Method and apparatus for separating contaminants from fluidizable solids and converting the contaminate to less toxic or non-toxic materials

摘要

A process and apparatus for treating any fluidizable solid material having an organic oxidizable contaminant absorbed or adsorbed thereon, particularly a sludge contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl or other toxic chemicals having a boiling point of at least 110 DEG C. The method and apparatus includes heating the fluidizable solids, to a temperature of about 200 DEG F. to about 700 DEG F., preferably about 200 DEG F. to about 400 DEG F., e.g., by using hot turbulent gas at a temperature in the range of 850 DEG to 2,500 DEG F. to vaporize and thereby separate the toxic organic material. The recoverable or toxic contaminant vapors and/or liquids are charged to an electrochemical cell where they are oxidized to less toxic or non-toxic materials, such as HCl and CO2.