Abstract: A carbonizing waste processing apparatus is operable to rotate and heat a radiant tube for carbonizing waste therein so as to generate granular char and vapors from the waste, transfer waste into an upstream end of the tube, temporarily impede movement of the waste through the tube at upstream and downstream locations therein so as to ensure that residence time of the waste in the tube is sufficient at the upstream location to carry out evaporation of moisture from the waste and at the downstream location to elevate the temperature of any solids in the waste for completion of carbonization of the waste, discharge the granular char and vapors from the tube, and flow the generated and discharged vapors through a succession of finned heat exchanger tubes so as to condense and separate the vapors into oil, water and methanol.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting hydrocarbon fuel products from plastic material provides extraction of usable fuel components from waste plastic materials. The materials (or hydrocarbon portion thereof) are liquified and introduced to a chamber where the liquid material is agitated and a negative relative pressure (vacuum) is applied. The liquid is maintained at a substantially constant temperature and the vacuum draws the off-gas hydrocarbon products out for condensation and further processing, while unconverted char is removed to an ash dump. An auger feed unit with agitator buckets is used to propel the char through a feed while agitating the liquid to enhance the rate of gas removal.

Abstract: This invention is a system for manufacturing char having a continuous operation and optimizing heat generation and retention elements.

Abstract: Tire pyrolysis systems and processes are provided which include feeding tire shreds to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the shreds in a pyrolysis reactor to produce a hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and carbon-containing solid, removing the carbon-containing solid from the reactor, directing the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream into a separator, contacting the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oil spray in the separator thereby washing particulate from the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and condensing a portion of the gas stream to oil, removing and cooling the oil from the separator, directing non-condensed gas from the gas stream away from the separator, and directing a portion of the cooled oil removed from the separator to an inlet of the separator for use as the separator oil spray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desorbtion is disclosed that utilizes enhancements to lessen the amount of entrained particles formed during desorbtion and for lowering the operating and capital costs associated with desorbtion equipment. Multiple stage desorbtion is contemplated using multiple drums, with smaller drums being employed for volatizing the waste components that require high temperatures. The method and apparatus may include an eductor scrubber attached directly or adjacent to the gas extraction port of a drum to prevent fouling of system apparatus. A plunger for cleaning the scrubber suction chamber is provided. The method and process may include injecting hot gas, which may be exhaust gas from a burner apparatus, into one or more desorption drums to lower heating costs.

Abstract: A flighted, horizontally inclined rotary retort, heated externally by flame, hot gases, steam or other sources of heat. The retort shall have sufficient flight area to transport the coal through the retort in the predetermined time. The coal being processed in this retort is prevented from becoming exothermic by provision for a countercurrent flow of blanket gas, heated to a predetermined temperature below exotherm, to prevent coal surface temperatures from rising above the ignition temperature. The retort accommodates oversize pieces of raw coal by having alternating long and short flights, thus allowing greater space between long flights and allowing the larger pieces to be carried over the center pipe by the wiping action of the long flights. The retort will also be provided with an internal pipe, mounted on the center line of the shell.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for obtaining oil from waste plastic by thermal decomposition has a thermal decomposition tank 2 comprising a tank proper 3. The inside of the tank proper 3 is divided by a partition 7 into a thermal decomposition chamber at its front and a melting chamber at its rear, with a communicating space to connect the thermal decomposition and melting chambers and provided below the partition. Heating pipes are disposed in the tank proper so that hot air travels from the thermal decomposition chamber through the communicating spaces to the melting chamber. This arrangement permits keeping the thermal decomposition chamber, communicating spaces and melting chamber at temperatures suited for thermal decomposition and melting, thereby realizing design simplification and size reduction, permitting substantial cost savings and ease of maintenance, and increasing productivity and economy.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for regulating the gas pressure in the retort of a coke oven. Pivotable cup valves arranged in the elbows of the ascending pipe are actuated as throttling members according to the pressure curve resulting from gas formation from the coal to be cokefied. Throttling of each individual retort is effected by varying water supply, thus regulating the extent of submersion in water, and regulation follows actual pressure conditions in the retort of the coke oven.

Abstract: A polyurethane adhesive composition prepared by incorporating phosphorus oxy acid or a derivative thereof, an amine compound and an epoxy resin into an organic polyisocyanate and an organic polyol.The polyurethane adhesive composition is employed in the manufacture of composite films by lamination of various plastic films, metal foils and so forth. The composition is excellent in adhesive properties, acid resistance and hot water resistance.

Abstract: A pyrolytic converter utilizing a rotatable drum surrounded by an outer drum support structure and disposed in an oven chamber pyrolyzes materials including plastic waste, tires, materials from automobile shredding operations, containers and trays of plastic material, rubber, leather, garbage, sewage sludge, coal, oil shale, broken asphalt and the like. These materials are formed into cartridges by a compactor using a reciprocating ram which forms cartridges in an injection tube wherein another ram injects the cartridges into the converter drum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the pyrolysis of waste material which is not itself susceptible to heating by microwave radiation. The method comprises:(a) contacting the waste material, under an atmosphere wherein flame generation is substantially prevented, with a bed of pulverulent carbonaceous material (such as pulverised scrap tires) which is susceptible to heating by microwave irradiation; and(b) heating the pulverulent material by means of microwave irradiation so as to transfer thermal energy from the pulverulent material to the waste material and cause substantial pyrolysis of the waste material.

Abstract: A loading mechanism places waste material into a porous rotatable cylinder that is mounted for relative rotation within an air-tight housing. Once loaded, the housing is sealed and oxygen is evacuated. A microwave heating device heats the waste material within the cylinder and breaks the waste material down into solid and fluid products. A drive motor simultaneously rotates the cylinder at high speed, creating centrifugal force on the waste material. The fluid products escape outwardly from the porous cylinder and are transferred to a heat exchanger chamber where they are cooled. A fractional distillation system stratifies the fluid products according to weight for purposes of recovery.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for heating a carbonization drum is especially used for heating a carbonization drum for a low-temperature-carbonization combustion process. Heating gas heated in a heat exchanger is guided in a heating gas loop from the heat exchanger through the carbonization drum. A heat sink is provided for cooling the heating gas. In order to control an energy supply to the carbonization drum, the heating gas is guided back again at least partially and in a controlled fashion through a bypass line, in which the heat sink is disposed, to the heat exchanger, while bypassing the carbonization drum. The heating gas can also be delivered partially and in a controlled fashion through the heat sink to the carbonization drum. A distribution of the heating gas into a maximum of three paths is ensured by a configuration of lines and control devices.

Abstract: A plant for treating industrial and/or urban waste includes a stage for drying of the waste, followed by a stage for effecting thermolysis of the dried waste and a stage for effecting recovery of the solids and gases resulting from the thermolysis. Thermolysis of the waste is effected in a reactor by indirect heat exchange with combustion gases and drying gases for drying of the waste are subsequently treated to remove vapor materials and then recycled to a gas generator for generating the drying gases. Additionally the plant includes a stage for effecting dechlorination of the solids resulting from the thermolysis by washing the solids with an aqueous liquid, as well as a stage of separating the wash solids and the resulting wash liquid.

Abstract: A method for generating, from refuse or refuse in combination with coal, a fuel gas suited for public utility purposes wherein refuse and coal can be introduced into the process in any proportion one to the other. The method provides the steps of subjecting the refuse to allothermal low-temperature carbonization, if desired in combination with coal, burning the gasification residue, purifying the crude gas and conditioning the pure gas for public utility purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fuel and carbon black from rubber are disclosed. The method and apparatus produce a liquid fuel that is low in sulfur content, gaseous hydrocarbons, and solid carbonaceous materials from used rubber tires. Rubber is heated under negative pressures in the presence of a minimal amount of oxygen. The methods and apparatus of the present invention also produce little air emissions and conserve energy.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pyrolyzing used tires into a char fraction, wire, fiberglass, oil fraction and gas fraction. The tires are continuously conveyed to a preheating chamber where they are heated to a temperature level of 200.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. The heated tires are metered into a cavity having disposed therein a ram system, which shapes and forces the whole tire into a pipe which leads to a pyrolyzing chamber. The tires form a plug at the front end of the system to prevent the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere and also to prevent air from entering the pyrolyzing chamber. Similarly, solid residue produced by pyrolysis of the apparatus is forced into a discharge column, forming a plug to seal the system at its outlet end. An alternate embodiment of the invention apparatus operated manually can also be used for compacting, neutralizing and disposing of medical waste, infectious materials and the like as well as auto tires.

Abstract: Gaseous, liguid and solid fuels are recovered from carbonaceous organic waste material by treating charges of waste material in several successive stages including preheating, drying and conversion into solid and gaseous phases, all as a result of heating in a common vessel or in two or three successive vessels. The solid phases are thereupon cooled prior to admission into a bin, either in a separate vessel or in the vessel for conversion into solid and gaseous phases. The gaseous phases are treated to separate oil from reaction water, combustible gases and inert gases. The charges are heated from without and are sealed from the atmosphere during all four stages of treatment. Each charge is mixed during heating and the intensity of mixing action, the heating action and/or the pressure in the vessel can be varied during one or more stages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the separation and extraction of a waste material into a solid, a liquid, and a gas phase utilizing a rotating drum that is heated by a fluid medium circulating over the exterior surface of the drum in a chamber. The interior of the drum is sealed from the atmosphere and from the chamber. The waste material flows to the interior of the drum where the liquid components are vaporized and the solids are dried. The drum vapor effluent is cooled and the condensable components are condensed and separated. The noncondensable components are used as fuel for heating the heating medium. The dry solids flow from the retort to disposal facilities.

Abstract: Apparatus producing fuel from waste products of the type capable of forming a flammable oil and gas when heated. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for disposing of discarded vehicle tires and at the same time producing fuel capable of operating engines or burners. The system utilizes a cooking pot and cooling apparatus for condensing gas formed in the cooking vessel to produce a flammable oil. The system including the cooking vessel is closed except for outlets from the cooling apparatus for both the oil and gas, whereby no appreciable pollution is discharged to atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved retort apparatus for recovering oil from crushed oil shale moved by gravity through a passageway of an elongated housing includes a control assembly connected adjacent the outlet end of the housing to control the rate of movement of the crushed oil shale through the passageway. A plurality of heat exchangers are located in the housing for transferring heat in sequence to or from the crushed oil shale. The heat exchangers are spaced to define a drying zone, a preheating zone, a hydrocarbon recovery zone, and a waste heat recovery zone. A pump recirculating circuit is provided for passing waste heat recovered from the waste heat recovery zone to the preheating zone. An auxiliary heating assembly connected to the heat exchangers in the hydrocarbon recovery zone delivers sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the crushed oil shale moving through the hydrocarbon recovery zone to the critical temperature for separating hydrocarbons in vapor form therefrom.

Abstract: A shale oil retort apparatus is provided for retorting oil shale under airtight conditions. The retort apparatus employs a split hub wheel device which allows for the axial feeding of crushed oil shale and the axial dispensing of spent oil shale. The retort apparatus utilizes a rotatable shaft on a stationary axle, said shaft containing three spokes that are set approximately equidistant apart. The spokes serve to feed raw oil shale, dip it into a hot oil bath and dispense spent oil shale out of the apparatus.

Abstract: Improved process and system for reducing the amounts of hydrogen sulfide emitted during pyrolysis of oil shale. At the elevated temperatures of oil shale pyrolysis, iron pyrite is converted to hydrogen sulfide which is emitted with the product gases and oils. Reduction in hydrogen sulfide emissions is accomplished by treating the oil shale with ultraviolet radiation of a particular wave length prior to pyrolysis in the presence of oxygen to selectively oxidize the pyritic sulfur to sulfate sulfur. The treated oil shale is then retorted at conventional temperatures. The sulfate sulfur does not decompose or otherwise convert to hydrogen sulfide at these temperatures. The sulfate sulfur remains in the spent shale residue and is discarded as waste to thereby effectively reduce the amount of sulfur emitted as hydrogen sulfide in the pyrolysis product gases.

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

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons from drill cuttings is disclosed. The method involves heating the contaminated drill cuttings at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, milling the cuttings to expose hydrocarbons trapped within agglomerates of the material, and separating the vapors thereby produced from the cuttings. The cleaned cuttings can be used or disposed of without damage to the environment. The vaporized hydrocarbons may be condensed and recovered.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of rubber and plastic wastes, comprising in series an extruder for heating and melting rubber and plastic wastes to extrude the molten wastes, a decomposing section for heating the molten wastes to prepare decomposed products while optionally separating residues therefrom, a dry-distilling section for gasifying the decomposed products by dry-distillation, and a cooling section for cooling the dry-distilled products to separate gaseous materials from liquid materials.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the destructive distillation of high molecular weight organic materials such as organic wastes, particularly those containing hydrocarbon groups, using ultrasonic and microwave generators together to irradiate, and molecularly disperse the organic molecules in the organic materials. At least initially a portion of the organic materials are preferably irradiated with a laser beam or other initiator to initiate molecular motion in the organic materials and produce elemental carbon in situ from the organic materials so that the process will begin rapidly. Carbon and/or particulate catalysts which promote or increase the absorption of microwaves are preferably admixed with the organic materials.