Abstract: A mounting structure for use in rotationally supporting a rotatable drum dryer is provided which prevents spauling, flaking and pitting of the dryer tracks, which supports the rotational movement of the dryer, and which prevents axial shifting of the dryer. The mounting structure preferably includes a fixed base, at least a pair of proximal, continuous, annular tracks fixedly secured to the dryer, and a corresponding pair of trunnion rollers rotatably coupled with the base and adapted for contacting the faces of the tracks respectively. The mounting structure also advantageously includes at least one thrust wheel for engaging the side of one of the tracks to prevent axial shifting of the dryer. More particularly, two mounting structures are provided, one for each end of the dryer, and each mounting structure includes two pairs of thrust wheels, one pair engaging the side of each track and opposedly configured to prevent axial shifting of the dryer in either direction.

Abstract: A method for converting wastes, particularly municipal solid wastes, into usable low cost fuel is provided which yields discrete, substantially self-sustaining fuel pellets which can be easily shipped and stored in bulk and used by utilities or factories as a replacement for coal or other hydrocarbon fuels. The method includes the steps of pulping and fiberizing collected solid wastes followed by air convection drying and pelletizing thereof within relatively narrow temperature and moisture ranges which have been found to be especially conducive to the production of dense, self-sustaining fuel pellets. Treatment in this manner causes the fibrous organic materials such as paper and cloth in the collected wastes to serve as a type of adhesive binder for holding the pelletized product together and minimizing undesirable high volume, low density fines in the product.