas purifying part, and an incineration residual material treating part. Waste tires are accumulated in a waste tire reservoir tank before their incineration. A hoist transfers the waste tires from the waste tank reservoir to a conveyor system. The conveyor system conveys waste tires to an incinerating part. A sensing system senses the size of individual tires on the conveyor system to create tire size data. This size data is used to control and optimize the rate of feeding the waste tires into the incinerating furnace. The incinerating part further includes a material removal mechanism for removing incineration residual materials.

Abstract: A method for incineration and an incinerator for composition of exhaust gases containing organic substances, the incinerator comprising an elongated, preferably cylindrical combustion chamber, an oil or gas fired burner with a flame-tube axially centrally at one end of the combustion chamber, a flue gas outlet pipe provided at the end of the combustion chamber opposite to the burner for the flue gases produced during incineration, and an inlet conduit connected to the side of the combustion chamber for the exhaust gases to be decomposed, wherein the inlet feed pipe opens or discharges in the combustion chamber in proximity to the burner. The incinerator is characterized by a conduction/deflection plate (36), adjacent the input conduit (24), for pre-heating the exhaust gases flowing by.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a primary combustion chamber divided into left and right sides by fuel-retaining standards defining a canyon or void extending into a secondary combustion chamber is provided. The floor of the primary combustion chamber and the fuel-retaining standards direct the burning solid fuel toward the lower part of the canyon, while at the same time retaining the non-burning solid fuel on either side of the fuel-retaining standards. The combustion system further includes an air delivery system having a lower air tube supplying high and low velocity air and an upper air tube. The lower air tube is positioned proximate to a firebox floor, while the upper air tube is positioned within the secondary chamber. Automatic air setting mechanisms are provided so that proper air settings can be maintained during various phases of a fire.

Abstract: A two chamber regenerative thermal oxidizer has a pair of poppet valves actuated by an eccentric mechanical drive assembly having a single drive shaft. Gas flow through the RTO is reversed by the simultaneous opening and closing of the poppet valves. Deceleration of the valve discs is controlled using a variable speed motor to reduce valve damage. In another configuration, the mechanical eccentric drive controls two sets of butterfly valves in an RTO.

Abstract: In a method of incinerating waste material in a parallel flow process wherein hot exhaust gases are conducted above a combustion chamber grate in the same direction as the material is moved on the grate, different temperatures zones are maintained to which air is admitted from the bottom through the grate such that a temperature of less than 900.degree. C. is maintained in a first zone which is a drying zone, a temperature of about 1000.degree. C. is maintained in a second zone which is an evaporization and vaporizing zone, a temperature of about 900.degree. C. is maintained to in a third zone, which is the final combustion zone and a temperature less than 900.degree. C. is maintained in a fourth zone which is a sintering zone. Additional air is supplied to the combustion zones 1 through the side walls of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A furnace includes an enclosure and a hearth plate within the enclosure for supporting combustible material. The furnace further includes a first heater element adjacent the hearth plate for initial combustion of the combustible material, a filter disposed above the hearth plate for filtering uncombusted products of combustion of the combustible material, and a second heater element adjacent the filter for final combustion of the uncombusted products of combustion filtered by the filter. A filter bypass path has an inlet located in a lower portion of the enclosure and an outlet located between the filter and the second heater.

Abstract: A process for the production of heat energy from solid carbonaceous fuels is disclosed which comprises subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to substantially anaerobic pyrolysis in at least one first zone and thereafter transferring the char resulting from the pyrolysis to a second zone which is segregated from the first zone or zones. The char is subjected to gasification in the second zone by introduction of primary combustion air, optionally with steam and/or recycled exhaust gas. The off gases from the second zone and the pyrolysis gases from the first zone or zones are thereafter subjected to secondary combustion and the first zone or zones is heated by heat derived from the secondary combustion. Ash is removed from the bottom of the second zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for recovery of energy from a medium containing combustible substances even at low concentrations. The method is characterized by raising the temperature of the medium in a regenerative combustor such as a reversal flow direction combustion device wherein the combustion takes place in a warm zone, to the combustion temperature at which essentially all chemical energy of the combustible substances is transformed into thermal energy. The heated medium is then utilized for the production of a wanted form of energy.

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process gases utilizes a rotary regenerative oxidizer comprised of one or more heat exchange beds, each bed comprised of a parallel, axial, and longitudinal array of heat regenerative channels that thermally and/or catalytically oxidize contaminated gases. Utilizing a rotary regenerative oxidizer, and if desired, a plurality of heat regenerative beds incorporated therein, facilitates the use of regenerative technology at lower gas flow rates, increases thermal efficiency, and significantly reduces the floor space normally required when implementing fixed-bed nonrotary regenerative oxidizers. The heat exchange channels may be catalytically treated to enhance oxidation of the pollutants at a lower temperature.

Abstract: A waste treatment furnace includes a first waste treatment chamber with a first burner chamber communicating therewith, and a second waste treatment chamber with a second burner chamber communicating therewith. A common bottom wall is positioned under the first and second waste treatment chambers which is inclined downwardly from the first chamber to the second chamber to facilitate transfer of waste. Each burner chamber includes a burner and a plurality of protuberances disposed across its inner surface. The protuberances effectively reflect heat from the first and second burners so that the heater air in the first and second burner chambers is homogenized.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidation system for reducing the VOC content of asphalt vapors.

Abstract: A waste incinerator including separate burning-, blower-, chimney- and ash-receiving chambers. A suction-discharge port is provided in a wall between the burning chamber and the chimney chamber for discharging gases from the burning chamber through a chimney to the atmosphere. The chimney extends from the chimney chamber for discharging gases to the atmosphere. The chimney receives an air feed pipe from the blower and an ignition sleeve extends into the chimney for burning unconsumed waste gas. A vibrator vibrates an ash receiver in the ash receiving chamber, and a drying chamber may be provided for drying high moisture garbage by combustion gases from the burning chamber.

Abstract: A low-pollutant system for waste materials treatment includes a process chamber for converting organic components of the waste materials into a flammable gas and a two-stage vortex burning chamber for complete combustion of the flammable gas. The vortex burning chamber includes a first substantially-horizontal combustion chamber and a second substantially-vertical combustion chamber disposed at a right angle to each other and communicating therebetween. The first combustion chamber has an inlet portion for receiving the flammable combustion gas from the gas generator means for injecting primary air into the first combustion chamber, thereby forming a mixture of air and the flammable gas and thereby igniting the mixture for partial oxidation thereof.

Abstract: A method of quick purging beds of a regenerative fume incinerator which is practically applicable for use in 2, 3 and 4 bed incinerators. For a very short purge period near the end of an operating time cycle, the bed being switched from receiving impure gases to discharge of clean gas is purged of impure gases by being supplied with clean gas discharged by the incinerator. The quick purging takes less than 4% of the cycle time and thus inflow of impure gases is stopped for a very brief period when this quick purge method is used in a 2 bed incinerator. When using this quick purge method in a three or four bed regenerative fume incinerator there is always at least one bed receiving impure gases. This quick purge method improves the quality of the discharged clean gas without significant loss of thermal efficiency and without significant reduction in operating capacity.

Abstract: A wood pellet stove for efficiently burning wood pellets and especially burning pellets at low burns. The stove is accurately controlled by a control panel with a microprocessor which helps safely regulate air flow from a combustion air and exhaust gas fan. Also, the microprocessor helps control convection air flow from a convection air fan and regulate feed of wood pellets into a burn pot using a motorized auger. The microprocessor is further used to monitor inlet air temperature and exhaust gas temperature. The stove includes a stove housing with a fire box and a fire box access door in the front of the housing. The burn pot includes a burn grate and pit used for receiving and burning wood pellets. The burn pot is disposed on a fire box floor. A wood pellet hopper is disposed in the rear of the housing for holding wood pellets therein. The motorized auger is used for feeding the wood pellets into the burn pot.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse. Temperature is sensed within the bed of heat exchange media in order to monitor the temperature profile and control a bypass of hot combustion gases should the temperature exceed a predetermined level.

Abstract: A recycling system processes used oil filters on a continuous basis by shredding the oil filters and then incinerating the shreds in a rotary kiln. The shreds are fed into the upper end of an inclined rotating drum kiln. The shreds of combustible material and any oil are burnt to produce exhaust gases and ash particles. The remaining metal shreds are discharged at the lower end of the rotating drum through a first port. The exhaust gases and ash particles flow from the kiln through a first cyclone which separates out any heavy unburnable pieces. The remaining exhaust gases and ash particles then pass through an afterburner to further ensure complete combustion and minimize air pollution. A second cyclone separates the ash particles from the exhaust gases. An exhauster can be used to induce the flow of exhaust gases and ash particles from the kiln through the afterburner and cyclones. This system automatically separates metal shreds and incinerates the combustible materials and oil in the oil filters.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a melter housing having a pretreat chamber heated with a feed material heater that is partially isolated from a melter chamber. The method of the present invention has the steps of introducing feed material into a pretreat chamber and heating the feed material to a softening temperature of the feed material, and passing the pretreated feed material to a melter chamber.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer unit comprising two heat regenerator units in which a gas to be purified from VOCs passes through the units in an essentially horizontal direction.

Abstract: A furnace includes a high temperature heating source located within the cavity of the furnace which incinerates undesired effluents produced during the normal thermal processing of material. The heating source comprises one or more hot wires disposed within apertured tubes, which are at a temperature above the ignition point of the undesired effluents. As the effluents pass into the tube through the apertures, they are incinerated, thereby producing an exhaust that is generally pollution free. Additionally, the heat used during the incinerating of the undesired effluents fully provides the heating requirements of the furnace for the thermal processing of material.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for efficiently processing material, e.g. incinerating waste material, particularly dewatered waste water sludge, in a multiple hearth furnace by injecting high velocity jets of oxygen into the heating or drying zone of the furnace to augment turbulent gas-phase mixing, to aid in the burnout of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the gas phase to achieve lower emissions, to increase convection over the drying sludge to increase its drying rate, and to ignite the drying sludge to further increase its drying rate. The apparatus and method provides an increase in sludge throughput and a reduction in carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon emissions.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer to position a rotatable valve body relative to a lower fixed surface and an upper surface and support the valve body from the lower surface. However, the support and positioning provides for sealing engagement between the body and the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of assemblies, each secured to the lower surface engage an external and circumferential support flange on the valve body for accomplishing the support and positioning.

Abstract: A furnace includes a decomposition chamber configured to form a fire pit for controlled decomposition of combustible waste material, a preheat chamber connected to and located generally above the decomposition chamber, and an afterburn chamber operably connected to an outlet on the decomposition chamber. The decomposition chamber includes an inlet for allowing controlled input of air to the decomposition chamber to create an oxygen-starved environment. The outlet is positioned generally opposite the inlet on the decomposition chamber and adjacent the fire pit such that the gases from the preheat chamber and the decomposition chamber flow generally across the decomposition chamber and through the burning/decomposing waste materials in the fire pit. The afterburn chamber chamber operates with a vacuum such that the gases and vapors from the preheat chamber and the decomposition chamber are drawn through the fire pit such that they are treated by the hot decomposing matter in the fire pit.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cleaning exhaust air containing combustible components comprises at least one combustion chamber for thermally cleaning an exhaust fluid stream and at least two containers adapted for gases to flow therethrough and containing heat storage material for heating the exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned before it enters the combustion chamber and for receiving heat from the cleaned exhaust fluid stream exiting the combustion chamber. Each of the containers has at least one first opening for connecting the container interior to the combustion chamber and at least one second opening for supplying exhaust fluid stream to be cleaned to the container interior and for withdrawing the cleaned exhaust fluid stream from the container interior. The containers accommodating the heat storage substances can be flexibly configured and, if desired, arranged one behind the other in a row.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer in which contaminated air is first passed through a hot heat-exchange bed and into a communicating high temperature oxidation (combustion) chamber, and then through a relatively cool second heat exchange bed. The apparatus includes a number of internally insulated, ceramic filled heat recovery columns topped by an internally insulated combustion chamber. Process air is directed into heat exchange media in one of said columns via an annular distribution system, which allows for the uniform flow of gas in the apparatus, and greatly reduces the flushing volume. Oxidation is completed as the flow passes through the combustion chamber, where one or more burners are located. From the combustion chamber, the air flows vertically downward through another column containing heat exchange media, thereby storing heat in the media for use in a subsequent inlet cycle when the flow control valves reverse.

Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed. The gasifier comprises a primary chamber for receiving therein biomass waste material and other related volatile solids to be gasified. A fume transfer vent permits the escape of fumes from the primary chamber. A mixing chamber accepts the fumes from the fume transfer vent. The fumes then flow to an afterburner chamber where a burner member produces a heating flame so as to cause the additional full oxidization of the constituents of the fumes so as to oxidize the constituents. A partitioning wall is disposed between the flame chamber and the primary chamber so as to preclude the heating flame from entering the primary chamber and to also preclude the radiation from the heating flame from directly entering the primary chamber, thereby precluding direct contact and physical disturbance of the waste material. A heat transfer chamber in fluid communication with the afterburner chamber accepts the fully oxidized fumes therefrom.

Abstract: An incinerator suitable for incineration of medical wastes is disclosed. The incinerator includes a main combustion chamber with fire-resistant walls, a port for ventin combustion gas therefrom and a main burner in the front section of the chamber. A recombustion chamber is placed above the main combustion chamber and includes fire-resistant walls and has a recombustion burner in a rear section of the recombustion chamber and receives the combustion gas from the main chamber through the port. An exhaust chamber vents pollution free combustion gas from the recombustion chamber to the atmosphere. The port for introducing the combustion gas of the main combustion chamber to the recombustion chamber is positioned such that the port is spaced apart from the center of a flame of the recombustion burner to enable the combustion gas introduced into the recombustion chamber come into cross contact with the flame of the recombustion burner.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for disposing of waste, the waste is carbonized at low temperatures in a carbonization drum, to develop carbonization gas and solid carbonization residue. The carbonization gas is burnt in a combustion chamber and the carbonization residue is divided in a separation device into a coarse and a fine fraction. The fine fraction is subjected to a gasification in a gasifier, to develop synthesis gas and molten slag. A temperature within the gasifier is above a melting temperature of non-combustible substances introduced into the gasifier. The synthesis gas is burnt in the combustion chamber or in a combustion chamber of a gas engine.

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process emissions comprises a catalytic oxidizer and a selective catalytic reduction bank integrated into a single housing. The system utilizes at least two regenerative chambers in a controlled abatement process. The integrated system removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and toxic oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) from the process emissions. The singular housing of the present invention is efficient and eliminates the need for more than one supplementary heat source, while eliminating major pollutants from the emissions.

Abstract: A unit for disposing of refuse and contaminants by thermal oxidation includes a housing having a bottom, side walls and a top disposed in surrounding relation to an interior thereof. A partial wall structure divides the housing interior to define a first thermal oxidation chamber sized and configured to contain the refuse and contaminants and a second flue gas burning chamber disposed in air-flow communication with said first chamber. Heating elements are provided in the first and second chambers to raise the temperature to a predetermined level in order to induce thermal oxidation of refuse in the first chamber and the resultant flue gasses passing through the second chamber. An exhaust stack receives the flue gasses exiting from the second chamber and includes a filter therein for removing remaining contaminants from the flue gasses prior to entering the atmosphere.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is constructed to receive polluted waste gases from an industrial process, cleanse the gas and permit cleansed gas to exit the RTO to the environment. The RTO includes a lower section having an inlet to receive polluted or incoming gas, and a centrally positioned rotary distributor in the lower section for cooperation in controlling gas flow via a segmented center section. The rotary distributor is substantially smaller than the lower section and is of a substantially smaller cross section. Incoming gas is directed to a middle section segment(s), fills the segment(s) and then flows through a peripheral opening to a segmented upper section where it passes through a heat exchanger to a combustion chamber where it is oxidized or cleansed. From there cleansed gas passes through another upper section segment through a heat exchanger and back to center section segment(s).

Abstract: A process for incinerating solids, especially for burning rubbish in a combustion vessel comprising at least one combustion chamber and an after-burner chamber. Here, instead of secondary or tertiary air, water vapor under increased pressure is sprayed into the combustion vessel after the combustion gases have left the combustion chamber. Only primary air is supplied as the combustion air. In this manner and with the use of minimum quantities of combustion air, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the overall process while at the same time reducing the emission of pollutants. It is also possible to feed back flue gas together with the water vapor, so that, for example, the maximum temperatures, the temperature reduction and the dwell times in the 1st and 2nd flue of the vessel can be easily set to the optima.

Abstract: A waste disposal and energy recovery system and method uses sub-stoichiometric combustion to gasify waste fuels into high temperature synthetic gas. The system minimizes the amount of flue gas exiting to the atmosphere. The high temperature synthetic gas is then combusted in a gas burner. The burner can be closely coupled to a heat recovery unit to facilitate radiative heat transfer. Some flue gas can be recirculated to maintain low combustion temperatures in both the kiln and the burner. Sub-stoichiometric combustion is accomplished in the rotary kiln in a counterflow configuration.

Abstract: An inventive cam actuation structure provides a separate cam member for opening each of the valves in a regenerative thermal oxidizer. The separate cam structures allow the arrangement of the flow passages in any desired relationship relative to the other passages. In addition, the use of the separate cams allows great variability in the adjustment of the valve profiles relative to each other. Two valve actuation structure embodiments are disclosed. In a second feature of this invention, the inlet manifold is received within the outlet manifold. The heated gas in the outlet manifold preheats the gas in the inlet manifold, ensuring that impurities will not liquify within the inlet manifold. In a further feature of this invention, gravitational controls are used for the purge valve. A connection between the inlet valve and the weights for opening the purge valve ensures that the purge valve will not be opened when the inlet valve is opened.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer includes a heat exchange column formed of body which defines at least one entire flow passage through the heat exchanger. The structure of the heat exchange column assists in purging residual gas to be cleaned from the heat exchanger prior to that regenerative heat exchanger moving into a mode where it receives the cleaned gas. The heat exchanger columns preferably have 70 to 80 percent of their surface area used as the flow passages. In a further geometric arrangement made possible by the inventive heat exchanger described above, two heat exchanger columns are positioned on opposed sides of a combustion chamber. End faces of the two opposed heat exchangers transfer radiative heat energy from the hotter of the two heat exchanger end faces to the cooler of the two heat exchanger end faces. In this way, radiative heat energy is not lost, but is reused to heat the other of the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the selective control of the sulfur trioxide concentration in flue gases, to enhance the ash removal efficiency of electrostatic precipitators, which includes supporting a catalyst in the path of the flue gas, catalytically converting a portion of the sulfur dioxide contained within such flue gas to sulfur trioxide, by passing at portion of such flue gases over a catalyst which is positioned within the path; selectively varying the amount of sulfur trioxide produced by the catalytically converting, by selectively changing the quantity of flue gas flowing through such catalyst; and simultaneously maintaining the ratio of the pressure loss coefficient of the flue gas flowing through the other portion of such duct, in the vicinity of such catalyst, within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A device for incinerating solid and/or liquid toxic substances, especially projectiles filled with chemical warfare agents. Because the ammunition to be incinerated may have been inadvertently not disarmed the incinerator plant must be able to withstand an operating pressure of at least 40 bar. The incineration includes a rotatably mounted unit consisting of a rotary tubular kiln, an afterburning chamber, and a waste heat boiler. The unit is designed in a corresponding pressure-proof manner, and the rotary tubular kiln as well as the afterburning chamber are lined with refractory material. The operating pressure is generated by a compressor arranged upstream of the incinerator plant, and it is released by an expander arranged downstream of the entire plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the emissions from a thermal oxidizer for volatile organic compounds (VOC) containing waste gases. The waste gas is treated in a thermal reactor and either before, in or after the thermal reactor the waste gas is contacted with a catalyzed surface device in the gas stream within the thermal oxidizer. The catalyzed surface device has a catalyzed surface which contacts the waste gas and further oxidizes the waste gas.

Abstract: Process and system for the operation of a fireplace or the like in which combustion products including pollutant gases and entrained particulate materials are treated to substantially reduce pollutant levels. The combustion products are passed through a confined flue passageway, such as found in a chimney stack, which extends upwardly to the exterior of the dwelling house or other structure. The flow of combustion products is interrupted in a manner to cause the products to follow a tortuous path in which entrained particulates in the combustion products are separated so that they collect in a suitable disposal zone. The combustion products then pass into an afterburner section comprising a plurality of heating elements. The temperature of the combustion products is sensed below the afterburner section and above bank of heating elements.