Universal waste processor

Abstract

A unique waste processing method provides a simple solution to complex mix of waste streams using a molten sodium/potassium bath to thermalize waste. The process offers sterilization, volumetric reduction, energy or oil recovery, and complete molecular fragmentation of hazardous chemicals.

1 . A batch waste processing apparatus comprising the steps of: 
 (a) A perforated basket supported on two articulating arms allowing the basket to extend out of the sealed containment for loading bagged or bulk waste;    (b) Means to activate the sequenced action of mechanically actuating the arms to traverse the basket inside the sealed containment;    (c) Means to seal the door and enable upon locking, the next sequenced event: to partially submerge the basket into the hot liquid sodium/potassium liquid;    (d) Means to control system to automatically maintain the correct level of basket submersion into the molten salt bath to maintain a constant predetermined pressure inside the anaerobic chamber equating to a constant gasification rate;    (e) Means to cause molecular fragmentation of manufactured gas before oxidizing using a high temperature heat exchanger coupled to the fire tube;    (f) Means to match the correct amount of combustion air to the available fuel by monitoring the remaining O 2  in the exhaust;    (g) Means to monitor and maintain set process temperature by pumping waste rinse or fresh water through a tube inside the salt bath to lower process temperature or incrementally adding propane or natural gas to the manufactured gas to increase the process temperature;    (h) Means to detect the end of the process cycle by the fully submerged basket position;    (i) Means to advance process to the next sequence by moving the basket to the rinse position;    (j) Means to commence rinse cycle activating the rinse water solenoid and timing the rinse cycle;    (k) Means to determine and announce the end of the cycle and enable opening of the sealed door.    
   
   
       2 . A continuous waste processing apparatus comprising the steps of: 
 (a) An insulated and sealed containment for molten salt solution;    (b) Means for holding process temperature using propane, natural gas or resistance electric heaters while idle;    (c) Means for holding process temperature by oxidizing manufactured synthesis gas inside fire tubes while operating;    (d) Means for vaporizing water in a tube submerged inside the salt bath to prevent overheating;    (e) Means for loading a batch of waste while maintaining anaerobic seal within the containment utilizing dual trap doors;    (f) Means for engaging, capturing, and transporting waste through the salt bath using a spiked conveyor belt;    (g) Means for washing off metals and carbon black free of salt with rinse water;    (h) Means for creating a gas seal with rinse water;    (i) Means for separating condensate or liquid oils from gasses;    (j) Means for further fragmenting the synthesis gas using combustion heat;    (k) Means for controlling the combustion stoichiometry by controlling combustion air to match the total fuel available;    (l) Means for adding natural gas or propane to manufactured gas to ensure minimum process temperature is maintained;    (m) Means for controlling immersion rate of waste to match the desired rate of gasification.    
   
   
       3 . Apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , where in-line carbon adsorber can be added to remove heavy metals from the gasified waste.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , where useful oils or fuel can be extracted from the vaporized gasses by means of distillation;  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , where thermal energy can be recovered by recirculating exhaust gas, or liquid salt through a heat exchanger.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , where hazardous waste is fragmented into safe constituent elements through high temperature reheat process.