Abstract: A method of separating oxygen using a ceramic membrane unit having one or more ceramic membranes, preferably formed of a mixed conducting ceramic, for instance, a perovskite, capable of conducting both oxygen ions and electrons. Oxygen is separated within the ceramic membrane unit under impetus of compressing an incoming oxygen containing feed. The compressor used in the compression is powered by the work of expansion produced by expanding a process stream composed of at least a portion of the retentate produced in the ceramic membrane unit. Prior to expansion, the process stream is cooled to allow the use of less expensive materials in expanders used in the expansion. As a result, expansion of the process stream alone is insufficient to meet the power requirements involved in the compression. Interstage expansion with reheating is used to make up for the power deficit.

Abstract: A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas using an ceramic membrane unit having one or more ceramic membranes, preferably formed of a mixed conducting ceramic capable of conducting both oxygen ions and electrons. Oxygen is separated within the ceramic membrane unit under impetus of compressing the incoming feed. Sufficient power for such compression is created through expansion of a process stream composed in part of the retentate with interstage expansion reheating.

Abstract: A vertical shaft furnace for the pyrolysis of pelletized refuse, having a hearth in the base provided with a refuse bed support structure comprising a plurality of cooled, refractory support members, extending radially inward from the wall toward the axis of the hearth. The support structure is characterized by having a plurality of peripheral spaces extending through side structure and converging in the downward direction, each of the peripheral spaces being formed, at least in part, by the side wall surfaces of adjacent support members and the inside surface of the hearth.