Abstract: Radioactive waste treatment apparatus in which the waste is burned in a controlled combustion process, the ash residue from the combustion process is removed and buried, the gaseous effluent is treated in a scrubbing solution the pH of which is maintained constant by adding an alkaline compound to the solution while concurrently extracting a portion of the scrubbing solution, called the blowdown stream. The blowdown stream is fed to the incinerator where it is evaporated and the combustibles in the blowdown stream burned and the gaseous residue sent to the scrubbing solution. Gases left after the scrubbing process are treated to remove iodides and are filtered and passed into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which any off-gas generated in a wastewater treatment plant, which off-gas has a low calorific (or BTU) value about one-tenth of that of natural gas, and usually even less, may be profitably burned in a multiple hearth furnace if the off-gas is first wet-scrubbed to a temperature below about 90.degree. F., then pre-heated by passing it through the center shaft of a multiple hearth furnace, before the pre-heated gas is burned. Such cooling of the off-gas by wet-scrubbing has the effect of lowering the moisture content of the wet-scrubbed gas sufficiently so that it may be advantageously pre-heated in the center shaft of the furnace and recycled to the hearths to assist in the combustion of sludge. In addition to providing desirable savings in auxiliary fuel usage, wet-scrubbed off-gas is unexpectedly cleansed of a sufficient amount of its corrosive components so as to permit ducting the wet-scrubbed gas in mild steel or cast iron equipment.

Abstract: A heating plant which includes an upstanding housing with a combustion chamber in the lower part of the housing, a high pressure burner extending within the combustion chamber, a flue gas pipe extending upwardly from the combustion chamber to terminate in a smoke trap. The smoke trap is in the form of a dome having a dome skirt extending downwardly below the upper level of the flue gas pipe, and a vessel for maintaining a washing liquid at a predetermined level between the upper limits of the flue gas pipe and the lower edge of the dome skirt. Openings are provided in the dome skirt below the level of the liquid, such that smoke coming from the flue gas pipe is forced to bubble through the washing liquid through the openings in the dome wall and up to a chamber to be exhausted from the housing. Various heat exchanger means are provided in the housing for extracting heat from the combustion chamber and the smoke system.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus has a combustion chamber which is divided into combustion zones respectively communicating with individual mixing zones in a mixing chamber. Combustion air enters the mixing zones and then flows into the combustion zones. The concentration of NO.sub.x in the combustion products of each of the combustion zones is measured and water vapor is fed into each mixing zone in an amount which depends upon the NO.sub.x concentration for the corresponding combustion zone. The amount of water vapor fed into a mixing zone is such as to maintain the combustion temperature below a value at which substantial quantities of NO.sub.x are formed. The water vapor is fed into the mixing zones generally countercurrent to the combustion air entering the combustion zones and the water vapor and combustion air flow into the combustion zones together.

Abstract: Method for enhancing the removal of particles from a particle-laden gas stream utilizing an electrostatic precipitator, which comprises treating the gas with morpholine or derivatives thereof. Treated particles are found to also have desirable flow characteristics. Particularly effective compositions for the purpose comprise a combination of the morpholine, or derivative thereof, with an electrostatic precipitator efficiency enhancer, and in particular an alkanolamine.

Abstract: A particulate separator of the concurrent flow type includes an inner cylinder mounted concentrically within a tapered conical outer cylinder which is closed at the outer return end. A fan unit is secured within the return end of the outer cylinder to draw air inwardly through the center cylinder, impart a centrifugal force thereon and imparting a tangential spin to the air moving outwardly and then rearwardly and back through the outer conical cylinder. The particulate matter within the fluid moves outwardly to the periphery of the outer cylinder as a result of centrifugal forces. The tangential spin imparted to the air cause the air to move in spiral return path with the conical cylinder establishing a decreasing cross section.

Abstract: This defines a process and an apparatus to treat wet organic wastes, such as manures, to protect the environment and to recycle the solid content in the form of a soil conditioner or fertilizer. This process and apparatus are made to remove the bad smell and to separate the solid content in a very dry form, adapted to be readily bagged. This process and apparatus are characterized by an efficient conveying and concurrent agitation of the organic wastes in an evaporation furnace and in combination with use of the combustion gases for heat exchange heating of the fluidizing content of the wet organic wastes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation for burning-out scrap metal goods for the purpose of reclaiming scrap metal, comprising at least one furnace wagon, which is capable of being loaded with the scrap metal goods to by burned out; at least one burning-out chamber into which the furnace wagon is movable for burning-out the scrap metal goods to produce scrap steel; means for heating the burning-out chamber to a temperature of at least about 600.degree. C.; at least one afterburning chamber communicating with the burning-out chamber for afterburning flue gases produced in the burning-out chamber at a temperature from about 1100.degree. to 1200.degree. C.; a waste gas purifying plant communicating with the afterburning chamber for eliminating the flue gas impurities and for the scrubbing of the flue-gases originating from the afterburning chamber; and at least one cooling chamber arranged adjacent to and in selective communication with the burning-out chamber for cooling the burned-out material.

Abstract: The disclosure is of gas-cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber having a downwardly vertical gas and fluid flow path, with the gas and fluid moving at high velocity. One or more layers of solids is disposed across the path of gas and fluid flow, and these solids and the spaces between them act as multiple venturi scrubbers and impingement surfaces so that the gas is cleaned by agglomeration and absorption. A vibrator is coupled to the layers of solids for vibrating them to prevent matter removed from the gas from adhering thereto and blocking the passages therebeween.Also disclosed is a centrifugal cyclone separator, adapted to be coupled to the output of the above-described gas scrubber, comprising an upright chamber containing a rotatable cylinder carrying blades on its outer surface, the free edges of the blades being positioned close to the inner wall of the chamber. The blade configuration and high rotational velocity and long distance travel of the gases provide improved separating action.

Abstract: A thermal processing system and method which is directed to the controlled high rate of exchange of thermal energy between solid matter or liquids and a gas which functions simultaneously as the thermal energy transport medium and the physical transport medium. The system includes a primary processing device which is provided with means for introducing the solid or liquid matter in a finely divided state and a means for introducing the carrier gas so as to create a very high velocity stream together with means for supplying and/or controlling the thermal energy input(s) to the system by operating on such carrier gas. The system also includes means for continuously removing the resulting products (solids, liquids, gases and in some instances, energy) in such a way that a continuous stream process results. The system is also provided with any necessary or desirable auxiliary devices to ensure that all discharges from the process are substantially cleaner than required by any applicable environmental standards.

Abstract: A hazardous materials incineration system is disclosed which includes a solid waste combustor of the inclined, oscillating or rocking type and a liquid waste combustor suitable to incinerate wastes in liquid form. The combustion products from both the solid waste combustor and the liquid waste combustor are fed to an afterburner which is equipped with burners to maintain elevated temperatures throughout the length of the afterburner chamber. The products of combustion exit the afterburner into a conditioning unit which eliminates larger particulate matter, cools the combustion products and releases certain additives into the moving gas stream prior to entry into a baghouse. All neutralized salts are withdrawn at the baghouse and the gaseous baghouse effluent is directed to a further aqueous liquor contact apparatus prior to exhausting to atmosphere through a forced draft stack system.

Abstract: Coal is ground or pulverized to an extremely small particle size (6 microns or less) and introduced into a mixing chamber where the coal powder is atomized or mixed with air to form a cloud of coal particles entrained in air. Prescribed, controlled amounts of the coal powder/air mixture are withdrawn from the mixing chamber and fed to the burner nozzle of a furnace, from which nozzle the mixture is directed to a combustion zone. The igniter for the system is positioned at the combustion zone and is preferably a strong electric arc, although other igniters could be used. After combustion exhaust gases from the furnace are withdrawn and cleaned up through a water filter in which a plurality of screens are kept flushed with water passing in one direction as the combustion gases pass in the opposite direction to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur dioxide from an exhaust gas with use of an absorbent containing a salt of an organic acid within a scrubber provided with perforated plates, characterized in that the vapor of organic acid discharged from the top of the perforated plates is absorbed into the absorbent with a pH value of 6 to 8 within wetted walls provided on the upper side of the perforated plates.

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: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for continuously treating a flowing gas with a liquid to remove unwanted materials from the gas. Packing elements are directed downwardly along a predetermined zigzag path of travel, with the packing elements being maintained in the form of a relatively thin layer. A liquid is directed onto the layer of packing elements while a flowing gas is directed upwardly along a sinuous path of travel repeatedly passing back and forth through the downwardly moving layer of packing elements successively from opposite sides thereof. The packing elements are discharged from the lower end of the path of travel while clean packing elements are directed into the upper end to replace those which are discharged. The discharged packing elements are cleaned and recycled for reuse.

Abstract: A scrubber bypass damper comprises a plate pivotally-mounted to a shaft running across the bypass duct transverse to gas flow. The damper plate self-actuates and rotates about the shaft in response to any pressure differential established across it. A scrubber booster fan is disposed in the main flue at a location downstream of the scrubber and upstream of the outlet of the scrubber bypass into the main flue. When the scrubber is in operation, the pressure rise imparted to the flue gas by the scrubber booster fan is adjusted to keep the damper plate disposed transverse to gas flow through the bypass duct thereby preventing gas flow therethrough. When the scrubber is taken out-of-service, the booster fan is shutdown and the damper plate self-actuates, opening in response to pressure forces exerted on it by the induced draft fan, thus preventing over-pressurization of the furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air cleaning apparatus having a rectangular enclosure with air inlet and outlet passages and internal lower and upper baffles which sequentially direct inlet air through lower and upper water curtains which are provided by a recirculating water system. The apparatus also has a separate scrubbing water system to wash the internal surfaces of the apparatus. In operation, the scrubbing system is periodically activated and the reservoir of the recirculating water system is periodically drained and refilled with fresh water. Also disclosed is the method of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A plant comprising a post combustion chamber (1) connected to the combustion chamber of a household rubbish incineration furnace whose hot gases it uses in order, by means of suitable burners (2, 3), to heat sewage sludges and industrial liquids and a circuit for the treatment of the smoke and residues coming from said post combustion.This circuit, which is held under vacuum by a blower (27), comprises a dry cooling tower (7) employing semi-liquid sludges as cooling agent, an absorption tower (15) employing a solution adapted to combine the predominantly acid gases of the smoke, and a separating tower (22) in which the liquids in suspension are removed.A recycle circuit (190) for the solution and liquid separated and means of recovering metallic particles and compounds (10, 12, 29) complete this plant.

Abstract: A smoke control device for use in motor vehicle incineration. Smoke from burning vehicles in an incineration area is directed into a collecting chamber by controlled air flows and flaps. Updrafts evacuate the chamber and force the smoke into a combustion stack. The column of smoke in the stack is raised to combustion temperature by heaters mounted on the stack. The superheated smoke is combined with heated air in the vicinity of an open flame causing combustion resulting in a clear stack discharge.

Abstract: An incinerator is provided having an extended length of tubing, preferably coiled, and immersed within a bath of molten salt. Means are provided for introducing sludge at a controlled rate along with hot air under pressure for carrying the sludge through the immersed length of tubing, the air and the heat supplied from the molten salt bath causing concurrent drying and burning of the sludge. The exhausted gases are further oxidized by passing them through a portion of the molten salt bath, while solids are separated out and removed.

Abstract: A controlled air incinerator having an increased capacity for burning waste material and having increased efficiency for completely burning all burnable waste material fed thereto. The controlled air incinerator, which is sometimes referred to as a "starved air" incinerator, requires accurate control of burning conditions so as to provide at all times a discharge of clean flue gases free from pollutants. In the present incinerator, means are provided for transferring the waste material therethrough while burning, the means causing the burning waste material to tumble within the combustion chamber and open up so as to expose to combustion air any unburned but burnable parts of the waste material whereby the oxygen of the combustion air will result in complete combustion.

Abstract: A pollution control incineration system comprises an elongated duct having one or more inlets positioned at or near grade level. An upright standpipe removably covers an inlet opening to provide a polluted gas inlet to the duct from a location elevated above grade. The duct terminates at its remote end in a combination flue and pollution control system which may include pollution control devices such as an afterburner chamber, a water spray cooling chamber, a baghouse and an induced draft fan. A portable, shell type primary combustion chamber removably overfits the standpipe to allow combustible material to be burned within the shell and to direct the gases of combustion downwardly into the duct through the top of the standpipe.

Abstract: A low polluting solid waste burner utilizes a first combustion chamber in which the solid waste is partially oxidized under a positive pressure with the partially oxided gaseous combustion products passing out into a first conduit where the gas is recycled for dual burning back into the first combustion chamber. A conduit is also provided between the ash compartment and the combustion chamber to completely oxidize ash compartment gases with complete combustion product gases being conducted away to a spray tower or water curtain by the positive pressure in the combustion chamber produced by the combustion air blower. A second combustion chamber may be used to further oxidize the gaseous combustion products.