Abstract: A system for removing volatile coatings from scrap aluminum, such as expended beverage cans, includes a kiln, a fan for generating an airstream, an afterburner for heating the airstream, and ducting for confining the airstream in a closed loop so that it circulates through the afterburner, the kiln and back to the fan in that order. The ducting includes a bypass duct into which a portion of the airstream is diverted at a diverter value, before being heated by the afterburner. This portion reenters the heated portion of the airstream downstream from the afterburner and serves to modulate the temperature of the airstream entering the kiln. Indeed, the diverter valve responds to a temperature sensor where the airstream enters the kiln and maintains the temperature at that location constant. That temperature is hot enough to volatilize coatings on the aluminum, yet not hot enough to melt the aluminum.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of volatile material(s) in contaminated material(s) including a retort assembly which includes a rotatable retort disposed at least partially within a combustion chamber with a heater to indirectly heat the contents of the rotatable retort. A feeder feeds the contaminated material(s) to the retort. The apparatus further includes a pathway for passing contaminated material(s) to the retort and a conduit for passing the combustion gases from an afterburner to the retort assembly to provide additional heat for heating the contaminated material in the retort. The apparatus may also include a high temperature filter which can filter the volatiles before entering the afterburner.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative catalytic oxidizer is disclosed which is a portable, compact system that catalytically destroys VOC and odorous compounds at elevated temperatures of 400 to 800° F. Equipped with a very high thermally efficient rotor of 90+%, most heat for reaction is retained in the apparatus, and the cleaned air at temperatures of 80 to 120 F. is safely discharged into room without causing discomfort. As a portable unit, it can be conveniently used to treat local areas where odorous and/or hazardous VOC and CO compounds are present and conveniently run off household 120V or 220V systems.

Abstract: A Pyrocleaning Furnace and Thermal Oxidizer System which degreases metal components and comprises an oven, an oxidizer, a system gas supply means, a system gas exhaust means, and a first heat exchanger. The degreasing is accomplished by first transporting the metal components through the oven and exposing the oil coated metal components to hot gases which have a temperature above the vaporization point of the oil, but not one that is exceedingly high thereby also preventing the thickening of the oxide layer of the metal components. The hot gases are introduced into oven by way of the system gas supply means and do not include products of combustion (indirect heating). Since the gases are at a temperature above the vaporization point of the oil, upon contact with the metal components, the gases cause the oil to evaporate from the metal components. The resultant hydrocarbon-filled surrounding gases are then quickly evacuated from the oven and transported to the oxidizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively providing convective heat to an object with a dual mode convection oven that is alternatively operable in either a running mode or a bypass mode. Convective heat is channelled into a supply hood through a supply duct. Convective heat is also channelled out of a suction hood through a return duct. An operating mode for the convection oven is selected. If the selected operating mode is the running mode, then convective heat is applied to the object by channelling the convective heat from the supply hood through a heat application zone and into the suction hood, the heat application zone being positioned between the supply hood and the suction hood.

Abstract: A continuous furnace for baking ceramic molded parts has a heating area (14), a baking area (16) and a cooling area (18). At least one smoke gas duct (22) extends from the heating area (14) into a combustion chamber (24) and at least one hot air duct (28) leads back from the combustion chamber (24) to the heating area (14). Hot air loaded with binder fractions is extracted from the heating area at one or several spots. The combustion gases are then led into a combustion chamber where they are burned, so that a largely purified hot air may then be led back to the heating area.

Abstract: The high temperature combustion of hydrogen and oxygen is used to transform halogenated refrigerant gases (HRGs) and halons to produce calcium fluoride salts. Calcium carbonate is also produced by a series of chemical processes. Calcium chloride is partially consumed by the process by reaction with fluoride released during the high temperature combustion of the HRGs. Calcium chloride is also produced in the process during scrubbing of chlorine and during the recovery of ammonia used to remove carbon dioxide. The calcium chloride produced during the process can be used in the combustion reaction to further produce calcium fluoride.

Abstract: In order to prevent air pollution, gases evaporated from articles preheated in a preheating chamber of a continuous furnace are automatically and compulsorily sucked into a high-temperature chamber annexed to the preheating chamber by creating a negative pressure working in the high-temperature chamber. After the gases have been completely oxidized and decomposed in the high-temperature chamber at a high temperature and under an excess of oxygen, they are exhausted outside of the furnace via an exhaust-pipe extending through the preheating chamber, so that they join to heat the preheating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of firing a green ceramic honeycomb structural body containing an organic or carbonaceous material which is characterized by removing at least a portion of the carbonaceous material released prior to reacting within the firing atmosphere during the initial firing of the green honeycomb structural body. A tunnel kiln is also disclosed, which comprises a vestibule region, a carbonaceous material release region, having a plurality of removal zones, located downstream of the vestibule region and a sintering region located downstream of the carbonaceous material release region. The tunnel kiln further includes an exhaust removal system which operatively communicates, via offtake openings located in each removal zone, with the release region for removing released carbonaceous material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods suitable for recovery of heat from hot flue gases are presented comprising primary heat transfer means for exchanging heat between a hot flue gas and an intermediate fluid to create a hot intermediate fluid from an originally cold intermediate fluid; one or more oxidant-fuel burners which create the main flow of hot flue gas, and transport means for transporting the hot intermediate fluid to the heat exchanger means. The apparatus and method of the invention solve the problem of recovery of heat from dirty, toxic, or erosive flue gases.

Abstract: An emission control system for an asphalt kettle combines a number of features to increase efficiency and convenience of operation, while minimizing potential safety hazards. The asphalt kettle is connected via a duct to a separate afterburner device equipped with a fan. This fan pulls fumes from a hood of the kettle through the duct to the afterburner device. The fan then pushes the fumes into a combustion chamber housed in the afterburner device. The combustion chamber includes an air port having an outlet proximate to the burner for furnishing a supply of fresh air to the flame to prevent its being extinguished by the rapid movement of gas through the combustion chamber. The afterburner device may include a one-way valve that prevents backdraft of ignited fumes from the combustion chamber into the kettle due to negative pressure within the kettle. The afterburner device may also include a temperature sensor that shuts down the fan in the event of kettle ignition.

Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis of a sample of a composite material containing a combustible binder includes a combustion chamber configured to receive a sample of the composite material and having an outlet. A heater is associated with the combustion chamber for heating the chamber to a temperature sufficient for pyrolysis of the binder. A blower is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for creating an airflow through the outlet to remove airborne pyrolysis products from the combustion chamber. An adjustable airflow regulator is operable to adjustably control the airflow to provide a desired minimum residence time within the combustion chamber sufficient for complete pyrolysis of the airborne pyrolysis byproducts.

Abstract: A thermal treating apparatus and process providing convection thermal transfer for elevated processing temperatures and chemical treatment. A recirculation plenum for passage of spent treatment fluid from and fresh treatment fluid to a treatment chamber may contain a thermal control source, a chemical control source, and a blower to provide predetermined programmable temperatures and chemical environments to articles in the treatment chamber. Decreasing cross sectional areas along the length of the treatment chamber cause introduction of fresh treatment fluid at different locations along the length of the treatment chamber to achieve desired uniform thermal and chemical treatment of articles along the length of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A process for drying a wet material in a drying system includes supplying a current of heated gas to a dryer from a combustion chamber. The material is exposed to the current in the dryer. The dried material is separated from the current of heated gas. The current of heated gas is split into a first stream of heated gas and a second stream of heated gas after the dried material has been separated. The first stream of heated gas is introduced into the combustion chamber so that the first stream is further oxidized therein. A third stream of heated gas is removed from the combustion chamber. The third stream includes at least a portion of the first stream. The second stream of heated gas is introduced into the combustion chamber so that it makes up a portion of the current conveyed to the dryer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for drying material, in which a previous dried material is mixed into the wet material to be dried to produce a dried mixture of different particle sizes. The process for drying material requires less industrial equipment implemented in a more economical and simpler plant that can be operated with low energy and maintenance requirments. The amount of fine material obtained after drying is measured and the amount of fine previously dried material mixed into the wet material to be dried is then set in inverse proportion to the quantity of fine dried material produce.

Abstract: A heating and incineration device includes a heating chamber for being connected to a heating application. A process stream is recirculated between the heating chamber and the heating application. An incineration tube is positioned into the heating chamber for providing the only exit for gases from the heating chamber and the heating application. A heat source is positioned within the heating chamber in spaced coaxial relation with an incineration tube inlet. The process stream is heated to a working temperature when it is passed through the heating chamber around the periphery of the heat source. The heat source is directed at the incineration tube inlet, so that the highest temperature inside the heating chamber is concentrated along an axis between the heat source and the incineration tube inlet. The distance between the incineration tube inlet and the heat source is adjustable for controlling the temperature inside the incineration tube.

Abstract: A method of removing sulphur dioxide from exhaust gases generated in the production of cement wherein cement raw meal is preheated, ground, and burned in a kiln to form cement clinker which subsequently is cooled and ground. Grinding of the clinker is performed in the presence of preheater exhaust gases containing sulphur dioxide, the cement particles absorbing sulphur dioxide from such exhaust gases.

Abstract: A vertically oriented thermal processor for processing batches of semiconductor wafers held within a processing chamber. The processing chamber is contained within a processing vessel. Processing gases are discharged through a processing chamber outflow. An outflow cooler is included to cool gases exhausting from the processing chamber outflow. The outflow cooler includes a fluid heat exchanger and a flow diverter which directs the exhausting gases against cooled walls of the outflow cooler. The cooler also preferably has a liner which lines a casing to which the heat exchanger is connected.

Abstract: A rotary furnace for the treatment of minerals, includes an annular chamber provided with a material feeder apparatus and discharge apparatus for the material, disposed adjacent one another in a certain sector of the chamber. A plurality of burners are arranged all along the annular chamber on the side walls and on the top wall thereof. The furnace further includes a conduit for extracting the discharge gases. The gases from a first zone of the chamber downstream of the feeder means and upstream of the gas extraction means, with respect to the direction of rotation of said hearth, are transferred into a second zone upstream of the material discharge means and downstream of the gas extraction means through forced conveying of the gases by suction at the first zone and by pressure delivery at the second zone. A flow regulator is used to regulate the forced conveying.

Abstract: The system comprises providing every oven (1) used in a ceramic enamelling plant with an operative unit (3) that works with an exchanger (4) and a filter (5) that allows most of the waste products entrained by the fumes to be recovered, sent back to the oven (1) and hence be recycled. The operative units (3) of the various ovens (1), in accordance with the improvements, are in direct communication and in open circuit with an output exchanger (9) associated with a turbogenerator (10), using air as the heat transmission fluid. The turbogenerator (10) includes a secondary circuit (11) of the exchanger (9), using a vapor fluid to drive a turbine (12) that in turn drives an alternator (13) for generating electric power.

Abstract: A method of quick purging beds of a regenerative fume incinerator which is practically applicable for use in 2, 3 and 4 bed incinerators. For a very short purge period near the end of an operating time cycle, the bed being switched from receiving impure gases to discharge of clean gas is purged of impure gases by being supplied with clean gas discharged by the incinerator. The quick purging takes less than 4% of the cycle time and thus inflow of impure gases is stopped for a very brief period when this quick purge method is used in a 2 bed incinerator. When using this quick purge method in a three or four bed regenerative fume incinerator there is always at least one bed receiving impure gases. This quick purge method improves the quality of the discharged clean gas without significant loss of thermal efficiency and without significant reduction in operating capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a belt type furnace. More specifically, this invention relates to a belt type furnace that sequentially stops the belt at the vicinity of at least one heater, and where the heater comprises at least two heating elements.

Abstract: A system for the abatement of industrial process gases utilizes a rotary regenerative oxidizer comprised of one or more heat exchange beds, each bed comprised of a parallel, axial, and longitudinal array of heat regenerative channels that thermally and/or catalytically oxidize contaminated gases. Utilizing a rotary regenerative oxidizer, and if desired, a plurality of heat regenerative beds incorporated therein, facilitates the use of regenerative technology at lower gas flow rates, increases thermal efficiency, and significantly reduces the floor space normally required when implementing fixed-bed nonrotary regenerative oxidizers. The heat exchange channels may be catalytically treated to enhance oxidation of the pollutants at a lower temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a belt type furnace. More specifically, this invention relates to a belt type furnace that sequentially stops the belt at the vicinity of at least one heater, and where the heater comprises at least two heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for self cleaning a thermal oxidizer that is thermally treating and decontaminating gases is disclosed. The apparatus for self cleaning the thermal oxidizer can clean the accumulated dust out from inside the thermal oxidizer without requiring disassembly of the unit. The apparatus for self cleaning can also accomplish this cleaning cycle without interrupting the normal operation of the thermal oxidizer. Dust cleaned out from the apparatus for self cleaning the thermal oxidizer is decontaminated by the same thermal treatment that decontaminates the gases processed by the thermal oxidizer. Many of the existing thermal oxidizers already in operation can be retrofitted to become self cleaning thermal oxidizers. It is also possible to include the apparatus for self cleaning in a new thermal oxidizer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a device for the heat treatment of workpieces, which are heated with radiant heat generated through the combustion of gaseous fuel. Some of the workpieces are subjected to a carburisation atmosphere formed by a heated mixture of hydrocarbon containing gas and carbon dioxide, where the carbon dioxide has been separated from the exhaust gas of the gaseous fuel combustion. Other workpieces may be subjected to a nitrocarburisation atmosphere formed by a mixture of ammonia and the exhaust gas remaining after the carbon dioxide has been separated. By recycling some of the products of the combustion process, the present invention improves the efficiency of the carburisation process while reducing pollutant emissions.

Abstract: A system of this invention reduces the emission of NO.sub.x and fuel pollutants from a furnace. The system includes a furnace with a chamber for combusting air, oxygen and fuel flows in an approximately stoichiometric proportion. A reburn unit, that can be a port, is coupled to communicate with and receive the combustion exhaust from the chamber. The reburn unit is also coupled to receive a second fuel flow that is added to the exhaust flow at a stoichiometric ratio and temperature at which a reaction occurs to lower the amount of NO.sub.x in the exhaust flow. The reburn unit is coupled to a burnout unit that can be a regenerator or a recuperator, that is coupled to receive an oxidant flow with air and/or oxygen. The oxidant flow combusts fuel in the exhaust flow to prevent emission of this fuel into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paint drying furnace for baking and drying paint films on painted objects following a painting process. In the furnace of the invention, a shunt gas passage is provided for dividing a gas outputted from inner gas passages of a radiator means from a position of a radiator circulating gas passage upstream of a connecting point of a fresh air passage and mixing this divided gas into the gas circulating through the furnace interior circulating gas passage. With provision of this shunt gas passage, a combustion type radiator heating device acts also as furnace interior heating means.

Abstract: A mixing method insures adequate mixing of gases in a glass furnace that employs a reburning process. Because of the mixing method, a novel glass furnace can be constructed that strikes an optimum balance between a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) emissions and the cost of the reburn process, particularly, the number of requisite reburn and overfire air jets as well as reburn fuel. The glass furnace is constructed as follows. A combustion housing defines a primary zone for receiving combustible fuel, a reburn zone connected to the primary zone for receiving exhaust from the primary zone and reburn fuel to generate a first gas mixture. A burnout zone is connected to the reburn zone and receives the first gas mixture and overfire air to generate a second gas mixture.

Abstract: An evacuation system (1) with exhaust gas cleaning, consists of at least one vacuum pump unit (4) and at least one cleaning unit (10) in series as to enable the continuous flow of fluid media supplied by the vacuum pump unit (4). In order to prevent condensates in a gas connection pipe (9) and in order to decrease the surface area, the at least one vacuum pump unit (4) and the at least one cleaning unit (10) are compressed into substantially one component, and the gas connection pipe (9) which runs between the vacuum pump unit (4) and the cleaning unit (10) is run in the shortest possible path and is, as a result, kept at a temperature which is above the condensation temperature of constituents in the fluid media capable of condensation, essentially without the addition of external heat, with only the compression heat of the vacuum pump unit (4). Further, a central control unit (16) for the vacuum pump unit (4) and the cleaning unit (10) can be placed over the at least one vacuum pump unit (4).

Abstract: A treatment system and method is disclosed for heat treating aggregate, for example, an aggregate dryer of the type which uses a burner and rotating drum for veiling aggregate into a thermal flow path. The invention provides a plurality of mixers which safely mix fuel and oxidant into a premix which is delivered to a reaction chamber The premix is combusted and recirculated within the reaction chamber to insure uniform and complete combustion, resulting in lower emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides and also lower combustion roar. This uniform and complete combustion results in a more uniform thermal profile within the rotating drum, resulting a greater throughput of processed aggregate and a more efficient consumption of energy.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer to position a rotatable valve body relative to a lower fixed surface and an upper surface and support the valve body from the lower surface. However, the support and positioning provides for sealing engagement between the body and the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of assemblies, each secured to the lower surface engage an external and circumferential support flange on the valve body for accomplishing the support and positioning.

Abstract: An oven for electronics manufacturing including a heated chamber having openings at each end to the ambient environment wherein heated air is circulated by a centrally located fan to pass over workpieces in a substantially upward (or downward) flow. Equal temperatures at the entrance and exit ends of the heated chamber are promoted by a crossover air return arrangement in which a portion of the air from each end of the heated chamber is mixed with the air from the other end of the chamber as the circulating air is drawn into the fan for recirculation. In addition, a moveable shutter mechanism is provided at the entrance end and exit end of the heated chamber to adjust the air flow at the ends of the heated chamber. The shutter mechanism operates to selectively close off an adjustable portion of the heated air flow at the ends of the heated chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an afterburner for various incinerators, said afterburner (3) including a housing portion provided with a smoke delivering pipe (2) for carrying the smokes coming from an incinerator firing chamber (1) into the afterburner chamber. The chamber (3) is provided with a burner (7), for example an oil burner or a gas burner. The chamber (3) is further fitted with a smoke dispensing box (9), whereby the particles not yet incinerated are recycled back into the fling chamber (1) and the flue gases are delivered into a flue gas scrubber (12). Between the afterburner (3) and the smoke dispensing box (9) is a wall (16) including a perforated section.

Abstract: A vestibule for part entry or exit from a flow through type of braze furnace in which no substantial physical barrier is necessary to prevent air exchange between the vestibule and the outside. A controller burner within the vestibule continually burns oxygen that does leak in, sensing whether combustion is complete trough the use of an analyzer in an exhaust stack. In addition, a neutral gas injector within the vestibule chamber maintains a near net zero pressure balance in order to minimize, though not prevent, ingress leakage. Parts can therefore enter the door freely without dragging through the impediment of a physical barrier.

Abstract: In a process for drying material in a drying system, a first current of heated gas is supplied to a first dryer from a corresponding first combustion chamber. Material to be dried is exposed to the first current in the first dryer. The dried material is separated from the first current of heated gas. The first current of heated gas is split into a first stream of heated gas and a second stream of heated gas after the dried material has been separated. The first stream is introduced into the first combustion chamber so that the gas generated in the first combustion chamber and the first stream are combined to constitute the first current of heated gas. At least a portion of the second stream is introduced into the second combustion chamber. A second current of heated gas is supplied to a second dryer from the second combustion chamber. The portion of the second stream introduced into the second combustion chamber constitutes a portion of the second current.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling the exhaust gases of a molten stage furnace. The method relates to furnace structures in which the shaft (3) is vertical and the exhaust gases are passed through an outlet in the furnace roof to the cooling equipment without recovering heat from the exhaust gases through the wall portions above the furnace. The exhaust gases are cooled in two stages first indirectly by a circulating mass cooler (1) and then further in a waste heat recovery boiler. In the apparatus according to the invention, the vertical shaft section above the furnace is connected to a circulating mass cooler which is connected to a waste heat recovery boiler arranged, e.g., next to the furnace and/or the shaft.

Abstract: A regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) is constructed to receive polluted waste gases from an industrial process, cleanse the gas and permit cleansed gas to exit the RTO to the environment. The RTO includes a lower section having an inlet to receive polluted or incoming gas, and a centrally positioned rotary distributor in the lower section for cooperation in controlling gas flow via a segmented center section. The rotary distributor is substantially smaller than the lower section and is of a substantially smaller cross section. Incoming gas is directed to a middle section segment(s), fills the segment(s) and then flows through a peripheral opening to a segmented upper section where it passes through a heat exchanger to a combustion chamber where it is oxidized or cleansed. From there cleansed gas passes through another upper section segment through a heat exchanger and back to center section segment(s).

Abstract: The surfaces of a metal or alloy component are scrubbed by a high-velocity stream of inert gas at temperatures which facilitate removal of contaminants. Simultaneous with scrubbing, the impurities are captured in a separated loop of one or more "getter" filters operating at optimized temperatures. The scrubbing and "getting" functions are followed by a rapid elevation of the temperature of the component by heating the inert gas, now essentially free of contaminants which would otherwise react with the component surface at the elevated temperatures. Thereafter, a specific protective layer-forming agent is introduced into the inert gas stream at an ideal temperature, which agent will react predictably with the component being treated to form a predetermined protective coating on its surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for baking a dough-type product includes an oven having an enclosure, a product supporting conveyor in the enclosure, burners positioned to heat the product, and an integrally associated emissions control device for controlling emissions emanating from the product while baking. A recirculating system for controllably directing air from the oven to and from the emissions control device is integrated into or with the oven, and preferably positioned in the oven enclosure.

Abstract: In a continuous oven for making baked ware comprises a baking belt, which extends through an elongate oven space, and upper and lower radiant heaters, which are flown through by heating gas and are included in a heating gas circulating circuit, which comprises a heat exchanger, which is arranged to be heated by the nesting gases being recycled and serves to neat the air that is to be supplied to the oven space The heat exchanger is included in the heating gas circulating circuit between the radiant heaters and the exhaust gas outlet and in an air circulating circuit provided with a water vapor outlet and a fresh air inlet is disposed between the fresh air inlet and the oven space.

Abstract: In a semiconductor wafer heat-treating apparatus, there is provided a piping connection device on a gas inlet pipe leading to the heat-treating apparatus and a gas outlet pipe derived from the heat-treating apparatus. The piping connection device has a spherical convex connecting element, and a concave connecting element having a concave spherical surface into which the spherical element is snugly fitted. A pair of presser plates are placed on the outer surfaces of the two connecting elements and clamped by bolts so as to press confronting sealing surfaces of the convex and concave connecting elements against each other. Because the outer surfaces of the two connecting elements to be engaged with the pair of presser plates are spherically fashioned, the connection surfaces can present a satisfactory sealing condition without subjecting the pair of the pipes connected by the piping connection device to excessive biasing forces even though the two pipes are angled to each other.

Abstract: A volatile organic compound (VOC) incinerator that is designed for installation in the exhaust airstream of VOC generating equipment. The incinerator includes an intake end, combustion chamber and an exhaust end. A flame baffle is disposed within the combustion zone to cause mixing of the VOC plus hot air mixture to increase efficiency and reduce fuel requirements. A temperature sensor is disposed within the combustion zone of the combustion chamber of the incinerator to monitor the combustion temperature to provide temperature signals to a controller. An air flow rate sensor is engaged in the intake end of the incinerator to provide air flow rate signals to the controller. The controller regulates the quantity of fuel injected into the VOC plus air mixture based upon the air flow rate signals and the temperature signals. A VOC detector is disposed in the intake end of the incinerator to provide a signal that turns the unit on or off depending upon the presence or absence of VOC's in the airstream.

Abstract: A process for baking electrically conductive wires clad in insulating plastics resin, comprising a first, evaporation stage for evaporation of solvents and a second resin polymerization and cross-linking stage, which are performed respectively in a first and in a second region of a tunnel chamber in a continuous oven between the inlet regions and outlet regions of which the wires advance, a third stage comprising aspiration from the oven of a mixture of air and solvents formed during the first evaporation stage, and a fourth stage comprising heating this mixture to a predetermined temperature such as to cause combustion of the solvents, and including a fifth stage of introducing heat energy to these regions of the oven from at least part of the stream of air and combustion products coming from the fourth stage, through heat exchangers disposed on the outer surface of this tunnel chamber, in such a way as significantly to reduce the introduction of heat energy provided to the chamber by heating means supplied

Abstract: A single unit, shell and tube fume incinerator utilizes a baffle (34) structure proximate a combustion zone (24) to control the flow of combustion exhaust gas. The baffle (34) is located proximate the hot ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (20) to deflect the hot exhaust gases from the combustion zone (24) away from the ends of the tubes (20), and back to the outside of the tubes (20), thereby controlling the "time at temperature" for contaminants in the impure gas feed. Baffle (34) provides a slip fit around tubes (20) to permit thermal expansion thereof.

Abstract: A burner unit for heating a gaseous medium includes a heat exchanger provided with tubes, a space between the tubes connected on the upstream side to a feed duct for the gaseous medium; a combustion chamber connected to the downstream side of the space between the tubes; a burner placed in the combustion chamber; and a fuel supply duct connected to the burner. The side of the combustion chamber remote from the heat exchanger is connected to a first end of the tubes; and a flue gas outlet duct is connected to the other end of the tubes. The elongation of the tubes forming part of the heat exchanger renders the use of a conventional tube plate superfluous. Thus, damage resulting from thermal stresses is avoided.

Abstract: A single unit, shell and tube fume incinerator utilizes a vacuum baffle (34) structure proximate a combustion zone (24) to control the flow of combustion exhaust gas. The vacuum baffle (34) is located slightly above the hot ends of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (20) to deflect the hot exhaust gases from the combustion zone (24) away from the ends of the tubes (20), and back to the outside of the tubes (20), thereby controlling the "time at temperature" for contaminants in the impure gas feed. A vacuum effect is created just below the baffle (34) to draw cleansed exhaust below the baffle (34) back up into the combustion zone (24) to prevent the escape of impure gas.

Abstract: A sludge drying apparatus (10) including a housing through which air is recirculated wherein makeup air forms an air curtain assuring recirculation of heated air. The housing (12) includes a receiving station (14) in which sludge (20) is deposited on a conveyor belt (18). The conveyor belt (18) moves the sludge (20) to a drying station (16) where infrared heaters (42) radiate infrared heat on the sludge. Air for drying the sludge circulates from a fan plenum (28) to an air supply plenum (24). Air from the air supply plenum (24) passes across the face of the infrared heaters (42), and is directed downwardly toward the sludge (20) in a belt passageway (30). Air is returned through a return air plenum (26) located below the belt passageway (30). Part of the air received by the return air plenum (26) is ported directly from the belt passageway (30) to the return air plenum (26).

Abstract: Heat is used to decontaminate toxic agents from the interior contaminated rfaces of combat vehicles and like enclosures. The heat vaporizes the toxic agents, but does not cause heat damage to the interior contaminated surfaces themselves. Hoses are used to convey the heat to the toxic agent to vaporize the same, as well as to remove the vaporized toxic agent away from the interior contaminated surface for discharge outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A waste disposal system (10) which provides for the destruction of solid and liquid waste materials, through a controlled and monitored flow, from the loading of the material to be processed to the expulsion of clean nontoxic and sterile air and inert solid residue. The system includes; a waste loading module (30), a shredding module (33), an injection module (34), a fist combustion chamber (40), a second combustion chamber (50), a first cooling module (60), an electrostatic module (701), a reducing catalyst module (70), an oxidizing catalyst module (80), a liquid filtering module (90), a neutralization module (100) and second cooling module (101).