US3156199A - Incinerators - Google Patents

Description

E. P. BUCKLE INCINERATORS Nov. 10, 1964 Filed May 1, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I.

Nov. 10, 1964 Filed May 1, 1962 E. P. BUCKLE INCINERATORS FIG.2.

E. P. BUCKLE 3,156,199

INCINERATORS Nov. 10, 1964 Filed May 1, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 JL Q Nov. 10, 1964 E. P. BUCKLE 3,156,199

INCINERATORS Filed May 1, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 F|G.4- |s i w 24 u '4 a United States Patent 3,156,199 INCINERATORS Ernest Percy Buckle, Pemberton & Sturgess (Gt. Britain) Ltd., Granville Works, Coronation Road, Park Royal, London NW. 10, England Filed May 1, 1962, Ser. No. 191,589 9 Claims. (Cl. 110-8) The invention relates to incinerators and to the parts thereof, and particularly relates to incinerators of the kind described in my prior United States Patent No. 2,763,760.

The invention has among its objects to improve the construction and efiiciency of such incinerators, and particularly to provide an incinerator which is effective to burn damp or moisture-containing materials, as well as dry combustible substances.

In hospitals and particularly in the surgical wards, the destruction and disposal of Waste matter and material, which is generally damp or wet, is both time taking and expensive. In the rush of work it is not possible for the surgical and nursing staff to give time to checking the disposal of such matter and as a result, therefore, it frequently happens that the waste matter is thrown into bins or such containers which are then emptied into a furnace or incinerator outside the Ward or theatre during the night when the rush of work is over.

It is advantageous both economically and hygienically if such Waste material can be passed direct to the incinerator and burnt immediately.

Furthermore such material is frequently infected and harmful if touched.

It is among the objects of the invention to provide an incinerator in which the heating elements can be removed and replaced as for example in case of a breakdown with out any contact or interference with a charge which may be in the combustion chamber of the incinerator.

It is further among the objects of the invention to provide an incinerator which ensures a complete breaking down of the carbonaceous substances burnt, so that the gases evolved are free of such substances and there is a minimum extent of pollution of the atmosphere.

A further object of the invention is to provide an incinerator which operates economically in the use of the heat required to effect the burning.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an incinerator in which those parts which are likely to be affected by heat are so disposed or otherwise provided relatively to the other parts of the incinerator, that the heat effect is'reduced or eliminated.

According to the invention an incinerator is provided for burning wet, damp, or otherwise moisture-laden material, as well as dry material, comprising a combustion chamber mounted in spaced relation to an outer casing, and means for cooling the outer casing by circulation of air and/or gases and for withdrawing the gases of combustion by an induced draught, one or more electrical heating elements connected to a source of electrical supply being provided at or near thebase of the combustion chamber of the incinerator, the elements being adapted to provide a greater or lesser amount of heat as required, means for shrouding the elements being provided to protect the elements from the material being burnt and to enable the removal or introduction of one or more elements to be effected without contact with the combustion chamber or its contents.

Thus the heating elements may be constructed of resistance wire, such as, for example, a nickel chromium or other high temperature electrical resistance wire, spirally wound on to a rod or tubular former of ceramic material, such as that sold under the registered trademark Sintox, lying within a tubular, open ended shroud of similar ceramic material and positioned in such a manner as to span the walls of the combustion chamber in which the material to be burnt is introduced, the ends of the shroud projecting through the walls of the chamber. The spirally wound element and the former are in troduced into the shroud externally, and the electrical supply made to these ends.

By such a construction a fully replaceable element is provided without the necessity of internally dismantling, touching, or disturbing the contents of the combustion chamber which may be physically harmful, as for example, infectious, poisonous or corrosive material.

Furthermore, without the necessity of varying the simple formation of the element and former shrouds of alternative shape, such as an aerofoil outer shape can be used, so as to apply the internally generated heat to best advantage.

In addition cheapness in replacement is ensured as only the spiral element itself need be renewed, the original shroud and former being retained, while by using a ceramic shroud the element is protected from chemical erosion resulting from contact with the material, the shroud itself being impervious to chemical attack partic ularly from acids, sulphur and by oxidization.

By a suitable choice of components such a heat source can be used to generate and withstand relatively high temperatures in the region of 1350 C. for long periods of service, while by use of ceramics, having high thermal conductivity characteristics and with the shroud in close relation to the element spiral, rapid heat transfer takes place. In operation the temperature difference between the outer surface of the shroud and the element itself is extremely small, thus utilizing to the full the power input.

According to the invention furthermore, means are provided, when the lid is opened, for effecting the switching on of the burning means which are effective to complete the circuit of a timing unit and thus to complete the circuit of the electrical heating elements, without the necessity for linkage, the timing unit operating after a predetermined time to cut off the supply of current to the heating elements. Thus, one of the pair of pivoted parallel arms supporting the lid may be caused to bear against a pivoted arm of the timing unit in such manner as to cause the electrical circuit of the heating elements to be completed.

The electrical circuit may be so provided as to be adapted for switching on one or more of the heating elements in accordance with the amount of heat required to effect the burning.

According to the invention moreover, a fan is provided by means of which the products of combustion are withdrawn from the combustion chamber, the fan being.

mounted at a position remote from the heating elements.

According to the invention furthermore, an air duct from the fan to a Venturi fitting is provided and is formed bent at an angle in order to prevent soot or other impurities from falling down an outlet duct and fouling the fan and/ or its driving motor.

According to the invention furthermore, a shaker or riddling means for the incinerator may comprise a series of parallel bars mounted transversely of and at their midposition on a supporting rod, the bars being adapted to be rocked in a vertical plane between parallel, spaced, fixed bars forming the grate of the incinerator, one end of the rod projecting from the front of the furnace and being resiliently held in a stable position, with the movable bars hroizontal, by means such as two helical or coil springs secured respectively to the projecting end of the rod, and to equi-distant fixed projections on the outer casing of the incinerator, whereby the shaker or riddling means can readily be rocked from side to side against the resilient pressure exerted by the springs thus riddling the furnace.

(T! as The invention further comprises the features of construction hereinafter described.

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURES l and 3 are end elevations;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation; and

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevation of an incinerator constructed according to the invention;

FIGURE is a plan view, partly in section, of the mounting of the heating elements.

In carrying the invention into eflect, according to the construction illustrated, the incinerator 1 is of rectangular form mounted on skids 2.

The combustion chamber opening 3 is provided at the top of the incinerator 1, with a rearward inclination. The combustion chamber opening is provided with a rectangular frame of heavy, metal construction with the lower edge preferably of'arcuate form to facilitate the emptying of a bucket or other container, containing the material to be burnt, and so that the container may be banged against the lower edge of the frame to ensure con plete emptying of the container without damage to the incinerator.

The sliding lid 4 which is of arcuate section is supported on two parallel arms 5 pivoted to the side of the incinerator and counter-balanced so that the lid always seeks a position of stable equilibrium with the lid closed. Pressure of a foot or bar (not shown) provided at the base of the incinerator is effective through appropriate linkage (not shown) to operate the lid 4 while leaving both hands free for emptying container into the incinerator. Alternatively a handle 24- may be provided for operating the lid 4.

Mounted on the upper edge of one of the pivoted lidsupporting arms 5 is a metal bracket 6 so disposed as in the open position of the lid 4, to engage the crankedarm 7 of a timing unit 8 of any suitable construction, mounted at a convenient position on a bracket 9 secured on the rear wall of the incinerator, so that the timing unit 8 is switched on to switch on the electric heating current circuit for a predetermined period. It will thus be understood that the opening of the incinerator lid 4 to empty into it more material to be burnt automatically switches on the electrical heating circuit and sets in operation the timing unit 8 which is set to switch-oi the heating current after a determined period, without the necessity for any linkage. It will also be understood that the timing unit 8 is positioned to the rear of the incinerator at a position where it will be least affected by the heat evolved in the incinerator.

The combustion chamber is lined with high heat-resisting refractory material.

A flue pipe it) is provided at the top and to the rear of the incinerator, the flue pipe being in vertical alignment with the outlet pipe 14 from a blow fan 11, driven by an electric motor 12. both the blower fan ill and the electric motor 12 being mounted on the rear wall of the incinerator at a position in the incinerator as far away from heatin g elements 13 as possible.

The flow of air caused by the fan 11 serves to efiect the circulation of cool air in the space between the combustion chamber and the outer casing and also draws the air carrying the products of combustion through the flue outlet into the flue pipe lit) by means of any suitable Venturi tube or fitting mounted in the flue outlet 15.

The blower outlet pipe 14 from the blower fan 11 to the flue outlet 15 may be bent at right angles enabling the blower fan 11 to be positioned so as to prevent ash or soot falling from the flue pipe lit) into the blower fan 11.

Each of the heating elements 13 is formed of a high heat-resisting wire such for example as a nickel chromium wire under the registered trademark Kanthal, is helically wound as shown at on a cylindrical support 26 and is received within one of the open-ended cylinders 16 constructed of a hard ceramic material such for example as that marketed and sold under the registered trademark Sintox and is mounted in a frame or container 22, the ends of the shrouds projecting through the walls of the container. The elements with their coverings extend into the furnace at a position immediately above the riddling means or shaker having transverse elements or bars ll? secured on a shaker shaft 18 and adapted to rock in the spaces between the heating elements, during the rid dling operation.

Means for shaknig and riddling the ash operable from outside are provided so that no opening or disturbance of the incinerator is necessary. Thus the shaker shaft 18 is supported at one end in a bearing Ida and has a shaker handle 19 secured thereon at the other end outside the incinerator. The shaker handle 19 is resiliently held by a pair of coil springs 23 is a stable position so that the rockable shaker bars 1'7 are maintained in a horizontal position when not in use. One end of each of the springs 23 is attached to the shaker handle 19 and one end to each of two equi-distant fixed projections on the outer casing of the incinerator. An ash drawer'Zt) is provided which may be withdrawn by a handle 21 from the space below that containing the material to be burnt, the container for the heating elements and the shaker.

The elements are connected through leads to a source of current supply.

Instead of cylindrical coverings, a flat or curved plate formed of suitable ceramic material may be mounted above and optionally below the heating elements. No limitation is involved as to the form the shroud or covering should take provided only that heating elements are readily removable therefrom for replacement or repair from positions external of the incinerator, and without disturbance or contact with any undestroyed matter within the combustion chamber. I

The elements 13 may be electrically connected so that one or more may be connected in series for light or heavy duty burning.

I claim:

1. An incinerator for burning dry or moisture-laden material, comprising a combustion chamber mounted in spaced relation to an outer casing, means for cooling the outer casing by circulation of air and for withdrawing the gases of combustion by an induced draught, a plurality of electrical heating elements connected to a source of electrical supply, said heating elements positioned near the base of said combustion chamber, ceramic shroud means protecting each of said heating elements from the material being burned, said shroud means mounted in close spaced relationship to said heating elements and extending through the walls of said combustion chamber, whereby said heating elements may be replaced externally of said incinerator without contacting said combustion chamber. 7

2. An incinerator according to claim 1 wherein said ceramic shroud means comprises a plate.

3. An incinerator according to claim 1, wherein said ceramic shroud means comprises an open ended cylinder.

4. An incinerator according to claim 1, wherein said heating elements comprise an electrical coil helically wound about a ceramic supporting member and wherein the supply of heat is varied by resistances in the electrical circuit.

5. An incinerator according to claim 1, including riddling means for removing ash from said combustion chamber comprising a series of bars mounted adjacent said heating elements and adapted to rock in a vertical plane, the movement of said bars being effected by means outside said incinerator and without the necessity of opening said incinerator, said bars being resiliently held in a stable horizontal position by spring means.

6. An incinerator comprising a furnace made of ceramic substance, said furnace having an opening through which material to be burned is projected, said opening being covered by a movable lid, a casing surrounding said furnace to leave an air space between said furnace and said casing, an air inlet and an air outlet to said furnace and to said casing, a plurality of heating elements, a fan, an electric motor driving said fan and a clock motor, all mounted within said casing and all in electrical communication with one another, switching means operable to close a switch on opening the lid of said furnace to complete a circuit to cause operation of the heating element and of said motor driving the fan to draw air through said air space into said furnace and to extract combustion gases from said furnace through said outlet, the improvement therein comprising: shroud means protecting said heating elements from the material being burned, said shroud means mounted in close spaced relationship to said heating elements and extending through the walls of said combustion chamber, whereby said heating elements may be replaced externally of said incinerator without contacting said combustion chamber.

7. An incinerator comprising a furnace made of ceramic substance, said furnace having an opening through which material to be burned is projected, said opening being covered by a movable lid, a casing surrounding said furnace to leave an air space between said furnace and said casing, an air inlet and an air outlet to said furnace and to said casing, a plurality of heating elements, a fan, an electric motor driving said fan and a clock motor, all mounted within said casing and all in electrical communication with one another, switching means operable to close a switch on opening the lid of said furnace to complete a circuit to cause operation of the heating elements and of said motor driving the fan to draw air through said air space into said furnace and to extract combustion gases from said furnace through said outlet, the improvement therein comprising: ceramic shroud means protecting said heating elements from the material being burned, said ceramic shroud means mounted in close spaced relationship to said heating elements and extending through the walls of said combustion chamber, whereby said heating elements may be replaced externally of said incinerator without contacting said combustion chamber.

8. An incinerator comprising a furnace made of ceramic substance, said furnace having an opening through which material to be burned is projected, said opening being covered by a movable lid, a casing surrounding said furnace to leave an air space between said furnace and said casing, an air inlet and an air outlet to said furnace and to said casing, a plurality of heating elements, a fan, an electric motor driving said fan and a clock motor, all mounted within said casing and all in electrical communication with one another, switching means operable to close a switch on opening the lid of said furnace to complete a circuit to cause operation of the heating elements and of said motor driving the fan to draw air through said air space into said furnace and to extract combustion gases from said furnace through said outlet, the improvement therein comprising: ceramic shroud means protecting said heating elements from the material being burned, said shroud means comprising a ceramic cylinder open at both ends and mounted in close spaced relationship to said heating elements, said open ends of said ceramic cylinder extending through the walls of said combustion chamber, whereby said heating elements may be replaced externally of said incinerator without contacting said combustion chamber.

9. An incinerator comprising a furnace made of ceramic substance, said furnace having an opening through which material to be burned is projected, said opening bein covered by a movable lid, a casing surrounding said furnace to leave an air space between said furnace and said casing, an air inlet and an air outlet to said furnace and to said casing, a plurality of heating elements, a fan, an electric motor driving said fan and a clock motor, all mounted within said casing and all in electrical communication with one another, switching means operable to close a switch on opening the lid of said furnace to complete a circuit to cause operation of the heating elements and of said motor driving the fan to draw air through said air space into said furnace and to extract combustion gases from said furnace through said outlet, the improvements therein comprising: ceramic shroud means protecting said heating elements from the material being burned, said ceramic shroud means mounted in close spaced relationship to said heating elements and extending through the Walls of said combustion chamber, whereby said heating elements may be replaced externally of said incinerator Without contacting said combustion chamber; and riddling means for removing ash from said combustion chamber comprising a series of bars mounted adjacent said heating elements and adapted to rock in a vertical plane, the movement of said bars being effected by means outside said incinerator and without the necessity of opening said incinerator, said bars being resiliently held in a stable horizontal position by spring means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,064,953 Serpas Dec. 22, 1936 2,110,804 Ludi et a1 Mar. 8, 1938 2,194,490 Zimmerman Mar. 26, 1940 2,534,953 Curry Dec. 19, 1950 2,693,774 Knowles Nov. 9, 1954 2,763,760 Buckle Sept. 18, 1956 2,846,557 Schulze et al Aug. 5, 1958 2,854,557 Triggs Sept. 30, 1958

Claims (1)

1. AN INCINERATOR FOR BURNING DRY OR MOISTURE-LADEN MATERIAL, COMPRISING A COMBUSTION CHAMBER MOUNTED IN SPACED RELATION TO AN OUTER CASING, MEANS FOR COOLING THE OUTER CASING BY CIRCULATION OF AIR AND FOR WITHDRAWING THE GASES OF COMBUSTION BY AN INDUCED DRAUGHT, A PLURALITY OF ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENTS CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, SAID HEATING ELEMENTS POSITIONED NEAR THE BASE OF SAID COMBUSTION CHAMBER, CERAMIC SHROUD MEANS PROTECTING EACH OF SAID HEATING ELEMENTS FROM THE MATERIAL BEING BURNED, SAID SHROUD MEANS MOUNTED IN CLOSE SPACED RELATIONSHIP TO SAID HEATING ELEMENTS AND EXTENDING THROUGH THE WALLS OF SAID COMBUSTION CHAMBER, WHEREBY SAID HEATING ELEMENTS MAY BE REPLACED EXTERNALLY OF SAID INCINERATOR WITHOUT CONTACTING SAID COMBUSTION CHAMBER.

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