Abstract: A method and device for detecting airborne, infectious microorganisms in indoor air and collecting them for rapid identification. Diseased air is drawn into an enclosed chamber where it is percolated through a liquid such that many of the microorganisms become encapsulated in the liquid. The liquid is then atomized to ensure encapsulation of microorganisms which may have escaped encapsulation in the percolation step, and then separated from the air. The relatively slow drawing rate and delicate percolation through the liquid preserves the integrity of the microorganisms. The air is released into the room, while the microorganism-containing liquid is directed to a reservoir. A magnetic substance is added to the reservoir. The microorganism-containing liquid is passed through an electromagnetic field whereupon the microorganisms are attracted to the magnetic surface. These microorganisms are thereafter removed for analysis. The remaining liquid is recycled.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting airborne, infectious microorganisms in indoor air and collecting them for rapid identification. Diseased air is drawn into an enclosed chamber where it is percolated through a liquid such that many of the microorganisms become encapsulated in the liquid. The liquid is then atomized to ensure encapsulation of microorganisms which may have escaped encapsulation in the percolation step, and then separated from the air. The relatively slow drawing rate and delicate percolation through the liquid preserves the integrity of the microorganisms. The air is released into the room, while the microorganism-containing liquid is directed to a reservoir from which samples may be extracted for analysis. The liquid is recycled.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having an organic oxidizable contaminant absorbed or adsorbed thereon, particularly a sludge contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl or other toxic chemicals having a boiling point of at least 110.degree. C. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, to a temperature of about 200.degree. F. to about 700.degree. F., preferably about 200.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F., e.g., by using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the toxic organic material. The recoverable or toxic contaminant vapors and/or liquids are charged to an electrochemical cell where they are oxidized to less toxic or non-toxic materials, such as HCl and CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having an organic contaminant or recoverable material absorbed or adsorbed thereon, particularly a sludge contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl or other toxic chemicals having a boiling point of at least 110.degree. C. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the organic material, for example, the toxic chemicals from the fluidizable solids and to fluidize at least a portion of the solids. The recoverable or contaminant liquid, for example the toxic chemicals, are then further treated to recover or dispose of the separated liquid, such as by condensing the liquid and filtering or decanting it from the condensed water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having a polychlorinated biphenyl contaminant absorbed or adsorbed thereon. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the polychlorinated biphenyls from the fluidizable solids and to fluidize at least a portion of the solids. The polychlorinated biphenyl vapors are then further treated to dispose of the polychlorinated biphenyls, such as by condensing the liquid and filtering or decanting them from the condensed water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having an organic contaminant or recoverable material absorbed or adsorbed thereon, particularly a sludge contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl or other toxic chemicals having a boiling point of at least 110.degree. C. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids to a temperature of at least 250.degree. F., using hot turbulent gas at a temperature, for example, in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the organic material, for example, the toxic chemicals from the fluidizable solids and to fluidize at least a portion of the solids. The recoverable or contaminant liquid, for example, the toxic chemicals, are then further treated to recover or dispose of the separated liquid, such as by condensing the liquid and filtering or decanting them from the condensed water.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having a dioxin contaminant absorbed or adsorbed thereon. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. to vaporize and thereby separate the dioxin from the fluidizable solids and to fluidize at least a portion of the solids. The dioxin are then further treated to dispose of the dioxins, such as by condensing the liquid and filtering or decanting them from the condensed water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated sludge involves heating the sludge, using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. with a sludge residence time of about 0.5 to 2 seconds, to separate the polychlorinated biphenyls from the sludge. The particulates are subsequently removed from a PCB entraining gas stream and the PCB's are then burned in a multifuel burner. Pressurized air, fluidized PCB's, and a gaseous fuel are injected into the burning chamber at spaced points along the length of the flame in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the flame to very completely consume the fuel and PCB's.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated sludge involves heating the sludge, using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850.degree. to 2,500.degree. F. with a sludge residence time of about 0.5 to 2 seconds, to separate the polychlorinated biphenyls from the sludge. The particulates are subsequently removed from a PCB entraining gas stream and the PCB's are then burned in a multifuel burner. Pressurized air, fluidized PCB's, and a gaseous fuel are injected into the burning chamber at spaced points along the length of the flame in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the flame to very completely consume the fuel and PCB's.