US3716002A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solid waste disposal method and apparatus
Assignee: STEARNS ROGER CORP
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Filing: 1971-04-01
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Granted: 1973-02-13
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Expires: 1991-04-01
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a solid waste disposal apparatus that includes a rotary furnace arranged upstream of a rotary dryer in end-to-end relation to the latter but separated therefrom by a burning chamber and stationary ash removal subassembly interposed therebetween. The raw feed is mixed with a portion of the dried feed from the discharge end of the dryer and introduced into the intake end of the dryer as a moist mixture containing between approximately 40-60 percent water. The remaining dried material is introduced into the furnace. A forced draft burner at the entrance to the furnace is canted in the direction of furnace rotation so as to direct the hot products of combustion spirally along the wall thereof in concurrent flow relation to the moist mixture. Combustion takes place within the upstream end of the furnace inside a separate hollow combustion chamber that cooperates with the furnace wall to define an annulus into which the dryer gas is recycled and mixed with the products of combustion as they leave the aforesaid combustion chamber to reduce the temperature and axial velocity of the latter preparatory to delivering same to the burning chamber and ash removal subassembly complete with exhaust gas system, and dryer inlet therebeyond. The dryer is intricately baffled with a short fall fill that materially increases its efficiency. The ash removal subassembly includes a hopper into which the ashes fall and are sucked out of the top thereof and used to preheat the primary combustion airstream. The exhaust gases are exhausted through a heat recovery system and then scrubbed prior to release to the atmosphere. The invention also encompasses the novel method of treating solid wastes which comprises mixing the raw waste material with a previously dried portion thereof to make up a mixture having between approximately 40 and 60 percent moisture preparatory to drying same, drying the mixture thus produced with a heated gas mixture formed by combining within a mixing and cooling zone in the furnace the gaseous discharge from the dryer with the gaseous products of combustion generated in a combustion zone immediately upstream thereof, separating the solid products of combustion from the heated gas mixture prior to delivering a portion of the latter to the dryer, drawing off a portion of said heated gas mixture and treating it to remove entrained solids and odors prior to exhausting same to the atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 H Shideler
- 👤 S Porter
- 👤 E Weimer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 12:36
CPC Classifications
F; F23; F23G; F23G5/00; F23G5/02; F23G5/04; F23G5/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
320 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus which comprises: a horizontally-disposed rotating drum furnace having a combustion zone adjacent the intake end thereof and a cooling zone adjacent its outlet end; a horizontally-disposed rotating drum dryer positioned with its inlet end in axially spaced relation to the outlet end of the furnace; stationary hopper means positioned to receive the dry solids and dryer gases discharged from the dryer; dry solids conveyor means connected to receive the dry solids discharged into the hopper from the dryer and deliver same into the combustion zone of the furnace through the intake end thereof; forced draft gas conduit means connected to receive the dryer gases discharged into the hopper from the dryer and introduce same into the cooling zone thereof in position to mix with the gaseous products of combustion issuing from the combustion zone; burner means mounted in the inlet end of the furnace in position to direct a flame into the combustion zone thereof; a source of combustion air connected into the burner; raw feed mixing conveyor means connectable to a source of wet solid wastes and connected to deliver same into the dryer inlet; dryer feed blending means comprising a flow controlled conduit connected between the raw feed conveyor and dry solids conveyor means adapted to recycle a portion of the latter to be mixed with the raw feed to form a moisture controlled mixture; stationary coupling means defining a passage interconnecting the discharge end of the furnace and the inlet end of the dryer adapted to pass the precooled mixture of the recycled dryer gases and products of combustion into the latter; ash removal means connected into the bottom of the coupling means adapted to remove the incinerated solid wastes generated in the combustion zone of the furnace therefrom; and, an exhaust gas stack connected into said coupling positioned and adapted to remove a portion of the precooled mixture entering the dryer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
320 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus which comprises: a horizontally-disposed rotating drum furnace having a combustion zone adjacent the intake end thereof and a cooling zone adjacent its outlet end; a horizontally-disposed rotating drum dryer positioned with its inlet end in axially spaced relation to the outlet end of the furnace; stationary hopper means positioned to receive the dry solids and dryer gases discharged from the dryer; dry solids conveyor means connected to receive the dry solids discharged into the hopper from the dryer and deliver same into the combustion zone of the furnace through the intake end thereof; forced draft gas conduit means connected to receive the dryer gases discharged into the hopper from the dryer and introduce same into the cooling zone thereof in position to mix with the gaseous products of combustion issuing from the combustion zone; burner means mounted in the inlet end of the furnace in position to direct a flame into the combustion zone thereof; a source of combustion air connected into the burner; raw feed mixing conveyor means connectable to a source of wet solid wastes and connected to deliver same into the dryer inlet; dryer feed blending means comprising a flow controlled conduit connected between the raw feed conveyor and dry solids conveyor means adapted to recycle a portion of the latter to be mixed with the raw feed to form a moisture controlled mixture; stationary coupling means defining a passage interconnecting the discharge end of the furnace and the inlet end of the dryer adapted to pass the precooled mixture of the recycled dryer gases and products of combustion into the latter; ash removal means connected into the bottom of the coupling means adapted to remove the incinerated solid wastes generated in the combustion zone of the furnace therefrom; and, an exhaust gas stack connected into said coupling positioned and adapted to remove a portion of the precooled mixture entering the dryer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
320 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus which comprises: a horizontally-disposed rotating drum furnace having a combustion zone adjacent the intake end thereof and a cooling zone adjacent its outlet end; a horizontally-disposed rotating drum dryer positioned with its inlet end in axially spaced relation to the outlet end of the furnace; stationary hopper means positioned to receive the dry solids and dryer gases discharged from the dryer; dry solids conveyor means connected to receive the dry solids discharged into the hopper from the dryer and deliver same into the combustion zone of the furnace through the intake end thereof; forced draft gas conduit means connected to receive the dryer gases discharged into the hopper from the dryer and introduce same into the cooling zone thereof in position to mix with the gaseous products of combustion issuing from the combustion zone; burner means mounted in the inlet end of the furnace in position to direct a flame into the combustion zone thereof; a source of combustion air connected into the burner; raw feed mixing conveyor means connectable to a source of wet solid wastes and connected to deliver same into the dryer inlet; dryer feed blending means comprising a flow controlled conduit connected between the raw feed conveyor and dry solids conveyor means adapted to recycle a portion of the latter to be mixed with the raw feed to form a moisture controlled mixture; stationary coupling means defining a passage interconnecting the discharge end of the furnace and the inlet end of the dryer adapted to pass the precooled mixture of the recycled dryer gases and products of combustion into the latter; ash removal means connected into the bottom of the coupling means adapted to remove the incinerated solid wastes generated in the combustion zone of the furnace therefrom; and, an exhaust gas stack connected into said coupling positioned and adapted to remove a portion of the precooled mixture entering the dryer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
320 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus which comprises: a horizontally-disposed rotating drum furnace having a combustion zone adjacent the intake end thereof and a cooling zone adjacent its outlet end; a horizontally-disposed rotating drum dryer positioned with its inlet end in axially spaced relation to the outlet end of the furnace; stationary hopper means positioned to receive the dry solids and dryer gases discharged from the dryer; dry solids conveyor means connected to receive the dry solids discharged into the hopper from the dryer and deliver same into the combustion zone of the furnace through the intake end thereof; forced draft gas conduit means connected to receive the dryer gases discharged into the hopper from the dryer and introduce same into the cooling zone thereof in position to mix with the gaseous products of combustion issuing from the combustion zone; burner means mounted in the inlet end of the furnace in position to direct a flame into the combustion zone thereof; a source of combustion air connected into the burner; raw feed mixing conveyor means connectable to a source of wet solid wastes and connected to deliver same into the dryer inlet; dryer feed blending means comprising a flow controlled conduit connected between the raw feed conveyor and dry solids conveyor means adapted to recycle a portion of the latter to be mixed with the raw feed to form a moisture controlled mixture; stationary coupling means defining a passage interconnecting the discharge end of the furnace and the inlet end of the dryer adapted to pass the precooled mixture of the recycled dryer gases and products of combustion into the latter; ash removal means connected into the bottom of the coupling means adapted to remove the incinerated solid wastes generated in the combustion zone of the furnace therefrom; and, an exhaust gas stack connected into said coupling positioned and adapted to remove a portion of the precooled mixture entering the dryer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: a heat exchanger is located downstream of the stack connected to receive the exhaust gases therefrom; and, in which the source of combustion air comprises a forced draft air duct connected to pass the combustion air in heat exchange relation to said heat exchanger.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: dust removal means is located downstream of the stack connected to receive the exhaust gases therefrom and remove any entrained solids prior to releasing same to the atmosphere.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: by-pass conduit means is connected between the forcEd draft conduit means and the dryer inlet operative to recycle a portion of the dryer gas without circulating same through the furnace.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: the furnace includes interior wall means adjacent the intake end cooperating with the adjacent furnace wall to define an annular air duct separate from the combustion zone but merging therewith at the entrance to the cooling zone; and, in which a stationary manifold communicates the interior of said annular furnace duct and is connected to receive dryer air from the forced draft gas conduit means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: the furnace is provided with dryer air intake ports opening onto the exterior thereof at the interface between the combustion and cooling zones; and, in which a stationary manifold-forming collar encircles said dryer air intake ports and is connected to the forced draft gas conduit means for delivering dryer air to the latter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: the burner means is canted to direct the flame issuing therefrom through the combustion zone along a helicoidal path in concurrent flow relation to the dry solid wastes being incinerated therein.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: feed lifters are provided on the inside periphery of the dryer and the interior thereof contains baffling with an x-shaped cross section that defines a short fall fill.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which: an afterburner is located downstream of the stack connected to receive the exhaust gases therefrom and reincinerate any entrained solids left therein.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 3 in which: the dust removal apparatus comprises a cyclone.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 3 in which: the dust removal apparatus comprises a scrubber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
The solid waste disposal apparatus as set forth in claim 11 in which: a flow control damper is connected into the by-pass conduit means for regulating the volume of dryer gas recycled directly to the dryer.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
152 words
The method for drying and incinerating wet solid waste materials which comprises: dehydrating a moist solid waste mixture having a moisture content of between approximately 40 percent and approximately 60 percent by-passing a warm gas mixture at a temperature of approximately 1,200*F. in heat exchange relation thereto; recycling a portion of the dehydrated mixture with raw wet feed to produce the moist mixture having the required moisture content; burning the remainder of the dehydrated mixture; cooling the hot dry gaseous products of combustion with a recycled portion of the wet gaseous products of dehydration to produce said warm gas mixture preparatory to dehydrating the moist solid waste mixture therewith; separating the solid products of combustion from the warm gas mixture; and exhausting a portion of the warm gas mixture while using the remainder thereof containing up to approximately 50 percent recycled gaseous products of dehydration for dehydrating the moist solid waste mixture.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
152 words
The method for drying and incinerating wet solid waste materials which comprises: dehydrating a moist solid waste mixture having a moisture content of between approximately 40 percent and approximately 60 percent by-passing a warm gas mixture at a temperature of approximately 1,200*F. in heat exchange relation thereto; recycling a portion of the dehydrated mixture with raw wet feed to produce the moist mixture having the required moisture content; burning the remainder of the dehydrated mixture; cooling the hot dry gaseous products of combustion with a recycled portion of the wet gaseous products of dehydration to produce said warm gas mixture preparatory to dehydrating the moist solid waste mixture therewith; separating the solid products of combustion from the warm gas mixture; and exhausting a portion of the warm gas mixture while using the remainder thereof containing up to approximately 50 percent recycled gaseous products of dehydration for dehydrating the moist solid waste mixture.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as set forth in claim 13 which includes the step of: scrubbing the warm exhaust gas mixture to remove suspended solids therefrom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as set forth in claim 13 which includes the step of: reburning the warm exhaust gas mixture to incinerate solids suspended therein.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as set forth in claim 13 which includes the step of: centrifugally treating the warm exhaust gas mixture to remove suspended solids therefrom.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method as set forth in claim 13 which includes the step of: directly recycling a portion of the cool wet gaseous products of dehydration by mixing same with the portion of the warm gas mixture used for dehydration purposes after the latter has been mixed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-13 | 1976-08-14 | 1977-02-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-13 | 1980-08-14 | 1981-02-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-13 | 1984-08-14 | 1985-02-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |