Abstract: A method and apparatus for incinerating waste material and in particular, for incinerating particulate material resulting from the shredding of vehicles. The particulate material is fed to one end of a rotary drum, and is subjected in the drum to pyrolitic incineration in the absence of air, to generate combustible gases and a solid residue. The combustion gases and the residue are discharged from the drum to a discharge hood, where the solid residue is separated from the gases. The gases are then passed through a condenser to cool the gases to a temperature below 212.degree. F. to thereby condense water vapor and higher boiling point hydrocarbon gases to produce hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating particulate material containing a combustible contaminant. The particulate material is fed into the upstream end of a rotary drum and is conveyed toward the downstream end of the drum. A fixed first tubular member is disposed concentrically within the downstream end of the drum and includes a small diameter inlet section and a larger diameter outlet section. A fuel burner is located within the small diameter end of the first tubular member and combustion gases from the burner travel through the first tubular member to the larger diameter outlet section where the gases expand and are cooled. The gases are then discharged into the upstream end of the drum into contact with the particulate material to vaporize the combustible contaminants. A second tubular member is mounted in radially spaced relation between the first tubular member and the downstream end of the drum to provide inner and outer annular chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating contaminated particulate material and more particularly, an apparatus for reclaiming foundry sand. The apparatus includes a heated, inclined rotary drum and an auger projects into the upstream end of the drum and serves to feed material to the drum. The auger includes a spiral flight carried by a hollow shaft and a blower is connected to the outer end of the hollow shaft so that air is supplied through the shaft into the drum. A seal is provided between the non-rotating auger housing and the drum, and the seal includes an annular bearing plate mounted on the end of the drum while a sealing ring is connected to the auger housing and is biased against the plate to provide a seal. The excess air in the heated drum burns off the organic contaminates from the particulate material and calcines the mineral contaminates.

Abstract: A rotary furnace for recovering metals, such as aluminum. The furnace includes an outer cylindrical, open-ended drum which is mounted for rotation about its axis. Secured within the drum is a tapered kiln and the kiln is spaced inwardly of the drum to provide an annular chamber therebetween. Salt and aluminum dross and skimmings are introduced into the small diameter end of the kiln and heated, and the molten aluminum and salt are separately withdrawn from the large diameter end of the kiln. The construction of the furnace provides precise concentricity for the rotating kiln, thereby reducing bearing loads and the energy requirements for driving the kiln.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treating metals to remove contaminants. Contaminated scrap metal is fed into one end of a rotating inclined retort. Heat is applied to the retort as the scrap metal is conveyed therein to remove the contaminant, and the processed metal is discharged from the opposite end of the retort. Combustible waste gases generated through the processing are fed to an afterburner where the combustible gases are burned and are discharged from the afterburner into a stack. A portion of the hot combusted gases are returned from the stack to the discharge end of the retort to thereby minimize oxidation of the scrap metal being treated as well as conserving fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing combustible material from metal scrap. The apparatus includes an inclined rotating retort, and scrap metal containing combustible material is fed into one end of the retort and as the scrap moves through the retort the combustible material is burned from the scrap. The retort is spaced within an outer refractory housing to provide an annular chamber therebetween, and the chamber is divided into two or more zones. Located within each zone is a fuel burner and a cooling air inlet. The temperature is sensed in each zone, and if the temperature falls below a preset minimum, the burner in that zone is operated, while if the temperature in the zone exceeds a pre-set maximum, cooling air is supplied to that zone to thereby maintain the temperature of the scrap metal within predetermined limits.