Abstract: Process and device intended for ultrafiltration of particles contained in fluids. The fluids are passed through at least one filtering barrier made from a source rock with micropores below a few hundred Angstroms in diameter. These rock samples are available in good supply for example when drilling through reservoirs containing hydrocarbons. The filtering device comprises a housing (1) containing at least one thin disk (5) cut in a source rock, through which fluid is passed. This disk withstands high pressures and temperatures well, and it can be regenerated after use by means of a thermal process. The process and device can be applied for filtering of colloidal particles such as resins or asphaltenes in petroleum fluids for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste liquids containing body fluids so as to prevent problems such as nosocomial infection due to such waste liquids containing body fluids discharged from patients under (surgical) operation or treatment, particularly those waste liquids containing blood or an irrigation liquid used to irrigate the body cavity of such patient. The method includes collecting a waste liquid containing body fluids into a container, separating the waste liquid into a supernatant liquor and a flocculate within the container, discharging the supernatant liquor from the container, and disposing of the flocculate remaining in the container together with the container.

Abstract: A process of dissolving solid waste material in packed beds comprises the addition to the packed bed of a solvent for the solid waste and a material which releases a gas on contact with the solvent which forms channels in the packed bed allowing more rapid access of the solvent to the bed.

Abstract: Municipal solid waste is classified as to density as well as size in a perforated inclined trommel through which a gas stream is flowed inwardly through the perforations and downwardly to entrain and remove paper and plastics through the lower end. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are removed from the residue which is digested anaerobically in two stages with an intermediate steam explosion treatment to expose cellulose fibers coated with lignin. Mercury is removed as a vapor phase in an initial stage of the steam heating and is condensed and collected. The solids phase of the anaerobic digestate is acidified to solubilize heavy metals which are recovered by electrodeposition from the solution. The depleted residue is neutralized and disposed of.

Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for treating an aqueous waste material in order to reduce the volume of the material for disposal and/or landfill. In the method, an aqueous waste material containing organic compounds is contacted with calcium carbide under conditions which cause water and calcium carbide to react to produce acetylene and a residue. The acetylene is burned in the presence of the residue to further reduce the volume of material for disposal.

Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system for recycling an aqueous surfactant solution utilized in a parts washer assembly for cleaning parts. The system including a contaminated solution storage tank, a treated solution storage tank, and a portable wastewater treatment apparatus wherein contaminated aqueous surfactant solution is collected in the contaminated solution storage tank, withdrawn from the contaminated solution storage tank, injected with air and passed into a mixing zone where the mixture is sprayed with water. The treated solution in the mixing zone is passed into a quiescent zone where light sludge is passed to the top of the quiescent zone and heavy sludge is passed to the bottom of the quiescent zone, the treated wastewater being disposed between the light sludge and the heavy sludge and the treated wastewater being passed from the quiescent zone into a discharge zone where the treated wastewater is discharged therefrom. The heavy sludge is selectively discharged from the quiescent zone.

Abstract: In an improved method of treating foul water, the solids that are produced during the process of treatment of foul water such as wastewater or liquid sludges are treated with a heat treatment apparatus and the resulting thermal energy and/or gas is utilized in the treatment of said foul water. The foul water may be subjected, directly and/or after a treatment, to a filtration step using a filter packed with nonflammable particulate matter such as sand, and the trapped solids are fed into a fluidized-bed heat treatment apparatus such as a fluidized-bed incinerator or gasification furnace and, thereafter, the nonflammable particulate matter in the heat treatment apparatus is returned to the filtration step. The foul water can be treated with effective utilization of the energy of the organic matter in the foul water or the solids that are produced during the process of its treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling mollusk infestation, and particularly zebra mussel infestation, in residential water systems by use of a ceramic filter. The ceramic filter has pores, each of which has a width less than the size of zebra mussel veligers. The ceramic filter is preferably cylindrical in shape and fastened to the interior wall of a submerged protective containment housing. The submerged containment housing supports one or more filters and provides protection from external threats. The filters are directly connected to the residential water system whereby water can be drawn through the means of a vacuum created by whatever apparatus is employed by the residential water system.

Abstract: A method for incinerating excess sludge from biological waste water treatment plants, in particular sludges arising from the manufacture of paper or paper pulp, preferably using the magnesium fusion process. Before incineration, the excess sludge is neutralized with the same base as used in the paper pulp process and the dust entrained by the combustion gas is precipitated to recover the base.

Abstract: Process for the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising the steps of gasification, partial oxidation and removal of the carbon by forming a soot water slurry containing the unburned carbon and ash and filtration of the soot water slurry to form a filtercake of carbon and ash, wherein the filter cake is dried by means of a fluid bed and the dried filtercake is burned at temperatures between 600.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C. Preferably The fluid bed is operated by means of a fluidizing gas at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. The dried filtercake is burned under circumstances that carbon is left in the resulting ash.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filter aid or medium and a method of filtering liquid wastes having good filtration, good flow rates through the filter area, and heat value of the resulting filter cake containing the filtered solids of at least 5000 Btu per pound of filter aid. The filter aid comprises rubber particle sizes effective to filter solids of different sizes from the liquid, generally in a size range of from about 5 mesh to 325 mesh, alone or with up to about 70% silicious particles. Preferably a wetting agent is used for the filtration especially for water-based liquids.

Abstract: A self-sustaining system and process for converting organic waste feedstreams into usable solid and gas end products includes a plurality of interconnected retorts, an apparatus for flash pyrolyzing the feedstream to form intermediate gas and solid products, a means for introducing a water spray to refine and cool the intermediate products, a means for separating the gas product from the solid product and a means for regenerating, and thereby further refining, the solid product. In a self-sustaining process, wastes which would otherwise be landfilled are converted to an activated carbon product and a combustible gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and lower hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Secondary sludge produced in the papermaking process is dewatered by adding a material capable of absorbing water together with dry fibers to the secondary sludge, and mixing the secondary sludge with the dried fibers to produce a modified secondary sludge which has sufficient structure and low enough moisture that it may be further dewatered by mechanical means. The preferred fiber adding materials are those readily produced in the papermaking process, particularly dry primary sludge, dried fines and bark and fly ash from boilers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable wastewater treatment system for recycling an aqueous surfactant solution utilized in a parts washer assembly for cleaning parts. The system including a contaminated solution storage tank, a treated solution storage tank, and a portable wastewater treatment apparatus wherein contaminated aqueous surfactant solution is collected in the contaminated solution storage tank, withdrawn from the contaminated solution storage tank, injected with air and passed into a mixing zone where the mixture is sprayed with water. The treated solution in the mixing zone is passed into a quiescent zone where light sludge is passed to the top of the quiescent zone and heavy sludge is passed to the bottom of the quiescent zone, the treated wastewater being disposed between the light sludge and the heavy sludge and the treated wastewater being passed from the quiescent zone into a discharge zone where the treated wastewater is discharged therefrom. The heavy sludge is selectively discharged from the quiescent zone.

Abstract: A material of a cycloolefin copolymer has a structure of alternating cycloolefin sequences, and has crystallinity in a temperature range from 210.degree. to 320.degree. C. The cycloolefin is prepared by polymerization of at least one polycyclic olefin, monocyclic and/or acyclic olefin with an open-chain olefin using a catalyst of a metallocene and an aluminoxane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating dried sludge comprising organic material, inorganic material and heavy mertals. The process comprises indirectly heating the sludge in the absence of oxygen to a temperature of from 300.degree. to 550.degree. C. for volatilization of organic material and heating the residual char in the absence of oxygen to a temperature of from 750.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. together with injecting steam for gasifying non volatile organic carbons in theresidual char, whereby the organic material in the sluge is converted into energy-containing products. The heavy metals remain in the ash as metal-sulfide complexes which are not soluble in acdidic water.

Abstract: A system and process for treating solid and liquid wastes, where the solid waste is separated from the liquid waste in a chamber, the liquid waste is passed out of the chamber, the solid waste is converted to ash, a fluid such as liquid waste is introduced into the chamber and combined with the ash, and the ash and fluid are exhausted out of the chamber together. Preferably, the system includes the use of hot air to agitate the solids during their conversion to ash. Desirably, the system also includes a filter and means to swirl the liquid waste as it exits the chamber, so that the liquid waste evenly distributes the solid waste within the filter as the liquid waste is exhausted.

Abstract: A waste treatment system in which incoming waste is initially separated by a separator into solid and liquid components, without significantly emulsifying the solid components. The separator requires no energy to provide a solid waste component having a very small amount of liquid therein. The solid waste is then incinerated in a microwave reactor chamber which requires little energy, and which results in an extremely small amount of resulting ash, on the order of 0.1% of the incoming solid volume, with the solid treatment requiring little energy as a result of the effective separation accomplished by the separator. Optionally, a liquid treatment module can also be provided for removing any suspended solid remnants from the liquid component exiting the separator, with the liquid treatment module separating any suspended solids from the liquid component. The solid remnants removed from the liquid are also incinerated, with the liquid then subjected to further processing and purification.

Abstract: A process for producing a fuel composition from a waste stream containing a liquid, organic component, water and a mixture of inorganic and organic solids wherein the waste stream is separated into an oil fraction, a water fraction and a solids fraction, the solids fraction being de-watered to produce a de-watered solids fraction containing less than about 60% by weight water, the de-watered solids fraction being admixed with oil and heated in a heating apparatus wherein the de-watered solids fraction and oil are subjected to heat exchange conditions at a temperature and for a time sufficient to evaporate water and produce a fuel composition containing less than about 15% by weight water, the apparatus having means for inducing forced convection condition in the mixture of de-watered solids and oil to prevent solids settling and enhance heat exchange heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.

Abstract: A method of cleaning metal filters of a solvent spun fibre production plant. The method comprises the step of (a) dissolving dope from the filters using a hot solvent for the dope, (b) washing the solvent from the filters using hot water, (c) pyrolysing remnants of dope or solvent in the filters, (d) ultrasonically washing the pyrolysed particles from the filters, (e) reheating the filters to dislodge pyrolysed particles, (f) ultrasonically rewashing the filters and (g) drying the filters.

Abstract: A pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge as produced by the steps of (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry having a solids content of about 10 to 25 wt. %; (2) pretreating said aqueous slurry of sewage sludge to improve its slurrying characteristics by one or a combination of (a) heating, (b) hydrothermal treatment, and (c) heating, mixing and shearing; and (3) mixing the following materials together at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 400.degree. F. to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry having a solids content in the range of about 30 to 65 wt. %: (a) pretreated aqueous slurry of sewage sludge; (b) a nonionic water soluble alkoxylated alkylphenol additive; and (c) sewage sludge-containing material and/or solid carbonaceous fuel-containing material to increase the solids loading.

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

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated by removing water by means of a conventional belt filter press, centrifuge, or hydroclone. The dewatered slurry of sewage sludge is heated by direct contact with steam while air and organic vapors are simultaneously removed, to reduce the pressure in the system; hydrothermally treated in two steps with indirect and direct heat exchange with steam; dewatered by flash evaporation and centrifuging; and burned with or without admixture with solid carbonaceous fuel in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce synthesis gas or a hot raw effluent gas stream. In a preferred embodiment, the effluent gas stream is cleaned and purified and non-contaminating ash and slag are separated.

Abstract: A process for dissolution of spent high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and then combining the complexed filter solution with other radioactive wastes prior to calcining the mixed and blended waste feed. The process is an alternate to a prior method of acid leaching the spent filters which is an inefficient method of treating spent HEPA filters for disposal.

Abstract: A method of converting industrial, domestic or other sludge, into a pelletized or granular fertilizer, as well as a sludge converter for practicing the method. The sludge is dewatered to form sludge cake solids which are dried in a dryer, and then sorted with a sorter into a sorted product comprising oversized, undersized, and standard sized product. A portion of the sorted product is recycled for mixing and sizing in a mixer with the dewatered sludge cake solids. To control dust and odors, cyclones and a condenser remove a substantial portion of the gaseous particulate matter and condensable gases from the converter, and any remaining noncondensates are burned in the heat source flame. A waste oil burning heat source supplies heat energy to the dryer.

Abstract: A waste stream such as from an animal or poultry processing plant is mixed with bentonite or Grafted Bentonite and then with liquid Chitosan as natural flocculents to form a rigid floc which removes fats, oils, greases, and/or proteins from the waste stream. The flocculated solids (sludge) is removed and dried, and either formed into granules or pellets. The recovered material may be used as animal feed, when appropriate. However, it is particularly useful when mixed with coal fines and pelletized to form fuel pellets or used in granule form as a fuel source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating contaminating substances from a liquid containing contaminating substances in which the liquid is passed through a filter of resilient, porous filter material. The contaminating substances are separated from the liquid in the filter whereafter the filter is displaced to a position out of the liquid flow. In this displaced position, the filter material is compressed to squeeze out liquid retained in the filter together with separated substances retained in the filter by opposed frustoconical rollers. After the compression has ceased, the filter is moved to a position where the liquid once again passes through the filter material for renewed separation and accumulation of contaminating substances in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a pressure filter element for liquid solid mixtures comprising an outer casing, a removable lid for closing the outer casing, a tubular filter element which projects from the lid into the outer casing and on the outside of which the filter cake is deposited, a membrane which during operation folds back between the outer casing and the filter element, a pressure joint on the outer casing and inlet and outlet of a pressure medium, an inlet line which conveys the liquid-solid mixture into the space between the membrane and the filter element and an outlet line which conveys the filtrate from the interior of the filter element. In order to split off small pieces of the filter cake from the filter element, a gaseous pressure medium is admitted into the filter cake formed on the outside of the filter element for as long as the filter cake is still completely or partly surrounded by the fold back membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating filter cake from an endless filter web, and method for using the same, for use in conjunction with a stacked plate filter system and filter web extractor. The filter cake and filter web separator apparatus includes a downwardly sloping support tray and a wedge-shaped plow blade having a resilient scrapper and suspended above, and generally parallel with, the support tray. As contaminated filter web exits a plate filter and is pulled through the separator apparatus by the filter web extractor, the resilient scrapper dislodges the filter cake from the filter web as the contaminated portion of filter web passes between the plow blade and the support plate and displaces the cake off the filter web where it falls into a suitable collection container. The filter web exits the apparatus from between the plow blade and support tray having substantially all of the filter cake removed from the filter web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: A liquid separator apparatus to extract liquid, usually water, from a water-solids mixture. The apparatus includes liquid separator device with a housing with an inlet and an outlet separated by a liquid extraction chamber. The housing sidewalls defining the extraction chamber are porous, and are preferably comprised as a plurality of spaced apart slats. The slats can be movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the housing in order to vary the volume of the extraction chamber. A transfer pipe has an outlet end connected to the inlet of the separator device. The transfer pipe is closed-walled and has an inlet end connectable to a solids material moving apparatus such as a solids pump for movement of a water-solids mixture through the transfer pipe into the liquid separator device. A source of air under pressure such as an air compressor introduces compressed air into a side wall of the transfer pipe to accelerate removal of water from the water-solids mixture.

Abstract: A combination of a dehydration process for dehydrating sewage sludge by mixing a quicklime-containing material with the sludge, a cement conversion process for introducing the solids produced by the dehydration process into a cement kiln with other cement raw materials to yield cement, and a gas treatment process for introducing gases generated in the dehydration process into a cement burning process, thereby enabling conversion of the sewage sludge into cement without releasing wastes, with a reduction in fuel consumption for the cement burning, and a reduction in NOx content of the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. First, an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated to produce sewage sludge cake. The sewage sludge cake is preheated and sheared while in contact with sulfuric or sulfurous acid to produce a pumpable acidified aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a pH of about 1 to 5. After two-stage hydrothermal treatment with neutralization of the sewage sludge after the second hydrothermal stage, the solids content of the pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is increased. By means of the subject process, the viscosity of the slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel is reduced and coagulation is suppressed.

Abstract: A batch type process for purification of a polymer resin, in which a predetermined volume of acid is rapidly emptied and stirred into a fixed volume of polymer slurry for chemically treating impurities in the slurry, is converted to a continuous operation by supplying a substantially constant stream of polymer slurry and a controlled stream of acid to a mixing vessel. pH control of the polymer slurry required for effective purification of the polymer resin is achieved by manipulating the flow rate of the acid stream responsive to a feedforward control signal which operates in conjunction with a feedback signal. The feedforward signal is based on an upstream measurement of slurry flow rate to the mixing vessel and the feedback signal is based on a downstream pH measurement of slurry flowing from the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A process for the purification of acid aqueous effluent contaminated with organic material is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of: a) bringing the aqueous effluent in contact with an iron-containing material in particulate form, wherein the particles of iron are in the metallic state; b) subjecting the material to mechanical processing in contact with the aqueous effluent while dissolving at least part of the metallic iron; c) increasing the pH of the aqueous effluent after the mechanical processing step to an essentially neutral pH; d) causing precipitation of three-valent iron under oxidizing conditions; and e) separating the precipitate from aqueous phase of step d).

Abstract: A method for recovery of printing ink wastes is provided which greatly minimizes pollution problems attendant to the disposal of ink wastes, while permitting formulation of usable ink products from the wastes. The method involves first creating a flowable stream of material including the ink wastes, and directing this stream to a hydroheater (16) along with incoming steam. In the hydroheater (16), the ink wastes are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, and intense shear, creating a homogeneous, flowable output. This output may then be dried and powdered, and the powder may be reconstituted as a black ink suitable for commercial printing operations. If desired, the hydroheater (16) output may be treated in a filter press (252) to obtain a filter cake (258), and this cake (258) may be subsequently subdivided and treated with ink carriers to form a processing ink.

Abstract: A method of thermal disposal of sewage sludge. The sludge is dried and incinerated. The flue gases from the incineration are washed. The flue gas dust resulting from the incineration and the sludge resulting from washing of the flue gases are treated together with high temperature combustion which includes melting of solids.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively treating flocculated heavy metal contaminated iron-based sludges from an industrial waste water treatment process. The method removes the heavy metal contaminants with a minimum loss of the iron therein. The method comprises dissolving the sludge in hydrochloric acid to produce a ferric chloride solution. The solution is filtered to remove precipitated heavy metal salts, such as lead chloride. The filtrate containing the remaining heavy metal chlorides and ferric chloride is then cooled or otherwise treated to remove additional heavy metal chlorides. The remaining ferric chloride based solution is then reduced (exposed to iron powder) to a ferrous chloride solution and heavy metals. After filtration of any additional precipitated heavy metals, the ferrous chloride solution is ready for recycling.

Abstract: The soot obtained in the form of a soot-containing aqueous waste liquor in the course of synthesis gas manufacture is utilizable bya) mixing said liquor in a sewage sludge treatment plant with a sewage sludge to which organic flocculants are added as drainage aids with or without a further quantity of finely divided coal or ash,b) filtering this pretreated sludge mixture,c) incinerating the resulting filter cake andd) burying the ash in a sanitary landfill.

Abstract: A process for separating hydrocarbons from waste water, in particular aromatic hydrocarbons, by means of an absorbing filtering layer. The hydrocarbons dissolved and non-dissolved in the waste water are separated in a single stage. The waste water is supplied to a metallic slotted multiple tube filter, and a hydrocarbon-containing material, preferably coking duff, is used as an adsorbing filtering layer. Its grain size distribution in the particle size range between 0.05-0.2 mm has a mass proportion of at least 25% by weight, with a total surface area of at least 1500 cm.sup.2 /g. The filtering material can be made to float on the filtering elements or added to the waste water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to pretreat aqueous biological sludge in order to provide combustibles solids to an autogenous combustion system used to thermally oxidize the sludge.

Abstract: Sewage sludge or an agricultural or fish waste material is subjected to pretreatment in the form of wet mill treatment and then is subjected to anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Municipal sanitary sewage sludge is disposed of by an improved partial oxidation process without polluting the environment. Aqueous slurries of sewage sludge are upgraded by hydrothermal treatment, preferably while being sheared, concentrated, and then mixed with a supplemental fuel, preferably coal. A pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge-coal and/or petroleum coke is thereby produced having a greater total solids and heat content (HHV) as well as containing an increased amount of sewage sludge for reacting with free-oxygen containing gas in a free-flow partial oxidation gas generator. Hot quench water or steam produced by cooling the hot raw effluent stream of synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas from the gasifier may provide heat for the hydrothermal step.

Abstract: A process for treating wastewater containing insoluble solid waste material and soluble solid waste material including the following series of steps: (1) controlling the oxygen content of the wastewater to a level at which growth of anaerobic bacteria is substantially eliminated, (2) separating the insoluble solid waste material from the wastewater, (3) treating the soluble solid material in the wastewater with a predetermined amount of aerobic bacteria, and (4) reducing the amount of aerobic bacteria in the wastewater. The insoluble solid waste material separated from the wastewater can be burned to produce electrical energy. Apparatus for carrying out the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Municipal sanitary sewage sludge is disposed of by an improved partial oxidation process without polluting the environment. Aqueous slurries of sewage sludge are upgraded by being sheared without heating, concentrated if necessary, and then mixed with a supplemental fuel, preferably coal. In one embodiment, the aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and the supplemental coal and/or petroleum coke are introduced into a shearing mixer for simultaneous shearing and mixing together. A pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge-coal and/or petroleum coke is thereby produced having an increased amount of total solids and an increased heat content (HHV) as well as containing an increased amount of sewage sludge for reacting with free-oxygen containing gas in a free-flow partial oxidation gas generator. Hot quench water or steam produced by cooling the hot raw effluent stream of synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas from the gasifier may provide heat for indirect heat exchange with other streams in the process.