Abstract: An at least semi-autonomous litter conditioning vehicle has a chassis. A drive system is coupled to the chassis and can move the vehicle along a floor of an animal enclosure. A collection system is coupled to a front portion of the chassis and includes a flailer that can reduce a particle size of the litter as the collection system collects litter from the floor. A conditioning system is coupled along a length of the chassis and includes a drum that can receive the collected litter and can be rotated to tumble the litter. A heating element of the conditioning system can transfer thermal energy to the litter as it is tumbled in the drum. A dispersement system is coupled to a back portion of the chassis. The dispersement system can receive conditioned litter from the conditioning system and can disperse the conditioned litter on the floor behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A reactor (16) for the remediation of polyfluoroalkyl- and/or microplastic-contaminated feedstocks includes an elongated, horizontally oriented, axially rotatable drum (34) having a shell (72) within a housing (32), with a feedstock input assembly (38) adjacent one end of the drum (34) and a feedstock output assembly (40) adjacent the opposite end thereof. A burner (94) within the housing (32) generates hot combustion gases which surround the drum (34) in order to conductively heat feedstock passing through the drum (34). The invention substantially completely remediates the feedstocks through volatilization of the contaminants.

Abstract: A soil treatment system, including heat treatment apparatus configured to travel in a forward direction along a plot of ground having a soil surface and configured for disturbing the soil surface and treating associated soil with steam as the heat treatment apparatus travels to provide steam treated soil, and a source of steam in flow communication with the heat treatment apparatus for supplying steam to the heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment apparatus includes a first heat treatment section having a plurality of rotating blades configured to contact the soil surface and lift and circulate the soil and return the soil to the ground, and a plurality of first steam outlets proximate the rotating blades configured to expose the soil lifted and circulated by the rotating blades to steam from the first steam outlets.

Abstract: Method for decontaminating bulk food and/or feed material, in particular raw food and/or feed materials, comprising the following method steps: —inserting the bulk material into a rotary tube dryer, —increasing the temperature of the bulk material by means of at least one infrared radiator up to a defined treatment temperature range while at the same time rotating the bulk material, —maintaining the temperature of the bulk material in the treatment temperature range during a treatment phase by means of the infrared radiator while at the same time rotating the bulk material, —reducing the temperature of the bulk material to a discharge temperature while at the same time rotating the bulk material, —discharging the bulk material from the rotary tube dryer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and machines for removing volatile compounds from sludge. Additionally, disclosed are methods and machines for removing pathogens from sludge.

Abstract: A device for reacting an organic starting material to yield a gas that includes hydrogen has a feed device, a tubular furnace with an entry zone, an interior space, an axis of rotation and an exit side, and a water feed arranged by the feed device or entry zone and controllable as a function of the content of hydrogen in the gas mixture. The feed device feeds the starting material in the region of the entry zone into the interior space of the tubular furnace, from which a solid material and a gas mixture is discharged. The tubular furnace has a compensator for different thermal expansions of a first zone and a second zone. A gas-conducting system includes a gas monitor for the content of hydrogen in the gas mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system of high resolution modular heating for soil evaporative desorption. In one embodiment, a soil box comprising contaminated soil is mounted within a treatment chamber. Heated gas are directed into the soil box through a plurality of injection ports. A heat front from the heated gas desorbs the surrounding contaminated soil. The delivery of the heated gas may be in sections and independently controlled among the plurality of injection ports. A bottom section of the soil box is heated prior to a top section to minimize or reduce condensation formation within lower areas of the soil box, thereby creating roadways of desiccated, heated, and/or cracked soil at the bottom section. Vaporized contaminants from the top section is able to flow freely through the roadways to get to an exit pathway at the bottom of the soil box.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion zone where a gas is introduced and fuel is combusted and at least one sensor for measuring a predetermined condition in the gasifier. A grate subsystem contains the fuel and includes at least one grinding mechanism. A controller is responsive to the at least one sensor and controls the grinding mechanism by activating the grinding mechanism if the predetermined condition exists to reduce the collection of non-fuel products on the grate subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for drying, cleaning and upgrading coal and biomass solid fuel while integrating the steps with the normal on site steps in coal preparation for a utility boiler, such that boiler efficiency is improved and emissions are reduced. The present invention carefully sequences steps to employ latent heat from one step to the next and more efficiently bring the fuel up to or near ignition temperature. The present invention incorporates several previously related inventions to improve the heat content and cleanliness of the fuel, thus reducing fuel flow rate, ash, CO2, CO, NOx, sulfur, mercury, chlorine, particulate and other emissions, for the same or higher energy output.

Abstract: High temperature intermittently sealable refractory tile and controlled air continuous gasifiers (rotary kilns) that are manufactured using such refractory tile, waste to energy systems that have such gasifiers as part of the system, and processes in which such waste to energy systems are used, for example, co-generation steam and power plants using biomass as the fuel for the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the demilitarization of ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated tubular ammunition conveying chamber having a wall, an inlet opening, and a discharge opening; a heater in thermal communication with the elongated tubular chamber; and a first discharge barrier obstructing at least a first portion of the discharge opening of the elongated tubular chamber.

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: The subject of the invention is a rotary tube (1), in particular for a rotary tubular kiln for the production of activated charcoal, according to the invention the rotary tube (1) being provided on its outside with at least one reinforcing element (8) for stabilizing the rotary tube (1) in the operating state. As a result, the rotary tube (1) exposed under operating conditions to high temperatures and consequently easily deformable is stabilized in its cross section and/or in its longitudinal direction, depending on the arrangement of the reinforcing element. In particular, the rotary tube (1), for example when it is used for the production of activated charcoal, with the accompanying high operating temperatures, is equipped with efficient resistance to pronounced pressure fluctuations occurring due to the method employed and is therefore also suitable, in particular, for carrying out processes under reduced or increased pressure.

Abstract: A high throughput process and apparatus for thermal remediation of bio-solids, e.g., bio-sludge from wastewater treatment plants, has a dryer with a high capacity heat source to volatilize and combust the compounds contained in a first lot of bio-solids. The thermally treated bio-solids are discharged and cooled. Hot gases and fines formed are drawn into a second dryer where a second lot of bio-solids are used to cool the hot gases/fines mixture. An exhaust cooling recirculating unit is used to further cool the gas/fines mixture and separate courser fines before entering the bag house. Additional separation of the fines from gases is achieved in a baghouse or other suitable device for separating fine particles from gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are for the pyrolysis of waste. The aparatus has a rotating cell formed of a cylinder in combination with a truncated cone rotating on the same axis. The apparatus also has a hopper for charging the waste at one end of the cylinder, an ash box at the other end of the cylinder, a gas recuperator, and a retaining threshold between the cylinder and the truncated cone. A region of intimate contact of the waste with itself is created, whereby the waste is converted into coke which is used as fuel in the pyrolysis of the waste.

Abstract: Material to be treated such as garbage is charged into a first rotary kiln 14 to be mainly dehydrated and charged into a second rotary kiln 18 to be carbonized. The first rotary kiln 14 has a first nozzle pipe 11 therein for spouting a first high temperature gas and the second rotary kiln 18 has a second nozzle pipe 15 for spouting a second high temperature gas, mainly high temperature superheated steam with a temperature higher than a temperature of the first high temperature gas. The carbonized material is discharged outside after a temperature thereof is lowered to prevent spontaneous combustion in an atmosphere. Thereby, it is able to provide an apparatus for thermal treatment using superheated steam which can be built relatively small and by which treatment time can be shortened, and further, the final carbonized material can be used as charcoal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a waste product and producing a synthesis gas is provided. The system includes a sealed, heated rotatable drum for preheating and preparing the waste material suitable for a plasma reactor, and processing the material in the reactor. The synthesis gas created by the reactor is used to preheat the waste material by circulating the hot synthesis gas around the drum. In an alternative embodiment, the hot synthesis gas flows through the drum to preheat the waste material and to clean the synthesis gas. Different methods of cooling and cleaning the synthesis gas are used. The system may comprise two plasma reactors in combination with a rotating desorber drum.

Abstract: Material to be treated such as garbage is charged into a first rotary kiln 14 to be mainly dehydrated and charged into a second rotary kiln 18 to be carbonized. The first rotary kiln 14 has a first nozzle pipe 11 therein for spouting a first high temperature gas and the second rotary kiln 18 has a second nozzle pipe 15 for spouting a second high temperature gas, mainly high temperature superheated steam with a temperature higher than a temperature of the first high temperature gas. The carbonized material is discharged outside after a temperature thereof is lowered to prevent spontaneous combustion in an atmosphere. Thereby, it is able to provide an apparatus for thermal treatment using superheated steam which can be built relatively small and by which treatment time can be shortened, and further, the final carbonized material can be used as charcoal.

Abstract: A system for drying sludge includes a shaftless spiral feed screw for moving sludge through a drying chamber. An high energy inductor is located at a output of the drying chamber for drawing hot gases through the chamber to dry the sludge as it advances from the input end to the output end of the chamber. The high energy inductor also aspirates the dried sludge from the chamber. The drying system can be used in conjunction with a waste-to-energy furnace for incineration of sludge and municipal waste. In such an arrangement, the dried sludge can be aspirated from the drying chamber directly into a combustion zone of the furnace. Hot gases from the furnace can be used in drying the sludge.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to recover energy from waste by means of combustion of such waste in industrial furnaces, particularly of the rotary type, that has an external calciner, feeding such waste into the tertiary air duct of the calciner and burning the waste inside the duct itself, to efficiently make use of the energy produced by such combustion, as a contribution of the total cost of fuel necessary to operate the industrial furnace. The method and apparatus permit the elimination of hazardous wastes that are efficiently disassociated when burned sufficiently to produce effluents that are typically non-toxic, producing greatly reduced or even no atmospheric pollution nor environmental damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are for the pyrolysis of waste. The aparatus has a rotating cell formed of a cylinder in combination with a truncated cone rotating on the same axis. The apparatus also has a hopper for charging the waste at one end of the cylinder, an ash box at the other end of the cylinder, a gas recuperator, and a retaining threshold between the cylinder and the truncated cone. A region of intimate contact of the waste with itself is created, whereby the waste is converted into coke which is used as fuel in the pyrolysis of the waste.

Abstract: A method of waste water treatment including mixing waste material with a binder, pelletizing the mixture and kiln incineration of the pellets to ceramify same, with processing of flue gases. In an embodiment, the pH of the mixture is maintained alkaline. In an embodiment, the pelletized mixture is coated with ball clay to 10-20% by weight, and then with china clay, prior to firing. The high temperature flue gases and entrained heavy metal or dust exhausting the kiln are directed through a multistage scrubbing system. In an embodiment, volatiles are adsorbed prior to the gas passing through an alkali wet scrubber to remove chlorine compounds and heavy metals, and sulphur compounds. The sludge from the acid scrubber is neutralized and further treated to remove mercury.

Abstract: A drying and mixing plant is provided comprising a tapered inner drum (1) and an oppositely tapered outer drum (4) attached together concentrically and rotated as a unit. A burner (37) directs a hot air stream into the small end (2) of the inner drum (1). Material is fed into the small end of the inner drum, where impellers (40) lift it and drop it into the hot air stream and move the material through the inner drum (1) aided by the downward taper of the inner drum. The material exits the inner drum and enters the outer drum (4) where an additive material is introduced and mixed with the material (42) as both move through the chamber (28) between the inner and outer drums to a material outlet. The receiving end (5) of the outer drum (4) is enclosed in a shroud (12), therefore the air stream is directed through the chamber (28) between the drums, the chamber having an expanding cross section which slows the air down allowing fines to precipitate out.

Abstract: In a method of supplying air to a pulverized solid fuel burner passing through the burner cowl of a furnace, the fuel is dried and then conveyed by means of a given large quantity of hot air, which may or may not be depleted in oxygen in a separator in which the fuel is extracted from it. The fuel is then conveyed to the burner by means of a first portion only of the air from which the fuel has been removed. This conveyor air portion is used as primary combustion-supporting air for burning the fuel in the burner, into which the first portion of air, mixed with the fuel it conveys, is fed via an annular duct. The other portion of the hot air purified in the separator is used at least as additional primary combustion-supporting and flame adjustment air and is fed into the burner peripherally and centrally relative to the first portion of air charged with fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volatile material(s) in contaminated material(s) including a retort assembly which includes a rotatable retort disposed at least partially within a combustion chamber with a heater to indirectly heat the contents of the rotatable retort. A feeder feeds the contaminated material(s) to the retort. The apparatus further includes a pathway for passing contaminated material(s) to the retort and a conduit for passing the combustion gases from an afterburner to the retort assembly to provide additional heat for heating the contaminated material in the retort. The apparatus may also include a high temperature filter which can filter the volatiles before entering the afterburner.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for recovering and treating hazardous and non-hazardous components from process streams generated from a continuous system for selectively separating organic and inorganic constituents from contaminated material. The contaminated material is heated to a first temperature sufficient to volatilize water and lower boiling point constituents contained in the material, thereby producing a dried solid material and a first gas containing water vapor and volatilized lower boiling point constituents. The contaminated material is heated in a dryer, which includes an indirect heated hot oil screw dryer having a screw for conveying the material. The first gas is separated from the dried solid material. The lower boiling point constituents are recovered from the first gas.

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: A counter-flow asphalt plant with a separately controlled and operated dryer 50 and mixer 52 in which virgin aggregate, recycle material and liquid asphalt are mixed to produce an asphaltic composition. The dryer 50 is rotated by a variable dryer drive 58 about a central longitudinal dryer axis disposed at a dryer angle of declination. Within the dryer 50, aggregates are dried and heated by heat radiation and a hot gas stream generated at a burner head 112 of a combustion assembly 106 positioned inside the downstream end of the dryer 50. The downstream end of the dryer 50 is inserted within the first end of the mixer 52 for delivery of the heated aggregate. The mixer 52 is carried on a tiltable frame 54 and is rotated by a variable mixer drive 88 about a central longitudinal mixer axis disposed at a mixer angle of declination.

Abstract: A device for combustion of granular material, for example wood flour pellets, chippings and the like, comprises a rotary solid fuel burner (1), air intake to the bumer, at least one conduit (18) for the supply of fuel and outlet (3) for combustion gases to a boiler part for heat transfer to water-cooled surfaces, for example. The rotary solid fuel burner is formed as a vessel with a rear wall, said outlet (3) for combustion gases and a jacket part between the rear wall and the outlet. A fuel feed pipe (18), which forms part of a fuel feed conduit, extends through the rear end wall, and an air admission pipe (19) surrounds the central fuel feed pipe at a distance from this, so that a space (20) which is ring-shaped in section is formed between the central fuel feed pipe (18) and the air admission pipe (19).

Abstract: A process for feeding solid industrial and special waste to combustion installations. The waste materials are separated from the combustion chamber by a lock system, are comminuted and homogenized in an inert-gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering and treating hazardous and non-hazardous components from process streams generated from a continuous system for selectively separating organic and inorganic constituents from contaminated material. The contaminated material is heated in a dryer to a first temperature sufficient to volatilize water and lower boiling point constituents contained in the material, thereby producing a dried solid material and a first gas containing water vapor and volatilized lower boiling point constituents. The first gas is separated from the dried solid material. The lower boiling point constituents are recovered from the first gas. The dried solid material is heated in a desorber to a second temperature sufficient to volatilize higher boiling point constituents contained in the dried material, thereby producing a substantially decontaminated solid material and a second gas containing volatilized higher boiling point constituents.

Abstract: The present invention is a decontamination plant for removing contaminates from contaminated material. The decontamination plant comprises an outer shell including a cavity therein. A drum formed of heat conductive material is rotatably mounted in the cavity defined by the outer shell so as to form an annular heating chamber between the drum and the outer shell. A plurality of heat sources are positioned to discharge heat into the annular heating chamber. The drum also has an inner surface defining a decontamination chamber. A tube is concentrically supported within the decontamination chamber formed in the drum. The tube has an inlet which is in communication with the annular heating chamber so as to receive flue gases therefrom. The outlet of the tube is positioned to exhaust gases from the drum. The drum is slightly inclined from a material receiving opening to a soil discharge end so as to cause the material which is being decontaminated to progress through the decontamination chamber as the drum rotates.

Abstract: Superior heat transfer in a kiln is achieved by the use of at least one injector which injects both an oxidant, preferably containing oxygen, and a secondary fuel into the kiln. The injectors are provided so that the energy resulting from the combustion of the different fuels in the kiln heats specified regions of the kiln, without causing hot spots on the refractory walls. A firing scheme is described for the oxygen and fuels which allows an increase in the amount of heat released toward the load, resulting in significant increases in kiln efficiency and production. Low quality fuels may be used, as well as using and/or recycling more insufflated dust, without an adverse effect on the main flame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste as supplemental fuel in operating rotary cement kilns. The apparatus comprises an open port in the rotary vessel at a point where during cement kiln operation the in-process mineral material is in a calcining state and where kiln gas temperatures are sufficient to decompose volatile components of the waste fuel. A drop tube extending from the port into the kiln is provided to prevent in-process mineral from escaping through the port during rotation of the rotary vessel. Combustible solids are delivered through the port under the force of gravity and air is continuously drawn into the rotary vessel through the open port during kiln operation. The apparatus and method allow efficient usage of combustible solid waste as a supplemental fuel for cement kiln operation.

Abstract: A flighted, horizontally inclined rotary retort, heated externally by flame, hot gases, steam or other sources of heat. The retort shall have sufficient flight area to transport the coal through the retort in the predetermined time. The coal being processed in this retort is prevented from becoming exothermic by provision for a countercurrent flow of blanket gas, heated to a predetermined temperature below exotherm, to prevent coal surface temperatures from rising above the ignition temperature. The retort accommodates oversize pieces of raw coal by having alternating long and short flights, thus allowing greater space between long flights and allowing the larger pieces to be carried over the center pipe by the wiping action of the long flights. The retort will also be provided with an internal pipe, mounted on the center line of the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus burns tires in a horizontally rotating combuster. The tires are loaded into a rotating combustion chamber through a traveling air lock and burned until they are reduced to ash. Combustion is enhanced by tumbling the burning tires in the rotating chamber while adding preheated draft air. The intake draft air is controlled using thermal expansion of the rotary combustion chamber to activate the draft control valve. The inner surface of the chamber is tapered in order to prevent unburned debris from advancing prematurely; however, angled flights, positioned along the inner surface, cause the residual ash to advance with each successive revolution of the combustion chamber. The resulting combination of gases and ash are then forwarded to an afterburner for completion of the combustion and disposal of the ash.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of paper in an asphalt plant. The asphalt plant comprises a container for stone aggregate to be heated, a burner for producing a burner flame to provide thermal energy for heating the stone aggregate in the container, the burner being positioned relative to the container so that an open space is defined therebetween, and a supplementary burner positioned in the open space between the burner and the container. The supplementary burner includes a supplementary burner member for producing a supplementary burner flame to provide thermal energy for heating the stone aggregate in the container, an air supply connected to the supplementary burner member for providing a stream of air to the supplementary burner member, and a supply of paper connected to the air supply for introducing paper into the stream of air. The paper is introduced into the stream of air such that the paper is entrained in the stream of air and is substantially incinerated in the container.

Abstract: A device for combustion of moist fuel includes a combustion chamber with a moving fire grate disposed at a bottom portion thereof and a drum dryer located within the combustion chamber above the fire grate. The dryer drum rotates and includes therein an involuted drum in communication with a feeding apparatus external to the combustion chamber. The feeding apparatus transports fuel from a bin to the involuted drum. As the drum dryer rotates the fuel therein moves toward an end thereof and is dried by the heat of the combustion chamber. From an end of the drum dryer, the dried fuel falls onto the fire grate and is burned.

Abstract: An asphalt plant includes a rotary dryer, a rotary mixer, a conduit for transferring gas from the mixer to the dryer, and a flame arrester in the conduit adjacent to the dryer to prevent a fire from propagating from the dryer back through the conduit.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for feeding whole tires into a cement kiln comprising a feed opening in the shell of the kiln, a passageway including a sleeve extending within and outside the kiln, an arcuate sector valve device for closing the passageway and timed to open so as to allow the tires to fall into the kiln through the passageway. The sector valve having an outer perforated wall and an inner wall, the perforated wall allowing ambient air to circulate between the outer and inner wall to keep the outer wall cool for contact with the tires. A transfer device is provided for transferring the tires onto the feeding apparatus wherein the transfer device includes fingers while the feeding apparatus includes a fork receiving tray interdigitated with the fingers to pick up the tires as the kiln rotates.

Abstract: A system for reducing volatile organic compounds, particulates and carbon monoxide in exhaust from a wood products dryer is disclosed. The dryer exhaust is combined with waste wood or biomass fuel and partially combusted in a rotary gasifier, then fully combusted in a secondary combustion chamber. Hot flue gasses form the secondary combustion chamber are used to heat the conduits carrying the exhaust from the dryer, to heat oil, and to preheat air input to the dryer.

Abstract: An asphalt plant for producing asphalt paving, the asphalt plant including: a) a dryer unit for heating stone aggregate, the dryer unit including a container and a burner for producing a flame to provide thermal energy for heating the stone aggregate in the container; b) a supply of burner fuel for providing fuel for the burner flame; c) a supply of burner air for providing oxygen to the burner flame; and d) the dryer unit including a grate which is spaced from the burner, the grate defining a plurality of openings, such that the burner flame extends through the openings, and such that the grate improves the thermal efficiency of the dryer unit for heating the stone aggregate.

Abstract: Rotary combustor and spring assembly therefor. The combustor includes a tire surrounding a kiln and a spring assembly interposed between the tire and kiln for interconnecting the tire and kiln. The spring assembly includes a clevis member attached to the tire and a spring member having an end portion thereof pivotally connected to the clevis member and an intermediate portion thereof attached to the kiln. The other end portion of the spring member is pivotally connected to an adjacent clevis member. The spring member allows for relative motion of the tire and the kiln as the first and second end portions of the spring member pivot about their respective clevis members.

Abstract: An improved kiln for the calcination of a powder comprises a directly heated rotary kiln in which at least a part of the inner circumferential wall is equipped with a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are shaped so that the powder is substantially not lifted during operation of the kiln. In a preferred embodiment the protrusions have the shape of a triangular prism and are positioned within the kiln so as to pass through the powder in the manner of a plough. Preferably the top face of the prism is an isosceles triangle in which the equal angles are greater than the angle of repose of the powder for which the kiln is designed.

Abstract: Oxygen is lanced into the main combustion reaction of a cement kiln to increase heat transfer to the clinker bed and to increase clinker production. Oxygen is separately lanced along the floor, i.e. the lowest wall of the kiln, to delay mixing with the flame to provide deep staging. The deeply staged oxygen flow is adjusted frequently to control emissions and stabilize the burning zone while the primary oxygen flow is maintained constant.

Abstract: A description is given of an apparatus for shooting of whole automobile tires, preferably into a cement rotary kiln, which apparatus comprises a gun barrel, a charging device for placing automobile tires in the gun barrel, and a device for generating compressed air for propelling the automobile tire through the gun barrel. The gun barrel consists of a tube having a cross-section which is essentially rectangular over its entire length. By designing the gun barrel with a cross-section which corresponds to the cross-section of the automobile tire, the automobile tire will fill out the entire cross-sectional area of the gun barrel thereby making it possible to provide an air pressure behind the automobile tire which is sufficient for propelling the tire through the gun barrel.

Abstract: A paper sludge drier includes a somewhat attrition style mill discharging to a horizontal, rotary drum drier. The mill has two mill plates facing each other. As one rotates relative to the other, sludge is broken down as it passes between the plates. The sludge flows generally from the center of the plates and outward through grooves running radially across the plates. The sludge is subsequently dried in the horizontal drum which has an integral internal screw that conveys the sludge through the drum. The sludge drier reduces the moisture content of the paper sludge from over 50 percent down to less than 20 percent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving, processing, and delivering waste materials to the interior of a rotary cement kiln to be burned therein. Apparatus includes a feeding mechanism which provides continuous in-feed of entrained solids or solid waste, materials including hazardous waste material having low fuel value, directly into the calcining zone of the kiln. A bulk receiving system is provided for receiving, processing and transferring materials from one or more collection stations. The system further includes processing for sizing and segregating metal extracted from a contaminated hazardous waste stream. Methods are provided for providing induction of forced, combustion air directly into the calcining zone of a rotating cement kiln.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a bulk material supplemental fuel through a port formed in a side wall of a rotary vessel of a cement kiln. The apparatus includes a stationary annular plenum surrounding rotary vessel. The plenum is configured to define an enclosed interior region in communication with the port in the rotary vessel. The apparatus also includes a bulk material fuel charging apparatus including a hopper for receiving the bulk material, and a barrel in communication with the hopper. The barrel has an open discharge end extending into the interior region of the annular plenum. The bulk material fuel charging apparatus also includes an air cannon in air flow communication with the barrel for injecting air into the barrel to force a portion of the bulk material located in the barrel out of the open discharge end of the barrel, through the port, and into the rotary vessel.

Abstract: Gaseous discharge from a pelletizing drier used in the treatment of sewage sludge is partially directed back to a combustion chamber that generates an effluent which is fed to the drier. Volumetric requirements of a gas scrubber and an afterburner are reduced to the volume of gaseous discharge not recycled back to the combustion chamber. A concentrated stream of sewage sludge is mixed with a quantity of dehydrated particulate matter and supplied to a rotary pelletizing drier. Fuel and air undergo a combustion process and are mixed with additional air and part of the gaseous discharge in the combustion chamber which generates a hot gaseous effluent that is directed through the drier. The effluent removes moisture from the mixture of concentrated sludge and dehydrated particulate matter to provide dehydrated particulate sludge and the gaseous discharge. Entrained materials are initially separated from the gaseous discharge by cyclone separators.