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 sodium-based dechlorinating agent is added to a flue gas; hydrogen chloride contained in this flue gas is removed as residue of dechlorination; the thus removed residue of dechlorination is dissolved by adding water; water-insoluble constituents are separated from the resulting aqueous solution; and after adjusting pH of the aqueous solution remaining after separation of the water-insoluble constituents, mercury, dioxin, and the like are removed and discharged. The sodium-based dechlorinating agent is mixed with a hydrophilic anti-caking agent, with an angle of repose of 40° or more, a dispersibility of less than 50, and a floodability index value of less than 90. This permits inhibition of occurrence of a pressure drop and leakage in the filter cloth of the dust collector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: A method and device for oxidization of materials in supercritical water. The method involves a) introducing a fluid containing water and an oxidizing agent in a ring-shaped area and through a first end of a substantially tube-shaped reactor comprising an external wall and an internal tube, b) heating the fluid in the ring-shaped area, c) introducing the heated fluid into the internal tube and simultaneously introducing material to be treated into said internal tube at a second end of the reactor, d) mixing the fluid and the material to be treated in a first portion of the internal tube, followed by cooling the obtained mixture in a second portion of the internal tube, and e) isobarically discharging the fluid/oxidized material from the internal tube of the reactor.

Abstract: Recovery of air bag inflator metal cases. An inflator processing apparatus configured to process a gas-generating chemical-containing inflator for automobile air bags, by heating the inflator to a temperature not lower than an operating temperature of the chemical to facilitate recovery of the metal inflator case. In the apparatus, a protective metal partition wall is provided between an inner surface of a wall of an inflator-processing furnace and the chemical-containing inflator. This prevents damage to the refractory furnace wall, and also prevents melting of the metal inflator case, which could otherwise be occasioned by the chemical during thermal processing of the inflator containing the gas-generating chemical.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the pyrolysis and gasification of waste materials, in particular of special and/or hazardous waste materials, comprising a gasification and melting step, a step of treatment of the mixture of the obtained gases, and a vitrification step, wherein said steps provide for the following passages: a) the material to be treated, at a temperature comprised between 1300 and 1500° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.

Abstract: A composite structure having a photocatalytic function and can be used for deodorization and wastewater treatment, comprising a foamed or porous substrate having apparent specific gravity of 0.9 to 0.01 and finely divided titanium oxide particles having a photocatalytic function which are adhered onto the surface of the foamed or porous substrate. Gas such as air having offensive odor or wastewater is allowed to be in contact with the composite structure having a photocatalytic function, whereby smelly or harmful substances contained in the gas or wastewater are decomposed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrothermal treatment includes a scraper formed as a hollow cylinder. The scraper is positioned in the reactor vessel with the scraper axis substantially co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical reactor vessel. A mechanism is provided to rotate the scraper about the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. One or more elongated scraper bars are positioned inside the reactor vessel between the scraper and the longitudinal axis of the reactor vessel. Each scraper bar may be held stationary with respect to the reactor vessel, or each scraper bar may rotated relative to an axis passing through the scraper bar to remove any solids that have accumulated on the scraper or on the scraper bar. To prevent accumulation of precipitating solids on the scraper bar itself, each scraper bar may have internal cooling channels or the capability of releasing a purging fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the elimination of gas or paraffin hydrate deposits that form in well drilling equipment or hydrocarbon production and transportation equipment through the use of a reactant that is likely to decompose at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g. sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor or tubular to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles in a to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g. a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater NPK value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material). The process further includes drawing off the fumes from the granulator, passing them through a dryer with the granulated particles, and subsequently oxidizing the fumes to eliminate volatile organic compounds and/or gaseous hydrocarbon pollutants be converting such into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof. Combustion gases from the gasifier are held at temperature using a recovery and regeneration chamber, and then undergo secondary oxidation in an oxidizer. The high temperature gases produced by the system can be utilized to advantage, for example, as the thermal energy source for a conventional heat recovery device such as a heat exchanger, steam generator, hot oil or air heater, or steam boiler.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing hazardous wastes directly from 55-gallon drums through the use of pyrolysis and steam reforming. The method is based on a pyrolyzer using heat to vaporize organics that are present in the hazardous wastes. The waste is heated in the original drums to avoid the bulk handling of alpha radionuclides and to ensure criticality control. At pyrolysis temperatures, all liquids and organics in the drums will evaporate and volatize. The resulting waste in the drums is a dry, inert, inorganic matrix with carbon char containing radioactive metals. The off-gas produced by pyrolysis mainly consists of water vapor, volatized organics, and acid gases from the decomposition of various plastics and other organics present in the waste drums. The off-gas produced by the pyrolysis is then collected and fed into an off-gas treatment system that is in fluid communication with pyrolyzer operated under oxidizing conditions.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method is provided for producing a safely disposable end product from waste matter containing undesirable materials, such as infectious, biohazardous, hazardous, or radioactive elements. The method comprises the steps of providing a highly basic solvent, immersing the waste matter containing the undesirable materials within the highly basic solvent, and heating the solvent. The waste matter containing the undesirable materials is allowed to remain within the solvent until digested, thereby forming a solution void of any infectious or biohazardous elements and/or containing a concentration of radioisotope below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) for release to a sanitary sewer as defined in applicable federal regulations.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are provided for conducting decontaminating efficiently polluted soil in plural areas. The process comprises steps of decomposing a decomposition-object collected from a first area, interrupting the decomposing step, transporting the decomposition-object remaining to be decomposed after the interrupting step to a second area, and decomposing the transported decomposition-object together with a decomposition-object collected from the second area, wherein the first decomposition-object collected from the first area and the second decomposition-object collected from the second area are the same substance.

Abstract: A gasification reactor apparatus (10) comprising a gasification vessel (12), a gas-fired combustion chamber (70) and a combination fan and cyclone unit (20) in an upper part (12′) of the vessel (12) with two functions: first, the fan (62, 64) impels incoming feedstock (14, 14′) centrifugally into contact with the hot inside surface of the vessel to produce rapid onset of gasification. Second, the unit (20) exerts a cyclonic motion on the product gas causing outward separation of particulate matter from the gas, which passes to the outlet via a path through the middle of the vessel (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating waste are provided. Waste is converted in an arc plasma-joule heated melter system utilizing one or more arc plasma electrodes and a plurality of joule heating electrodes. The arc plasma electrode(s) can be configured for operation utilizing AC or DC power, or for switching between AC and DC power. The arc plasma electrodes can also be configured for independent arc voltage and arc current control. The joule heating circuits are configured for simultaneous operation with the arcing electrodes, but without detrimental interaction with the arcing electrodes. The systems provide stable, non-leachable products and a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel can be utilized in a combustion or non-combustion process to generate electricity.

Abstract: Methods for improving a gasification process for halogenated materials and in particular for producing useful end products such as anhydrous or highly concentrated hydrogen halides and/or synthesis gas, the methods including recycling water/hydrogen halide vapors and/or carbon dioxide to a gasification reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method fractionate solid fuels, especially whole tires, into metal as well as volatiles and coal to be used as alternative fuels. The apparatus includes a feeding zone wherein the solid fuels are fed to the apparatus, a gasifying zone into which the solid fuels are processed, obtaining a gaseous fraction, coal, and metal; cooled grills controlling the bed permeability and permanence time of the solid fuels at the gasifying zone; and a discharging zone into which the resultant coal and metal are discharged, in which the solid fuel coal and solid and gaseous fractions follow a path inside the apparatus through the feeding zone, the gasifying zone and discharging zone, and in which the gases inside the apparatus follow a path that is co-current with the solid fuel fractions path inside the apparatus.

Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PCB decomposing apparatus capable of decomposing PCB efficiently. The PCB decomposing apparatus comprises a PCB extracting container for extracting PCB from a PCB-containing material with an organic solvent. A distilling tower provided on the downstream side of the PCB extracting container distills the organic solvent to separate the PCB. A primary reactor provided on the downstream side of the distilling tower includes a nozzle for supplying aqueous Na2CO3 solution and a nozzle for supplying an oxidizing agent into the container. A liquid cyclone provided on the downstream side of the primary reactor can remove Na2CO3 having a large particle size. A secondary reactor formed by a long pipe is connected to the liquid cyclone. A gas-liquid separator provided on the further downstream side of the secondary reactor can separate a gas from a solution.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for decontamination of organic halides in asphalt-containing wastes, such as PCBs in asphaltic potting compounds. The processes may use hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the asphaltic waste, and an alkali metal reactant, such as a sodium dispersion, to destroy the organic halides in the dissolved mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting chemical structures, that is to say a process for the conducting of chemical reactions in a fluid under pressure and at temperature in a supercritical fluid in particular, containing a solvent and at least one electrolyte such as a salt, in which reactive species are generated in situ by electrolysis. According to the invention, the fluid flows upwards in a reservoir reactor crossing through a first lower electrolysis zone with high salt solubility and a second upper zone in which the salts precipitate, then the fluid free of salt is evacuated at the upper part of said reservoir reactor and directed into a second tubular reactor to reach the desired stage of advancement of the conversion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the low-corrosion and low-emission co-incineration of highly halogenated wastes, in particular liquid waste, in waste incineration plants having at least one combustion chamber, a waste-heat boiler, a multistage flue gas scrubber comprising a single-stage or multistage acidic scrubber and an alkaline scrubber, in which sulfur or a corresponding sulfur carrier is added under control to the primary and/or secondary combustion chamber. The amount of sulfur is controlled substantially in proportion to the current halogen loading originating from the waste in the boiler flue gas.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding allergens of Dermatophagoides (house dust mites) particularly of the species Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, which are protein allergens or peptides which include at least one epitope of the protein allergen. In particular, DNA encoding two major D. farinae allergens, Der f I and Der f II and DNA encoding a D. pteronyssinus allergen, Der p I. In addition, the proteins or peptides encoded by the isolated DNA, their use as diagnostic and therapeutic reagents and methods of diagnosing and treating sensitivity to house dust mite allergens.

Abstract: An apparatus for the pyrolysis (cracking) of a polymeric material consisting of a reactor provided with a molten catalyst bed and a feeding extruder for introducing the polymeric material into the catalyst bed. The process consists in the introduction of a polymeric material in the molten catalyst bed for converting a variety of polymers, side-chain plastics, linear-chain plastics and halogenated plastics, such as for example PVC, into hydrocarbon products which are useful for energy generation while avoiding the pollution problems associated with the direct combustion of plastic materials. The process can also be used for cracking mixtures of polymeric material derived from the sorting of municipal solid waste.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic waste decomposing apparatus which is capable of quickly and efficiently separating from a liquid phase polymer a vapor component produced from the liquid phase polymer so as to suppress generation of carbon following a decomposition reaction, and further capable of performing the decomposition reaction in the state where the temperature of the whole liquid phase polymer is uniform, so as to efficiently recover the vapor component of a desired molecular weight, so that decomposition of plastic waste can be carried out at a reasonable cost.

Abstract: A waste tire processing apparatus (10) reacts waste tires (26) with a molten reactant metal (19) to recover primarily carbon and stainless steel. The apparatus (10) includes a tire positioning arrangement (20) for positioning the waste tires (26) in the molten reactant metal (19) for a reaction period. After the reaction period, the tire positioning arrangement (20) removes from the molten metal non-reacted solids remaining after the reaction. The non-reacted solids comprise primarily stainless-steel included in the waste tires. As the waste tires (26) are reacted in the molten reactant metal (19), a gas recovery arrangement (14) collects process gases released from the molten metal. The gas recovery arrangement (14) recovers primarily carbon, metal salts, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Abstract: A waste tire processing apparatus (10) reacts waste tires (26) with a molten reactant metal (19) to recover primarily carbon and stainless steel. The apparatus (10) includes a tire positioning arrangement (20) for positioning the waste tires (26) in the molten reactant metal (19) for a reaction period. After the reaction period, the tire positioning arrangement (20) removes from the molten metal non-reacted solids remaining after the reaction. The non-reacted solids comprise primarily stainless-steel included in the waste tires. As the waste tires (26) are reacted in the molten reactant metal (19), a gas recovery arrangement (14) collects process gases released from the molten metal. The gas recovery arrangement (14) recovers primarily carbon, metal salts, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Abstract: A waste plastic dechlorination system comprises a dechlorination furnace 1 for heating and thermally decomposing waste plastics, and a rotating cutter 4 provided in the dechlorination furnace 1. A pressure gauge 9, a flow meter 10 and an exhaust pump 12 are sequentially connected to the dechlorination furnace 1 via an exhaust pipe 7. The waste plastics heated and decomposed in the dechlorination furnace 1 are discharged into a discharge tank 15.

Abstract: A bed of calcium oxide and/or barium oxide in particulate form is continuously moved through a contact reaction zone such that it enters into countercurrent reaction with the feedstock and the reaction is performed in a reaction column equipped with an agitating/moving means by which the halide which is the product of reaction between the organic halide and the oxide is continuously discharged to the outside of the reaction zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste material characterized by high ash content is disclosed.

Abstract: An interior member or indoor equipment provided on the surface with titanium oxide particles capable of excellent photocatalytic activity even by irradiation of a weak ultraviolet ray present in an interior room or the like. An interior member or indoor equipment with titanium oxide particles containing brookite-type crystal present on the surface thereof. The titanium oxide particles may also be bonded to the surface using an adhesive. The interior member or indoor equipment exhibits a photocatalytic function upon irradiation of a weak ultraviolet ray having irradiation energy of from 0.001 to 0.2 mW/cm2 at 365 nm.

Abstract: An apparatus for the pyrolysis (cracking) of a polymeric material consisting of a reactor provided with a molten catalyst bed and a feeding extruder for introducing the polymeric material into the catalyst bed. The process consists in the introduction of a polymeric material in the molten catalyst bed for converting a variety of polymers, side-chain plastics, linear-chain plastics and halogenated plastics, such as for example PVC, into hydrocarbon products which are useful for energy generation while avoiding the pollution problems associated with the direct combustion of plastic materials. The process can also be used for cracking mixtures of polymeric material derived from the sorting of municipal solid waste.

Abstract: Gasification of waste is performed in a gasifier having a gasification space (1) and a liquid rotating slag bath (2). The slag bath (2) is preferably caused to rotate by tangentially injecting gasification medium and/or at least a portion of the waste via a burner toward the surface of the slag bath. Waste with a diameter of to 5 mm is preferably introduced into gasifier (1) above the slag bath (2), while larger waste is preferably introduced directly into the slag bath. Slag is a removed, together with cracked gas accumulated during gasification through the floor of the gasifier via a slag drain having a lateral opening which protrudes above the slag bath.

Abstract: A method for processing material comprising combinations of aluminum and plastic, such as aluminum bottle caps having a plastic coating, comprising the steps of: pyrolyzing the plastic in an inert atmosphere, cracking or gasifying the gases or vapours which are released in the course of pyrolysis, afterburning the coke which remains behind on the aluminum in the course or pyrolysis. The gases or vapours released are recirculated and are used, during pyrolysis, as an inert, oxygen-free medium.

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

Abstract: A small-scale scrapped tire boiler system for heating a small-scale facility using heat generated by burning scrapped tires. The system includes a scrapped tire burner furnace, a heat exchanger for heating a cool heat transfer medium from the facility by the combustion gas from the furnace and supplying the heated medium to the facility, and an exhaust gas purifier for purifying sulfurous acid gas and carbon dust contained in exhaust gas. The purifier includes an exhaust gas tower having a vertical path to discharge the combustion gas, a water sprayer for spraying water from the upper side of the tower so that the sulfurous acid gas is made to melt to water and the carbon dust is made to adsorb to fall down, a neutralizer for precipitating sulfurous acid gas components into alkali salts in a sulfurous acid aqueous solution to thereby neutralize water, and a tank containing the solution and water.

Abstract: Apparatus for sewage purifying treatment having a suction nozzle member for supplying pressurized water, an intermediate nozzle member and an injection nozzle member, each having a water passage therein, each nozzle being connected to each other. An air introducing nozzle is formed between nozzle members. An outer casing is arranged in such a fashion that an air introducing chamber is formed at the outer circumference of the intermediate nozzle member, the air introducing chamber and the air introducing nozzle communicating with each other. A pressurized water supply pipe is connected to an end of the suction nozzle member and an air supply pipe is connected to the outer casing for supplying the air to the outer casing. A groove for micronizing coarse bubbles are formed at the downstream position of the air introducing nozzles.

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

Abstract: A device for improving waste vitrification in a disposable canister, the process for using the device, and the process for making the device. The disposable canister, also known as a module, has outer and inner containers with thermal insulation therebetween. The device includes an inner container of graphite having a layer of pyrographite on its external wall. The outer container is typically made of stainless steel. The inner container is heated, typically by induction, to melt the frit and waste. The melted mixture is then cooled to form a vitrified product in the module. The fabrication of the pyrographite coating on the inner container involves heating the container to about 1500 degrees centigrade in a methane atmosphere, then cooling the container to ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for the treatment of wastewater solutions containing cyanide and other dissolved organic material, having an elongated tube having an entrance (28) and an exit (32), and an energy source (22) for the tube, preferably positioned adjacent the exit. The energy source generates intense energy such that a cyanide/organic material-containing solution can be treated by passing it through the tube to expose it to said energy so that the solution absorbs sufficient energy from the energy source to degrade the cyanide and/or dissolved organic material contained therein. The source of intense energy is preferably a plasma, e.g. a plasma generated by a plasma torch or a DC electric arc. The invention also relates to a process of treatment of such a wastewater solution by passing it through such a reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the thermolysis of solid waste within an enclosed thermolysis chamber in the absence of free oxygen which produces a thermolysis off-gas. The thermolysis off-gas is removed from the thermolysis chamber and injected into a cyclone where it is washed with water and cooled. The washed and cooled thermolysis off-gas is divided into two portions. One portion of the washed thermolysis off-gas is further cooled in a heat exchanger and then injected into a burner and combusted, while the remaining portion of the washed thermolysis off-gas is passed into indirect heat exchange with the hot off-gas resulting from the combustion of the other portion of the thermolysis off-gas in the burner and recycled back into the enclosed thermolysis chamber. This in-situ recycling of hot thermolysis off-gas helps prevent the creation of hot spots in the thermolysis chamber and the possibility of an explosive reaction between oxygen and hydrogen.