Tumbler-type Rotary - Drum Furnace Patents (Class 432/103)
  • Patent number: 5704782
    Abstract: A wear lining for a rotary furnace of an incineration installation for, for example, chemical waste, wherein the wear lining comprises tapered bricks (1, 2, 3) which are installed in the furnace in the form of a vaulted lining, the main taper of each brick being matched to the desired vaulted lining shape, and wherein the height (H) of the bricks extends in the thickness direction of the lining. In this lining the bricks are of low porosity and able to withstand high temperatures and chemicals. Furthermore, the bricks have an additional taper which extends at least over part (h) of the height thereof, which additional taper provides, on the inside (9) of the lining, an increase in the gap width (T1) between adjoining bricks which decreases towards the outside of the lining. Preferably, the additional taper is such that, in the cold assembled state, the increase in the gap width (T1) on the inside of the lining is in the range from 1 mm to 2.4 mm. The additional taper extends over 0.1 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: N.V. Gouda Vuurvast
    Inventors: Joachim Otto Schulze, Johannes Adrianus Maria Butter
  • Patent number: 5702247
    Abstract: A rotary reactor is shown having an improved internal lining including a lifter section which extends along an interior surface of the reactor chamber for lifting material from a lower portion of the chamber to an upper portion thereof as the chamber rotates. The lifter section is formed as a monolithic casting of a refractory material having a polygonal cross-section which includes a series of blunt faces alternating with a series of slanted faces. The slanted faces are aligned with a direction of rotation of the reactor such that the slanted faces of the refractory material first contact the material being lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Chemical Lime Company
    Inventor: William H. Schoof
  • Patent number: 5695329
    Abstract: A rotary kiln apparatus including an outer kiln shell defining an interior heating chamber therein for receiving material for heating which preferably includes a rotational drive for rotating the kiln, and a plurality of refractory bricks movably positioned within the chamber in order to maintain heat within the chamber where the refractory bricks are movable and in abutment with respect to one another to accommodate thermal expansion during heating and to maintain enhanced heating within the interior heating chamber with an outer liner insulation included extending about the inside of the outer kiln shell and in abutment therewith providing thermal insulation between the outer kiln shell and the refractory brick members with a metallic intermediate liner mechanically affixed to the inner side of the outer liner insulation to extend thereover to prevent abrasion of the outer liner insulation during normal movement of the refractory brick members during kiln rotation, with mechanical affixing of the intermedia
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Orcutt
  • Patent number: 5688117
    Abstract: A low-temperature carbonization drum for waste includes many heating tubes located in the interior. The tubes are each secured by one end to a first end plate and by the other end to a second end plate. At least one support location for supporting the heating tubes is provided between the two end plates to prevent them from sagging. Each support location is divided into at least two spaced-apart partial supports, each with one bracket configuration. Each bracket configuration includes a plurality of support brackets that are located in the same plane as one another. The support brackets are located one after another (are staggered) and are rotationally offset from one another. As a result, the solid material in the waste can be transported largely unimpeded past the support locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl May, Hartmut Herm, Karlheinz Unverzagt, Herbert Tratz, Helmut Werdinig
  • Patent number: 5685709
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for the heat treatment of lime sludge (CaCO.sub.3) to form burnt lime (CaO). In the method of the present invention lime sludge is dried in a gas dryer means, to produce a dried lime sludge. The dried lime sludge is separated from the gases and thereafter is first fed to a compacting means wherein it is compacted into a plurality of substantially uniform bodies which are thereafter fed to a shaft kiln in which the compacted dried lime sludge is converted to active burnt lime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Fuller Company
    Inventor: Sidney M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5662050
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventors: James F. Angelo, II, Wilbur L. Kephart
  • Patent number: 5649823
    Abstract: A bypass system is provided for a long cement kiln. The long cement kiln includes a cylindrical rotary vessel in which a kiln gas stream flows countercurrent to in-process mineral. The bypass system includes an annular bypass plenum, a port in the wall of the rotary vessel in gas flow communication with said plenum, and a draft tube for preventing passage of in-process mineral through said port. A blower fan induces flow of at least a portion of the kiln gas stream to form a bypass stream through the draft tube and the port and into the annular bypass plenum. The bypass system also includes an apparatus for mixing controlled amounts of ambient air with the bypass stream to cool the kiln gas bypass stream and to precipitate alkali fume in the kiln gas bypass stream before it passes through the draft tube and the port in the wall of the rotary vessel to reduce build up of condensed alkali inside the draft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignees: Ash Grove Cement Company, Cadence Environmental Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Tutt
  • Patent number: 5643548
    Abstract: A process and plant for drying and then separating moist salts, such as magnesium sulfite, in which the moist magnesium sulfite is heated to a temperature greater than or equal to about 200.degree. C. in a dryer and the passed through a solid materials lock into a separating plant. The dryer is heated by a circulating stream of exhaust vapors which is heated in a heat exchanger by exhaust gas generated in the separating plant so that the water of crystallization of the magnesium sulfite as well as residual humidity is eliminated during the drying process. Vapor-free acid anhydride, usually sulphur dioxide, is prepared in the separating plant from the dehydrated salt and a metal oxide, e.g., MgO, is recovered or otherwise used. The acid anhydride may be liquified and has a large degree of purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Austrian Energy & Environment SGP/Wagner-Biro GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Bammer, Bernhard Blocher, Wolfgang Glaser, Heinz Loquenz, Walter Staufer, Peter Yaldez
  • Patent number: 5634712
    Abstract: An asphalt plant is provided with a system for containing noxious and nuisance gases and fumes generated therein. The system includes a substantially air tight casing encircling an slat conveyor of the plant, a substantially air tight elevator chute having a substantially air tight connection to each of a drum dryer/mixer and the casing, a batcher chute having a substantially air tight connection to each of the casing and a batcher of the plant, a substantially air tight seal between the batcher and a silo of the plant, and a bypass duct bypassing the seal between the batcher and the silo such that a negative pressure created in the drum dryer/mixer by a power exhaust of the plant is distributed substantially throughout various components of the plant as the batcher and the silo contain sufficient asphalt material being processed by the plant such that air and other gases and fumes contained within the plant are prevented from escaping directly into the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Cedarapids, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph E. Musil
  • Patent number: 5616023
    Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of brick or a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Quigley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo A. Mosci
  • Patent number: 5603615
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoke and heat source recycling device for a tunnel kiln in order to prevent smoke pollution. It has an exhaust fan in the preheating zone, the exhaust fan absorbing heat from the preheating zone and delivering such heat to a heat energy adjustment zone and waste gas treatment system for treating pollutants such as coal dust. Heat in the dry zone is delivered into the exhaust duct through an exhaust collector. A and pollution controller detects the pollution and enters signal into an electronic control to control gates for exhaust gas to enter either a gas treatment system or to be emitted into the air through the chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Wei-Wau Liaw
  • Patent number: 5580242
    Abstract: A rotary kiln has a generally cylindrical housing centered on and extending along an axis inclined to the horizontal and having an upper upstream end and a lower downstream end and a drive that rotates the kiln about its axis. Particles to be heat-treated are fed into the housing at the upstream end and are extracted from the downstream end. A plurality of axially separate heat-exchange radiators fixed in the housing are connected axially in series and a fluent heat-exchange medium is flowed serially through the radiators from the downstream end of the housing to the upstream end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Babcock BSH Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans Becker
  • Patent number: 5573396
    Abstract: A premix burner assembly for heating the combustion chamber of a dryer for an HMA plant, soil remediation plant, or the like is designed to meet the very low emission limitations that are imposed in certain areas such as the southern portion of California. The burner assembly includes a burner, a primary nozzle, an air source connected to the burner, a fuel source, and a fuel injection system connected to the fuel source and to the burner. Premixing is achieved through the supply of a gaseous fuel from the fuel injection system into the burner upstream of the primary nozzle so as to lead to nearly complete premixing of the air and fuel prior to discharge into the combustion chamber, thereby permitting combustion of the fuel with only very small amounts of excess air. Burner efficiency is increased and emissions are further reduced by employing air distribution and control devices upstream of the fuel injection system and by carefully controlling the supply of both air and fuel to the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm L. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5569030
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for controlling the kiln gas stream in a conventional long wet or dry process cement kiln modified for delivery of solid fuel into the calcining zone. Air is injected into the kiln gas stream at a point downstream of the clinkering zone and upstream of the drying zone to promote combustion efficiency downstream of the clinkering zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignees: Cadence Environmental Energy, Inc., Ash Grove Cement Company
    Inventors: Eric R. Hansen, James R. Tutt
  • Patent number: 5566626
    Abstract: An incineration kiln of the slagging mode, which has an outer shell and a protective layer inside the shell with quantum failure identifiers. The quantum failure identifiers recognizes one or more stages of increasing degree of failure of the protective layer, so that an operator may be warned and take suitable measures to protect further deterioration of the protective layer and restore the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Rollins Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Schaefer, Eustathios Vassiliou, Bruno R. Kuhn, Joseph F. Guinto
  • Patent number: 5551870
    Abstract: A rotating seal device for a rotary drum kiln. A rotating seal member is welded about the drum near each of its ends, each sealing against a rotationally stationary seal member joined with the associated kiln end hood through a flexible gas tight bellows. The stationary seal rides on a pair of rollers each bearing upon a track, preventing its rotation. The bellows accommodates longitudinal expansion and contraction of the drum. Hanging weights are used with pulley wheels and flexible cables to urge the non-rotating members against the rotating members with unvarying force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Summit Valley Equipment and Engineering
    Inventor: Charles O. Gale
  • Patent number: 5549472
    Abstract: Methods and devices for protecting incineration kilns by optically determining the thickness of protective refractory and slag layers and taking suitable measures to avoid catastrophic failure due to excessive heat of the outer shell, usually made of carbon steel. The determination is performed by two laser beams. One laser beam is directed at low incidence at various points of the top surface of the protective layers inside the kiln, while the second laser beam is directed at a different incidence at the same points of the top surface of the protective layers inside the kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Rollins Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Vassiliou Eustathios, Walter R. Schaefer, Joseph F. Guinto
  • Patent number: 5549058
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding a bulk material supplemental fuel through a port formed in a side wall of a rotary vessel of a cement kiln. The apparatus includes a stationary annular plenum surrounding rotary vessel. The plenum is configured to define an enclosed interior region in communication with the port in the rotary vessel. The apparatus also includes a bulk material fuel charging apparatus including a hopper for receiving the bulk material, and a barrel in communication with the hopper. The barrel has an open discharge end extending into the interior region of the annular plenum. The bulk material fuel charging apparatus also includes an air cannon in air flow communication with the barrel for injecting air into the barrel to force a portion of the bulk material located in the barrel out of the open discharge end of the barrel, through the port, and into the rotary vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignees: Cadence Environmental Energy, Inc., Ash Grove Cement Company
    Inventor: James R. Tutt
  • Patent number: 5538340
    Abstract: An inclined counterflow rotating drum mixer has a burner head intermediate an aggregate inlet at one end of the drum and an asphaltic concrete discharge at the opposite end of the drum. A fan supplies secondary air to the burner through a motive tube having an opening in communication with a mixing chamber between the burner head and the discharge end of the drum to aspirate gases from the mixing chamber for flow through the burner flame. The aspiration creates a negative pressure in the mixing chamber, causing a reverse flow of a portion of the combustion gases from the dryer chamber into the mixing chamber for preheating RAP input to the mixing chamber. RAP is also preheated by providing a preheat chamber adjacent the flame zone but segregated from direct contact with the flame to preheat the RAP. Hot and dried virgin aggregate is mixed with the RAP in the preheat chamber and valves are provided to prevent gases evolved from the RAP in the preheat chamber from flowing into the drying chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Gencor Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David F. Brashears
  • Patent number: 5482458
    Abstract: A rotary kiln (10) is employed which is inclined downwardly from its charge end (12) to its discharge end (14) and has a maximum length to breadth ratio of 5:1. The interior space of the kiln (10) is heated by means of at least one burner (B1, B2) directed into the kiln from one end thereof to a substantially constant elevated process temperature. Material is fed into the kiln (10) so that it occupies a maximum of 10% of the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the kiln (10) at the charge end (12). Upon entering the kiln the material is subjected almost immediately to the required process temperature. As it moves along the bottom of the kiln (10) from the charge to the discharge end (14), heat transfer to the material is primarily by radiation from the combustion space and from the lining of the kiln (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Robin A. Kyffin
  • Patent number: 5460518
    Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Quigley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo A. Mosci
  • Patent number: 5454715
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling the kiln gas stream in a conventional long wet or dry process cement kiln. A portion of the kiln gas stream can be withdrawn from the rotary kiln vessel at a point upstream, relative to kiln gas flow of the chain system in the mineral drying zone. Alternatively, or in conjunction with bypass formation, the apparatus can be used to add tertiary air to the kiln gas stream to promote combustion efficiency downstream of the clinkering zone. Use of the present apparatus to form a kiln gas bypass stream enhances operating efficiencies of long kilns by reducing dust loss, by facilitating isolation of high alkali by-product streams, by reducing alkali content of collected kiln dust, by increasing energy efficiency of long kiln operation, and by allowing greater overall control in the cement manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignees: Cadence Environmental Energy, Inc., Ash Grove Cenemt Co.
    Inventors: Eric R. Hansen, James R. Tutt
  • Patent number: 5431560
    Abstract: A device for supplying gas to a rotary cylinder by means of a slip ring channel is described, a relative movement between rotating part and stationary part of the slip ring being permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinrich Helker, Matthias Weis
  • Patent number: 5415541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary drum with relatively large dimensions, the shell of which is supported by means of riding rings each on a pair of supporting rollers of a supporting roller stand. For this purpose the rotary drum shell merely bears two riding rings which are attached so as to be fixed against rotation and which are supported on two supporting roller stands of which at least one simultaneously forms the rotary drive arrangement for the rotary drum in the form of a friction drive. This produces a combination of features by means of which the mounting of the rotary drum is statically determinate and can be driven reliably in an extremely simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Krupp Polysius AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Kastingschafer, Herbert Pingel, Johannes auf dem Venne, Bernhard Peterwerth, Reinhard Giesemann
  • Patent number: 5393225
    Abstract: A rotating tube heat treatment installation, for example a rotating tubular kiln for the thermal splitting of MgSO.sub.3, or a slag cooler for the separation of salts and aluminum, comprises as the main replaceable component, a rotating tube (1) which is surrounded by a tubular jacket (2) and separated therefrom by a gap. The tubular jacket (2) is linked to the rotating tube (1) by means of a carrier system, and has drive (8) and possible bearing races and bandings (9) mounted externally. The connections (3, 4) for the heat exchange fluid are disposed at its ends, and thermal insulation, in particular light insulation (7), is fitted internally. In this way the rotating tube, which is exposed to corrosion and thermal stresses, is simplified structurally and can be readily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignees: Austrian Energy & Environment SGP/Waagner Biro GmbH, Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Freiberger, Wolfgang Glaser, Bernd Wolschner, Stefan Zikeli
  • Patent number: 5377603
    Abstract: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignees: Cadence Environmental Energy, Inc., Ash Grove Cement Company
    Inventors: Theodore J. Reese, Eric R. Hansen, Michel R. Benoit
  • Patent number: 5344229
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the angular velocity and slope angle of a hot mix asphalt drum as a function of the temperature gradient across the drum outlet. Uneven gas outlet temperature indicates that the veil of RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement) in the drum is insufficient. The veil is increased by increasing drum speed. The complete recycled asphalt pavement hot mix asphalt plant uses uneven gas outlet temperatures to change drum operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Cyclean, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Nath, John Wiley, Robert Erickson, Carl R. Hutchison, Mike Miles
  • Patent number: 5338189
    Abstract: A holding plate holding a number of chip components coated with electrode paste is carried into a furnace body. The furnace body includes a rotator which is intermittently rotated about a shaft. The rotator is provided with a plurality of radial blades, each of which is provided with a pair of inward holding grooves for holding both side portions of the holding plate. The holding plate is carried to an inlet portion and outlet portion by a conveyor and the plate is inserted into the holding grooves by an introduction arm. The furnace is provided with heaters and fans to dry the electrode paste during rotation of the rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hata, Tetsuya Kuga, Hidekazu Kurihara, Toshihiko Kogame
  • Patent number: 5337684
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for removing contaminants from materials, particularly vaporizable contaminants from flowable material such as liquids, sludges or soil: and in one aspect, reusing heat produced in the operation to vaporize contaminants from the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Burg W. Summers
  • Patent number: 5330351
    Abstract: The invention discloses a multichambered structure for a rotary kiln.At least three bases are formed from radial blocks equidistantly spaced about and adjustably attached at one surface thereof to the inner surface of the steel shell, each base extending axially along the steel shell and on the surface opposite the attachment having a profile therein for accepting spoke blocks. The chamber walls are formed from spoke blocks with each of the walls extending radially from one of the bases and axially along the length of the base to the center portion of the cylindrical body. The spoke blocks are specially configured with one side thereof having a profile complementary to the radial blocks for mating therewithin and the side opposite thereof a profile for accepting additional ones of the spoke bricks. Additionally, a hub assembly formed from specially configured hub segments interlocks with the spoke bricks of the three walls and extends axially along the centralmost portion of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: RRI, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Ransom, Jr., George E. Ransom, III, Ralph Ingerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5320524
    Abstract: In the initial part of a wet-process rotary kiln, means to decrease the amount of product dust entrained in the escaping combustion gases. Pipes running lengthwise of the kiln, in the region where the feed slurry is wet enough to flow, fill with slurry as they rotate through the slurry pool at the bottom of the kiln, and discharge their contents through exit ports so placed on each pipe as to emit streams of slurry when the pipe is carried by kiln rotation to a position near the top of the kiln. In conjunction with the forest of chains commonly used in such kilns, the transverse-flowing combustion gases are scrubbed of some of their entrained product dust content by its being entrapped in wet slurry and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Anthony J. de Beus
  • Patent number: 5302118
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating petroleum contaminated soil and the like, and which comprises a rotary drum dryer which is adapted to convey the soil therethrough, and which includes a burner at one end for generating a heated gas stream which passes through the dryer to heat the soil to a temperature sufficient to volatilize the contaminates. A fixed enclosure is mounted to surround the discharge end of the dryer and the enclosure receives the heated soil as it is discharged from the dryer. Any entrained dust particles which are withdrawn with the exhaust gas stream from the dryer, and which may remain contaminated, are separated from the gas stream and returned to the enclosure. In the enclosure, the returned dust is mixed with the heated soil so as to cause the dust to be heated and to release its volatile contaminates, without risk of the returned dust being again entrained in the gas stream flowing through the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Renegar, Malcolm L. Swanson
  • Patent number: 5299933
    Abstract: A rotary kiln having a polygonal lining is disclosed for pyro-processing cement, lime, other minerals, as well as other materials. Specifically, utilizing a polygonal lining of brick or a refractory or ceramic material having between 3 and 12 sides improves the heat efficiency or heat transfer between high-temperature gases and a burden of material to be processed by the kiln. Such an efficient utilization of the gas heat is due to various factors which cause a larger amount of the burden to be more quickly exposed to the high temperature gases. These various factors include increased tumbling, increased residence time, decreased degree of filling, and increased surface exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Quigley Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricardo A. Mosci
  • Patent number: 5297494
    Abstract: A combustible waste incinerator with a tubular furnace defining a cavity with a first opening for receiving said waste and a second opening and an interior and an exterior surface is disclosed. A burner unit is positioned at the second opening of the cavity for producing an intense flame in the cavity sufficient to burn the combustible waste therein. A water pipe and an air pipe are spirally coiled along the interior surface of the cavity for dissipating heat formed and supplying air to the cavity to promote combustion. The water pipe and the air supply pipe are disposed on the interior surface of the cavity such that a spiral channel is formed from the first opening to the second opening of the cavity. A cylindrical wire screen is disposed between the water and air supply pipes and the cavity to permit at least a portion of the waste to pass from the cavity into the spiral channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventors: Jae B. Kim, Jang H. Kim
  • Patent number: 5295821
    Abstract: A thermal treatment system and method characterized by an outer drum mounted on the base for rotation about a rotational axis; an inner drum mounted coaxially within the outer drum closer to a heater end thereof than an inlet end of the outer drum, the inner and outer drums forming therebetween an annular flow passage surrounding the inner drum; a passage at a heater end of the inner drum for allowing material to drop from the inner drum into the outer drum for flow through the annular flow passage from its inlet end to its outer end; material conveying structure for conveying material within a feed tube from the inlet end of the outer drum to the inner drum for deposit within the interior of the inner drum at its inlet end, the feed tube being mounted coaxially within the outer drum and being spaced radially inwardly from the annular wall of the outer drum to form an annular flow passage surrounding the feed tube that has an inlet end connected to the outlet end of the annular passage surrounding the inner d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: Karlis N. Daukss
  • Patent number: 5261555
    Abstract: An insulated structure, typically a drum, can initially have an outer uninsulated wall of heat conductive material. The outer wall, such as the outer cylindrical wall of a drum, may then be insulated with insulation supplied as panels. Each panel covers a part of the surface, e.g., extends part way around a portion of the circumference of a drum. Each panel connects, end-to-end, to at least one other insulation panel. Adjacent panels are advantageously joined end-to-end by adjustable joining means. Each panel has an outer metal sheet, such as of galvanized steel. This sheet has an inner layer of ceramic fiber insulation bonded to it. In addition to being attached to each other, panels may also be secured to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Rogers, Hugh H. Storms
  • Patent number: 5259756
    Abstract: A rotary kiln has a rotatable cylinder through which a product passes in counter-current to a hot gas stream which dries the product. At the product entrance end, a vent annulus enters into the kiln for a length sufficient to allow entrained particles in the exhaust gas to either fall out within the rotating cylinder or pass through the annulus at a velocity sufficient to maintain their entrainment until discharge at a downstream location. Utilizing a vent annulus which enters into the kiln prevents entrained particles from becoming disentrained in the feed breech of the kiln which causes accumulation requiring periodic shut-downs for clean-outs which are disruptive of continuous operation. Utilizing the present invention incorporating a vent annulus in the rotary kiln minimizes down time and increases the efficiency and utilization of the rotary kiln. Additionally, the Separate vent annulus substantially simplifies the feed breech structure of the kiln simplifying construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Power Corporation
    Inventor: Inaky J. Urza
  • Patent number: 5240412
    Abstract: A continuous method of removing volatilizable organic composition from particulate mineral composition comprises heating the organic composition contaminated mineral particles in a rotating drum and exposing the particles to said hot gases to volatilize the organic composition from the mineral particles while advancing the particles counter-current to the direction of hot gas flow, removing a gaseous composition from the drum comprising a mixture of the gases of combustion, volatilized organic composition and airborne fine mineral particles, separating the fine mineral particles from the hot gases and volatile volatilized organic composition returning the separated fine mineral particles into the drum near the hot end, mixing the fine particles with the coarse mineral particles advancing toward the hot drum end, continuing to heat the mixture of fine and coarse mineral particles until the concentration of volatilizable organic composition is less than about 100 parts per million, and recovering a mixture of c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5238401
    Abstract: An improved kiln wherein a smile shaped oil cooled refractory support is shortened so its distal end is adjacent the outside end of a front nose ring on a rotatable kiln drum, the nose ring being extended radially inwardly to shield the distal end of the smile shaped support from radiant energy from the kiln drum and direct combustion air over the distal end of the smile shaped support to prevent thermally induced stress cracking and substantially reduce the amount of partially burned material that spills over the front nose ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Frericks, Johnny H. Price, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5224433
    Abstract: A method is described for environmentally sound usage of combustible hazardous waste in an operating rotary kiln. The method is particularly adapted for disposal of solid hazardous wastes, optionally in the form of a blended waste homogenate, Packaged in sealable containers. The containers are used as fuel modules and charged into a rotary kiln cylinder where kiln gas temperatures range from about 950.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to achieve high destruction and removal efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignees: Cadence Chemical Resources, Inc., Ash Grove Cement Company
    Inventors: Michel R. Benoit, Eric R. Hansen, Theodore J. Reese
  • Patent number: 5217367
    Abstract: A heating drum for receiving a printing blanket to be vulcanized in a pressure chamber is comprised of a hollow drum body formed of a thin drum wall having a separating slot that extends parallel to the axis of the drum body. The drum body is hollow and made of a thin wall in order to reduce pressure tensions within the printing blanket coil during vulcanization. The separating slot is covered by a sheet metal tongue which is connected with one side to the thin wall along the separating slot while the oppositely arranged free end rests in a pre-stressed manner on the outer mantle surface of the drum body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gunter Sporing
  • Patent number: 5213496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat treatment of lime mud comprises drying of the lime mud to be introduced into the lime reburning kiln in a pneumatic dryer by means of flue gases discharged from the lime reburning kiln in order to regenerate the lime content of the lime mud. From a drying filter, the lime mud thickened to a dry solids content of over 75%, preferably to 80%, is introduced into a feed chamber through which an adjustment portion of the flue gas is conducted. Depending on the gas amount, 100% or less of the lime mud is entrained with the gas into the dryer, the remaining portion falling into the lower section of the feed chamber, wherefrom it is further transferred into the lime reburning kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Arto J. Ahvenainen
  • Patent number: 5190454
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the air-fuel ratio of a burner in order to minimize the presence of undesirable emissions in exhaust gases of the burner combustion. A burner calibration is performed by selecting a number of calibration points corresponding to burner fuel positions. Air flow is varied for each calibration point as an exhaust gas analyzer determines the content of exhaust gases of the burner combustion. Air settings for optimal combustion are determined for each calibration point and are stored in a programmable logic controller and software. During plant operation, the programmable logic controller and software adjust the air supplied to the combustion of the burner according to the calibration data and the fuel position of the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: CMI Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart W. Murray, Kenneth D. Cosby
  • Patent number: 5145361
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to reduce the amount of substantially pure oxygen required during heating, refining and melting operations in metallurgical processes.In accordance with the invention, a burner (10) is provided in which air is aspirated and mixed with fuel and substantially pure oxygen. Additionally, swirl vanes (26) are provided to impart a swirling motion to the gasses in the burner, producing a flame which is distributed over a greater volume of the charge to be heated in the furnace. The aspirated air contains nitrogen which is heated by the combustion flame and is dissipated through the charge to assist in the melt down of the charge. Oxygen is introduced into the burner through a nozzle (22), which extends into the throat of the burner tube (12), forming a venturi (20,21) to aspirate the air into the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Combustion Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Kurzinski
  • Patent number: 5103745
    Abstract: A movable axially oriented air seal for a rotary combustor for burning municipal solid waste wherein the shoe portion of the seal is movable allowing the area over which underfire and overfire air can be supplied to be varied to improve the efficiency of burning the waste irrespective of varying heat value and moisture content of the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Richard R. Harloff
  • Patent number: 5102330
    Abstract: A rotary kiln system wherein oxidant injection means are positioned at each stationary end and inject oxidant toward each other creating gas recirculation within the rotary kiln for improved mixing, combustion efficiency and temperature uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Union Carbide Industrial Gases Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Min-Da Ho
  • Patent number: 5100314
    Abstract: An apparatus for directly reducing pellets of material without melting the material includes the transporting of the pellets through drying and preheating zones on an oxidizing traveling grate and reduction in a ported rotary kiln. There is a kiln having a first end and a second end with the first end being substantially adjacent to the heating and oxidizing component for receipt of the pellets therefrom. The kiln is inclined downwardly and is rotated to advance the pellets through the kiln from the first end to the second end therefrom. The kiln includes an induration zone for indurating the pellets. The induration zone is adjacent to the first end and remote from the second end and extends for a substantial portion of the kiln from the first end. The kiln includes a reduction zone extending from the downstream end of the induration zone to the second end. A device is used to inject a reducing agent into the reduction zone of its kiln for making contact with the pellets advancing through the reduction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Svedala Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Rierson
  • Patent number: 5085581
    Abstract: A continuous method of removing volatilizable organic composition from particulate mineral composition comprises heating the organic composition contaminated mineral particles in a rotating drum and exposing the particles to said hot gases to volatilize the organic composition from the mineral particles while advancing the particles counter-current to the direction of hot gas flow, removing a gaseous composition from the drum comprising a mixture of the gases of combustion, volatilized organic composition and airborne fine mineral particles, separating the fine mineral particles from the hot gases and volatile volatilized organic composition, returning the separated fine mineral particles into the drum near the hot end, mixing the fine particles with the coarse mineral particles advancing toward the hot drum end, continuing to heat the mixture of fine and coarse mineral particles until the concentration of volatilizable organic composition is less than about 100 parts per million, and recovering a mixture of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 5078594
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for charging combustible solids through a port in the wall of a rotating kiln into a heated zone of the kiln. The apparatus includes a port closure comprising inner and outer portions which cooperate to define a passage for closure-cooling air flow when the closure is in a port-closed position. A transfer assembly is mounted on the kiln wall in alignment with the port. During kiln rotation combustible solids are loaded from a staging assembly onto the transfer assembly for alignment with the port and delivery into the kiln.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignees: Cadence Chemical Resources, Inc., Ash Grove Cement Company
    Inventors: James R. Tutt, Michel R. Benoit
  • Patent number: 5078593
    Abstract: Method for disposal of oily refinery sludges containing a hydrocarbon component, a solids component comprising sediments such as sand, silt, rust or scale, and water in an operating rotary kiln comprising a heated, rotating cylinder containing in-process mineral matter comprising analyzing the oily refinery sludge to determine its composition, drying the oily refinery sludge to a bulk granular material having an energy content of at least about 4,000 BTU per pound, and charging the dried bulk granular material to the rotary kiln and burning the bulk granular material therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Industrial Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Schreiber, Jr., Fred A. Lafser, Jr., Carolyn Yonely