Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for co-processing of biomass oil with mineral coker feeds in a coking environment. The coking can correspond to any convenient type of coking, such as delayed coking or fluidized coking. The biomass oil can correspond to biomass oil with a molar ratio of oxygen to carbon of 0.24 or less on a dry basis. Such types of biomass oil can be formed from pyrolysis methods such as hydrothermal pyrolysis, and are in contrast to biomass oils formed from pyrolysis methods such as fast pyrolysis. By using a biomass oil with a molar ratio of oxygen to carbon of 0.24 or less, improved yields of light coker gas oil can be achieved in conjunction with a reduction in the yield of heavy coker gas oil.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a lid assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall, a rim around the cylindrical sidewall, and a top portion having an opening formed therein. A removable stack is configured to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to direct exhaust from the portable biochar kiln. A gasket cover is interchangeable with the removable stack to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to form a substantially airtight seal over the opening formed in the top portion when a burn is complete in the portable biochar kiln to self-extinguish embers in the portable biochar kiln.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sorting tires (15) on basis of its components as well as to an apparatus for carrying out such a method. The present invention also relates to the use of scrap rubber in a pyrolysis process to obtain a char material. The method for sorting tires (15) on basis of silica content (7).

Abstract: A gripper assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a gripper includes an attachment for connecting to a loader, the attachment having a mating surface configured for engagement with the biochar kiln. The example gripper assembly also includes a substantially C-shaped claw having a first arm and a second arm. The example gripper assembly also includes a motor on the attachment. The motor operates to open and close the first and second arms in a pinch-and-release motion to grasp and release the biochar kiln. The motor further operates to rotate the first and second arms to tilt the biochar kiln for dumping operations. The motor further operates to raise and lower the first and second arms to raise and lower the biochar kiln relative to the ground for moving operations.

Abstract: A controlled kiln and manufacturing system for biochar production, including control systems and subsystems. An example controlled kiln (100) includes a drum (200), a lid (120) and a floor (250) together forming a combustion chamber configured to contain feedstock for conversion into biochar. A catalytic converter (700) may be operatively coupled with an outlet of the kiln (100). A conversion process completion detection subsystem may be operative to issue notifications. An example biochar manufacturing system includes at least one of the controlled kilns (100), a feedstock filling station (1010, 1020, 1030) for providing feedstock to kiln 100, a firing line (1040) for receiving the kiln containing feedstock, a tipping station (1050) for receiving biochar from the kiln, a biochar sizing station, and an automated handler (800) configured to move the kiln between the feedstock filling station (1010, 1020, 1030), the firing line (1040) and the tipping station (1050).

Abstract: A biochar and electric power generator that receives carbonaceous material and outputs variable amounts of electrical energy and char, including a pyrolysis module, a reaction module, and a char removal mechanism arranged between the pyrolysis module and the reaction module, an engine module including an engine and an alternator, configured to convert gaseous fuel produced by the reaction module into electric power and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module, and a flare configured to burn tar gas and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the material treatment of raw materials. The apparatus has a heating system, a distillation unit and a reaction unit to be loaded with the raw materials for treatment. The heating system can be opened and closed to be fitted with the reaction unit. The heating system comprises a top element and a jacket element firmly connected to the top element, and supporting elements. The length of the support elements can be varied in the vertical direction, between two end positions, the heating system can be opened and closed in the vertical direction of movement. The invention further relates to a method for operating an apparatus for the material treatment of raw materials.

Abstract: A method for reducing color in used lubricating oil. The method comprises combining: (i) a used lubricating oil; (ii) an alkali metal borohydride; and (iii) a bisulfite or metabisulfite salt.

Abstract: A fluid coking unit for converting a heavy oil feed to lower boiling products by thermal has a centrally-apertured annular baffle at the top of the stripping zone below the coking zone to inhibit recirculation of solid particles from the stripping zone to the coking zone. By inhibiting recirculation of the particles from the stripping zone to the coking zone, the temperatures of the two zones are effectively decoupled, enabling the coking zone to be run at a lower temperature than the stripping zone to increase the yield of liquid products.

Abstract: A system and process for converting plastics and other heavy hydrocarbon solids into retail petroleum products are provided. The plastics are processed by melting, pyrolysis, vapourization, and selective condensation, whereby final in-spec petroleum products are produced. The system provides a reactor for subjecting the plastics to pyrolysis and cracking hydrocarbons in the plastics to produce a plastics vapour comprising hydrocarbon substituents; one or more separation vessels for separating the plastics vapour into hydrocarbon substituents based on boiling points of the hydrocarbon substituents; one or more condensers for condensing the hydrocarbon substituents into one or more petroleum products; and means for collecting the one or more petroleum products. Fuels generated during the process can be recycled for use upstream in the process.

Abstract: A machine for clearing and converting woody biomass into a bio fuel is described. The machine may be mobile and may include a chipper. The machine may further include a vacuum intake that directs chipped woody biomass to a wood processing component within the machine. The wood processing component may convert the woody biomass into bio char, bio oil, and bio gas using a pyrolyzer system.

Abstract: Methods of liquefying solid organic materials, such as coal, biomass and shale are described. Also described are apparatus useful to effect such changes.

Abstract: Disclosed in one embodiment is a method for the catalytic pyrolysis of a carbonaceous material that includes contacting the carbonaceous material with a plurality of catalyst particles to produce a gas phase product and a solid phase product and separating the gas phase product from the solid phase product and the plurality of catalyst particles. The method further includes partially regenerating the plurality of catalyst particles by exposing the solid phase product and the catalyst particles to a first oxidizing condition to produce an oxidized solid phase and a partially-regenerated catalyst and cooling the partially-regenerated catalyst and a non-oxidized portion of the solid phase product. Still further, the method includes further regenerating the partially-regenerated catalyst by exposing the non-oxidized portion of the solid phase product and the partially-regenerated catalyst to a second oxidizing condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a batch pyrolysis reactor for the recovery of pyrolysis products by batch processing waste material. The reactor includes a heating chamber, a removable retort for insertion into and withdrawal from the heating chamber, and a control unit for cycling the temperature of waste material in the pyrolysis chamber. The retort includes a pyrolysis chamber having an opening for receiving and extracting solids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pyrolysis machine that includes a reactor tube configured to conduct pyrolysis on plastic feedstock, wherein the reactor tube is made of a steel material. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of ceramic band heaters located in the reactor tube configured to heat the steel material of the reactor tube. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of resistance coils located in the ceramic heaters configured to heat the ceramic heaters. Further, the pyrolysis machine includes a temperature sensor located in the reactor tube and a controller configured to regulate the temperature of the ceramic band heaters.

Abstract: A biomass thermal conversion system including a fixed bed drying zone; a fixed bed pyrolysis zone fluidly connected to the drying zone; a combustion zone fluidly connected to the pyrolysis zone by a material path; and a comminution mechanism arranged across the material path between the pyrolysis zone and the combustion zone, configured to grind char off a pyrolyzed surface of solid biomass and reduce a dimension of the solid biomass below a threshold size.

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: The present disclosure relates generally to novel biomass pyrolysis processes and systems that decrease entrainment of char and other contaminants with the produced pyrolysis vapors.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel composition from a feedstock which may contain biomass and municipal solid waste is described. The method includes the step of pyrolyzing the feedstock in the presence of a transition metal, using microwave energy, so that the level of oxygen in at least one product of the pyrolysis is reduced. An integrated process is also described, in which the transition metal can be regenerated. Moreover, pyrolysis products such as bio-oils can be upgraded to liquid fuel compositions. Related systems for producing fuel compositions are also described.

Abstract: A biochar and electric power generator that receives carbonaceous material and outputs variable amounts of electrical energy and char, including a pyrolysis module, a reaction module, and a char removal mechanism arranged between the pyrolysis module and the reaction module, an engine module including an engine and an alternator, configured to convert gaseous fuel produced by the reaction module into electric power and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module, and a flare configured to burn tar gas and to provide waste heat to the pyrolysis module.

Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150 F.°, and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.

Abstract: A pyrolysis plant 20 comprises a grinding pyrolyser 22, being a machine or apparatus in which both particle size reduction and pyrolysis occur simultaneously. Plant 20 also comprises a bin (hopper) 30 for holding wet particulate biomass feedstock. Chute 32 leads from the bin 30 to a biomass dryer 34 which reduces moisture content of the feedstock as low as possible, e.g., to below about 10. Dried feedstock is conveyed from dryer 34 via line 36 to a dried biomass feedstock hopper 38. Dried feedstock is fed from hopper 38 into a chute 40 which leads to an inlet trunnion 42 of grinding pyrolyser 22. A discharge trunnion 44 of grinding pyrolyser 22 leads to a char holder 60 for collecting char particles and a condensation train 62 for condensing vapour generated by the pyrolysis to produce oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by recirculated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for thermal treatment, e.g. for pyrolysis of lignin. The lignin is provided to a reaction chamber as a paste, which can reduce or avoid process difficulties encountered when heating lignin.

Abstract: A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by re-circulated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler.

Abstract: A device for pyrolysis of a material has a horizontal receiving chamber, a horizontally moving compressing element compressing the material in the receiving chamber to form a compact body, a horizontal pyrolysis chamber communicating with the receiving chamber and subjecting the compact body to a heat treatment, a separating partition separating the chambers, and a cylinder-piston unit with a compressing plate which, with the closed partition, first compresses the material in the receiving chamber, then after vertically withdrawing the partition, moves the compressed material from the receiving chamber into pyrolysis chamber and is heated there to produce pyrolysis gas.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus and method for pyrolyzing plastic wastes to form a fuel and generating energy is described.

Abstract: Provided is a kiln lens comprising an annular structure defined by a section rotated about an axis. The section comprises a top surface, a base surface, an upstream surface forming an angle with the base of from 10 to 75 degrees, inclusive, and a downstream surface forming an angle with the base of from 10 to 75 degrees, inclusive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reclaiming biogenic mass, in particular sludge, wherein the product to be reclaimed is first dried and then thermally decomposed in a pyrolysis reactor for the purpose of creating pyrolysis gas. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the product is thermally dried in at least two drier stages arranged after one another, wherein the waste heat of the drier stage downstream of the product in the transport direction is used as process heat for the respectively upstream drier stages. The invention further relates to a system for reclaiming biogenic mass, in particular sludge.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is apparatus and method for thermolysis of waste plastics especially for receiving of hydrocarbon products. Apparatus for thermolysis of waste plastics consisting feeding system, thermolysis reactor, external circulation loop and product collecting system according to the invention is characterized in that collecting and two-step product separation system is involving condenser (6), product cooling system (3), light fraction receiver (26) with gaseous product removing system (27), crude heavy fraction receiver (21) and vacuum evaporator (7).

Abstract: A processor for vacuum distillation of whole tires including; an insulated housing having a door on one end, and rails on a lower surface of the housing to support a cart loaded with whole tires. A plurality of first heat tubes arranged around and spaced from a central radiant heat tube, the central radiant heat tube having an unsupported end adjacent the door such that whole tires loaded on the cart and through the door will pass over the central radiant heat tube such that the central radiant heat tube is located in a central opening of each tire on the cart.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bounded at least in part by a side wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. Systems are also provided for heating the feed material within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A processor for vacuum distillation of whole tires including; an insulated housing having a door on one end, and rails on a lower surface of the housing to support a cart loaded with whole tires. A plurality of first heat tubes arranged around and spaced from a central radiant heat tube, the central radiant heat tube having an unsupported end adjacent the door such that whole tires loaded on the cart and through the door will pass over the central radiant heat tube such that the central radiant heat tube is located in a central opening of each tire on the cart.

Abstract: A pyrolisis apparatus, including a retort tube in a closed loop configuration the retort tube defining a single entrance point and two exit points, a vortex separator joined to retort tube; and a plurality of fins positioned in spiraling rows about the retort tube, the fins extending through and sealed to a wall of the retort tube, the fins simultaneously extending beyond either side of the wall and being positioned to be a static mixer inside and outside the retort tube.

Abstract: A method of extracting essential oil from biomass wastes puts biomass wastes, such as wood residuals, wood chips or other plants, in an air-tight oxygen-free reaction vessel to be heated up indirectly, for conducting a thermal pyrolysis cracking reaction (i.e. dry distillation); and guides volatile gas which is distilled when the processed wastes disintegrate, into a condenser to be condensed as liquid which is then separated into water and oil through an oil-water separation tank. Whereas, non-liquefied gas is discharged outside after deodorizing, and residuals in the reaction vessel are processed with high-temperature dry distillation once to become activated carbons.

Abstract: A retort oven for decomposition of waste materials through pyrolysis employing a deck with a variable angle of inclination for adjusting the retention time and processing rate of waste material flowing unassisted through the oven interior. The oven includes an outer shell lined with a refractory material and houses an inner oven chamber. The deck is adjustably hinge mounted to the inner chamber supporting sidewalls extending in a decline from a waste material entrance to a charred material exit. The deck is operated in a preferred angle range of inclination between 28°-50° from the oven floor normal. A controlled heat source is positioned within the oven to heat a first outer volume whose heated gases are transferred into a second inner volume of the inner chamber using an array of heat gun tubes heating the deck and material as it descends along the declined deck. The deck can be adjusted for varying the retention time of material within the oven for varied exposure to heat and charring efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic material disposal method comprising a step for thermally decomposing a raw organic material and a gas treatment step for treating a gas generated in the preceding step, wherein the thermal decomposition step comprises a substep of decomposing the raw organic material into a carbide and a gaseous component, and the gas treatment step comprises the following substeps (1) to (5): (1) catalytically oxidizing the gaseous component produced in the thermal decomposition step; (2) neutralizing/washing the oxidized gas; (3) subjecting a waste water produced in the neutralization/washing step to the solid-liquid separation; (4) further thermally decomposing a solid component separated in the solid-liquid separation step together with the raw organic material in the thermal decomposition step; and (5) re-using a liquid component separated in the solid-liquid separation step in the solid-liquid separation step and/or the neutralization/washing step.

Abstract: The bio-fuel reactor injection system includes supplementing a biomass feedstock with a feedstock gas so that thermal conditions within the reactor body are optimized. The feedstock gas facilitates the flow of the feedstock through the feedstock injection system and maintains the feedstock below the feedstock's melting point until the feedstock is injected into the reactor body. In the preferred embodiment, the supplemental feedstock gas is nitrogen. The injection system also includes a plurality of screens that form a gas distributor plate. The gas distributor plate at least partially supports a fluidized bed within the reactor body. In the preferred embodiment, the nitrogen-supplemented feedstock is injected into the fluidized bed within the reactor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a reactor apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, the apparatus including: a reactor component comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of at least 2060° C. and which remains in oxide form when exposed to a gas having carbon partial pressure of 10?22 bar, an oxygen partial pressure of 10?10 bar, at a temperature of 1200° C. In some embodiments, the reactor comprises a regenerative pyrolysis reactor apparatus and in other embodiments it includes a reverse flow regenerative reactor apparatus. In other aspects, this invention includes a method for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock using a pyrolysis reactor system comprising the step of providing in a heated region of a pyrolysis reactor system for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, apparatus comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of at least 2060° C.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a reactor apparatus for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock, the apparatus including: a reactor component comprising a refractory material in oxide form, the refractory material having a melting point of at least 2060° C. and which remains in oxide form when exposed to a gas having an oxygen partial pressure of 10?15 bar, a carbon partial pressure above the carbon partial pressure of the zirconium carbide and zirconium oxide phase transition at the same temperature, and at temperatures below the temperature of the zirconium triple point at the oxygen partial pressure of 10?15 bar; and ii) when exposed to a gas having an oxygen partial pressure of 10?15 bar and at temperatures above the zirconium triple point at the oxygen partial pressure of 10?15 bar. In some embodiments, the reactor comprises a regenerative pyrolysis reactor apparatus and in other embodiments it includes a reverse flow regenerative reactor apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating carbon products from used tires includes a decomposing chamber into which used tires are charged, a nitrogen gas supply device that supplies nitrogen gas into the decomposing chamber, one or more magnetrons that generate microwave of predetermined frequency and one or more phase shifters that removes interference between microwaves generated by the magnetrons, a receiving plate that is adapted to receive carbon black and iron cores generated by the decomposing process, a tire support that is adapted to support used tires, an opening and closing device that opens or closes a door on which used tires are placed, conveyor belt that moves carbon black and iron cores to a desired location after decomposition is complete, and a cooling plate that is provided in an upper portion of the apparatus and cools down gaseous oil that is generated by decomposition by microwave into liquid oil.

Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150° F., and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a process material such as powdered plastic to usable fossil fuel. A hollow cylinder having a piston slidably mounted therein is externally heated to produce an internal temperature of approximately 500.degree. C. The powdered plastic is injected into the heated cylinder utilizing an inert gas, thereby vaporizing the powdered plastic and forming a volatile gas. An electric motor rotates a crankshaft to slide the piston and expel the volatile gas from the cylinder. A condenser receives the volatile gas and condenses the gas into the usable fossil fuel. A first stage condenser condenses oil, and a secondary stage condenses Diesel fuel, kerosene, toluene, gasoline, or natural gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating components of batches of waste rubber by pyrolysis comprises at least one heating chamber interconnected with a condenser by a conduit. The heating oven is provided with a plurality of cooperating heating elements, an inlet for receiving waster rubber, and an outlet for egress of pyrolyzed gaseous components. The condenser condenses and separates cooled liquid components from the gaseous components. Separated gaseous components are exhausted from the condenser. Cooled liquid components are conveyed from the condenser to a re-circulation tank. The conduit is provided with a pair of opposed injectors adjacent the outlet of the heating oven. A re-circulation line interconnects the re-circulation tank with the injectors and is provided with a pressurizing device for injecting cooled liquid components through the injectors into the conduit in the form of intersecting liquid laminar sheets thereby applying a vacuum draw on the egressing pyrolyzed gaseous components.

Abstract: A hybrid method for producing energy from a carbonaceous material including the steps of: heating the carbonaceous material under a reduced oxygen atmosphere in a distillation plant to generate distillate vapours; processing the resulting distillate vapours; transferring the char residue from the distillation plant to a power station boiler; and combusting the char residue in the power station boiler for the generation of electrical power. The char residue is transferred to a power station boiler while the char residue retains heat from the heating in the distillation plant. An integrated energy conversion system including: a distillation plant for the destructive distillation of carbonaceous material to afford distillate vapours and a char residue; a power station boiler; a means of transferring the char residue at a temperature between 300 to 700° C. from the distillation plant to the bed power station; and collection means for the distillate vapours.

Abstract: A pyrolysis process and reactor converts various hydrocarbons such as waste materials, for example, scrap polymers, tires, etc., into various chemical components or amounts thereof, not otherwise produced by conventional pyrolytic processes. A large reactor size is utilized in association with a low heat input per unit weight of charge. A thick pyrolyzate/“char” layer is formed during pyrolysis. The product or various components thereof can be utilized as a fuel or octane additive.

Abstract: A retort heating apparatus for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bounded at least in part by a side wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. Systems are also provided for heating the feed material within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A microwave distillation apparatus provides destructive distillation of whole waste tires. The apparatus includes a housing including a plurality of vertically arranged chambers. A preheat chamber provides preheating of a whole waste tire received therein. An irradiation chamber, located below the preheat chamber and thermally coupled to the preheat chamber such that heat generated in the irradiation chamber creates heat convection currents in the preheat chamber, receives a preheated whole waste tire from the preheat chamber. A microwave energy supply supplies microwave energy to the irradiation chamber to provide destructive distillation of a tire received in that chamber. A cooling chamber, located below the irradiation chamber, receives by-products of the destructive distillation therefrom and provides delivery of the by-products from the housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a coke oven battery including many identical coking chambers, a raw gas receiver, and throttle devices arranged in the receiver for individually controlling the gas pressure in the chambers. Each throttle device includes an immersion bucket acted upon by water. Gas lines terminating in immersion pipes in the immersion buckets connect the chambers with the receiver. Throttle devices are employed that include an overflow that can be vertically adjusted by an actuating drive for controlling the liquid level in the immersion bucket. For a coking chamber to which a pressure control device is allotted, the setting signals for the actuating drive allocated to the time pressure curve in the process of carbonizing coal to coke are recorded as a position-time curve. The actuating drives of throttle devices that are allocated to coking chambers without pressure control devices are controlled according to the position-time curve.