Abstract: An improved method for processing heterogeneous municipal solid waste, biomass and even construction and demolition waste into liquid hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals is obtained by coupling the synthesis process with an electric furnace. The furnace separates the metals and inorganics from the organic materials. The high temperatures gasify the organics into a relatively clean syngas after particulate and acid gas removal. The yield is increased above that expected from the feedstock by the addition of waste effluents from the synthesis process, such as CO2, H2O and possibly tail gas constituents. The recycled effluents are heated by the syngas being quenched in heat exchangers. Excess high pressure effluents are also heated by the syngas for power generation via gas or steam turbine generators. The optimum concentration of added effluents and heat exchanger configurations are determined by novel methods for maximum yield, energy efficiency and minimum carbon footprint.

Abstract: An improved method for processing heterogeneous municipal solid waste, biomass and even construction and demolition waste into liquid hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals is obtained by coupling the synthesis process with an electric furnace. The furnace separates the metals and inorganics from the organic materials. The high temperatures gasify the organics into a relatively clean syngas after particulate and acid gas removal. The yield is increased above that expected from the feedstock by the addition of waste effluents from the synthesis process, such as CO2, H2O and possibly tail gas constituents. The recycled effluents are heated by the syngas being quenched in heat exchangers. Excess high pressure effluents are also heated by the syngas for power generation via gas or steam turbine generators. The optimum concentration of added effluents and heat exchanger configurations are determined by novel methods for maximum yield, energy efficiency and minimum carbon footprint.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus for the thermal partitioning of heterogeneous feedstock for the production of a metal product, a glass ceramic product and a gaseous product. The process includes the capability for thermal treatment of hazardous waste as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which also contains radioactive isotopes in some cases (mixed waste as defined by the Department of Energy) and the production of stable long-lived products as a result of treatment. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel process and apparatus whereby an input feed stream of a widely heterogeneous nature in the descriptors of physical form, combustibility, chemical content, and particle size and contaminated with varying concentrations of hazardous components and/or radioisotopes is treated in a direct current graphite electrode arc melter with a contiguous thermal oxidizing reactor for the production of a metal product, a basalt-like glass ceramic product and a fully combusted offgas.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing three dimensional positioning to the ends of one or more translating elements which are normally restricted to translation along the longitudinal axes of the elements. A cartridge assembly including a cylinder at least partially formed of a ceramic element holds the translating element at an angle to the center axis of the cylinder. The cartridge assembly rotates within a cylindrically shaped chamber in a lid assembly. The lid assembly is mounted on the port of a chamber where the translating element is to be positioned, thereby allowing the translating element to extend into the chamber. The center axis of the cylindrical chamber of the lid assembly is at an angle to the center axis of the port of the chamber. A rotational drive unit rotates the cartridge assembly within the lid assembly. A translational drive unit longitudinally drives the translating element within the cartridge assembly.