Abstract: A system for processing rubber material pre-heats the material and then applies microwave energy to process the system The system comprising a rubber material receiver for accepting the rubber material which passes the material to a pre-heating unit adapted for the rubber material passing through comprising a plurality of heating elements that heat the rubber material to between about 100 to about 350 C in an oxygen depleted atmosphere. Once pre-heated, the material is conveyed to a microwave unit adapted for receiving the pre-heated rubber material comprising microwave magnetrons, which radiate the pre-heated rubber material and external heat sources in an oxygen depleted environment until the pre-heated rubber is substantially reduced to a carbonaceous material having a volatile content of below 5% and more preferably below 2%.

Abstract: A system for processing rubber material pre-heats the material and then applies microwave energy to process the system The system comprising a rubber material receiver for accepting the rubber material which passes the material to a pre-heating unit adapted for the rubber material passing through comprising a plurality of heating elements that heat the rubber material to between about 100 to about 350 C in an oxygen depleted atmosphere. Once pre-heated, the material is conveyed to a microwave unit adapted for receiving the pre-heated rubber material comprising microwave magnetrons, which radiate the pre-heated rubber material and external heat sources in an oxygen depleted environment until the pre-heated rubber is substantially reduced to a carbonaceous material having a volatile content of below 5% and more preferably below 2%.

Abstract: A method for separation and recovery of metals and metal oxides from industrial minerals and waste materials containing zinc, lead, cadmium, arsenic, iron, mercury and selenium. The metals and metal oxides in dust form are mixed with a reducing agent and additives, agglomerated, heated above 800.degree. C., and contacted with a flow of inert, reducing or slightly oxidizing gases to volatilize the metals and metal oxides for recovering separate from solid residual product.

Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for removing impurities from gases such as flue gases. A liquified gas such as nitrogen is introduced into direct contact with the gases to be cleaned of impurities concurrent with the introduction of a sorbent powder for cooling the gas to a temperature in the range of 60.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. and with nucleation precipitation and condensation of heavy metals, salts, acids and hydrocarbons onto the sorbent. A porous and permeable bed of said sorbent is formed through which the gases are drawn for absorption and adsorption of said precipitated and condensed material thereon. The pH of the sorbent is adjusted and maintained in the pH range of 9 to 11.