Abstract: A method and apparatus that improves the efficiency of waste processing in waste treatment systems utilizing a high temperature plasma as the a energy source by delivering pressurized oxygen to the waste products while the waste products are exposed to the high temperature plasma. Providing oxygen at a speed of at least fifty feet per second obtains more energy content in the syngas, less solid carbon particulate, and faster gasification rates, improving process economics.

Abstract: A gas processing chamber for treating a gas stream containing an oxidant and carbon particles, having a gas inlet port for receiving the gas stream from a high temperature processing chamber, a gas outlet port for exhausting the processed gas stream, a microwave source for introducing microwave energy into the gas processing chamber having a sufficient power to induce the carbon to react with the oxidant, a microwave waveguide to direct the microwave energy at the gas stream for processing, a reflected microwave power dump for protecting the microwave source from reflected microwave power, and a window seal to separate the gas stream from the microwave source.

Abstract: A lightweight aggregate for use in concrete exhibiting a high weight to strength ratio comprising a mixture of hydrated cement and a low sodium closed-cell foamed glass comprised of between 51 and 65 weight percent silica, between 8 and 14 weight percent alumina, between 2 and 5 weight percent soda, between 18 and 26 weight percent calcia, between 2 and 5 weight percent iron oxide, and up to 8 percent lithium oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for powering an engine with two fuel sources, where one of the fuel sources varies in quality and or quantity.

Abstract: The system includes a source of solid, liquid or sludge waste and a source of waste gas. A waste conversion device receives the solid, liquid or sludge waste and converts it into a hydrogen-rich gas. An internal combustion engine receives as fuel the hydrogen-rich gas and the waste gas and burns them to produce mechanical work. A generator is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine to generate electricity. Some of the generated electricity may be used to power the waste conversion device. The system allows for high-efficiency, lean-burn operation while reducing the amount of waste converted to hydrogen-rich gas.

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: A method for destroying carbon carryover created in high temperature plasma waste treatment systems whereby the carbon carryover is mixed with a wetting agent and returned to the high temperature plasma waste treatment system for further processing. The method may further utilize the carbon carryover to first capture the hydrocarbons produced in a high temperature plasma waste treatment system, and then feed the thus captured hydrocarbons back into the high temperature processing system to be converted into useful products together with the carbon carryover.

Abstract: Disclosed is filter aid formed of a crushed foam glass utilized as a filtering aid for removing suspended materials in a fluid stream by first providing a permeable support with the crushed foam glass filter aid placed adjacent thereto, and directing the fluid stream having suspended materials through the filter. Suspended materials within the fluid stream are captured on the crushed foam glass filter aid, separating the suspended materials from the fluid stream. The foam glass filter aid and the suspended materials may then be removed as a mixture, melted to form a molten glass, fritted to form a frit, comminuted to form a foam glass precursor, mixed with precursor with a foaming agent and heated and crushed to reform the foam glass filter aid. Suspended materials captured on the crushed foam glass filter aid are thus removed from the foam glass filter aid, and the foam glass filter aid to be recycled and used again in the filtering process.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding containers of feed material into a process chamber is disclosed. The apparatus is designed to maintain the atmosphere within the process chamber as separate from the atmosphere surrounding the process chamber. The apparatus has a feeder housing having at least two internal seals, which form an airtight seal about the feeding canisters as the canisters are passed through the seals. The seals are separated by a distance less than the length of the container.

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 and apparatus for high efficiency generation of electricity and low oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) emissions are provided. The electricity is generated from combustion of hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion units using ultra lean fuel to air ratios in the range of 0.4-0.7 relative to stoichiometric operation in internal combustion engine-generators or ultra lean operation in gas turbines to ensure minimal production of pollutants such as NO.sub.x. The ultra lean operation also increases the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. High compression ratios (r=12 to 15) can also be employed to further increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Supplemental fuel, such as natural gas or diesel oil, may be added directly to the internal combustion engine-generator or gas turbine for combustion with the hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding electrodes into a process chamber is disclosed. The apparatus is designed to maintain the atmosphere within the process chamber as separate from the atmosphere surrounding the process chamber. The apparatus has an air-tight tube having at least two internal sealing mechanisms, an outer sealing mechanism and an inner sealing mechanism, sealing mechanisms separated by an expandable section of the tube; penetration in the tube for the introduction of a purge gas in between the inner and outer sealing mechanisms; and an electrical contact for transmitting electrical power to the electrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high efficiency generation of electricity and low oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) emissions are provided. The electricity is generated from combustion of hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion units using ultra lean fuel to air ratios in the range of 0.4-0.7 relative to stoichiometric operation in internal combustion engine-generators or ultra lean operation in gas turbines to ensure minimal production of pollutants such as NO.sub.x. The ultra lean operation also increases the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. High compression ratios (r=12 to 15) can also be employed to further increase the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Supplemental fuel, such as natural gas or diesel oil, may be added directly to the internal combustion engine-generator or gas turbine for combustion with the hydrogen-rich gases produced in waste conversion unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.