Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for processing or treating wastewater. The methods of systems of the present disclosure may perform a treatment process on a wastewater stream including gray water and black water to produce a product stream. The product stream may comprise a potable water stream or a stream of treated water with a reduced concentration of one or more contaminant originally included in the wastewater stream.

Abstract: A waste burning toilet may operate on power generated from burning waste deposited in the toilet without connection to external electricity, a sewer, or water supply. A dryer connected to the toiled dries the waste prior to burning. The waste may be burnt in a firebox that is connected to the dryer. Heat from the firebox may be used to generate electricity that can power the components of the toilet system. The waste may be reduced to sterile ash.

Abstract: A system to automate the separation of agricultural products. The system includes an enclosure, sealed with permeable mesh to permit airflow and walled with non-porous material to prevent agricultural material from escaping the enclosure while allowing for flow to pass freely. This system is capable of separating material without mechanical interaction, such as with grippers or end effectors, and relies on air flow through the enclosure to create separation between the desired and undesired material using ballistic coefficient as a fundamental differentiator between constituent material of the agricultural products. This is accomplished with a variable speed fan which blows air through the enclosure, lifting and separating material based on the ballistic coefficient of that material and the flow settings. Dividers are used to separate and capture the products for retrieval at the conclusion of operation.

Abstract: A process and system having a primary crusher to reduce the fragments according to their granulometry; a magnetic separator to remove metallic fragments bigger than a determined granulometry; a rotary dryer to dry slag; an impact mill to disaggregate and fragment slag particles; a classifier for aero-classification and drag of fine and superfine particles; a cooler for cooling slag by means of heat exchange and removal of the fine and superfine particles that were not collected by the impact mill a vibrating sieve provided with two or more decks with screens of predetermined sizes; low-intensity magnetic separators, with generation of non-magnetic slag fractions free from metallic iron and from iron monoxide, and of magnetic fractions composed by metallic iron and iron monoxide; and low-intensity magnetic separators to reprocess the magnetic fractions with generation of concentrate with high metallic iron contents and a product with high concentration of iron monoxide.

Abstract: A method and a device for the continuous purification of a domestic or industrial water stream. After passing through a biological reactor to obtain a sludge of between 4 and 12 g/l of Dry Solids, the method involves feeding a series of chambers separated by restrictions at a flow rate q, injecting air into a second chamber at a flow rate Q>q, in order to obtain an emulsion, injecting a flocculant into a third chamber, and recovering the degassed emulsion in a drain pan. Flocculated and aerated sludge floats on top, such that the remaining liquid centrate has a Dry Solids content less than 100 mg/l and has a positive redox potential >50 mV and a value greater than 100 mV relative to the redox potential of the sludge at the inlet of the chambers, and is reinjected upstream from or into the biological reactor.

Abstract: A process and system for producing an engineered fuel product that meets customer specifications for composition and combustion characteristics is provided. The engineered fuel product is preferably a high-BTU, alternative fuel that burns cleaner than coal or petroleum coke (petcoke) and has significantly reduced NOx, SO2 and GHG emissions.

Abstract: Method for the continuous thermal hydrolysis of sludges containing organic matter, said method comprising the steps of: simultaneously injecting pressurized steam (100) into said sludges and mixing said sludges with said steam by means of a dynamic mixer-injector (4) so as to obtain a single-phase mixture, conveying said single-phase mixture towards a tube reactor (4) under pressure and bringing about the plug flow of this mixture into said reactor for a retention time that is sufficient and at a temperature that is sufficient to enable the thermal hydrolysis of the organic matter present in said sludges, cooling said single-phase mixture at its exit from said tube reactor to a temperature enabling the subsequent digestion of the hydrolyzed organic matter that it contains, depressurizing said cooled single-phase mixture.

Abstract: Method and plant to implement the continuous thermal hydrolysis of sludge to be treated containing organic matter, the method comprising at least: a. a step for de-structuring said sludge to be treated producing de-structured sludge; b. a step for the thermal hydrolysis of said de-structured sludge within a thermal hydrolysis reactor producing hydrolyzed sludge; c. a step for cooling said hydrolyzed sludge; said step for de-structuring consisting in: introducing said sludge to be treated into a dynamic mixer; heating said sludge coming from said dynamic mixer, this heating being obtained by the introduction, into a heat exchanger, on the one hand of said sludge coming from said dynamic mixer and, on the other hand, of said hydrolyzed sludge, this introduction inducing said cooling.

Abstract: A method and plant for wet-route oxidation treatment of hazardous organic waste products, notably radioactive wastes, which may contain mineral fillers, the waste products being treated in a secure environment. The plant comprises a closed space, with a mechanism for bringing a volume of hazardous organic waste products containing mineral fillers, adding a given quantity of water mixed with a base to the predetermined volume in order to adjust the pH to a determined value so as to make a solution and/or a liquid suspension, with a pressure reactor and with mechanism for transferring the solution and/or liquid suspension into the pressure reactor, and a device for introducing an oxygen atmosphere into the pressure reactor and for pressurizing the atmosphere. A heating mechanism is provided for subjecting the contents of the pressure reactor to heat treatment at a temperature between 150° and 350° C. to complete the wet-route oxidation.

Abstract: Energy-efficient gasification-based multi-generation apparatus, facilities, or systems, and methods of modifying existing gasification-based multi-generation apparatus and the various conventional thermal coupling arrangements, are provided. Apparatus for managing waste heat recovery through integration of a gasification-based multi-generation facility or other multi-generation system with a hydrocarbon refining facility or other hydrocarbon refining system and methods of providing the respective integration are also provided. An exemplary apparatus includes an integrated site energy management system configured according to one or more process-based thermal coupling schemes comprising one or more thermal coupling arrangements between a gasification-based multi-generation system or facility and a hydrocarbon refining system or facility.

Abstract: Improved combustion of biomass is achieved by injected first and second streams of biomass from a burner where the first stream of biomass has a median particle size larger than the biomass of the second stream and oxygen is injected with the first stream to provide an oxygen-enriched environment around the larger median sized particles. The oxygen-enriched environment is achieved either by injecting the oxygen directly into the first stream or by premixing the oxygen with the conveying air of the first stream.

Abstract: A combined treatment process of domestic garbage and sewage, comprising the following steps: {circle around (1)} sorting iron out of the domestic garbage; {circle around (2)} crushing the domestic garbage in which the iron has been removed; {circle around (3)} feeding the crushed domestic garbage into a sewage treatment tank, adding water and blowing air into the sewage treatment tank, where the domestic garbage is divided into floating substances, suspended substances, and settled substances; {circle around (4)} salvaging, dehydrating and drying the floating substances and then combusting them as fuel; {circle around (5)} collecting, filtering and drying the settled substances, wherein the settled substances having a calorific value of more than 4180 kJ/kg are burnt as fuel, the burnt substances and the settled substances having a calorific value of less than 4180 kJ/kg are used to replace clay material in a cement plant or used for making bricks; {circle around (6)} adding a flocculant into the sewage in wh

Abstract: Water purification and recycling system having a large reservoir and a small reservoir adapted to provide potable water to a water user structure. After use by the water user structure, wastewater is applied from said water user structure via at least one wastewater path to wastewater treatment apparatus. The wastewater treatment apparatus receives and processes the wastewater using a coal free power plant that operates continuously to produce steam. The wastewater treatment apparatus is also powered by a co-adjuvant gas turbine generator is adapted to generate supplemental steam for the coal free power plant.

Abstract: Process for solid waste treatment, and particularly municipal solid waste, with recovery of the thermal energy, which is based on the general pyrolysis process modified in order to improve, on the one hand, the energy yield and, on the other, to reduce the quantity of unusable solid residues to be sent to the waste disposal, the unusable solid waste being limited to 10-15% of the total weight of the initial residue. The process and relative plant include a boosted treatment of the incoming waste, with a preliminary separation into three solid fractions, the first one of which is separately subjected to a preliminary drying step and the third one undergoes further shredding. The process and relative plant also include a section for recovering energy from the pyrolysis coke, wherein the latter is subjected to a thermochemical treatment with the production of a further quantity of synthesis gas.

Abstract: A recycling plant comprises a main conveyor that rotates horizontally near ground level. Collected mixed refuse is brought in by trucks on a driveway surrounding the main conveyer. Loaders or dozers are used to move the refuse onto the main conveyer where it will enter a processing unit straddling the main conveyer. Two or more such processing units can be positioned around the circle formed by the main conveyer. An adjustable height conveyer rides on top of the heaps of refuse entering on the main conveyor and compresses the mass so it can enter a first grinding mill. The refuse is ground and torn into small pieces. A second grinding mill further reduces the size of the pieces. A magnetic pickup uses electromagnets to levitate out bits of iron and steel which are carried away and put in a salvage bin. A manual sorting and picking station with takeaway conveyors and salvage bins allows personnel to manually pick paper, plastic, and glass for recycling.

Abstract: A system for disposing of municipal solid waste provides commercially-available equipment that is modified to initially remove identifiable unwanted components from the waste, and then chop the waste into small pieces of a size suitable for handling, separation and combustion. The moisture content of the waste is reduced in a closed system by passing dry air through the waste in a confined space to absorb moisture and produce moist air, which is then dehumidified via refrigeration equipment. The dehumidified air is recycled through the waste repeatedly through the closed system until the water content has reached the predetermined amount. The waste is stored in a bunker for later use or is immediately combusted in a two-step process by first gasifying the dried waste to produce combustible syngas and then immediately or later combusting the gas in a gas turbine or other engine to produce electricity that is partly used to power the process and partly sold commercially.

Abstract: A system for disposing of municipal solid waste 10) provides commercially-available equipment that is modified to initially remove identifiable unwanted components from the waste (12), and then chop the waste into small pieces (16) of a size suitable for handling and combustion. The moisture content of the waste is reduced in a closed system (20) by passing dry air through the waste in a confined space (30) to absorb moisture and produce moist air, which is then dehumidified via refrigeration equipment (34). The dehumidified air is recycled (30, 40) through the waste repeatedly through the closed system (20) until the water content has reached the predetermined amount. The waste is stored in a bunker (41) for later burning, or is immediately burned in a furnace (24) to produce heat that is used to produce steam (50), which drives a generator (26) to produce electricity (52) that is partly used to power the process and partly sold commercially.

Abstract: Process for recycling of liquid carton waste material or other similar waste material having fibrous, metal and plastics materials. The process includes introducing the waste material and a slushing liquid into a slushing apparatus and slushing of the waste material to thereby form defibrated fibrous material therein. The treated waste material is then separated into (i) a fiber suspension which includes the defibrated fibrous material, and (ii) a reject portion which includes the metal and plastics materials. The obtained fiber suspension is cleaned and the fibrous material therein is reclaimed for further use. The reject portion is introduced into a fluidized bed gasifier so as to gasify the plastics therein to produce a hydrocarbon product gas, which is thereafter separated from the metal material.

Abstract: A method of blowing a synthetic resin material into a furnace comprising preparing a synthetic resin material having an average specific surface area of at least 50 m2/kg; and blowing the synthetic resin material from tuyeres of a shaft furnace for ironmaking.

Abstract: A municipal or like refuse, from which large articles of metals have been removed, is mixed with an alkaline substance like limestone preferably in a triple screw mixer, and then advanced along the pyrolysis path in which the refuse mixture is subjected to heat from combustion gases from an incineration chamber therebelow. A portion of the pyrolyzed product is recycled to the upstream side of that path and the remainder of the pyrolyzed product is scrubbed with an aqueous medium, e.g. water and/or aqueous acetic acid and the washed pyrolyzed product is then incinerated to produce the combustion gas.

Abstract: Waste (such as domestic garbage, industrial waste, and bulky refuse) or sewage sludge is pretreated by pyrolysis under an oxygen-poor atmosphere to provide solid pyrolysis residues and a pyrolysis gas. The solid pyrolysis residues are mechanically treated to provide a coarse fraction and a fine fraction. The coarse fraction is mechanically separated and fed to a metal bath reactor containing a metal bath and a liquid slag floating on the metal bath. The fine fraction entrained in a carrier gas is fed via a nozzle in order to carburize the metal bath. The carburized metal bath functions to reduce metal oxides from the liquid slag floated thereon, thereby purifying the liquid slag. At least a portion of the pyrolysis gas is used to smelt and heat the liquid slag.

Abstract: Dumped solid waste is mixed with sand and fed through a shredder. Sorters sort aluminum glass and ferrous materials from the shredded waste, and an indirect fired dryer heats the remaining shredded waste. Dust in gases from the dryer is removed in a bag house. Sand is added to the dried, shredded waste, and the waste is cooled and stored in surge storage. The shredded, dried, cooled and stored waste is fed to one or more reducing chamber units. Waste is moved through individual chambers within the units with augers and is gravitationally fed between the chambers. Gases from the chambers are condensed, and the condensate is stored as oils. Solid products from the reducing chamber units are cooled. The sand is separated from the solid product. The resultant solid product and oils may be sold as fuel and feedstock, or the resultant product may be pulverized and combined with the oil in a slurry which is used as a fuel or a feedstock.

Abstract: An apparatus for blowing synthetic resin into a furnace including a first processing line for processing film-shaped synthetic resins into a granular synthetic resin material; a second processing line for processing non-film-shaped synthetic resins into a granular synthetic resin material; a primary storage silo; and a blowing station for supplying the granular synthetic resin material into a furnace.

Abstract: A method of wood waste disposal which regulates factors such as the amount of wood residue being fed to an incinerator at any given time so that wood residue from a mill is processed promptly and efficiently without compromising the efficient operation of the incinerator. The wood residue is separated into at least two fractions, the first fraction being directed to a storage bin for later use as required, and the second fraction being directed to the incinerator. During periods of slack feed of the second fraction to the incinerator, portions of the first fraction, as required, are directed to the incinerator as make-up, in order to maintain an optimal range of incinerator conditions by manipulating the volume and flow of wood residue in cooperation with manipulating other factors.

Abstract: A refuse recycling system which recycles municipal waste as energy, includes a shredder for shredding the waste and removing rejects via a feed pipe to a circulating fluidized bed reactor, the reactor producing flue gases. The reactor includes a side dense fluidized bed situated on the wall of the reactor which is provided with the feed pipe, the side dense fluidized bed extracting non-fluidizable heavy elements and transporting them to a coarse-particle sorter apparatus via an extraction duct disposed at a base of the side dense fluidized bed. At least a portion of the rejects from the shredder is fed into the coarse-particle sorter apparatus. The coarse-particle sorter apparatus cools the elements and extracts non-fluidizable inert matter from the elements, the remaining matter being fed back into the reactor. A module for recovering energy and for treating the flue gases output by said reactor is connected downstream from the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling municipal waste as energy includes a shredder for shredding the waste, and removing rejects, the rejects from the shredder being sorted into a first stream of inert matter that is substantially unpolluted with organic matter and into a second stream of inert matter that is substantially polluted with either organic matter or with combustible heavy elements; a first outlet for removing the second stream of inert matter; a circulating fluidized bed reactor for receiving the shredded waste and producing gases with solid particles therein; a cyclone for separating out the solid particles and receiving the gases output by the reactor; a recuperator boiler into which the gases output by the cyclone are discharged and which is provided with a first set of heat exchangers, the boiler including a dust-filtering hopper; a second outlet for removing the solid particles from the dust-filtering hopper; a second set of heat exchangers disposed in a chamber into which the gases are fed after trans

Abstract: A dynamic classifier for a coal pulverizer has an improved drive mechanism which is mounted on top of a pulverizer and concentric with the classifier axis of rotation and is directly controllable. The drive mechanism is a variable-speed DC or AC electric motor having a hollow motor shaft. The motor can produce classifier rotor rotational speeds of between 50 and 200 rpm. The classifier rotor is supported from the hollow motor shaft. A coal feed pipe passes through the hollow motor shaft and classifier rotor shaft into the pulverizer.

Abstract: In a vacuum housing (1), an inner duct (17) is disposed. Quadrupole magnets (superconducting coils) (4) is placed around the inner duct (17) is excited by a DC power supply (10). Quadrupole magnets (4) are cooled by liquid helium contained in a helium housing and outer tubes (2, 3) and is brought into a superconducting state. Pulverized coal X is ejected together with air Y from a header (11) through piping (12) and a valve (13) to a baffle plate (14). Pulverized coal is made to fall into the inner duct (3). Paramagnetic materials such as ash are attracted by magnetic force to the tube and are then collected by a collection tube (26). Combustible diamagnetic materials are collected by a combustible collecting tube (18) extending in the central axis. Intermediate materials are collected by an intermediate collection tube (23) and are put back to the head (11) through a bypass tube (25). There are no mechanical parts in the inner duct (3). Consequently, rotation loss and eddy-current heating are prevented.

Abstract: Combustible is comminuted and dried, and metal and noncombustible are removed from the coarsely comminuted combustible. Then, the combustible is secondarily comminuted and separated into coarse combustible and fluff which is fine combustible. The coarse combustible of the separated combustible is fed onto a fire grate (2) of a refuse incinerator (1), and burned in flat bed combustion in a primary combustion chamber (4). On the other hand, the fluff is burned in suspended combustion in a secondary combustion chamber (7) with a combustion fluff burner (5) for incinerating combustible. Thus, refuse containing much plastics which is formed into fluff can be efficiently disposed of, whereby the amount of incineration is increased as a whole.

Abstract: An automatic carbon black discharging device for a waste tire decomposing apparatus including a collecting hopper connected to a carbon black discharging portion of the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The automatic carbon black discharging device also includes a plurality of sensors respectively disposed at vertically equidistantly divided positions of the collecting hopper and adapted to sense maximum, normal and minimum levels of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper, thereby stopping or driving a drive motor for driving a feeding screw included in the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The carbon black is left in the collecting hopper in a minimum amount provide a sealing effect which prevents external air from entering into the device. When the amount of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper corresponds to the maximum level of the collecting hopper, the driving motor is controlled to increase its rotating speed, thereby increasing the discharge rate of carbon black.

Abstract: A control system of coal pulverizer associated with a rotary classifier, applicable to a pulverized coal burning boiler or the like, includes a function generating section, a computing section, and a rotational speed controlling section. The function generating section receives a signal representing a coal feed rate and outputs signals representing a preset proper range of a current to be fed to the motor of the coal pulverizer for such coal feed rate. The computing section is responsive to a signal representing the current motor current and the signals produced by the function generating section to output a command signal which will maintain the speed of the rotary classifier when the motor current represented by the motor current signal is within the proper range, and to output a command signal which will decrease or increase the speed of the rotary classifier, respectively, in the case where the same motor current has increased or decreased beyond the proper range.

Abstract: Processes and arrangements that provide for the separation of pyrite from coal in a fluidized bed. The processes provide for more efficient and complete stratification of the bed materials in a vertical direction, so that the very top layer of the fluidized ved is coal having a reduced pyrite content. The process includes feeding the coal to be cleaned on top of a layer of magnetite. The process also includes fluidizing the bed until bed-bubbling separation occurs in the absence of steady-state conditions. The cleaned top layer of coal having a reduced pyrite content is then separated from the refuse coal in the bottom of the bed.

Abstract: A system for processing sold municipal waste and nonhazardous commercial waste comprises a multi-level floating marine vessel tied up alongside a dock. The vessel has a processing deck for processing incoming solid waste materials into multiple lines of material-specific recycling bins arranged symmetrically with respect to the midships region of the vessel. The vessel has forward and aft overhangs on the processing deck level big enough to drop load non-recyclable waste at the end of each said line into refuse barges moored directly below said overhangs. The vessel preferably has a tipping deck located above and approximately coextensive with said processing deck on the vessel with at least one opening accessible to trucks from the dock for loading solid waste onto the vessel. A bailing and storage deck located below the processing deck on the vessel has an opening accessible to trucks from the dock for unloading recyclables.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the vitrification of fly ash produced from an incineration system for solid waste materials, including the combining of fly ash extracted from the pollution control device in the incineration system with fusible material, particularly glass, and preferably recycled glass extracted from the solid waste material before it is incinerated, and subsequently melting the combined glass and fly ash in a vitrification furnace in order to vitrify the fly ash and its toxic contaminants, including lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals, to produce an inert vitrified ash product. The flue gas from the vitrification furnace is returned to the flue gas stream from the incinerator for introduction into the pollution control device.

Abstract: A method of heating reclaimed asphalt paving is shown and described. An air sorter removes fine materials from the reclaimed asphalt paving, and an air circulating dryer which utilizes high velocity air impingement, removes the moisture from the material. A conventional combustion heating tunnel is used to raise the temperature of the material to a first desired temperature and a microwave heating tunnel is used to raise the temperature to a final desired temperature.

Abstract: A method for disposing by incineration of waste material containing sludge and garbage of various kinds which when combined results in a composite waste material prepared by performing multiple steps in its handling wherein the composite material is first subjected to a grinding step for thorough intermixing of the sludge that may contain a high percentage of moisture with garbage that can contain very little moisture. After grinding, the composite waste material is processed in a cyclone where the gases that are used to transport the ground matter can be separated while the solids are subjected to classification by the use of a vibratory screen where the paper, fluffy waste, and similar materials can be separated from the smaller and harder particulate components. The separated components are subjected to individual impact grinding steps prior to being recombined in the combustor where incineration takes place.

Abstract: A combined cycle waste-to-energy plant is utilized to thermally convert municipal and industrial solid wastes into essentially complete products of combustion and use the combustion heat to produce steam and/or electrical power. The plant includes a building enclosure having a waste receiving area, a waste fuel separation and processing area, an incinerator area and a heat recovery and power generation area. Processed waste fuel is delivered to a series of incinerators by an automated conveyor and hopper system, and the waste fuel is burned in the incinerators by hot exhaust gas delivered thereto from one or more combustion turbines located outside the building and drivingly connected to electrical generators. Inlet air to the turbines is drawn from with the building to maintain its interior at a negative pressure, thereby preventing waste odors and pathogens from escaping from the building.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for utilizing the heat energy of domestic and commercial refuse in a rotary kiln installation. The prepared crude refuse is degassed in a pyrolysis reactor and the pyrolysis gas produced is delivered to the main burner of the rotary kiln, optionally using primary fuel. For optimum and economic production of the pyrolysis gas crushed refuse is dried pneumatically with the aid of exhaust air from the cooler and is delivered to the pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis reactor is heated indirectly to a low temperature with hot secondary air from the kiln outlet head and the pyrolysis gas produced is delivered together with used secondary air to the main burner of the kiln.

Abstract: Oily sludges containing volatile hydrocarbons are mixed with diatomaceous earth or perlite in a system which includes an indirect dryer for vaporizing liquids have a boiling point of less than about 700.degree. F. Dried solids are discharged from the dryer and conveyed to an oxidation unit comprising a rotary kiln or lift pipe combustor. Dried hydrocarbon free solids are recirculated for mixing with the oily sludge and condensable vapors are condensed and separated for further use or disposal. A system including the indirect dryer, condenser, oxidation unit, separators for the condensate and separators for gaseous products can be modified to receive hydrocarbon contaminated soils and other earth-like materials having particle sizes ranging from as low as 10 microns up to about 1.0 inches.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: A method for disposing of waste materials including wastes generated by residential neighborhoods and business districts of a municipal area, by collecting waste materials centrally, sorting out and removing non-combustible materials from the collected wastes, and shredding the combustible materials coarsely. The coarsely shredded materials are then transported, if necessary, to the location of an incinerator or other furnace into which the materials are fed as fuel at a rate controlled in accordance with the requirements of the burner for complete and clean combustion, by feeding the coarsely shredded materials into a further shredder, shredding the materials to a final size, and immediately conveying the reshredded materials into the burner. Transportation and measurement of the coarsely shredded materials is thus accomplished with the waste materials at an optimum density for convenient handling and transportation at an economical cost.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: Bales of combustible trash made to specific specifications are burned in a furnace having two parallel upright sidewalls between which the bales pass during burning. A horizontal grate extends between the sidewalls. The bales, if remotely made from the furnace, are bound by an easily meltable strap. The length of the bale is measurably smaller than the distance between said sidewalls to accurately accommodate springback. A ram, after compacting the waste in segmental fashion, pushes each bale to a position between said sidewalls; with the length of the bale being perpendicular to the sidewalls, so that a bale enters the furnace. Springback following the melting of straps allows the bale to expand to fill the gap between the sidewalls. This facilitates ignition and/or burning of the bales and provides a seal against furnace sidewalls. When the ram feeds a fresh bale, previously charged bales (consumed proportional to time in the furnace) are advanced toward the ash discharge port.

Abstract: A movable incineration system for the disposal of used sorbent pads utilized in the cleanup of oil or hydrocarbon spills in marine environments. The portable incineration system of the present invention comprises an incinerator, a wringer, an auxiliary power skid unit, a generator and an air compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing pollutant emissions, and in particular, for reducing NO.sub.x and particulate emissions, from a spreader-stoker-fired furnace and from a fluidized bed combustor. A combustible material of various sized particles is obtained and those smaller particles which would normally combust during the suspension phase of the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor are separated from the larger particles. The larger particles of combustible material are then introduced into the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor and combusted to produce heat.

Abstract: A centrifugal spreader type feeder that supplies a mixture of particulate limestone and coal to the top of a fluidized bed reactor having a flow of air upward therethrough. Large particles of particulate matter are distributed over the upper surface of the bed to utilize the natural mixing within the bed, while fine particles are adapted to utilize an independent feeder that separates them from the large particles and injects them into the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding solids into the bed of a fluidized bed furnace (18). The feed solids are separated into a fine fraction and a coarse fraction. The coarse fraction is supplied to fluidized bed (16) in an in-bed pneumatic transport feed system or in an over-the-bed feed system. The fine fraction as well as fluidizing air are supplied to fines admission zone (24) wherein the fine fraction and fluidizing air are thoroughly mixed. The mixture of the fine fraction of feed solids and the fluidizing air is then passed upwardly through air distribution means (38) into fluidized bed (16).

Abstract: Apparatus and process for incinerating waste and reclaiming resources, particularly ferrous metals, galss, and aluminum, in separate output streams. The incinerator itself can use combustion draft air as a medium for separating lighter and heavier fractions of the burned material in the incinerator. The combustion zone of the incinerator is defined by a foraminated cylindrical wall which is rotated to distribute the incinerating materials and separate burned waste from the combustion zone.The incinerator can be cooled by a eutectic liquid metal coolant. The use of this coolant allows the heat exhange surfaces of the incinerator to be quite thin for greater economy, as such fluids, particularly a eutectic mixture of sodium and potassium, do not vaporize at atmospheric pressure over a wide working temperature also disclosed, as is improved means for separating aluminum rich and glass rich fractions from the heavier fraction of burned waste separated in the incinerator.

Abstract: A foreign object removal system is disclosed including a removal chamber projecting laterally from the combustion chamber of a fluid bed reactor and connected via a downwardly directed pipe to a material flow control plenum chamber which includes means for fluidizing the mixture of inert fluid bed particles and foreign objects at the bottom of the pipe for lateral movement into an air classifier wherein the foreign objects are dropped to a collection tank and the fluid bed particles are carried upwardly by a stream of classifying air to a deentrainment chamber where their velocity is reduced and they are returned to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for reclaiming aluminum cans from municipal refuse is disclosed. The method includes a first screening operation to remove materials substantially larger than the cans, a second screening operation to remove material substantially smaller than the cans, a magnetic separation to remove ferrous metals, a friction-gravity separation to remove lightweight materials, an air separation to remove heavy materials and a final reclamation of aluminum cans.