Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic incinerating apparatus for incinerating organic matter such as garbage having a high rate of water content. This apparatus is composed of a primary combustion chamber (4) into which garbage to be burned is put and a secondary combustion chamber (18) in which decomposition gas of garbage (2) is burned; and the garbage (2) is decomposed or carbonized by microwave in the primary combustion chamber (4), and the decomposition gas is burned by an igniting apparatus in the secondary combustion chamber (18) where no microwave is irradiated. This constitution is characterized in that garbage is dried by microwave to become a good quality fuel, and is thereafter decomposed and burned perfectly, and therefore the exhaust gas is clean and the garbage can be burned perfectly to ashes at high temperatures, so that the treatment is extremely sanitary.

Abstract: A solid waste disposal unit having a lower, pyrolyzing chamber and an upper, oxidizing chamber separated by a movable plate. Waste is deposited in the lower chamber. The chambers are rotated to move the plate to a first position which seals the lower chamber from the entrance of air. While the chambers continue to rotate, a pair of heaters separately heats the chambers. The waste in the lower chamber is pyrolyzed in the absence of air and gives off a combustible vapor that in turn is oxidized in the upper chamber. A plurality of venturi jets, mounted in the movable plate, mix the vapor with air as the vapor passes into the upper chamber. Additional air is introduced into the upper chamber through a rotating regenerative heat exchanger recovering heat from the exhaust gases. After the waste is thoroughly pyrolyzed into a char, the rotation of the unit is reversed causing the movable plate to rotate into a new position wherein air is permitted to enter the lower chamber to cause oxidation of the char.

Abstract: A hazardou waste incinerator which utilizes a cyclotron resonance plasma. The plasma is generated by introducing vaporized hazardous material and a feed gas into a vacuum chamber. The chamber has a magnetic field source and an electromagnetic radiation source. The cyclotron resonance plasma is produced by the resonance that occurs when the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is set equal to that of the gyration of electrons or other charged particles in the magnetic field according to the formula: F.sub.res =(1/2.pi.)(qB/m) hertz Where q is the charge of the electron or ion, B is the strength of the magnetic field and m is the mass of the electron or ion. The strength of the electromagnetic radiation is adjusted so that the flowing gases are ionized, forming a plasma. During the reaction, the charged particles collide with neutral particles, providing both ionization and fragmentation (the breaking up of high-mass molecules into lower mass fragments).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pyrolytically decomposing waste material characterized by injecting a mixture of waste and water into a plasma torch having an operation temperature of in excess of 5000.degree. C. to form a mixture of product gases and solid particulate; separating the gases and particulate in a first cyclone separator into separate phases; transferring the particulate to a second cyclone separator and subjecting the particulate to a partial vacuum to separate any carryover gases from the particulate; subjecting the combined reaction chamber and carry over gases in a scrubber to a spray consisting of a caustic solution and water to eliminate any carryover particulate from the gases and to neutralize and HCl in the gases; and removing the gases from the scrubber.

Abstract: An improved melting retort and method of melting materials wherein the retort allows for easier material feeding capability with a wider range of types of materials while minimizing the movement of any unmelted materials to the pouring lip of the retort. The retort is mounted for rotation on either a bearing or rollers to enable feed materials directed into the retort from one peripheral location to be advanced into one or more several melt areas by rotating the retort about its central axis. In each of the melting areas, a heat source, such as an electron beam gun or plasma torch, is provided above the open top of the retort and melts the materials therebelow. In one embodiment, the molten material is poured from an inner peripheral portion thereof and gravitates through a central hole of the retort and into a secondary crucible or mold. In this geometry, the melted material can be fed into the secondary crucible in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A furnace of kiln for use in the heat treatment of materials or articles has an inner lining comprising boards of refractory, heat-insulating material restrained from inward movement by rails of refractory, heat-insulating material having shoulders at their inward side against the back of which shoulders edge portions of the boards rest.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system particularly suited for use in a residential or light industrial heating system comprising a fluidized bed combustor housing a combustion chamber wherein fuel is burned to generate hot flue gas, a heat exchanger disposed inside of the combustion chamber, a particulate collector for removing fine particles entrained in the flue gas before the flue gas is vented to the atmosphere, and a fan for supplying air into the combustion chamber. The combustor features an insulated non-adiabatic combustion chamber with a cooling and heat exchange in the combustion zone and in the free-board area above the combustion zone. Electric heating means are disposed within the fluidizing region of the combuston chamber to provide the capability of heating the slumped bed during shut down to maintain bed temperature above the ignition point.

Abstract: A device and method for separating soot or other impurities from the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine, particularly a diesel internal-combustion engine, comprises a microwave source that is coupled to the intermediate section of the exhaust pipe that is constructed for the development of an electromagnetic field, an effective burning of the soot with a low flow resistance, the intermediate section being developed as a cavity resonator and at its exhaust gas inlet and exhaust gas outlet, is equipped with a metal grid, and an insert made of a dielectric material in the cavity resonator concentrates the exhaust gas flow in the area of high energy density of the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A system for thermally decomposing chemical materials efficiently and controllably heats input feed materials to very high temperatures for decomposition in the presence or absence of oxygen by heating means that may be disposed peripherally or intermediately of reaction zones may be of the protected type and may include preheating of feed material and process gas.

Abstract: The incinerator toilet has an incinerator chamber with an opening formed therethrough in which is located an electrical heating coil. A bowl is located above the chamber and a removable pan located below the chamber. The chamber is formed by inner and outer walls with a catalyst container being integral therewith and extending radially outward to an increased depth. A heat activated catalyst is located in the catalyst chamber and perforations are formed through the inner and outer walls of the catalyst chamber. A collection chamber is located outwardly of the catalyst chamber and has a lower outlet to which is coupled an exhaust device for drawing gases from the incinerator chamber through the heat activated catalyst and collection chamber. A baffle is located in the collection chamber and is coupled to its lower wall and extends upward to a position above the outlet of the collection chamber.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of organic waste material such as halogenated organic compounds, e.g., PCB's and related waste organic matter, comprises subjecting the waste material to reduction with a gaseous reducing agent, preferably hydrogen, at a temperature above about 600.degree. C. and thereafter subjecting the hot reaction mixture thus obtained to oxidation with a gaseous oxidizing agent at a temperature above about 1000.degree. C. The combined reduction followed by immediate oxidation is effective in achieving substantially complete breakdown of the halogenated compounds to substantially non-noxious gases. The system includes a reduction vessel wherein hydrogen is used directly in intimate mixing relation with the pulverized waste material, and after completion of a residence time sufficient to reduce the organic compounds, the gaseous by-products pass to an adjacent combustor for oxidation therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing and accelerating hydrogen dissociation in a cloud generated from feedstock fed into a chamber defined by the apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a device for thermally stimulating the feedstock to generate the cloud, a device for localizing the cloud within the chamber, a device for electrically stimulating the localized cloud, and a device for photonically stimulating the localized cloud. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A continuous thermal treatment furnace for converting hazardous materials into environmentally acceptable materials, including a continuous belt for conveying hazardous materials through a substantially air-tight heating chamber having heating elements to thermally detoxify the hazardous materials on the belt, a charging zone and a discharging zone, each being ducted to convey volatiles to an off-gas handling system in which hazardous volatiles are converted to environmentally acceptable materials, the discharge zone being at least partially water-jacketed to cool discharged solids, the continuous belt being returned to the charging zone outside of the heating chamber in order for the belt to be cooled.

Abstract: A method is described for a thermal treatment of materials that can be pumped or blown, particularly for the pyrolysis of waste materials, An electric arc is established in a gap between a pair of concentric electrodes, and the material to be treated is pumped or blown into the gap and through the electric arc to effect the thermal treatment. The product of the thermal treatment is forced to pass through a high temperature smelt. The method can be carried out utilizing a sealed receptacle (11) equipped with an electrode tube (15) having a material supply at one end and an open end directed towards or located in the smelt. A sleeve or other wall means can be placed in the receptacle near the electrode tube to create circulation and spread the decomposition products in the smelt.

Abstract: A rotary combustor for incinerating solid waste material, such as municipal trash, includes a combustion barrel supplied by air through windboxes underneath the barrel. Molten metal, such as aluminum, which is commonly present in the waste material, drops through perforations in the side wall of the combustion barrel and collects on a heated contact surface in each of the windboxes. The heated contact surface may have a funnel shape and be connected to a heated pipe for transferring the molten metal out of each windbox. Alternatively, the heated element may be attached to the interior surface of each windbox and separated therefrom by heat insulation. In this case, heated airlock doors at the lower end of the windboxes are used to discharge the molten metal from the windboxes.

Abstract: An improved plasma torch incinerator or reactor in which the incinerator uses a rotating, materials-receiving drum or chamber for receiving the hot plasma of a plasma torch. By properly constructing the inner surface of the rotatable drum and by varying the speed of rotation of the drum, waste materials can be effectively spread out over the inner surface of the drum to form a relatively thin layer of waste materials which has a large surface area which can be more quickly heated to the desired high temperatures provided by the plasma torch. Moreover, the spreading out of the waste materials can cause them to be recirculated and mixed by periodically reducing the speed of rotation of the drum. The plasma of the plasma torch is not directed toward a stationary part of the drum. Instead, the plasma torch is directed at a rotatable portion of the drum which provides for a better heat distribution and permits portions of the drum to cool during the intervals when they are not in direct contact with the plasma.

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

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

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for processing waste matter which is difficult to dispose of. The waste matter is incinerated by radiation of heat from material which exhibits microwave absorbing properties and is heated upon such absorption. The secondary gaseous waste matter produced by the incineration is burnt or pyrolysed by the presence of microwave absorbing material which is also heated by absorption of microwaves. The process according to the present invention can be practiced in an continuous operation and the volume of waste matter is remarkably reduced by the process and apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: An emergency exhaust system (59) is provided for a mobile incineration system (10). A hinged gate (76) controls access to the emergency exhaust system (59), and operates only upon the sensing of a malfunction in one of a plurality of critical incineration system components (114, 36, 56) by sensors/relays (122-126). A malfunction as sensed by Sensors/relays (122-126) causes the power to be cut through switch (98) to the main incineration system components (114, 36, 56, 46, 116, 118, 22). In a preferred embodiment, the emergency exhaust system (59) comprises a plurality of water sprayers (64) to cool the volatile waste combustion products, and a granulated activated carbon column (68) to remove hazardous substances.

Abstract: An operating method for a refuse processing furnace which processes refuse by melting with electric power, comprising steps of detecting a surface level of heaped refuse in the furnace and controlling amount of either or both of power input and refuse input into the furnace in response to the detected level of the heaped refuse in the furnace. The method assures stable processing with constant yield or outflow of molten refuse besides preventing the furnace and its equipments from being damaged by heat radiation from the molten surface.

Abstract: Toxic compounds, entrained in water, are dissociated in an electric arc (e.g. 12000.degree. F.) in an airtight chamber charged with oxygen; metal ions (M.sup.+) resulting from dissociation are recombined as gaseous oxides (MO.sub.x) which are educted from the chamber and disposed of.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition reactor accepts solid, liquid or gaseous waste products of industrial processes or the like and rapidly reduces same to substances such as carbon dioxide, water and glassified non-leachable ash without limitation by materials that may be commonly included in such waste.

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

Abstract: Radioactive wastes are treated in a furnace which has electrodes for electric heating. The furnace has at the lower end an outlet for slag material as well as a gas discharge line. Its well is a self-supporting tubular body which is arranged detachably in a metal furnace housing. At the upper end of the well is a line for feeding water. Thereby, carbon-containing waste, possibly also carbon of a carbon bed, is reacted to form water gas (CO+H.sub.2), which is burned after purification in an exhaust gas plant. The outlet of the metal housing has a movable grate.

Abstract: A combustion chamber (1; 101), is surrounded by a heater (4; 104), by means of which a constant temperature in the order of 850.degree. C. can be maintained in the chamber (1; 101). The chamber (1; 101) has arranged therein devices (17, 18, 117) which, when the arrangement is in operation, partly obstruct the passage of gas through the chamber. The waste gases to be treated are introduced into the chamber (1; 101) through an inlet (2; 102) and the treated, residual waste gas is discharged from the chamber through an outlet (3; 103). The arrangement also includes a supply line (14,15,16, 114,115) for supplying pre-heated reaction medium to the interior of the chamber (1; 101).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the pyrolytic destruction of toxic or hazardous waste materials using equipment that is compact and transportable. The waste materials are fed into a plasma arc burner where they are atomized and ionized, and then discharged into a reaction chamber to be cooled and recombine into product gas and particulate matter. The recombined products are quenched using a spray ring attached to the reaction vessel. An alkaline atomized spray produced by the spray ring neutralizes the recombined products and wets the particulate matter. The product gas is then extracted from the recombining products using a scrubber, and the product gas is then burned or used for fuel. Monitoring devices are used to check the recombined products and automatically shut down the apparatus if hazardous constituents are encountered therein.

Abstract: A method and device for separating most of the waste material from sewage effluent, which incinerates a large portion of the waste to dispose of the waste in an environmentally safe manner. After separation, the aqueous by-product from the sewage effluent is substantially waste free, allowing easy disposition or further treatment. The apparatus includes a housing and a filter in the housing to which the sewage effluent is introduced. The solid waste materials are trapped in the filter with a substantially aqueous by-product discharged from the device. A switch senses entry of the sewage effluent, starting operation of a heating element and a microwave generator which operate to substantially incinerate the waste material into an ash particulate. The gaseous by-products of the incineration are vented to the atmosphere and the ash particulate is vacummed into a temporary storage container.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an ignition device for igniting fuel within a heating boiler having a combustion section operating according to the fluidized bed principle. The ignition device comprises a jacket-like body portion with a surface facing away from the fluidized bed of particles such as sand being furnished with a heating member, and the surface of the jacket-like body portion facing the fluidized bed of particles having heat transfer elements. The heat transfer elements may be rib-shaped, while a lagging or equivalent structure may encircle the ignition device, to form an intermediate space therebetween through which combustion gas is arranged to flow into the jacket-like body portion. A member for pre-heating the combustion gas flowing through this intermediate space, may also be provided, which is in turn cooled by the inflowing combustion gas.

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

Abstract: Toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and other organic wastes are destroyed by injecting them, together with oxygen, into a metal or slag bath such as is utilized in a steelmaking facility. The metal bath may be melted initially by induction or an electric arc; the desired temperature greater than 2500.degree. F. may be maintained thereafter by the reaction of the oxygen and the organic waste. Various by-products may be obtained from the gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric arc heater process and apparatus for the essentially complete decomposition of hazardous materials including polychlorinated biphenyls. Finely divided liquid or gaseous hazardous material is injected into a primary gas stream which has been superheated in an electric arc heater. The mixture is directed into a primary reactor for complete decomposition with dwell times in the reactor being in the order of 0.05 to 0.15 seconds. The decomposition products are neutralized with the gases being released to atmosphere and any remaining particulates being collected for ultimate disposal. Large solid hazardous material is first shredded then heated in a roaster or rotary kiln to vaporize the primary gas stream. A soaking reactor is provided where increased dwell times are required for the decomposition of thermally stable compounds which may be formed in the primary reactor. When these compounds are absent the soaking reactor can be by-passed.

Abstract: Toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and other organic wastes are destroyed, optionally together with inorganic wastes, by injecting them, together with oxygen, into a molten bath such as is utilized in a steelmaking facility. The bath may be melted initially by induction, an electric arc or otherwise; the desired temperature greater than 2500.degree. F. may be maintained thereafter by the reaction of the oxygen and the organic waste. Various by-products may be obtained from the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the environmentally safe disposal of material by combustion using a hot body having a plurality of open pores.

Abstract: The incinerator is made up of an inner housing located within an outer housing and which have spaced apart walls forming an interior space therebetween. The inner and outer housings have aligned upper openings with insulated closure members. A central chamber extends from the upper opening of the inner housing to a lower position for receiving material to be burned. An upper chamber holding a heat activated odor reducing catalyst surrounds the upper portion of the central chamber. A gas collection chamber surrounds the upper chamber and an exhaust blower is provided for drawing gas from the central chamber to the interior space by way of the heat activated odor reducing catalyst and the collection chamber. A heater is provided for preheating the heat activated odor reducing catalyst. A second exhaust blower is provided for drawing gas from the interior space to the atmosphere. A main heater is located within the lower portion of the central chamber for burning the material deposited therein.

Abstract: A movable incineration system for the disposal of used sorbent pads utilized in the cleanup of oil or hydrocarbon spills in marine environments. The portable incineration system of the present invention comprises an incinerator, a wringer, an auxiliary power skid unit, a generator and an air compressor.

Abstract: A recirculating oven in which air and oxidized gases from a burner tube are directed to evaporation zone outlets at the bottom of the oven and curing zone outlets at the top and fed into a pair of wire work chambers, the gas streams mixing between the zones and return with volatile substances through a return duct to a burner mounted in the upper portion of the burner tube. The burner tube is mounted within a burner tube housing partitioned so that the volatile fumes returning to the burner are maintained separately from the oxidized gases and air exiting from the burner tube. The burner is electrically energized and has a cylindrical housing supporting a number of radial vanes supported between spaced baffle plates, the vanes imparting a vortex pattern to the gases entering holes in the housing periphery. A support plate on the top of the housing carries two high temperature ceramic igniter heater elements surrounded by a multiplicity of resistance type electrical heating elements.

Abstract: A combustion process and a plant therefor, said process comprising the steps of introducing combustion material into a first chamber included in the plant and burning said combustion material therein, and finally burning out and treating in a second chamber residual products, such as gases and gas-borne components as well as slag, ash and the like passing into said second chamber from said first chamber.The novelty of the process resides in that the combustion in the first chamber is controlled so that a pyrolitic process takes place therein and that combustible gases expelled during said process are led to the second chamber in which the gases are burnt while yielding high heat which is utilized for melting the slag, the air and the like, and in that air or oxygen is supplied to bring about decarbonization of the slag.

Abstract: A two-stage incinerator is provided which includes a primary combustion chamber and an afterburner chamber for off-gases. The latter is formed by a plurality of vertical tubes in combination with associated manifolds which connect the tubes together to form a continuous tortuous path. Electrically-controlled heaters surround the tubes while electrically-controlled plate heaters heat the manifolds. A gravity-type ash removal system is located at the bottom of the first afterburner tube while an air mixer is disposed in that same tube just above the outlet from the primary chamber. A ram injector in combination with rotary magazine feeds waste to a horizontal tube forming the primary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incineration of combustible material including the processing of sewage sludge from wastewater treating plants and the initial activation and regeneration of activated carbon granules or powder used for adsorption in wastewater treatment and the like. The method is carried out by supporting the combustible material in an enclosure, directing infrared radiation on the material, and controlling the atmosphere in the enclosure around the material for purposes of controlling the oxidation process initiated by the heat from the infrared radiation. In a more specific form the method includes a step of counter-flowing combustion gases over the combustible material to supplement the infrared heat. The combustion chamber of the enclosure is operated at a slight vacuum to minimize escape of noxious odors. In practicing the method with sewage sludge, the sludge is first pre-dried and fragmented before introducing it into the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis are disclosed. In one embodiment, a refractory-lined furnace is provided with a depression along its base for holding a pool of molten metal which acts as the external electrode for a bank of long arc column plasma torches which provide a heat mass for the process. The plasma arc pressure imparts momentum to the surface of the melt and causes it to flow in cusping eddy currents during the process. Crushed coal is deposited through the roof of the furnace by a rotary feeder in continuous plural streams. The coal is devolatilized in a matter of milli seconds and the volatiles are cracked as the coal falls by gravity through the interior of the furnace. The remaining carbon-rich char collects at plural sites on the surface of the melt and the mounds of char are rotated by the eddy currents. Steam is continuously injected into the furnace to produce hydrocarbon gases through reaction with the carbon-rich char.

Abstract: Method and installation (apparatus) for continuous combustion of combustibles effecting combustion in a closed room into which a controlled quantity of substantially pure oxygen is introduced. The gases emitted by the combustible combined with oxygen to produce a semi-continuous explosion as a first effect; also produce as a side effect, an atomization of any water present (in the form of steam) and of any gaseous combustion products within the closed room as a second effect. Energy is provided not only in the form of calorific energy from combustion, but is released as radiation, and other forms produced by the atomization of the water and gaseous combustion products, including the kinetic energy of the gaseous molecules within the closed room.