Abstract: An underfire system for a controlled starved-air incinerator and incinerating process which minimizes high localized temperatures in the main combustion chamber to lessen clinker formation and vaporization of inorganics for minimizing the particulate emission rate and which maximizes conversion of the fixed carbon portion of the waste materials into volatile matter for maximizing the thermal efficiency of the incinerator. The underfire system supplies air at less-than-stoichiometric requirements which creates an exothermic reaction between some of the fixed carbon in the waste material and the oxygen in the air to produce volatile carbon dioxide. In addition, steam is supplied to the burning waste materials, preferably alternately with the air supply, for creating an endothermic "water-gas reaction" between additional fixed carbon in the waste material and the steam to produce volatile carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas and for absorbing undesired heat from the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: An underfire system for a controlled starved-air incinerator and incinerating process which minimizes high localized temperatures in the main combustion chamber to lessen clinker formation and vaporization of inorganics for minimizing the particulate emission rate and which maximizes conversion of the fixed carbon portion of the waste materials into volatile matter for maximizing the thermal efficiency of the incinerator. The underfire system supplies air at less-than-stoichiometric requirements which creates an exothermic reaction between some of the fixed carbon in the waste material and the oxygen in the air to produce volatile carbon dioxide. In addition, steam is supplied to the burning waste materials, preferably alternately with the air supply, for creating an endothermic "water-gas reaction" between additional fixed carbon in the waste material and the steam to produce volatile carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas and for absorbing undesired heat from the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding waste material including pathological or highly infectuous waste into an incinerator combustion chamber through an access opening in the top thereof and being characterized by a construction which substantially prohibits the escape of fumes, smoke or particulate matter from the incinerator. The feeding apparatus includes a generally vertically extending, enclosed, stationary chute in communication with the incinerator access opening. A cover door is mounted on the top of the chute for being opened to insert the waste material and for being closed to cover the chute. An interior door is mounted within the chute for being closed to close the passageway through the chute and for receiving and holding the waste material inserted into the chute when the cover door is opened and for being opened to allow gravity feeding of the waste material into the incinerator combustion chamber when the cover door is closed.