This invention relates to a system and a method for the processing of polymeric waste, and in particular to the carbon neutral and efficient processing of such waste. The system (10) comprising a combustor (11) arranged to burn polymeric waste and a processing plant (21) operatively connected to the combustor (11) to receive heat energy therefrom. The processing plant (21) is arranged thereby to heat additional polymeric waste, without combustion, to produce a synthesis gas, or synthetic fuel, or fuel oil. The system (10) optionally further comprises a boiler (29), having an inlet (30) for the introduction of water and an outlet (31,32) for the release of steam, the boiler (29) being operatively connected to the combustor (11) to receive heat energy therefrom and to heat the water to produce steam and being operatively connected to the processing plant (21 ) to transfer steam thereto. The system (10) may further comprise a limekiln (37) having an inlet (39) for the introduction of limestone, a heater (40) for heating limestone contained therein, and an outlet (41,42) for the release of carbon dioxide and calcium oxide, wherein the heater (40) of the limekiln (37) is in communication with the boiler outlet (32) and is heated directly or indirectly by steam therefrom. The method of processing polymeric waste of the present invention uses the system (10). The system and method of the present invention allow conversion of plastic, along with the products of the combustion thereof, into carbon neutral fuel or gas, or into greenhouse gas neutral fuel or gas.
F23G 7/12 - Methods or apparatus, e.g. incinerators, specially adapted for combustion of specific waste or low grade fuels, e.g. chemicals of plastics, e.g. rubber
Apparatus for the carbon neutral processing of limestone, comprising a furnace (11) having an annular outer vessel (12) defined by concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls (13,14), and an inner chamber (25) defined by the inner cylindrical wall (13). A reaction chamber (15) is defined between the inner and outer cylindrical walls. The outer vessel (12) has an inlet (22) for the introduction of limestone to the reaction chamber and outlet means for the release of carbon dioxide and calcium oxide from the reaction chamber. Heating means (26) is provided within the inner chamber of the furnace and is arranged to be supplied with heat and/or electricity from an energy source (27). A curved blade (32) within the reaction chamber, extending between the inner and outer cylindrical walls, is arranged to channel limestone (16) introduced into the reaction chamber through the reaction chamber. The temperature of the heating means is raised to transfer heat to limestone contained within the reaction chamber to an extent sufficient to release carbon dioxide from limestone.
F27B 7/16 - Rotary-drum furnaces, i.e. horizontal or slightly inclined with means for agitating or moving the charge the means being fixed relatively to the drum
C04B 7/43 - Heat treatment, e.g. precalcining, burning, meltingCooling
Apparatus for the production of carbon dioxide from limestone includes a nuclear reactor (10) for generating heat and a rotary kiln (12). The rotary kiln (12) has an inlet (28) for the introduction of limestone and an outlet (30) for the release of carbon dioxide. A heat transfer arrangement is provided for transferring heat from the nuclear reactor (10) to the interior of the rotary kiln (12). The heat transfer arrangement includes feed and return primary conduits (17,18) for passing a heat transfer fluid (14) through the nuclear reactor (10) so that heat may be extracted from the nuclear reactor (10) for transfer to the interior of the rotary kiln (12). Limestone in the rotary kiln (12) is thereby heated to a temperature sufficient for the release of carbon dioxide.
A system (10) for producing carbon monoxide as a step in a process for the production of carbon neutral fuel includes heating apparatus (11) arranged to heat coal to produce coke and a limekiln (32). The limekiln (32) has an inlet (34) for the introduction of limestone, a heater (35) for heating limestone contained therein and an outlet (36) for the release of carbon dioxide. A coke chamber (39) is operatively connected to the heating apparatus (11) to receive coke therefrom and is operatively connected to the limekiln outlet (36) to receive carbon dioxide therefrom. The coke chamber (39) is configured to react received coke with received carbon dioxide, thereby to produce carbon monoxide.
C10B 57/04 - Other carbonising or coking processesFeatures of destructive distillation processes in general using charges of special composition
F01K 7/16 - Steam engine plants characterised by the use of specific types of enginePlants or engines characterised by their use of special steam systems, cycles or processesControl means specially adapted for such systems, cycles or processesUse of withdrawn or exhaust steam for feed-water heating the engines being only of turbine type
B01J 19/24 - Stationary reactors without moving elements inside
C10K 3/04 - Modifying the chemical composition of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide to produce an improved fuel, e.g. one of different calorific value, which may be free from carbon monoxide by catalytic treatment reducing the carbon monoxide content
C04B 2/10 - Preheating, burning, calcining or cooling
C10J 3/00 - Production of gases containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, e.g. synthesis gas or town gas, from solid carbonaceous materials by partial oxidation processes involving oxygen or steam
A system (10) for producing carbon monoxide as a step in a process for the production of carbon neutral fuel includes heating apparatus (11) arranged to heat coal to produce coke and a limekiln (32). The limekiln (32) has an inlet (34) for the introduction of limestone, a heater (35) for heating limestone contained therein and an outlet (36) for the release of carbon dioxide. A coke chamber (39) is operatively connected to the heating apparatus (11) to receive coke therefrom and is operatively connected to the limekiln outlet (36) to receive carbon dioxide therefrom. The coke chamber (39) is configured to react received coke with received carbon dioxide, thereby to produce carbon monoxide.
C10J 3/00 - Production of gases containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, e.g. synthesis gas or town gas, from solid carbonaceous materials by partial oxidation processes involving oxygen or steam
C04B 2/10 - Preheating, burning, calcining or cooling
C10K 3/04 - Modifying the chemical composition of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide to produce an improved fuel, e.g. one of different calorific value, which may be free from carbon monoxide by catalytic treatment reducing the carbon monoxide content
Apparatus for the production of carbon dioxide from limestone includes a nuclear energy source (32) arranged to generate electricity and a rotary kiln (10). The rotary kiln (10) has an inlet (15) for the introduction of limestone and an outlet (19) for the release of carbon dioxide. An electrical resistance heating element (21) disposed within the kiln (10) is arranged to be supplied with electricity derived from the nuclear energy source (32) to raise the temperature of the element (21) for transfer of heat to the interior of the rotary kiln (10). Limestone in the rotary kiln (10) is thereby heated to a temperature sufficient for the release of carbon dioxide.
Apparatus for the production of carbon dioxide from limestone includes a nuclear reactor (10) for generating heat and a rotary kiln (12). The rotary kiln (12) has an inlet (28) for the introduction of limestone and an outlet (30) for the release of carbon dioxide. A heat transfer arrangement is provided for transferring heat from the nuclear reactor (10) to the interior of the rotary kiln (12). The heat transfer arrangement includes feed and return primary conduits (17,18) for passing a heat transfer fluid (14) through the nuclear reactor (10) so that heat may be extracted from the nuclear reactor (10) for transfer to the interior of the rotary kiln (12). Limestone in the rotary kiln (12) is thereby heated to a temperature sufficient for the release of carbon dioxide.
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