Abstract: A cyclone type liquid-vapor separator includes a chamber including: an internal space wherein the treatment liquid introduced into the internal space is depressurized and evaporated; a vapor outlet formed on a top of the chamber and through which vapors generated through the evaporation is discharged; and a concentrated liquid outlet formed on a bottom of the chamber and through which the concentrated treatment liquid is discharged; an inlet part coupled to a side surface of the chamber in a tangent line direction of an inner peripheral surface of the chamber, the treatment liquid introduced into the chamber is turned in the form of vortexes along the inner peripheral surface of the chamber, and at least one partition wall disposed in an area between the inlet part and the vapor outlet of the internal space of the chamber and protruding from the inner peripheral wall of the chamber to prevent mist contained in the vapors from moving upwardly.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator for removing particulates from boiler fine gas is provided. The electrostatic precipitator comprises discharge electrodes and collecting electrodes fitted in a gas passage, the electrodes being arranged in at least two electrical fields that are placed successively in relation to gas flow, and the electrical field establishing at least one electrical unit in transversal direction of said gas passage. The at least one electrical unit has the ability to be de-energised independently, separately from the other electrical units of the electrostatic precipitator. The first electrical field of the at least two electrical fields is also arranged first in the gas flow, and the first electrical field comprises more electrical units than a second field following the first field.

Abstract: A cyclone type liquid-vapor separator includes a chamber including: an internal space wherein the treatment liquid introduced into the internal space is depressurized and evaporated; a vapor outlet formed on a top of the chamber and through which vapors generated through the evaporation is discharged; and a concentrated liquid outlet formed on a bottom of the chamber and through which the concentrated treatment liquid is discharged; an inlet part coupled to a side surface of the chamber in a tangent line direction of an inner peripheral surface of the chamber, the treatment liquid introduced into the chamber is turned in the form of vortexes along the inner peripheral surface of the chamber; and at least one partition wall disposed in an area between the inlet part and the vapor outlet of the internal space of the chamber and protruding from the inner peripheral wall of the chamber to prevent mist contained in the vapors from moving upwardly.

Abstract: Detonable devices such as charged air bag inflators are fed to a shred tower at a controlled feed rate via a feed valve. Water spray and/or water baths in the shred tower prevent sparking and begin to solubilize chemicals while the inflators are fed to primary and optional secondary shredders respectively performing course and fine shreds. A sump receives the shredded material which continues to solubilize and separate chemicals from metal. A conveyor lifts solids from the sump. Dewatered solids are fed to a receiving box for metal scrap recycling.

Abstract: A fan heater for heating using exhaust waste heat, including: a natural exhaust tube discharging some exhaust gas from a water heater; a forced exhaust tube connected to the natural exhaust tube in a parallel structure, the remaining exhaust gas, excluding naturally discharged exhaust gas, flowing into the forced exhaust tube; a heat exchange device on the upper portion of the forced exhaust tube and supplied with high-temperature exhaust gas; a forced exhaust blower installed on the heat exchange device to draw exhaust gas from the forced exhaust tube and discharge it; a main unit having the heat exchange device embedded therein and having a circulation unit such that low-temperature indoor air circulates into the heat exchange device; a warm-air circulation blower supplying the indoor air towards the outer air circulation unit and circulating the low-temperature indoor air so the exhaust gas exchanges heat; and a control unit.

Abstract: A multi-channel particle separator includes a plurality of vanes. Each vane is spaced apart from at least one other adjacent vane to define a flow channel, and includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side wall, a second sidewall, and a splitter. The first side wall extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and extends from the leading edge toward the trailing edge. The splitter may be rotationally coupled to the trailing edge and extend toward the leading edge. The splitter is spaced apart from the first side wall to define a scavenge volume and is rotatable between an extended position and a retracted position. The vanes may also or instead be coupled to a ring-shaped structure.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling operation of a power plant system. The system has at least a gasifier, a boiler, an induced draft fan, and a baghouse. A controller in communication with the system is configured to implement a first stage and/or a second stage sequences after detecting loss of flame in the boiler using a temperature measurement device. The method includes automatically bypassing the baghouse and controlled (e.g., decreasing) the speed of the induced draft fan in the system to relight the boiler. The input feed to the gasifier can be limited and devices operated for a predetermined amount of time before reigniting the boiler.

Abstract: A biomass thermal conversion system including a fixed bed drying zone; a fixed bed pyrolysis zone fluidly connected to the drying zone; a combustion zone fluidly connected to the pyrolysis zone by a material path; and a comminution mechanism arranged across the material path between the pyrolysis zone and the combustion zone, configured to grind char off a pyrolyzed surface of solid biomass and reduce a dimension of the solid biomass below a threshold size.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively separating a volatile constituent of a particle from a gas stream for analysis. Particles are separated from bulk flow by inertia and impacted in a cavity containing a small but stable vortex or eddy. Heat is applied to volatilize constituents of the particles. The gas entrained within the vortex, which exchanges only slowly with the bulk flow, is withdrawn for analysis. In this way, a high volume flow containing particles of interest is reduced to a low volume flow containing a vapor concentrate. Advantageously, the apparatus may be operated at very low pressure drops in fully continuous, semi-continuous or batch mode according to the requirements of the downstream analytical unit. The apparatus finds use in active surveillance, such as in use of aerosols to detect explosives or chemical residues on persons, vehicles or luggage in real time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to control of smoke suppressant flow rate to a flare that disposes of combustible gas, such as waste from refineries and chemical plants. One or more detectors produce signals that enable separate monitoring of both particulate emissions from the flare and combustion efficiency of the flare. Adjusting the flow rate of the smoke suppressant to the flare in response to such dual monitoring facilitates operation of the flare so as to manage environmental pollution caused by unburned volatile organic compounds and smoke emitted from the flare.

Abstract: An air cleaning system (10) is disclosed comprising a fire protection system. The fire protection system comprises at least one of (i) a spark arrestor (21), (ii) a particle feeder (31), (iii) a fire detection system; and (iv) a fire extinguishing system. A preferred spark arrestor comprises a particle pre-separator (22). A preferred particle pre-separator has a core-and-vane assembly that prevents air traveling through the particle pre-separator from traveling in a straight line.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defect of a barrier film includes preparing a device including an electrode and a barrier film covering the electrode, allowing a charged medium to contact a surface of the barrier film, and measuring a change in a flow of current between the charged medium and the electrode.

Abstract: A system for collecting carbon dioxide in flue gas includes a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from an industrial facility to outside, a blower that is installed at the downstream side of the stack and draws the flue gas therein, a carbon-dioxide collecting device that collects carbon dioxide in the flue gas drawn in by the blower, and a gas flow sensor arranged near an exit side within the stack. A drawing amount of the flue gas by the blower to the carbon-dioxide collecting device is increased until an flow rate of the flue gas from the stack becomes zero in the gas flow sensor, and when the discharged amount of flue gas from the stack becomes zero, drawing in any more than that amount is stopped, and the carbon dioxide in the flue gas is collected while the flue gas is drawn in by a substantially constant amount.

Abstract: A system for reducing the occurrence of fires in a fabric filter dust collection system. The system includes an elongated housing having a first end and a second end distal from the first end. A gas flow inlet is provided in flow communication with an interior portion of the housing for flow of gas and particulates from a source into the housing. A gas flow outlet is provided in flow communication with the housing for flow of gas and particulates out of the housing and into the dust collection system. An elongated spark arrestor is disposed in the housing between the first end and the second end. The spark arrestor has a plurality of spaced-apart, wedge-shaped members having a gap between adjacent members sufficient to interrupt the flow of combustible particles from the source to the dust collection system.

Abstract: A mobile destruction apparatus for use with oil contaminated with a toxic organic pollutant material includes a housing, which defines a first heating combustion chamber for heating the oil to generate a toxic fluid using a first burner connected thereto. The apparatus includes a rotating transition cylinder that defines a drying chamber, which is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber to receive the toxic fluid. The cylinder includes an amount of a desiccant material to dry the toxic fluid. A second heating destruction chamber is provided downstream of the cylinder to heat the toxic fluid to substantially convert it and destroy it into an inert fluid, which exhausts from the apparatus. A method of destructing toxic contaminants from contaminated oils is also described.

Abstract: A chimney cap and a method for making the same are described. The chimney cap is more consistently and uniformly manufactured, which permits nesting. This is accomplished by forming the cap from single piece of expanded metal to create a substantially square or rectangular cage where each side of the cage has an integral flange that is bent substantially perpendicular to its respective side. The substantially square or rectangular cage is stretched to form a shaped trapezoidal cage, with a top portion of each side of the cage having a longer span that a bottom of portion of each side.

Abstract: A method to reduce waterwall corrosion in a low NO.sub.x boiler includes the steps of locating a waterwall area of a low NO.sub.x boiler where oxidizing conditions exist and deposition of FeS is likely. The combustion air input at the waterwall area is biased to reduce FeS deposition on the waterwall. The biased combustion air input increases the oxidation rate of FeS.sub.2 so as to reduce FeS deposition on the waterwall. The biased combustion air input may be achieved by increasing the air-to-fuel ratio of one burner while reducing the air-to-fuel ratio of another burner, such that the overall air-to-fuel ratio in the low NO.sub.x boiler is substantially constant.

Abstract: An inexpensive trash incinerator having a primary burn chamber and an after burner which includes a spark arrestor. The after burner is a stack which rests on top of the primary burn chamber and it includes an opening in its lower end for admitting fresh air into the after burner.

Abstract: An off-gas stack for a melter comprising an air conduit leading to two sets of holes, one set injecting air into the off-gas stack near the melter plenum and the second set injecting air downstream of the first set. The first set injects air at a compound angle, having both downward and tangential components, to create a reverse vortex flow, counter to the direction of flow of gas through the stack and also along the periphery of the stack interior surface. Air from the first set of holes pervents recirculation zones from forming and the attendant accumulation of particulate deposits on the wall of the stack and will also return to the plenum any particulate swept up in the gas entering the stack. The second set of holes injects air in the same direction as the gas in the stack to compensate for the pressure drop and to prevent the concentration of condensate in the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying an air curtain into a pit to facilitate combustion of material disposed within the pit includes an air supply tube mounted on wheels and having an inlet end and an outlet end, a nozzle structure disjointably mounted on the air supply tube at the outlet end thereof and in transverse relation thereto, a motor driven fan for supplying air through the air supply tube and the nozzle and into the pit, the junction between the air supply tube and the nozzle being readily disjointable to accommodate mounting of the nozzle atop the air supply tube for transport along a roadway.

Abstract: An incinerator arrangement particularly for a multi-floor building includes a main housing located at the lowest level in the building, and a chute-flue which rises from the main housing to the roof of the building. Waste is burned in a main combustion chamber. Combustion gases are forced to follow a tortuous path through scrubbing chambers located directly above the combustion chamber. In the scrubbing chambers, the combustion gases are first subjected to the flame of after burners and then washed by a fine water spray to reduce ash fly content and particulate matter in the emissions that will be exhausted to the atmosphere. Dual scrubbing systems are included to provide continuous operation and ready maintenance of the system. Location of the scrubbing systems directly above the main combustion chamber avoids freezing and other problems encountered with systems whose scrubbers are located at the roof of the building.

Abstract: A mechanical chimney sweep including a spark arrester; a winch-pulley-cable assembly; a brush attached to the cable; and a counterweight depending from the brush. The spark arrester, which prevents lit material from exiting the flue, is attachable to a flue lining or flue pipe by means of a bracket without screws, bolts, or other fastening devices. The arrester supports the pulley about which the cable is threaded; the winch being externally mounted, as on the side of a house. The counterweight serves as a weight for moving the brush down the flue for cleaning and also functions as a weight holding the spark arrester in place.

Abstract: A clip-on chimney hood comprising a substantially circular, oval, or inverted U-shaped spring integrally attached to a hood. A preferred material for the spring is a utility cable which can be formed into a loop by slipping each of the loop ends, of a length of cable, into a short metal sleeve and then welding or brazing. Either a single or double loop is attached to a hood which may be either corrugated or of flat sheet metal extending at right angles to the loop or loops. The spring loop or loops are inserted into the chimney, or a chimney liner, and frictionally held therein. The distance between the hood and top of the chimney or liner, may be easily adjusted simply by detaching a few wire fasteners at the lower edges of the hood which allows the hood edges to always rest on the chimney for added stability. Maximum hood opening accommodates coal or wood burning while minimum opening accommodates gas or oil burning.

Abstract: A protective spark eliminating system for removing burning particulates from flue gases prior to introducing the gases into a filter baghouse. The protective system includes a housing enclosing a separating chamber having a gas inlet in the side of the housing for directing a stream of flue gases into the housing, and a gas outlet in the top of the housing for conducting the flue gas stream out of the chamber. To effect separation and removal of the burning particulates from the gas stream, the housing is provided with a secondary gas system which is adapted to maintain a downwardly flowing curtain of gas across the width of the flue gas inlet to direct the burning particulates in the flue gases downwardly into a hopper at the base of the housing as the flue gases enter the chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable spark arrester for a chimney flue is provided wherein the arrester hood is held by adjustable means permitting the arrester to be installed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A spark arrester characterized by a fixed base assembly attached over the top of a chimney, a pivot assembly attached to the fixed base assembly, and a rotatable assembly rotatably coupled to the pivot assembly. The rotatable assembly is substantially cylindrically shaped having perforate sidewall portions and a perforate top portion. A vane portion of the rotatable assembly orients a windward section of the sidewall portion towards the wind, and a deflection plate attached within the sidewall portions proximate the windward section deflects the prevailing wind up through the top portion of the assembly. Co-action between the upwardly deflected wind and the underside of the vane portion creates a low pressure area over the top portion which substantially increases the draught of the chimney, resulting in reduced risk of chimney fires and an increased burn rate for airborne embers and sparks.

Abstract: A spark-arresting module for disposition in a duct for hot stack gases comprising a rigid frame structured with spaced, parallel bars alternating with spaced, parallel slots, a shaft at the upstream side of the frame and parallel thereto, a plurality of blades provided with diametrically-located vanes fixed to the shaft for rotation therewith, said vanes being movable through the slots in shearing relation to the bars by rotation of the shaft and being so shaped that some portion of each blade is at all times situated between the bars and a motor for effecting rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a removable filter to prevent the buildup of Creosote in chimneys which become vulnerable to fires.A hollow enclosure means that is adapted to connect between the chimney and the fire source has within it a support for mounting a filter. The filter is made of a special metal, is knitted with small openings therein permitting the flow of smoke but at the same time to reduce the particles into a minute white ash. The filter acts as a continuous burn reactor. A door is provided whereby the filter can be easily removed from the hollow enclosure and cleaned so that it can be used for an indefinite period without replacement.

Abstract: A steam-pressured eliminator for use on top of a tall, industrial-type, brick or metal smoke stack to reduce their pollution of the atmosphere. This eliminator is operated by pressurized steam directed so as to intercept the flow of smoke tending to leave the stack and releases to the atmosphere only cleansed smoke and steam. The steam condensate with the smoke particles are drained off from the stack attached vessel. The smoke eliminator is such that the eliminator can be assembled to the stack as a unit, as by the use of a helicopter, and in some forms the steam generator is made a part of the unit so as to be inserted in the stack suspended from the top thereof and be heated by the hot gases of the stack itself. Preferably when the stacks are of brick the attachment is made to top and exterior surfaces thereof. When the stacks are of metal the unit can be wedged into the top opening of the stack and the unit vessel being tapered, can be fitted to various diameter sized stacks.

Abstract: Safety device in the general form of an apertured disc which aids in keeping sparks and flames from paper, kindling, wood etc., from shooting up the chimney and possibly causing fire; the device also helps to stop soot build up and it controls the rate at which the wood burns, saving fuel.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is disposed in the "U"-section deflector at the bottom end of flues connected to each other in a multiple-flue, vertical flue furnace. A deflecting plate and two associated projections, one on the plate and the other on the wall, influence the flow of gases in such a manner that first the radius of curvature of the gas making the turn is decreased, and second the distribution of flow at the input cross-section of the flow-receiving flue is more uniform. The first effect improves the effectiveness of fly ash removal from the turning gas stream. The second effect prevents localized sooting and uneven heating of a heat exchanger which may be installed in the end of the receiving flue.

Abstract: After the fly ash is removed from the flue gases by a separator, it is introduced into a combustion chamber which may be either the primary combustion chamber of the furnace or a separate chamber in a secondary combustion chamber. There, it is burned until only the liquid slag remains and then removed, along with the other liquid slag formed in the furnace by the primary combustion process. Various methods and apparatus are described for carrying out the introduction of the fly ash into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A cleaner for the products of combustion in a smoke stack in the form of a vertically elongated chamber having a multiplicity of inclined baffles extending from opposite sides of the chamber to beyond the center line thereof and water spray devices located intermediate of each pair of vertically spaced baffles. In the preferred form, the baffles are inclined inwardly and upwardly, so that water from the nozzles flows to the outer edges of each baffle where it is connected to a drain.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is interposed between the exhaust duct of a water boiler and the chimney or flue, and a water conduit, connected to the water return line of the heating system, is disposed within the heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the exhaust gases. In this manner, up to 85% of the thermal energy within the exhaust gases is recovered and imparted to the water for pre-heating the same prior to the transmission of the pre-heated water into the boiler for additional heating, or alternatively, directly into the water heating system. A filter assembly is preferably interposed between the heat exchanger and the chimney or flue so as to filter the cooled gases prior to the emission of the same into the atmosphere. As a result, solid particles, and a substantial portion of sulfur dioxide, is removed from the exhaust gases so as to reduce pollution conditions.

Abstract: An improved waste material incineration system and method of combustion where waste material is initially inserted through gravity assist into the combustion zone of a horizontally directed furnace. The waste material is impinged by the flame front of a burner and is cyclically vortexed in a vortexing zone of the combustion chamber through a combination of air inlet conduits impinging on the combusting waste material and the particular contouring of the furnace internal geometry. The waste material is initially densified in one section of the vortexing zone and then expanded in a second section of the vortexing zone while being impinged by inlet air to provide a guide to maintain the vortexing contour of the combusting waste material.

Abstract: An anti-pollution system for industrial smoke stacks has a source of live steam feeding steam to a nozzle centered in the upper part of the stacks and several concentrically steam cooling towers of progressively smaller diameter. Each chamber opens into the other and has a drain for conveying water laden with unburned particles and soot to filters at the bottom of the stacks.

Abstract: A horizontal-flow electrostatic filter for gas passing from a boiler to a chimney and having separate flow chambers lying horizontally side-by-side has inlet and outlet ducting arranged such that flue gases are divided to flow in opposite directions through the respective chambers, both directions of flow being at right angles to the direction of the shortest distance between the boiler house and the chimney. The flue gas output of the boiler is divided equally between the chambers. The size and hence capacity of the filter may be greater, in this disposition, for a given said distance than if a prior art parallel co-current flow arrangement (shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings) were used. Capacity for a given available floor space is further assisted by providing a plurality of arrays of collection and discharge electrodes separately electrically supplied and controlled.

Abstract: A waste incinerator system, particularly suitable for bulk waste contaminated with radioactivity, is provided with a primary, upright combustion chamber with a removable, frusto-conical bottom section. The chamber is of the type having a double shell with cooling air passage therethrough. The cooling air is introduced at two different, vertically spaced levels, whereby the temperature control of the double shell can be effected by selectively controlling the volume of air incoming at the two levels. Only the bottom, frusto-conical removable portion of the combustion chamber is provided with refractory lining, the remainder of the chamber having a heat resistant steel inside wall, whereby the build-up of radioactivity levels within the chamber is reduced. The refractory of the frusto-conical bottom portion of the chamber is replaceable.

Abstract: A process for cooling and raising the dew point of the flue gases in waste material incinceration plants. Secondary air and water mist are sprayed into the combustion chamber above the combustion grate. the flue gases entering the flue gas cooler are thereby preliminarily cooled. By increasing the dew point, the effectiveness of the flue gas cleaner is enhanced. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for filtering stack gases and the like comprising an in-feed exhaust duct and a pair of filter vat cleaners disposed on opposite sides of the in-feed exhaust duct and horizontally spaced therefrom. A track assembly extends horizontally above the in-feed exhaust duct and filter vat cleaners, and a carriage car carrying two horizontally spaced filter containers is mounted rollably on the track assembly for reciprocating movement therealong to alternately position one of the filter containers over the exhaust duct, and then the other over one of the two filter vat cleaners, in alternating sequence. Coupling means is provided for coupling the filter containers with the respective filter vat cleaners and the exhaust duct. An out-feed exhaust duct is positioned over the track assembly and carriage and is vertically aligned with the in-feed exhaust duct.

Abstract: A multi-chambered combuster apparatus for the controlled burning of all forms of light combustible organic material and the generation of steam or dry heat energy, resulting in essentially pollution free combustion as atmospheric emissions have zero opacity and low particulate discharge. A primary combustion chamber in which air and fuel are introduced in controlled ratio has interior walls acting as ignition surfaces which also direct combustants in a cyclonic flow path. Combustion gases then expand into a counterflow chamber where cooling and deceleration causes settling of pollutants. The gas stream next enters a purification chamber, passing through a hot filtering medium which entraps any remaining fine particulate matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding solid fuel to a furnace grate comprising a conduit adapted, in use, to extend downwards through the roof of the furnace, means for feeding solid fuel to the conduit above the lower end thereof said means including at least one fuel propulsion element and drive means to cause the element to move to propel the fuel in a desired direction and means to cause a rapid deceleration in the movement of the element whereby any fuel adhering to the element is flung therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating off-gas from a furnace for burning organic material in an oxygen deficient atmosphere by passing the hot exhaust gases from the furnace ladened with combustible and noncombustible organic material to a cleaning device, and thence passing the gases to a secondary furnace for combustion therein, and while in the cleaning device removing from the gas therein noncombustible material which would otherwise still be particulate matter in the exhaust from the secondary furnace. In another form of the invention, the exhaust gas from the furnace is passed to a burner and heat exchanger device having an inlet portion for heating the incoming gases, a combustion portion with air inlets for supporting combustion therein, and an outlet portion for cooling the gases, and thereafter the gases are passed to a quenching system.

Abstract: An improved, essentially pollution-free incinerator for waste materials is provided which includes vertically stacked, separately fired primary and secondary combustion chambers and central, cooperating, apertured partition and baffle structure serving to assure complete burning of the waste materials and removal of particulate solids prior to discharge thereof to the atmosphere. In preferred forms, the central, chamber-defining partition includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, peripheral apertures, while the baffle structure is in the form of an annular, peripheral shoulder formed on the inner wall surface of the secondary chamber above the partition apertures. The primary chamber also includes a waste material inlet and a burner system for igniting the waste materials, while the secondary chamber has tangentially disposed air and fuel inlets for creating a whirling flow pattern to assure essentially complete high temperature burning of the waste materials.

Abstract: A process for conditioning flue gases in waste material incineration plants with heat utilization. Secondary air is introduced into the combustion chamber above the combustion grate. The flue gases are moistened prior to entering the gas cleaner by water sprayed therein. Apparatus for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An incinerator, especially for burning waste material with a device for pfying flue gases derived from a combustion chamber for burning the waste material. In the combustion chamber or adjacent thereto, discharge openings of conduit means are provided for conveying fresh air thereto. The device for purifying the flue gases comprises a filter of high heat-resistant material which is interposed between the combustion chamber and a flue.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for quenching of the partial combustion product gas of a slagging coal gasifier containing suspended molten slag particles wherein the hot product gas of the gasifier is passed through a tubular quench zone into which a shielding gas is introduced circumferentially to form an annular layer or protective gas shield between the product gas and the walls of the quench zone and a cooling gas is injected radially to effect direct cooling of the product gas to a temperature at which the molten slag particles solidify and lose their stickiness, said protective gas shield being maintained for a sufficient distance along the axis of the quench zone to prevent contact between the quench zone walls and the hot product gas during said cooling.

Abstract: A method of treating sewage sludge is disclosed. The method makes use of an unitary multi-hearth furnace and the sewage sludge is dried in an upper part of the furnace and subjected to pyrolyzation in a lower part thereof to cause the sewage sludge to be reduced to ashes whereby a relatively small amount of exhaust gas is produced. The exhaust gas is also utilized as a heat supply source.

Abstract: Process for the production of an inert gas wherein liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons are burnt within a combustion chamber with air, possible with the admixture of a gaseous atomizing agent, especially steam, gas inert gas or air, whereby a first shock-like cooling is performed, which is followed by a second cooling step and a scrubbing with water or an aqueous solution of a temperature in the vicinity of the freezing point, and the gas treatment is finished with an adsorption drying. The invention relates also to an apparatus for carrying out such process.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and disposing of refuse having a wheeled chassis carrying a hopper, shredder and fan for directing air and refuse to a cylindrical member preferably obliquely disposed with respect to the chassis. A hollow tube is disposed within the cylindrical member in generally co-axial relationship. The tube is provided with a plurality of apertures for directing flame therefrom against refuse within the interior of the cylindrical member. Washing apparatus is included to minimize contamination dispersal into the atmosphere. .Iadd.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the return stroke polarity of distant lightning for distances beyond 600 km by detecting the electric field associated with a return stroke of distant lightning, and processing the electric field signal to determine the polarity of the slow tail of the VLF waveform signal associated with the detected electric field. The polarity of the return stroke of distant lightning is determined based upon the polarity of the slow tail portion of the waveform.