Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary evaporator comprising a rotary drive having a hub and a clamping insert with a sleeve-like basic shape, in particular a clamping sleeve, for the clamping of a steam leadthrough formed as a hollow glass shaft in the hub of the rotary drive, wherein the clamping insert has a longitudinal axis and a first and a second axial end, wherein the clamping insert has two clamping sections which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction and which each have an outer cross-section tapering toward the first end and of which the clamping arrangement arranged closer to the second end has a larger maximum outer cross-section.

Abstract: An electrical heating coal material decomposition apparatus includes a closed kiln body with a feed inlet, a discharge outlet, and an electrical heating device arranged in the kiln body. A propulsion and decomposition path of coal material is formed between the electrical heating device and the inner wall of the kiln body. A coal decomposition gas collecting pipe communicates with the propulsion and decomposition path of coal material, and is connected with a gas dust-trapping and liquefying device arranged outside the kiln. The electrical heating device transfers heat to the pulverized coal inside the propulsion and decomposition path of coal material by conduction and irradiation. The pulverized coal absorbs sufficient heat and decomposes into fuel gas, tar gas and coal. The fuel gas and tar gas enters the gas dust-trapping and liquefying mechanism through the decomposed gas collecting tube, where they are collected, dust-trapped, separated and liquefied under pressure.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for recycling carbon-containing material, in particular tires and plastics materials. The system includes a heating arrangement for anaerobically heating carbon containing material to produce carbon-containing gases. A condensing arrangement is also used to condense a proportion of the carbon-containing gases to provide condensed gases and non-condensed gases. In addition, a recirculating arrangement is provided for recirculating the non-condensed gases into the heating arrangement. Further systems and methods for pre- and post-processing of the carbon-containing material are also disclosed and products of the systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: In the production of isobutylene-based elastomers the product obtained from the polymerization process is often in the form of a stream. Described herein are an apparatus and a process for removal of hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a stream comprising hydrocarbon liquids, either solvents or diluents, and an isobutylene-based elastomer; passing the stream through a kneader to volatize the hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer.

Abstract: A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, wherein the system and method includes providing a chamber, feeding tires or other solid carbon based material or both into the chamber, rotating the chamber and heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. The chamber has an interior surface and can include one or more ribs on the interior surface for rotating and tumbling the material in the chamber while heating the material.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a process for burning lime containing mixture (CaCO3) and converting it to calcinated lime (CaO) in a rotary kiln, the rotary kiln having an elongated cavity surrounded by a wall and a burner arranged to heat the cavity. The method includes collecting measurement data of the temperature in the wall at a plurality of measuring points along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, predicting the actual temperature gradient along the longitudinal axis of the cavity based at least on the measurement data of the temperature in the wall, and by means of a thermal model describing the temperature along the cavity of the kiln, determining a desired temperature gradient along the cavity based on the predicted temperature gradient along the cavity and a predetermined control strategy controlling the temperature in the kiln.

Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. A method for biomass fractioning comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons such as asphaltenes to lighter oil and gas components is disclosed. The process provides a reaction environment that promotes fast and selective cracking of heavy hydrocarbons, while minimizing coke formation and fouling and enhancing product yields.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of recycling a plastic material includes heating a plastic material in a treatment chamber in incremental steps through a series of graduated temperature set points wherein each graduated temperature set point corresponds to a vaporization temperature of an individual by-product of said plastic material, and pulling a vacuum of inert gas on the treatment chamber at each temperature set point to selectively remove an individual by-product corresponding to the temperature set point.

Abstract: In the operation of smoking/burning type volume reduction treatment apparatus (1), referring to view (A), charcoal carbonized layer (T2) is spread over powdery ceramic layer (T1) in the state of having negative ion air fed through air supply inlet (H). Further, sawdust layer (T3) is spread thereover, and thereafter treatment subject layer (V) is piled thereon. In a temporary burning region of the carbonized layer (T2), the powdery ceramic layer (T1) exerts not only heat storing action but also heat radiation action. Referring to view (B), the interior of the sawdust layer (T3) is altered into temporary carbonized layer (T3 1) and temporary dried layer (T3 2). As the temporary burning region slowly moves upward, an under side of the treatment subject layer (V) is altered into dried layer (V1) and further, carbonized layer (V2) shown in view (C) is formed. Thereafter, this carbonized layer (V2) catches fire, so that burning region (V3) is formed in layered form in the treatment subject layer (V).

Abstract: A carbonizing waste processing apparatus is operable to rotate and heat a radiant tube for carbonizing waste therein so as to generate granular char and vapors from the waste, transfer waste into an upstream end of the tube, temporarily impede movement of the waste through the tube at upstream and downstream locations therein so as to ensure that residence time of the waste in the tube is sufficient at the upstream location to carry out evaporation of moisture from the waste and at the downstream location to elevate the temperature of any solids in the waste for completion of carbonization of the waste, discharge the granular char and vapors from the tube, and flow the generated and discharged vapors through a succession of finned heat exchanger tubes so as to condense and separate the vapors into oil, water and methanol.

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

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

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

Abstract: A pyrolysis system includes a generally cylindrical reactor chamber having two opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has an inlet for receiving biomass, the inlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at a first opposite end; a gas outlet for recuperating biogas produced in the reactor chamber, the gas outlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at a second opposite end; and a solid outlet for recuperating charcoal produced in the reactor chamber, the solid outlet being adapted to prevent air from entering the chamber and being located at the second opposite end. The biomass is then subjected to indirect heating supplied by a heated rotor that decomposes the biomass in the absence of air or oxygen into a biogas and charcoal. A controller for controlling a rate of feed of biomass, extracted carbon residue and a temperature inside the reactor chamber is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a practical and efficient method and apparatus for thermally processing organic based raw materials of either primary or secondary (recycled) origin, in order to extract volatile organic vapors and to selectively produce either condensable hydrocarbon gases or, more preferably, non-condensable synthesis gases that are rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide for use as a raw material in chemical processes, or as a fuel. In particular, the invention provides a single rotary reactor having two contiguous hearth reaction areas, i.e., a drying and volatizing area and a reformation area, the areas being separated from each other by a bed-retaining refractory weir. The weir has an aperture for fluidly connecting the two hearth reaction areas of the single reactor.

Abstract: The carbonizing furnace of the present invention is capable of effectively making a large amount of carbides and reducing manufacturing cost and maintenance cost. The carbonizing furnace includes a furnace proper being formed into a cylindrical shape, the furnace proper having a first end section, to which a combustible raw material is supplied, and a second end section, from which a carbide is discharged; a spiral member for conveying the raw material from the first end section to the second end thereof; and a burner for burning the raw material to make the carbide, the burner burns the raw material in the second end section whereby the raw material is carbonized therein, wherein a surface of the raw material is coated with an inorganic binder.

Abstract: A rotary hearth calciner for treating petroleum cokes with a puffing inhibitor has a horizontal or inwardly sloping hearth floor rotatable around a vertical axis for receiving particles of coke to be calcined and a central opening in the hearth floor for discharging the coke into a soaking pit. A water cooled, refractory covered feed pipe extending downward into the calciner interior has an inlet for connection to a source of petroleum coke puffing inhibitor and an outlet near the edge of the hearth central floor opening for adding the puffing inhibitor to the coke as the coke is discharged from said hearth floor. The feed pipe outlet is approximately at or below the level of the hearth floor to reduce loss of inhibitor in gas flow above the hearth floor. A puffing inhibitor such as sodium carbonate is supplied by a screw feed mechanism to the feed pipe to add the puffing inhibitor at a desired rate for reaction with the coke. The coke is normally maintained in the soaking pit for about 30 minutes at 1200.

Abstract: The processor is of the type incorporating horizontal, concentric, co-extensive inner and outer tubular members which rotate together. The processor is modified in the following respects:The front end of the inner tubular member is circumferentially corrugated and may be provided in the form of a plurality of parallel tubes arranged in a ring array, to thereby increase the shell area to promote heat transfer through the tube walls;Means are provided for interconnecting the tubular members, which means can accommodate differing rates of thermal expansion and;a rock recycle tube assembly is provided to recover oversize material leaving the corrugated portion of the inner tubular member and reject it from the processor.

Abstract: A recycle conduit insulation assembly for use with a helical recycle conduit of a rotary reactor of the type having a rotating, horizontally-oriented, cylindrical chamber for burning materials therein and a quantity of particulate, inorganic material within the chamber for conveying heat energy to material to be burned. The insulation assembly includes a plurality of shell elements, each comprising a cylinder enclosing a portion of the conduit and being arranged in overlapping relation, a plurality of mounting rings, each attached to and extending radially from the conduit and having a T-shape in section for supporting the shell elements at ends thereof, and a pumpable refractory mixture substantially filling the insulating space between the shell elements and conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for the thermal treatment of feed material containing solids and liquids such as solid waste or the like. The apparatus includes one or more coaxial rotatable drums and one or more free rotating spirals advancing the material in the drums. The material flowing through the drums is heated to form solids and vapors. In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the hot solids and vapors exchange heat with the cold feed material. An extruder for preparing the solids being produced from the apparatus for disposal and a means for rotating the drums are also disclosed.

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 furnace for the selective incineration or carbonization, by a process of distillation to remove its volatile components, of waste materials, the furnace consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined, rotatable cylindrical kiln, waste material being introduced into its upper end, moved along the length thereof in the form of a tumbling bed at its lower portion by rotation thereof either at higher rates to produce higher turbulence of the material as is useful in the incineration mode of operation, or at lower rates for less turbulence of the material as is useful in the carbonization mode. Air is introduced into the kiln either in large amounts supplying ample oxygen for full combustion as is useful in the incineration mode, or in sub-stoichiometric amounts as is necessary in the carbonization mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas treating a particle bed wherein a uniform temperature gradient is achieved. A support member, such as a grate, serves to support a bed of particles on a surface thereof. The support member is moved in a predetermined direction. Gas is released from a plurality of positions at different depths in the bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the heat processing of granular materials by the counterflow of the granular material and preheated particulate heat exchange media through a processing drum rotatable about an inclined axis. The hot media is intimately mixed with the granular material internally of the drum to heat the material and to cool the media. Various arrangements are disclosed to recover the heat imparted to the material, or to utilize the media for successive heating operations, or to recover waste heat from other related heat processing operations or to utilize the material as preheated by the media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for retorting particulate solid materials, particularly hydrocarbon-containing materials such as oil shale, oil sands, tar sands, coal shale, coal tailings, and the like, for the recovery of a volatile constituent such as oil or gas. A rotary retorting apparatus is employed which consists of a cylindrical drum, or other similar regularly shaped chamber, with a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and having multiple compartments for retorting and combustion and, optionally, spent solids cooling. The apparatus further includes solids transport chutes for forward and backward circulation of solids, arranged for the intercompartmental transfer of solids with the capability of additions at one or more points in each compartment. Employing the method and apparatus, particulate solids feedstock is heated by recycled spent solids material to remove the volatile constituent of the feedstock in the retort section.

Abstract: A coke calcining apparatus comprises a rotary kiln (1), an intermediate cooler (3) installed outside of but rotating unitarily with the kiln at an intermediate part thereof and having inlets (32) and outlets (33) respectively communicating with the upstream and downstream interiors (A,B) of the kiln, and an annular weir (7) fixed to and around the inner wall surface of the kiln at a part thereof between the inlets and outlets of the cooler and functioning to cause the entire quantity of coke (6) which has been subjected to a first-stage calcination at 600.degree. to 1,000.degree. C. in the upstream interior (A) to flow through the cooler (3). The coke thus cooled to 200.degree. C. or lower is subjected to a second-stage calcination at 1,200.degree. to 1,400.degree. C. in the downstream interior (B) for 10 to 30 minutes.

Abstract: In processes for retorting oil shale using recycled heat carrying ceramic balls having a critical heat flux value, efficient operation, without heat shock damage to the balls, is obtained by operating at a weight ratio of balls to shale which is greater than but substantially equal to the ratio corresponding to the critical heat flux value; and this ratio is a function of both the heat transfer coefficient at the inlet to the retort and also the difference in temperature between the heat carrying balls and the oil shale. Implementing apparatus includes arrangements for controlling the ratio of heat carrying balls to shale, as by ball feed control apparatus and/or oil shale feed control apparatus, in accordance with the difference in temperature between the ceramic balls and the shale.

Abstract: The rate of calcining carbonaceous material in a rotary kiln is increased by enriching with oxygen air supplied into the kiln by fans. The introduction of oxygen is effected during a predetermined portion of each kiln revolution and is effective to enrich the oxygen content of air supplied to the kiln to approximately 23-25% oxygen. By so enriching the interior kiln atmosphere during calcining of material such as petroleum coke, greater temperatures are obtained than will be obtained by the use of air alone thereby accelerating the evolution of volatile materials and the combustion of such volatiles during calcination. The accelerated evolution and combustion of volatiles enables the rate at which carbonaceous material is calcined in a kiln of a given length to be increased.

Abstract: The rate of calcining carbonaceous material in a rotary kiln is increased by introducing oxygen into the inlet of air fans mounted on the kiln. The introduction of oxygen is effected during a predetermined portion of each kiln revolution and is effective to enrich the oxygen content of air supplied to the kiln to approximately 23-25% oxygen. By so enriching the interior kiln atmosphere during calcining of material such as petroleum coke, greater temperatures are obtained than will be obtained by the use of air alone thereby accelerating the evolution and combustion of volatile materials during calcination. The accelerated evolution and combustion of such volatiles enables the rate at which carbonaceous materials can be calcined in a kiln of a predetermined length to be increased.

Abstract: A process for carbonizing and then activating carbonaceous materials in a continuous process as performed by an apparatus consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined rotary retort into the higher end of which the material is deposited and from the lower end of which the product is removed, the material moving therethrough in the form of a tumbling bed, a system for introducing air in independently regulatable amounts into each of a series of longitudinally spaced zones of the retort, except a final zone closest to its lower end, in such a manner that contact of the air with the material bed is delayed for a substantial time after the air enters the retort, and a system for introducing superheated steam into the final retort zone as an oxidizing agent in such a manner as to immediately engage and thoroughly intermix with the material bed. Provision is also made for introducing air, rather than steam, into the final retort zone, in the event carbonization, but not activation, may be desired.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering liquid and gaseous fuel from solid hydrocarbon-containing mineral material such as bitumen-containing mineral materials exemplified by tar sands or oil-bearing diatomites, without expensive pretreatment to separate the hydrocarbon containing material from material containing no hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbon-containing material is agglomerated into discrete pieces that are treated on a traveling grate such as a circular traveling grate and subjected to sequential treatments in which hot gases are passed upwardly or downwardly through a relatively deep permeable bed of the pieces on the grate, in several treating zones separated by transverse gas seals and sealed at the side edges by suitable gas seals. All, or essentially all, of the heat required is obtained in a coke burn-off zone from combustion of coke that remains in the material on the grate after the volatile hydrocarbons have been removed by distillation in an earlier distillation zone.

Abstract: In the apparatus, concentric, radially spaced tubes are secured to each other and rotated about a common horizontal long axis. Selectively placed and configured lift elements repeatedly lift and drop feed material in the two tubes. Advance elements cause the feed material introduced into the feed end of the structure to advance through the inner tube where it is progressively heated, dehydrated and its hydrocarbon content is largely vaporized. The hydrocarbon vapors are removed from the opposite product end of the structure. The remaining solid material falls from the end of the inner tube into a combustion zone in the outer tube. Oxygen supplying means are provided for causing the carbon coatings on the particles in the combustion zone to burn to produce heat employed in the processing of the feed material. The solid particles in the outer tube are moved back toward the feed end by advancing elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for carbonizing and then activating carbonaceous materials in a continuous process consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined rotary retort into the higher end of which the material is deposited and from the lower end of which the product is removed, the material moving therethrough in the form of a tumbling bed, a system for introducing air in independently regulatable amounts into each of a series of longitudinally spaces zones of the retort, except a final zone closest to its lower end, in such a manner that contact of the air with the material bed is delayed for a substantial time after the air enters the retort, and a system for introducing superheated steam into the final retort zone in such a manner as to immediately engage and thoroughly intermix with the material bed. Provision is also made for introducing air, rather than steam, into the final retort zone, in the event carbonization, but not activation, may be desired.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for producing hardened carbonaceous agglomerates from a feedstock selected from the group consisting of finely divided coal solids, finely divided coal-derived solids and hydrocarbonaceous binders is disclosed.

Abstract: Agglomerating apparatus in the form of a rotating drum and a method for agglomerating and controlling the size consist of carbonaceous material, such as particulate coal, finely divided char and, optionally, a binder such as pitch. Control of the agglomerate consist size distribution discharged from the drum is achieved by increasing the relative residence time of the small or growing agglomerates and by limiting contact between the large formed agglomerates and the small forming or growing agglomerates. The preferred means to insure adequate growth time for the small agglomerates consists of a plurality of annular ribs spaced about the inside wall of the drum and a cooperating scraping mechanism. The scraping mechanism comprises a plurality of scraper blades projecting radially from a rotating shaft throughout the length thereof of the agglomerate-forming section of the drum. However, at the annular paths wherein a rib is found the scraping blades are shorter in length.

Abstract: A process for calcining green coke containing water and combustible volatile matter and obtained by a delayed coking process in three or more stages of heating furnaces which are connected in series, and the control of the temperature and the adjustment of the atmosphere in the respective furnaces can be independently carried out, which process comprises carrying out, in respective furnaces in the indicated order, the steps of:(a) evaporating the water contained in the green coke, and drying and pre-heating the coke;(b) distilling off and burning the volatile matter from the dried coke; and(c) heating and calcining the coke from the step (b).Because each furnace can be controlled independently from the other furnaces in the above described process, it is possible to produce high-grade coke without process difficulties such as the loss of the coke by combustion and the formation of coke ring.

Abstract: Activated carbon from carbonizable, e.g., organic materials is produced in either two physically separated drums which include means for transferring the superheated steam from one drum to the other or in a single drum provided with a longitudinal, axial separation wall that separates the drum into two drum halves or cavities. The separation wall can be opened, e.g., with hinged gates defining the wall, to transfer the materials from one cavity to the other. Suitable piping and valving is disclosed to effect the quenching of the non or incompletely activated carbon in one cavity and to activate the carbon in the other cavity with the superheated steam generated during the quenching of the carbon in the first cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding an oxidant such as air and/or a fuel rich gas within the confines of a substantially air tight enclosure employed in the heat treatment of volatile containing materials which are deposited on the floor of a rotary hearth mounted within the enclosure. A larger number of air and/or fuel rich gas inlet ports are provided in the roof of the enclosure at the outer periphery thereof than at the central or intermediate areas of the enclosure to thus provide a more oxidizing atmosphere at the outer peripheral area of the enclosure than at the central and intermediate areas of the enclosure. The oxidant is admitted into the furnace enclosure through concentrically arranged rows of inlet openings formed in the roof of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of combustible gas from waste materials and other combustible materials, in which the charge is dried, its combustible parts are subjected to low-temperature carbonization and the low-temperature carbonization gases are converted to combustible gas in a hot reaction bed. The charge is subjected to low-temperature carbonization at a temperature of from 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. with the exclusion of air, the resulting solid low-temperature carbonization residues are separated and the low-temperature carbonization gases are continuously drawn through a reaction bed at a temperature of from 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C. formed from a solid carbon vehicle and a preheated fresh-air supply, and are converted to high-energy combustible gas in said reaction bed.

Abstract: A horizontal circulating carbonizer comprising an annular horizontally rotatable circulating hearth disposed rotatably, a carbonizer body covering said hearth, a coal feeder equipped on the carbonizer body, a preheating zone disposed in the vicinity of said feed coal supply opening, a carbonizing zone connected to said preheating zone, a cooling zone connected to the carbonizing zone, and a discharger of cooled coke, and a process for the preparation of coke using this horizontal circulating carbonizer.

Abstract: Rotation of a first drum member at a preselected speed intimately mixes finely divided agglomerative materials to form a loosely coherent, plastic sticky mass. The tumbling action generated by the rotating drum breaks up the loosely coherent, plastic mass into plastic particles or agglomerates which grow in size as they roll within the first drum member. The formed agglomerates are conveyed by rotation of the first drum member into a second drum member that includes an inlet portion surrounding the outlet portion of the first drum member. The second drum member has a longitudinal axis that is coplanarly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first drum member and both drum members are independently rotated at preselected peripheral speeds with the angle of inclination of the first drum member being adjustable relative to the second drum member to control the movement of the agglomerates.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the heat treatment of volatile containing materials in a rotary hearth type furnace wherein the flue gases emanating from the calciner are employed to create either a positive or negative pressure within the calciner hearth as well as the soaking pit area of the said calciner.

Abstract: A first cylindrical drum member having an inlet portion for receiving materials to be treated, such as preheated coal and char includes a longitudinal axis and an outlet portion through which the treated materials are discharged into the inlet end portion of a second cylindrical drum member. The second drum member is independently supported for rotation relative to the first drum member and has a longitudinal axis coplanarly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first drum member such that the drum members are concentrically positioned in tandem relative. A sealing assembly is connected to the first and second drum members for longitudinal movement with the drum members during expansion and contraction of the drum members as they are subjected to different temperatures.

Abstract: The ends of refractory-lined rotary kilns are often subjected to such intense heat flux that the steel shell of the kiln at either or both ends is subjected to substantial thermal expansion in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, resulting in premature cracking and failure of the refractory. The present apparatus is a rotary kiln wherein either or both ends of the steel shell thereof are provided with a plurality of substantially longitudinal slots which accommodate circumferential expansion and the refractory is affixed to the steel shell at such end(s) with sliding anchors to accommodate longitudinal expansion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for decomposing kerogen and recovering oil, high BTU gas and energy for the process wherein a crushed oil shale is fed to a rotary preheater (300.degree. to 350.degree. F.) hence into a rotary retort (850.degree.-1050.degree. F.) where the kerogen is decomposed and the oil evaporated, removed and condensed. From the retort the crushed shale goes to a hopper where any residual oil is stripped out by super heated steam leaving a char on the crushed shale. The stripped shale is fed into a furnace wherein the char is burned to provide heat for the process. To supplement the char and provide enough BTU's for the process, it is necessary to add a small amount of coal to the feed to the process. The hot gases from the furnace first pass into contact with the rotary retort and hence indirectly heat the oil shale in the retort. The hot furnace gases (or a portion thereof) then pass into direct contact with the crushd oil shale feed in the preheater.

Abstract: A modified rotary kiln suitable for calcining normally solid carbonaceous material, having adapted thereto at one end a firing crown and means for admitting combustible gases or liquids and air; a feeding means for such solid carbonaceous material to be calcined adapted to the other end of the kiln; and wherein the combustion gases and solid materials travel countercurrently in the kiln during calcination, wherein: at least one series of at least two tuyeres passes through the wall of the kiln symmetrically spaced to and at about a point longitudinally in the middle one-half of the longitudinal axis of the kiln; each tuyere terminating within the kiln through a nozzle on the side of the tuyere at a height sufficient for the discharge of exterior oxidizing gases passing therethrough at a point above the bed of the carbonaceous material in the kiln, directing the exterior oxidizing gases toward the feed end at about the same acute angular direction from a line passing through the nozzle and parallel to the long