Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) generally relates to a method of making a solid catalyst component comprising a zeolite with a modifier and at least one Group VIII metal alloyed with at least one transition metal and a process of converting mixed waste plastics into low molecular weight organic compounds using the solid catalyst component. The process of converting mixed waste plastics into low molecular weight organic compounds may employ the use of a non-thermal catalytic plasma reactor, which may be configured as a fluid bed reactor or fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for gasifying or liquifying coal. In particular, the method comprises reacting a coal with a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy bath. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel for carrying out the reaction, as well as other equipment necessary for capturing and removing the reaction products. Further, the process can be used to cogenerate electricity using the excess heat generated by the process.

Abstract: A method for removing plate-like elements, such as panels, paneling elements, plates, laminas, covering layers, and the like, coupled stably to a respective base by way of the interposition of an adhesive, which consists in: exposing, in a step a., the plate-like element to be removed to a source of infrared radiation to increase the temperature of the plate-like element and consequently of the adhesive by the heat conveyed by the infrared radiation; extending, in a step b., the exposure of the plate-like element to the source until the mechanical properties of the adhesive are lost; removing, in a step c., the plate-like element from the base.

Abstract: A high power DC steam plasma torch system (S) includes a steam plasma torch assembly (1) wherein superheated steam (46) is used as the main plasma forming gas, thereby resulting in a very reactive steam plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) is injected internally directly into the plasma plume via a ceramic lined steam feed tube (25) for reducing condensation of steam before reaching the plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) flows through a gas vortex (16) which has tangentially drilled holes thereby resulting in a high speed gas swirl that minimizes electrode erosion. In the present steam plasma torch system (S), the plasma torch assembly (1) is ignited using an ignition contactor which is housed external to the plasma torch assembly (1). The superheated steam (46) is injected into the plasma plume using a water cooled steam vortex generator assembly (15).

Abstract: A process and system for the treatment of solid waste based on a temperature gradient generated by two distinct thermal sources, notably of a sequenced technological assembly, is able to process solid waste of any class, which operates through a reactor (1) having two chambers (2 and 3), each having a thermal source (4 and 5), where a thermal gradient is generated, followed by a heat exchanger (6) where gases are abruptly cooled and taken to a neutralizing tank (7), for then being directed to an activated charcoal filter (8), due to the action of a blower (9), before finally entering a burner (10) that works under electrical discharges, passing through a catalytic converter (11) and chimney (12) where it is extravasated into the completely inert atmosphere.

Abstract: In a first processing chamber, a feedstock may be combined with plasma from, for example, three plasma torches to form a first fluid mixture. Each torch may have a working gas including water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The first fluid mixture may be cooled and may contact a first heat exchange device. The output fluid from the first heat exchange device may be separated into one or more components. A syngas may be derived from the one or more components and have a ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen of about 1:2. The syngas may be transferred to a catalyst bed to be converted into one or more fluid fuels.

Abstract: A rotating air distributor for rotary reactors such as rotary kilns for the gasification of biomass and other carbonaceous materials for efficient mixing and maximum conversion of solid biomass and other carbonaceous materials into synthesis fuel gas is disclosed. The invention includes a gas distribution port comprises of one main supply from which several discharge nozzles emerge at different angles and at different locations along the length of the reactor to provide distribution of gas throughout the intended length of the reactor. The discharge of gas from the gas distribution port is adjusted by the variable position of a plug inside the port that can be adjusted during the operation of the kiln to achieve optimum gas-solid interaction along the length of the reactor. The rotating action of the gas distribution port also facilitates and eases the passage of reacted biomass solid and other carbonaceous material residue through the reactor.

Abstract: A device to provide improved anti-smudging, better gripping and longer shelf-life to products and surfaces includes an electric superheated steam generator and an electric low-ion plasma generator to provide superheated steam and low-ion plasma to the surfaces of products including plastics. One embodiment envisions the superheated steam generator and the low-ion plasma generator being contained in a housing while another embodiment anticipates a conveyor means positioned in front of the superheated steam generator and the low-ion plasma generator. A method for the improving of anti-smudging, gripping and shelf-life for properties includes the application of superheated steam and low-ion plasma by means of a superheated steam generator and a low-ion plasma generator to products for specific periods of time and at specific distances to attain desired surface and bulk properties. The superheated steam and low-ion plasma may be applied individually, simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incinerating a medical waste material. The method includes introducing a volume of the medical waste material into a plasma zone of a non-thermal plasma generator. The method also includes introducing a volume of oxidizer into the plasma zone of the non-thermal plasma generator. The method also includes generating an electrical discharge between electrodes within the plasma zone of the non-thermal plasma generator to incinerate the medical waste material.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that contains an open space. A waste feed system feeds inorganic and/or organic waste into the open space of the vessel. One or more pairs of electrodes are within the vessel and may be supported above a bottom of the vessel. The electrodes generate energy that heats the vessel's open space, and melts inorganic portions of the waste and gasifies and dissociates organic portions of the waste into elemental components. These elemental components may be reformed into a synthesis gas which may be conditioned and cleaned to recovery a non-hazardous product.

Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating plasma waste processing are described. An integreted energy generation system provided with a fossil fuel power plant system having a combustion chamber and a plasma waste processing system having an output. The integrated energy generation system also including an integrator for combining the output of thermal energy from the plasma waste processing system with the combustion chamber of the fossil fuel power plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaporating a liquid and incinerating pollutants present in the resulting vapor. The system comprises a chamber for containing a liquid, a floatable pan in the chamber comprising at least one opening to allow a portion of the liquid to enter into a basin of the pan, a heating element at least partially sumergeable in the liquid in the basin of the pan for evaporating the liquid, and a blowing burner to incinerate pollutants present in the evaporated liquid.

Abstract: Method for removing the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating a nuclear fuel pellet comprising uranium dioxide UO2, the method comprising the following successive steps: a) the polymer is pyrolysed in a reducing atmosphere; and b) the carbon residues obtained after the pyrolysis step (a) are selectively oxidized, the oxidation being carried out at temperature above 1000° C. in an atmosphere comprising carbon dioxide CO2. Such a method makes it possible to remove the epoxy and/or phenolic polymer encapsulating the pellet while avoiding or limiting the risk of radiological contamination by the formation of U3O8.

Abstract: Radioactive waste treatment method, includes: (a) loading waste into plasma shaft furnace by conveying waste by hermetic conveyor from automated storage into plasma shaft furnace, wherein conveying is loading is controlled; (b) pyrolizing waste; (c) oxidizing coke; (d) withdrawing pyrogas and slug from furnace; (e) afterburning pyrogas in combustion chamber at an afterburning temperature of 1200-1350° C.; (f) supplying air into combustion chamber at two levels during afterburning step: (1) prechamber pyrogas air supply level, and (2) an upper part of combustion chamber air supply level; and (g) quenching an off-gas to 200-250° C. with subsequent mechanical cleaning and absorption cleaning and further cooling. A radioactive waste treatment plant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that contains an open space. A waste feed system feeds inorganic and/or organic waste into the open space of the vessel. One or more pairs of electrodes are within the vessel and may be supported above a bottom of the vessel. The electrodes generate energy that heats the vessel's open space, and melts inorganic portions of the waste and gasifies and dissociates organic portions of the waste into elemental components. These elemental components may be reformed into a synthesis gas which may be conditioned and cleaned to recovery a non-hazardous product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a furnace adapted for burning solid materials, including biomass fuels. The furnace comprises an igniter having a heating element carried by a ceramic core and disposed within a ceramic cover tube for directing air at fuel disposed within the furnace for the purpose of igniting the fuel. Also disclosed is an igniter having a heating element carried by a ceramic core and disposed within a ceramic cover tube for directing air at fuel disposed within the furnace for the purpose of igniting the fuel.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel, and a plurality of plasma torches. Organic and/or inorganic waste may be introduced into the vessel, and the plasma torches may supply energy to treat the waste. The vessel is shaped to facilitate a cyclonic or substantially cyclonic flow of the contents within the vessel. The plasma torches may be positioned to enhance the cyclonic flow within the vessel.

Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma gasification of waste materials consisting of organic and inorganic portions is provided which includes a refractory-lined reactor vessel, a feeder mechanism, and a DC electrode device. The refractory-lined reactor vessel has a processing chamber formed therein. The feeder mechanism feeds continuously waste materials into the processing chamber at a controlled feed rate. The DC electrode device is used for heating the processing chamber to a sufficient temperature so as to convert the organic portions of the waste materials to a synthetic gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and to a carbon particulate, and to convert the inorganic portions of the waste materials to a molten material consisting of a lower metallic layer and a slag layer formed on top of the metallic layer.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for neutralizing fluid chemical waste products that result from a chemical production process and are collected from the production line. The invention comprises a pyrolysis/reaction chamber into which the fluid chemical waste is pumped through an atomizer. The jet of small droplets of liquid waste that is formed by the atomizer effectively contacts the plasma stream created by a plasma torch. When the droplets contact the plasma stream the molecules of the waste from which the droplets are composed are dissociated into atoms and/or ions. These atoms and ions move out of the immediate region of the plasma stream and recombine to form a mixture of product gases which exits the chamber. The product gases then enter a post-pyrolysis subsystem, which is designed to neutralize and/or collect the components comprising the mixture of product gases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cyclonic plasma pyrolysis/vitrification system pyrolyzing and vitrifying waste materials into exhaust gas and slag using a plasma torch. The plasma torch circulates the exhaust gas in a main reactor with a maximum circulating power by strong plasma jet, and makes flyashes contained in the circulating exhaust gas to be melted after being adsorbed at the inner walls or in the melted materials of waste at the bottom of the main reactor by a centrifugal force. Accordingly, discharge of flyashes containing toxic materials to the outside is prevented, and pyrolysis and gasification of the waste materials are induced by circulating the exhaust gas rapidly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feeding system which operates under an environment of negative pressure on feeding waste materials to prevent contaminant of a plasma furnace from leakage and so can be used in related industries of processing radioactive wastes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that improves the efficiency of waste processing in waste treatment systems utilizing a high temperature plasma as the a energy source by delivering pressurized oxygen to the waste products while the waste products are exposed to the high temperature plasma. Providing oxygen at a speed of at least fifty feet per second obtains more energy content in the syngas, less solid carbon particulate, and faster gasification rates, improving process economics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incinerating a medical waste material. The method includes introducing a volume of the medical waste material into a plasma zone of a non-thermal plasma generator. The method also includes introducing a volume of oxidizer into the plasma zone of the non-thermal plasma generator. The method also includes generating an electrical discharge between electrodes within the plasma zone of the non-thermal plasma generator to incinerate the medical waste material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waste disposing apparatus that, rather than using incineration, uses a system wherein heat is applied to a magnetic field generated by compounded granulated ores to promote the occurrence and activation of plasma, resulting in the maintenance of a high temperature in the disposing apparatus that is sufficient to subject to a high heat consumption disposing the waste placed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal destruction process for at least one organic or halogenated organic product in liquid, gaseous or powder form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waste gas treatment apparatus having a waste gas inlet for flowing a waste gas into a main combustion chamber provided in empty space inside a body, and a plasma torch configured to propagate flames against the waste gas flowing through the waste gas inlet. The apparatus comprises a steam injection nozzle configured to eject high temperature steam against the flames emitted through a nozzle of the plasma torch, and a reaction tube, extended longitudinally toward the bottom of the main combustion chamber into a tube shape, configured to perform the chemical reaction between a reaction accelerating compound and the waste gas induced by pressure of the nozzle of the plasma torch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma gasification of waste materials consisting of organic and inorganic portions is provided which includes a refractory-lined reactor vessel, a feeder mechanism, and a DC electrode device. The refractory-lined reactor vessel has a processing chamber formed therein. The feeder mechanism feeds continuously waste materials into the processing chamber at a controlled feed rate. The DC electrode device is used for heating the processing chamber to a sufficient temperature so as to convert the organic portions of the waste materials to a synthetic gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and to a carbon particulate, and to convert the inorganic portions of the waste materials to a molten material consisting of a lower metallic layer and a slag layer formed on top of the metallic layer.

Abstract: A waste processing apparatus for processing a column of waste in a processing chamber having one or more gas outlets at an upper part thereof and one or more plasma torches an output end thereof extending into a lower part of the chamber.

Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel, and a plurality of plasma torches. Organic and/or inorganic waste may be introduced into the vessel, and the plasma torches may supply energy to treat the waste. The vessel is shaped to facilitate a cyclonic or substantially cyclonic flow of the contents within the vessel. The plasma torches may be positioned to enhance the cyclonic flow within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste includes a vessel and DC and/or AC plasma torches with a variable flame mounted with the vessel. The flames generated by the torches can be adjusted depending on the characteristics of the waste being treated. Waste can be introduced into the vessel and heated with energy from the flame. The energy can melt or vitrify the inorganic portion of the waste and gasify and dissociate the organic portion of the waste. This dissociation can destroy the hazardous or toxic constituency of the waste.

Abstract: The invention is a transferred or non-transferred plasma arc torch for use in a fuel gas generator system for generating electricity from waste, wherein the torch includes a torch housing, electrodes (one in a transferred torch, two in a non-transferred torch), a tubular sleeve member, a coolant flow path, a vortex mechanism, and a power supply circuit connected to the rear and front electrodes that generates an arc that is adapted to extend axially from the rear electrode through the vortical flow of gas and to an attachment located on the bore of the front electrode, and wherein the electrodes are metal coated in order to protect from wear during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste includes a vessel and AC plasma torches with a variable flame mounted with the vessel. The flames generated by the torches can be adjusted depending on the characteristics of the waste being treated. Waste can be introduced into the vessel and heated with energy from the flame. The energy can melt or vitrify the inorganic portion of the waste and gasify and dissociate the organic portion of the waste. This dissociation can destroy the hazardous or toxic constituency of the waste.

Abstract: A portable miniature incinerator is described allowing easy disposal of household garbage for a single-family house or a small apartment building. The housing of the incinerator is mounted on a wheeled hand-truck assembly and contains an incineration block and a filtration block. The incineration block in turn comprises a furnace chamber equipped with an electric heater. The heater is adapted to bring the temperature of the air and therefore the temperature of the garbage up to the point of spontaneous combustion. During the process of heating up the garbage, it becomes dry as the fans of the device remove all water evaporation. Once ignited, the garbage is incinerated in the furnace chamber while all exhaust gases are directed to the filtration unit. The filtration unit has a first stage of filtration comprising a wire mesh separator submerged in water. Exhaust gases pass through the mesh separator and through the water so that the pollutants and exhaust particles are separated from the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A melter for the vitrification of waste, and method of using the melter, in the form of a disposal canister, wherein the melter is capable of filling multiple disposal canisters of waste and subsequently of being filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in like manner to that of a disposal canister. In the method of the invention, while waste is loaded into the melter, it is melted and then allowed to flow out of the melter and into a disposal container. The filled disposal container is then removed and and replaced with an empty disposal container. This is repeated until a fixed number of disposal containers are filled. Then, the melter is filled with vitrified waste and disposed of in the same manner as for a disposal canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to arc-heating plasma reactors for simultaneous making of refractory, metal and non-metal material melt and sublimates having a high degree of a melt viscosity and can be used in cement, chemical industries and metallurgy. The aim of the present invention is to provide the increase of a performance of a furnace lining, the serviceability, a furnace capacity, a finished product quality, the decrease of a power supply, making and separation of associated binding agents, non-ferrous metals in the form of melts and sublimates.

Abstract: The present invention is a waste incinerating method and a device for the method, characterized in that, using a combustion furnace (111) incorporating a high temperature resistant coil-shaped flue (117) and having flue heating means and a thermo sensor (128), while maintaining the temperature inside the flue at a high temperature by suppressing an air feed amount and a temperature of the heating means, exhaust smoke produced by the combustion of waste is passed through the flue for complete combustion to completely eliminate the exhaust smoke. Because any harmful substance such as dioxin is not exhausted, the method and device are suitable as the incinerating method and incinerating device for inflammable waste.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the pyrolysis and gasification of waste materials, in particular of special and/or hazardous waste materials, comprising a gasification and melting step, a step of treatment of the mixture of the obtained gases, and a vitrification step, wherein said steps provide for the following passages: a) the material to be treated, at a temperature comprised between 1300 and 1500° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to arc-heating plasma reactors for simultaneous making of refractory, metal and non-metal material melt and sublimates having a high degree of a melt viscosity and can be used in cement, chemical industries and metallurgy. The aim of the present invention is to provide the increase of a performance of a furnace lining, the serviceability, a furnace capacity, a finished product quality, the decrease of a power supply, making and separation of associated binding agents, non-ferrous metals in the form of melts and sublimates.

Abstract: One or more auxiliary plasma torches are provided to a waste processing plant at strategic locations within the chamber and directed towards the waste column. When a bridge forms within the chamber the auxiliary plasma torches may be operated such as to provide an additional heat source where needed, quickly heating the organic solids, which thus pass through the bituminsation and charcoal formation stages quickly. The additional heat source may be in the neighborhood of the bridge, but may also be near the bottom end of the chamber, in which case the additional temperature at the bottom of the chamber effectively moves the combustion and gasification zones for the charcoal to a higher part of the chamber, altering the temperature profile. The heat source also enables the inorganic wastes to be heated rapidly to pass beyond the melting stage relatively quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating the off-gas byproduct of a waste treatment system using a plasma torch. The off-gas of a graphite electrode plasma arc furnace includes carbon black or soot which must be removed. The plasma torch employs a carbon dioxide and oxygen mixture as a working gas to avoid the creation of nitrogen oxides and other toxic by-products. The plasma torch ionizes the working gas, resulting in the creation of carbon monoxide and reactive oxygen, which assists in eliminating carbon black/soot from the off-gas. Oxygen and steam are atomized and injected into the chamber housing the plasma torch system. A process control feedback system monitors the content of the output gas and controls the operation of the injectors and the plasma torch.

Abstract: A plurality of fluxing agent inlets are provided at the lower part of a waste processing chamber to enable the direct application of fluxing agents to deposited “unprocessed solids” and/or to liquid products of high viscosity therein. Means are provided for sensing the presence of such blockages in the lower part of the chamber and for providing the fluxing agents thereto to remove the blockage.

Abstract: In order to refine a method for electric heating of furnaces for heat treating metallic workpieces, especially vacuum furnaces usable for plasma carburizing or nitriding, in which the heater elements of a furnace are supplied with a heating voltage that is generated in the secondary circuit of a three phase transformer connected to the three phase power network such that a comparatively small reactive power component can be obtained in a simple and economical manner, it is proposed that the primary coil windings of the three phase transformer be switched in the delta connection during a first heating phase and in the star connection during a second heating phase, whereby the switchover time from the delta connection to the star connection is determined as a function of operating parameters characteristic for the heating process.

Abstract: A liquid waste feeding system having a liquid inlet to a plasma torch based waste processing chamber, disposed intermediate the primary plasma torch arrangement at the bottom end of the chamber and the top gas products outlet. the liquid inlet is positioned within the chamber such that liquid waste flowing from the inlet into the chamber is directed at a high temperature zone of waste column, and the liquid inlet is typically associated with a hot gas jet means. The hot gas jet means that provides the required high temperature zone may comprise one or more secondary plasma torches configured to provide hot gas jets into the liquid discharge zone of the inlet. Alternatively, the hot gas jet may be provided by the primary plasma torches, in which case the liquid inlet is disposed within a predetermined area close to and above at least one of the primary plasma torches.

Abstract: One or more auxiliary plasma torches are provided to a waste processing plant at strategic locations within the chamber and directed towards the waste column. When a bridge forms within the chamber the auxiliary plasma torches may be operated such as to provide an additional heat source where needed, quickly heating the organic solids, which thus pass through the bituminsation and charcoal formation stages quickly. The additional heat source may be in the neighborhood of the bridge, but may also be near the bottom end of the chamber, in which case the additional temperature at the bottom of the chamber effectively moves the combustion and gasification zones for the charcoal to a higher part of the chamber, altering the temperature profile. The heat source also enables the inorganic wastes to be heated rapidly to pass beyond the melting stage relatively quickly.

Abstract: A plurality of fluxing agent inlets are provided at the lower part of a waste processing chamber to enable the direct application of fluxing agents to deposited “unprocessed solids” and/or to liquid products of high viscosity therein. Means are provided for sensing the presence of such blockages in the lower part of the chamber and for providing the fluxing agents thereto to remove the blockage.

Abstract: A solid-waste conversion plant produces useful products and electrical energy in a closed system with zero emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. The plant is characterized by catalytic ionic-impact chambers having a pair of electrodes that establish an electric arc. The electric arc breaks down solid waste molecules into a plasma of atomic constituents which exothermically recombine into simple molecules upon leaving the plasma. A primary chamber converts carbon-based waste into solidifiable metal, sulfur and glassy slag extractable from the bottom of the chamber, and into gas containing CO, H2, and CH4. A second chamber contains high carbon waste input that is converted by the arc into incandescent coke, which converts CO2 and H2O in the gas from the first chamber into more CO, H2 and CH4, thereby forming a fuel gas. The fuel gas is combusted in gas turbine generators to produce electricity for operating the electric arcs, plus a sellable surplus.

Abstract: A reactor for gasifying and/or melting feed materials, the reactor including a charging section with a feed opening, through which the feed materials are charged to the reactor from above and a pyrolysis section which has an expanded cross section and is located below the charging section so that a discharge cone of the feed material can form. Gas supply devices, open into the pyrolysis section substantially at a level of the expanded cross section and through which hot gases can be fed to the discharge cone. A melting and superheating section is located below the pyrolysis section and has a narrowing cross section. Upper injection devices are arranged so that an energy-rich medium is supplyable to the melting and superheating section immediately below a level of the narrowing section. A reduction section is located below the melting and superheating section. The reduction section has gas exhaust devices through which excess gases are exhausted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating the off-gas byproduct of a waste treatment system using a plasma torch. The off-gas of a graphite electrode plasma arc furnace includes carbon black or soot which must be removed. The plasma torch employs a carbon dioxide and oxygen mixture as a working gas to avoid the creation of nitrogen oxides and other toxic by-products. The plasma torch ionizes the working gas, resulting in the creation of carbon monoxide and reactive oxygen, which assists in eliminating carbon black/soot from the off-gas. Oxygen and steam are atomized and injected into the chamber housing the plasma torch system. A process control feedback system monitors the content of the output gas and controls the operation of the injectors and the plasma torch.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for decontaminating a contaminated hollow metal needle having electrical wires attached to the needle which heat cleaning fluid dispensed into the needle.