Apparatus and method for waste recycling and conversion
US5795479A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S210/914
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Municipal solid waste is classified as to density as well as size in a perforated inclined trommel through which a gas stream is flowed inwardly through the perforations and downwardly to entrain and remove paper and plastics through the lower end. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals are removed from the residue which is digested anaerobically in two stages with an intermediate steam explosion treatment to expose cellulose fibers coated with lignin. Mercury is removed as a vapor phase in an initial stage of the steam heating and is condensed and collected. The solids phase of the anaerobic digestate is acidified to solubilize heavy metals which are recovered by electrodeposition from the solution. The depleted residue is neutralized and disposed of.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.