Abstract: A radioactive waste multiple container system which provides a simplified method whereby a plurality of drums can be placed in a remote, unmanned storage facility in one materials handling sequence, as opposed to a plurality of separate materials handling sequences, such as required for individual drums utilizing a remotely-controlled materials handling system. The multiple container system also functions as an interim storage system in that it will allow for stacking up to a total of ten levels high. Each container interlocks with each successive unit, through automatic, passive alignment of the individual container with the previously placed unit, while being handled completely by remote control. This interlock and alignment feature insures greater stack stability, substantially increasing the overall storage efficiency of the remote storage facility. While a "6-pack" container system has been described, a 4, 8, 10, 12 etc. system may be used instead.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing carbonaceous fuel, such as coal and oil containing sulfur. The fuel is ignited in a boiler combustion zone and a saturated solution of potassium carbonate and potassium hydroxide is sprayed into the flue gas stream immediately downstream of the boiler combustion zone at a sufficiently high temperature to volatilize said sprayed solution to an ionic form. In the presence of excess oxygen at a temperature in excess of 1315.degree. C., the sprayed flue gas combines to form potassium sulfate particulates which are collected and removed dry, along with flyash particles, by mechanical or electrostatic precipitator equipment from the flue gas stream. The insoluble ash is separated from the soluble potassium sulfate by water elution. The solubilized potassium sulfate is separated by ion exchange mechanisms with the potassium, as potassium hydroxide, being recycled to the head of the system and the sulfate being reacted to form ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A brick or similarly fired construction unit and method of making it comprising mixing at least about 50% inorganic, non-ferrous residue from municipal incinerators, by weight, with coal fly ash and a binder, such as sodium silicate, and firing the mixture at a temperature of about 1700 to about 1900 to 2000.degree. F. for about 1/2 hour. A preferred "optimum" composition for lower firing temperatures and less costly binders comprises about 50 to 60% incinerator residue, 0.5 to 10% of sodium silicate or other binder and the remainder fly ash fired at 1700.degree.-1750.degree. F., which produces compressive strength and water absorption properties superior to fly ash brick and equal to better than conventional clay brick, even though the firing temperature is about 300.degree. less.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of comminuting coal to about 1 to 10 microns size comprising introducing the coal particles into a plurality of vessels, each of which is subjected to high pressure, superheated steam which infuses into the pores of said particles equalizing the pressure therein with that surrounding the particles in the vessel. By opening a discharge valve of each vessel connected to a nozzle leading into a housing, in which a paddle wheel is located, the particles will burst in each vessel to smaller size because of the reduction of the pressure therein surrounding the particles. Opening of said valve will effect acceleration, turbulence and collision of the particles to cause further breakage particularly as the particles are further expanded through the nozzle and against the blades of the paddle wheel driven in a direction opposite that of the nozzle jets. The vessel may be operated under partial vacuum by connection to a steam condenser through which cooling water flows.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of comminuting coal to about 1 to 10 microns size comprising introducing the coal particles into a plurality of vessels, each of which is subjected to high pressure, superheated steam which infuses into the pores of said particles equalizing the pressure therein with that surrounding the particles in the vessel. By opening a discharge valve of each vessel connected to a nozzle leading into a housing, in which a paddle wheel is located, the particles will burst in each vessel to smaller size because of the reduction of the pressure therein surrounding the particles. Opening of said valve will effect acceleration, turbulence and collision of the particles to cause further breakage particularly as the particles are further expanded through the nozzle and against the blades of the paddle wheel driven in a direction opposite that of the nozzle jets. The vessel may be operated under partial vacuum by connection to a steam condenser through which cooling water flows.