Abstract: A process for treating waste comprising Mixed Plastic Waste is disclosed. The process includes feeding the waste to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolysing the waste in the pyrolysis reactor to produce a fuel and using the fuel to run a generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for torrefaction of biomass and combustion of generated torrefaction gases. The torrefaction gases released from the biomass during the torrefaction reaction are withdrawn from the reactor and into a first burning zone. A secondary stream of air is introduced to the first burning zone to combust the torrefaction gases whereupon hot flue gases are obtained. Part of the hot flue gases are directed to a mixing unit. The rest of the hot flue gas is directed to a second burning zone for complete combustion of the flue gases. The fully combusted flue gases obtained in the second burning zone are directed to a heat recovery unit where the temperature of the flue gas is decreased. Part of the cold flue gases are directed to the mixing unit where it is mixed with the hot flue gases such that a stream of cooled flue gases is obtained. The stream of the cooled flue gases are diverted into the torrefaction reactor for direct heating of the biomass.

Abstract: Provided is a method of increasing an amount of coke-oven gas, including the step of: introducing steam into a gas way of a carbonization chamber of a coke oven such that a water-gas reaction is conducted at 500° C. or higher during a process of carbonizing coal in the carbonization chamber of the coke oven, wherein the starting point of steam into the gas way is moved up prior to a time point at which an amount of generation of coke-oven gas is maximized, so as to increase the steam introduction time, thereby maximizing a reaction of steam with carbon existing in the carbonization chamber of the coke oven.

Abstract: Is provided a method for starting up a pressurized fluidized bed incinerator system by which cracking of silica sand as a bed material can be prevented at low costs. By heating the silica sand as the bed material filled up in a bottom portion of a pressurized fluidized bed incinerator, a temperature of a freeboard of the incinerator is heated, and after the temperature of the freeboard is heated to 750 to 900° C., a material to be treated having a water-containing organic substance is fed to the pressurized fluidized bed incinerator.

Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.

Abstract: An internal combustion heating device of a coal pyrolyzing furnace includes a coke quenching exhaust heater and at least one set of a third gas heater and a fourth gas heater with equal structures and associated with each other; wherein the coke quenching exhaust heater comprises an internal flame path, a first air supply tube, a second air supply tube, a central annular wall and a central path, wherein an internal flame path is divided into at least one set of an internal main flame path and an internal sub flame path, the central annular wall inside the internal loop wall of the carbonizing room and at least one the internal flame path isolating wall; the internal sub flame path is divided into an upper section, a middle section and a lower section.

Abstract: A biomass processing system produces charcoal briquettes in a closed loop system. The system includes a first and second torrefaction/drying augers drying green raw sawdust and providing the dried material to a carbonizing auger. Charcoal released from the carbonizing auger is formed into charcoal briquettes. Process gas created during the charcoal production is used to provide heat required by the process.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A device for feeding and controlling secondary air from secondary air ducts into flue gas channels of horizontal coke oven chambers is shown. The flue gas channels are located underneath the coke oven chamber floor on which coal carbonization is realized. The flue gas channels serve for combustion of partly burnt coking gases from the coke oven chamber. The partly burnt gases are burnt with secondary air, thus heating the coke cake also from below to ensure even coal carbonization. Secondary air comes from the secondary air ducts connected to atmospheric air and to the flue gas channels. Controlling elements are mounted in the connecting channels between the flue gas channels and secondary air ducts which can precisely control the air flow into the flue gas channels. Thereby, it is possible to achieve a much more regular heating and heat distribution in coke oven chambers. The actual controlling devices in the connecting channels can be formed by turnable pipe sections, wall bricks, or metal flaps.

Abstract: A method for upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels includes subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to a pyrolyzing process, thereby forming upgraded carbonaceous fuel and a flow of lean fuel gases. Auxiliary fuel is combusted in an auxiliary fuel combustor to produce auxiliary fuel combustion gases, and the lean fuel gases are heated with the auxiliary fuel combustion gases. The heated lean fuel gases are combusted in a lean fuel combustor, thereby producing a gas stream of products of combustion, and at least a portion of the gas stream of products of combustion are directed to the pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A method of treating untreated low calorific coal containing moisture and organic volatiles includes feeding untreated coal to a dryer, and drying the coal. The dried coal is subjected to a pyrolyzing step where oxygen-deficient gases are brought into contact with the coal, thereby lowering the volatile content of the coal and producing a stream of pyrolysis effluent gases. The pyrolysis effluent gases are subjected to a separation process to separate lean fuel gases from liquids and tars, wherein the separation process removes less than about 20 percent of the pyrolysis effluent gases as the liquids and tars, with the remainder being the lean fuel gases. The lean fuel gases are returned to the dryer combustor, the pyrolyzer combustor, or the pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A heat-resistant door device for closing a horizontal coke oven chamber is made of a refractory material, using a material containing silica or a material containing silica and aluminum oxides, in particular. The material has a low temperature expansion coefficient and it is thermally well insulating so that the door is not deformed and/or distorted during the coal carbonization process. The door device is built of a coke oven wall mainly located above the door and embracing the door as well as of a mobile door located underneath. Thereby less cold ambient air enters into the coke oven chamber and radiation losses are minimized. The door may be comprised of an ellipsoidal bulge by which the coke can be better pushed into the coking chamber. The oven wall embracing the oven door can also be made of a refractory material containing silica or of a material containing silica and aluminum oxides.

Abstract: A coke oven of horizontal construction (non-recovery/heat recovery type) includes at least one coking chamber, laterally arranged vertical downcomers as well as bottom flues arranged horizontally and extending underneath the coking chamber for indirect reheating of said coking chamber. One or more gas space dividing walls are arranged in the oven free space which in the intended operation of the coke oven is not destined for being filled with solid matter so that the gas routing is improved and a homogenisation of radiation in the coking chamber is achieved.

Abstract: A process and system for the treatment of solid waste based on gradient composed of 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: Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coking oven in flat-type construction, a non-recovery or heat-recovery coking oven, which has at least one measuring apparatus for measuring the concentration of gaseous constituents of the coke oven retort, the coke oven hearth and/or the off gas duct, and in which, on the basis of these data, a process control computer determines and regulates the optimal supply of primary and/or secondary air. Also embraced by the invention is a coking method employing a coking oven of this kind.

Abstract: A coke oven of a horizontal construction of the non-recovery or heat recovery type is shown. The oven has at least one coking chamber, in which laterally vertical downcomers as well as horizontal bottom flues extend underneath the coking chamber for indirect reheating of the coking chamber. At least a part of the interior walls of the coking chamber is configured as a secondary heating source by coating it with a high-emission coating (HEB) that shows an emission degree equal to or higher than 0.9, and consists of the substances Cr2O3 or Fe2O3 or a mixture containing these substances, with the portion of Fe2O3 amounting to at least 25% by weight in the mixture, and with the portion of Cr2O3 amounting to at least 20% by weight in the mixture.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass comprising: continuously feeding the biomass to an upper inlet to the torrefaction reactor vessel such that the biomass material is deposited on an upper tray assembly of tray assemblies stacked vertically within the reactor; as the biomass moves over each tray assembly, heating and drying the biomass material with a non-oxidizing gas under a pressure of at least 3 bar gauge and at a temperature of at least 200° C.; cascading the biomass down through the trays by passing the biomass through an opening in each of the trays to deposit the biomass on the tray of the next lower tray assembly; discharging torrefied biomass from a lower outlet of the torrefaction reactor, and circulating gas extracted from the reactor vessel back to the reactor.

Abstract: Dosed proportioning and cutoff of combustion air into the primary heating space of a horizontal coke oven is provided by apertures in the ceiling of the coke oven chamber, the apertures covered with a withdrawable cover device which controls the amount of air admitted, manually or in an automatic mode. By way of this device, ventilation of a coke oven chamber with primary air can be so controlled that primary air is introduced in an exactly dosed manner and, depending on its place of installation, exactly distributed into the primary heating space of a coke oven chamber.

Abstract: Described is a method for the coking of coal, in particular coal with a high or alternating volatility, in coking plants comprising coking chambers, according to the non-recovery method or the heat-recovery method. Also described is device, which can be used to carry out said method simply, as the overheating of the coking furnace is prevented by the injection of water vapor. If a battery of coking furnaces is used, the disclosed method can be carried out irrespective of the number of said furnaces.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In particular, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.

Abstract: Device for burning coking gas in a coking chamber of a coke oven of the “non-recovery type” or “heat-recovery type”, a multiplicity of inlet openings for primary air being arranged in the roof of each oven chamber in such a way that the coking gas produced during the coking is brought into uniform contact with the desired quantity of primary air for the partial combustion of the coking gas, these inlet openings for primary air being combined above the oven for each chamber separately by an air feed system, the air feed systems of the individual oven chambers being connected to an air feed system common to many oven chambers, and a respective control member for varying the primary air quantity over the carbonizing time being provided between the common air feed system and the air feeds of the individual oven chambers. A slight, constant positive pressure can be applied to the common air feed system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for keeping coke oven chambers hot during the stoppage of a waste heat boiler, wherein the coke oven chambers are kept hot during the stoppage after emptying using externally heated burners, as a result of which a flue gas low in pollutants is obtained from said burners, such that the waste heat boilers which, during normal operation, cool the flue gases from the coke oven benches and use said gases to produce steam can be shut off and overhauled, and a flue gas low in pollutants which can be dissipated directly into the atmosphere is obtained by the burner operation. The invention also relates to an apparatus for keeping coke oven chambers hot, said apparatus comprising in particular a coke oven chamber bench, a flue gas collection line, a flue gas chimney, a waste heat boiler, a waste gas collection line and a waste gas purification system, wherein the flue gas chimney and the waste heat boiler can be shut off on the flue gas side and on the waste gas side.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of charcoal, comprising a unit having walls defining a primary combustion chamber, and a material inlet for allowing a feed of wood chips though said material inlet into said apparatus. A trough is located at a lower height than said material inlet such that material passing through said material inlet is able to fall into the trough. An air inlet is located below the material inlet such that, when wood chips are located within the trough piled up to said material inlet, air passing from said air inlet passes through said wood-chips and into the primary combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method for torrefying biomass comprises using an oxidation catalyst to combust gas produced by torrefaction, and thereby produce combustion flue gas. The method also comprises introducing the combustion flue gas into a torrefaction reactor and/or a cooler.

Abstract: A system for producing petroleum products from oil shale includes one or plural kiln lines made up of plural series-connected, indirect-fired, inclined rotary kilns. Plural kiln lines are operated for parallel processing. Oil shale is advanced through kilns in succession and exhausted from each kiln line substantially free of hydrocarbons. Successive kilns along the advancement of oil shale are maintained at successively higher temperatures. A fuel distinct from hydrocarbons in oil shale, such as syngas from a gasifier or hydrogen gas from a separator, drives pyrolysis to extract hydrocarbons. A refining unit located proximate to the kiln lines upgrades extracted hydrocarbons into petroleum products and separates the petroleum products by criteria. A heat extraction unit recovers heat from exhausted oil shale for reuse in kilns. A method involves drying oil shale followed by heating dry oil shale in successively hotter pyrolysis environments.

Abstract: This invention involves pyrolysis of feedstock by introducing carbonaceous feedstock, into a hopper and moving it into a reactor tube enclosed in an oven, generating heat within the oven that is in part transferred to the feedstock, heating it to sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the feedstock into useful volatiles and char. A Venturi system produces a negative pressure directing volatiles into a pyro-gas oven producing heat necessary for pyrolysis and generating useful excess heat. The extruded pyrolysis char has uses including charcoal fuel, soil amendments, and activated charcoal while liquids can be produced for processing into fuels. Excess heat may be used to heat water, steam, and air, may be used in air heating and cooling systems, perform mechanical work with a Stirling engine or generate electricity on the order of 100 kW and higher. The system may be operated in a carbon neutral or even carbon negative manner, allowing sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A device for feeding and controlling secondary air from secondary air ducts into flue gas channels of horizontal coke oven chambers is shown. The flue gas channels are located underneath the coke oven chamber floor on which coal carbonization is realized. The flue gas channels serve for combustion of partly burnt coking gases from the coke oven chamber. The partly burnt gases are burnt with secondary air, thus heating the coke cake also from below to ensure even coal carbonization. Secondary air comes from the secondary air ducts connected to atmospheric air and to the flue gas channels. Controlling elements are mounted in the connecting channels between the flue gas channels and secondary air ducts which can precisely control the air flow into the flue gas channels. Thereby, it is possible to achieve a much more regular heating and heat distribution in coke oven chambers. The actual controlling devices in the connecting channels can be formed by turnable pipe sections, wall bricks, or metal flaps.

Abstract: A system and process for the production of combustible substances by means of depolymerisation of rubber products, comprising a depressurized depolymerising device (1), inside which it takes place the depolymerisation of a predetermined quantity of products introduced at its inner, characterized in that it comprises a divider or phases separator (2) disposed downstream said depolymerising device (1), which consists of a substantially cylindrical body, with an upper base (20) and a lower base (21), and is connected with the depolymerising device (1) by means of a pipe (3): said phases separator (2) being apt to carry out the separation of at least a part of the liquid phase of the products exiting the depolymerising device (1), and having an outlet (23) for the thus separated liquid phase and an outlet (24) for the remaining part of the products in mostly gaseous phase.

Abstract: Device for burning coking gas in a coking chamber of a coke oven of the “non-recovery type” or “heat-recovery type”, a multiplicity of inlet openings for primary air being arranged in the roof of each oven chamber in such a way that the coking gas produced during the coking is brought into uniform contact with the desired quantity of primary air for the partial combustion of the coking gas, these inlet openings for primary air being combined above the oven for each chamber separately by an air feed system, the air feed systems of the individual oven chambers being connected to an air feed system common to many oven chambers, and a respective control member for varying the primary air quantity over the carbonizing time being provided between the common air feed system and the air feeds of the individual oven chambers. A slight, constant positive pressure can be applied to the common air feed system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus used in the field of waste management for utilizing recoverable waste products as efficiently as possible. The invention reduces the environmental impact of such a method to a minimum. The recoverable waste products and non-recoverable waste products are fed into one end of a substantially horizontally fixed container as material, and are transported in a continuous or discontinuous manner to another end of the container, 60–80% of energy input being carried out on the material in an area of a first quarter of the container, and a remaining 20–40% of energy input being transferred to the material in other areas of the container.

Abstract: A system for refining hydrocarbon containing materials in a continuous coking mode may provide a pyrolyzer (1) which may be inclined to effect a liquid seal between a liquid conduction environment (6) and a gaseous conduction environment (7). A heat source (9) may heat the material past the coking point and the system may include a screw or auger (10) which can continuously remove the coke while simultaneously outputting refined products.

Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for decreasing gas flow rates in a sole flue gas system for a coke oven during at least an initial coking operation after charging a coking oven with coal. The method includes providing a duct system between a first coke oven having a first coking chamber and a second coke oven having a second coking chamber to direct at least a portion of gas from a gas space in first coking chamber to the second coke oven thereby reducing a gas flow rate in the first sole flue gas system of the first coke oven. Reduction in sole flue gas flow rates has a beneficial effect on product throughput, the life of the coke oven and environmental control of volatile emissions from coke ovens.

Abstract: Asphaltene and oil shale are pyrolyzed at substantially atmospheric pressure for producing combustible products and carbonaceous material. A combustor combusts the carbonaceous material and produces flue gases which are supplied to a utilization device, and hot ash which is fed back to the pyrolyzer.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting carbonaceous raw materials into a carbonized product and activating the product, includes a device for heating the carbonaceous raw materials to form a carbonized product, and equipment for activating the carbonized product and supplying by-product of the activation to the device to help in the heating. The device heats a column of carbonaceous raw materials to pyrolize it and form a carbonized product and vapors and gases. Upward flow of the gases and vapors is restrained so that they flow, with the carbonized product, out of the bottom of the column where they are burned in a combustion box and the resultant hot gases used to heat the column through a tube defining the column. Descending carbonized materials pass rapidly through the combustion box into the equipment which through electical resistance heating and steam, activates the carbonized materials and passes gas and vapor by-products thereby created up into the combustion box to help fuel the heating of the raw materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the thermolysis of solid waste within an enclosed thermolysis chamber in the absence of free oxygen which produces a thermolysis off-gas. The thermolysis off-gas is removed from the thermolysis chamber and injected into a cyclone where it is washed with water and cooled. The washed and cooled thermolysis off-gas is divided into two portions. One portion of the washed thermolysis off-gas is further cooled in a heat exchanger and then injected into a burner and combusted, while the remaining portion of the washed thermolysis off-gas is passed into indirect heat exchange with the hot off-gas resulting from the combustion of the other portion of the thermolysis off-gas in the burner and recycled back into the enclosed thermolysis chamber. This in-situ recycling of hot thermolysis off-gas helps prevent the creation of hot spots in the thermolysis chamber and the possibility of an explosive reaction between oxygen and hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention provides a practical and efficient method and apparatus for thermally processing organic based raw materials of either primary or secondary (recycled) origin, in order to extract volatile organic vapors and to selectively produce either condensable hydrocarbon gases or, more preferably, non-condensable synthesis gases that are rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide for use as a raw material in chemical processes, or as a fuel. In particular, the invention provides a single rotary reactor having two contiguous hearth reaction areas, i.e., a drying and volatizing area and a reformation area, the areas being separated from each other by a bed-retaining refractory weir. The weir has an aperture for fluidly connecting the two hearth reaction areas of the single reactor.

Abstract: A coke oven door for closing the open end of an elongated coking chamber of a nonrecovery coke oven, including process air vents extending through the door at a level above a coal charge to be coked, has a structural frame on its outer surface including an elongated manifold extending across the door adjacent its bottom with a plurality of inlet openings in the manifold, and a tubular duct system connecting the manifold to the process air inlets whereby reduced pressure in the oven will draw air through the process air inlets and the duct system to thereby draw emissions from the area at the base of the door into the oven for incineration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapid heat transfer using surface-to-surface heat transfer of a solid or semi-solid feedstock against an inner surface of a containment vessel. The vessel is torus or helically shaped so that a feedstock (and products) can be conveyed through the vessel at a velocity which sustains the feedstock against the outer periphery of the internal surface of the vessel as it transits the vessel. The reaction vessel can be used for pyrolysis of materials such as waste rubber, municipal solid waste, plastics or papers so as to recover valuable petrochemical-based liquid reaction products as well as solid reaction products. The reaction vessel may also be used for gasification and combustion reactions.

Abstract: For thermally treating waste and/or residual materials, in particular fiber glass, glass silk, glass wool and glass mat coated with organic materials, a drum (1) with embedded elements is used to make the materials circulate. In this drum the materials are heated up to a temperature at least equal to the carbonization and/or evaporation temperature of the coatings but lower than the softening temperature of the materials. The waste or residual materials are preferably increasingly disaggregated in the drum and are heated by a stream of hot gas which flows in the drum from the discharge side (11) to the inlet side (4) and has its highest temperature at the discharge side.

Abstract: Used batteries and other material for reclamation and recovery or environmentally safe disposal are transferred from a feed bin by an auger into a crusher and then into a pyrolysis chamber. The feed system excludes air or oxygen from passing through the auger and crusher into the pyrolysis chamber. The material from the crusher is transferred by an auger through the pyrolysis chamber which is heated to a decomposition temperature between 350.degree. and 650.degree. F. and is decomposed. 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 the liquid/gas separator where the condensed liquids are removed and the gas is further processed. The residue from the pyrolysis chamber is discharged into a residue recovery system which includes a closed auger for transferring the residue from the pyrolysis chamber into a bin.

Abstract: The biomass, particularly lump wood, is supplied to a shaft reactor at its top and is initially preheated to temperatures of about 150.degree. to 280.degree. C. and dried by a counterflowing hot gas. This is followed by a treatment in an underlying carbonizing zone, the upper portion of which is supplied with hot purging gas at a temperature of 250.degree. to 600.degree. C. The hot purging gas flows downwardly through the carbonizing zone co-currently with the wood. A gas mixture which contains purging gas and gas produced by carbonization is withdrawn from the lower portion of the carbonizing zone and is at least in part combusted outside the shaft reactor to produce a combustion gas, which is used at least in part as hot purging gas.

Abstract: A process for treating industrial and/or urban waste includes the steps of drying the waste; effecting thermolysis of the dried waste by direct contact with warm gases, and washing solids resulting from the thermolysis with water to effect dechlorination thereof. Thermolysis is effected by direct contact of the waste with warm gases having a low oxygen content and water for washing the solids is obtained from condensation of vapors generated during drying of the waste A plant for treating industrial and/or urban waste includes a drier for drying the waste, a reactor for thermolyzing the waste, washing the solids from the reactor with water, such as from a condenser, to dechlorinate the solids, and a gas generator to generate warm gases, of which a part of the warm gases are used to heat the drier.

Abstract: Combustible off-gas(es) produced by the process of pyrolysis are superheated; and a pressurized gaseous mixture including oxygen, normally compressed air, is preheated; before, and by, a burning of the combustible off-gas(es) produced by process of pyrolysis in the presence of stoichiometric oxygen. The burning transpires in a large number of relatively small burner cups having bulbously-shaped and exhaust-constricted combustion chambers. The burner cups are both individually, and collectively, adjustable in their uptake of combustible gases by adjusting the flow of compressed air. The combustion in each burner cup is very complete and efficient nonetheless to having increased area contact with the chamber wall, and nonetheless to the rapidly and turbulent flow of gases, because everything contributing to or touching the combustion reaction is optimally hot, and because the shape of the burner cups holds the combustion optimally long.

Abstract: An improved batch process for the pyrolytic conversion of woody and herbaceous plant material is provided which yields charcoal, on a dry weight basis, in yields ranging from about 35% to about 50%, having volatile matter content of about 25% or less, and fuel value of 13000 BTU/pound. The batch process can be conducted in two hours or less per batch with virtually instantaneous reloading for subsequent batches without substantial cooling of the reactor utilized for the process and without exposing the hot processed charcoal to air or oxygen sufficient to cause combustion upon removal from the reactor.