Abstract: A portable soil decontamination and remediation system comprising a high heat energy generator that supplies high heat energy to a soil decontamination unit. The heat energy generator comprises a closed chamber for gasifying used rubber tires for the production of volatile gases and high energy heat. The soil decontamination unit comprises an elongate rotating cylinder that rotates within a closed chamber. Contaminated soil is introduced into one end of the rotating cylinder and is caused to migrate to the opposite end in a cascading fashion as the cylinder rotates. High energy heat from the generator is directed at the rotating cylinder to indirectly heat the soil therein to vaporize the hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil as the rotating drum migrates the soil toward its collection end. Vacuum pressure withdraws the vaporized hydrocarbons from the cylinder, and the decontaminated soil exits the collection end of the rotating cylinder and housing for redistribution.

Abstract: A dehydration treatment apparatus for sludge wherein organic sludge and a modifying/setting agent are charged into a rotating drum and the sludge is dehydrated and dried. The apparatus comprises a rotating drum, a sludge charging hopper arranged on the inlet side of said rotating drum, a discharging screw arranged on the outlet side of the rotating drum, at least two rectangular blades that are projected from each of circular surfaces arranged toward the feeding direction from the inlet side of the inner circumferential surface of the rotating drum and are slanted downward at a prescribed angle toward the feeding direction, and an agitating/feeding means wherein the positions of the blades on the circular surfaces are made different stepwise successively in the direction of rotation toward the feeding direction so that sludge may be scraped up by the blades on the fore circular surface to be fed forward.

Abstract: Material remediation apparatus includes a remediation drum through which materials, such as soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, are advanced from a feed end to a discharge end of the drum. A tube extending concentrically from the discharge end of the drum into the drum forms a combustion chamber. Materials being decontaminated advance through an annular space between the tube and the drum. The tube is axially first of converging and then of diverging shape, as viewed from the discharge end of the drum. A turbo burner injects combustible gases into the tube which are burned within the diverging shape of the tube. A portion of the burned gases reflow from the outlet of tube through the annular space to the discharge end of the drum. In a zone of the drum occupied by the tube materials are heated by conduction and radiation of energy passing through the wall of the tube as well as by convective heating from the reflow gases. Hot gases are exhausted from the drum at the feed end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the reduction and recycling of papermaking sludge. Papermaking sludge is incinerated in a rotary heater, typically a rotary cement kiln, asphalt dryer, or specially designed rotary kiln or incinerator. Aggregate may be combined with the sludge to provide better dispersion of the sludge within the heater, and to facilitate heat transfer. Once in operation, the heat of sludge combustion is added to the process heat, resulting in markedly reduced energy requirements. Papermaking sludge is typically fed continuously into said rotary heater while temperatures in the combustion zone are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typically casein or soy protein) and wood fibers are burned, while moisture is evaporated. The resulting product consists essentially of carbonate particles which are collected for subsequent use.

Abstract: Material remediation apparatus includes a remediation drum through which materials, such as soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, are advanced from a feed end to a discharge end of the drum. A tube extending concentrically from the discharge end of the drum into the drum forms a combustion chamber. Materials being decontaminated advance through an annular space between the tube and the drum. The tube is axially first of converging and then of diverging shape, as viewed from the discharge end of the drum. A turbo burner injects combustible gases into the tube which are burned within the diverging shape of the tube. A portion of the burned gases reflow from the outlet of tube through the annular space to the discharge end of the drum. In a zone of the drum occupied by the tube materials are heated by conduction and radiation of energy passing through the wall of the tube as well as by convective heating from the reflow gases. Hot gases are exhausted from the drum at the feed end thereof.

Abstract: A rotary fluid bed gasifier having a combustor assembly and a stationary feed conduit which is capable of feeding a carbonaceous material and/or limestone from outside of the gasifier and delivering this material to the gasification chamber of the combustor assembly through a rotating wall of the combustor assembly, wherein the stationary conduit is centrally disposed within the combustor assembly such that the rotatable inner assembly of the combustor assembly revolves about the stationary conduit.

Abstract: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: A computer based material processing system 10 allows for the processing of contaminated material in a manner which allows the material to be discharged into a sewage facility or placed in a landfill.

Abstract: A rotary fluid bed gasifier which comprises: a rotatable drum having a circumferentially extending wall which is permeable to gases; a means for feeding a fluidizing gas through the wall into the drum; a bed of particles which, at least when the gasifier is in use, is supported on an internal face of the wall and is fluidized by the fluidizing gas; an outlet means for receiving an oil-in-water emulsion from outside the gasifier and delivering the oil-in-water emulsion to the drum; a means for introducing steam into the drum; a de-NO.sub.x boiler having a quench zone and a nitrogen fixing zone; a means for introducing secondary air disposed between the quench zone and the nitrogen fixing zone; and a means for introducing tertiary air disposed between the de-NO.sub.x boiler and a main boiler or furnace.

Abstract: The drum of the installation is provided with a double wall which is closed on its rear end and where the inside wall of which is provided with openings, with a hollow central tube provided with openings the rear end of which tube is closed, and with radial double walls provided with openings and which connect said tube and the double drum wall with one another, where a duct is provided for blowing incineration air directly into the drum and a duct for at least partially recycling the burnt combustion gases from the drum and returning them to the drum, for cooling the double drum wall, controlling the furnace temperature and preventing waste from baking onto the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting foreign materials such as rocks and tramp iron from material fed to a rotary dryer, wherein the material is dropped into the dryer at an intake end for tumbling within the dryer in a stream of drying gas flowing axially through the dryer. A trough is positioned spaced downwardly and beneath the intake for catching the heavy foreign materials dropping downwardly, and the foreign materials are carried outwardly by a screw auger driven by the dryer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to heat and dry stone aggregate useful in the production of asphalt paving, and which also has the ability to incinerate contaminated soil. The apparatus comprises a rotary drum for heating and drying the stone aggregate, and a separate rotary incinerator for incinerating the soil. The incinerator includes an outlet housing for withdrawing the incinerated soil and selectively conveying the soil so as to be mixed with the heated and dried aggregate, or delivered to a separate location. Further, the incinerator has an exhaust duct for conveying the gaseous products of combustion from the incinerator into the rotary drum, so that any volatile hydrocarbons contained in the gaseous products of combustion from the incinerator are effectively incinerated before being discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Solid materials, such as soils, containing contaminants are treated with hydroxyl radicals, in the gas phase. The hydroxyl radicals are created by hydrogen peroxide or ozone, preferably a combination of hydrogen peroxide, ozone and UV light. A decontamination unit for on-site use in the treatment of contaminated solid materials, such as contaminated soil is a totally enclosed closed-loop system.

Abstract: For incineration of solid combustible waste a method is described according to which the waste is introduced into and incinerated in the outlet casing of a rotary kiln when brought into contact with the hot airstream flowing through the kiln. Hence a simple and cheap method for incinerating waste is obtained, since the waste is introduced through a stationary wall.

Abstract: A method for economically separating chemical contaminants such as volatile and semivolatile organic chemicals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting inert materials contaminated with chemical compounds to vacuum at a temperature effective to volatilize the contaminants but below incineration temperature, while continuously removing the evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desired degree of separation of contaminants. The evolved vapors may be collected and condensed for off-site disposal.

Abstract: Drying bulk materials such as wood shavings or wood fibers by contacting the bulk materials with a circulating stream of hot vapor produced by the bulk material drying process, the hot vapor being produced by indirect heat exchange with combustion gas from a fuel-burning combustion chamber, and excess vapor as fuel whereby pollutants are burned before the vapor is discharged into the atmosphere.

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: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, Packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.

Abstract: A hazardous waste incinerator (100) includes a rotary kiln (120) with a helical flight (250) within. The kiln (120) is fed hazardous waste by either a continuous feed system (164) or a positive feed system (162). The kiln (120) is comprised of six retort sections (202, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210). The combusted waste is separated into ash and recoverable metals. The air flow is counter to the flow of waste through the kiln (120), with exhaust gases vented from the kiln entrance. Fugitive emissions are also contained by shrouds (164, 166) and containment building (160). These exhaust gases pass through the secondary combustor (130) to ensure destruction of any principle organic hazardous constituents. The exhaust gases are then treated in a spray dryer (140) to cool it and neutralize any acidic components. A baghouse (150) then removes any remaining particulate matter before the exhaust exits the stack (156).

Abstract: The portable soil remediation unit includes, on a wheeled flatbed truck, a rotary drum having a burner at one end and an inlet at its opposite end for flowing contaminated soil in counterflow relation to the hot gases of combustion for volatilizing the contaminants. Also mounted on the vehicle is a baghouse. The hot remediated soil is discharged into the baghouse for screw conveyance along the bottom of the baghouse to a baghouse discharge. The particulate-laden gases from the drum enter the baghouse at the opposite end and are separated into particles and clean exhaust gas. The hot remediated soil is in heat transfer contact with the particles and the particles release residual contaminants. The particles flow to the bottom of the baghouse for combination with the remediated soil in the screw conveyor. The hot remediated soil is additionally screened in the baghouse for large and small gradations, the large gradations being discharged from the baghouse for reprocessing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing volatile organic contaminants from soil and waste materials including transporting and placing the contaminated material into a hopper, the hopper being substantially sealed from the atmosphere to prevent fugitive emissions of the contaminants from escaping into the atmosphere; conveying the material under substantially sealed conditions into a heated vapor stripping conveyor; conveying material under substantially sealed conditions along the vapor stripping conveyor to heat the material and thereby cause moisture in the material and the contaminants to be stripped from the material; streaming non-oxidizing gases at a controlled temperature over the material, in the direction of travel of the material, beginning at a point downstream of and adjacent to the introduction of the material into the vapor stripping conveyor to carry the contaminants and moisture away from the material; and maintaining the rate of flow and temperature of the gases to prevent undue surface drying o

Abstract: A soil remediation unit includes a counterflow drum for burning off volatile hydrocarbons and delivery to a cooler drum. Particulate-laden gases of combustion flow through a separator wherein the particle stream is delivered to the cooler drum and the gas stream delivered to a heat exchanger. The gas stream flows to a thermal oxidizer, the exhaust gas from which lies in heat exchange relation with the gas from the separator. Portions of the exhaust gas are passed into the separator in counterflow relation to the particles for remediating the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remedial treatment of soil with volatile contaminants includes a rotating drum having a firebox projecting a flame into the discharge end of the drum. An inlet conveyor enters soil which tumbles through the drum atmosphere which is recycled through the firebox and drum for contaminant incineration in the drum. The recycled atmosphere moves in a circular path about the outer edge of the furner flame to form an annular flame projecting into the drum. A part of the drum recycled atmosphere processed through a final burn box to destroy remaining contaminants, and a cooler for cooling the atmosphere. A separator connected to the cooler separates solids and moisture to discharge a contaminant free atmosphere. The temperature of the discharged soil and the recycled atmosphere from the drum as well as the final processed atmosphere is monitored for controlling the system operation. The several mechanical and electrical components are monitored to provide selected system control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying solids such as bark, peat, wet coal or the like utilizes waste heat recovered from a rotary kiln. Solids are dried by simultaneously using both the radiation heat of the shell surface of the kiln and the heat of hot flue gases being discharged from the kiln. The solids are dried in a drying space which is defined by the shell surface of the rotary kiln and a jacket surrounding at least part of the shell surface of the kiln. Flue gases from the rotary kiln are passed with solids through the drying space. The kiln may be used for combusting lime.

Abstract: The rotary drum dryer includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flights in each of a plurality of axially spaced flight sections. A radially inwardly directed dam is interposed between each flight section and serves as a pivotal mount for the flights of each section. The dams are provided with arcuate slots having a plurality of detent positions arranged about mounting holes for pins secured to the flights and forming the pivot axis therefor. The angular position of the flights is adjustable by locating bolts on the flights in selected detented positions in the arcuate tracks. The combination of pivotally mounted flights and dams affords more uniform veiling across the drum interior and provides efficient heat transfer to the aggregate from the hot gases of combustion.

Abstract: A rotary fluid bed gasifier which comprises: a rotatable drum having a circumferentially extending wall which is permeable to gases; a means for feeding a fluidizing gas through the wall into the drum; a bed of particles which, at least when the gasifier is in use, is supported on an internal face of the wall and is fluidized by the fluidizing gas; an outlet means for receiving a carbonaceous material from outside the gasifier and delivering the carbonaceous material to the drum; a means for introducing steam into the drum; a de-NO.sub.x boiler having a quench zone and a nitrogen fixing zone; a means for introducing secondary air disposed between the quench zone and the nitrogen fixing zone; and a means for introducing tertiary air disposed between the de-NO.sub.x boiler and a main boiler or furnace.

Abstract: A waste treatment system conditions waste materials for combustion by uniformly drying them to a predetermined moisture level and subsequently incinerating the dried materials in a burner which effects complete combustion of even high moisture content fuels. The system includes the burner, a dryer assembly, and a system of fans which clarifies vapors withdrawn from the dryer and which returns at least part of these vapors to the burner. The system mixes exhaust gasses from the burner and recycled vapors returned by the fans to produce gasses of a suitable temperature for drying the materials. The waste materials and the gasses are then introduced into the dryer, which is designed to use the gasses to dry the material uniformly to the predetermined moisture level without burning them prematurely. The dried materials are then conveyed to the burner, where they are burned to produce more exhaust gasses for drying additional materials. The residual ash in the burners is nontoxic and is suitable for burying.

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: An improved method of introducing air into a rotary combustor for burning municipal solid waste in an incinerator, wherein a large amount of air is introduced over the top portion of the combustor adjacent the outlet end thereof to maintain the CO at acceptable low levels in response to a reduction in the amount of oxygen in the flue gas even when varying amounts of high heating value materials are introduced sporadically.

Abstract: A revolving grate cooler for cooling of clinker or similar products comprising a tubular shaped body having a plurality of holes. A plurality of curved metal cooling plates having a plurality of openings are secured to a front inner surface of the body, and a plurality of curved plates having smooth surfaces, some of which have outwardly extending projections, are secured to a middle portion of the body. A pressurized chamber communicates with the body to provide air flow through the holes and openings for cooling the products within the body.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for recycling 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 temperatures are maintained in the range of approximately 800.degree. to 3500.degree. F. During incineration, mixing catalysts (typicaly 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. Typically, but not exclusively, later use of the resulting product could be as mineral filler binding agents in the manufacture of construction products such as concrete, asphalt and others; or in gravel-based construction operations; or in earthen-fill constructions operations; or in other ways.

Abstract: A method and device for incinerating hazardous waste, having a first rotating section for transporting hazardous waste within the device, the first rotating section having a forward opening at a first end thereof for introducing hazardous waste into the device and an exit opening at a second end thereof, a second rotating section for further transporting hazardous waste within the device, the second rotating section having a forward opening at a first end thereof and an exit opening at a second end thereof, wherein the exit opening of the first rotating section is in flow communication with the forward opening of the second rotating section, first burning means for heating and at least partially volatizing hazardous waste in the first rotating section, second burning means for increasing the temperature of solid residue in at least one additional rotating section to further convert the hazardous waste into decontaminated solid ash and flue gas, means for collecting the decontaminated residue, solid ash from t

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating waste materials to produce aggregates wherein pellets comprised of a mixture of solids, liquid wastes and clay are dried by hot air in a dryer. The pellets are then fed to the pyrolysis zone of a rotary kiln wherein they are heated by hot gas from an oxidation zone of the kiln to drive off most of the volatile gases. Remaining volatile gases and the fixed carbon in the waste are oxidized in the oxidation zone, and the silicates in the clay are vitrified in a vitrification zone of the kiln to produce aggregates which are crushed and screened. Volatile gases given off from the pyrolysis zone are mixed with exhaust gases from the dryer to feed the burner for the vitrification zone and to supply oxygen to the oxidation zone.

Abstract: A method for economically separating chemical contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges, comprising subjecting inert materials contaminated with chemical compounds to a temperature effective to volatilize the contaminants but below incineration temperature, with continuous removal of evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desire degree of separation of contaminants. The evolved vapors may be subjected to catalytic oxidation to destroy the volatilized chemical compounds.

Abstract: A hazardous waste disposal system includes a rotary kiln heated with an atomizing burner which mixes fuel such as diesel oil with air and injects the burning mixture into the kiln. An afterburner section is similarly fueled with an atomizing burner. An upstanding scrubber receives exit gases and removes particulate matter using water spray across multiple frusto conical shaped baffles on increasing diameter. Cyclone vanes produce a spinning effect to the exit gases during scrubbing.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted system for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from the soil has an inclined rotary kiln which is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, a burner assembly at the discharge end of the kiln and a hopper for loading soil into the inlet end to advance through the kiln and be directly heated by the burner assembly. The exhaust stream created in the kiln is drawn through a baghouse for removal of fines, then through the catalytic incinerator to burn any unburned constituents in the exhaust stream. The temperature of the exhaust stream is monitored prior to its passage into the incinerator and at the discharge end of the incinerator as well; and the concentration of hydrocarbon constituents in the exhaust stream is regulated either by introduction of air into the exhaust stream as it is discharged from the kiln or by recirculating a portion of the exhaust stream, after filtration, into the kiln.

Abstract: An incinerator for drying then cleanly burning trash. The incinerator includes an upper rotating trash drying tumbler for receiving and drying trash and a lower rotating trash burning tumbler interconnected to the upper tumbler for receiving dried trash therefrom. The lower rotating tumbler includes a meshed screen thereabout for complete combustion of the trash therein. The heat produced from the burning trash in the lower tumbler causes the drying of trash in the upper tumbler. A rotating fire tray is situated below the lower tumbler for collecting and reburning any material falling from the lower tumbler and for retaining combustible material for igniting the dried trash in the lower tumbler. When the interior temperature of the incinerator is high enough, the trash in the lower tumbler is self-ignited and heat produced from burning material in the fire tray is no longer necessary. Air exhausted from the drying and burning of the trash is filtered before being exhausted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved attachment for positioning a rotary waterwall combustor within a tire so it rotational axis is fixed and the rotary waterwall combustor, the tire and the attachment linkage are free to expand independently without inducing stresses due to differential thermal expansion; the attachment linkage comprises a plurality of support blocks attached to the rotary waterwall combustor and a plurality of support lugs attached to the tire with a plurality of links pivotally connected to the blocks and lugs with an elongated opening cooperatively associated with one of the pivotal connections to allow pivotal and axial movement and eliminate stresses caused by differential thermal expansion.

Abstract: An improved waste feed arrangement for feeding waste into a rotary combustor including a stepped support frame and a ram which pushes the waste through a doorway into the rotary combustor, the ram slidably engaging an upper step of the support frame and has a bracket on the outboard end to which a cam follower is rotatably attached, the cam follower rolls on a lower step of the support frame and a hydraulic cylinder is connected between the bracket on the ram and a bracket disposed in the support frame in such a manner that the hydraulic cylinders piston rod pushes the ram away from the doorway as it extends from the hydraulic cylinder providing a smaller, totally covered hydraulic cylinder and piston rod and an improved waste feed system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-site remedial soil restortation activity of a work site contaminated with volatile organic compounds. Soil is removed from the ground and hauled to an initial feed hopper whereat it is conveyed to an inlet end of a hollow rotating cylinder having plural flights therein for effecting a moving of the contaminated soil lengthwise of the rotating cylinder toward an outlet end. The soil is heated as it tumbles about in the cylinder and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are volatilized inside the rotating cylinder. The soil exiting the outlet end of the cylinder is thence recirculated through the rotating cylinder and thereafter fed to a conveying mechanism, whereat the cleaned soil is delivered to a selected location. The hot gases are scrubbed to remove therefrom any organics, acids and phosgenes and, if present, soil fines. The now cleansed gases are thereafter allowed to escape into the atmosphere as clean air.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant and arrangement and method for the low temperature carbonization of waste material with low-temperature carbonization device and a secondary incineration chamber. The heating system of the low-temperature carbonization device is substantially corrosion-free and gases hazardous to the environment are transformed into gases with a lower level of hazardous matter in a simple manner by directing the heating gas of the low-temperature carbonization device into a closed loop cycle through a low temperature carbonization device and into a heat exchanger of a secondary incineration device. The heat exchanger is equipped with a lining which insures a temperature of the burner gases in the heat exchanger of 1200.degree. C. or more for a period of dwell of 1 to 5 sec.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating waste materials to produce aggregates wherein pellets comprised of a mixture of solids, liquid wastes and clay are dried by hot air in a dryer. The pellets are then fed to the pyrolysis zone of a rotary kiln wherein they are heated by hot gas from an oxidation zone of the kiln to drive off most of the volatile gases. Remaining volatile gases and the fixed carbon in the waste are oxidized in the oxidation zone, and the silicates in the clay are vitrified in a vitrification zone of the kiln to produce aggregates which are crushed and screened. Volatile gases given off from the pyrolysis zone are mixed with exhaust gases from the dryer to feed the burner for the vitrification zone and to supply oxygen to the oxidation zone.

Abstract: A rotary combustor has a wall formed from water cooled pipes that are secured together by welded perforated strips. The strips comprise cylindrical shaped metallic rods and the perforations are provided either by forming apertures through the cylindrical shaped metallic rods, or by slots formed between segments by spacing segments of cylindrical shaped rods along the pipes, or by gaps formed between welds that are provided at spaced intervals along the pipes and rods. A method of fabricating a rotary combustor wall is also provided.

Abstract: An inclined combustion barrel for a rotary combustor utilized to burn municipal solid waste wherein the combustion barrel is formed from a plurality of parallel cooling pipes disposed in a circular array with a plurality of spaced apart flat plates disposed between adjacent cooling pipes in descending order with overlapping ends and side margins welded to the cooling pipes to form a web between the cooling pipes which provide influent air flow and extends the life of the web.

Abstract: Household garbage, municipal waste, clarifier sludge and mixtures thereof continuously derived during summer months, for example, can be continuously mixed with a high volatiles coal and the resulting mixtures subjected to degasification at a temperature of up to 650.degree. C., preferably around 600.degree. C. to produce a coke-like pyrolysis product which can be stored sanitarily and burned during winter months in a fluidized bed or other power plant boiler.

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: The invention is a method for cleaning up contaminated soil containing not only different types of hydrocarbons but also heavy metals and cyanades which upon heating of the soil can form dioxin and benzofuran products. According to the invention the production of said products is prevented by keeping the wall temperature of the rotating furnace at a high level such that its temperature during the entire process is higher than the temperature of spontaneous combustion of the pyrolyses products of which at least the hydrocarbons bind the oxygen in the furnace. The oxygen content may be further influenced by the infeed of an inert gas and/or by adding an organic fraction such as humus.

Abstract: A method for economically separating organic contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges, comprising subjecting inert materials contaminated with organic compounds to a temperature effective to volatilize the organic contaminants but below incineration temperature, with continuous removal and condensation of evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desired degree of separation of contaminants.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing volatile and semivolatile organic contaminants from natural soil containing moisture by sealing the soil in a stripping conveyor against contact with air and vapor stripping the contaminants at a temperature below the boiling temperatures of the contaminants.