Abstract: A manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: A method of continuously carbonizing a mixture of primarily organic waste material wherein a stream of comminuted waste material with a substantial organic material content is fed to one end of a mixer barrel, the material is compressed to form a barrel filling mass functioning as a first vapor block, and the work energy required to compress it and squeeze out entrapped air is used virtually exclusively to maintain the temperature of the material adiabatically, air and any steam created are vented, the material downstream from the first vapor block is decompressed in a second vent region, the material is recompressed in the absence of air to form another vapor block, while exclusively utilizing the work energy required to compress it to maintain the temperature of the material adiabatically at volatile releasing and carbonizing temperatures, the volatiles are vented, and the product is discharged as a dry, friable particulate char.

Abstract: A manifolded, multiple-pin die apparatus and method processes potentially explosive material to form longitudinally perforated cylindrical pellets for use as gun propellants. A main entrance passage formed in mating manifold blocks gradually changes in cross-sectional configuration from circular to figure-eight, and then branches in a gently curved manner. The divergent branches formed then further branch in the same manner and feed circular cross-section passages leading to extruding dies wherein a series of die pins extend axially through a discharge passage. Each die comprises a central core member supporting an outer shell via radial ribs which are configured to form flow passages of hour-glass configuration. No change of flow direction in the entire apparatus exceeds fifteen degrees.

Abstract: A method of continuously carbonizing a mixture of primarily organic waste material to a high British Thermal Unit char product wherein a stream of comminuted garbage material with a substantial organic material content is fed to one end of a mixer barrel, the material is compressed to form a barrel filling mass functioning as a first vapor block, and the work energy required to compress it and squeeze out entrapped air is used virtually exclusively to raise the temperature of the material adiabatically, air and any steam created are vented, the material downstream from the first vapor block is decompressed in a second vent region, the material is recompressed in the absence of air to form another vapor block, while exclusively utilizing the work energy required to compress it to raise the temperature of the material abiabatically to a volatile releasing temperature in the neighborhood of 400.degree. F. to 600.degree. F.