Abstract: A process for improved gas production and accelerated stabilization of landfills by accelerated in situ bioleaching of organic wastes by acid forming bacteria in substantially sealed landfills, passing the leachate of hydrolysis and liquefaction products of microbial action of the microorganisms with the organic material to an acid phase digester to regenerate the activated culture of acid forming microorganisms for recirculation to the landfill, passing the supernatant from the acid phase digester to a methane phase digester operated under conditions to produce methane rich gas. The supernatant from the methane phase digester containing nutrients for the acid forming microorganisms and added sewage sludge or other desired nutrient materials are circulated through the landfill. Low Btu gas is withdrawn from the acid phase digester while high Btu gas is withdrawn from the methane phase digester and may be upgraded for use as SNG.

Abstract: A two phase anaerobic digestion process in which an initial phase continually receives an organic feed for short detention times of less than two days under conditions which efficiently liquefy and breakdown the feed to lower molecular weight acids and other intermediates for conversion to methane. A succeeding phase is operated to treat the lower molecular weight acids and intermediates for detention times of about two to about seven days under conditions which efficiently lead to production to methane. The feed is loaded in the first phase at rates from about one to about ten pounds of total organics per cubic foot per day; and the products from the initial phase are loaded in the succeeding phase at rates of about 0.1 to about 0.5 pounds total organics per cubic foot per day.

Abstract: A process for production of methane gas in higher yields and higher rates by thermophilic or mesophilic anaerobic digestion of plant material and/or organic waste in admixture with an extract of different plant material. Increases of methane yield of greater than about 25% and up to about 500% are obtained by addition of the extract of different plant material to a normally low biodegradable plant and/or organic waste material before anaerobic digestion thereof. The resulting methane yields and production rates are higher than those obtained by the sum from anaerobic digestion of the individual components when using the extract as taught by this invention.

Abstract: Treatment of waste streams, particularly acidic petrochemical wastes, in anaerobic filter at high loadings with high rates of recycle. The effluent from the top of the filter is passed into a gas-disengaging-solids-settling zone containing a quiescent body of the liquid of said effluent. Particles of solid biomass settle in that liquid body and are withdrawn, with the liquid, and recycled to the base of said filter together with fresh acidic waste and added inorganic alkaline material. The outfall from the settling zone is fed to an aerobic digester and the resulting activated sludge is recycled to the filter. The alkaline material is preferably magnesium oxide or carbonate. Sodium formate may also be used as the alkaline material.

Abstract: A process for the pyrolysis of refuse of all kinds wherein the refuse is subjected to carbonization to produce solid residues and raw carbonization gases, the residues and gases are separated, the gases are divided into two parts, one part of the gases is completely burned to produce hot flue gases, the flue gases are mixed with the second part of the raw carbonization gases, the mixture of gases is cracked in a reactor, and the cracked gases are cooled.

Abstract: Method for treatment of biochemical waste which comprises adding acid to the biochemical waste to adjust pH (power of hydrogen ion) thereof, heating the adjusted biochemical waste, adding alkali thereto to neutralize the waste, and treating with anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: Process for solid refuse disposal in which a vertical shaft furnace is maintained at 30-250 psia, part of the recycle-condensate is filtered to form liquid waste a portion of which is incinerated with a minor part of the product gas to form hot exhaust gas used to heat feed water in steam boiler zone, and energy from the resulting steam is recovered as part of the process energy requirement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for coal and organic solid waste gasification using a granular fluidized bed of clay to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The clay used in the gasification is circulated to an air burner to obtain producer gas via burning of carbon deposited thereon and then recirculated to the gasifier. The producer gas is used to reduce a metal oxide and the reduced metal is reoxidized with steam to generate hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Organic wastes, such as animal manure, are fed into an elongated digester tank at one end thereof in slurry form. The slurry slowly moves to the other end of the tank for subsequent disposal. During the residence time in the tank decomposition of the waste occurs yielding methane gas and carbon dioxide. A cover over the digester collects the gas generated. A heat exchange arrangement causes transverse stirring of the slurry as it passes through the tank enhancing the decomposition process. Scum suppressors on the surface of the slurry prevent interference with the formation and release of the methane gas. The settling of solids is controlled by the use of gas jets disposed along the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing methane gas by anaerobic digestion of feed materials containing suitable organic materials. The system includes a plurality of digestion modules arranged primarily in series. Each digestion module is positioned with its slurry inlet port at a slightly lower elevation than the slurry outlet port of the preceding digestion module. The number of digestion modules is dependent upon the particular feed material to be digested. Each digestion module can be sampled and controlled independently. The process includes grinding and pulping the feed material, mixing the feed material with a liquid to prepare a slurry, charging the initial digestion module with slurry and transferring the digesting slurry to the next successive digestion module and subsequently to each successive digestion module after predetermined time periods until the digestion process has been completed. The liquid is separated from the digested slurry for recycle through the system.

Abstract: Peat, lignite, coal, many forms of biomass (land or marine) and solid wastes may have from 1/2 to 30 times as much water associated with the dry solids. Some of this water may be chemically bound or otherwise may be practically inseparable by mechanical means. The solids may be partially oxidized by oxygen or air in the first chemical reactions of a Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) taking place in the presence of the large amount of water at temperatures of 175.degree. C. to 325.degree. C. and pressures of 10 to 100 atmospheres--preferably 240.degree. to 300.degree. C. and 70 to 100 atmospheres. All sulfur in high sulfur coal is oxidized selectively to the sulfate radical; and heat to bring the combustible up to the necessary temperature is supplied by burning part of the combustible itself. The sulfur free coal may be used as conventionally. Residual solids (now 70 to 95% of the original fuel) have a higher heating value on a dry basis, and are mechanically separated from all but 1/2 to 2 pounds of water.

Abstract: A process for digestion of sludge wherein the sludge is oxygenated in a first digestion zone at temperature of from 35.degree. to 75.degree. C. to partially reduce the biodegradable volatile suspended solids content of the sludge. The partially stabilized sludge is anaerobically digested in a covered second digestion zone at temperature of from 25.degree. to 60.degree. C. to further reduce the biodegradable volatile suspended solids content of the sludge, to less than about 40% of the biodegradable volatile suspended solids content of the sludge introduced to the first digestion zone.

Abstract: Briquettes of specified geometry and composition are produced to serve as feed material or "burden" in a moving-burden gasifier for the production of a synthesis or fuel gas from organic solid waste materials and coal, including especially, the so-called "caking" coals, as in the process of copending application number 675,918. The briquettes are formed from a well-blended mixture of shredded organic solid wastes, including especially, municipal solid waste (MSW) or biomass, and crushed caking coal, including coal fines. A binder material may or may not be required, depending on the coal/MSW ratio and the compaction pressure employed. The briquettes may be extruded, stamped, or pressed, employing compaction pressures in excess of 1000 psi, and preferably in the range of 2000 to 10,000 psi. The briquettes may be circular, polygonal, or irregular in cross-section; they may be solid, or concentrically perforated to form a hollow cylinder or polygon; they may be formed into saddles, pillows or doughnuts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for both processing and removing animal waste products from a pit continually supplied therewith which comprises a ramp-like lid partially covering the pit and cooperating with the contents thereof to seal the latter from the atmosphere except where the waste products enter, a spray at the head of the ramp for flushing the waste materials down and off the lower end thereof into the pit, a heater buried in the material within the pit effective to maintain the temperature thereof at a level conducive to facilitate anaerobic digestion of the bio-degradable portion thereof, means for piping off the bio-gas generated underneath the lid and using a portion thereof to fire the heater, and means for draining the pit remote from the point where the fresh waste enters same, such means being adapted to maintain a near constant level of material within the pit effective to preserve the seal and discharge material therefrom without admitting air thereto.

Abstract: Biodegradable organic wastes are crushed and then fed to a first cell A of a treatment unit in which they are mixed with liquid recirculated from the discharge end of that unit to form a sludge. After oxygenation in cell A, and following the establishment of an anaerobic atmosphere in that cell by the introduction of carbon dioxide, part of the sludge passes by gravity into a lower-level second cell B for prefermentation with evolution of carbon dioxide. Subsequently, part of the contents of cell B is transferred -- again by gravity -- to a third cell C, at a still lower level, where fermentation with generation of methane takes place. The methane production is continued thereafter in a fourth cell D at the lowest level, the latter containing a potash solution in which the accompanying carbon dioxide is dissolved while the methane is recovered.

Abstract: A process of treating an animal manure slurry susceptible to aerobic composting and anaerobic microbiological degradation with the production of a fuel gas, comprises: separating the slurry into a first, solids concentrated, fraction of relatively coarse particle size, and a second, solids dilute, fraction of relatively fine particle size; carrying out on the first fraction an aerobic composting reaction which is exothermic; carrying out on the second fraction an anaerobic microbiological reaction in which a fuel gas comprising methane is produced; and utilizing heat from the exothermic reaction to promote the fuel gas producing reaction.

Abstract: Domestic refuse containing inorganic and organic material is treated to separate off the inorganic material, after which the organic material, with sewage sludge, is assimilated in a digestor by a microorganism to produce a combustible gas, and a dilute slurry emerging from the digestor is dewatered to recover a self-binding concentrated slurry or cake containing long fibres suitable for use in the production of boards, paper, or fuel, for instance. The more dilute slurry which results from the dewatering is concentrated, and is then useful as a soil conditioner or animal feedstuff.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and utilization system includes a reservoir having a heat transfer fluid stored therein, and a platform supported by the fluid. A solar energy collector is carried by the platform, the system further including a fluid conductor in the collector for receiving energy collected from solar radiation and heating the heat transfer fluid passing therethrough. Appropriate piping is provided between the reservoir and the fluid conductor such that the fluid heated by the collector is stored in the reservoir for subsequent use for heating applications, including methane generation in a separate facility.

Abstract: A waste treatment system and method for anaerobic fermentation of animal excreta. The system includes a collection gutter for containing the excreta until a predetermined portion becomes liquified. When the liquid excreta reaches a predetermined level it passes from the gutter into one end of an elongated, collapsed bag. The bag progressively fills, the liquid excreta being maintained at a temperature conducive to fermentation. After a predetermined degree of fermentation has been achieved, the liquid excreta is tapped off for use as fertilizer. Gases formed in the process are vented off and can be burned to provide heat for maintaining the liquid excreta at the desired fermentation temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacture of combustible gas consisting principally of methane with minor amounts of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen from organic wastes comprising an inverted vessel positioned in a body of water in a matter of such that the water acts as a "liquid door" to trap plant material and gas within the vessel.The combustible gas manufacturing method provided by the apparatus operates at a temperature of about 21.degree. C. to 37.8.degree. C. Under ideal conditions it is possible to produce as much as about 11 cubic foot of gas per pound of organic waste. A moving current of water agitates the organic material and sweeps the waste products from the bottom of the vessel where they may be recovered and used as fertilizer if desired.

Abstract: A method of biologically purifying waste water rich in carbohydrates or proteins, wherein the waste water is treated in an anaerobic stage while leading off generated methane gas, sludge-bearing water formed being subjected to sludge separation during formation of a first sludge concentrate which is returned to the anaerobic stage, and that the water thus treated is treated in an aerobic stage, sludge-bearing water formed being subjected to slude separation during formation of a second sludge concentrate, of which at least a portion is returned to the aerobic stage, while possible excess is returned to the anaerobic stage, a portion of the first, and possibly also of the second sludge concentrate being led off for disposal.

Abstract: A digester is disclosed for controlling the decomposition of organic matter to produce a useful gas and a liquid fertilizer. The digester comprises three slurry chambers connected in tandem by passthrough tubes. A fourth chamber used for gas collection is located above the three slurry chambers. An input line is connected to the bottom of the first chamber and an output line is connected to the bottom of an upright tube provided in the third chamber. A slurry containing raw manure or other organic waste is loaded from a mix tank through the input line to fill the three chambers to a level determined by the top of the upright tube in the third chamber. The process of aerobic digestion and a limited form of anaerobic digestion is carried out in the first chamber and the process of anaerobic digestion which produces the methane gas is carried out in the second chamber which is heated.

Abstract: High temperature chemical reaction processes utilizing fluid-wall reactors can be conducted in fluid-wall reactors by a process which includes the steps of (a) generating an annular envelope of an inert fluid which is substantially transparent to radiation within a shell of a refractory material which reflects radiation, the volume enclosed by the shell constituting a black body cavity, the envelope having substantial axial length and the interior of the envelope defining a reaction chamber; (b) introducing two groups of reactants into the black body cavity and into the reaction chamber, at least one reactant from each group being directed along a predetermined path substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the first and second groups of reactants respectively being capable of reacting endothermically and exothermically at a predetermined temperature; and (c) directing high intensity radiant energy into the reaction chamber to coincide with at least a portion of the predetermined pa

Abstract: A fluid-wall reactor for high temperature chemical reactions comprising (A) a porous reactor tube, at least a portion of the interior of which defines a reaction zone, the tube being made of an electrically resistive, porous refractory material; (B) a pressure vessel enclosing the reactor tube to define an inert fluid plenum, the pressure vessel having at least one inlet for admitting the inert fluid which is directed under pressure through the porous tube wall to provide a protective blanket for the inside surface of the reactor tube; (C) means for introducing at least one reactant into the reaction zone, the reactants being directed in a predetermined path axially of the reactor tube and being confined by the protective blanket substantially centrally within the reaction zone; (D) means for passing an electric current through the reactor tube for heating the reactor tube to the temperature level at which it emits sufficient radiant energy to initiate and sustain the desired chemical reaction, the radiant en

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacture of methane gas from sewage sludge or other organic waste comprises a digester tank system, a solar heating unit and conduit means to use hot air from the solar heater to heat the digester tanks. The new methane gas manufacture methods provided by the apparatus operate with water slurries of organic waste at a temperature of about 100.degree. - 140.degree. F to produce about 11 cu. ft. of gas per pound of organic waste and a dewatered residue that may be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: High temperature chemical reaction processes utilizing fluid-wall reactors can be conducted in fluid-wall reactors by a process which includes the steps of (a) generating a shell of a refractory material which reflects radiation, the volume enclosed by the shell constituting a black body cavity; (b) generating within the black body cavity an annular envelope of an inert fluid which is substantially transparent to radiation, the envelope having substantial axial length and the interior of the envelope defining a reaction chamber; (c) passing at least one reactant into the black body cavity and through the reaction chamber along a predetermined path substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the envelope, the reactants being confined within the reaction chamber; and (d) directing high intensity radiant energy into the reaction chamber to coincide with at least a portion of the predetermined path of the reactants, sufficient radiant energy being absorbed within the reaction chamber to raise the tempe

Abstract: An apparatus for treating any type of organic waste such as sewage, garbage, weeds and surplus crops to convert them into useful products, having a treatment tank or plurality of such tanks, a conduit circuit for carrying a heating fluid therethrough; vibrators to vibrate the conduit to homogenize and mix the tank contents, a furnace for supplying heat to the conduit circuit with the fuel for the furnace being the gaseous product recovered from the treatment tank or tanks, and solar cells and microwave heating units to balance and maintain the supply of heat when the fuel supply to the furnace is low. Radiation diffusers may be positioned about the tank or tanks to assist in the conversion process.

Abstract: An organic digester apparatus and a method are provided for the production of liquid fertilizer and methane gas from organic waste materials. The apparatus includes a plurality of organic digesters each having a gas sealing liquid well between the tank and the roof member thereof. In addition, each digester tank includes means for rotating the roof, washing the digester tank, and for observing the interior of the digester tank. The method is a batch of step digesting method of anaerobic digesting and includes depositing the organic waste into a collecting digester and subsequently depositing the organic material from the collecting digester into successive stage digesters that are each substantially emptied of organic material prior to said depositing steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacture of high calorific fuel gas through a process of anaerobic digestion involving retention of a slurry of organic material, maintained at a predetermined volume-to-interface (V/I) ratio and for a desired liquid retention time, pH and temperature to produce substantial amounts of methane gas while minimizing the production of carbon dioxide gas. When operating in the preferred range of volume-to-interface (V/I) relationships, the faster molecular diffusion rate of methane from the slurry as compared with carbon dioxide gas allows virtually all of the methane to be collected from the slurry while a considerably smaller amount of carbon dioxide gas is collected. Instead, the bulk of the carbon dioxide remains in the spent slurry which is transferred as sludge to a loop for carbon dioxide stripping. Liquid retention is controlled by a recirculation-stripping loop.

Abstract: A method of withdrawing landfill gas from a landfill without drawing air into the landfill comprising providing a well in the landfill and withdrawing landfill gas from the well at a plurality of different withdrawal rates. The pressure at a selected region within the landfill is detected while the landfill gas is being withdrawn. A relationship is then established between the withdrawal rate and the pressure at the selected regions. This relationship is utilized to establish a maximum withdrawal rate, and this maximum rate occurs at approximately zero gauge pressure. Landfill gas is then withdrawn from the well at no more than about the maximum withdrawal rate.

Abstract: A method for the anaerobic fermentation of organic waste materials in a digestion zone, which method comprises introducing into the zone algae produced externally of the zone, and/or at least part of the liquid substrate in which such algae have been grown.Apparatus for anaerobic fermentation consisting essentially of a liquid storage tank comprising an inner bag-like container made of flexible material and provided with inlet and outlet means for the introduction of feed materials and the simultaneous removal of liquid and gaseous products, an outer supporting wall or frame, and at least one layer of insulating material arranged between the outer wall of the frame and the container.

Abstract: A human conveyance having a toilet and a fuel burning engine is provided with an arrangement for converting waste from the toilet to a combustible gas and for feeding the gas to the engine where it is burned as a fuel additive to increase the gas mileage of the conveyance.