Abstract: In processes for making carbon black from automobile tires containing fiberglass, or the like, a mat of fiberglass strands intertwined with carbon black trapped in the interstices thereof can be produced. The present invention discloses method and apparatus of producing useful fiberglass and carbon black from such mats. Rapid agitation breaks the mat into a cloud of fine fiberglass particles and free carbon black. A low velocity airstream carries the particles to a separation zone wherein the free carbon black is filtered from the airstream as a first useful by-product. The fiberglass particles are then combusted to remove remaining carbon black carried therewith thus forming a second useful by-product.

Abstract: In a process for the retorting of oil shale wherein hot flue gases containing oxygen are used for preheating the raw oil shale and wherein, additionally, a combustible sludge containing particulate matter and bottoms oil is produced, method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a combustible mixture of the sludge and the gases whereby the sludge is combusted to raise the temperature of the gases and produce only entrained particulate matter as a by-product. By so doing, the requirement for additional fuel to heat the gases to operational temperatures is reduced and the sludge is eliminated as a by-product of the process requiring separate disposal. Rather, the entrained particulate matter is removed and disposed of along with particulate matter normally produced within the process.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for converting a substance containing organic matter into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue by feeding the substance into the upstream portion of a substantially cylindrical retort having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, substantially conveying the substance through the retort toward the downstream portion thereof, heating the retort by means of a fluidized bed of heated particles to a sufficient temperature to convert the substance into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue and removing the hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue from the retort.

Abstract: A seal assembly and method for providing a contaminant-free, fluid-tight seal in a rotary kiln or similar rotating apparatus. A seal is provided between the rotating surfaces and the stationary surfaces of the kiln by providing an annular seal chamber defined by a rotating, outwardly-facing, U-shaped annular rim integral with the rotating surfaces of the rotary kiln and a stationary bellows chamber assembly integral with the stationary surfaces of the rotary kiln. An effective seal is maintained between the bellows chamber assembly and the annular rim by injecting a pressurized fluid into the bellows chamber so as to sufficiently bias its surfaces outwardly against the surfaces of the annular rim. The annular seal chamber is separated from the kiln chamber and its fluids and contaminants by an annular isolating chamber. The bellows chamber assembly prevents fluid communication between the seal chamber and the isolating chamber.

Abstract: In a device for raising the temperature of a plurality of solids which utilizes a heating chamber having at least one hot flue gas inlet and one or more solids inlet apertures to supply concurrent flows of solids and hot flue gas to a heating chamber, and, which utilizes at least one disengager to deflect the heated solids and prevent the solids from being exhausted from the heating chamber along with the hot flue gas, means are provided for coaxially mounting at least one hot flue gas outlet downstream of and displaced from at least one of the solids inlet apertures. Additionally, an individual disengager is associated with each hot flue gas outlet, each disengager being coaxially aligned with and positioned intermediate its associated hot flue gas outlet and a corresponding solids inlet aperture. Each individual disengager is positioned within a direct flow path of solids from a single solids inlet aperture, to prevent thermal stressing of the individual disengager.