Thermal decomposition of waste material

Claim 1

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having a waste inlet port, a residue outlet port and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficient high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; means for feeding waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity via the inlet port; means for receiving non-toxic particulate material discharged from the induction arc chamber through the residue outlet port; and air lock means supported by the induction arc chamber for effectively sealing the inlet port and for preventing gases generated during the thermal decomposition of the waste materials from escaping through the inlet port.

Claim 2

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having a waste inlet port, a residue outlet port and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficient high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; means for feeding waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity via the inlet port; means for receiving non-toxic particulate material discharged from the induction arc chamber through the residue outlet port; and air lock means supported by the induction arc chamber for effectively sealing the inlet port and for preventing gases generated during the thermal decomposition of the waste materials from escaping through the inlet port.

Claim 3

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the electrode ports of the induction arc chamber and extending into the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: a first electrode assembly having a first electrode disposable within the thermal decomposition cavity and a second electrode assembly having a second electrode disposable within the thermal decomposition cavity such that the selectively variable electric arc gap is formed therebetween; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; and motor means operably connected to the first electrode for imparting rotation to the first electrode when the motor means is actuated.

Claim 4

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the electrode ports of the induction arc chamber and extending into the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: a first electrode assembly having a first electrode disposable within the thermal decomposition cavity and a second electrode assembly having a second electrode disposable within the thermal decomposition cavity such that the selectively variable electric arc gap is formed therebetween; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; and motor means operably connected to the first electrode for imparting rotation to the first electrode when the motor means is actuated.

Claim 5

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having a variable arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: first and second electrodes fabricated of carbon such that the second electrode further function as an additional fuel source for the induction arc chamber; travel means operably connected to the first and second electrodes for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; and D.C. power means for electrically energizing the first and second electrodes.

Claim 6

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having a variable arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: first and second electrodes fabricated of carbon such that the second electrode further function as an additional fuel source for the induction arc chamber; travel means operably connected to the first and second electrodes for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; and D.C. power means for electrically energizing the first and second electrodes.

Claim 7

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is relatively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; and means for injecting a thermal enhancement gas into the high temperature turbulent thermal zone.

Claim 8

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means supported within the thermal decomposition cavity for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is relatively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; power means for electrically energizing the electrode means; and means for injecting a thermal enhancement gas into the high temperature turbulent thermal zone.

Claim 9

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having at least two oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; a first electrode assembly supported within one of the electrode ports and a second electrode assembly supported within the other electrode port so as to create a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the first and second electrode assemblies having an electric arc gap therebetween which is selectively variable, the first electrode assembly comprising: a first conducting member having a first end portion and an opposed second end portion; and a first electrode supported on the first end portion of the first conducting member such that in an assemblied position the first electrode is disposed within the thermal decomposition cavity of the induction arc chamber and the opposed second end portion of the first conducting member extends outwardly from the induction arc chamber so as to be connectable to the power means and the travel means; and the second electrode assembly comprising: a second conducting member having a first end portion and an opposed second end portion; and a second electrode supported on the first end portion of the second conducting member such that in an assemblied position the second electrode is disposed within the thermal decomposition cavity of the induction arc chamber and the electric arc gap is formed between the first and second electrodes, the opposed second end portion of the second conducting member extending outwardly from the induction arc chamber; travel means operably connected to the first and second conducting members for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap between the first and second electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity, the travel means comprising: a carriage means for supporting the first and second conducting members and for defining a travel path for the first and second conducting members so that the first and second conducting members can be reciprocally moved relative to each other; step motor means connected to the carriage means for reciprocally moving the first and second conducting members upon actuation of the step motor means so as to selectively maintain the electric arc gap between the first and second electrodes; and sensing and control means for determining the effective temperature in the high temperature turbulent zone and for producing a signal indication of such temperature so as to actuate the step motor means; power means for electrically energizing the first and second electrodes; and means for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the first and second conducting members and for cooling the first and second conducting members while permitting the first and second conducting members to be reciprocally moved relative to each other so that the electric arc gap formed between the first and second electrodes is selectively maintained.

Claim 10

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having at least two oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; a first electrode assembly supported within one of the electrode ports and a second electrode assembly supported within the other electrode port so as to create a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the first and second electrode assemblies having an electric arc gap therebetween which is selectively variable, the first electrode assembly comprising: a first conducting member having a first end portion and an opposed second end portion; and a first electrode supported on the first end portion of the first conducting member such that in an assemblied position the first electrode is disposed within the thermal decomposition cavity of the induction arc chamber and the opposed second end portion of the first conducting member extends outwardly from the induction arc chamber so as to be connectable to the power means and the travel means; and the second electrode assembly comprising: a second conducting member having a first end portion and an opposed second end portion; and a second electrode supported on the first end portion of the second conducting member such that in an assemblied position the second electrode is disposed within the thermal decomposition cavity of the induction arc chamber and the electric arc gap is formed between the first and second electrodes, the opposed second end portion of the second conducting member extending outwardly from the induction arc chamber; travel means operably connected to the first and second conducting members for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap between the first and second electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity, the travel means comprising: a carriage means for supporting the first and second conducting members and for defining a travel path for the first and second conducting members so that the first and second conducting members can be reciprocally moved relative to each other; step motor means connected to the carriage means for reciprocally moving the first and second conducting members upon actuation of the step motor means so as to selectively maintain the electric arc gap between the first and second electrodes; and sensing and control means for determining the effective temperature in the high temperature turbulent zone and for producing a signal indication of such temperature so as to actuate the step motor means; power means for electrically energizing the first and second electrodes; and means for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the first and second conducting members and for cooling the first and second conducting members while permitting the first and second conducting members to be reciprocally moved relative to each other so that the electric arc gap formed between the first and second electrodes is selectively maintained.

Claim 11

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having at least two oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: a first electrode assembly supported within one of the electrode ports and a second electrode assembly supported within the other of the electrode ports, the first electrode assembly comprising: a first tubular member fabricated of an electrical conductive material, the first tubular member having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween; a first carbon electrode having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween, the first end portion having a substantially centrally disposed recessed portion formed therein and the opposed second end portion of the first carbon electrode connected to and supported by the first end portion of the first tubular member so that the fluid flow passageway of the first tubular member is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passageway of the first carbon electrode; the second electrode assembly comprising: a second tubular member fabricated of an electrically conductive material, the second tubular member having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and fluid flow passageway extending therebetween; and a second carbon electrode having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween, the first end portion of the second carbon electrode configured to correspond with the centrally disposed recessed portion formed in the first end portion of the first carbon electrode such that the first end portion of the second carbon electrode is disposable within the recessed portion of the first carbon electrode to form the electric arc gap therebetween, the opposed second end portion of the second carbon electrode connected to and supported by the first end portion so that the fluid flow passageway of the second tubular member is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passageway of the second carbon electrode; travel means operably connected to the first and second tubular members for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap between the first and second carbon electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; and power means for electrically energizing the first and second carbon electrodes.

Claim 12

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber having at least two oppositely disposed electrode ports and defining a thermal decomposition cavity therein; electrode means for creating a high temperature turbulent zone within the thermal decomposition cavity when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable, the electrode means comprising: a first electrode assembly supported within one of the electrode ports and a second electrode assembly supported within the other of the electrode ports, the first electrode assembly comprising: a first tubular member fabricated of an electrical conductive material, the first tubular member having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween; a first carbon electrode having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween, the first end portion having a substantially centrally disposed recessed portion formed therein and the opposed second end portion of the first carbon electrode connected to and supported by the first end portion of the first tubular member so that the fluid flow passageway of the first tubular member is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passageway of the first carbon electrode; the second electrode assembly comprising: a second tubular member fabricated of an electrically conductive material, the second tubular member having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and fluid flow passageway extending therebetween; and a second carbon electrode having a first end portion, an opposed second end portion and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween, the first end portion of the second carbon electrode configured to correspond with the centrally disposed recessed portion formed in the first end portion of the first carbon electrode such that the first end portion of the second carbon electrode is disposable within the recessed portion of the first carbon electrode to form the electric arc gap therebetween, the opposed second end portion of the second carbon electrode connected to and supported by the first end portion so that the fluid flow passageway of the second tubular member is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passageway of the second carbon electrode; travel means operably connected to the first and second tubular members for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap between the first and second carbon electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable to decompose waste materials passed through the high temperature turbulent zone in the thermal decomposition cavity; and power means for electrically energizing the first and second carbon electrodes.

Claim 13

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste material comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair of electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition chamber; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; and introducing a thermal enhancement gas into the thermal decomposition cavity to enhance the temperature of the high temperature turbulence zone.

Claim 14

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste material comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair of electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition chamber; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; and introducing a thermal enhancement gas into the thermal decomposition cavity to enhance the temperature of the high temperature turbulence zone.

Claim 15

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction arc chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair of electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; withdrawing particulate materials resulting from the thermal decomposition of the waste materials from the induction arc chamber; separating gaseous vapors from the withdrawn particulate materials; and rapidly cooling the gaseous vapors.

Claim 16

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction arc chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair of electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; withdrawing particulate materials resulting from the thermal decomposition of the waste materials from the induction arc chamber; separating gaseous vapors from the withdrawn particulate materials; and rapidly cooling the gaseous vapors.

Claim 17

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction arc chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; measuring the energy requirements of the electrode to provide a signal representative thereof so as to actuate a travel assembly monitoring the temperature of the high temperature zone of thermal turbulence and utilizing such data to control the gap width between the electrodes.

Claim 18

A method for the thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising the steps of: producing a high temperature zone of thermal turbulence within a thermal decomposition cavity of an induction arc chamber by electrical activation of at least one pair electrodes extending therein and separated by a variable gap therebetween; introducing the waste materials into the thermal decomposition cavity; controlling the gap width between electrodes so that a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to substantially thermally decompose the waste material to form non-toxic products; measuring the energy requirements of the electrode to provide a signal representative thereof so as to actuate a travel assembly monitoring the temperature of the high temperature zone of thermal turbulence and utilizing such data to control the gap width between the electrodes.

Claim 39

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber; means for passing a thermal enhancement gas into the induction arc chamber; electrode means supported within the induction arc chamber for creating a high temperature thermal zone when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap, the electrode means, the means for passing the thermal enhancement gas into the induction arc chamber and the travel means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap cooperating to define a high temperature turbulent thermal zone in which a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable for a sufficient period of time to thermally decompose waste materials passed therethrough; and power means for electrically energizing the electrode means.

Claim 40

An apparatus for thermal decomposition of waste materials comprising: an induction arc chamber; means for passing a thermal enhancement gas into the induction arc chamber; electrode means supported within the induction arc chamber for creating a high temperature thermal zone when electrically energized, the electrode means having an electric arc gap which is selectively variable; travel means operably connected to the electrode means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap, the electrode means, the means for passing the thermal enhancement gas into the induction arc chamber and the travel means for selectively maintaining the electric arc gap cooperating to define a high temperature turbulent thermal zone in which a sufficiently high temperature is maintainable for a sufficient period of time to thermally decompose waste materials passed therethrough; and power means for electrically energizing the electrode means.