Abstract: An autoclave reactor for treating municipal solid waste (MSW) including agricultural waste and medical waste wherein the MSW may be encapsulated in plastic bags. The reactor is equipped with a loading internal guiding means for treating the waste in such a manner as to decompose the organic fraction into a pulp which acts as a fluid whereby rigid, material such as metal and glass may be removed by known means. The reactor may also be equipped with: (a) piercing and cutting devices for rupturing the encapsulating material thereby expelling air and releasing the contents, (b) means for collecting vapours and emissions for treatment before they are released into the environment, (c) a vacuum means for removing vapours and drying the resulting products, (d) a sensing means which determines the viscosity of the reactor contents and this information is fed into a computer which determines when the desirable decomposition has been reached.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separation, recovery, and recycling municipal solid waste and the like by introducing solid waste materials into a rotatable pressure vessel, rotating, pressurizing, adding pH controlling chemicals and heating the pressure vessel and thus the waste material while simultaneously applying a mixing action to the solid waste material. The addition of a predetermined amount of pH controlling chemicals and the application of a vacuum serve to control the moisture content of the final fine organic portion of the processed material. Organic contents of the vessel are pulped and sterilized when processed to facilitate ease of separation and prepare the resulting cellulose material for use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separation, recovery, and recycling municipal solid waste and the like by introducing solid waste materials into a pressure vessel having a rotatable section. The vessel is disposed for subjecting the waste material to heat and pressure while simultaneously applying an extruding action to the solid waste material. The extruding action is achieved by a rotatable extruder mechanism carried in the pressure vessel and rotated in response to the rotating section thereof. The rotation forces the processed solid waste material through a pair of constricted areas before the waste material is expelled from the pressure vessel by rotation of the extruder mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separation, recovery, and recycling municipal solid waste and the like by introducing solid waste materials into a rotatable pressure vessel, rotating, pressurizing, and heating the pressure vessel and thus the waste material while simultaneously applying an extruding action to the solid waste material. The extruding action is achieved by a rotatable extruder mechanism carried in the pressure vessel which forces the processed solid waste material through a constricted area adjacent the exit of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method for treatment of mixed wastes containing various plastics, such as municipal solid wastes, in which mechanical agitation and heat distortion of plastic films cause rupture and spilling of the contents of plastic film containers in the wastes. The wastes are introduced into a processing unit with means of heating and mechanical agitation of the contents. By the method in this invention, the plastics are separated and recovered as a mixture that may be recycled as a composite plastic used in the manufacture of various products or that may be further separated into identifiable types of plastics for recycling. The quantity of plastics recovered from MSW is greatly increased compared to previous processes using steam heat to achieve separation of the components of such mixed wastes.

Abstract: A process for treating municipal solid waste material in the presence of moisture for the separation and recovery of inorganic matter and organic matter wherein the waste material is fed into a pressure chamber and is agitated therein. The contents of the pressure chamber are subjected to heat under a pressure for a predetermined period of time to cook, sterilize and soften the organic matter contained therein. The moisture content of the waste material is controlled so that the fines of the organic fraction have a residual moisture content ranging from about 60% to 70%. After releasing the pressure from the pressure chamber, the cooked waste material is removed and then separated and classified into various fractions thereof including an inorganic fraction and the fines of the organic fraction having a residual moisture content ranging from approximately 60% to 70%.

Abstract: A process for recovering organics and inorganics from waste material with a specific object of preparing the separated organic fraction for the production of ethanol wherein rigid organic matter becomes soft when subjected to heat and pressure. The process is carried out by first, feeding the waste material into a perforated container mounted within a closed chamber. Next, the waste material is agitated and subjected to heat and pressure which sterilizes it and softens the organics contained therein. After heating under pressure, the pressure is suddenly released from the chamber which forces the softened organics outwardly of the container, thus separating them from the inorganics for further processing to recover fuels and animal feed supplements.