Abstract: An apparatus for controlled processing of materials includes a coolant jacketed vessel defining a first pyrolysis chamber and a second oxidation chamber, first heating elements mounted in the vessel to pyrolyze materials in the first chamber, second heating elements mounted in the vessel to oxidize materials in the second chamber, an induction fan, airflow inlet valves and an air intake proportioning valve connected to the vessel for producing separate variable flows of primary and secondary air into and through the first and second chambers, first sensors mounted on the vessel for sensing the temperatures in the first and second chambers and in the coolant, a second sensor mounted on the vessel for sensing the proportion of a predetermined gas in the discharge gases, and a control system responsive to the temperatures sensed in the first and second chambers and the coolant and to the proportion of the predetermined gas sensed in the discharge gases for controlling the induction fan and air intake proportioni

Abstract: In a generally known cement kiln plant which incorporates a preheater (1), a calciner (2) having a separation cyclone (3), a rotary kiln (4) and a clinker cooler (5), a decomposition chamber (10) is additionally installed for incineration of waste. Waste is introduced into the chamber at a location (12) and decomposed in the chamber by the heat from calcined raw meal which is conveyed to the chamber from the separation cyclone (3) of the calciner via a splitting gate (13) and a pipeline (14). Gaseous products are conveyed to the calciner (2) and burned there, whereas noncombustible by-products are discharged via an outlet (15) of the chamber (10). By utilizing the heat from preheated or calcined raw meal instead of, for example, hot exhaust gases to incinerate waste, any disturbance of the draught conditions of the cement kiln plant can be avoided, and the overall control of the calcining process is improved.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for high pressure treatment of wastes without the addition of excess oxygen and without interference by corrosive deposits. Waste materials are suspended or dissolved in a processing fluid. The pressure of the fluid is raised to a pressure in the range of from about 70 psig to about 5,000 psig. A boiler is then used to heat the high pressure fluid to temperatures above the critical temperature. Solids within the boiler participate in fluidized bed particle scrubbing technology in order to minimize the fouling and corrosion occurring within the boilers during heating. From at least a portion of the vapors produced by the heating in the boiler, net energy output is produced. Useful byproducts can be produced from the vapors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants from materials, particularly vaporizable contaminants from flowable material such as liquids, sludges or soil: and in one aspect, reusing heat produced in the operation to vaporize contaminants from the material.

Abstract: A thermal treatment system for converting contaminants in soil to non-hazardous compounds. The system includes a combustion chamber in which the soils to be treated are heated to a temperature above the volatilization temperature of the contaminants in the soil. Reagents are injected into the gas stream above the soil which contains the volatized contaminants to interact with the inorganic contaminants to form solid particles that can be collected on a filter for safe disposal. The volatized organic contaminants are burned to form non-toxic combustion gases.

Abstract: A technique for decontaminating material, including disposing a grid network of perforated pipes on a base, and covering the same with contaminated soil. A barrier layer is laid on the contaminated material and provided with a vent port coupled to a vapor disposal unit via a suction system. A source of heated gas is coupled to the grid system to force heated air through the contaminated soil and vaporize the contaminants. A mobile decontamination system includes an insulated container having a top lid for loading contaminated material in the container, and an insulated back door for removing decontaminated material. Apertured pipes on the container floor convey a high temperature gas to the contaminated material to vaporize the contaminants. A suction system is coupled to a vapor outlet of the container to remove vaporized contaminants.

Abstract: A staged fluidized-bed combustion and filter system for substantially reducing the quantity of waste through the complete combustion into ash-type solids and gaseous products. The device has two fluidized-bed portions, the first primarily as a combustor/pyrolyzer bed, and the second as a combustor/filter bed. The two portions each have internal baffles to define stages so that material moving therein as fluidized beds travel in an extended route through those stages. Fluidization and movement is achieved by the introduction of gases into each stage through a directional nozzle. Gases produced in the combustor/pyrolyzer bed are permitted to travel into corresponding stages of the combustor/filter bed through screen filters that permit gas flow but inhibit solids flow. Any catalyst used in the combustor/filter bed is recycled. The two beds share a common wall to minimize total volume of the system. A slightly modified embodiment can be used for hot gas desulfurization and sorbent regeneration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying tires comprises a housing divided into a tire hopper and vaporization chamber into which air and combustible fluid are inserted through intake manifolds to initially combust and thereafter oxidize tires placed in the housing. Oxidation results in volatile gases and solid residue. The latter is removed through a hatch in the vaporization chamber and the former is shunted to a mixing chamber which comprises an outer compartment, a middle compartment, and an inner compartment. The middle compartment receives the volatile gases which are then mixed with air in the outer and inner compartments. The mixture is combusted with the aid of a combustible fluid mixed in and thereafter shunted to a combustion chamber which further mixes the combustible fluid by means of baffles to thoroughly combust the mixture.

Abstract: A fuel gas generator for lean gas generation by gasification of organic, inorganic, or fossil fuel substances. The triple shell structure of the generator includes a frame casing, a shaft jacket, and a reactor shaft. A fuel feeder including a fuel feed container is located substantially at the top of the reactor shaft and has a gas-tight entry lock. Reaction gas feed and ash discharge are located substantially at the base of the reactor shaft. Preheating, degassing, oxidation, and reduction zones and lean gas take-off orifices having at least one lean gas removal pipe connected thereto are arranged one after another in the shaft. The reactor shaft is gas-tight except for the lean gas take-off orifices. A firebox defined by a conical constriction is located in a middle region of the reactor shaft substantially below the preheating and degassing zones.

Abstract: Liquid accumulators which substantially include several or at least one type of energy generation, such as heatable to almost the temperature of fresh air by solar irradiation with the thermal supply of circulation heat, by refuse combustion with the recovery of waste heat, by recovery of waste heat from exhaust gases in the case of heating boilers and generators, and also usable in a continuous process for the production of biogas from small refuse in the sewage.

Abstract: An incinerator plant is provided having a primary and secondary incinerator and a combustion furnace connected thereof, the incinerators having a cooling chamber filled with cooling water which is formed between the bottom plate and a partition wall plate, with the combustion chamber formed above the bottom plate. A fan chamber is formed under the partition wall plate and connected to the combustion chamber by a draft tube installed through the bottom plate and partition wall plate so that outside air fed in to the fan chamber flows in to the combustion through the draft tubes, and the bottom plate which has become hot will be cooled by cooling water in the cooling chamber. Gases produced from the incinerator are passed into the combustion chamber which is adapted to burn combustion gases generated in the primary and secondary incinerators.

Abstract: Methods and suitable devices for the intermediate storage, transport and preparation as well as utilization of waste goods of all kinds are described, said waste goods being compacted down to a plurality of its original volume while maintaining their mixed and composite structure, are stored in intermediate storage and are transported in this form, if required, and are so compacted subjected to a pyrolysis. The totality of the pyrolysis products being under elevated pressure is subsequently subjected immediately to a high-temperature treatment. The compacted waste goods may be crammed into containers and are subjected to a low-temperature pressure pyrolysis. In case of ecological preparation of consumption goods such as motor vehicle wrecks or the like, a large-volume apportioning of the scrap goods is carried out by subdividing and/or crushing prior to the intermittent feeding into the pyrolysis chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the combined treatment of waste materials of two types A and B, A being waste material having a relatively high energy content and B being a water containing waste material having a relatively low energy content, said process comprising the following steps: 1) pyrolyzing material A to produce a gas and/or oil and a carbonaceous residue, 2) mixing said carbonaceous residue with B to form a water containing mixture C, 3) shaping said mixture C into individual pieces, 4) drying and baking said pieces to ceramic bodies, wherein in step 2. the carbonaceous residue is used in such an amount that less than about 80% of the totally required baking energy is contained in mixture C.

Abstract: A dry distillation gas generator generates a dry distillation gas for burning in a separate combustion gas burner unit. Air is supplied in a gentle decelerated flow to the bottom of the dry distillation generator in a quantity sufficient to support combustion of a solid fuel in the vicinity of the air supply, but at a low enough volume to prevent the combustion proceeding to other parts of the generator, thus thermally decomposing the remainder of the solid fuel to generate the dry distillate gas. An air chamber surrounds the generator to reduce the temperature to which the solid fuel is exposed. Similarly, an air chamber is disposed below the bottom of the generator to supply air to the generator, and to moderate the temperature therein. An impurity separation tank in a conduit between the generator and the gas burner unit helps prevent particulates from entering the generator. A preheat burner in the combustion gas burner unit includes a pilot to ignite and preheat the gas.

Abstract: A method for generating, from refuse or refuse in combination with coal, a fuel gas suited for public utility purposes wherein refuse and coal can be introduced into the process in any proportion one to the other. The method provides the steps of subjecting the refuse to allothermal low-temperature carbonization, if desired in combination with coal, burning the gasification residue, purifying the crude gas and conditioning the pure gas for public utility purposes.

Abstract: A biomass fuel gasification chamber, blast tube, and heat exchange chamber are interconnected horizontally and subjected to negative drawing pressure by a large variable speed chimney fan. An auger with an air lock feeds biomass fuel automatically into the gasification chamber. Fuel is moved across the gasification chamber on a partially serrated sloping grate. Three stages of fuel activity are created: anaerobic heating for pyrolysis, combustion, and incandescent charcoal oxydation for gasification. A variable speed fan, variable flue, and directional air duct and baffles control the stages with underfire air. A programmed auger in an airtight chamber removes ash automatically. In large systems a hydraulic moving wedge floor assists the fuel feeding auger and a moving sloping grate moves the fuel. A fan and long preheating duct with baffles and fins inside the gasification chamber preheat and direct air into a blast tube leading from the gasification chamber.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for decontaminating contaminated soils and similar materials, the method includes (a) drying and comminuting contaminated soil and similar material in a mill through which a flow of hot gases is passed to provide a mixture of solids and gases; (b) introducing the mixture into a cyclone separator where the mixture is separated into gaseous and solid components; (c) thermally treating the solid components in a decontamination zone at a temperature effective to decontaminate at least a portion of the solid components; (d) passing the solid components after thermally treating same in step (c) into a dwell zone configured as a flow-through region; (e) thermally treating the solid components within the dwell zone at a temperature effective to decontaminate at least a portion of the solid components; (f) cooling the solid components after step (e) by transferring same into a cooling region of a cooling line; (g) thermally afterburning gaseous components from at least one of steps (b) and (c

Abstract: A stove for burning corn (maize) including a heat exchanger having an input chamber in which corn is burned, and an output chamber where heat from the burning corn is absorbed in air, which is directed to a conventional grain drying machine for drying the grain therein. Unique arrangements are made for optimizing the quantity of air admitted to the input chamber for combustion, and for making the flow of combustion air uniform across the entire mass of burning corn. An auger is included for feeding corn to the input chamber either from a separate supply vessel, or, in cases where corn is the grain to be dried, from the grain dryer itself.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating electricity from coal comprising a vertically stacked, three-stage combustor in which a sorbent is calcined in a calciner zone of the combustor and transferred to a carbonizer zone disposed below the calciner zone, coal introduced into the carbonizer zone is carbonized, producing char and spent sorbent, both of which are transferred to a combustor zone disposed below the carbonizer zone, in which the char is combusted at a substoichemetic air-to-coal ratio, producing a fuel gas. The fuel gas is cleaned and combusted in a turbine combustor, producing a flue gas which is introduced into a gas turbine for producing electricity.

Abstract: A method of retorting organic matter including the steps of advancing the organic matter through a chamber in the absence of oxygen, sensing the temperature in the chamber at a plurality of locations along the length of the chamber, individually adjusting the heat generated by a plurality of burners along the length of the chamber in response to the temperature sensed at the locations, utilizing the generated heat to selectively raise the temperature of the organic matter at a plurality of locations along the length of the chamber so as to convert the organic matter into a plurality of byproducts, and burning at least one of the byproducts in the burners.

Abstract: Apparatus for retorting organic matter including a conveyor for advancing organic matter through a chamber in the absence of oxygen, temperature sensors for sensing the temperature in the chamber at a plurality of locations along the length of the chamber, a plurality of burners located along the length of the chamber, controls for individually adjusting the heat generated by the plurality of burners in response to the temperature sensed at the locations, means for selectively directing the heat to the plurality of locations along the length of the chamber so as to convert the organic matter into a plurality of byproducts and transporting at least one of said byproducts to said burners for burning therein.

Abstract: A waste material such as waste tires is incinerated by way of dry distillation and gasification. In a gasification furnace, a portion of the waste material is burned and the remainder is thermally decomposed by dry distillation with the heat of combustion, producing a combustible gas. A combustion furnace combusts the combustible gas introduced from the gasification furnace. The gasification furnace is supplied with an amount of oxygen required to burn the portion of the waste material and to thermally decompose the remainder while at the same time the amount of oxygen supplied to the gasification furnace is controlled to maintain, at a substantially constant value, the temperature of the combustible gas during the dry distillation of the waste material. The gasification furnace is also supplied with an amount of oxygen to accelerate the combustion and ashing of the waste material when the dry distillation is finished.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an equipment for the recovery of energy and chemicals in a sulphate process, wherein black liquor is passed into a gasification reactor (3) in which it is gasified at a pressure above the atmospheric pressure in the presence of an amount of oxygen smaller than the stoichiometric amount, whereby inorganic compounds are recovered as liquid-phase compounds useable in the present pulping process, and the energy of the organic compounds of black liquor is bound mainly to the chemical compounds of the gas phase. Gases formed in the gasification, containing sodium compounds, are passed into a particle cooler (4), in which the compounds are brought into solid state. Gases cooled in the particle cooler (4) are purified by a filter (5) and then passed into a gas turbine (7).

Abstract: Apparatus for allowing thermal dimensional changes of metal parts in a retort mechanism including, a retort chamber, a retort pipe axially extending within the retort chamber and having a material inlet and outlet portion, a retort auger axially extending from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the retort pipe, the retort pipe having an outer end wall at the inlet end thereof, the retort auger being fixed to the outer end wall so as to be rotatable within the retort pipe, the retort pipe, retort auger and outer end wall being mounted so as to be axially slidable within the retort chamber in response to thermal expansion, and a circumferential seal mounted on the retort chamber and in contact with the retort pipe so as to maintain a sealing relationship during axial sliding.

Abstract: A distillation type incinerator generates gas containing much combustible gas owing to restricted air introduction at feeding the combustible matters thereto and minimum necessary supply of air for combustion and dry distillation, and generates residue which contains less unburned matters and can be taken out in lumps, so as to reduce the amount of waste and facilitate the recycle of useful metals.

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: The operation of a combustible atmosphere furnace is controlled by monitoring the temperature of the combustible atmosphere, and the rate-of-change thereof. The measured rate-of-change is compared to a previously determined safe rate-of-change so as to anticipate and discourage incipient internal ignition.

Abstract: The grid plate is disposed between the fluidized bed reactor chamber and an underlying wind box and includes a plurality of nozzles for feeding fluidizing gas from the wind box into the reaction chamber. The nozzles are configured to afford different pressure drops across the grid such that with increasing pressure, additional nozzles are actuated in response to increasing pressure differences across the plate whereby fluidized bed start-up and steady state operating conditions may be facilitated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from contaminated materials including a sealed hopper, a heated vapor stripping conveyor sealed from atmospheric air to vapor strip the contaminants from the material, a sealed conveyor to convey the material in sealed condition from the hopper to the vapor stripping conveyor, a supply of non-oxidative gases at a controlled temperature for introduction into the vapor stripping conveyor, an introduction portal for the non-oxidative gases into the vapor stripping conveyor, an exit for removing the non-oxidative gases from the conveyor and located to cause the non-oxidative gases to cross currently sweep over the material to convey contaminants and moisture stripped from the material out of the vapor stripping conveyor, and a controller for controlling the flow rate and temperature of the non-oxidative gases as they flow through the vapor stripping conveyor and to prevent undue surface drying of the material as the material passes through the vapor stripping

Abstract: Waste products, particularly scrap metal, adulterated by organic components, is pyroprocessed by: (1) shredding the adulterated scrap metal into particles having a maximum size of 5 cm.; (2) in a pyrolysis stage operating at a temperature of approximately 550.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. converting the particles into solids and pyrolysis gas; (3) in a mechanical processing stage separating the solids into unadulterated metal and pyrolysis coke; and (4) in a high-temperature gasification stage into which an oxidizing agent and, optionally, metallurgical coke is introduced converting the pyrolysis coke together with pyrolysis gas stemming from the pyrolysis stage into a heating gas free of organic substances.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining energy from waste products is disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper tank for receiving waste products, a heating system for heating the upper tank by fluid from the cooling system of the combustion engine, and a reactor for excepting the heated waste for further processing.

Abstract: Earth solids which have been contaminated by volatile organic contaminants can be treated by a method and in an apparatus of this invention. The apparatus includes a rotary kiln, a baghouse filter, a high temperature incinerator and a recycle conduit to recycle a major portion by volume of the hot exit gases from the rotary kiln back to the gas inlet end of the rotary kiln. The remainder of the rotary kiln exit gases is delivered through a baghouse filter to remove gas-borne particulates and the substantially particulate-free kiln exit gas is discharged through a high temperature incinerator which converts unburned volatile organic contaminants to innocuous products of combustion. Recycling the kiln exit gas to the gas inlet end of the kiln permits use of a larger kiln with accompanying increased solids throughput by permitting use of smaller baghouse filters and a smaller incinerator. In the preferred embodiment the entire system preferably is mounted on a frame suitable for highway mobility.

Abstract: Mixed refuse containing organic and inorganic material forms a column-like mass within a furnace chamber. The column of material is heated by a plasma torch having a forward plasma-emitting end disposed within the lower portion of the column and surrounded by the refuse therein. The height of the stack is maintained at a preselected elevation above the forward end of the torch. Gases produced by pyrolytic conversion of organic components of the refuse are discharged through ports of the chamber. Melted metallic and other inorganic refuse forms a pool upon a hearth of the furnace chamber. The plasma torch imparts circulatory movement to the pool. An injector downstream from the torch directs steam onto material adjacent the surface of the pool. Excess molten material is drained from the pool and the furnace chamber.

Abstract: A bottom-feed, biomass material gasification system feeds fuel such as green and wet woodchips from below up through a central opening in a stationary, perforate fire table which supports the mound-like fuel bed which is formed. A plurality of ring-like air manifolds contiguously below the fire table, and surrounding the fuel supply tube are separately provided with air in a controlled manner according to the demand for the combustible gas produced, and a greater volume of air is supplied to the centralmost manifold, than to the outer manifold, or manifolds. The system includes, in addition to a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber which receives the hot gases generated in the primary chamber and, via a centrifugal cyclonic action, combusts fly ash particles which may remain entrained in the gas, before passing the hot gases to the boiler burner for cumbustion.

Abstract: Gasification, slagging, melting, and vaporizing components of waste materials and reactive carbon fuel, in variable proportions, at low pressures, using oxygen and steam reactants, effects very high temperatures, producing syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide), molten slag and molten metals. Integration provides steam and electricity from cogeneration plants. Thermal separation of coal-methanol suspensoids, delivered by pipeline, provides reactive carbon fuel. Methanol produced from cleaned syngas and ethanol produced by corn fermentation are blended, some gasoline or diesel fuel and other additives are used, safer, cleaner-burning, cost-competitive automotive fuels are produced. Light-weight, rock-like nodules (aggregates) and rock wool are produced from slag. Recovery of metals effects optimum recycling. Some metals are produced by reducing reactions. Ethanol coproducts combined with corn, other grains, alfalfa, molasses, minerals and vitamins, provide superior feeds for ruminant animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating soil that has been contaminated with vaporizable contaminants are disclosed. Contaminated soil is conveyed through a treatment vessel by means of an auger that has internal passages therein with a hot heat transfer fluid flowing through such passages. As the contaminated soil passes through the treatment vessel, it is heated to a point where the contaminants are vaporized and are withdrawn from the treatment vessel. The vaporized contaminants can be processed in suitable equipment to safely recover or dispose of such contaminants. Air is added to the interior of the treatment vessel from the atmosphere. Appropriate control means are present for controlling the amount of air added to the treatment vessel to ensure that the oxygen level in the mixture of vaporized contaminates and air does not fall within a flamable or explosive range. Following the vaporization of the contaminates from the soil, the thus treated soil is removed from the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A device for the thermal treatment of organic substances and of inorganic substances contaminated with organic substances which makes a high throughput possible. The reactor contains several bottoms provided with perforations with ceramic ball sections which can be moved separately.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and rotary furnaces for continuously manufacturing charcoal having a carbon content by weight which is greater than 95% of the total weight of carbon and volatile matter. Fragments of vegetable material contained in a hopper are inserted into a rotary furnace, with the transit time of the fragment through the furnace lying in the range 45 minutes to 60 minutes. The temperature in the front zone of the furnace where carbonization takes place is maintained in the range 900.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. The furnace is heated by an axial burner which burns both combustible gases due to pyrolysis of the vegetable matter fragments and a second fuel. The charcoal falls into a hopper, from which it passes through a cooling chamber where it is colled by sprayed jets of water, after which it is extracted by an endless screw extractor. One application of the invention is manufacturing charcoal for making activated charcoal free from inorganic impurities.

Abstract: A system for disposing of materials such as vehicular tires and similar substantially organic matter and generating useful heat therefrom includes a first chamber, referred to as a gassification chamber, capable of holding a plurality of tires. The gassification chamber has an access way allowing for insertion of whole tires therein where they will be burned at a relatively low temperature resulting in incomplete combustion and the generation of combustible gases. A first air inlet is positioned substantially at the bottom of the gassification chamber with a first blower connected thereto. A gas outlet is positioned a first distance above the bottom of the gassification chamber confining the burning to the lower end of the gassification chamber. The combustible gas is removed and is conveyed to the lower end of a second chamber, referred to as a combustion chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the complete breaking down and incineration of tires and other difficult-to-dispose-of-waste products in an energy-efficient manner. Small particles of the waste material are directed into a furnace of novel design. Within the furnace, the particles are incinerated and thereby converted to combustion gas products. The combustion gas products exiting from the furnace are then transferred to an energy recovery/utilization means, such as a boiler. The small particles are specifically directed into a coiled ignition tube located completely within the furnace. As the particles travel in a downwardly spiraling motion through the ignition tube they come in contact with its heat-conducting interior walls. By forcing the particles to contact the interior walls, the ignition tube of the present invention leads to an efficient incineration of those particles.

Abstract: A method is provided for combusting multifarious waste material. The waste to be combusted is subjected to a self maintaining pyrolysis in a long, horizontal chamber oven under oxygen depleted conditions, and is subsequently completely combusted under a supply of adequate air. A chamber oven is provided with an upper row of closable air inlet apertures at the upper side, divided over the wall length, and a lower row of closable air inlet apertures at the lower side, divided over the wall length. A larger air inlet aperture is provided in each one of the side walls in the vicinity of the oven throat, and air inlet apertures are also provided in the off-gas conduit.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of waste including the steps of passing an organic waste into a chamber, pumping an inert gas into the chamber until the pressure within the chamber is at least 10,000 p.s.i., heating the chamber to a temperature in excess of 300.degree. F., dissociating the organic waste into its gaseous constituents, and passing the gaseous constituents from the chamber. The chamber is filled with an inert gas so as to displace oxygen from the chamber. The pressurized gaseous constituents are delivered to a turbine so as to actuate the turbine and to generate electricity therefrom. The gaseous constituents pass from the turbine into a boiler. An oxygen-containing gas is mixed with the gaseous constituents within the boiler so as to produce pressurized steam. This pressurized steam is passed to a turbine so as to produce electricity. The inert gas is argon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing volatile organic contaminants from soil including removing contaminated soil from the earth; transporting and placing the contaminated soil into a soil hopper, the hopper being substantially sealed from the atmosphere to prevent fugitive emissions of the contaminants from escaping into the atmosphere; conveying the soil under sealed conditions into a heated vapor stripping conveyor having moving flights; conveying the soil under sealed conditions along the vapor stripping conveyor and in close contact with the flights to heat the soil to a temperature below the boiling temperatures of the contaminants, thereby causing moisture in the soil and the contaminants to be stripped from the soil; streaming non-oxidizing gases having a greater than ambient temperature across the surface of the soil to carry the contaminants and moisture across and away from the soil; and maintaining the rate of flow and temperature of the gases to prevent undue surface drying of the soil as the soil

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: The present invention is directed to a system which effectively integrates a two-stage, fixed-bed coal gasification arrangement with hot fuel gas desulfurization of a first stream of fuel gas from a lower stage of the two-stage gasifier and the removal of sulfur from the sulfur sorbent regeneration gas utilized in the fuel-gas desulfurization process by burning a second stream of fuel gas from the upper stage of the gasifier in a combustion device in the presence of calcium-containing material. The second stream of fuel gas is taken from above the fixed bed in the coal gasifier and is laden with ammonia, tar and sulfur values. This second stream of fuel gas is burned in the presence of excess air to provide heat energy sufficient to effect a calcium-sulfur compound forming reaction between the calcium-containing material and sulfur values carried by the regeneration gas and the second stream of fuel gas.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of organic waste material such as halogenated organic compounds, and related matter. In one embodiment the waste material is reduced with a gaseous reducing agent such as hydrogen above about 600.degree. C., the gaseous products are condensed and cooled in the presence of an aqueous mist at about 5.degree. C., and condensed organic and aqueous material is collected and the aqueous portion recycled into the condensing and cooling steps. In another embodiment, where acid gases (for example, hydrogen halides) are produced during reduction, the gaseous products are condensed in the presence of aqueous mist at about 85.degree. C. and a major portion of the aqueous mist condenses as acidic water which is collected and neutralized. Remaining gaseous components are then cooled to about 5.degree. C. as in the previous embodiment. In further embodiments, the remaining uncondensed gaseous products are oxidized with a gaseous oxidizing agent at a temperature above about 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preheating of liquid waste having a heated sealed container, a liquid waste tank, a jacket positioned around the sealed container so as to form a heat exchange region between the interior of the jacket and the exterior of the sealed container, and an injector for transmitting a heated liquid waste from the tank into the interior of the sealed container. An inert gas container is connected to the waste tank so as to pass argon gas for displacing the oxygen from the interior of the liquid waste tank. An insulating layer is formed around the exterior of the sealed container and the waste tank. Suitable conduits connect the waste tank with the heat exchange region of the sealed container. A storage vessel is in valved relationship with the liquid waste tank. Suitable pumping is provided so as to transmit the liquid waste into the heat exchange region and back to the liquid waste tank.

Abstract: A pyrolyzer-kiln system for generating combustible fume from waste material and supplementing the fuel used to provide heat energy to a clinker kiln. The system includes a pyrolyzer for generating a combustible pyrolytic fume, a kiln for burning the fume as part of a cement-forming process, a conduit for conveying the fume from the pyrolyzer to the kiln, and a closed-loop feedback component for monitoring the heating value of the fume and varying the operational parameters of the pyrolyzer to maintain the heating value of the fume generated within a predetermined range. The closed-loop feedback component includes a calorimeter which continuously samples and burns fume from the conduit. The heating value of the fume is determined by measuring the amount of auxiliary fuel and air required to be mixed with the fume to maintain a predetermined temperature when the combustion is burned within the calorimeter.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of waste comprising the steps of passing a waste into a sealed container, purging the sealed container of oxygen, mixing pressurized oxygen and hydrocarbons so as to produce heat directed to the sealed container, and heating the interior of the sealed container to a temperature of greater than 2700.degree. F. An inert gas is introduced to the interior of the sealed container so as to displace oxygen. Water is dissociated so as to separate hydrogen and oxygen components. The separated oxygen is pressurized to greater than 1000 p.s.i. The water is heated to a temperature of greater than 2000.degree. F. in an oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vitrifying inorganic hazardous material including heavy metals from waste containing organic and inorganic substances. The inorganic hazardous material is retained and vitrified in the slag layer of a cyclone furnace where it is converted to a nonleachable, inert form for safe disposal in conventional landfills and where, simultaneously, organic hazardous substances are completely destroyed.