Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an economical system for the pyrolysis of municipal solid waste to recover valuable by-products while reducing the putrefaction and bulk of the residue requiring disposal. Prior to this treatment, the solid waste has been processed to remove most of the metallic components, and shredded, which steps are not part of the invention disclosed. The pyrolysis and by-product recovery technology is complicated by (a) the inherent variability of the chemical and physical characteristics of the shredded solid waste as received at the pyrolysis plant and (b) the relatively low heat value of said waste as thus received.

Abstract: A vibration bed (1) is assembled together of a plurality of rigidly connected frames (2) extending in the feed direction (A) of the material to be burned. The frames have projecting sides (10) extending downwardly and in the feed direction. Two effectively synchronously driven vibration generator arrays (12, 13) are located on the downwardly extending projection or extensions, each one of the arrays (12, 13) has a plurality of axially serially arranged vibrators (7); preferably, every other frame has a vibrator associated therewith, and the number of frames is odd, the vibrators of one group being connected by a continuous shaft, energized by a drive from the axial ends.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus utilizing an auger having an integral air supply system. The apparatus includes a cylindrical combustion chamber containing a rotatable auger. Waste is delivered to one end of the combustion chamber and is conveyed through the chamber by the auger, and ash and the non-combustible residue is discharged from the opposite end while the waste gases are discharged through a cyclone separator to remove fly ash. The auger is composed of a tubular shaft and a hollow spiral flight. Air is introduced into the downstream end of the shaft and flows through the hollow flight and exits through outlet holes in the flight into the combustion chamber. A portion of the air is introduced into the mass of waste being conveyed by the auger to provide primary air for combustion, while a second portion of the air is discharged from the flight into the upper zone of the combustion chamber above the level of the waste, to provide secondary combustion of the waste gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for incineration of combustible material including the processing of sewage sludge from wastewater treating plants and the initial activation and regeneration of activated carbon granules or powder used for adsorption in wastewater treatment and the like. The method is carried out by supporting the combustible material in an enclosure, directing infrared radiation on the material, and controlling the atmosphere in the enclosure around the material for purposes of controlling the oxidation process initiated by the heat from the infrared radiation. In a more specific form the method includes a step of counter-flowing combustion gases over the combustible material to supplement the infrared heat. The combustion chamber of the enclosure is operated at a slight vacuum to minimize escape of noxious odors. In practicing the method with sewage sludge, the sludge is first pre-dried and fragmented before introducing it into the enclosure.

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 method and apparatus for incinerating combustible materials wherein the movement of the material particles is controlled as they are moved over an arrangement of grate sections during combustion in relation to particle density so that less dense particles travel faster than more dense particles to provide for increased combustion efficiency. The grate sections are arranged in adjacent groups and in an alined, downstepped succession. Each grate section has a downwardly inclined, upper support surface and a reciprocating pusher block is moved an adjustable distance over an inlet end portion of the upper support surface of each pusher block to impart moving forces through the material in a pushing stroke that is substantially shorter than the full travel distance of the material along the associated grate section.

Abstract: A solid fuel burner utilizing at least two stacked chambers one of which contains a combustion bed for the solid fuel burning process. A second chamber below the first bed containing chamber serves to combust volatile gases unburned in the first chamber with the aid of an oxidizing rejector.

Abstract: The discharge end portion of a sewage delivery tube is surrounded by the input end portion of a conveyor pipe. A long, flat strip of consumable filter material is inserted through the annular space between them and into the conveyor pipe. Prior to this insertion, however, the filter strip is shaped and fastened into the form of a closed tube. The conveyor pipe discharges into an incinerator equipped with means for breaking the sewage sludge into burnable droplets. The conveyor pipe is supported over a liquid-collecting funnel and is perforated in the portion thereof that is over the funnel. A vibrator attached to the conveyor pipe oscillates it longitudinally; and ratchet teeth inside the conveyor pipe are oriented to cooperate with the vibrator to urge the filter-encased sludge toward the incinerator.