Abstract: A device that operates to reduce the hazard involved in the disposal of conventional hypodermic needles used throughout the medical world. When the needle is presented to the inventive device, while still attached to the syringe, it is vaporized an electric arc with its final connection point to the syringe sterilized. In a second embodiment of the device, the entire syringe, including the needle, is vaporized by an electric arc transferred between electrodes. The byproducts of the needle destruction process are sterile metal vapor such as iron oxide, water vapor and carbon dioxide. The heat is so intense that all organic compounds present within the needle are reduced to their basic elements of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon with trace amount of nitrogen and infinitesimal amounts of other trace elements. When the entire syringe is destroyed, all organic compounds of the plastic are reduced to the basic elements.

Abstract: A liquid waste feeding system having a liquid inlet to a plasma torch based waste processing chamber, disposed intermediate the primary plasma torch arrangement at the bottom end of the chamber and the top gas products outlet. the liquid inlet is positioned within the chamber such that liquid waste flowing from the inlet into the chamber is directed at a high temperature zone of waste column, and the liquid inlet is typically associated with a hot gas jet means. The hot gas jet means that provides the required high temperature zone may comprise one or more secondary plasma torches configured to provide hot gas jets into the liquid discharge zone of the inlet Alternatively, the hot gas jet may be provided by the primary plasma torches, in which case the liquid inlet is disposed within a predetermined area close to and above at least one of the primary plasma torches.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical synthesis or chemical abatement is disclosed which includes a processing chamber and a secondary chamber which is in communication with the processing chamber. The processing chamber is configured to generate an arc in the processing chamber. A magnetic field generator, such as an energized coil or permanent magnet, generates a magnetic field in the processing chamber, which induces the arc generated in the processing chamber to rotate. The apparatus further includes at least one injection port for introducing at least one waste medium into the processing chamber and into the rotating arc whereby the rotating arc transforms the waste medium into a plasma resulting in a disassociation of the chemical constituents comprising the waste medium which thereafter flow into the secondary chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for completely destroying documents having been shredded by document shredders, wherein the system comprises: collecting means for shredded documents, burning means being arranged together with collecting means, and the burning means having a burning chamber for burning the shredded documents. The burning chamber has an outlet with a filter unit and an air exhaust for remains of shredded documents that have been burnt.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for high intensity infrared burn-off of contaminants on articles moving continuously through an in-line production process.

Abstract: A method of disposing of combustible materials. The method includes the steps of: providing a heating space; providing a first source to generate heat to a first predetermined level at a first location in the heating space sufficient to reconstitute the combustible materials to a molten slag at the first location and so that heat generated by the first source elevates the temperature at a second location within the heating space to a second predetermined heat level that is below the predetermined heat level and high enough to cause combustion of the combustible materials; directing combustible materials to the second location at which the combustible materials are combusted to produce ash; and causing the ash to be directed to the first location to be reconstituted as molten slag.

Abstract: Hazardous waste can be processed using novel, ruggedized and flexible methods and systems. Such novel methods and systems comprise a survivable processing vessel designed to withstand shock, vibration and stresses encountered when, for example, the system is moved from one hazardous waste site to another and a carbon conversion unit which essentially prevents the release of pollutants into the surrounding environment by substantially reducing the amount generated. In addition, such methods and systems provide the ability to switch a supply of gas to dual plasma arc torches from air to an inert gas or vice-versa in order to maintain a critical oxygen ratio under a certain threshold as different types of waste are destroyed. The lack of water at certain sites is overcome by recirculating water and by using a closed-loop cooling system. Similarly, the lack of certain fuels to run the system is overcome by utilizing a single fuel.

Abstract: An incineration and melting furnace has a furnace main body that is filled with a conductive heat generation body (for example, graphite). Radioactive combustible materials in contact with the conductive heat generation body are burnt and the radiaoactive incombustible materials are melted. The resultant exhaust gases and the molten products flow downwardly in the conductive heat generation body filled region and flow out of a molten product discharging port. Noxious gases such as dioxins contained in the exhaust gases are thermally decomposed into a non-toxic state in a high temperature portion of the conductive heat generation region.

Abstract: A super-high temperature molecular thermal decomposition device comprises a high temperature thermal decomposition device, a smoke decomposition device, and an automatic control device; an exhausting tube installed between the high temperature thermal decomposition device and the smoke decomposition device. The high temperature thermal decomposition device includes a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber has a cover, two electrode plates, and two electrode rods. The bottom of the combustion chamber is paved with a plurality of ball shape light illuminator Therefore, the transient temperature of the light illuminator is above 3000 degree C. Therefore, the waste in the decomposition device are decomposed and gasified transiently. The gas from the exhausting tube will pass through the combustion chambers one by one. The working principle of each combustion chamber is identical to that of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A waste treatment system for solidifying and increasing the speed at which manure would dry. The waste treatment system includes support members; and also includes an elongate tubular member being mounted upon the support members and having an inlet end and an outlet end and having a bore being disposed therethrough; and further includes a waste holding/compressing assembly being mounted to the elongate tubular member; and also includes an incineration/discharge assembly being disposed in and about the elongate tubular member for incinerating waste material.

Abstract: A sanitary waste disposal unit (1) including a scalable destruction chamber (11), a vacuum pump (23), a source of heat (15) and means (29) for the controlled introduction of air into the chamber (11). In use the waste is introduced on the chamber (11) which is then evacuated to remove substantially all the oxygen, and heated to sterilize the waste material to approximately 300-500° C. The chamber (11) is then cooled to approximately 150° C., a temperature sufficiently high enough to allow combustion of the waste material, which has been partially carbonized. A limited quantity of air is introduced into the chamber allowing combustion of the waste material and the combustion products are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A waste water treating device can be simply installed in a small area and destroy combustible wastes and sludge to reduce fuel consumption cost of a burner. Moreover, the waste water treating device can increase a treating amount of the waste water per unit time to thereby reduce an activation time thereof and decrease installation and maintenance cost, to thereby obtain an economic advantage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for thermal desorption of contaminants from contaminated material, the apparatus including: a plurality of first insulated boxes, each insulated box, defining a volume effective for holding contaminated material, and each insulated box defining an opening at the top of the insulated box; at least one top effective to fit on the opening at the top of the insulated box and each top defining a pattern of heater orifices; a plurality of heaters, the heaters being insertable into the volume for holding contaminated material, through the heater orifices defined by the top; and a vapor extraction system effective to-remove vapors from within the volume for holding contaminated material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for multiple component process analysis and control includes the steps of obtaining a sample from a process stream, interrogating the sample using spectroscopy according to an established QA/QC protocol to determine the concentrations of a plurality of molecules in the sample, transmitting the determined concentrations to a control computer, determining control system response based upon the determined concentrations and a process model, implementing at least one facility action based on the control system response, and repeating the obtaining, interrogating, transmitting, determining and implementing steps. The apparatus extends the technology of multi-component analytical instrumentation to the direct use in a controller suitable of a wide variety of processes encountered in waste remediation, chemical manufacturing, combustion, and other industrial operations.

Abstract: A preferred waste treatment system and method employs multiple reactor zones for processing heterogeneous waste. In one embodiment, the reactor system (10) includes the following components: first (12) and second (14) solid waste feed subsystems; a liquid waste feed subsystem (16); a plasma torch or gas burner (18) for heating a preliminary vitrification chamber (20) of the reactor system (10); a joule effect heater (22) for heating a vitrification chamber (24); a gaseous effluent processing subsystem (26); first (30) and second (32) slag discharge processing subsystems; and a bulk processing unit (400), including a loading and/or cooling area (406), a waste destruction chamber (408) heated to temperatures between about 250° F. and 2100° F.; a conveying mechanism (418) between the loading area (406) and the waste destruction chamber (408). In an alternative embodiment, each of the reactor zones is heated by joule effect heaters.

Abstract: An elongated reaction chamber (11) has an inlet end (23), an outlet end (25), and a gas containment boundary (12) extending along its length. Waste material to be processed is injected into the reaction chamber (11) at the inlet end (23) and reaction products are removed from the reaction chamber out the outlet end (25). The reaction chamber (11) is mounted within a supply chamber (16) containing a molten reactant metal (15). The level of the molten reactant metal (15) in the supply chamber (16) resides above the level of the upper gas containment boundary (12). A circulating arrangement including a circulating paddle (17) circulates molten reactant metal (15) into the inlet end (23) of the reaction chamber (11) and through the reaction chamber to its outlet end (25). A mixing arrangement which may include fins (44) associated with the reaction chamber (11) mixes both gases and molten reactant metal in the reaction chamber to enhance exposure of unreacted gases to the molten metal.

Abstract: A molten metal reactor (10) includes a reactor vessel having a heating section (11) formed from a dielectric material. The reactor vessel also includes a reaction section (12) connected to heating section (11). An induction heating coil (18) is associated with the reactor vessel heating section (11) and produces an electromagnetic field within a field area (19). A portion of the field extends through the heating section (11) for inductively heating a reactant metal (14) contained in the heating section, while a dielectric spacing material (25) positioned around induction heating coil (18) isolates electrically conductive materials from the induction heating field (19). A circulating arrangement (20) circulates molten reactant metal between the heating section (11) and reaction section (12) to react waste material introduced into the reactor in the reaction section, outside of the induction heating field (19).

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

Abstract: Thermal destruction of waste includes forming a bath of a melted slag, heating the waste and introducing the waste onto a surface of the bath, passing produced off-gasses through the melted slag, discharging the off-gasses, releasing produced metal and slag from the bath, forming in the closed volume a plasma hose over the surface of the bath by a coaxial electric arc plasma torch by two tubular electrodes located one inside the other, and introducing the waste through an interior of the inner electrode and then through the plasma hose.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A waste disposal system for gasification and melting of various waste materials such as solid waste, waste in a solid container, granular waste, and liquid waste, and mixtures thereof. The system includes a reactor vessel which is closed to the atmosphere, and also includes a bottom portion capable of serving as a slag pool. An active feed mechanism eliminates the entry of air from the atmosphere into the vessel and also blocks the expulsion of by product gases into the atmosphere. The feed mechanism includes mechanisms to feed solid waste, waste in a solid container, granular waste and liquid waste into the reactor vessel. A plasma arc torch is located for plasma arc activity within said reactor vessel to produce a high temperature processing zone to gasify or melt solid waste, waste in a solid container, granular waste, and liquid waste and mixtures thereof as such waste is actively fed into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A compact furnace having three main chambers. In the first chamber, the water and the organic compounds are dissociated and vaporized and the metals and ceramics are vitrified and transformed into molten slag. A plasma torch or an induction coil can be used to provide the energy required for this operation. In the second chamber, the dissociated and vaporized compounds are burned in air or oxygen using a plasma torch to supplement the energy requirements. The third chamber receives and stores the vitrified slag. The furnace has a lightweight, multi-layered, air-cooled chamber wall construction that incorporates layers of advanced materials to provide both structural integrity at elevated operating temperatures and includes a dynamic cooling control element.

Abstract: A needle incineration apparatus for disposing of hypodermic needles comprises an insertion aperture (26) through which a needle to be destroyed may be introduced into the apparatus, two electrodes separated by a gap that is aligned with the insertion aperture (26), and a power supply for applying a voltage across the electrodes to destroy needles introduced through the insertion aperture (26) into the gap to contact the two electrodes. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus is formed of a main housing (10) and a disposable cartridge (20) separable from the main housing (10), the power supply being disposed within the main housing (10), the insertion aperture (26) being formed in a wall of the cartridge (20) and the electrodes being disposed in the cartridge (20) within a permanently closed compartment for storing debris resulting from the destruction of the needles.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition apparatus for decomposing polymer waste is provided which is simple in structure, small in size and inexpensive, and also the operating cost thereof is low.A feed pipe 18 and an inclined pipe 23 are connected in the form of the letter V at a large angle therebetween, and a feed screw 19 and an feed-up screw 25 are arranged inside the respective pipes. Polymer waste introduced into a hopper 17 is melted in the interior of the feed pipe 18 by heat from a first hot air furnace 10 and accumulated in the V-shaped portion. The polymer melt is then conveyed upward by the feed-up screw 25. In the process of conveyance, the polymer melt undergoes primary decomposition by means of heat from a second hot air furnace 11 and the cracked gas thus generated undergoes secondary decomposition by the heat from a third hot air furnace 12, the resultant gas being guided to a condenser 7. Sludge drops down through a chute pipe 35 into a water tank 36.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact self-powered, tunable waste conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of highly robust operation which provides complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The system provides the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or by an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A waste incinerator is provided which can completely prevent environmental pollution by dioxins. Exhaust gas from an incinerator is guided into a glass melting furnace by a duct, and blown into molten glass through a bubbling pipe to decompose dioxins in the exhaust gas. High-temperature gas produced in the glass melting furnace is supplied into the incinerator by a pipe so as to burn wastes without using auxiliary fuel. Further, exhaust gas is pressurized by pressure pumps in a pipe branching from the duct, while fuel tablets to including ashes are introduced through a fuel inlet and fed into the molten glass under the pressure of exhaust gas to decompose dioxins in the ashes.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and an apparatus for gasification and vitrification of ashes, such as produced in a hog-fuel fired boiler, by means of a plasma arc. The ashes are introduced into a shaft furnace where two or three tiltable electrodes are located. The plasma arc is ignited between these electrodes which are then tilted from a horizontal to an essentially vertical position whereby the arc is lengthened and then broken into separate arcs, one between each electrode and the slag accumulated at the bottom of the furnace. This plasma arc helps to burn off the organics in the ashes, producing combustion gases that can be used as a source of energy for the boiler, and to keep the slag in molten state, which allows its periodic removal through a tap hole.

Abstract: A furnace comprises an enclosure, a hearth plate within the enclosure for supporting combustible material, a first heater element adjacent the hearth plate for initial combustion of the combustible material, a filter disposed above the hearth plate for filtering uncombusted products of combustion of the combustible material, and a second heater element adjacent the filter for final combustion of the uncombusted products of combustion filtered by the filter. A controller controls the first and second heater elements independently.

Abstract: The method and equipment are proposed for wastes thermal destruction on the surface of a bath of melted metal and slag with a heating in plasma jets and the off-gas bubbling through a bath of melted slag, including a plasma hose generated in waste introduction zone which prevents the coming waste from contact with cooled units of the facility; thus, the reliable destruction of bacteria contaminated and toxic wastes are provided. The plasma hose is generated by the coaxial plasma torch with the hollow central electrode through which the wastes are fed. The units for a regular bacteriological examination of waste treatment products are also provided when the processed wastes are infectious wastes generated by medical and veterinary institutions.

Abstract: In a method for processing solid residues from refuse incineration plants the slag is melted and heavy metals from the melt (16) are separated for reutilization. The slag is directly transferred from the refuse incineration plant into a first heating chamber (2) and melted there under oxidizing conditions. The melt (16) produced therefrom is transferred to a second heating chamber (3), in which the heavy metal compounds are reduced to their metallic form. Furthermore, additional finely divided residues, such as fly ash, boiler ash and filter dust, are introduced into the second heating chamber (3) via a hollow graphite electrode (19). The melt (16) is then passed on to a third heating chamber (4), in which the residual readily volatile metals are vaporized and the residual non-volatile metals are sedimented. The essentially heavy-metal-free melt is then cooled to form vitreous granules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact self-powered, tunable waste conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of highly robust operation which provides complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The system provides the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or by an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A microwave incinerator is configured to incinerate waste material. The waste material is installed within a microwave absorbing shroud located in a microwave chamber. The combination of low microwave heat input and a vacuum drawn on the chamber vaporizes the water in the garbage. During this first phase there is no combustion because of the relatively low temperature and the lack of oxygen. Once the material is dry, intense microwave energy is applied to the chamber heating the silicon carbide shroud to an elevated temperature in the range of about 500 to 1000 degrees C. Concurrent with the rapid rise in temperature, air containing oxygen is pumped into the chamber. The hot shroud ignites the material, after which heat is provided is a combination of combustion heat and microwave energy. The temperature is monitored and the microwave energy input is controlled to assure a controlled burn of the waste material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the art of treating waste using laser technology. Industrial and toxic waste materials are irradiated with a laser inside a spherical reactor chamber such that they are heated to high temperatures. Organic compounds are thermally destroyed and chemical bonds are broken. Cool oxygen is pumped into the reactor to provide a refractory protective shield. Silica is added into the vessel at the high temperatures and encapsulates any heavy metals into its crystal matrix. The resulting solidified product may have a hardness of at least 8 on the Knoops scale of hardness and may be used as tooling, road material, oven lining, building materials and the like.

Abstract: The novel waste treatment system of the invention employs multiple reactor zones for processing heterogeneous waste. In one embodiment, the reactor system (10) includes the following components: first (12) and second (14) solid waste feed subsystems; and liquid waste feed subsystem (16); a plasma torch assembly (18) for heating a first chamber (20) of the reactor system (10); a joule effect heater assembly (22) for heating a second chamber (24); a gaseous effluent processing subsystem (26); a metal discharge recycling subsystem (28); and first (30) and second (32) slag discharge processing subsystems. In an alternative embodiment, each of the reactor zones is heated by joule effect heaters. The reactor system (10) can be operated in an oxidation or reduction mode. In either mode, the reactor system (10) allows for more complete reaction of a variety of heterogeneous waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact self-powered, tunable waste conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of highly robust operation which provides complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The system provides the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or by an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A system for treating contaminated sediments dredged from waterways is disclosed. Dredged sediments are divided into coarse and fine fractions. The coarse fraction is washed to remove contaminants. The fine fraction and the contaminants removed from the coarse fraction are admixed, followed by filtering to produce a dewatered fraction. The dewatered fraction is then melted in a plasma melter to form a molten mass of glass or slag. The molten mass is then cooled to form a stable, low-leachability product. During the plasma melting operation, organic contaminants are destroyed and contaminants such as heavy metals are contained within the matrix of the melted glass or slag. After cooling the melted material may be provided in the form of aggregate, granules or fibers useful for various applications such as road fill, roofing granules and rock wool.

Abstract: A hot water heater burns inflammable waste articles to heat water. A primary combustion chamber is defined within a water chamber for burning inflammable waste articles. A heating element is mounted around the primary combustion chamber to produce heat for burning off the inflammable waste articles in the primary combustion chamber. An electric heater is mounted inside the water chamber to heat water in the water chamber directly when the heating element is inoperative.

Abstract: A waste disposal device having a wall structure defining an incineration space, a torch assembly separate from the wall structure, and first structure cooperating between the torch assembly and wall structure for maintaining the torch assembly in an operative position on the wall structure. The torch assembly has a torch for generating heat in the incineration space with the torch assembly in the operative position. The torch assembly further has second structure for circulating a cooling liquid in heat exchange relationship with the torch assembly, independently of the wall structure, to thereby effect cooling of the torch assembly. In one form, the torch assembly is removably maintained in the operative position on the wall structure.

Abstract: A furnace includes a high temperature heating source located within the cavity of the furnace which incinerates undesired effluents produced during the normal thermal processing of material. The heating source comprises one or more hot wires disposed within apertured tubes, which are at a temperature above the ignition point of the undesired effluents. As the effluents pass into the tube through the apertures, they are incinerated, thereby producing an exhaust that is generally pollution free. Additionally, the heat used during the incinerating of the undesired effluents fully provides the heating requirements of the furnace for the thermal processing of material.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of solid residue from a refuse incineration plant, involving:melting the solid residue in a first heating chamber under oxidizing conditions to provide a melt;reducing any heavy metal compounds present in the melt to elemental metal in a second heating chamber; andtransferring the resulting melt to a third heating chamber;wherein any elemental metal is sedimented in each heating chamber and the sedimented elemental metal is continuously returned from two of the heating chambers to the remaining heating chamber, wherein the elemental metal is collected in at least one of the first or second heating chambers and discharged therefrom, and an apparatus for performing the process.

Abstract: Process for heating a hollow needle (2) consisting essentially of a metal tube (3), the inside and/or outside of which have previously been brought into contact with a contaminating medium, according to which an electric current is supplied to the said needle, flowing in the metal wall and over the length of the said tube (3) and dissipating thermal energy therein through the ohmic effect, characterized in that a predetermined quantity of electrical energy is supplied to the said needle (2), metered as a function of the electrical characteristics of the said tube (3), on the one hand to suffice for decontamination of the needle, both inside and outside, and on the other hand to limit the heating and preserve the integrity, including the original shape, of the said needle.

Abstract: Plasma energy recycle and conversion (PERC) reactor and process for disposal of energetics such as solid rocket propellants, liquid rocket fuel, chemical agents such as nerve gas, industrial waste such as paint sludge, medical waste or any aqueous/organic liquid or slurry that is pumpable and for separation/consolidation/conversion of low-level radioactive waste or mixed waste incorporating an induction coupled plasma heat source, insulated primary and secondary reaction chambers and associated peripheral control, process and filter devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: A materials treatment system which initially separates liquid and solid components with a separator. The system can be advantageously utilized for household sewage handling, however various components have other applications. Once the separator separates the solids and liquids, a fire tube combusts the solids with microwaves. The liquids exiting the separator are treated in a liquid treatment system which includes additional particle filtration/separation, treatment of the liquids with an oxidant liquid, and an ultraviolet treatment. An advantageous microwave cavity assembly is also provided for dehydration/combustion of solids exiting the separator and/or for solids filtered from liquids in the liquid treatment system.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. A voltage is applied across spaced electrical connections (72) of the melting vessel (46) to heat material within the melting vessel. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact and highly robust waste-to-energy conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The gas may be utilized in a combustion process to generate electricity and the solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material. In one embodiment of the invention, the conversion system includes an arc plasma furnace directly coupled to a joule heated melter.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for processing waste, in particular hospital waste, the apparatus including a gasification chamber (1) into which the waste is inserted to be subjected to degassing and to combustion, a post-combustion chamber (2) for the gases coming from the gasification chamber, and a melting chamber (3) in which the slag coming from the gasification chamber (1) is exposed to high temperature for vitrification purposes.

Abstract: Method for neutralizing waste, such as powder from luminescent tubes and similarly, residue from incineration of household waste, optionally comprising environmentally hazardous components, such as Hg, Cd, Zn, Co or Ba. The waste is fed into a melting furnace in conjunction with an SiO.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus having a thermal scission reactor with a graphite-lined plasma arc chamber for the pyrolytic disposal of toxic or hazardous waste. The thermal scission reactor includes a vessel with the plasma arc chamber surrounded by a water jacket. A tubular plasma arc electrode is provided for reciprocating movement within the plasma arc chamber. A conduit communicates with the tubular plasma arc electrode for the introduction of waste material through the tubular plasma arc electrode into the plasma arc chamber. The tubular plasma arc and an opposing electrode produce a plasma electric arc within the plasma arc chamber. An entry duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for introduction of solid waste into the plasma arc chamber. An exit duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for escape of gases and ash from the plasma arc chamber. Graphite liners are provided in the plasma arc chamber, the entry duct and the exit duct.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removal of .Iadd.contaminants such as .Iaddend.petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil. The apparatus of the invention includes a shallow container, preferably with vertical sides, which has in its bottom wall a multiplicity of elongated recessed chambers with an open mesh entry area at the upper side, and a gas discharge orifice at one end of each chamber. A rack containing burners is adapted for positioning over the material to be treated within the container. The invented method includes charging materials to be treated into a container, heating the material while creating a partial pressure within the chamber, establishing a vacuum to pull the gasses downwardly through the soil and atmospheric air downwardly with the gasses, then either collecting or discharging the removed gasses, after which the soil is removed from the treatment chamber.