WO2017137716A1 - Pyrolysis chamber and method of disposal of refuse - Google Patents

Pyrolysis chamber and method of disposal of refuse Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017137716A1
WO2017137716A1 PCT/GB2017/050031 GB2017050031W WO2017137716A1 WO 2017137716 A1 WO2017137716 A1 WO 2017137716A1 GB 2017050031 W GB2017050031 W GB 2017050031W WO 2017137716 A1 WO2017137716 A1 WO 2017137716A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
enclosure
pyrolysis chamber
grille
pyrolysis
refuse
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2017/050031
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hussam Jouhara
Nik SPENCER
Original Assignee
Manik Ventures Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Manik Ventures Limited filed Critical Manik Ventures Limited
Publication of WO2017137716A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017137716A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B09—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE; RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
    • B09B—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B09B3/00—Destroying solid waste or transforming solid waste into something useful or harmless
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B09—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE; RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
    • B09B—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B09B3/00—Destroying solid waste or transforming solid waste into something useful or harmless
    • B09B3/40—Destroying solid waste or transforming solid waste into something useful or harmless involving thermal treatment, e.g. evaporation
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B53/00—Destructive distillation, specially adapted for particular solid raw materials or solid raw materials in special form
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G5/00—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor
    • F23G5/02—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor with pretreatment
    • F23G5/027—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor with pretreatment pyrolising or gasifying stage
    • F23G5/0273—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor with pretreatment pyrolising or gasifying stage using indirect heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2201/00—Pretreatment
    • F23G2201/30—Pyrolysing
    • F23G2201/301—Treating pyrogases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2201/00—Pretreatment
    • F23G2201/30—Pyrolysing
    • F23G2201/302—Treating pyrosolids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2201/00—Pretreatment
    • F23G2201/30—Pyrolysing
    • F23G2201/304—Burning pyrosolids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G2900/00—Special features of, or arrangements for incinerators
    • F23G2900/50201—Waste pyrolysis, gasification or cracking by indirect heat transfer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
    • F23G—CREMATION FURNACES; CONSUMING WASTE PRODUCTS BY COMBUSTION
    • F23G5/00—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor
    • F23G5/08—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor having supplementary heating
    • F23G5/14—Incineration of waste; Incinerator constructions; Details, accessories or control therefor having supplementary heating including secondary combustion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the disposal of refuse, especially refuse from domestic dwellings and smaller commercial establishments.
  • the domestic households of the United Kingdom collectively generate approximately 30 million tonnes of waste per year. Typically, 40% of this is recyclable - such as paper, cardboard, glass, cans plastics and (in some cases) green waste and food waste.
  • This waste is collected from the majority of households via a kerbside type collection scheme operated by or on behalf of local government bodies.
  • Existing UK practice is to require householders to divide waste into separate containers for the various types of recyclable waste, to allow these to be harvested with the remainder being classed as residual waste.
  • the waste is collected either weekly or fortnightly, and the residual waste is either landfilled or sent to large scale Energy from Waste plants to generate electricity.
  • WO 2015/104400 disclosed a pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse, and a domestic dwelling including a pyrolysis unit for processing waste within the dwelling.
  • the present invention relates to an improved waste disposal apparatus and related method.
  • the present invention is directed to a pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse, comprising a receptacle for the refuse, the receptacle having a double- skinned enclosure with an exterior wall, and interior heat-conductive wall, and a void between the two walls in which a working fluid is disposed, the receptacle further comprising at least one heating element in thermal contact with the enclosure, the pyrolysis chamber further comprising a grille within the enclosure which is moveable between at least a first lower position and a second upper position.
  • the chamber may be used in place of a separate boiler or furnace in a domestic environment.
  • Such an arrangement can reduce the amount of domestic fuel or electricity used to heat the domestic environment or water within the domestic environment, reducing retail bills and producing useful energy from domestic refuse.
  • the double-skinned arrangement with a working fluid within the void creates a chamber with a very uniform temperature distribution, which assists the pyrolysis process.
  • the enclosure preferably also includes at least one heat-conductive pin extending from the interior wall into the interior of the receptacle, to create a more uniform temperature distribution within the interior of the chamber and especially within the interior of the initially- cold refuse placed within the chamber.
  • the at least one pin is preferably hollow, and the hollow interior of the pin is ideally in fluid communication with the void in order to share the heat-transmitting capabilities of the fluid.
  • the receptacle preferably also includes at least one leg extending from the exterior wall, and a heat source connected to the leg in order to introduce heat into the chamber and elevate the temperature to a level sufficient for pyrolysis.
  • the at least one leg is ideally hollow, with the hollow interior of the leg being in fluid communication with the void in order to provide a high degree of thermal communication with the remainder of the chamber.
  • the heat source can be an electrical heating element, or a heat exchanger, which may be supplied with waste heat recovered from the current or previous pyrolysis cycles. Multiple such legs may be provided, each with a heat source. A range of different heat sources may be provided on different legs.
  • the enclosure is preferably formed of stainless steel in order to provide the necessary thermal, mechanical and corrosion properties.
  • the working fluid need not completely fill the void; an expansion gap may be provided which can be evacuated, or filled with an inert gas, or filled with air.
  • the working fluid can be Dowtherm ATM or (liquid) sodium; generally Dowtherm ATM is preferred for temperatures up to about 400°C whereas sodium is preferable above this level.
  • lower and upper positions are in respect of the orientation of the enclosure when the chamber is installed for use.
  • the enclosure has portions which can be referred to as a base portion and a top portion.
  • the grille is moved to its first position when pyrolysis of refuse is to take place and is moved to its second position after pyrolysis has taken place.
  • the grille may be formed of a wire mesh or metal plate with multiple holes formed within it. Other suitable materials may be used.
  • the at least one pin may be vertically arranged, with one end of the or each pin extending from substantially the base of the enclosure.
  • the at least one pin may be arranged substantially around the perimeter of the enclosure. Thus, in the situation where there are multiple pins, they may define an internal space.
  • the grille may be shaped and sized to fit within such an internal space defined by one or more pins.
  • the grille and pin or pins may be sized so that in the second position a lowermost part of the grille is substantially at the same level as or above the uppermost part of the pin or pins.
  • the grille may further comprise substantially vertical side walls.
  • the grille may form a basket.
  • the grille may be moved between its first and second positions and any intermediate positions by any suitable means.
  • the grille may be moved by a cable attached to the grille at one end, the cable passing over a pulley located outside the enclosure so that the grille may be raised and lowered between positions.
  • the chamber may have a substantially circular cross-section with the enclosure having a corresponding substantially circular cross-section.
  • the chamber may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and the enclosure having a corresponding substantially rectangular cross-section. Differently shaped cross-sections may be used, so long as they allow a grille to be moved between different positions as set out above.
  • the chamber may be provided with a supplementary input suitable for providing additional fuel into the enclosure.
  • the additional fuel may be a solid, liquid or gas fuel.
  • the chamber may be operated with additional fuel in the absence of pyrolysis products.
  • the chamber may be provided with a support frame joined to the base portion of the chamber.
  • the support frame may further be provided with wheels. In this configuration, the chamber may thus be moveable.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of extracting useful energy from domestic waste. It is known, for example, that pyrolysis can result in the conversion of organic waste such as paper, food waste and some plastics into syngas, oils and char.
  • the present invention is directed to a method for processing domestic refuse including the following steps:
  • Ignition of the char within the pyrolysis chamber enables combustion of the char which provides useful energy from the domestic refuse.
  • the grille is raised into the second position before char is ignited.
  • the method may further comprise the additional step of reintroducing one or both of the oils and syngas after the char has been ignited. This enables combustion of the oils and/or syngas to provide further useful energy.
  • the oils may be dehydrated.
  • This energy may be used, for example, to heat water for use in a domestic hot water system or central heating system. This energy is most likely to be useful at times when heated water is required. At other times, the syngas, oils and char may be stored for later combustion.
  • the reintroduction of oils and/or syngas may be controlled so as to maintain a steady combustion rate and to assist complete combustion of the char, oils and/or syngas. This ought to minimise the unwanted production of carbon monoxide and other toxins or pollutants.
  • the method may further comprise the step of directing combustion products from the enclosure to a heat exchanger. This may provide a further opportunity to extract useful energy from the combustion.
  • the method may further comprise the step of supplementing the char, oils and/or syngas with additional fuel.
  • This enables useful energy to be obtained in situations during which the combustion of the pyrolysis products is insufficient to produce enough useful energy for a desired purpose. For example, at times there may not be enough domestic waste to produce enough hot water or to operate a central heating system, or a householder may wish the hot water system and/or central heating system to operate without having to frequently activate the pyrolysis chamber.
  • the method may be used with a pyrolysis chamber as described above.
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of a pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention in which the wall of the receptacle has been shown as transparent for clarity;
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure i
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 1 and 2, from a different angle;
  • Figure 4 shows a plan view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 5 shows a side view of an alternative pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention in which the wall of the receptacle has been shown as transparent for clarity;
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure
  • Figure 7 shows a lid of a pyrolysis chamber such as shown in Figures 5 and 6;
  • Figure 8 shows a side view of a pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure
  • Figure 10 shows a plan view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 8 and 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
  • a pyrolysis chamber 10 formed with a cylindrical double-walled enclosure 12.
  • the enclosure 12 has an interior heat-conductive wall 14 and an exterior wall 16. Between the interior wall 14 and exterior wall 16 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid.
  • the enclosure 12 has a heating element leg 18 in thermal contact with its base 22.
  • the heating element leg 18 is also in thermal communication via the working fluid with a series of hollow pins 20 which are distributed on the interior wall 14 of the enclosure 12 around its perimeter, approximately evenly spaced around that perimeter.
  • the pins 20 are arranged vertically and extend upwards from near the base 22 of the enclosure 12.
  • the pins 20 are slightly less than half the total height of the chamber 10.
  • the chamber 10 also has a grille 24 which is a basket (i.e. open on its upper edge) with a substantially cylindrical cross-section, formed from metal sheeting with multiple holes therein.
  • a pulley arrangement 26 mounted to the grille 24 within the enclosure 12.
  • a lid 28 At the top of the chamber 10 there is a lid 28 through which a pipe 30 passes.
  • the pipe 30 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 30 may be controlled by a valve (not shown).
  • a further valved pipe 32 Near the base 22 of the chamber 10 is a further valved pipe 32 (not shown in Figure 1) which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 10 as necessary.
  • FIG 4 the lid 28 can be seen with the pipe 30 extending through it.
  • Pulley arrangement 26 is mounted to the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10.
  • Pipe 32 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 4).
  • the grille 24 is moveable between an upper position and a lower position by actuating the pulley arrangement 26.
  • FIG. 5 and 6 there is provided an alternative pyrolysis chamber 110 formed with a rectangular double-walled enclosure 112.
  • the enclosure 112 has an interior heat-conductive wall 114 and an exterior wall 116. Between the interior wall 114 and exterior wall 116 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid.
  • the enclosure 112 has a heating element leg 118 in thermal contact with it its base 122.
  • the heating element leg 118 is also in thermal communication via the working fluid with a series of hollow pins 120 which are distributed on the interior wall 114 of the enclosure 112 around its perimeter, approximately evenly spaced around that perimeter.
  • the pins 120 are arranged vertically and extend upwards from near the base 122 of the enclosure 112.
  • the pins 120 are slightly less than half the total height of the chamber 110.
  • the chamber 110 also has a grille 124 which is a basket (i.e. open on its upper edge) with a substantially rectangular cross-section, formed from metal sheeting with multiple holes therein.
  • a pulley arrangement 126 mounted to the grille 124 within the enclosure 112.
  • a lid 128 At the top of the chamber 110 there is a lid 128 through which a pipe 130 passes.
  • the pipe 130 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 130 may be controlled by a valve (not shown).
  • a further valved pipe 132 Near the base 122 of the chamber 110 is a further valved pipe 132 which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 110 as necessary.
  • the chamber 110 is mounted on a support frame 134 which has wheels 136 attached to it.
  • the grille is shown in an upper position for clarity.
  • the lid 128 can be seen with the pipe 130 extending through it.
  • Pulley arrangement 126 is mounted to the exterior wall 116 of the chamber 110.
  • Pipe 132 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 7).
  • the grille 124 is moveable between an upper position and a lower position by actuating the pulley arrangement 126.
  • Figures 8 and 9 show the outside of a chamber 10 similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 4 referred to above.
  • the chamber 10 is formed with a cylindrical double-walled enclosure 12.
  • the enclosure 12 has an interior heat-conductive wall (not shown) and an exterior wall 16. Between the interior wall and exterior wall 16 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid.
  • the enclosure 12 has a heating element leg 18 (not shown in Figure 9) in thermal contact with its base 22.
  • a pulley arrangement 26 mounted on the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10 is a pulley arrangement 26 connected to a grille (not shown) within the enclosure 12.
  • a lid 28 through which a pipe 30 passes.
  • the pipe 30 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 30 may be controlled by a valve (not shown).
  • a further valved pipe 32 Near the base 22 of the chamber 10 is a further valved pipe 32 (not shown in Figure 8) which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 10 as necessary.
  • Pulley arrangement 26 is mounted to the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10. Pipe 32 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 10).
  • the pyrolysis chambers described above may be used with the following method:
  • the grille is raised into the second position before char is ignited.
  • oils and syngas may be reintroduced into the chamber to provide further useful energy if needed.
  • the oils may be dydrated.
  • oils and/or syngas may be controlled so as to maintain a steady combustion rate and to assist complete combustion of the char, oils and/or syngas.
  • the combustion products from the enclosure may be directed to a heat exchanger.
  • the char, oils and/or syngas may be supplemented with additional fuel.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)

Abstract

Disposal of Refuse A pyrolysis chamber (10) and method of disposal of refuse is disclosed, for domestic use. The pyrolysis chamber has a double- skinned arrangement (12) with a basket-like grille (24) inside the chamber for assisting in the efficient pyrolysis of refuse and subsequent combustion for generating useful energy for domestic use.

Description

PYROLYSIS CHAMBER AND METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF REFUSE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the disposal of refuse, especially refuse from domestic dwellings and smaller commercial establishments.
BACKGROUND ART
The domestic households of the United Kingdom collectively generate approximately 30 million tonnes of waste per year. Typically, 40% of this is recyclable - such as paper, cardboard, glass, cans plastics and (in some cases) green waste and food waste. This waste is collected from the majority of households via a kerbside type collection scheme operated by or on behalf of local government bodies. Existing UK practice is to require householders to divide waste into separate containers for the various types of recyclable waste, to allow these to be harvested with the remainder being classed as residual waste. The waste is collected either weekly or fortnightly, and the residual waste is either landfilled or sent to large scale Energy from Waste plants to generate electricity.
Our earlier application, WO 2015/104400 disclosed a pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse, and a domestic dwelling including a pyrolysis unit for processing waste within the dwelling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved waste disposal apparatus and related method.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse, comprising a receptacle for the refuse, the receptacle having a double- skinned enclosure with an exterior wall, and interior heat-conductive wall, and a void between the two walls in which a working fluid is disposed, the receptacle further comprising at least one heating element in thermal contact with the enclosure, the pyrolysis chamber further comprising a grille within the enclosure which is moveable between at least a first lower position and a second upper position.
This arrangement provides for the optional combustion of one or more of the pyrolysis products after pyrolysis of domestic refuse is complete. Thus, the chamber may be used in place of a separate boiler or furnace in a domestic environment. Such an arrangement can reduce the amount of domestic fuel or electricity used to heat the domestic environment or water within the domestic environment, reducing retail bills and producing useful energy from domestic refuse. The double-skinned arrangement with a working fluid within the void creates a chamber with a very uniform temperature distribution, which assists the pyrolysis process. The enclosure preferably also includes at least one heat-conductive pin extending from the interior wall into the interior of the receptacle, to create a more uniform temperature distribution within the interior of the chamber and especially within the interior of the initially- cold refuse placed within the chamber. The at least one pin is preferably hollow, and the hollow interior of the pin is ideally in fluid communication with the void in order to share the heat-transmitting capabilities of the fluid.
The receptacle preferably also includes at least one leg extending from the exterior wall, and a heat source connected to the leg in order to introduce heat into the chamber and elevate the temperature to a level sufficient for pyrolysis. The at least one leg is ideally hollow, with the hollow interior of the leg being in fluid communication with the void in order to provide a high degree of thermal communication with the remainder of the chamber. The heat source can be an electrical heating element, or a heat exchanger, which may be supplied with waste heat recovered from the current or previous pyrolysis cycles. Multiple such legs may be provided, each with a heat source. A range of different heat sources may be provided on different legs.
The enclosure is preferably formed of stainless steel in order to provide the necessary thermal, mechanical and corrosion properties.
The working fluid need not completely fill the void; an expansion gap may be provided which can be evacuated, or filled with an inert gas, or filled with air. The working fluid can be Dowtherm A™ or (liquid) sodium; generally Dowtherm A™ is preferred for temperatures up to about 400°C whereas sodium is preferable above this level.
In this context, lower and upper positions are in respect of the orientation of the enclosure when the chamber is installed for use. In such an orientation, the enclosure has portions which can be referred to as a base portion and a top portion. Generally, the grille is moved to its first position when pyrolysis of refuse is to take place and is moved to its second position after pyrolysis has taken place.
The grille may be formed of a wire mesh or metal plate with multiple holes formed within it. Other suitable materials may be used. The at least one pin may be vertically arranged, with one end of the or each pin extending from substantially the base of the enclosure. The at least one pin may be arranged substantially around the perimeter of the enclosure. Thus, in the situation where there are multiple pins, they may define an internal space.
The grille may be shaped and sized to fit within such an internal space defined by one or more pins.
The grille and pin or pins may be sized so that in the second position a lowermost part of the grille is substantially at the same level as or above the uppermost part of the pin or pins.
The grille may further comprise substantially vertical side walls. Thus, the grille may form a basket.
The grille may be moved between its first and second positions and any intermediate positions by any suitable means. For example, the grille may be moved by a cable attached to the grille at one end, the cable passing over a pulley located outside the enclosure so that the grille may be raised and lowered between positions. The chamber may have a substantially circular cross-section with the enclosure having a corresponding substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively, the chamber may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and the enclosure having a corresponding substantially rectangular cross-section. Differently shaped cross-sections may be used, so long as they allow a grille to be moved between different positions as set out above. The chamber may be provided with a supplementary input suitable for providing additional fuel into the enclosure. The additional fuel may be a solid, liquid or gas fuel. One preferred gas fuel is natural gas. The chamber may be operated with additional fuel in the absence of pyrolysis products. The chamber may be provided with a support frame joined to the base portion of the chamber. The support frame may further be provided with wheels. In this configuration, the chamber may thus be moveable.
The present invention also relates to a method of extracting useful energy from domestic waste. It is known, for example, that pyrolysis can result in the conversion of organic waste such as paper, food waste and some plastics into syngas, oils and char.
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for processing domestic refuse including the following steps:
- placing domestic refuse within a pyrolysis chamber having an enclosure and a grille within the enclosure, the refuse being placed above the grille; - applying heat to the refuse in an atmosphere of reduced oxygen concentration to perform pyrolysis on the refuse, to in turn produce syngas, oils and char;
- removing oils and syngas from the enclosure;
- once the pyrolysis has finished, raising the grille within the enclosure;
- introducing air with a normal oxygen concentration into the enclosure; and - igniting the char.
Ignition of the char within the pyrolysis chamber enables combustion of the char which provides useful energy from the domestic refuse.
Preferably, the grille is raised into the second position before char is ignited. By raising the grille above the level of the pin or pins, air with a normal oxygen concentration is able to circulate to aid complete combustion. Furthermore, any soot or similar produced during combustion will conveniently away from the pin or pins of the enclosure. The method may further comprise the additional step of reintroducing one or both of the oils and syngas after the char has been ignited. This enables combustion of the oils and/or syngas to provide further useful energy. The oils may be dehydrated.
This energy may be used, for example, to heat water for use in a domestic hot water system or central heating system. This energy is most likely to be useful at times when heated water is required. At other times, the syngas, oils and char may be stored for later combustion.
The reintroduction of oils and/or syngas may be controlled so as to maintain a steady combustion rate and to assist complete combustion of the char, oils and/or syngas. This ought to minimise the unwanted production of carbon monoxide and other toxins or pollutants. The method may further comprise the step of directing combustion products from the enclosure to a heat exchanger. This may provide a further opportunity to extract useful energy from the combustion.
The method may further comprise the step of supplementing the char, oils and/or syngas with additional fuel. This enables useful energy to be obtained in situations during which the combustion of the pyrolysis products is insufficient to produce enough useful energy for a desired purpose. For example, at times there may not be enough domestic waste to produce enough hot water or to operate a central heating system, or a householder may wish the hot water system and/or central heating system to operate without having to frequently activate the pyrolysis chamber. The method may be used with a pyrolysis chamber as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which; Figure 1 shows a side view of a pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention in which the wall of the receptacle has been shown as transparent for clarity;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure i; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 1 and 2, from a different angle;
Figure 4 shows a plan view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 5 shows a side view of an alternative pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention in which the wall of the receptacle has been shown as transparent for clarity;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure
5;
Figure 7 shows a lid of a pyrolysis chamber such as shown in Figures 5 and 6;
Figure 8 shows a side view of a pyrolysis chamber according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the same pyrolysis chamber as shown in Figure
8; and
Figure 10 shows a plan view of the same pyrolysis chamber of Figures 8 and 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is provided a pyrolysis chamber 10 formed with a cylindrical double-walled enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 has an interior heat-conductive wall 14 and an exterior wall 16. Between the interior wall 14 and exterior wall 16 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid. The enclosure 12 has a heating element leg 18 in thermal contact with its base 22. The heating element leg 18 is also in thermal communication via the working fluid with a series of hollow pins 20 which are distributed on the interior wall 14 of the enclosure 12 around its perimeter, approximately evenly spaced around that perimeter. The pins 20 are arranged vertically and extend upwards from near the base 22 of the enclosure 12. The pins 20 are slightly less than half the total height of the chamber 10. The chamber 10 also has a grille 24 which is a basket (i.e. open on its upper edge) with a substantially cylindrical cross-section, formed from metal sheeting with multiple holes therein.
Mounted on the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10 is a pulley arrangement 26 connected to the grille 24 within the enclosure 12. At the top of the chamber 10 there is a lid 28 through which a pipe 30 passes. The pipe 30 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 30 may be controlled by a valve (not shown). Near the base 22 of the chamber 10 is a further valved pipe 32 (not shown in Figure 1) which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 10 as necessary.
In Figures 1, 2 and 3 the grille is shown in an upper position for clarity.
Turning now to Figure 4, the lid 28 can be seen with the pipe 30 extending through it. Pulley arrangement 26 is mounted to the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10. Pipe 32 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 4).
In use the grille 24 is moveable between an upper position and a lower position by actuating the pulley arrangement 26.
Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, there is provided an alternative pyrolysis chamber 110 formed with a rectangular double-walled enclosure 112. The enclosure 112 has an interior heat-conductive wall 114 and an exterior wall 116. Between the interior wall 114 and exterior wall 116 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid. The enclosure 112 has a heating element leg 118 in thermal contact with it its base 122. The heating element leg 118 is also in thermal communication via the working fluid with a series of hollow pins 120 which are distributed on the interior wall 114 of the enclosure 112 around its perimeter, approximately evenly spaced around that perimeter. The pins 120 are arranged vertically and extend upwards from near the base 122 of the enclosure 112. The pins 120 are slightly less than half the total height of the chamber 110. The chamber 110 also has a grille 124 which is a basket (i.e. open on its upper edge) with a substantially rectangular cross-section, formed from metal sheeting with multiple holes therein. Mounted on the exterior wall 116 of the chamber 110 is a pulley arrangement 126 connected to the grille 124 within the enclosure 112.
At the top of the chamber 110 there is a lid 128 through which a pipe 130 passes. The pipe 130 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 130 may be controlled by a valve (not shown). Near the base 122 of the chamber 110 is a further valved pipe 132 which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 110 as necessary.
The chamber 110 is mounted on a support frame 134 which has wheels 136 attached to it. In Figures 5 and 6 the grille is shown in an upper position for clarity.
Turning now to Figure 7, the lid 128 can be seen with the pipe 130 extending through it. Pulley arrangement 126 is mounted to the exterior wall 116 of the chamber 110. Pipe 132 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 7).
In use the grille 124 is moveable between an upper position and a lower position by actuating the pulley arrangement 126.
Figures 8 and 9 show the outside of a chamber 10 similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 4 referred to above. The chamber 10 is formed with a cylindrical double-walled enclosure 12. The enclosure 12 has an interior heat-conductive wall (not shown) and an exterior wall 16. Between the interior wall and exterior wall 16 is a void, which can be at least partially filled with a working fluid. The enclosure 12 has a heating element leg 18 (not shown in Figure 9) in thermal contact with its base 22.
Mounted on the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10 is a pulley arrangement 26 connected to a grille (not shown) within the enclosure 12.
At the top of the chamber 10 there is a lid 28 through which a pipe 30 passes. The pipe 30 may pass combustion products and exhaust to a heat-exchanger which is not part of the present invention. Passage of material and gases through the pipe 30 may be controlled by a valve (not shown). Near the base 22 of the chamber 10 is a further valved pipe 32 (not shown in Figure 8) which may pass gases and liquids into or out of the chamber 10 as necessary. Turning now to Figure 10, the lid 28 can be seen with the pipe 30 extending through it. Pulley arrangement 26 is mounted to the exterior wall 16 of the chamber 10. Pipe 32 can be seen, which is near to the base of the chamber (not shown in Figure 10). In use, the pyrolysis chambers described above may be used with the following method:
- placing domestic refuse within the pyrolysis chamber, the refuse being placed above the grille; - applying heat to the refuse in an atmosphere of reduced oxygen concentration to perform pyrolysis on the refuse, to in turn produce syngas, oils and char;
- removing oils and syngas from the enclosure;
- once the pyrolysis has finished, raising the grille within the enclosure;
- introducing air with a normal oxygen concentration into the enclosure; and - igniting the char.
The grille is raised into the second position before char is ignited.
One or both of the oils and syngas may be reintroduced into the chamber to provide further useful energy if needed. The oils may be dydrated.
The reintroduction of oils and/or syngas may be controlled so as to maintain a steady combustion rate and to assist complete combustion of the char, oils and/or syngas.
The combustion products from the enclosure may be directed to a heat exchanger.
The char, oils and/or syngas may be supplemented with additional fuel.
It will of course be understood that many variations may be made to the above- described embodiments and method without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse, comprising a receptacle for the refuse, the receptacle having a double-skinned enclosure with an exterior wall, and interior heat-conductive wall, and a void between the two walls in which a working fluid is disposed, the receptacle further comprising at least one heating element in thermal contact with the enclosure, the pyrolysis chamber further comprising a grille within the enclosure which is moveable between at least a first lower position and a second upper position.
2. A pyrolysis chamber according to claim 1 in which the enclosure has at least one heat- conductive pin extending from the interior wall into the interior of the receptacle.
3. A pyrolysis chamber according to claim 2 wherein the at least one pin is hollow, and the hollow interior of the pin is in fluid communication with the void.
4. A pyrolysis chamber according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the at least one pin is substantially vertically arranged, with one end of the or each pin extending from substantially a base of the enclosure.
5. A pyrolysis chamber according to and of claims 2 to 4 wherein the at least one pin is arranged substantially around a perimeter of the enclosure.
6. A pyrolysis chamber according to claim 5 wherein the grille is shaped and sized to fit within an internal space defined by the one or more pins.
7. A pyrolysis chamber according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the grille and pin or pins are sized so that in the second position a lowermost part of the grille is substantially at the same level as or above the uppermost part of the pin or pins.
8. A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding clam wherein the grille further comprises substantially vertical side walls.
9. A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the grille is formed of a wire mesh or metal plate with multiple holes formed within it. A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the receptacle has at least one leg extending from the exterior wall, and a heat source connected to the leg wherein the at least one leg is hollow.
A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the chamber has a substantially circular cross-section with the enclosure having a corresponding substantially circular cross-section.
A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding claim wherein the chamber has a substantially rectangular cross-section and the enclosure having a corresponding substantially rectangular cross-section.
A pyrolysis chamber according to any preceding claim wherein chamber is provided with a supplementary input suitable for providing additional fuel into the enclosure.
A method for processing domestic refuse including the steps:
- placing domestic refuse within a pyrolysis chamber having an enclosure and a grille within the enclosure, the refuse being placed above the grille;
- applying heat to the refuse in an atmosphere of reduced oxygen concentration to perform pyrolysis on the refuse, to in turn produce syngas, oils and char;
- removing oils and syngas from the enclosure;
- once the pyrolysis has finished, raising the grille within the enclosure;
- introducing air with a normal oxygen concentration into the enclosure; and
- igniting the char.
A method according to claim 14 wherein the grille is raised into the second position before char is ignited.
A method according to claim 15 including the additional step of reintroducing one or both of the oils and syngas after the char has been ignited.
A method according to any of claims 14 to 16 including the additional step of directing combustion products from the enclosure to a heat exchanger. A method according to any of claims 14 to 17 including the additional step of supplementing the char, oils and/or syngas with additional fuel.
A method according to any of claims 14 to 18 in which the pyrolysis chamber is according to any of claims 1 to 13.
PCT/GB2017/050031 2016-02-12 2017-01-09 Pyrolysis chamber and method of disposal of refuse WO2017137716A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1602594.2A GB201602594D0 (en) 2016-02-12 2016-02-12 Disposal of refuse
GB1602594.2 2016-02-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017137716A1 true WO2017137716A1 (en) 2017-08-17

Family

ID=55697662

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2017/050031 WO2017137716A1 (en) 2016-02-12 2017-01-09 Pyrolysis chamber and method of disposal of refuse

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB201602594D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2017137716A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2561846A (en) * 2017-04-24 2018-10-31 Manik Ventures Ltd Waste treatment apparatus and method
CN117945344A (en) * 2024-03-27 2024-04-30 中鹏未来有限公司 Method for preparing hydrogen by pulping by mixing pyrolysis oil and carbon of household garbage
WO2024103193A1 (en) * 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 Universidad De Tarapacá Pyrolysis reactor for batch treatment of urban waste

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2469655A1 (en) * 1979-11-10 1981-05-22 Wichmann Heinrich Animal dung combustion process - blows air into layer of fuel above grid
US4732092A (en) * 1985-09-30 1988-03-22 G.G.C., Inc. Pyrolysis and combustion apparatus
US20090060779A1 (en) * 2006-01-03 2009-03-05 Maurice Chambe Apparatus for the thermal treatment of organics materials and method therefor
GB2485180A (en) * 2010-11-04 2012-05-09 Chinook Sciences Ltd Centrifuge for processing waste
WO2015104400A1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-16 Manik Ventures Limited A pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse and dwelling equipped with such a chamber

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2469655A1 (en) * 1979-11-10 1981-05-22 Wichmann Heinrich Animal dung combustion process - blows air into layer of fuel above grid
US4732092A (en) * 1985-09-30 1988-03-22 G.G.C., Inc. Pyrolysis and combustion apparatus
US20090060779A1 (en) * 2006-01-03 2009-03-05 Maurice Chambe Apparatus for the thermal treatment of organics materials and method therefor
GB2485180A (en) * 2010-11-04 2012-05-09 Chinook Sciences Ltd Centrifuge for processing waste
WO2015104400A1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-16 Manik Ventures Limited A pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse and dwelling equipped with such a chamber

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2561846A (en) * 2017-04-24 2018-10-31 Manik Ventures Ltd Waste treatment apparatus and method
WO2024103193A1 (en) * 2022-11-16 2024-05-23 Universidad De Tarapacá Pyrolysis reactor for batch treatment of urban waste
CN117945344A (en) * 2024-03-27 2024-04-30 中鹏未来有限公司 Method for preparing hydrogen by pulping by mixing pyrolysis oil and carbon of household garbage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201602594D0 (en) 2016-03-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3124129B1 (en) Pyrolysis chamber for treating domestic refuse.
US5062372A (en) Lined hazardous waste incinerator
WO2017137716A1 (en) Pyrolysis chamber and method of disposal of refuse
MX2011004135A (en) Apparatus and process for thermal decomposition of any kind of organic material.
US8038848B2 (en) Recycling of tires, rubber and other organic material through vapor distillation
KR101230332B1 (en) Apparatus for Recycling Waste Tires into High Value Products
RU2617230C2 (en) Portable plant-module for heat treatment of solid municipal wastes at the landfill
CN211600711U (en) Synchronous pyrolysis garbage intensified combustion multifunctional integrated furnace
US9120977B1 (en) Recycling of tires, rubber and other organic material through vapor distillation
CN103008325A (en) Garbage decomposition processing device
CN202709125U (en) Large garbage incinerator
CN203508573U (en) Garbage decomposition device
CN202415454U (en) Biomass pyrolysis furnace
CN207073836U (en) A kind of energy-conserving and environment-protective gas big kitchen range
CN206385090U (en) A kind of coke drum preheating device
CN211420057U (en) Garbage pyrolysis device
CN203904269U (en) Carbonaceous matter pyrolysis device
CN203530213U (en) Thermal decomposition destructive distillation carbonization furnace
RU80700U1 (en) PLANT FOR PYROLYSIS OF RUBBER PRODUCTS
US20200347305A1 (en) Methods and apparatus for the thermal treatment of mixed urban wastes
CN207471545U (en) A kind of heat recovery processing equipment of incierator for environment protection
WO2023031764A1 (en) Composting device and contemporaneous use of biogas
CN206447828U (en) A kind of biomass pyrolysis system
JP2007138122A (en) Small carbonizing furnace
WO2023111604A1 (en) Process and apparatus for conversion hydrocarbon based materials, plastics, and plastic waste

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 17700874

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 17700874

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1