Mini batch waste treatment system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for treating small amounts of organic waste materials that may contain some inorganic materials in an ecologically friendly manner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating system and an offgas processing system, which converts the waste to benign solids and non-hazardous gases.

1 . An apparatus for treating medical, hazardous, and non hazardous wastes consisting of inorganic and organic components, comprising: 
 A heated processing chamber with replaceable lining:    A high temperature oxidation chamber to convert organic gaseous and solid components to inert gases;    Means of removing gas from previous chambers as an off-gas;    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , whereas thermal insulation of chambers is added for effective dissociation and prevention of complex organic reformation;  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , whereas oxidant is injected into the process chambers for carbon conversion to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide;  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , whereas there is a means to monitor the amount of carbon in the off-gas through use of process instrumentation.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  that provides a means responsive to monitoring and controlling the amount of oxidant injection.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , whereas the off-gas is rapidly quenched to prevent undesirable organic reformations and limit the amount of carbon particulate.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein oxygen is generated to control flow into and out of the processing chamber and the high temperature chamber.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein sensors control the timing and rate of oxygen injection to achieve complete oxidation without significant excess oxygen carryover.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , whereas there is an adjustable algorithm to control gasification and control process thus impacting gas flow.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the off-gas and oxidant are turbulently mixed to achieve complete reaction.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the process is monitored and controlled to assure equipment and process stability.  
   
   
       12 . A method for treating medical, hazardous, and non hazardous wastes consisting of inorganic and organic components, comprising the steps of: 
 Providing a waste processing chamber for waste loading    Heating the processing chamber to remove all organic materials    Heating off-gas to a high temperature for complete oxidation in a controlled environment to prevent reformation of complex organic compounds.    Oxygen injection to effect complete conversion of carbon and hydrogen into inert gas and water.    Rapid off-gas cooling to prevent reformation of complex organic compounds    
   
   
       13 . Method of  claim 12  wherein carbon content is monitored in the off-gas with use of process monitoring sensors.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein oxidant is generated and injected into each of the processing chambers through a controlled valve arrangement.  
   
   
       15 . Method of  claim 12  further comprising the steps of mixing the off-gas and oxidant in a turbulent area for an amount of time effective to achieve conversion of the organic materials into inert gasses such as carbon dioxide and water.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein a vacuum pressure is maintained in the chambers.  
   
   
       17 . Method of  claim 12  wherein temperature, flow, pressure, and carbon sensors are utilized to control gas generation rates, compositions, and chemical conditions.