Abstract A novel pyrolysis process system for recycling of refuse wherein refuse is fed into a closed retort. The closed retort includes a moving molten lead bath for accomplishing the pyrolysis of the refuse. The pyrolysis process converts the organic portions of the refuse to a vapor state to facilitate ultimate recovery of tars, oils and other petroleum-related products, a part of which includes fuel that may be utilized to operate the system. The non-organic portions of the refuse are ultimately separated into high grade char, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals and precious metals. The pyrolysis process exhausts no gases into the atmosphere and allows virtually all components of the refuse to be recycled into usable products.
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 1 wherein said molten metal bath is a molten lead bath at a temperature between 350*C and 620*C.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
38 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 1 wherein said refuse is compacted and fed into said closed retort by means of a screw conveyor to ensure that virtually no air enters the closed retort.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 3 wherein a gas flow is supplied to an intermediate portion of said screw conveyor to further ensure that virtually no air enters said closed retort.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 4 wherein said gas flow is at a higher temperature than said refuse.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of preheating the refuse by means of the heat employed to heat the molten metal bath.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in Claim 1 wherein said solid residue is conveyed out of said closed retort by means of a screw-type conveyor having a discharge end at a higher elevation than its input end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pyrolysis process for recycling refuse as recited in claim 1 which includes the step of recirculating the majority of said molten metal of said bath into said closed retort.