Abstract: A process for converting solid waste into a synthesis suitable for producing liquid fuel, comprising (a) partially oxidizing and combusting solid waste material in a closed combustion zone at a temperature of 800.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: A system for the collection of solar radiation and the recovery of thermal energy therefrom includes solar radiation receiver means at or near the focus of a solar radiation concentrating means for absorbing the solar radiation, converting it to thermal energy and transferring the thermal energy to ambient air drawn over the receiver means and, thereafter, directed to an energy reclamation unit. In the energy reclamation unit the heated ambient air deposits a portion of its thermal energy in regenerators, from which it is recovered by a compressed air stream, and transfers a portion of its thermal energy to a power fluid. The thermal energy of the ambient air is reclaimed from the compressed air stream and the power fluid as shaft work in expansion turbines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hot exhaust gas to purify the gas and/or to recover the heat values therein includes removing particulate matter from the gas, cooling the gas by transferring its heat to regenerators and purifying the cooled gas by subliming or "freezing out" harmful, less volatile components. The heat energy of the exhaust gas may be recovered by passing a heat exchange medium, such as compressed air and/or purified cooled gas, through the heated regenerators. A major advantage of this method and apparatus is that exhaust gases at 300.degree.-350.degree. C. may be purified and the heat energy recovered using thermodynamically efficient regenerators. As a result the air preheater stage of conventional boilers or combustion units, which comprise 60% to 70% of the heat exchange surface area, may be eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hot exhaust gas to purify the gas and/or to recover the heat values therein includes removing particulate matter from the gas, cooling the gas by transferring its heat to regenerators and purifying the cooled gas by subliming or "freezing out" harmful, less volatile components. The heat energy of the exhaust gas may be recovered by passing a heat exchange medium, such as compressed air and/or purified cooled gas, through the heated regenerators. A major advantage of this method and apparatus is that exhaust gases at 300.degree.-350.degree. C. may be purified and the heat energy recovered using thermodynamically efficient regenerators. As a result the air preheater stage of conventional boilers or combustion units, which comprise 60% to 70% of the heat exchange surface area, may be eliminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the overall operating efficiency of a gas turbine system by purifying relatively hot turbine exhaust gas to remove environmentally harmful components therefrom, by converting a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust gas to mechanical work and by reclaiming a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust gas by transferring it to other fluids. Purification to remove harmful components is advantageously accomplished using regenerators. Conversion of thermal energy to mechanical work is usefully accomplished in a primary turbine motivated by hot combustion gas and in a helper turbine motivated by a relatively hot heat exchange fluid which has derived its thermal energy by exchange with heated solids in thermodynamically efficient regenerators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating hot exhaust gas to purify the gas and to recover the heat values therein includes removing particulate matter from the gas, purifying the gas by subliming or "freezing out" harmful, less volatile components and discharging the more volatile components as purified gas. The sublimed or "frozen out" components are collected and neutralized or utilized. The heat values may be recovered prior or subsequent to purifying, such as by spraying a power fluid into the gas to cool and increase the volume of the gas and then expanding the gas in an expansion turbine to further cool the gas and to produce shaft work. Alternatively, the heat values may be recovered from purified, hot gas by transferring the heat energy of the gas to a power fluid which operates in a Rankine cycle external combustion engine to do shaft work.

Abstract: The sensible and latent heat of hot exhaust gases generated in fuel burning furnaces, roaster, cement kilns, and the like is transferred to a power fluid in the boiler of an external combustion engine. The cooled gases are purified by subliming or "freezing out" harmful, less volatile components. The purified gases are discharged to atmosphere without using flue gas stacks. The sublimed or "frozen out" impurities are collected and neutralized.

Abstract: Plant material containing hemicellulose and lignin is prehydrolyzed in the presence of steam and the vapors of a dilute acid solution having a pH of 1.5-3.5 at a temperature of 105.degree. C to 135.degree. C for 7-20 minutes to hydrolyze the hemicellulose into pentoses and hexoses and to leave a fibrous material and a liquid, said liquid containing said pentoses and hexoses. The liquid is separated from the fibrous material, and the pentoses and hexoses are recovered from the liquid. The fibrous material is digested with white liquor at a temperature of 105.degree. C to 135.degree. C.

Abstract: Solid waste, including municipal, agricultural, industrial, vegetable and animal matter, garbage and waste paper, is progressively converted by means of partial oxidation and distillation into gas under controlled temperature and pressure conditions and the gas is made suitable for industrial and chemical uses by being purified and separated into its main components or ingredients.