Abstract: An elongated tube is maintained at a temperature of about 1100.degree. F. throughout its length. Organic waste material such as shredded rubber automobile tires or industrial plastic waste or residential trash which preferably has metal and inorganic matter removed therefrom, is moved through the tube at a uniform rate of speed in the absence of air and/or oxygen, with the material being churned or tumbled as by means of a screw conveyor. The vapors and gases which are produced and/or liberated within the tube are quickly removed therefrom by means of a vacuum of from about four inches to about six inches of mercury, with the vapors being condensed and the gases separated therefrom. The char or residue which is a black, powdery, carbon-type material is also recovered.

Abstract: An elongated tube (preferably stainless steel) is maintained at a temperature of at least about 1000.degree. F. throughout its length. Coal or other carbonaceous feed material is moved through the tube at a uniform rate of speed in the substantial absence of air, with the feed material being constantly churned or turned as by a screw conveyor. The churning of the feed material and the diameter of the tube is such that the material is subjected to "shock" heating, whereby gases and vapors are violently released from the solid mass and are removed therefrom at a vacuum of from about two to about five inches of mercury, with said gases and vapors passing through the aforesaid churning mass. The residue is recovered and the gases and vapors are subsequently passed through conventional condensers and scrubbers to liquify the oil and separate the gases and the water.