Abstract: In a solid waste treatment system comprising an autoclave (201) not having a particulate filter at its outlet, a method of removing particulates suspended in steam discharged from the autoclave following processing of solid waste is disclosed. The method includes discharging steam from the autoclave; routing the steam to the inlet (301) of a separation vessel (209) that further includes an outlet (303) and a baffle (302) between the inlet and the outlet; and collecting particulates (304) that drop from suspension in the steam at the bottom of the separation vessel. The baffle is configured so that steam is incident upon the baffle to reduce its flow velocity.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing waste-derived cellulose fibre into carbon char comprises an autoclave for treating waste with steam to produce processed material. The processed material includes cellulose fibre and plastics. The apparatus also includes a drying system for drying the cellulose fibre, and a torrefying unit for torrefying the dried cellulose fibre to produce carbon char. Thermal conversion means for thermally converting either said plastics or said VOCs provides heat for at least one of the autoclave, the drying system and the torrefying unit.

Abstract: In a solid waste treatment system comprising an autoclave (201) not having a particulate filter at its outlet, a method of removing particulates suspended in steam discharged from the autoclave following processing of solid waste is disclosed. The method includes discharging steam from the autoclave; routing the steam to the inlet (301) of a separation vessel (209) that further includes an outlet (303) and a baffle (302) between the inlet and the outlet; and collecting particulates (304) that drop from suspension in the steam at the bottom of the separation vessel. The baffle is configured so that steam is incident upon the baffle to reduce its flow velocity.