Abstract: A system for waste-to-energy conversion of municipal solid waste and urban forest residue includes as a central element a vortex-cyclone suspended combustion zone furnace, supplied via a shredder and a rotary preheat kiln, and followed by a waste heat boiler. The combustion furnace takes the form of a horizontal tunnel-like structure into which solid waste material from the preheat kiln is introduced near an entry end, with separate exit ports for hot gas and ash at an exit end. The furnace has spaced horizontal waterwall tubes, between which forced draft air is injected in a circular pattern aided by vanes, producing a swirling overfire air curtain surrounding the vortex-cyclone suspended combustion zone along the length of the furnace. In the manner of a cyclone separator, a cylindrical structure surrounds the central exhaust gas opening, and extends from the exit end wall into the combustion chamber to a circular leading edge.

Abstract: High temperature combustion apparatus incorporating a pneumatically suspended combustion zone and capable of supporting relatively high combustion temperatures, in excess of 2400.degree. C. (4352.degree. F.) for essentially total combustion with minimal pollutant production. The combustion apparatus may be employed for waste material incineration in general, toxic waste incineration, and for smokeless burning of wood and vegetation. The combustion apparatus may be employed in an efficient steam electric power generating plant which employs municipal solid waste as fuel, and/or in combination with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electric generator. The pneumatically suspended combustion zone is created by having streams of combustion air directed upwardly from a floor grate and from the sides of a combustion chamber such that combustion occurs in a swirling turbulent mass which does not directly contact either the walls or the floor of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: High temperature combustion apparatus incorporating a pneumatically suspended combustion zone and capable of supporting relatively high combustion temperatures, in excess of 2400.degree. C. (4352.degree. F.) for essentially total combustion with minimal pollutant production. The combustion apparatus may be employed for waste material incineration in general, toxic waste incineration, and for smokeless burning of wood and vegetation. The combustion apparatus may be employed in an efficient steam electric power generating plant which employs municipal solid waste as fuel, and/or in combination with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electric generator. The pneumatically suspended combustion zone is created by having streams of combustion air directed upwardly from a floor grate and from the sides of a combustion chamber such that combustion occurs in a swirling turbulent mass which does not directly contact either the walls or the floor of the combustion chamber.