Abstract: An apparatus and a process for treating household refuse are disclosed. Household refuse or garbage is comminuted, dried and mixed with granular mineral substance, preferably sand, at a temperature of up to 1000.degree. C. and the mixture is homogenized and degassed by the contact of the refuse with the hot sand until the garbage and refuse has been reduced in volume to a desired degree.

Abstract: A method of converting industrial, domestic or other sludge, into a pelletized or granular fertilizer, as well as a sludge converter for practicing the method. The sludge is dewatered to form sludge cake solids which are dried in a dryer, and then sorted with a sorter into a sorted product comprising oversized, undersized, and standard sized product. A portion of the sorted product is recycled for mixing and sizing in a mixer with the dewatered sludge cake solids. To control dust and odors, cyclones and a condenser remove a substantial portion of the gaseous particulate matter and condensable gases from the converter, and any remaining noncondensates are burned in the heat source flame. A waste oil burning heat source supplies heat energy to the dryer.

Abstract: A refuse burning equipment with a heat energy utilizing system includes a first burning room and a second burning room connected with the first one with a burning gas passageway. The first burning room have two tubular fences made of a tube bent into many parallel tubes of horizontal or vertical direction for condensed water to flow through to cool it. Refuse is conveyed through a distributor and pushed down by a screw pusher to be piled in the tubular fences as a thin and high of refuse wall, which then is dried and lowered down gradually by a roller above a furnace grate and then ignited by fuel oil sprayed out of a nozzle. Time for the refuse drying before unload on the grate and chance of refuse to contact with combustion gas are augmented to lower the excess air ratio required in the burning and the temperature of the combustion gas is greatly increased and thus the thermal efficiency improved.

Abstract: Dried fuel is at least partly combusted, gasified or carbonized in the presence of cooled solid residue in a reactor. Hot solid residue, which is at temperatures in the range from 500.degree. to 1200.degree. C., is withdrawn from the reactor and is mixed with water-containing fuel in the receiving region of a mechanical mixer, without a supply of fluidizing gas. The mixture is transported with further mixing from the receiving region of the mixer through a mixing section of 1 to 10 meters to an outlet. A fuel-containing, substantially water-free mixture at a temperature in the range from above 100.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. is fed from the outlet of the mixer to the reactor. A mixer which comprises two intermeshing shafts, which rotate in the same sense, may be employed in the process.

Abstract: This invention comprises a combined cellulose sludge dryer and burner in which the drying procedure is positively and automatically controlled in response to the moisture content of the dewatered raw sludge supplied to the dryer headbox and carried through a drying chamber to discharge a dried sludge having but a 15% moisture content and suitable to be burned to provide the hot air for the drying procedure. With the sludge being critical as to charring, a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pre-burning and charring of the sludge has to be maintained in the drying chamber and positive and automatic control for the hot air to maintain the temperature is done by checking differences between input and output temperatures of the dryer and diluting the air produced by the burner by the use of a heat exchanger and air dampers. The extracted wet air from the drying chamber and diverted over-supply of air to the drying chamber are delivered through a scrubber and chimney to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing wastes containing a large amount of water and a method for processing leachate from industrial wastes. Specifically, the present invention provides a method which comprises maintaining reduced pressure in the dryer equipped with a stirring means, feeding wastes containing a large amount of water to the dryer, stirring the wastes while blowing refrigerated air at -20.degree. C..+-.5.degree. C. to the dryer, and drying the frozen moisture portion of the wastes by sublimation. Air heated at 80.degree. C.+10.degree. C. can be used instead of refrigerated air to dry water of the wastes by evaporation. The present invention also provides a method for processing leachate which comprises pooling leachate industrial wastes and burned ashes, and utilizing the leachate to absorb wet-type toxic gas, thereby confining the leachate within the waste treatment plant.

Abstract: In an apparatus for burning a combustible liquid containing a combustible liquid and water, a furnace (1) has a lower portion, an upper portion and a side portion extending between the lower portion and the upper portion. A burner (2) is placed at the lower portion of the furnace (1) for burning a fuel. A heat exchanger (3A) is connected to the furnace (1) for receiving a hot gas produced in the furnace (1) and heating the combustible liquid so as to vapourize the water. A generator (3B) is connected to the heat exchanger (3A) for generating the vapourized water. A heater (7) is placed at the upper portion of the furnace (1) and connected to the generator (3B) for heating the vapourized water so as to be dried before it enters into the furnace (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and conveying a granular material is disclosed, and which comprises an elongate trough, and a framework mounting a plurality of transverse blades mounted above the trough. The framework is moved along a closed path of travel so that the blades move through a forward stroke, a lifting stroke, a return stroke, and a downward stroke which returns the blades to their original position. Thus a granular material may be moved along the length of the trough in a series of sequential steps. Also, the blades are internally heated, and the bottom wall of the trough is also heated, to effect heating of the advancing granular material.

Abstract: A sludge drying system using exhaust air from a furnace in a direct heat, rotary drum dryer to simultaneously dry and pelletize the sludge. The dried sludge particles exiting the dryer is entrained in the exhaust air. The sludge particles are separated from the exhaust air and then classified according to size. The exhaust air is treated in a treatment section, and then divided into two exhaust air streams or portions. A first portion of the exhaust air is discharged into the environment, while the second, larger portion of the exhaust air is recycled back to the furnace to be used to dry the sludge in the drier. In one embodiment, the exhaust air treatment section is provided with a spray condenser and a bio-filter. In another embodiment, the exhaust air treatment section is provided with a heat exchanger for exhaust air.

Abstract: A container capable of dewatering wet mixtures and for transportation which comprises (1) an external cylindrical container with openings therein having a hanging member in an upper portion thereof, wherein the hanging member can shut the upper portion of the external cylindrical container, and wherein the external cylindrical container has an easy to open and shut closure at a bottom portion and (2) an internal porous container for dewatering a wet mixture is described. This container permits dewatering, packing, storing and transporting operations to be easily achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for disposing of wet sludge by conversion to a substantially dry product during grinding of the wet sludge in a drying atmosphere which promotes the separation of the grindings into coarse fractions and fine fractions so that the coarse fractions in the dried condition can be directed to enter the supply of the wet sludge for reducing the moisture content to prepare the mix of wet sludge and coarse fractions for grinding in a drying heat atmosphere to perpetuate the supply of coarse fractions for moisture reduction of the wet sludge and a supply of the fine fractions as a product of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for drying and burning high-hydrous combustible solids comprising: a hopper for containing high-hydrous combustible solids; a drier for drying said high-hydrous combustible solids when transported from said hopper to said drier 1; a combustion chamber for receiving and burning dried solid from a transportation tube; and a means to lead the waste gas from said combustion chamber to said drier to be used as drying gas. High-hydrous combustible solids are transported to furnace the combustion chamber immediately after being dried in the drier, and the waste gas from the combustion chamber is used as drying gas in the drier.

Abstract: In a method of reprocessing sewage sludge in which the sludge is dried before it is burnt, it is proposed to use steam from the water-steam circuit of a fossil-fueled power station process as the heating medium for drying and to take the vapors arising during drying into a fire chamber downstream of the power station furnace to reduce nitrogen oxides. The dried sewage sludge is preferably burnt together with coal in the power station furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of higher and lower volatility organic contaminants from media such as soil including an externally heated screw conveyor having an inlet, an outlet and one or more solid core flights, means for collecting and delivering media contaminated with higher and lower volatility organic contaminants to the screw conveyor inlet, at least one infrared radiation source external to the screw conveyor adapted to heat the media in the screw conveyor to a temperature above which at least one of the contaminants volatilize, and means for venting volatilized contaminants from the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating soil contaminated with hydrocarbons by breaking up the soil into discrete particles and passing the particles through an open flame to cause the volatile substances in them to vaporize and burn. The apparatus is preferably portable and provides for continuous processing of the contaminated soil on-site so that it can be immediately returned to the ground free from contamination.

Abstract: A partial flue gas stream is used for the production of electrical energy and/or heating and operational heat by utilizing combustion heat from fossil fuels, prior to combustion dried in an indirectly heated fluidized bed dryer, with combustion flue gas used as a carrier medium for the fluidized bed dryer. The mixture of flue gases and steam, deriving from the drying process, is after an intermediate treatment, if necessary, discharged with the main flue gas stream.

Abstract: A melting disposal method of sludge. The method of the invention having the steps of collecting a plurality of cakes of dehydrated sludge generated at a plurality of sewage disposal plants at one melting disposal plant; incinerating or drying a substantially fixed amount or proportion of the dehydrated sludge cakes; mixing the resultant substance; and heat-melting the resultant mixture with addition of basicity conditioning agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleansing contaminated soil (11), the apparatus includes an extraction vessel (12) into which contaminated soil (11) is delivered together with a solvent. A slurry is produced which is delivered to a settler (18) which produces a settler underflow and contaminated solvent. The settler (18) underflow is delivered to a drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a filter (20) which produces a filter cake also delivered to the drier (23). The contaminated solvent passes through a distillation column (28) and is subsequently delivered to a plasma gun (35) whereat the contaminants are oxidized.

Abstract: The present invention describes a water retardant material produced by a mixture of earthen clay and 15% to 25% by weight of recycled paper pulp sludge. Paper pulp sludge is incinerated in a rotary kiln, typically a rotary cement kiln asphalt dryer, or fluidized bed incinerator. Paper pulp sludge is fed continuously into said rotary kiln while temperature are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typically casein or soy protein) and wood pulp fibers are burned while moisture is evaporated. The resulting incinerated product consists essentially of carbonate particles which are collected for subsequent use. Use of this material as a water retardant covering for landfills is described.

Abstract: A system for recycling refuse comprises mixing a predetermined amount of refuse with a predetermined amount of plastic, heating the mixture until the plastic becomes liquid, forming the liquified mixture into a desired shape such as a brick, and cooling the mixture. This results in a solid brick in which the refuse is encapsulated, and the brick can be used in construction. Prior to mixing, the refuse may be dried and ground to a particulate size as may be desired. The plastic may be preheated prior to the mixing step to aid in forming the desired shape of the article which uses the refuse in its encapsulated form.

Abstract: A system for disposing of sludge by using the sludge as a primary source of fuel for its disposition by combustion thereof in which a mass of liquified sludge is processed to reduce the solids to a predetermined size for use as the fuel and concurrently separating a substantial portion of the contained liquid, delivering the processed solids and liquids to a combustor for converting the solids to ash and converting the liquids to vapor, introducing ambient air to the combustor to support combustion of the solids while employing a portion of the ambient air to the combustor for removing the vapor at a temperature below the temperature at which the solids are reduced to ash, utilizing a portion of the vapor removed from the combustor to initiate vaporization of the liquid in the mass of liquified sludge being processed initially, using a part of the removed vapor to enter into a heat exchange relationship with the ambient air prior to its being admitted to the combustor, and releasing excess vapor to the ambien

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of higher and lower volatility organic contaminants from media such as soil including an externally heated screw conveyor having an inlet, an outlet and one or more solid core flights, means for collecting and delivering media contaminated with higher and lower volatility organic contaminants to the screw conveyor inlet, at least one infrared radiation source external to the screw conveyor adapted to heat the media in the screw conveyor to a temperature above which at least one of the contaminants volatilize, and means for venting volatilized contaminants from the screw conveyor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for improving the efficiency of a steam power plant process wherein damp fuel is used, which is dried by conducting at least part of the flue gas flow to a fuel drying process. In addition to the feed water the combustion air is preheated in steam power plants with tapped steams from the turbine, in counter-pressure power plants with tapped steams and/or counter-pressure steams, and in remote heating power plants with tapped steams and/or remote heating water. As taught by the invention, the temperature of the flue gas going to the damp fuel dryer installation (10), or the cooling of the flue gas flow by-passing it, is controlled by taking thermal energy from the flue gas and transferring it to the combustion air and/or the feed water, their quantity and/or temperature being controlled in accordance with the cooling requirements of the flue gases determined by the drying requirements of the damp fuel.

Abstract: A sand layer is fluidized by a gas stream or current in a fluidized bed dryer and indirectly heated by immersed stationary heat-exchanger tubes. The sludge to be dried is continuously fed under pressure in a pumpable conditon from above onto the fluidized sand layer. The sludge is coagulated in the fluidized sand layer to form sludge lumps. Here, the sludge lumps are successively dried from the surface down to the core thereof, and the already dried layers of the sludge lumps are successively abraded by the fluidized sand, whereby the sludge lumps are entirely comminuted and the dry matter thereof is pulverized to form dust. This product dust is continuously discharged together with the exhaust-gas stream from the fluidized bed dryer and continuously separated as a product from the exhaust-gas stream. The gas stream or current freed from dust is partially recycled in a closed circuit back to the fluidized bed dryer for fluidization of the sand layer.

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 process and apparatus for the gasification of partially dried fuel with hot gas which has been heated by bringing it into contact with an inert hot heat carrier. The fuel gases generated during the gasification process are further combusted and utilized for heating the inert heat carrier. The process and apparatus can be combined with a process and apparatus for generating steam from wet fuel wherein water is evaporated from the wet fuel by bringing the fuel into direct contact with superheated steam. The steam is superheated by bringing it into contact with a second hot heat carrier. The second heat carrier is heated by bringing it into direct contact with the fuel gas produced by combusting the fuel gas from the gasification process.

Abstract: A charcoal manufacturing device includes at least two bottomless furnaces of which, in operation, at least one is in a carbonization phase and at least one other is charged with wet wood to be dried. An incinerator is provided for burning the gas produced during the carbonization phase, connected to the at least one furnace. A first hot gas diluter is connected to this incinerator and an extractor is connected to the first diluter. An optional washing device is connected to the extractor. Hot gas produced by the at least one furnace during the carbonization phase is drawn off upstream of the extractor and conveyed to the at least one other furnace by a system that includes a second hot gas diluter. This second diluter renders the temperature of the hot gas compatible with the wet wood to be dried.

Abstract: A method for improving utilization of sulphur-absorbent containing calcium, in a power plant burning fuel in a fluidized bed (12) of particulate material in a combustion chamber (11). When fresh absorbent is prepared it is crushed and the crushed material is subsequently divided into a fine and a coarse fraction. The fine fraction is calcinated, mixed with crushed coal (41) and used as drying agent. The invention also relates to a power plant having equipment (28) for calcinating a fine-particled fraction of fresh sulphur-absorbent, and also equipment for mixing coal (41) and the calcinated absorbent and equipment (46, 48) for feeding the mixture of absorbent and coal into the bed. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Heavy hydrocarbon containing sludges such as refinery waste streams, oil storage tank sludges and marine oil tanker ballast are treated by passing the sludges in a flow stream through an indirect dryer to vaporize liquids having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure of less than about 700.degree. C. and to provide substantially dried solid particles discharged from the dryer. The dried particles, containing heavy hydrocarbons as a coating or as a part of the solids, are conducted to a combuster/oxidizer and exposed to a high velocity flow stream of oxygen containing gas, typically low pressure forced air, to burn the residual hydrocarbons in the solids and to reduce heavy metals and the like to oxides thereof. A sludge handling system includes a rotary disk type indirect dryer connected to a lift pipe type combustor/oxidizer for thorough exposure of the dried solids to an oxygen containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating steam from wet fuel, wherein water is evaporated from the wet fuel by bringing the fuel into direct contact with superheated steam. The steam is superheated by bringing it into contact with a hot heat carrier. The heat carrier is heated by bringing it into direct contact with flue gas produced by burning the dried fuel and the heat carrier is used to superheat the steam.

Abstract: Heavy metals and compounds thereof and other toxic materials in industrial wastes, sludges, soils, incinerated ashes and the like are fixed and stabilized in a char residue, obtained by critical region pyrolyzing techniques and appropriate proportions of carbonaceous materials intimately mixed with the sludge, to encapsulate the heavy metals with carbon bonded thereto which effectively detoxifies the residue and renders it immune to any substantial leaching out or later exposure to the toxic metals, such that the same is environmentally safe for such uses as landfill and the like.

Abstract: An incinerator system utilizes recovered heat from the incineration of wood waste left by harvesting of forests to dry green wood products. An automatic feeder loads waste wood into a furnace which discharges combustion gases through a stack wherein a spiral air flow is induced to separate a portion of the gas carrying cinders and sparks from the axial movement of the remainder of gas. The cinder laden hot gases pass through a precipitation chamber where the cinders are recovered and returned to the furnace. The de-cindered gas is then admitted to a kiln via a modulating damper to dry wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of drying a particulate material which is thereafter to be heat-treated, the material and a gaseous drying medium being brought in contact with each other in a drying apparatus, where water is made to pass from the material to the drying medium by heating. According to the invention a pressure above atmospheric is maintained in the drying apparatus and the drying medium in the drying apparatus is substantially steam. Heating is carried out by means of excess heat generated in the heat treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in processing waste materials of various kinds and for reclaiming useable by-product materials from the pyrolized waste materials. The waste materials to be pyrolized are efficiently dehydrated prior to their introduction into the pyrolysis retort using microwaves generated by a large microwave generator. After the waste material is dried, initial ignition is accomplished using a very high intensity laser beam. Laser ignition is continued until sufficient methane and other volatile gases are produced for burning in a burner unit to sustain the pyrolysis reaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling moisture content of a solid, such as pulverized coal, conveyed to a reactor, such as a gasifier, by controlling the temperature of a gas injected into a pulverizer or dryer based on the moisture content control of the coal transported to the gasifier.

Abstract: Fluctuating prices and conservation of oil demand substitution of coal therefor, but coal as currently used, produces unacceptable amounts of nitrogen oxides. The problem arises from the inherently poor combustion characteristics of such pulverized solid fuels, the long combustion time intervals required, and the great amounts of excess combustion air required to complete combustion. The methods of the present invention minimize the formation of nitrogen oxides by modifying or adding several steps in the combustion process. Heating the coal to evacuate the pores and capillary openings in the coal structure prepares it for suffusion and storage in an inert atmosphere of carbon dioxide to prevent partial oxidation of coal constituents and adsorption or permeation of nitrogen from the air. Many advantages are gained by replacing carbon dioxide in the pores and capillary openings with methanol.

Abstract: Ion exchange resin wastes are prepared for disposal by dewatering and/or dehydrating the resins, sealing the pores and recovering the ion exchange resins having radioactive waste products trapped within the sealed pores.

Abstract: A method for drying, crushing and distribution of solid fuel for a solid fuel boiler, for example a fluidized bed boiler. The method is characterized in that moist fuel is crushed and dried by intermixing gas and/or ash, and that the fuel is set in motion, for example in a cyclone together with gas, the fuel thus being divided into several sub-flows for feeding into the boiler at different points.

Abstract: A method and a system for providing thermal power to an electrical power plant wherein substantially whole trees are supplied as fuel without being processed into small woodchips or chunks. The substantially whole trees stored in the drying building to lower their moisture content, and thereafter are transported to a charge pit located adjacent to a combustion chamber. The substantially whole trees are fed into the combustion chamber by a ram feeder and burned therein. The heat created by the combustion is absorbed by a boiler section and in the form of steam it is supplied to a conventional electrical power generator.

Abstract: A rubbish treating apparatus in which the rubbish is gathered, separated, and crushed, after that the crushed rubbish is transferred to a magnetic conveyor, such that ferro-metallic rubbish and non ferro-metallic rubbish are separated. The non ferro-metallic rubbish is then transferred to a pressing device in which the rubbish is pressed, and finally the rubbish is further crumbled and burned in a burner. The gas produced while burning is purified, therefore such procedure can be used to solve the problem of pollution due to rubbish.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for generation of thermal energy, and cogeneration which includes a variable speed rotating heat transfer apparatus for the fluidization and combustion of carbonaceous fuel. The apparatus has an integrally formed water cooled jacket and water cooled auger and is maintained at an inclination with respect to ground level. The apparatus and process allow for a wide range turndown ratio and is adapted to cause a multidirectional movement of the fuel to be combusted.

Abstract: In an improved refuse incineration system, wet refuse is heated in a dryer by inlet superheated steam in direct contact to remove most moisture therefrom while converting such moisture into outlet steam also in superheated state. The dried refuse is then fed into a boiler, through which the outlet superheated steam is circulated to raise temperature to much higher superheated level and recycled to the dryer as inlet superheated steam. This system will greatly increase the drying efficiency and productivity and thus reduce the necessary volume of the dryer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for the complete dewatering of sludge containing hazardous and toxic materials, the stabilization of pathogens and microorganisms contained in the sludge and the disintegration and volume reduction of the resultant solids including a blending chamber for the blending of sludge and a predetermined amount of electrolyte, the partial dewatering of the sludge and electrolyte in a filter unit, the adjustment of the resultant filter cake to a desired thickness and the measurement of the conductivity of the filter cake and the transporting of the filter cake to a disintegration chamber where the filter cake is introduced to an automatically-adjustable source of electrical energy reducing the filter cake to particulate solids and where the filter cake conductivity measurements are communicated to the blending station and the source of electrical energy for the automatic adjustment of same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high speed burning furnace and incinerator, particularly to a high speed burning furnace and incinerator capable of completely burning pulverized coal in the burning furnace, separating the ash produced by the combustion, injecting the said flame into the incinerator, and then completely burning the waste products. The main feature of this invention resides in that a heavy oil or a pulverized coal can be mixed with a primary air flow and injected into the burning furnace so as to introduce a rapidly revolving secondary air flow from tangential air flow inlets on an inner pipe to help combustion and thus a complete combustion can be effected and the flame can be intensified. This intense flame is introduced into the incinerator to completely burn the waste products sent into the incinerator by a conveyer through a preheating chamber.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process and apparatus for uniformly drying particulized wet wood material or waste, commonly called hog fuel, from in excess of 50% moisture content to a 30% level suitable for burning as boiler fuel without generating "blue haze" air pollution typical of conventional rotary dryers. The fluidized bed of this invention is divided into treatment zones by a baffle arrangement. The hog fuel flows substantially horizontally along a circuitous path through the treatment zones. Hot flue gases fluidize the bed of hog fuel and provide necessary drying heat. Fines portions from each zone are entrained by the drying gases and blown out of the vessel just as they achieve the desired level of dryness and before significant blue haze is generated. A cyclone recovers these fines as product. Gas pressure to each treatment zone is adjusted so that only the desired amount of hog fuel is blown from the bed with the balance proceeding to subsequent zones.

Abstract: A fluidized bed process and apparatus for uniformly drying particulized wet wood material or waste, commonly called hog fuel, from in excess of 50% moisture content to a 30% level suitable for burning as boiler fuel without generating "blue haze" air pollution typical of conventional rotary dryers. The fluidized bed of this invention is divided into treatment zones by a baffle arrangement. The hog fuel flows substantially horizontally along a circuitous path through the treatment zones. Hot flue gases fluidize the bed of hog fuel and provide necessary drying heat. Fines portions from each zone are entrained by the drying gases and blown out of the vessel just as they achieve the desired level of dryness and before significant blue haze is generated. A cyclone recovers these fines as product. Gas pressure to each treatment zone is adjusted so that only the desired amount of hog fuel is blown from the bed with the balance proceeding to subsequent zones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the moisture content of a moist sewage sludge having a moisture content of about 50% to 80% and formed of small cellular micro-organism bodies having internally confined water is provided. A hot liquid metal is circulated in a circulation loop and the moist sewage sludge is injected in the circulation loop under conditions of temperature and pressure such that the confined water vaporizes and ruptures the cellular bodies. The vapor produced, the dried sludge, and the liquid metal are then separated. Preferably, the moist sewage sludge is injected into the hot liquid metal adjacent the upstream side of a venturi which serves to thoroughly mix the hot liquid metal and the moist sewage sludge. The venturi and the drying zone after the venturi are preferably vertically oriented. The dried sewage sludge recovered is available as a fuel and is preferably used for heating the hot liquid metal.

Abstract: A compact incinerator for biomass has an upright combustion chamber coaxially surrounded by a passage through which the biomass is fed from a separator in which the primary air is separated from the biomass, to the combustion chamber. An afterburner chamber surrounds this shaft so that flue gases from the combustion chamber can pass through the shaft and be filtered by the biomass while heating the biomass before afterburning is effected in the afterburner chamber. The primary air from the separator is preheated in a preheater in indirect heating exchange by the flue gas in the same coaxial apparatus which also includes, coaxially with the combustion chamber, a flue gas/solids separator for removing solids from the flue gas before it enters the preheater.

Abstract: A system wherein the contaminated cuttings are fed into the system for eventual incineration. The principal apparatus of the system comprises a plurality, preferably three, of horizontally disposed cylindrical drying chambers mounted onto a skid for receiving contaminated cuttings into each separate chamber. There is provided on the first end of the chambers a receiving bin or hopper, wherein the cuttings are received from the shakers or the like into the bin, and dropped into an opening in the first end of the three chambers. Each chamber is provided with a separate variable motor controlled auger disposed substantially throughout the length of the chamber wherein rotation of the auger would move the cuttings along the length of the interior of the chamber. The second end of each chamber is provided with a lower exit chute for removal of the cuttings from the chamber as the auger has moved them into position. The cuttings would then be collected in a polyurethane bag or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating sewage to reduce total solids content. Involves separating sewage sludge from sewage liquid, dewatering and compressing the sludge, subjecting the sludge to microwave radiation to reduce sludge to ash-like residue, and adding the residue back to the sewage liquid. Optionally, to sterilize the sludge liquid with chemicals or ultraviolet light.