Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for treating contaminated materials in which the materials are fed by an input unit (2, 3, 4) to a conveyor system (9) extending through a treatment chamber (6) where they are heated, treated and discharged via a discharge element (12). A liquid reservoir (16) is created in a first treatment area of the treatment chamber (6) by inclining the treatment chamber. The first area is also heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and a second area extending from th first treatment area to the top end of the treatment chamber (6) is at least partially heated to a temperature above the boiling point of water. This enables the contaminated material to be treated and compacted in a simpler, more reliable manner and in a (quasi-) continuous flow through several treatment areas.

Abstract: A method for treating the liquid phase of contaminated materials that are disinfected or sterilized in a treatment chamber is provided, whereby a defined liquid collector area is provided in the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector area reaches a maximum level it is discharged into a collector tank and when the level of liquid in the collector area reaches a minimum level liquid is returned to the treatment chamber. When the liquid in the collector tank reaches a maximum level, liquid therefrom is returned to the treatment chamber in case the maximum level of liquid in the treatment chamber is not reached or said liquid is treated in an additional high-temperature disinfector unit to obtain purified liquid. A device that carries out the method is also provided. Using the method or device provided, contaminated solid materials with a high proportion of liquid can be disinfected or sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting or sterilizing contaminated materials including a first worm screw (15) inside a pretreatment chamber (14) and a second worm screw (17) arranged close to the end of the first worm screw (15) and extending inside a treatment chamber (16). Elements are provided for sealing both ends of the treatment chamber (16) so that an elevated pressure can be maintained in the treatment chamber. Energy can be introduced into the treatment chamber in a controlled manner to supply or produce steam sufficient to create and maintain an elevated pressure and temperature needed to disinfect and/or sterilize the contaminated material. The pretreatment chamber (14) and the treatment chamber (16) are connected to each other by a reversing component (1) having two tube sections (2, 3) which form an angle relative to each other and which are secured to the pretreatment chamber (14) and the treatment chamber (16) by flanges (4, 5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating contaminated materials, specially infected materials, which are fed to endless screws (5, 12) via a feed hopper (2) and are heated, disinfected or sterilized in addition to being discharged through an ejection system (21).