CA2235282A1 - Chemical separation and reaction apparatus - Google Patents
Chemical separation and reaction apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CA2235282A1 CA2235282A1 CA 2235282 CA2235282A CA2235282A1 CA 2235282 A1 CA2235282 A1 CA 2235282A1 CA 2235282 CA2235282 CA 2235282 CA 2235282 A CA2235282 A CA 2235282A CA 2235282 A1 CA2235282 A1 CA 2235282A1
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- seal
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- volatile substances
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Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus for use in the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions and, in particular, to an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel fitted with or without an internal filter through which exiting gases and vapors must pass. Because of the compactness allowed by the present invention, the apparatus can also be configured to operate in a self-contained mobile mode.
Description
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 CHEMICAL SEPARATION AND REACTION APPARATUS
TFCHNICAT, FTFT n QF THF. INVF.NTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from another, and for performing various chemical reactions and, in particular, to an apparatus to perform these functions lltili7in~
a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel fitted with or without an internal filter through which exiting gases and vapors must pass. Because of the compactness allowed by the present invention, the apparatus can also be configured to operate in a self-contained mobile mode.
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' CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 ' ' ' . .~ ~ ' ' ~ .~ ;
BACKGF~OU~D AND HTSTOF~Y
Various thermal treatment systems have been and continue to be used to separate volatile from non-volatile substances. For example, thermal desorption units are commonly used to remove substances such as mercury and volatile organics from soil and other solids.
One such prior art system is disclosed in Publication No.: WO 95/06505 to FRS Patented Technologies LTD, entitled: Material Cleansing Device. This prior art system uses a heated non-rotating vessel operated under high vacuums of 101,592 Pa (30 inches of Hg).The high vacuum in the non-rotating system serves to shorten process times. Although the technology is well known, there are several drawbacks and limitations which are overcome with the o current invention.
First, there are many cases in which one or more of the components of the matri~and/or the substances to be separated are thermally sensitive. That is, one or more of the substances break down to unwanted substances and/or the structure of one or more matri~
components are altered in a way that adversely affects subsequent treatment or reuse. While this prior art systems employing heat and vacuum can be used for these situations, the use of vacuum lowers the boiling point of substances and, depending upon the substances involved, may allow the separation of chemicals at below critical temperatures. However, this prior art does not rotate and is therefore a small batch system requiring long process times.
Prior art systems do not use rotation in combination with high temperature and substantial vacuum because of difficulties with sealing a hot rotating vessel under those conditions. Inadequate seals allow uncontrolled arnounts of air to flow into the retort resulting in carry out of particulates and adding to the off-gas tre~t nent requirements. To overcome the low processing rates of this and other prior art systems, the present invention employs a heated rotating vessel operating under a significant vacuum.
Another prior art system that employs rotation is disclosed in Publication No.: WO
93/08936 to Recycling Nederland B. V., entitled: Method and Device for Removing one or more Contaminations from a Bulk Material. This prior art systems use heated rotating vessels operated under a vacuum of less than 230 Pa. (3 millibars). The prior art system 2 A~ D S!tE~T
discloses a keatment chamber in which a vacuum is formed by a vacuum pipe through an intermediate vapor treating means. The treatment chamber is rotatable and is closed by head flanges provided with collars, which are disposed between the drum and the flanges. The treatment chamber seals are preferably made of annealed copper or titaniurn for high 5 operating temperatures. For lower operating temperatures, for example up to 500~C, seals made of an elastomer or asbestos are used.
Rotation increases the processing rate by improving heat transfer to the processmaterial, minimi7ing the path length the volatilized substances have to travel to exit the retort and minimi7ing the interference caused by collisions between the volatilized substances and lo particulates prior to exiting the retort. However, when operating at higher temperatures to produce cleaner substances this prior art system requires the use of expensive seals that can withstand the high internal temperatures, thus, making the system even more costly. Further, these seals may leak. The present invention overcomes the problem of sealing a heated rotating vessel under substantial vacuum through the use of a uniquely designed rotating 5 sleeve and externally mounted seal configuration that allows the seals to be easily cooled and m~int~ined below the maximum operating temperature of the seal.
Prior methods and apparatus for processing materials are disclosed in U.S. Letters Patents No. 4,268,306; 5,183,499; 5,244,492; and 5,300,137.
A,~;lE~'D~D SHEET
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6 AM~ E3 StlEEt .. . . . . . . . . . ..... . .. . . . . ...
SuMMAl~y OF THE INVENTIQN
The present invention provides an apparatus for the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other. and for performing various chemical reactions by providing an apparatus. capable of being configured for mobile 5 operation, that utilizes an application of above-ambient temperature and greater than or equal to about one inch of mercur.,v vacuum in a rotating vessel. This a~pal~Lus reduces particulate and sweep gases to negligible amounts and thus, drastically reduces the need for the large and expensive off-gas processing systems found in the prior art. The present ~pal~Lus achieves this through the use of a vacuum greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury and a uniquely o designed rotatable seal and seal arrangement in combination with an internal filter that effectively elimin~tes particulates from escaping the retort.
The present invention combines a vacuum of greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury with an externally or internally heated rotating retort, which through the use of an internal filter and seal arrangement~ prevents air leakage into the retort and produces an apparatus 15 that virtually elimin~tes carry out of particulates and minimi7.-s the introduction of unwanted gases into the retort and, thus, into the off-gas treatment system. In addition, the vacuum of the present invention lowers the boiling point of many volatile compounds so that it efficiently processes substances that would normally be untreatable with current prior art indirectly fired thermal desorption units.
~o Importantly, the particulate carry out is virtually elimin~tc~l by a combination of a CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 W O 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 vacuum greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury, low sweep gas volumes and an internal filter with a conventional blow back system to prevent clogging. This combination also maximizes the processing rate. The vacuum accelerates volAtili7~tion rates of compounds within materials such as soil particles by creating a pressure gradient between the center and surface of 5 the particles. The cont~nnin~nt.~, thus~ diffuse faster out of the interior of the cont~nnin~tecl substances.
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 B~<TF.F DF~CRTPTI~N C~F THF DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
s Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of one embodiment of the seal assembly of the apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of one of the preferred embodiment of the lo retort of the present invention.
'~ , t 3 7~
CA 0223=,282 1998-04-17 ~FTATT Fn DESC~TPTIO~ OF THE INVEN~ION
Turning now to Figure 1, therein is disclosed the overall apparatus 10 of the present invention. The material 20 to be treated may use any suitable feed mechanism for its introduction into the retort 40. If necessary, the material 20 may be prepared using ny number of conventional methods, such as crushing, sizing, screening, the addition of chemicals and/or other additives or shredding such that the material 20 is prepared and reduced to a size suitable of being fed through the first sleeve 30 of the apparatus 10 and being processed. As the material 20 is fed through the first sleeve 30, it feeds into the rotary vacuum thermal treatment vessel (retort) 40. The material 20 may be introduced into the o retort 40 through the sleeve 30 by any suitable mechanism including an auger, pump or any other conveyance method. For example, to load larger materials 20, such as a metal pipe, the normal feed device can be replaced w-ith a load port that allows the placement of larger pieces of material 20 into the retort. The material 20 can also be staclced in the retort 40.
Note that an insulated firebox 50 surrounds the retort 40. The firebox 50 may beconstructed of any suitable material capable of supporting the insulation. In one embodiment, there is blanket insulating material 60 between the firebox 50 and the wall of the retort 40.
The retort 40 may be constructed of any material capable of withstanding high temperature and vacuum. Preferably the retort 40 is constructed of materials that can withstand temperatures of 1100 degrees Celsius and vacuums of 98,205 + Pa (29 + inches of mercury).
20 The retort 40 preferably has an internal filter 70 that is used in connection ~,vith the retort 40 to prevent particulates from entering A~ 3 S',~E_~
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 the off-gas treatment system. The filter 70 (in at least one embodiment) is in the form of one or more sintered metal cylinders fitted with a conventional blow back system (not shown) located inside the retort 40. The appdLdL-ls 10 can also be used, depending on the material to be processed and the operating parameters of the retort 40, without the internal filter 70.
s In operation, the vol~tili7e~1 materials pass through a conduit 80 and exit the retort 40 through sleeve 90. Sleeve 90 has a seal 100 between the stationary off gas tube and the rotating conduit 80 that enables vacuum to be m~int~ined. Once exited from the retort 40, the volatilized material is directed to any of a number of suitable off-gas treatment systems 1 10 for further processing or discharge to the atmosphere. A vacuum pump 120 is used to 10 mzlintslin a suitable vacuum within the retort 40 while in use. Off-gas processing can be performed at ambient pressure or vacuum, depending on vacuum pump placement.
In operation, heat from a heat source 130 is applied to the retort 40 indirectly through the use of the firebox 50 and insulation material 60. The heat source 130 can be any conventional-type heat source and can use any conventional fuel that will produce the proper temperatures and necessary transfer of heat into the retort 40. For example, the heat source 130 may be from burning fossil fuels, resistance heaters, infrared heaters and microwave heaters or any of a number of conventional means. Alternately, resistance, infrared or microwave heaters may be mounted inside the retort 40 with the retort unlined or lined on the inside with refractory material or insulated on the oulside with material capable of 20 withstanding high t~ ,d~lre. Preferably, at all times during the operation of the apparatus 10, the vacuum pump 12~ is utilized to establish and m~int~in a vacuum within the retort 40 of from 3,386 to 98,205 + Pa (l to 29 + inches of mercury).
1 1 , ~1 , . ~ 1 V . IV
'' '~ ~ .r _ _.... .
W O 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 After treatment in the apparatus 10, the vol~tili7~A and gaseous materials can go through many types of off-gas treatment systems 110 including conventional separators, gas/gas phase reactors, condensers~ scrubbers, absorption/adsorption beds, catalytic reactors and direct release to the atmosphere.
Turning now to Figure 2, therein is further described one preferred embodiment of the sleeve 90 utilized in connection with the present invention. Note that the vaporized and gaseous materials pass through the conduit 80 as it exits out of the retort 40 to the off-gas treatment system I 10. The vaporized and gaseous materials flow through the filter 70. The conduit 80 also attaches to a rotating vacuum seal 100 and external non-rotating pipe coupling 140.
Also shown in Figure 2 is a purge or process gas flow control device 150. The use of the purge gas 160~ which may be air, performs two functions: first, it helps to m~int~in the temperature of the outer sleeve 90 near that of ambient air. Second, it helps to prevent the entry of process off-gases, which in turn prevents cont~min~nt condensate from building up inside the sleeve 90. In addition~ the very slight pressure gradient caused by the purge gas helps to prevent I s particulates from entering the sleeve 90.
Importantly, the design of the seal also reduces the amount of purge gas required to - assist the movement of volatilized and gaseous substances out of the retort 40. In addition, the high vacuum increases the rate of diffusion of the gases and vapors from an area of higher concentration within the retort 40 to an area of lower concentration in the off-gas treatment system 1 10.
~ CA 02235282 1998-04-17 ' ~ . ;., .
The use of the seal 100 allows the rotating retort 40 to be properly sealed at high temperatures, even though the retort 40 dimensions are ch~nging due to expansion.
Importantly, due to the ability of the purge gas and rotating tube within a tube system of the present invention to keep the seal 100 retort 40 interface cool, commercially available elastomer seals can be ntili7P~l One of the disadvantages of the prior art is that most conventional seals can only withstand temperatures up to approximately 149 to 204 degrees Celsius (300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), which is far less than the 871 to 1038 degrees Celsius (1600 to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures generated within the retort 40. ~,~hile high temperature seals are currently being developed, they are far more expensive than those o used in the present invention.
In addition, note that there are thermal plugs 170 that also assist in m~int~ining the temperature differential between the retort 40 and sleeve 90 and between the pipe coupling 140 and the off-gas treatment system 110.
Now turning to Figure 3, in one embodiment of the apparatus 10, the retort 40 is a cylindrical vessel that has internal flights, or spirals, and lifters 180. Support rollers 190 are also used in connection with the retort 40 so that it is easily rotatable within the firebox 50 Once a vacuum has been established by the vacuum pump 120, the retort 40 is set into rotation by a suitable drive motor and gearing system (not shown). The placement of the flights and lifters 180 along the interior wall of the retort 40 ac~s to enhance the heat transfer ~o from the retort 40 to the material 20 to be processed. The rotation of the retort 40 and the use of the flights and lifters 180 also enhances the surface area of the material 20 exposed to the vacuum by inducing a c~c~-1ing and/or rolling of the material thereby minimi7ing the path A~iitNuED S~ltET
.. . . . _ .
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 WO 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 length required for the vapors and gases to exit the retort 40 and also minimi7inp~ the interferences caused by interactions between vapor molecules and particulates during the movement of the vapor out of the retort.
The use of the flights and lifters 180 also allows filling of the retort 40 to a greater bed depth than traditional retorts, thereby increasing throughput. The fast removal ofthe vol~tili7~cl substances from the retort 40 minimi7~ the degree of thermal decomposition occurring within the retort 40, resulting in a more defined off-gas stream and simpler design of the off-gas treatment system I 10.
Chains. steel balls or other devices can be used inside the retort 40 to further reduce 0 particle size during processing. The interior of the retort 40 preferably contains a sintered metal filter 70 capable of continuous service under the conditions created within the retort 40. All gases exiting the retort 40 pass through the filter 70 which acts to prevent particulates from entering the off-gas treatment system 1 10. Typically, the filter 70 is mounted coaxially or offset in the upper third of the retort 40 and may or may not rotate within the retort.Note that the ~a~dL~Is 10 may be placed on trailers or railcars or unloaded and assembled at any site where material is to be processed. Although the process as described in this patent is a batch process, it can also be used in a continuous feed mode. In addition, chemical reactions can be performed by using the apparatus 10 to create the necessary thermal and atmospheric conditions within the retort 40.
Moreover. the ~ppalal~ls 10 of the present invention is particularly useful for volume reducing radioactive materials through the use of the retort 40 for removing free water and waters of hydration, separating non-radioactive volatile substances from radioactive non-volatile substances such as organic ion exchange resins from radioactive metallic isotopes and decomposing non-radioactive solids into one or more gases such as converting non-radioactive calcium carbonate used in nuclear reactor wastewater treatment into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Although the invention has been described in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limitations.
p,~ G~ s~EE~
TFCHNICAT, FTFT n QF THF. INVF.NTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from another, and for performing various chemical reactions and, in particular, to an apparatus to perform these functions lltili7in~
a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel fitted with or without an internal filter through which exiting gases and vapors must pass. Because of the compactness allowed by the present invention, the apparatus can also be configured to operate in a self-contained mobile mode.
~ ' t~ 7 ? ~ t-~"~
' CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 ' ' ' . .~ ~ ' ' ~ .~ ;
BACKGF~OU~D AND HTSTOF~Y
Various thermal treatment systems have been and continue to be used to separate volatile from non-volatile substances. For example, thermal desorption units are commonly used to remove substances such as mercury and volatile organics from soil and other solids.
One such prior art system is disclosed in Publication No.: WO 95/06505 to FRS Patented Technologies LTD, entitled: Material Cleansing Device. This prior art system uses a heated non-rotating vessel operated under high vacuums of 101,592 Pa (30 inches of Hg).The high vacuum in the non-rotating system serves to shorten process times. Although the technology is well known, there are several drawbacks and limitations which are overcome with the o current invention.
First, there are many cases in which one or more of the components of the matri~and/or the substances to be separated are thermally sensitive. That is, one or more of the substances break down to unwanted substances and/or the structure of one or more matri~
components are altered in a way that adversely affects subsequent treatment or reuse. While this prior art systems employing heat and vacuum can be used for these situations, the use of vacuum lowers the boiling point of substances and, depending upon the substances involved, may allow the separation of chemicals at below critical temperatures. However, this prior art does not rotate and is therefore a small batch system requiring long process times.
Prior art systems do not use rotation in combination with high temperature and substantial vacuum because of difficulties with sealing a hot rotating vessel under those conditions. Inadequate seals allow uncontrolled arnounts of air to flow into the retort resulting in carry out of particulates and adding to the off-gas tre~t nent requirements. To overcome the low processing rates of this and other prior art systems, the present invention employs a heated rotating vessel operating under a significant vacuum.
Another prior art system that employs rotation is disclosed in Publication No.: WO
93/08936 to Recycling Nederland B. V., entitled: Method and Device for Removing one or more Contaminations from a Bulk Material. This prior art systems use heated rotating vessels operated under a vacuum of less than 230 Pa. (3 millibars). The prior art system 2 A~ D S!tE~T
discloses a keatment chamber in which a vacuum is formed by a vacuum pipe through an intermediate vapor treating means. The treatment chamber is rotatable and is closed by head flanges provided with collars, which are disposed between the drum and the flanges. The treatment chamber seals are preferably made of annealed copper or titaniurn for high 5 operating temperatures. For lower operating temperatures, for example up to 500~C, seals made of an elastomer or asbestos are used.
Rotation increases the processing rate by improving heat transfer to the processmaterial, minimi7ing the path length the volatilized substances have to travel to exit the retort and minimi7ing the interference caused by collisions between the volatilized substances and lo particulates prior to exiting the retort. However, when operating at higher temperatures to produce cleaner substances this prior art system requires the use of expensive seals that can withstand the high internal temperatures, thus, making the system even more costly. Further, these seals may leak. The present invention overcomes the problem of sealing a heated rotating vessel under substantial vacuum through the use of a uniquely designed rotating 5 sleeve and externally mounted seal configuration that allows the seals to be easily cooled and m~int~ined below the maximum operating temperature of the seal.
Prior methods and apparatus for processing materials are disclosed in U.S. Letters Patents No. 4,268,306; 5,183,499; 5,244,492; and 5,300,137.
A,~;lE~'D~D SHEET
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~ ,E~ 3 S~
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6 AM~ E3 StlEEt .. . . . . . . . . . ..... . .. . . . . ...
SuMMAl~y OF THE INVENTIQN
The present invention provides an apparatus for the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other. and for performing various chemical reactions by providing an apparatus. capable of being configured for mobile 5 operation, that utilizes an application of above-ambient temperature and greater than or equal to about one inch of mercur.,v vacuum in a rotating vessel. This a~pal~Lus reduces particulate and sweep gases to negligible amounts and thus, drastically reduces the need for the large and expensive off-gas processing systems found in the prior art. The present ~pal~Lus achieves this through the use of a vacuum greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury and a uniquely o designed rotatable seal and seal arrangement in combination with an internal filter that effectively elimin~tes particulates from escaping the retort.
The present invention combines a vacuum of greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury with an externally or internally heated rotating retort, which through the use of an internal filter and seal arrangement~ prevents air leakage into the retort and produces an apparatus 15 that virtually elimin~tes carry out of particulates and minimi7.-s the introduction of unwanted gases into the retort and, thus, into the off-gas treatment system. In addition, the vacuum of the present invention lowers the boiling point of many volatile compounds so that it efficiently processes substances that would normally be untreatable with current prior art indirectly fired thermal desorption units.
~o Importantly, the particulate carry out is virtually elimin~tc~l by a combination of a CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 W O 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 vacuum greater than or equal to about one inch of mercury, low sweep gas volumes and an internal filter with a conventional blow back system to prevent clogging. This combination also maximizes the processing rate. The vacuum accelerates volAtili7~tion rates of compounds within materials such as soil particles by creating a pressure gradient between the center and surface of 5 the particles. The cont~nnin~nt.~, thus~ diffuse faster out of the interior of the cont~nnin~tecl substances.
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 B~<TF.F DF~CRTPTI~N C~F THF DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
s Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of one embodiment of the seal assembly of the apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-section of one of the preferred embodiment of the lo retort of the present invention.
'~ , t 3 7~
CA 0223=,282 1998-04-17 ~FTATT Fn DESC~TPTIO~ OF THE INVEN~ION
Turning now to Figure 1, therein is disclosed the overall apparatus 10 of the present invention. The material 20 to be treated may use any suitable feed mechanism for its introduction into the retort 40. If necessary, the material 20 may be prepared using ny number of conventional methods, such as crushing, sizing, screening, the addition of chemicals and/or other additives or shredding such that the material 20 is prepared and reduced to a size suitable of being fed through the first sleeve 30 of the apparatus 10 and being processed. As the material 20 is fed through the first sleeve 30, it feeds into the rotary vacuum thermal treatment vessel (retort) 40. The material 20 may be introduced into the o retort 40 through the sleeve 30 by any suitable mechanism including an auger, pump or any other conveyance method. For example, to load larger materials 20, such as a metal pipe, the normal feed device can be replaced w-ith a load port that allows the placement of larger pieces of material 20 into the retort. The material 20 can also be staclced in the retort 40.
Note that an insulated firebox 50 surrounds the retort 40. The firebox 50 may beconstructed of any suitable material capable of supporting the insulation. In one embodiment, there is blanket insulating material 60 between the firebox 50 and the wall of the retort 40.
The retort 40 may be constructed of any material capable of withstanding high temperature and vacuum. Preferably the retort 40 is constructed of materials that can withstand temperatures of 1100 degrees Celsius and vacuums of 98,205 + Pa (29 + inches of mercury).
20 The retort 40 preferably has an internal filter 70 that is used in connection ~,vith the retort 40 to prevent particulates from entering A~ 3 S',~E_~
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 the off-gas treatment system. The filter 70 (in at least one embodiment) is in the form of one or more sintered metal cylinders fitted with a conventional blow back system (not shown) located inside the retort 40. The appdLdL-ls 10 can also be used, depending on the material to be processed and the operating parameters of the retort 40, without the internal filter 70.
s In operation, the vol~tili7e~1 materials pass through a conduit 80 and exit the retort 40 through sleeve 90. Sleeve 90 has a seal 100 between the stationary off gas tube and the rotating conduit 80 that enables vacuum to be m~int~ined. Once exited from the retort 40, the volatilized material is directed to any of a number of suitable off-gas treatment systems 1 10 for further processing or discharge to the atmosphere. A vacuum pump 120 is used to 10 mzlintslin a suitable vacuum within the retort 40 while in use. Off-gas processing can be performed at ambient pressure or vacuum, depending on vacuum pump placement.
In operation, heat from a heat source 130 is applied to the retort 40 indirectly through the use of the firebox 50 and insulation material 60. The heat source 130 can be any conventional-type heat source and can use any conventional fuel that will produce the proper temperatures and necessary transfer of heat into the retort 40. For example, the heat source 130 may be from burning fossil fuels, resistance heaters, infrared heaters and microwave heaters or any of a number of conventional means. Alternately, resistance, infrared or microwave heaters may be mounted inside the retort 40 with the retort unlined or lined on the inside with refractory material or insulated on the oulside with material capable of 20 withstanding high t~ ,d~lre. Preferably, at all times during the operation of the apparatus 10, the vacuum pump 12~ is utilized to establish and m~int~in a vacuum within the retort 40 of from 3,386 to 98,205 + Pa (l to 29 + inches of mercury).
1 1 , ~1 , . ~ 1 V . IV
'' '~ ~ .r _ _.... .
W O 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 After treatment in the apparatus 10, the vol~tili7~A and gaseous materials can go through many types of off-gas treatment systems 110 including conventional separators, gas/gas phase reactors, condensers~ scrubbers, absorption/adsorption beds, catalytic reactors and direct release to the atmosphere.
Turning now to Figure 2, therein is further described one preferred embodiment of the sleeve 90 utilized in connection with the present invention. Note that the vaporized and gaseous materials pass through the conduit 80 as it exits out of the retort 40 to the off-gas treatment system I 10. The vaporized and gaseous materials flow through the filter 70. The conduit 80 also attaches to a rotating vacuum seal 100 and external non-rotating pipe coupling 140.
Also shown in Figure 2 is a purge or process gas flow control device 150. The use of the purge gas 160~ which may be air, performs two functions: first, it helps to m~int~in the temperature of the outer sleeve 90 near that of ambient air. Second, it helps to prevent the entry of process off-gases, which in turn prevents cont~min~nt condensate from building up inside the sleeve 90. In addition~ the very slight pressure gradient caused by the purge gas helps to prevent I s particulates from entering the sleeve 90.
Importantly, the design of the seal also reduces the amount of purge gas required to - assist the movement of volatilized and gaseous substances out of the retort 40. In addition, the high vacuum increases the rate of diffusion of the gases and vapors from an area of higher concentration within the retort 40 to an area of lower concentration in the off-gas treatment system 1 10.
~ CA 02235282 1998-04-17 ' ~ . ;., .
The use of the seal 100 allows the rotating retort 40 to be properly sealed at high temperatures, even though the retort 40 dimensions are ch~nging due to expansion.
Importantly, due to the ability of the purge gas and rotating tube within a tube system of the present invention to keep the seal 100 retort 40 interface cool, commercially available elastomer seals can be ntili7P~l One of the disadvantages of the prior art is that most conventional seals can only withstand temperatures up to approximately 149 to 204 degrees Celsius (300 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit), which is far less than the 871 to 1038 degrees Celsius (1600 to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit) temperatures generated within the retort 40. ~,~hile high temperature seals are currently being developed, they are far more expensive than those o used in the present invention.
In addition, note that there are thermal plugs 170 that also assist in m~int~ining the temperature differential between the retort 40 and sleeve 90 and between the pipe coupling 140 and the off-gas treatment system 110.
Now turning to Figure 3, in one embodiment of the apparatus 10, the retort 40 is a cylindrical vessel that has internal flights, or spirals, and lifters 180. Support rollers 190 are also used in connection with the retort 40 so that it is easily rotatable within the firebox 50 Once a vacuum has been established by the vacuum pump 120, the retort 40 is set into rotation by a suitable drive motor and gearing system (not shown). The placement of the flights and lifters 180 along the interior wall of the retort 40 ac~s to enhance the heat transfer ~o from the retort 40 to the material 20 to be processed. The rotation of the retort 40 and the use of the flights and lifters 180 also enhances the surface area of the material 20 exposed to the vacuum by inducing a c~c~-1ing and/or rolling of the material thereby minimi7ing the path A~iitNuED S~ltET
.. . . . _ .
CA 0223~282 1998-04-17 WO 97/14517 PCT~US96/16504 length required for the vapors and gases to exit the retort 40 and also minimi7inp~ the interferences caused by interactions between vapor molecules and particulates during the movement of the vapor out of the retort.
The use of the flights and lifters 180 also allows filling of the retort 40 to a greater bed depth than traditional retorts, thereby increasing throughput. The fast removal ofthe vol~tili7~cl substances from the retort 40 minimi7~ the degree of thermal decomposition occurring within the retort 40, resulting in a more defined off-gas stream and simpler design of the off-gas treatment system I 10.
Chains. steel balls or other devices can be used inside the retort 40 to further reduce 0 particle size during processing. The interior of the retort 40 preferably contains a sintered metal filter 70 capable of continuous service under the conditions created within the retort 40. All gases exiting the retort 40 pass through the filter 70 which acts to prevent particulates from entering the off-gas treatment system 1 10. Typically, the filter 70 is mounted coaxially or offset in the upper third of the retort 40 and may or may not rotate within the retort.Note that the ~a~dL~Is 10 may be placed on trailers or railcars or unloaded and assembled at any site where material is to be processed. Although the process as described in this patent is a batch process, it can also be used in a continuous feed mode. In addition, chemical reactions can be performed by using the apparatus 10 to create the necessary thermal and atmospheric conditions within the retort 40.
Moreover. the ~ppalal~ls 10 of the present invention is particularly useful for volume reducing radioactive materials through the use of the retort 40 for removing free water and waters of hydration, separating non-radioactive volatile substances from radioactive non-volatile substances such as organic ion exchange resins from radioactive metallic isotopes and decomposing non-radioactive solids into one or more gases such as converting non-radioactive calcium carbonate used in nuclear reactor wastewater treatment into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Although the invention has been described in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limitations.
p,~ G~ s~EE~
Claims (17)
1. A chemical processing and reaction apparatus (10) for the separation of volatile from non-volatile substances and volatile substances, one from the other, that includes a vacuum thermal treatment vessel (40) for receiving materials to be processed (20) and a device for transporting the materials to be processed (30) into the vessel (40), the chemical processing and reaction apparatus comprising:
an outer shell (50) in which the vessel (40) is roatably disposed;
a rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement connected to at least one end of the vessel (40);
an internal filter (70) disposed within the vessel (40);
means for transporting volatile substances out of the vessel (80) attached to the internal filter (70);
means for rotating (190) the vessel (40);
means for cooling (150, 160, 170) the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement;
means for establishing and maintaining a vacuum pressure (120) within the vessel(40) between 3,386 to 98,205 + Pa (1 to 29 + inches of mercury), thereby lowering the boiling point of volatile substances during operation of the apparatus (10); and means for heating (130) the vessel (40) to a temperature sufficient to vaporize volatile substances.
an outer shell (50) in which the vessel (40) is roatably disposed;
a rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement connected to at least one end of the vessel (40);
an internal filter (70) disposed within the vessel (40);
means for transporting volatile substances out of the vessel (80) attached to the internal filter (70);
means for rotating (190) the vessel (40);
means for cooling (150, 160, 170) the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement;
means for establishing and maintaining a vacuum pressure (120) within the vessel(40) between 3,386 to 98,205 + Pa (1 to 29 + inches of mercury), thereby lowering the boiling point of volatile substances during operation of the apparatus (10); and means for heating (130) the vessel (40) to a temperature sufficient to vaporize volatile substances.
2. An apparatus (10) in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of thermal plugs (170) connected to both ends of the vessel (40) for assisting in the prevention of condensate buildup and for assisting in maintaining the temperature differentialbetween the vessel (40) and the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement.
3. The apparatus (10) in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of lifts (180) within the interior of the vessel (40) for enhancing the heat transfer from the vessel (40) walls to the material to be processed (20) and for enhancing the surface area of the material to be processed (20) exposed to the vacuum by inducing cascading and rolling of the substance.
4. The apparatus (10) in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means for transporting volatile substances further comprise a conduit (80) attached to the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement and an external pipe coupling (140).
5. The apparatus (10) in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an off-gas treatment system (110) operably connected to the means for transporting volatile substances out of the vessel (80).
6. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for heating (130) the vessel (40) produces heat up to 1100 degrees Celsius.
7. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 1 further comprising an insulation blanket (60) disposed between the outer shell (50) and the vessel (40).
8. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for cooling includes a purge gas flow control device (150) connected to the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement for allowing purge gas (160) to flow into the vessel (40), formaintaining the temperature of the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement near that of ambient air and for preventing the entry of process off-gases whichprevents contaminant condensate from accumulating within the rotatable sleeve (90) and seal (100) arrangement.
9. An apparatus (10) for processing materials to separate volatile substances from non-volatile substances and to separate volatile substances from one another, that includes a vacuum thermal treatment vessel rotatable about an axis of rotation having a roatable vacuum seal and a first sleeve (30) for receiving materials to be processed (20), the first sleeve (30) is rotatable about the axis and extends outwardly from the vessel (40) comprising:
an outer shell (50) in which the vessel 40 is rotatable disposed and through which the first sleeve (30) extends;
a second sleeve (90) rotatable about the axis and extending outwardly from the vessel (40) through the outer shell (50), on the end opposite the first sleeve (30), the rotatable vacuum seal (100) being attached to the second sleeve (90) on the end extending outwardly from the vessel (40);
means for rotating (190) the vessel (40) within the outer shell (50) about the axis;
an exhaust conduit (80) for transporting volatile substances out of the vessel (40), the exhaust conduit (80) outwardly extending from within the vessel (40) through the second sleeve (90) along the axis;
a vacuum pump (120) operably associated with the exhaust conduit (80) for producing a vacuum pressure within the vessel (40) between 3,386 Pa to 98,205 + Pa (1 and 29 inches of mercury), thereby lowering the boiling point of volatile substances;
means for heating (130) the vessel (40) to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the volatile substances in the materials; and means for cooling (150, 160, 170) the second sleeve (90) and the rotatable vacuum seal (100).
an outer shell (50) in which the vessel 40 is rotatable disposed and through which the first sleeve (30) extends;
a second sleeve (90) rotatable about the axis and extending outwardly from the vessel (40) through the outer shell (50), on the end opposite the first sleeve (30), the rotatable vacuum seal (100) being attached to the second sleeve (90) on the end extending outwardly from the vessel (40);
means for rotating (190) the vessel (40) within the outer shell (50) about the axis;
an exhaust conduit (80) for transporting volatile substances out of the vessel (40), the exhaust conduit (80) outwardly extending from within the vessel (40) through the second sleeve (90) along the axis;
a vacuum pump (120) operably associated with the exhaust conduit (80) for producing a vacuum pressure within the vessel (40) between 3,386 Pa to 98,205 + Pa (1 and 29 inches of mercury), thereby lowering the boiling point of volatile substances;
means for heating (130) the vessel (40) to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the volatile substances in the materials; and means for cooling (150, 160, 170) the second sleeve (90) and the rotatable vacuum seal (100).
10. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including a filter (70) disposed within the vessel (40) and attached to the exhaust conduit (80).
11. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including at least one lifter (180) securably attached within the vessel (40) for enhancing heat transfer from the vessel (40) to the materials (20) and for agitating the materials (20) to enhance processing.
12. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 wherein the means for cooling includes a purge gas flow control device (150) connected to the second sleeve (90) between the vessel (40) and the rotatable vacuum seal (100) for allowing the flow of purge gas (160) through the second sleeve (90) into the vessel (40), thereby minimizing the heat expansion of the second sleeve (90) so that the rotatable vacuum seal (100) maintains an adequate seal.
13. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including support rollers (190) disposed between the vessel (40) and the outer shell (50).
14. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including a rotatable vacuum seal attached to the first sleeve (30) on the end extending outwardly from the vessel (40).
15. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including an off-gas treatment system (110) operably connected to the exhaust conduit (80).
16. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 wherein the means for heating (130) the vessel (40) produces heat up to 1100 degrees Celsius.
17. The apparatus (10) as recited in claim 9 further including thermal packing (60, 170) disposed within the second sleeve (90) between the vessel (40) and the rotatablevacuum seal (100) for providing a thermal seal between the vessel (40) and the rotatable vacuum seal (100).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/544,602 US5628969A (en) | 1995-10-18 | 1995-10-18 | Chemical separation and reaction apparatus |
| US08/544,602 | 1995-10-18 | ||
| PCT/US1996/016504 WO1997014517A1 (en) | 1995-10-18 | 1996-10-16 | Chemical separation and reaction apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2235282A1 true CA2235282A1 (en) | 1997-04-24 |
Family
ID=29405979
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2235282 Abandoned CA2235282A1 (en) | 1995-10-18 | 1996-10-16 | Chemical separation and reaction apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2235282A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106669553A (en) * | 2016-12-26 | 2017-05-17 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | Reciprocating turning type experimental device for generating even gas hydrate |
| CN115282874A (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2022-11-04 | 黄千硕 | High leakproofness of industrial chemicals smelts reation kettle |
-
1996
- 1996-10-16 CA CA 2235282 patent/CA2235282A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106669553A (en) * | 2016-12-26 | 2017-05-17 | 中国科学院广州能源研究所 | Reciprocating turning type experimental device for generating even gas hydrate |
| CN115282874A (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2022-11-04 | 黄千硕 | High leakproofness of industrial chemicals smelts reation kettle |
| CN115282874B (en) * | 2022-08-09 | 2024-03-08 | 东莞市鸿远机械设备制造有限公司 | High leakproofness of industrial chemicals smelting reaction cauldron |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
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