Abstract: According to the present invention, boiler water is pressurized so that its boiling point is set at approximately 200.degree. C. to 320.degree. C. The boiler water is heated in at least two stages. Thermal energy of gases containing chlorine compounds is used to heat the water to its boiling point. Thermal energy of gases which do not contain chlorine compounds is used to heat the water from its boiling point until superheated steam of a given temperature is generated. The heating which uses the thermal energy of gases containing chlorine compounds is accomplished using the thermal energy from the combustion of pyrolysis gases obtained from a pyrolysis means in which waste material is supplied into a chamber containing a fluidized bed medium which has been heated to at least 300.degree. C., and a pyrolytic reaction is induced.

Abstract: A method for cleaning process gases is provided, in which a sorbent is supplied to the process gases for reaction with gaseous pollutants that are present therein, thereby forming particulate reaction products which are separated in a subsequent particulate separator, and in which the moisture content and temperature of the cleaned process gases are measured to determine the relative humidity of the process gases and the concentration of at least one of the gaseous pollutants in the cleaned process gases is measured, wherein the relative humidity of the process gases is increased from a substantially constant basic level (BL) to an increased level (IL) and the amount of sorbent supplied to the process gases is increased when the concentration of at least one gaseous pollutant in the cleaned process gases exceeds an upper limit value (UL), and wherein the relative humidity is decreased back to said basic level, after a period of time and/or when the concentration of at least one gaseous pollutant in the cleane

Abstract: A process for eliminating organic pollutant residues in the synthesis gas occurring during refuse gasification by the addition of oxygen, in which at least prepyrolyzed, carbon-containing refuse in compressed form is fed into a high temperature reactor, where a loosely heaped gasification bed is formed and is burnt below the same by oxygen addition. The resulting synthesis gas is drawn off from the top area of the high temperature reactor after an adequate residence time and into the residence zone. Additional oxygen is then jetted in temperature-regulated, partial quantities in such a way that the resulting possible partial combustion of the synthesis gas maintains its temperature above the gasification bed constant at approximately 1000.degree. C. Oxygen jetting takes place in such a way that a completely homogeneous gas mixing is ensured in the top area. For this purpose, several oxygen jets are arranged in the top area of the high temperature reactor and are axially and/or radially inclined thereto.

Abstract: A method for the thermal utilization of combustible components of waste materials of different properties and origin, independently of the degree of contamination with heavy metals and toxic organic compounds or organic chlorine-containing compounds. The waste materials are subjected to the method steps of pyrolysis, comminution, classification, gasification and gas purification in order to produce a clean gas which can be used for various purposes and as a source of energy and an elution-proof, mineral, solid residue which can be easily disposed of.

Abstract: A concrete product which uses 100% of the melt slags and pulverizes the melt slags into aggregates and fine powders, grinds the aggregates so that the percentage of absolute volume of the aggregates is over 60%, mixes the aggregates, fine powders, water and cement, and forms the mixture into the concrete product by vibration or press molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of metal alloys, metal oxides and slag-based products, such as mineral wool, from industrial waste materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for recycling industrial waste materials into valuable commercial products, including, pure metals, metal alloys, metal oxides, and a molten slag comprising non-reducible metal oxides which thereafter can be converted to vitreous fiber and shot. Industrial waste materials suitable for use in the present invention include metal-containing waste products, particularly inorganic hazardous waste materials. The present process accomplishes total recycling in such a manner that the entire industrial waste material is consumed and converted to useful products.

Abstract: Solid residues arising from the reclamation of metal from, for example, insulated wires and automobiles, have lead (Pb) sufficiently insolubilized to pass the EPA toxicity test. Addition of water soluble phosphate, especially phosphoric acid, increases the immobilization of lead (Pb) so as to make such residues in compliance with the toxicity tests over a substantially broader pH range, particularly with respect to the more stringent TCLP extraction test.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the decontamination of waste in a reaction chamber is provided. The control system monitors the chamber temperature and disinfectant concentration. Using the disinfectant concentration, the control system then calculates the minimum temperature required to maintain a specified level of decontamination. This minimum temperature is then compared to the actual temperature by the control system. If the actual temperature is below the minimum, the control system operates a heater to heat the reaction chamber. Additional temperature control can also be provided by the control system. If desired, the control system compares the actual chamber temperature to an ideal operating temperature. If the actual temperature exceeds the ideal temperature, the system cools the chamber by pumping in additional low temperature disinfectant. In this manner, the additional disinfectant maintains the level of decontamination as the chamber temperature decreases.

Abstract: A process, for purification of a combustion flue gas from a garbage incineration plant having a chloride content and further contaminated with HF, SO.sub.2, NO.sub.

Abstract: Medical waste products including plastic and non-plastic elements are placed in a metal container which includes a raised insert element for supporting the waste above the bottom of the container. The container and used medical waste products are subjected to dry heat treatment at temperatures below the waste material flash points but of sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to melt the plastic elements as well as to sterilize the contents. During the heating process the metal, rubber and other non-plastic elements remain on the raised insert; whereas, the molten plastic flows through or over the side of the insert to the bottom of the container. Upon cooling the plastic and non-plastic components of the medical waste products are separated as well as being sterile such that the container can be opened and the contents separately handled for appropriate recycling.

Abstract: According to a process for converting chromium dioxide into chromium (III) oxide, a composite comprising chromium dioxide particles dispersed in an organic matrix is provided. In a first heating step, a feed consisting essentially of the composite is heated under conditions sufficient to convert the feed into an admixture comprising chromium oxide and carbon. In a second heating step, the admixture is heated under conditions such that substantially all of the chromium oxide in the admixture is converted into chromium (III) oxide. In preferred embodiments, the composite is a chromium dioxide-based magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: The conversion of cellulose to hydrocarbon fuel, particularly fuel oil can be carried out using a polycyclic hydrogen donor substance. The present invention rests on the discovery that a light cut of the product oil can be used in place of the polycyclic hydrogen donor substance thus making it much easier to run the process continuously.

Abstract: The invention includes a pressure vessel and a method of pressurizing, via a fluid medium, waste matter at an ultra high pressure. The invention includes an ultra high pressure vessel. The pressure vessel has quick opening closures at each end. A fluid medium is available for supply to pressure vessel cavity within the pressure vessel. A means for supplying the fluid medium under ultra high pressures into the fluid vessel cavity is also provided. The invention further includes a ram means or a means for loading and compacting the waste matter. The method includes pressurizing the matter at a sufficient pressure and holding the pressure for a sufficient time to sterilize the matter.

Abstract: Medical wastes are placed in a medical waste container which is then placed in a closed apparatus body. The container is heated by a heater so that the medical wastes are sterilized and melted or softened. The container containing the medical wastes is then compressed and molded by a compression device. The compression-molded product containing the medical wastes and the container is then discharged from a door of the apparatus body. Alternatively, medical wastes are heat-sterilized by operating a microwave generator. The microwave generator is controlled by detecting the concentration of the combustible gases contained in the exhaust gases discharged from a closed apparatus body, the concentration of hydrogen chloride gas and/or a ratio of reflected power to incident power by using a power monitor connected to a waveguide of the microwave generator. At the same time, hot air can also be circulated.

Abstract: A method of recycling hazardous and non-hazardous industrial wastes to reclaim valuable metals, metal alloys, and metal oxides, and to produce mineral wool. Wastes including hazardous wastes of USEPA Series D, F, P, K, and U are pulverized and blended with liquids such as water or wastewater to produce a homogeneous mass. Calcium from calcium-stabilized wastes is used to enhance the quality of the mineral wool, lower the sulfur content, remove phosphorous, and raise pH to facilitate metal reduction. The mass is formed into briquettes and melted in a cupola or shaft furnace in the presence of carbon or aluminum to reduce metals. Other types of furnaces such as an electric arc furnace may be used to avoid the steps of forming and curing briquettes. Reduction is carried out at temperatures between 1660 and 3100 degrees Fahrenheit. Reducible metals are reduced and drawn off into molds. Substantial purity is obtained in the recovered reducible metals.

Abstract: An infectious waste, a solid chlorite salt, a solid acid and a preheated aqueous solvent are mixed in a treatment volume. At least a portion of the chlorite salt and acid is dissolved in the preheated aqueous solvent incident to mixing and is reacted to form a treatment solution containing a chlorine dioxide disinfectant and a byproduct acid salt. The infectious waste is contacted with the chlorine dioxide in the treatment solution which attacks and destroys the infectious constituents of the waste, thereby decontaminating the waste. Upon dewatering, the decontaminated waste is suitable for landfilling. Process control is exercised by controlling the temperature of the aqueous solvent. A solvent temperature is selected which optimizes both the chlorine dioxide concentration in the treatment solution and the reactivity of the chlorine dioxide with the infectious constituents.

Abstract: The process is the type wherein the solid portions of waste materials of all origins are crushed and ground to a granulometry of under 5 mm and then are heated to between 750.degree. C. and 1,350.degree. C. According to the invention, after the addition, if applicable, of liquid waste to obtain a pasty mass, a reagent is added to the latter, in pulverulent form having granules of under 500 microns based with calcium carbonate, silicium oxide and, possibly, aluminum and iron oxides in quantities to produce the following ratio after incineration: ##EQU1## Application to the treatment of all types of waste by combustion.

Abstract: A flueless combustion system which accepts materials nominally designed as trash and waste, including the solid and gaseous combustion products of the system itself, and converts these materials and combustion products to marketable products. Pyrolytic conversion is employed to reform these materials and combustion products. The gaseous combustion products of this system are exhausted to an underwater distribution system which permits the gaseous combustion products to percolate through water which contains cellulosic materials to further absorb and entrap gases. The water, cellulosic materials, as well as sediments resulting from the cooling of the exhaust gases, are utilized within the pyrolytic process. The gases, steam, and heat resulting from the pyrolytic process are used in conversion processes such as the Fisher-Tropsche Process to provide marketable products. For example, the Fisher-Tropsche Process produces liquid fuels.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing infectious waste includes placing the waste in a disposal apparatus which has an isolated volume for holding the waste. A dry granulated medium which has a disinfectant constituent is also placed within the isolated volume along with the waste. When the disposal apparatus is activated, an atomized mist is introduced into the volume and the waste, the medium, and the moisture in the mist are thoroughly blended together. The resulting destroyed waste is thoroughly moistened with the disinfectant solution which is formed by the mist and the disinfectant constituents of the medium. Then, the moistened, destroyed waste is heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time to ensure efficacious sterilization of the waste.

Abstract: An oxidation catalysts/cocatalyst composition of matter is useful in oxidizing organic waste material. Use of the oxidation catalysts/cocatalyst composition causes the reaction rate to increase and causes the energy required for the reaction to decrease. A solution, including the oxidation catalysts/cocatalyst composition, and a reaction medium composition further including organic waste material are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the reprocessing of carbon containing wastes by pretreating the same thermally in the presence or absence of hydrogen, followed by hydrogenation of the pretreated material at elevated temperature and at least 200 bar hydrogen pressure.

Abstract: An abandoned or inactive portion of an asbestos open pit or underground shaft mine is used to permanently bury asbestos waste material produced from asbestos mining, asbestos processing and building demolition or renovation. The asbestos waste material is deposited in the mine, preferrably, in sealed containers and covered with tailings or non-asbestos material, such as soil or the like. As the asbestos waste material is deposited in the mine, it is covered with a layer of tailings or non-asbestos material within any twenty-four hour period. This procedure is repeated until the mine if filled and ultimately covered with a layer of non-asbestos material. A layer of vegetation is then planted on top of the former mine site.

Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from geothermal steam and from vent streams, or concentrated portions produced by a hydrogen sulfide separation process, includes the steps of introducing an oxygen-containing gas, such as air into the steam, or vent stream, and thereafter contacting the steam and oxygen-containing gas in a contacting stage with iron oxide supported by a carrier resistant to deterioration. The steam having a temperature of at least 250.degree. F. is mixed with oxygen to provide a molar ratio of oxygen-to-hydrogen sulfide ratio of less than about 10. During the contacting stage the pressure of the steam and oxygen-containing gas is maintained at a pressure sufficient to enable removal of a majority of the hydrogen sulfide from the steam and oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: In an upward gas stream sifter for separating sheet-like pieces of paper and plastic in a wetted mixture, the gas is heated to at least 60.degree. C. in order to dry surface moisture on the plastic. The temperature of the gas is not so high that the plastic shrivels. This increases the difference in density between the pieces of plastic and wet paper, thus assisting the separation.Optionally some gas may enter the mixture feed duct through a gas permeable part of its wall, to prevent accumulation of mixture on the wall.If the mixture is derived from household rubbish and the plastic is mostly polyethylene the gas may enter the sifter at 120.degree. C. and leave it at about 70.degree. C.

Abstract: The gas stream obtained from the pyrolysis of solid organic wastes and containing halogens, particularly chlorine in the form of the corresponding hydrogen halide is processed to obtain a halide free pyrolytic oil. The gas stream after solids removal is contacted with a solid metal halide acceptor above the dew point of pyrolyzate to form the corresponding metal halide which may be discarded. As an alternative the metal halide can be treated to release the hydrogen halide which is recovered as an acid and the acceptor regenerated for recycle. The preferred acceptor is calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method of converting the solid organic fraction of solid waste into a powdered fuel which comprises heating said solid organic fraction in the presence of formaldehyde for a time and at a temperature sufficient to embrittle said solid organic fraction, comminuting said embrittled solid organic fraction to a powder which is less than a predetermined particle size, and recovering said powder.The solid organic fraction may be separated from the solid waste prior to treatment by the process of this invention or alternatively the solid waste can be treated by the method of this invention and the embrittled organic fraction separated therefrom. Formaldehyde may be added to the solid organic fraction as an aqueous solution, a gas, or solid, e.g. as paraformaldehyde. The embrittling process takes place at a temperature of at least 125.degree. C., preferably from 150.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Equipment and method for treating solid waste in which a substantially nonoxidizing atmosphere is provided through which the shredded solid waste falls under gravity, unsupported and non-contacted, to prevent fusion of the plastics with each other, with other materials in the solid waste, or with the walls or components in the treating equipment. The unique atmosphere also allows a high treatment temperature to accelerate the debonding of fibrous combustible matter and fusion of the plastics into dense particles for substantially complete separation and recovery of plastics from the lighter fibrous but non-fusible combustible matter through gas classification during the fall. This same atmosphere also produces a clean, substantially, homogeneous, storageable and highly combustible fuel derived from the fibrous combustible matter.