Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separation of relatively volatile from non-volatile material, typically an organic component of agglomerate waste material from an inorganic solid component of the waste. The process includes milling material in a container partially immersed or floating in a bath of molten material to break up the material, typically an agglomerate, and thermally releasing the relatively volatile component as vapor therefrom. The apparatus relates to a desorption vessel at least partially immersed in a molten tin bath for heat transfer from the bath to the interior of the vessel for desorption of the relatively volatile component from such material.

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