Abstract: The present invention provides tunable waste conversion systems and apparatus which have the advantage of highly robust operation and which provide complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The systems provide the capability for highly efficient conversion of waste into high quality combustible gas and for high efficiency conversion of the gas into electricity by utilizing a high efficiency gas turbine or an internal combustion engine. The solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for efficiently processing material, e.g. incinerating waste material, particularly dewatered waste water sludge, in a multiple hearth furnace by injecting high velocity jets of oxygen into the heating or drying zone of the furnace to augment turbulent gas-phase mixing, to aid in the burnout of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the gas phase to achieve lower emissions, to increase convection over the drying sludge to increase its drying rate, and to ignite the drying sludge to further increase its drying rate. The apparatus and method provides an increase in sludge throughput and a reduction in carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbon emissions.

Abstract: Waste material is conveyed in an uncomminuted state on a grate (5) through a combustion chamber (12) of a stationary furnace (10) and at the same time mixed by a thrust and shearing action of the grate (5). A gaseous oxidizing agent is introduced, for example via gas lances, into the combustion chamber (12) from above the layer of waste material (11) lying on the grate (5). The oxidizing agent cooperates with the combustible volatile substances escaping from the waste to form flames. The layer of waste is heated by the thermal radiation of the flames such that degasification occurs. The combustible gases thus freed are partially burnt. The waste material freed from the volatile substances, that is to say refuse coke, and the unburnt volatile substances, that is to say combustible gases, can be used as fuels outside the plant or within the plant. The oxidizing agent does not come into contact with the thermally stressed parts of the plant.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous heating and melting of a solid mixed waste bearing radioactive and hazardous materials to form separate metallic, slag and gaseous phases for producing compact forms of the waste material to facilitate disposal includes a copper split water-cooled (cold) crucible as a reaction vessel for receiving the waste material. The waste material is heated by means of the combination of a plasma torch directed into the open upper portion of the cold crucible and an electromagnetic flux produced by induction coils disposed about the crucible which is transparent to electromagnetic fields. A metallic phase of the waste material is formed in a lower portion of the crucible and is removed in the form of a compact ingot suitable for recycling and further processing. A glass-like, non-metallic slag phase containing radioactive elements is also formed in the crucible and flows out of the open upper portion of the crucible into a slag ingot mold for disposal.

Abstract: In an improved method of treating foul water, the solids that are produced during the process of treatment of foul water such as wastewater or liquid sludges are treated with a heat treatment apparatus and the resulting thermal energy and/or gas is utilized in the treatment of said foul water. The foul water may be subjected, directly and/or after a treatment, to a filtration step using a filter packed with nonflammable particulate matter such as sand, and the trapped solids are fed into a fluidized-bed heat treatment apparatus such as a fluidized-bed incinerator or gasification furnace and, thereafter, the nonflammable particulate matter in the heat treatment apparatus is returned to the filtration step. The foul water can be treated with effective utilization of the energy of the organic matter in the foul water or the solids that are produced during the process of its treatment.

Abstract: Undermelted waste plastics which have not been completely melted from the exterior of a thermal cracking vessel is introduced into a container provided in an upper position within said thermal cracking vessel and having a net-like opening, allowing the plastics to melt within said container, allowing the resulting plastic melt to drop into the thermal cracking vessel through said net-like opening, the plastic melt is thermally cracked within the thermal cracking vessel.

Abstract: A method for recovering energy from waste, which includes: a first waste trituration step; fermentation of the waste in the presence of air. The method allows to recover the energy produced by waste combustion with an efficiency that is at least 50% higher than methods used so far.

Abstract: A method and system for continuous incineration of solid waste, directed to reducing formation of pathogens (such as dioxins) during incineration by inducing rapid combustion in an oxygen-rich environment. Waste may be shredded first. Waste is then dispersed widely across a first combustion chamber in which it undergoes incineration into ash and gas. Alternative embodiments for continuous removal of hot ash are disclosed. Gas is encouraged to travel a spiral path into a second combustion chamber, in which further incineration occurs. Gas travels through the second combustion chamber also in a spiral path, and is cooled in a quench tube. An evacuator means, advantageously a large fan, draws air through the system continuously during combustion, encouraging flow of waste through the system and replenishing oxygen available for rapid combustion.

Abstract: When scrap tires containing metal wire are incinerated in the scrap tire combustion furnace at a temperature of 400.degree. to 950.degree. C. in the presence of oxygen, CO.sub.2 and water vapor is implemented, waste flons soaked into cloths, for example, are loaded together with scrap tires into the furnace. In this method, waste flons can be decomposed nearly 100%, under the reactions of hydrocarbons as well as a slight amount of sulfur which are both generated when the scrap tires burns.

Abstract: A centrifugal plasma arc furnace is used to vitrify contaminated soils and other waste materials. An assessment of the characteristics of the waste is performed prior to introducing the waste into the furnace. Based on the assessment, a predetermined amount of iron is added to each batch of waste. The waste is melted in an oxidizing atmosphere into a slag. The added iron is oxidized into Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4. Time of exposure to oxygen is controlled so that the iron does not oxidize into Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. Slag in the furnace remains relatively non-viscous and consequently it pours out of the furnace readily. Cooled and solidified slag produced by the furnace is very resistant to groundwater leaching. The slag can be safely buried in the earth without fear of contaminating groundwater.

Abstract: A method for processing waste includes low-temperature carbonizing one portion of the waste creating low-temperature carbonization gas and low-temperature carbonization residue. A carbon-rich fraction is separated off from the low-temperature carbonization residue. At least some of the carbon-rich fraction of the low-temperature carbonization residue is supplied as fuel for a support flame for burning another portion of the waste. A plant for processing waste includes a revolving tubular kiln in which a burner is disposed. A low-temperature carbonization drum has an outlet side communicating with a low-temperature carbonization gas line and a separator device for solid low-temperature carbonization residue. A line carries a carbon-rich fraction of the low-temperature carbonization residue from the separator device to the burner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for environmentally sound usage of combustible solid waste in operating rotary cement kilns. A cement kiln is modified to contain a port in the rotary cylinder for delivery of combustible solid waste into the kiln for burning in contact with calcining mineral material. The port is provided with a closure and means for moving the closure between a port-opened and port-closed position at predetermined times during rotation of the kiln cylinder. The invention allows efficient use of solid waste as supplemental fuel in the cement manufacturing process.

Abstract: An oxygen-enriched gas burner and method of operation thereof for incinerating and/or melting and/or vitrifying and/or performing thermal treatment and/or oxidizing ground/liquid waste materials and particularly, but not exclusively, contaminated waste materials. The burner comprises a body having annular chambers and defining an injection nozzle which is adjustable whereby to adjust the configuration of a flame and wherein the nozzle is provided, at the center thereof with an axial feed port through which the grounded solid/liquid waste material is injected within the flame. The waste material is fed axially within the flame under control pressure with the waste feed and flame configuration being adjusted independently from one another whereby the waste material is substantially incinerated without substantially affecting the combustion of the gas which would otherwise produce undesirable carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Discarded rubber tires for reclamation and recovery of the constituents therein and/or environmentally safe disposal are transferred from a pan feeder system into a hopper and transferred by an auger into a pyrolysis chamber. The pan feeder system excludes air or oxygen from passing through the hopper and auger into the pyrolysis chamber. Tire pieces from the pan feeder system are transferred by an auger through the pyrolysis chamber which is heated to a temperature between 350.degree. and 650.degree. F. The pyrolysis chamber includes a vapor recovery system for removing the vapors and maintaining a vacuum in the pyrolysis chamber. The vapors are withdrawn through a heat exchanger and into a liquid/gas separator where the condensed liquids are removed and the gas is recycled for fuel or other disposition. The solid residue from the tire pyrolysis is transferred by a closed auger to a closed bin.

Abstract: A black liquor recovery boiler furnace having quaternary air injection ports located in the furnace walls in the vicinity of, or at approximately the same elevation as, the black liquor injection guns. The quaternary air injection ports are located between the secondary air injection ports and the tertiary air injection ports. Air introduced at this level provides a much more efficient mixing and combustion without solid particle carryover. A zone of increased or intensified combustion is established around the black liquor injection guns. The injection site combustion zone is at an intermediate location to the combustion zones conventionally supplied by the secondary and tertiary air ports. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the black liquor injection guns inject the black liquor into the furnace in a downwardly inclined direction.

Abstract: A conveyor for waste has a waste feed shaft which is laterally connected to a horizontally divided conveyor channel. A screw conveyor being drivable by a motor is located in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor channel. The conveyor channel opens into a housing, in particular into a pyrolysis reactor, which by way of example is operated in conjunction with a low-temperature carbonization combustion process. In order to easily eliminate blockages of the screw conveyor, a unit formed of the screw conveyor and the conveyor channel is disconnectably secured to the housing and is removable from the housing through the use of a traveling mounting. A method for inspecting the contents of a conveyor channel receiving waste and discharging into a housing, especially a pyrolysis reactor, includes disconnecting the conveyor channel from the housing, driving the conveyor channel away with a traveling mounting, and opening the conveyor channel.

Abstract: Chemical agents, such as chemical munitions, are decomposed by bringing them into contact with a plasma arc of a DC plasma arc furnace operated at a temperature of greater than about 30,000.degree. F.

Abstract: A thermal desorption system for treating and/or removing contaminants from various types of materials employs an induction tube furnace to heat the material to a high enough temperature to completely desorb it. The induction tube furnace includes a metal or metal alloy susceptor tube for containing the material to be treated and at least one induction coil surrounding the tube for heating the same. The susceptor tube is formed from a metal or metal alloy, such as a nickel based alloy, having a very high melting temperature which will allow it to be heated by the induction coil to temperatures as high as 1800.degree. F. The metal or metal alloy also has a relatively high electrical resistance to permit efficient magnetic coupling of energy from the induction coil to the tube, as well as a relatively high thermal conductivity to provide efficient heat transfer from the tube to the material to be treated.

Abstract: An incinerator and a process for the incineration of animal carcasses. The inner combustion chamber of the incinerator is lined with a high temperature fibrous insulation material and a stainless steel liner thereby permitting the temperature of the liner to become very hot during incineration. The animal carcass is deposited directly onto the stainless steel liner. Heat is then applied to the chamber, and the liner becomes red hot and radiates heat onto the carcass from all sides of the chamber. The burners are controlled by temperature responsive control devices to maintain the combustion chamber within a desired temperature range. In another embodiment, a stainless steel wall is disposed within the interior of the incinerator housing to form a combustion chamber and an afterburner chamber alongside the combustion chamber. The afterburner chamber includes a separate burner located near the bottom of the incinerator for heating the air as it enters the afterburner chamber.

Abstract: A process for treating organic waste materials without venting gaseous emissions to the atmosphere which includes oxidizing the organic waste materials at an elevated temperature not less than about 500.degree. C. with a gas having an oxygen content in the range of from about 20% to about 70% to produce an oxidation product containing CO.sub.2 gas. The gas is then filtered to remove particulates, and then contacted with an aqueous absorbent solution of alkali metal carbonates or alkanolamines to absorb a portion of the CO.sub.2 gas from the particulate-free oxidation product. The CO.sub.2 absorbent is thereafter separated for further processing. A process and system are also disclosed in which the waste materials are contacted with a reactive medium such as lime and product treatment as described.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are highly carcinogenic ubiquitous industrial wastes. In this Invention, concentrations of said wastes are diminished by microwave-assisted pyrolysis. Prior to exposure to microwave radiation, said wastes are covered with a non-combustible material consisting of loose, discrete particles like sand. Susceptors may be added to the waste prior to radiation. Volatiles from the process can be absorbed in a susceptor like granulated activated charcoal. When saturated, this granulated activated charcoal is added to the said wastes in a subsequent treatment.

Abstract: A furnace body (4) consists of drums (D1, D2, and D3) which are supported and drove by rotation drive assemblies (3) independently of each other. Each drum has open ends at both sides, and adjacent open ends are engaged to each other in a rotatable manner. One open end of the furnace body (4) are provided with a waste feeding assembly (6), and the other is provided with a gas exhausting assembly (7). Oxygen supply units (5) are connected to the joint between the open ends of adjacent drums.

Abstract: A novel smelting process and furnace for the economical recovery of vanadium, in the form of ferrovanadium alloy, from oil ashes and/or coal ashes while producing non-hazardous slag for safe and inexpensive disposal in landfill areas. A preferred embodiment of the present process involves the steps of (a) mixing the waste ashes with a contained or added carbon source, such as coal, and a binding material, such as cement; (b) pelletizing the mixture; (c) feeding the pellets, optionally together with steel scrap, through a vertical preheater shaft furnace into a slag pool; (d) impinging fuel gas jets upon the surface of the slag layer to heat and circulate the slag and to burn the carbon added to the pellets, generating additional heat, to produce a layer of molten ferrovanadium alloy at the bottom of the molten pool, covered by a protective layer of molten slag, (e) withdrawing the valuable molten ferrovanadium alloy for use, and (f) withdrawing the molten slag for safe disposal in landfill areas.

Abstract: A ventless, combustible waste reduction process and apparatus which can utilize any type of combustion means for disposing of hazardous, as well as non-hazardous, burnable waste. Such wastes include toxic combustible liquids, oil slurries, soils contaminated with dioxin, PCBs, creosote, or any other potentially harmful or toxic combustible material. In particular, the present invention relates to a ventless, combustible waste reduction process in which the operating pressure is slightly below atmospheric pressure and which employs no venting or stack discharge of pollutants whatsoever. The entire flue gas stream is scrubbed, enriched with oxygen and recycled to the combustion chamber in varying amounts in response to pressure and temperature measurements taken in the combustion chamber to maintain the pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber within pre-selected ranges.

Abstract: A method and a plant for the pyrolytic treatment of waste containing organic material, particularly for treating municipal solid waste. The method comprises: a step for loading the waste to be treated onto transport trolleys; a step for the insertion of the trolleys, which contain the waste, into a treatment tunnel wherein a pyrolysis chamber is formed; a step for the indirect heating of the waste inside the pyrolysis chamber up to a temperature adapted to cause waste pyrolysis, with extraction from the pyrolysis chamber of the gaseous-phase substances generated by the pyrolysis process; and a step for the extraction of the trolleys from the tunnel to unload the solid residues remained in the trolleys.

Abstract: An incandescent waste disposal system and method for the processing of waste and for rendering a hazardous component of the waste nonhazardous without discharge of harmful emissions are provided. The system includes a waste processing chamber, typically segmented into several sectors, wherein the waste is thermally and mechanically decomposed into a harmless residue by the action of rollers and an unrestricted arc plasma cloud that has a temperature sufficient to decompose the waste and render the hazardous component nonhazardous. The plasma cloud is created in a well-defined area in a reproducible manner and has a central region the temperature of which can reach 15,000.degree.-22,000.degree. F.

Abstract: A process wherein an incineration grate is tempered by a medium that flows therethrough. The grate has a number of hollow plates made of sheet metal. Each plate lies on the next underlying plate. A connection pipe is arranged on one side of each plate and a discharge pipe is arranged on the other side of each plate for the flowing medium. The individual plates are crossed by a plurality of tubular elements which open on the top side of the plates. Primary air is supplied to the materials to be incinerated through the tubular elements. Primary air supply is individually dosed to each tubular element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively compact and highly robust waste-to-energy conversion system and apparatus which has the advantage of complete or substantially complete conversion of a wide range of waste streams into useful gas and a stable, nonleachable solid product at a single location with greatly reduced air pollution to meet air quality standards. The gas may be utilized in a combustion process to generate electricity and the solid product can be suitable for various commercial applications. Alternatively, the solid product stream, which is a safe, stable material, may be disposed of without special considerations as hazardous material. In one embodiment of the invention, the conversion system includes an arc plasma furnace directly coupled to a joule heated melter.

Abstract: Unreacted gas generated at outside is introduced through a gas inlet tangentially into a secondary combustion chamber with a substantially cylindrical side wall, so that a spiral ascending flow of the unreacted gas is generated in the chamber. A bulk material in the chamber is blown up by the unreacted gas introduced through the gas inlet to be circulated in the chamber so as to substantially completely burn unburnt solids entrained in the unreacted gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for chemically and/or thermally treating substances containing or generating toxic substances during treatment is disclosed. Multiple reactors treat the material while the toxic emission containment system separates and cleans the effluents to within acceptable emissions limits as specified by government. The preferred rotary kiln employs a multiple zone reactor system for processing and volumetrically reducing feedstocks. The kiln functions as a primary treatment chamber and contains a rotatable multipurpose admixture and a multiple zone burner system. Induced cyclonic action reduces particulate entrainment, minimizes stratification, and maximizes gas residence time. A direct fed, second stage vitrifying, refining and/or separating furnace yields stabilized products. The preferred process includes an air pollution control system enhanced by a toxic emission containment system which separates the inert effluents from the toxic emissions contained in the treatment process.

Abstract: A method of destructively distilling an organic material in particulate form wherein the particulates are introduced through an inlet into one end of an inner rotating kiln ganged to and coaxial with an outer rotating kiln. The inner and outer kilns define a cylindrical annular space with the inlet being positioned in registry with the axis of rotation of the ganged kilns. During operation, the temperature of the wall of the inner rotary kiln at the inlet is not less than about 500.degree. C. to heat the particulate material to a temperature in the range of from about 200.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C. in a pyrolyzing atmosphere to reduce the particulate material as it moves from the one end toward the other end.

Abstract: An improved system for remediating soil contaminated with short-chain hydrocarbons, long-chain hydrocarbons and PCB's. The system includes an rotary drum having first and second heat exchanging regions, each containing separated inner and outer regions. The drum in inclined such that soil fed into the system with a sealed auger for remediation is gravitationally urged through the inner regions whereat thermal energy provided by a burner means, including clamshell ducts, remediates the soil by vaporizing and oxidizing the hydrocarbons and PCB's in a stream of hot gases.

Abstract: A furnace for effecting pyrolysis of waste material includes an essentially cylindrical cavity for effecting pyrolysis of the waste material rotating around its lengthwise axis, a combustion chamber located around the cavity and injectors for introducing fuel and comburant or oxidizing agent into said chamber. The injectors for introducing fuel and comburant are oriented tangentially to a wall of the combustion chamber so that flame or flames created by combustion of the fuel developed in the swirling fashion around the cavity containing the waste material. Also, the injectors are arranged to effect staged combustion within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for processing waste, in particular hospital waste, the apparatus including a gasification chamber (1) into which the waste is inserted to be subjected to degassing and to combustion, a post-combustion chamber (2) for the gases coming from the gasification chamber, and a melting chamber (3) in which the slag coming from the gasification chamber (1) is exposed to high temperature for vitrification purposes.

Abstract: Toxic wastes and other contaminants are removed from soil which is fed through a passage in an agitating means into a retort (10, 110) where the soil is agitated and brought into contact with the retort walls (11, 111, 111A) (at a temperature preferably above 500.degree. C.) to cause the toxic wastes or contaminates to be desorbed. The "off-gases" from the soil may be mixed with air/fuel in a combustion chamber (31, 131), to heat the retort; may be burnt in a secondary burner (40) to preheat and/or dry the soil feed; or be condensed in a condenser (41) and stored.

Abstract: A system for pyrolysis of hydrocarbon constituents of waste material including a treatment unit featuring a retort with a ellipsoidal cross-section forming a first retort half and a second retort half, the material to be treated being selectively deposited in only one half of the retort at a time during any given period of system operation, to avoid abrasion and wear of the half not in use, thus effectively doubling the life of the retort component. Another feature of a treatment unit according to the invention is a heat reclamation arrangement that introduces gases that have first been combusted to supply heat energy to the retort through a conduit directly into the interior of the retort, to improve the efficiency with which pyrolysis takes place. Further, the treatment unit has an exhaust and cleaning arrangement to render gases produced during pyrolysis substantially free of pollutants such that the gases can be vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Method for neutralizing waste, such as powder from luminescent tubes and similarly, residue from incineration of household waste, optionally comprising environmentally hazardous components, such as Hg, Cd, Zn, Co or Ba. The waste is fed into a melting furnace in conjunction with an SiO.sub.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the art of treating waste using laser technology. Industrial and toxic waste materials are irradiated with a laser inside a reactor chamber such that they are heated to high temperatures. Organic compounds are thermally destroyed and chemical bonds are broken. Cool oxygen is pumped into the reactor to provide a refractory protective shield. Silica is added into the vessel at the high temperatures and encapsulates any heavy metals into its crystal matrix. The resulting solidified product may have a hardness of at least 8 on the Knoops scale of hardness and may be used as tooling, road material, oven lining, building materials and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furnace intended for the thermal treatment of solid materials, comprising a rotary element (1) in which said solid materials circulate longitudinally, and a means (9) for heating said materials, which extends longitudinally in the furnace, the solid materials moving forward through about two lengths inside the rotary element (1). According to the invention, the heating means (9) is stationary, intended for channelling the solid materials and for preheating them. More specifically, the heating means (9) is arranged coaxially and inside the rotary element (1) so that, in the axial zone delimited by the heating means, the solid materials exhibit the highest temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lime sludge reburning in a fluidizing bed. The method is characterized in that a cooling medium (10) is injected immediately above the fluidizing bed (3). The invention also comprises means for performing the method. The arrangement which is known per se is provided with an injection device (10) for a cooling medium above the fluidizing bed (3).

Abstract: In the process and installation for decontaminating a liquid effluent contaminated by at least one organic substance, a gaseous combustible is burned in a reactor to produce a flame containing hydroxyl free radicals OH.degree. and oxygen O.sub.2 and that flame is centered on the geometrical axis of the reactor. A helical flow of liquid effluent is produced on the inner cylindrical wall of the reactor to cause a direct contact between the hydroxyl free radicals and the organic substance contaminating the liquid effluent. By means of the hydroxyl free radicals, the organic substance is oxidized in liquid phase. The high temperature of the flame enables completion of the oxidation of the organic substance, in liquid phase, by means of the oxygen O.sub.2 present in the flame. At the outlet of the reactor, the liquid and gaseous products are separated; the liquid product is collected while the gaseous product is evacuated.

Abstract: In the method, the liquid waste substance is vaporized and oxidized in a stream of hot flue gas 4. This stream of flue gas 4 contains the oxygen necessary for oxidation. The essence of the method is that the liquid waste substance is sprayed into the stream of hot flue gas 4 as a fan-shaped flat jet with a component which is perpendicular to the main direction of flow, by means of one or more dual-substance nozzles 6 which are operated in a pulsed mode at a frequency of 5 s.sup.-1 to 70 s.sup.-1, and preferably 10 s.sup.-1 to 20 s.sup.-1, a fan-shaped spray carpet 7 with relatively large droplets of large range and a fan-shaped spray carpet 7 with relatively fine droplets of small range being generated in an alternating cycle at each dual-substance nozzle 6, so that the stream of flue gas 4 is supplied alternately with finely sprayed droplets of small range and large droplets which penetrate the flue gas with a relatively large range of throw. Numerals refer to FIG. 1.

Abstract: Municipal or other solid waste is delivered in loose form to a processing facility where it is compacted into a supply chute adjacent the upper portion of a reactor. The compaction serves to remove most of the air and some of the water from the waste as well as to seal the reactor against air infiltration. The supply chute is equipped with a number of pusher units which are capable of pushing a portion of the compacted waste in the form of a block into the reactor. The blocks of compacted waste are deposited in the top of the reactor in response to a signal related to the height of waste in the reactor. A pivotally and extendible mounted plasma arc torch is employed as a heat source to pyrolyze organic waste components to generate desired by-product gases. Air and steam are added in controlled quantities to improve the operational efficiency and the by-product gas composition. Residual materials which do not pyrolyze are melted and cooled into a substantially inert vitrified mass.

Abstract: A high temperature furnace and method for thermally decomposing solid combustible fuels into usable products to provide a source of heat to a selected area is disclosed. Solid combustible fuel, such as waste automobile tires, are introduced into a reaction vessel or combustion chamber which is defined by an outer wall. The reaction vessel has an upper portion and a lower portion with a central partition dividing the lower portion into compartments. Each compartment holds a fuel bed having a selected height wherein the sold fuel accumulates as it is being decomposed. Each compartment also has a bottom opening. Air ducts located along the outer wall of the reaction vessel and in the central partition supply pressurized air to the interior of the reaction vessel. An exhaust duct which communicates with the upper portion of the reaction vessel is supplied for venting off combustion or pyrolysis products from the reaction vessel to the selected area.

Abstract: Waste disposal system (10) is provided comprising first combustion chamber (40) for incinerating waste material to produce ash and exhaust containing gases and particulate matter. Waste disposal system (10) also has includes second combustion chamber (60) for firing the exhaust containing gases and particulate matter. The waste disposal system of the present invention also includes a plurality of subsystems working in cooperation with first (40) and second (60) combustion chambers, and control system (220) to control the plurality of subsystems to ensure the desired level of incineration of the waste in the first and second combustion chambers. Control system (220) includes a plurality of sensors to measure conditions throughout waste disposal system (10), and controller (221) to continuously monitor the measured conditions and to compare each of the measured conditions to a predetermined performance range.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of waste matter by plasma action. A plurality of electrode structures are positioned to define a reaction zone associated with the inter-electrode space. The inter-electrode space is conditioned (as by preionizing) and a series of discrete electrical discharges are produced throughout the reaction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction zone is subjected to a sequence of discrete electrical discharges in a time interval less than the residence time of material to be treated within the reaction zone such that the waste material is pyrolyzed during its transit through the reaction zone.

Abstract: A heat recovery device for use with a portable incinerator. The heat recovery device comprises first and second legs which support a heat exchanger thereon. An air flow path is formed from the bottom to the top of the first leg, through the heat exchanger and from the top to the bottom of the second leg. An open space is provided between the two legs and below the heat exchanger. A portable incinerator may be placed within this open space. When solid waste is burned within the incinerator, the exhaust port of the incinerator lies below the heat exchanger. A blower attached to the lower portion of the first leg creates air flow through the heat recovery device such that the air is heated in the heat exchanger by heat produced from the exhaust port of the portable incinerator. A tube is then coupled to the second leg in order to direct the heated air flow to the interior of an adjacent building.

Abstract: A waste material in a first gasification furnace is thermally decomposed through dry distillation, producing a combustible gas, which is introduced into and combusted in a first combustion furnace, and the produced heat of combustion is imparted to a heat source of a boiler. The opening of a valve connected to the first gasification furnace is controlled to supply oxygen required to thermally decompose the waste material in order to keep the combustion temperature of the combustible gas in the first combustion furnace at a substantially constant combustion temperature upon the dry distillation in the first gasification furnace. When the opening of the valve increases and becomes greater than a predetermined opening at an ending stage of the dry distillation in the first gasification furnace, a waste material in a second gasification furnace is thermally decomposed through dry distillation, producing a combustible gas.

Abstract: A combustion method and apparatus in which combustible matter, e.g., waste matter, coal, etc., is gasified to produce a combustible gas containing a sufficiently large amount of combustible component to melt ash by its own heat. A fluidized-bed furnace has an approximately circular horizontal cross-sectional configuration. A moving bed, in which a fluidized medium settles and diffuses, is formed in a central portion of the furnace, and a fluidized bed, in which the fluidized medium is actively fluidized, is formed in a peripheral portion in the furnace. The fluidized medium is turned over to the upper part of the moving bed from the upper part of the fluidized bed, thus circulating through the two beds. Combustible matter is cast into the upper part of the moving bed and gasified to form a combustible gas while circulating, together with the fluidized medium.

Abstract: An apparatus having a thermal scission reactor with a graphite-lined plasma arc chamber for the pyrolytic disposal of toxic or hazardous waste. The thermal scission reactor includes a vessel with the plasma arc chamber surrounded by a water jacket. A tubular plasma arc electrode is provided for reciprocating movement within the plasma arc chamber. A conduit communicates with the tubular plasma arc electrode for the introduction of waste material through the tubular plasma arc electrode into the plasma arc chamber. The tubular plasma arc and an opposing electrode produce a plasma electric arc within the plasma arc chamber. An entry duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for introduction of solid waste into the plasma arc chamber. An exit duct communicates with the plasma arc chamber for escape of gases and ash from the plasma arc chamber. Graphite liners are provided in the plasma arc chamber, the entry duct and the exit duct.