SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING A VOLATILE COMPONENT FROM A MATRIX

摘要

2102218 9218214 PCTABS00016 A system and method is disclosed for removing a volatile component from volatile component-containing matrix. A volatile component-containing matrix, such as a sludge contaminated with volatile organic material or volatile inorganic material, is directed into a housing. The matrix is then directed through the housing by a screw conveyor. A heat transfer medium is conducted through a conduit within the screw conveyor to heat the screw conveyor to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least a portion of the volatile component. The heat transfer medium can be a molten eutectic salt solution. The volatilized component is transported by a hot gas discharged over the matrix along at least a substantial portion of the length the housing from a gas inlet tube which is disposed above the matrix within the housing and is substantially parallel to the screw conveyor. The hot gas transports the volatilized component into a gas outlet tube which is also disposed above the matrix within the housing and is substantially parallel to the gas inlet tube. The volatilized component is then directed through the gas outlet tube and out of the housing, thereby removing the volatile component from the matrix. The matrix is then discharged from the housing.