Abstract: An in-bed staged fluidized bed combustion apparatus includes a reactor vessel having a grate for supporting a bed of sorbent and fuel in the vessel. The sorbent and fuel form a dense phase bed region. Fluidizing fluid for the combustion of the fuel is provided to the vessel through first and second delivery conduits. The first conduit delivers air to the bottom of the vessel. That air flows up through openings in the grate and mixes with the fuel and sorbent to support combustion. The second delivery conduit includes a distribution manifold and an array of spaced tubes that deliver secondary fluidzing air evenly across the reactor vessel at an intermediate point in the dense bed phase region. At least 55% of the combustion air is delivered through the second conduit. Accordingly, the dense bed phase region has a reducing zone formed in a lower portion thereof and an oxidizing zone formed in an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: A process for combustion of hydrocarbonaceous materials containing high levels of sulfur, fuel-bound nitrogen and low levels of ash which inhibits the emissions of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, reduces solid waste disposal, and produces useable by-products. In the first step of the process, the hydrocarbonaceous material is burned in a fluidized bed into which a calcium based sorbent is introduced, producing a mixture of gaseous products of combustion and particulate matter, ash and calcium containing solids. In a second step of the process, the mixture of gaseous products of combustion and particulate matter is completely burned in a cyclonic combustion reactor. In a third step of the process, the ash and calcium-containing solids generated in the fluidized bed are withdrawn from the fluidized bed, cooled and contacted with steam in a regenerator producing calcium hydroxide, ash and unspent sorbent which are recycled to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: In this process for the selective noncatalytic reduction of the emission of pollutants from oil-fired boiler plants, chemical compounds which affect the combustion process are admixed, in solutions miscible with the liquid fuel, in metered amounts to the liquid fuel or to the combustion air, among these compounds being salts of organic acids, such as naphthenates, octoates, tallates, salts of sulfonic acids, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, and tall oil, with metals from the group of K, Ba, Mg, Ca, Ce, Mn, Fe; rare earth metals; organometallic compounds, such as carbonyl compounds, mixed cyclopentadienylcarbonyl compounds, or aromatic complexes of the transition metals Fe or Mn. For the purpose of minimizing the NO.sub.

Abstract: Formation of toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and other chlorinated compounds by catalytic reactions on flyash produced in the process of solid waste incineration is a universal phenomenon. By providing inhibitors which adsorb on the flyash prior to catalytic reaction initiation to suppress catalytic reactions on the flyash, in the postcombustion zone of the incinerator, or by spraying the inhibitors on the solid wastes prior to incineration, has resulted in a decrease in dioxins and other chlorinated compounds on the flyash and in the stack emissions. Introduction of inorganic and organic basic compounds on solid waste or between combustion and precipitation regions of the incinerator also decreases acid gases in the stack emissions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a catalyst for the fluid bed incineration of a combustible hydrocarbon feedstock. The process comprises contacting the feedstock with a mixture of a fluidized heat transfer media and a combustion promoter catalyst, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas stream in excess of that required for complete combustion of the carbon monoxide formed, at feedstock combustion conditions. The combustion promoter catalyst consists essentially of particulate with a particle size of greater than 100 microns and includes a promoter metal present in an amount to provide a substantially carbon monoxide-free flue gas.

Abstract: The flue gases formed in the combustion chamber of the incinerator furnace, after they have reached a temperature of about 450.degree. C., are brought to a temperature of 200.degree.-250.degree. C. by shock-type cooling. Before this shock-cooling (quenching), heat recovery from the flue gases is carried out in a high-temperature stage from 1000.degree.-1200.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C. and, after the shock-cooling, in a low-temperature stage from 200.degree.-250.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. As a result, a de novo synthesis is avoided in which dioxins and furans are formed from the components of the flue gases and the fly ash.

Abstract: Harmful constituents are removed from non-combustible solid waste, such as incinerator ash, by continuously feeding a mixture of the solid waste and a combustible excitation material into a reaction chamber, igniting the mix in said chamber and causing it to react in the presence of oxygen until the heat of the reaction causes the solid waste material to become a molten slag and the temperature within the chamber above the molten slag is high enough to destroy substantially all of the harmful constituents in the gaseous effluent released by the formation of the molten slag. The excess molten slag is conducted from the reaction chamber. The effluent is conducted from the reaction chamber into a second chamber where it is rapidly cooled to cause particulate material to precipitate out of the effluent. The effluent is thereafter treated to remove substantially all of the remaining particulate and harmful gases to achieve acceptable environmental quality. The thus treated effluent is released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A circulating fluid bed combustion (CFBC) unit, which burns a carbon and nitrogen containing fuel to produce heat and flue gas comprising NO.sub.x, operates with reduced emissions of NO.sub.x from the flue gas by adding to the circulating fluid bed a catalytically effective amount of a DeNO.sub.x catalyst, such as bismuth oxide on a silica/alumina support. The DeNO.sub.x catalyst may circulate freely with the circulating inventory of particulates in the CFB, or can be disposed on a heavier particle which "slips" and has an extended residence time in the combustion zone where the carbonaceous fuel is burned. A CO combustion promoter, such as Pt on silica/alumina may also be present.

Abstract: An improved system for treating waste material in a molten state wherein the waste material in the form of finely pulverized combustible waste material including incombustible material, e.g., pulverized coal, dried sludge derived from sewerage or the like is burnt in a primary combustion furnace and then burnt in a secondary combustion furnace, the incombustible material is molten to form a flow of molten slag and the resultant molten slag is taken to the outside of the system is disclosed. Floatable dust in the combustion waste gas is collected and agglomerated in the atmosphere of a swirling flow having a high temperature enough to keep the incombustible material in a molten state, whereby a flow of molten slag is produced and then it is cooled so as to allow it to be discharged to the outside of the system. The molten slag may flow back by its own gravity weight to the combustion furnace against a counterflow of the waste gas.

Abstract: A system for disposing of sludge by using the sludge as a primary source of fuel for its disposition by combustion thereof in which a mass of liquified sludge is processed to reduce the solids to a predetermined size for use as the fuel and concurrently separating a substantial portion of the contained liquid, delivering the processed solids and liquids to a combustor for converting the solids to ash and converting the liquids to vapor, introducing ambient air to the combustor to support combustion of the solids while employing a portion of the ambient air to the combustor for removing the vapor at a temperature below the temperature at which the solids are reduced to ash, utilizing a portion of the vapor removed from the combustor to initiate vaporization of the liquid in the mass of liquified sludge being processed initially, using a part of the removed vapor to enter into a heat exchange relationship with the ambient air prior to its being admitted to the combustor, and releasing excess vapor to the ambien

Abstract: The generation of clinker ash from exhaust gas dust in a boiler, furnace or the like which employs dust coal as a fuel can be controlled with excellent results by adding to a fuel at least one iron compound in a relatively small amount, and, preferably, at least one compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Mn, Co, Ni and Cr, and, preferably, at least one compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal and an alkaline earth metal, in the form of an aqueous solution or a water slurry in which the particles are capable of passing through a 100-mesh screen.

Abstract: A process for improving combustion efficiency in a coal-fired furnace comprising injecting an additive composition comprising a ferrocene compound or its derivatives and an organic carrier liquid in which the ferrocene or its derivatives is soluble, has a high flash point and is an injectable liquid at operating temperatures wherein the quantity of air introduced to the furnace is reduced to low NO.sub.x emissions with minimal increase in soot emissions.

Abstract: A method of incinerating all kinds of wastes such as municipal waste, waste plastics, industrial waste, various kinds of waste slurries and waste liquid, etc. or fuels such as coal, oil cokes and bark, etc. using a fluidized bed type incinerator which employs a granular material as a fluidizing medium, said granular material comprising TiO.sub.2 or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, particularly anatase-type TiO.sub.2 or .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as the primary component thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of melting point enhancers to control slag build-up in garbage, medical waste and sludge incinerators. It is directed to a method of modifying the nature of low melting non-combustible components of garbage, medical waste and sludge by the addition of very high melting point metallic compounds so as to render the low melting point materials non adherent or less adherent and easier to remove from furnace surfaces.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing expanded shale aggregate using dewatered digested sewerage sludge as the bloating agent for the shale and using high-lime blast furnace slag as the fluxing agent to lower the melting temperature of the mix and also using refuse derived fuel as the main fuel in the kiln.

Abstract: Halogenated hydrocarbons are reacted in a reactor at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C. with greater-than-stoichiometric amounts of calcium and/or magnesium silicates in a reactor for the chemical-thermal degradation of the halogenated hydrocarbons. Neither dioxins nor furans are formed in the waste gas in this process.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds released during combustion of sulfur-containing fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a mixture of sulfur containing particulate fuel and a sulfur absorbent, such as calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, lime, limestone, dolomite, or mixtures thereof; (b) exposing the mixture to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 1500.degree. F., so as to convert at least a portion of the particulate fuel into a gaseous portion and a solid, char portion; and (c) combusting the char portion, thereby forming an ash containing sulfur fixed therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus whereby radioactive waste can be treated such as produced from within a nuclear power plant comprising the steps whereby waste is admitted to a dual 90 degree conveyor system, the latter of which transfers waste to an incinerator, burns the waste to ashes, transfers via vacuum the ashes for compaction, filters the exhaust particulate prior to dispensation to the atmosphere and provides a curie content accounting of each package.

Abstract: Addition of a readily fluidizable, 100-400 micron average diameter particular CO combustion promoter to a circulating fluid bed (CFB) combustion unit improves the efficiency of CO burning, reduces emissions of CO and improves the efficiency of the unit.

Abstract: Addition of a readily fluidizable, but fast settling, 400-1200 micron average diameter particulate CO combustion promoter to a circulating fluid bed (CFB) combustion unit improves the efficiency of CO burning, reduces emissions of CO and improves the efficiency of the unit. The CO combustion promoter accumulates in, or just above, in the fast fluidized bed combustion zone of the CFB.

Abstract: A method for improving utilization of sulphur-absorbent containing calcium, in a power plant burning fuel in a fluidized bed (12) of particulate material in a combustion chamber (11). When fresh absorbent is prepared it is crushed and the crushed material is subsequently divided into a fine and a coarse fraction. The fine fraction is calcinated, mixed with crushed coal (41) and used as drying agent. The invention also relates to a power plant having equipment (28) for calcinating a fine-particled fraction of fresh sulphur-absorbent, and also equipment for mixing coal (41) and the calcinated absorbent and equipment (46, 48) for feeding the mixture of absorbent and coal into the bed. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A method for thermal decomposition treatment of a radioactive waste uses an apparatus comprising a container for holding molten matter of a radioactive waste containing a sodium compound, a pair of electrodes contacting the molten matter, and a power source for applying voltage between the electrodes while changing the polarity thereof every several tens of seconds. In this apparatus, the molten matter can be heated in the container by Joule heat, which is evolved by electric current directly flowed through the molten matter, so that the sodium compound contained in the radioactive waste can be decomposed, vaporized and removed to recover a stabilized radioactive solid as a residue in the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reduction of oxidized sulfur compound (SOX) emissions produced during combustion of sulfur (S)-containing combustible compounds. More particularly, this invention provides a method for reducing such emissions wherein the combustible compound is mixed with an admixture of a water soluble and a water insoluble sulfur sorbent. Use of such admixtures, remarkably, produces a reduction in the SOX level far greater than would be expected based on the activity of each sorbent alone. Extremely viscous hydrocarbons can be burned as preatomized fuels, which can also be mixed with sorbent admixtures. Clean burning fuels comprising sulfur-containing combustible compounds and sorbent admixtures are also provided.

Abstract: Household garbage, municipal waste, clarifier sludge and mixtures thereof continuously derived during summer months, for example, can be continuously mixed with a high volatiles coal and the resulting mixtures subjected to degasification at a temperature of up to 650.degree. C., preferably around 600.degree. C. to produce a coke-like pyrolysis product which can be stored sanitarily and burned during winter months in a fluidized bed or other power plant boiler.

Abstract: An improved method for removing nitrogen oxides from concentrated waste gas streams, in which nitrogen oxides are ignited with a carbonaceous material in the presence of substoichiometric quantities of a primary oxidant, such as air. Additionally, reductants may be ignited along with the nitrogen oxides, carbonaceous material and primary oxidant to achieve greater reduction of nitrogen oxides. A scrubber and regeneration system may also be included to generate a concentrated stream of nitrogen oxides from flue gases for reduction using this method.

Abstract: A method for improving utilization of sulphur-absorbent when burning fuel in a fluidized bed of particulate material includes withdrawing partially consumed bed material from the ash chamber of the bed vessel and returning to the combustion chamber of the bed by means of pneumatic transportion using steam as propellant. The steam constitutes a reactant which effects disintegration of the bed-material particles. A power plant burning a fuel in a fluidized bed of particulate material comprises a bed vessel having an air distributor with nozzles for supplying air to a combustion chamber to effect fluidization of the bed and combustion of a fuel. An ash chamber is provided below the air distributor for removal of ash and bed material, and transport means for withdrawing partially consumed bed material from the ash chamber, treating this bed material with steam and returning the steam-treated bed material to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Virtually complete bonding of salt-forming agents to solids during the combustion of fossil fuels, waste or the like by adding basic solids, in particular CaCO.sub.3 or MgCO.sub.3, can be achieved by the following process steps:the moisture content of the fossil fuels, the waste or the like is adjusted to 10 to 35% by weight;the basic substances are added to the fossil fuels, the waste or the like in the most uniform distribution possible, the stoichiometric ratio of basic substances to salt-forming agents being less than 5:1;after the basic substances have been added, the fossil fuels, waste or the like remain in an essentially sealed container, so that a state of water vapor saturation is obtained;the mixture is then burnt at a fuel bed temperature below the thermal dissociation temperature of the compounds resulting from the basic substances and the halogens.

Abstract: A solidifying agent comprising slag dust from the refining of metals, silicates, water-soluble, high molecular weight compounds, metal salts of an organic acid and calcium carbonate. The solidifying agent is useful for solidifying liquid organic halogenides into solid composites containing organic halogenides. The organic halogenides are disposed of by a burning method which comprises converting the organic halogenides to vapors and disposing the organic halogenides by burning the vapors.

Abstract: A process for combusting sulfur and nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials in a two stage combustion process wherein sulfur and nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials and sulfur fixation agent particulates are introduced into a first combustion stage single fluidized bed having a density/size selective solids withdrawal conduit. The carbonaceous materials are combusted in the fluidized bed under substoichiometric oxygen conditions at temperatures of about 1600.degree. to about 2000.degree. F. producing ash and reducing gases forming a reducing region in a major portion of the single fluidized bed, the reducing gases comprising gaseous sulfur compounds. In a reducing region of the fluidized bed, the gaseous sulfur compounds are reacted with oxides of the sulfur fixation agent forming an intermediate solid metallic sulfur compound and nitrogen contained in the carbonaceous materials is converted to molecular nitrogen.

Abstract: Radioactive combustible waste can be processed with hot concentrated sulfuric acid and the resulting residue material immobilized in glass with retention of volatile radio-ruthenium, if present. In addition, the process features minimal material handling. The process combines a sulfuric acid digestion treatment of waste with a drying, desulfation, and glassification of the resulting acid residue into a non-dispersible solid of reduced volume. An optional ceramic product can be made without desulfation of the residue.

Abstract: The pH of low level radioactive waste liquid is adjusted to be substantially neutral and the liquid is passed to apparatus comprising an atomizer (11) having a turbine (15), air being heated by an electric heater (16) to the atomizer (11) to provide low level radioactive waste particles which may be encapsulated, e.g. in a resin. The apparatus may be transportable, and is claimed per se.

Abstract: High-temperature, attrition resistant, oxidation catalysts are disclosed. These catalysts are represented by the formula AMO.sub.w [(DO.sub.x)(EO.sub.y)a]z wherein A is an alkali or alkaline earth metal; M is V, Cr, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or a mixture of two or more thereof; D is Zr, Ti, Hf, Ce, Th, Pr, Nb, Ta, W, Re or a mixture of two or more thereof; E is Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Yb, Sm, Gd, Nd, Sc, V, Bi, Ce, Pr, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu or a mixture of two or more thereof; a is a number in the range of zero up to about 0.2; w is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirement of AM; x is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of D; y is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of E; and z is a number in the range of about 10 to about 100. The invention further provides for the use of such catalysts in processes involving the combustion of organic materials (e.g., carbonaceous fuels, organic waste materials, etc.

Abstract: The deactivation of a denitrating catalyst that is caused by exhaust gas dust in a boiler, a furnace or the like which employs a fossil fuel, particularly pulverized coal, can be controlled with excellent results by adding to a fuel at a mill installed in a coal fuel line or at a point upstream of the mill at least one iron compound in a small amount in the form of an aqueous solution, or a powder or water slurry containing coal particles, or in case of employing pulverized coal or heavy oil as a fuel by adding a mixture of an iron compound, a vanadium compound and a tungsten compound, said mixture being in the form of powder, a water slurry or an oil slurry of powder, or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing and accelerating hydrogen dissociation in a cloud generated from feedstock fed into a chamber defined by the apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a device for thermally stimulating the feedstock to generate the cloud, a device for localizing the cloud within the chamber, a device for electrically stimulating the localized cloud, and a device for photonically stimulating the localized cloud. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Method of supplying ammonia gas to boilers having at least two fluidized beds one above the other for reducing the content of nitrogen oxides in the flue gas wherein the ammonia gas is intermixed with secondary air or tertiary air before said air intermixed with flue gas from the lower fluidized bed is supplied to the upper fluidized bed or the upper fluidized beds, respectively, for fluidization equally distributed over the area of the bed or beds, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of thermally decomposing wastes laden typically with organic solvents, other organic liquids and soluble organic materials, by first extracting such wastes in a pressure vessel using a fluid extractant in which the organics are soluble, thereby producing a fluid extract of the organics in the extractant fluid and a non-extracted residue of reduced BTU/lb value. The extractant fluid, typically propane, is preferably a gas at ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure but in the pressure vessel means is held to conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to render the extractant fluid a solvent for the organics. Means are provided for separating the residue from the organics extracted from the waste material, and the residue is burned typically in a solids incinerator. The fluid extract is separated into an extracted organics fraction and an extractant fraction, the latter being recycled for use in the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rendering coal more suitable for combustion in systems having electrostatic precipitators for removal of particulates from effluent combustion gas streams, which comprises contacting the coal with an aqueous solution of a sodium compound for a time sufficient to permit the sodium in said solution to react with the coal.

Abstract: The pH of low level radioactive waste liquid is adjusted to be substantially neutral and the liquid is passed to apparatus comprising an atomizer (11) having a turbine (15), air being heated by an electric heater (16) to the atomizer (11) to provide low level radioactive waste particles which may be encapsulated, e.g. in a resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the solvent extraction of polychlorinated organic compounds from porous materials. Specifically, the present invention describes a process for the use of a solvent extraction of polychlorinated organic compounds, such as hexachloroethane, hexachlorobutadiene and hexachlorobenzene from porous materials, such as a vinyl ester resin. When the level of hexachlorinated organic compounds is reduced to a level of 7 ppm or below, the porous material may be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner such as by incineration or by landfill.

Abstract: The present invention improves flame combustion of liquid carbonaceous fuels by the preparation and use of a fuel additive comprising a finely-divided particulate hydrated compound in stable suspension in a liquid vehicle. The median major dimension of the primary particles of hydrated compound is preferably less than 10 microns. When employed at a level of from about 200 to about 5000 parts per million, the additive can improve the efficiency of combustion and reduce particulate emissions for flame combustion of liquid carbonaceous fuels, especially residual grades of fuel oil.

Abstract: Fluctuating prices and conservation of oil demand substitution of coal therefor, but coal as currently used, produces unacceptable amounts of nitrogen oxides. The problem arises from the inherently poor combustion characteristics of such pulverized solid fuels, the long combustion time intervals required, and the great amounts of excess combustion air required to complete combustion. The methods of the present invention minimize the formation of nitrogen oxides by modifying or adding several steps in the combustion process. Heating the coal to evacuate the pores and capillary openings in the coal structure prepares it for suffusion and storage in an inert atmosphere of carbon dioxide to prevent partial oxidation of coal constituents and adsorption or permeation of nitrogen from the air. Many advantages are gained by replacing carbon dioxide in the pores and capillary openings with methanol.

Abstract: Ion exchange resin wastes are prepared for disposal by dewatering and/or dehydrating the resins, sealing the pores and recovering the ion exchange resins having radioactive waste products trapped within the sealed pores.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous fuel containing up to 10% wt of calcium compounds and 0.1 to 5% wt of added iron added as oxide, carbonate or elemental iron or as substantially halogen and sulphate-free iron-containing substances forming iron oxide or carbonate under furnace conditions. The additives act synergistically to reduce NO.sub.x.

Abstract: Radioactive organic wastes, such as granular or powdered ion exchange resins and organic filter aids, are treated by oxidation decomposition using hydrogen peroxide in the presence of iron ions in an aqueous medium under refluxing an effluent which is condensed from evaporated components during the oxidation. Condensed water containing a very small amount of organic matter is obtained.

Abstract: An improved process for converting hydrocarbons using a catalyst which is periodically regenerated to remove carbonaceous deposits, the catalyst being comprised of a mixture containing, as a major component, solid particles capable of promoting hydrocarbon conversion at hydrocarbon conversion conditions, and, as a minor component, discrete entities comprising at least one spinel, preferably alkaline earth metal-containing spinel, and a minor amount of at least one added component selected from the group consisting of alkali metal components, calcium components, barium components, strontium components, beryllium components and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of disposing of acid-dissolvable materials (e.g., rags) which, optionally, are impregnated with a waste material (e.g., solvents, oils, paints, and the like) is described. The first step of the procedure involves the dissolving of the acid-dissolvable materials in a strong mineral acid to form an acid solution comprising the dissolved material, and, optionally, waste which has been impregnated thereon. This acid solution is then fed to the incinerator for incineration, preferably to the incinerator of an acid regeneration plant.

Abstract: There is needed a process and an apparatus for the pyrolytic decomposition of halogen and/or phosphorus containing organic materials, particularly those which are radioactive, in which no corrosive secondary products, minimal amounts of waste gas, small amounts of dust and conditionable active solid waste form. This is accomplished by mixing the materials in an over stoichiometric ratio with basis compounds and introducing them from above in the form of a suspension into a fixed bed reactor which is charged with mechanically agitated substantially spherical ceramic structures.

Abstract: A method of batchwise oxidatively reducing radioactive wastes mainly composed of various combustible or poorly combustible organic compounds or the mixtures thereof and containing a small amount of inorganic substances. The oxidative decomposition is carried out in an aqueous solution containing a fusion-preventive agent and a catalyst. The process allows radioactive waste to be oxidatively decomposed effectively and safely while requiring low amounts of energy thereby permitting the volume of the final wastes to be discharged and stored after the oxidative decomposition to be minimized.

Abstract: A method for destroying organic explosives, such as RDX and HMX, by hydroolysis comprises contacting liquors containing waste explosive, produced in the manufacture and processing of the explosives, with hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, such as nickel-on-kieselguhr, for a sufficient period to destroy the explosives. The method is simple and economic and destroys the explosives, which are considered to be toxic, hazardous and non-biodegradable in soil and hence are not amenable to landfill or discharge into rivers etc., thereby eliminating or reducing the attendant pollution problems to acceptable levels.

Abstract: Radioactive wastes are treated in a furnace which has electrodes for electric heating. The furnace has at the lower end an outlet for slag material as well as a gas discharge line. Its well is a self-supporting tubular body which is arranged detachably in a metal furnace housing. At the upper end of the well is a line for feeding water. Thereby, carbon-containing waste, possibly also carbon of a carbon bed, is reacted to form water gas (CO+H.sub.2), which is burned after purification in an exhaust gas plant. The outlet of the metal housing has a movable grate.