AND PURIFYING APPARATUS

FffiLD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus. In more particular, the invention relates to an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus which is able to simultaneously decompose the waste efficiently, and to remove the toxic compounds present in the exhaust gas produced thereof using a liquid-based adsorbent medium and a solid-based adsorbent medium before being released to the atmosphere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Waste management is crucial in order to minimize adverse effects on health or the environment, as caused by disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. Meanwhile, it is also preferred to recover valuable resources, in form of material or energy, from the disposed waste. However, the management practices may vary for different nations, as well as for residential and industrial estates, but in general, it comprises the steps of collecting the waste materials and transferring them for disposal.

Landfilling, incineration and recycling are commonly used as waste disposal methods. In particular, waste materials are preferred to be combusted or subjected to an incineration process, as the energy content contained therein can be recovered, and at the same time, ash residue produced thereof can be further processed for various industrial applications, for example, production of construction materials. Nevertheless, toxic or harmful gaseous products such as dioxins, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, etc. are generated and the emission of these products to the environment may harm the health of the population. Hence, there exists a need to introduce an apparatus which can reduce the release of toxic gaseous products to the atmosphere. There are a few patented technologies over the prior arts relating to an incinerating apparatus for waste management. An incinerator as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6976439, comprises a combustion chamber and a plurality of combustion-promoting fluid blast pipes, wherein the combustion-promoting fluid blast pipes are of a triple- pipe construction, having an air-supply pipe, a steam/gas-supply pipe and a water pipe. Preferably, high-pressure, high-temperature air, steam, combustible gas, or a combination thereof is supplied to the combustion chamber via the air-supply and steam/gas-supply pipes, while the water pipe of the fluid blast pipes is used for protecting the air-supply pipe and the steam/gas-supply pipe from heat. Also, the incinerator is equipped with a water jacket. In accordance with the disclosed invention, combustion heat developed within the combustion chamber is used to heat and vaporize the combustible gas having a high vaporization temperature. Further, dioxins and other toxic substances are not generated during the incineration process.

Another incinerator for removing noxious substances is also being claimed in U.S. Patent No. 6324999. The incinerator comprises a burning section for incinerating the raw refuse and general wastes, and a removal section for removing toxic substances produced in the burning section. According to the invention, the burning section is having an ash chamber with an ash receiving dish, a primary combustion chamber and a drying chamber, while the removing section is having an exhaust gas pipe, a secondary chamber, and a blower installed with an installed fan. Preferably, the incineration substances are accumulated in the primary combustion chamber, and ignited from the bottom. After ignition, the incineration substances are burnt in the air induced from the holes of the partition between combustion chamber and the drying chamber. The combustion chamber outlet is set up in line with the removal section to remove the toxic substances. Also, negative pressure condition is produced in the burning section as generation of carbon monoxide and dioxin and other toxic substances can be minimized or avoided at such condition. European Patent No. 0882933 discloses a burning apparatus and method for restricting the occurrence of dioxins. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the incineration apparatus comprises a combustion furnace for burning combustibles in air within the furnace, a chlorinated aromatic compound measuring means for measuring amount of chlorinated aromatic compounds generated, and a control means for monitoring the amount of the chlorinated aromatic compounds generated. However, operating conditions of the combustion furnace may vary such as to decrease the amount of chlorinated aromatic compound generated therein. In order to further suppress the generation of dioxins, the apparatus comprises a bag filter for filtering an exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, or an activated carbon supply means for supplying activated carbon in the exhaust gas.

Generally, most of patented technologies prefer use of plasma incineration or high- temperature incineration in order to minimize or reduce the formation of toxic compounds such as dioxins from the waste decomposition process. However, none of the patented technologies relates to an invention for incinerating waste and purifying exhaust gas produced thereof using a solid-based adsorbent medium and a liquid- based adsorbent medium. By including a solid-based adsorbent medium and a liquid- based adsorbent medium in an exhaust gas purification unit, two-step purification process takes place, where most of the ash and toxic compounds present in the exhaust gas can be adsorbed or removed. Further, in one of the embodiments of the invention, plasma can also be produced in the combustion chamber by a discharge in air, leading to plasma incineration process where high incineration temperatures can be achieved for more efficient decomposition process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to provide an apparatus for simultaneously decomposing the waste materials thermally in excess air, and purifying exhaust gas produced thereof.

Another object of the invention is to introduce an waste disposal apparatus which minimizes release of the toxic compounds to the atmosphere. A further object of the invention is to introduce an effective and practical exhaust gas purification unit to be mounted on a combustion chamber for removing the toxic compounds present therefrom.

Still another object of the invention is to introduce an apparatus which uses a liquid- based adsorbent medium and a solid-based adsorbent medium for removing ash or toxic compounds present in the exhaust gas as produced from waste incineration.

Yet another object of the invention is to minimize operating or running cost of the apparatus by combining a solar power generator or a wind turbine to the compressor.

At least one of the preceding objects is met, in whole or in part, by the invention, in which an embodiment of the invention describes an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus, comprising a closeable opening for receiving the waste, a combustion chamber for thermally decomposing the received waste in excess air from which ash and exhaust gases are produced, a collector disposed within the combustion chamber for collecting the ashes and non-combusted solids, an exhaust gas purifying unit mounted on the combustion chamber; wherein the exhaust gas purifying unit includes a liquid-based adsorbent medium which adsorbs uncollected ash or toxic compounds from the exhaust gas, and a solid-based adsorbent medium for entrapping any remaining toxic compound which passes through the liquid-based adsorbent medium, and an outlet attached to the exhaust gas purifying unit for expelling the purified gases to the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a closeable opening which is preferably a hinged flap, where the waste is fed to the combustion chamber. Using a hinged flap minimizes occupational risk by reducing personnel exposure to the heat and smoke when feeding the waste to an operating apparatus. Further, the combustion chamber of the apparatus, where the waste is decomposed in excess air, comprises a plurality of inner walls with perforations, an outer wall made of a plurality layers of materials for withstanding high temperature due to the thermal decomposition, and a space between the inner and outer walls which allows the air to flow through the perforations to the combustion chamber.

Decomposition of waste in the combustion chamber leads to production of ash and exhaust gas, addressing the needs of having a collector for collecting the ash and non- combusted solids, and an exhaust gas purifying unit. In one of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the exhaust gas purifying unit includes a liquid-based adsorbent medium which adsorbs uncollected ash or toxic compounds from the exhaust gas, and a solid-based adsorbent medium for entrapping any remaining toxic compound which passes through the liquid-based adsorbent medium. Preferably, the liquid-based adsorbent medium is a mineral solution, whereas the solid-based adsorbent medium can be activated carbon, volcano ash or a combination thereof. However, the invention is not limited thereof or thereto.

The apparatus includes an outlet attached to the exhaust gas purifying unit for expelling the purified gases to the atmosphere. Another embodiment of the invention is an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus, further comprising a grating disposed within the combustion chamber and positioned above the collector for which the waste is placed. Still another embodiment of the invention is an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus further comprising a compressor to pressurize the air for supplying to the combustion chamber.

With the integrated apparatus containing a combustion chamber and an exhaust gas purification unit which includes a liquid-based adsorbent medium and a solid-based adsorbent medium, the apparatus of the invention is able to simultaneously decompose the waste efficiently, and to remove the toxic compounds present in the exhaust gas before being released to the atmosphere. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

Figure 1 is a side view of an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus as described by one of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2a is an illustrative diagram of the inner wall of the combustion chamber having perforations of uniform diameter, as described by one of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b is an illustrative diagram of the inner wall of the combustion chamber having perforations of varied diameters, as described by one of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim. The invention relates to an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus. In more particular, the invention relates to an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus which is able to simultaneously decompose the waste efficiently, and to remove the toxic compounds present in the exhaust gas produced thereof using a liquid-based adsorbent medium and a solid-based adsorbent medium before being released to the atmosphere.

Referring to the Figure 1, the apparatus (100) comprises a closeable opening (101), a combustion chamber (102), a collector (103) which is slidable, an exhaust gas purifying unit (104) mounted on the combustion chamber (102), and an outlet (105) attached to the exhaust gas purifying unit (104). As illustrated in Figure 1, the closeable opening (101) is preferable to be a hinged flap which is movable from position A to B. Also, a grating (106) is disposed within the combustion chamber (102) for which the waste is placed.

As waste is thermally decomposed in the combustion chamber (102) to produce ash, exhaust gas and non-combusted solids, it requires an exhaust gas purifying unit (104) to be mounted on the combustion chamber (102). As shown in Figure 1, the exhaust gas purifying unit (104) is divided into two sections by a matrix of solid-based adsorbent medium (1046), which are a lower section (1041) and an upper section

(1042) . The lower section (1041) is used to contain a liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045), and it comprises an inlet (1043) which allows exhaust gas produced in the combustion chamber (102) to enter, and a tubing (1044) extending from the inlet

(1043) . A matrix of solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) is found at the bottom of the upper section (1042), where the toxic compounds in the exhaust gas will be purified and passed through. The upper section (1042) generally contains purifying gas before being expelled to the atmosphere via the outlet (105).

Preferably, the apparatus (100) comprises a collector (103) which is movable, for collecting the ash and non-combusted solids. A compressor (107) is also needed for pressurizing the air supplied to the combustion chamber (102).

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the combustion chamber (102) comprises a plurality of inner walls with perforations, an outer wall made of a plurality layers of materials for withstanding high temperature, and a space between the inner and outer walls which allows the air to flow through the perforations to the combustion chamber (102). The perforations of the inner walls can be of uniform diameter sizes as illustrated in Figure 2a, or of varied diameter sizes as shown in Figure 2b. The invention discloses an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus (100) comprising a closeable opening (101) for receiving the waste, a combustion chamber (102) for thermally decomposing the received waste in excess air from which ash and exhaust gases are produced, a collector (103) disposed within the combustion chamber (102) for collecting the ash and non-combusted solids, an exhaust gas purifying unit (104) mounted on the combustion chamber (102); wherein the exhaust gas purifying unit (104) includes a liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) which adsorbs uncollected ash or toxic compounds from the exhaust gas, and a solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) for entrapping any remaining toxic compound which passes through the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045), and an outlet (105) attached to the exhaust gas purifying unit (104) for expelling the purified gases to the atmosphere.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) comprises a closeable opening (101) where the waste is fed to the combustion chamber (102). Preferably, the closeable opening (101) is a hinged flap, as it improves occupational safety by minimizing personnel exposure to heat and smoke when the waste is fed into an operating apparatus. The hinged flap is being disposed about an axis perpendicular to the width of the upper surface, characterized in that the hinged flap is movable between a first position in which it rests against one side wall and a second position in which the flap is pivoted inwardly from the first wall. The hinged flap may further comprise a stopper flap, which restricts the sliding motion of the hinged flap, and consequently, prevents users or operators from being hit by the flap. The waste as received therefrom is thermally decomposed in the combustion chamber (102) which comprises a plurality of inner walls with perforations, an outer wall made of a plurality layers of materials for withstanding high temperature due to the thermal decomposition, and a space between the inner and outer walls which allows the air to flow through the perforations to the combustion chamber (102). As described by the preferred embodiment of the invention, the perforations on the inner walls are preferred to be of diameters ranging from 5 to 14 cm. Further, the perforations on the inner wall can be of uniform diameter or of varied diameter sizes, as illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b. Besides, the outer wall is made of a plurality layers of materials, including stainless steel and wool, for withstanding high temperature of the decomposition process. It is also to ensure that the outer wall of the apparatus is free from being heated to high temperature. In the combustion chamber (102), thermal decomposition of the waste is carried out such that a fire is first set up by lighting up a paper or other materials which can be burned easily and continues to burn or thermally decompose the waste materials. The decomposition of the waste results to generation of ash and toxic compounds such as dioxins, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, etc. Non-combusted solids remain intact and fall under influence of gravity into the collector (103). However, if the materials as fed to the combustion chamber (102) can not be burned easily, then additional fuel or energy may be required in order to assist the incineration or thermal decomposition process. Alternatively, plasma incineration may take place in the combustion chamber (102), as higher temperature can be achieved, leading to more effective waste decomposition. In the combustion chamber (102), plasma is produced by a discharge in air which is a carrier gas, which promotes the generation of positive or negative ions. Thus, higher temperature range in the combustion chamber (102) can also be achieved. Subsequently, the thermal energy in the plasma as produced is transmitted to the waste as deposited, resulting to decomposition from which ash and exhaust gas are produced. The exhaust gas produced contains toxic compounds such as dioxins, carbon dioxides, carbon monoxides, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxides, etc. However, mineral and metal substances are non-combustible and remain as solid throughout the incineration process.

As ash and exhaust gas are produced as a result of thermal decomposition, it addresses the need of having a collector (103) and an exhaust gas purifying unit (104). Referring to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the collector (103) is used to collect non-combusted solids and the ash as produced from the plasma incineration. Typically, the ash and non-combusted solids are dropped by gravity and accumulated on the collector (103). The collector (103) is preferred to be movable or slidable, allowing for recovery of ash for further processing for other industrial applications. However, some of the ash remain uncollected, as they are carried by the air entering through the perforations of the inner wall, and then discharged to the atmosphere with the exhaust gas produced from the thermal decomposition. Therefore, an exhaust gas purifying unit (104) is mounted on the combustion chamber (102) for removing ash and toxic compounds contained therein.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the exhaust gas purifying unit (104) is a container with an inlet (1043) being disposed at a bottom surface. The exhaust gas purifying unit (104) can be divided into a lower section (1041) and an upper section (1042) by a matrix of solid-based adsorbent medium (1046); whereby the lower section (1041) is used to contain a liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045), while the upper section (1042) is filled with purified gas. Preferably, the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) is a mineral solution, and the solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) can be activated carbon, volcano ash or a combination thereof. However, selection of the liquid- (1045) or solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) of the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

The lower section (1041) comprises an inlet (1043) disposed at the bottom surface where the ash and exhaust gas are received, and a tubing (1044) extending from the inlet (1043). Preferably, the inlet (1043) and the tubing (1044) are cylindrical. Further, the number of the inlet (1043) or tubing (1044) is not limited therein, depending on the waste volume subjected to incineration or the amount of exhaust gas produced therefrom. The length of the tubing (1044) may also be varied, but it should be greater than the depth of the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) contained therein, in order to prevent the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) from leaking or escaping through the tubing (1044). For instance, if the lower section (1041) has a height of 30.5 cm, the cylindrical tubing (1044) is preferably 17.8 cm long, and the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) contained therein has a depth of 12.7 cm. On the other hand, the upper section (104) is having a bottom surface comprising a matrix of solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) which is formed by embedding the solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) on a wire mesh or a grating. In another embodiment of the invention, the solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) can also be loaded and distributed uniformly across the wire mesh or the grating having a spacing smaller than the size of the solid-based adsorbent medium (1046).

The exhaust gas produced in the combustion chamber (102) is subjected to a two-step purification process. As soon as the exhaust gas is produced, it continuously flows into the lower section (1045) of the purification unit (104) through the inlet (1043), due to pressure difference between the combustion chamber (102) and the purification unit (104), and circulates around it. First step of purification occurs, where ash and some of the toxic compounds contained therein are dissolved in the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045). Preferably, the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045) is replenished or replaced periodically with fresh adsorbent medium, such as to retain optimum adsorption efficiency.

Gradual increase of gas volume in the lower section (1041) of the purification unit (104) exerts a pressure on the exhaust gas to flow through the matrix of solid-based adsorbent medium (1046) on the upper section (1042) of the purification unit (104), where second step of purification occurs. The remaining toxic compound which does not dissolve in the liquid-based adsorbent medium (1045), is adsorbed by the solid- based adsorbent medium (1046). Subsequently, the purified gas flows through the upper section (1042) of the purification unit (104) and is to be discharged to the atmosphere via the outlet (105) attached on the purification unit (104).

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet (105) is attached to a top surface of the exhaust gas purifying unit (104) for expelling the purified gases to the atmosphere. Preferably, the outlet (105) is of a cylindrical shape, similar to that of the inlet (1043) and tubing (1044) at the lower section (1041) of the exhaust gas purification unit (104).

Another embodiment of the invention is an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus (100), further comprising a grating (106) disposed within the combustion chamber (102) for which the waste is placed.

The grating (106) is preferably disposed within the combustion chamber (102) for placing or holding the waste as received from the closeable opening (101) at the high temperature zones where the thermal decomposition can be more effectively. In addition, the grating (106) is positioned above the collector (103), characterized such that the ash and non-combusted solids can be collected by gravity on the collector (103).

Still another embodiment of the invention is an integrated waste incinerating and purifying apparatus (100), further comprising a compressor (107) to pressurize the air for supplying to the combustion chamber (102).

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) comprises a compressor (107) which is used to pressurize the air from the atmosphere before supplying to the combustion chamber (102). By pressurizing, the air can be transmitted at higher speed through the space between the inner and outer walls and through the perforations of the inner walls. In addition to the air, the purified gas can also be recycled and used as the carrier gas for producing plasma.

Preferably, the compressor is electrically driven, where the electrical power or energy can be generated by using a solar power generator, a wind turbine, or a combination thereof. By combining the solar power generator or the wind turbine to the compressor, the electrical power supplied to the compressor can be minimised, consequently resulting to lower running or operating cost. Further, the solar power generator or the wind turbine can act as an emergency power supply to the compressor such that operation of the compressor is not affected in event of power outage or power cut. The apparatus (100) disclosed in the invention is able to process approximately 20 to 1000 kg waste per day, depending on type and moisture content of the materials, and weather condition when the incineration process is being carried out. Preferably, waste with a moisture content of less than 70% is being fed to the apparatus (100) for thermal decomposition into ash and exhaust gas. Presence of objects such as metals or minerals does not affect the incineration or thermal decomposition process, as these materials remain solid or non-combusted, and are to be accumulated and collected at the collector (103).

Further, the apparatus (100) disclosed in the invention can be employed to reduce the release of toxic compounds or green house gases such as dioxins, carbon dioxides, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, etc. to the atmosphere, thus minimizing environmental pollution. In addition, the apparatus of the invention can be used at different locations, including residential area and industrial estates, for thermally decomposing wastes such as waste papers, domestic wastes, wood, vinyl products, nylon products, urethane, fabrics, tires or a combination thereof.

The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.