Abstract: A system for producing a suitable fuel from waste material including a dispersion tank in which a rotating impeller is positioned in the bottom of such tank in close spaced relationship above a stationary plate and the facing surfaces of the impeller and the plate include shear blocks which intermesh to grind solid materials in the tank and disperse the solid materials in a blend stock making a suitable fuel. A cylinder is connected to raise and lower the impeller to control the spacing between the impeller and the plate and thus control the spacing between the shear blocks to control the fineness of the grinding of the waste material. Means is provided for discharging metal from the dispersion tank and means is provided for circulating liquid from the dispersion tank to an accumulation tank and for recirculating the liquid from the accumulation tank to the dispersion tank.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out, thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: A slow speed, high torque shear technology is disclosed having optional configurations and attachments for its construction and methods for reconfiguring existing shears to improve performance, and maintenance economics. A method is provided for the readily replacement of individual cutters and tooth modules, reconfiguration of cutter and tooth assemblies in a mix and match manner, in combination with matching anvils having replacement cutting elements with multiple cutting faces. Alternative embodiments are provided illustrating methods of configuration of various types of cutting elements and material feed systems. Methods for converting a rough cut shear to a fine particle shear and then to a granulator as well as a method for rejecting unprocessable material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A series of solids size reduction systems utilizing variable displacement rotary dispersion and in-line grinder apparatus. The systems include in-feed, and receiving and mixing systems for blending solids with a carrier fluid. The systems include force feeding of the solids and carrier fluids to the grinding apparatus as well as separation and recover of the carrier fluids for recycling. The systems further include pre-shredding and metal removal apparatus. Systems are also disclosed which provide for recovery of ferrous and nonferrous metals, separation of hi/low density solids and further provides for the palletizing of separation solids. Systems and processes are disclosed for the reduction of whole tires or strips and chips to granulated rubber, the portable processing of raw sugar cane, and the processing of drill cuttings for injecting into a well head.

Abstract: An in-line grinder has been developed which can be configured to perform in a variety of applications through the use of an adjustable rotor/stator assembly, removable shear bar, and a variety of interchangeable stator-rotor configurations. A unique drive system utilizing a mechanical seal cartridge provides maximum sealing with a minimum of shaft deflection and run-out thereby improving performance. These improvements collectively allow the grinder to be configured for optimum sizing of solids to a predetermined particle size for a broad range of materials. It has been demonstrated that a class of in-line grinders such as that described herein is applicable for sizing drill cuttings for injection into a subsurface formation by way of an annular space formed in a wellbore. The cuttings are removed from the drilling fluid, conveyed to a shearing and grinding system that converts the cuttings into a viscous slurry with the addition of water and viscosity enhancing polymers.

Abstract: A slow speed high torque shear technology is disclosed having optional configurations and attachments for its construction and methods for reconfiguring existing shears to improve performance, and maintenance economics. A method is provided for the readily replacement of individual cutters and tooth modules, reconfiguration of cutter and tooth assemblies in a mix and match manner, in combination with matching anvils having replacement cutting elements with multiple cutting faces. Alternative embodiments are provided illustrating methods of configuration of various types of cutting elements and material feed systems. Methods for converting a shear a rough cut shear to a fine particle shear and then to a granulator is provides. A method for rejecting unprocessable material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for producing a suitable fuel from waste material including a dispersion tank in which is located a rotary dispersion and agitation system comprising external vanes, rotary and stationary plates having opposing faces fitted with intermeshing shear blocks, forming an attrition zone therebetween for grinding and dispersing solids in a liquid blend stock. A method is provided for varying the displacement between the shear blocks to control the fineness of the grinding of the waste material. A method is provided for discharging metal from the dispersion tank and a pump is provided for circulating liquid from the dispersion tank to an accumulation tank and for recirculating the liquid from the accumulation tank to the dispersion tank. Feeding systems are provided for delivering solid waste material to the dispersion tank and include systems for grinding drums containing waste material, expressing waste material from the drums and auguring waste material from the drums.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving, processing, and delivering waste materials to the interior of a rotary cement kiln to be burned therein. Apparatus includes a feeding mechanism which provides continuous in-feed of entrained solids or solid waste, materials including hazardous waste material having low fuel value, directly into the calcining zone of the kiln. A bulk receiving system is provided for receiving, processing and transferring materials from one or more collection stations. The system further includes processing for sizing and segregating metal extracted from a contaminated hazardous waste stream. Methods are provided for providing induction of forced, combustion air directly into the calcining zone of a rotating cement kiln.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing waste material and a blend stock which provides a suitable fuel and includes the steps of grinding the waste material in a tank containing the blend stock with the grinding being in at least part provided by the coaction between a rotating impeller and a stationary plate so that the degree to which the waste material is ground is controlled by controlling the spacing between the plate and the impeller.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering material to the interior of a kiln to be burned therein which includes a feeding mechanism which rotates with the kiln within a stationary transfer means or drum, means for delivering material to be burned to the interior of the transfer drum, said feeding mechanism including means for collecting material from the transfer drum as it rotates and said feeding mechanism including means for compressing, shredding in some applications and delivering the material to the interior of the kiln.