Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separation of relatively volatile from non-volatile material, typically an organic component of agglomerate waste material from an inorganic solid component of the waste. The process includes milling material in a container partially immersed or floating in a bath of molten material to break up the material, typically an agglomerate, and thermally releasing the relatively volatile component as vapor therefrom. The apparatus relates to a desorption vessel at least partially immersed in a molten tin bath for heat transfer from the bath to the interior of the vessel for desorption of the relatively volatile component from such material.

Abstract: A system for the destruction of organic waste material such as halogenated organic compounds, and related matter. In one embodiment the waste material is reduced with a gaseous reducing agent such as hydrogen above about 600.degree. C., the gaseous products are condensed and cooled in the presence of an aqueous mist at about 5.degree. C., and condensed organic and aqueous material is collected and the aqueous portion recycled into the condensing and cooling steps. In another embodiment, where acid gases (for example, hydrogen halides) are produced during reduction, the gaseous products are condensed in the presence of aqueous mist at about 85.degree. C. and a major portion of the aqueous mist condenses as acidic water which is collected and neutralized. Remaining gaseous components are then cooled to about 5.degree. C. as in the previous embodiment. In further embodiments, the remaining uncondensed gaseous products are oxidized with a gaseous oxidizing agent at a temperature above about 1000.degree. C.