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.

Abstract: A method for handling, treating, heating and incinerating, on-site, liquid waste, sewage, sludge, cakes or solid waste. The primary treatment process utilizes a 0.1-50% power of plastic clay and may include separation, absorption, precipitation, neutralization, sedimentation, flocculation, coagulation, filtration or dewatering. The residue remaining after the primary treatment is mixed with additional clay or silicates and a suitable absorbent for either organic or inorganic, liquid material, to form a solid mixture of approximately 5-50% clay or silicates and 0.1-10% absorbent. The solidified mixture is formed into granules or other shapes having large surface area. The stable, solid granules are transferred to a conveyorized oven, dried and pyrolized or fired. Resulting organic gases may be condensed to oil or exhaust gases may be vented into a secondary incineration unit.