Abstract: A system and method for performing hydrothermal treatment includes a reactor vessel having a pressure bearing wall. The surface of the pressure bearing wall that faces the reactor chamber is covered by a liner to protect the wall from exposure to temperature extremes, corrosives and salt deposits. The liner is formed with a porous layer and a non-porous, corrosion resistant layer. The corrosion resistant layer is positioned adjacent to the porous layer to seal the porous layer between the corrosion resistant layer and the wall of the vessel. Connectors extend through the wall of the reactor vessel to allow for fluid communication between the porous layer and an externally located pump. A heat transfer fluid can be selectively passed through the porous layer to maintain the temperature of the liner.

Abstract: A system for treating a feedstock for the purposes of waste destruction, energy generation, or the production of useful chemicals is disclosed and includes a reactor vessel. A heating lance is configured to outflow the products of a partial oxidation reaction into a reaction chamber in the vessel. The hot reaction products heat and pyrolyze the feedstock in the chamber generating a process effluent which typically includes gases (e.g. syn-gas) and carbon solids. Glasses and metals in the feedstock accumulate in the chamber in a molten state. The molten materials store thermal energy and provide thermal stability to the treatment system. A recycle loop uses carbon solids from the process effluent as an input to the lance for reaction with an oxidant therein.

Abstract: A method and system for using plastic material as a fuel includes dissolving the plastic material in biodiesel to form a solution. After the solution is created, it is filtered to remove insoluble contaminants and is then fed to a generator that oxidizes the solution to create power and/or heat. Heat from the oxidation of the solution can be utilized to facilitate the further dissolution of plastic material in biodiesel and to reduce the viscosity of the resulting solution.

Abstract: A homopolar machine which exhibits reduced wear and prolonged brush life. Current collectors or brushes are mounted so as to maintain substantially constant contact pressure and so that all of them are polarized negative. Brush holders are provided which facilitate the application of precise and constant contact pressure in a region of very high magnetic forces.