Apparatus for the generation and utilisation of biogas comprises a conventional biogas unit (1), a post-connected algae reactor (2) and a subsequent fermenter (3) for the production of poly--hydroxybutyric acid (PHB).    ADVANTAGE -    The apparatus utilises biogas both as an energy source and as a raw material for the synthesis of a useful material product (PHB with a molecular weight of &gt;106 , a useful biodegradable polymer) to give a more efficient material and energy cycle than in previous systems. Energy for the algae reactor (2) is derived from light (photosynthesis using CO2as carbon source with production of oxygen).
A process for treating contaminated organic-inorganic material comprises the steps of:    (a) the contaminated material, e.g. natural and technical sludge, undergoes a phase separation into organic and inorganic components, and at the same time a redistribution of the contaminants in the multi-phase system takes place;    (b) the inorganic phase is treated with biodegradable materials having chemically active surfaces, comprising fats, oils and / or degradation products of fats or oils with microbial biomass material, and    (c) the organic phase is converted into a transportable product suitable for conversion in an (an)aerobic process.    USE -   The process is used for removing, e.g. mineral hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or heavy metals. The organic phase can be used as fertiliser, to make compost or to synthesise biogas. The inorganic phase can be reused as sand.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is universal for treating all types of sludges containing a wide range of contaminant substances and concentrations.
A process for cleaning water containing organic contaminants that are toxic and/or have little or no biodegradability, comprises a photocatalytic step in which the toxic contaminant content is reduced and/or the bioavailability of the contaminants is increased, followed by a biological purification step in which the contaminants are degraded to the legally required limits.    Also claimed is the equipment for carrying out the process comprising a photocatalytic reactor, preferably a thin film-solid bed reactor, power jet-loop reactor or drop film reactor, followed by a biological reactor. The catalyst inside the photocatalytic reactor is located on a mesh and/or is secured to reactor components, or it may be evenly fixed onto moving rolls.    USE -   For removing eg. pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB`s), chlorinated hydrocarbons, phenol(s) or BTX aromatic compounds from sewage, industrial process water, disposal site seepage water, drinking water, balneological site or swimming pool water, well water, surface water, dyke filtrate water or floor cleaning machine water.    ADVANTAGE -   The photocatalytic step eliminates toxic and non-biodegradable contaminants, making the effluent suitable for biological purification treatment. The process is highly effective, does not produce toxic sludges or concentrates and can be easily adapted to cope with changes in effluent composition.
The spray detergent is compounded at room temperature with tetramethane as the main material, a small amount of tetrachloroethylene, ether and alcohol, butane or propane as spraying agent, and diatomite as adsorbent. It is suitable for removing oil stains in various fabrics and products of cotton, wool, bast fibre, chemical fibre, etc. by spraying it onto the oil stains.
Silicon-rich seed husk and straw of crops and wild plants as raw material is dry-distilled to obtain silicon-carbon powder, greater part of which is fed to gasifying stove to produce coal gas and silicon-containing ash. The ash and the other part of silicon-carbon powder are mixed into reaction material in the molecular ratio of C to Si being 1.1-1.3 to 1. In arc furnace, the reaction material reacts at 1700-2100 deg.C in the absence of air for 14-20 hr to obtain SiC, which i s further processed into refined SiC of 99. 7%. The said method can produce high-grade SiC and can provide coal gas.
Compound all-value fertilizer contains inorganic and organic matters, microbe and other materials with special biological values, including trace elements, humic acid substances, rare earth elements, enzymes, active carrier, phytohormone and antibacterial matter.    USE -   The fertiliser features complete nutrients, high content, fertility and utilization rate, durable action and no environmental pollution, and can be used for the production of "green food". It can also increase soil fertility.
Organic waste is biologically degraded by mixing with a structuring material then charging to a biological reactor where degradation takes place consisting of a number of parallel troughs (3-10), open at either end and each divided into at least three zones (31-34). Air can be blown into the base of the troughs and liquid collected and withdrawn. Waste for treatment is mixed (11) with a support product and introduced to the first zone (31,41) where air is blown or sucked through it to maintain its temperature at the desired level. After a given length of time the waste is turned and transferred to a second zone (32, 42) where its temperature is held at a lower level than the first, again by blowing air through it. The waste is then turned and transferred to the next zone for further treatment, again with air blowing through it, the residence time in each zone is identical. After the final treatment zone the degradation products are separated (14) from the support product which is then reused.    USE -   Used for treatment of organic wastes such as vegetable material or mud from waste water treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Both vegetable waste and muds can be treated in parallel reactors simultaneously. The process is economical in material and labour, and useful degradation products are produced. The most vigorous odour-producing reactions occur in the initial zones which can be covered and the fumes collected and treated.
A method of sampling and analysing a gas containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprises: (a) passing the gas through a quantity of liquid tetraglyme to absorb the VOCs; (b) removing (part of) the tetraglyme from the container and mixing it with water to form a dispersion; and (c) gas analysing the dispersion to identify the VOCs. Also claimed is an apparatus for extracting VOCs from a gas sample, comprising: (i) impingers containing tetraglyme; (ii) a device for introducing the gas sample into each impinger; (iii) a device for placing the gas in contact with the tetraglyme; (iv) a device for controlling the temperature of the tetraglyme; and (v) a device for recovering the gas sample from the impingers, after contact with the tetraglyme.    USE -   The method is used for sampling and analysing landfill gas, comprising methane and VOCs, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (claimed). Ambient air, smoke stack discharge, etc. may also be measured. The method can detect corrosive compounds in landfill gas intended for use as fuel for an engine, and monitor such gas during the operation of the engine.    ADVANTAGE -   The sampling method has detection limits of 1 mg/m3 for sampling volumes of 6 l of landfill gas. Tetraglyme has a powerful affinity for organic compounds. It can trap and retain VOCs simply and cheaply, and for extended periods of time when refrigerated. Only part of the tetraglyme need be analyzed at any one time, allowing results to be verified later. The analysis may be carried out at any laboratory having GC/MS equipment.
A crosslinked polyester glassy polymer in the form of a membrane is produced by interfacial polymerisation and including trifunctional groups (A) or tetrafunctional groups (A1) in a general structure of formula (I) or (II). in which A = 1,2,3-, 1,2,4- or 1,3,5-substituted benzene' A1 = 1,2,3,4-, 1,2,3,5- or 1,2,4,5-substituted benzene; R1, R2, R3 = difunctional aromatic group -O-Q1-O-, -O-Q2-O- or -O-Q3-O- wherein the O atoms are attached directly to the same or a different aromatic ring; Q1, Q2, Q3 = group containing 1-4 aromatic groups optionally connected by group Y; and Y = a direct bond, -CH2-, -C(CH3)2-, -C(CF3)2-, -O-, -S-, -S(O)-, -S(O)2-, -C(O)-, -N=N-, -CH=CH-, -CC-, -N(R12)- wherein R12 = CH3 or CH3CH2-, or a group of formula (III).    Also claimed are: production of a gas permeable crosslinked polyester glassy polymer as a membrane; and a process for the selective gas separation of a mixture of gases, comprising contacting the gas mixture under pressure with one surface of such a membrane, and removing the gas which permeates selectively through the membrane.    USE -   Used to separate gas mixtures e.g. carbon dioxide and methane, or helium and methane.    ADVANTAGE -   The interfacially polymerised polyester membrane has the required stability, flexibility and strength, and shows high selectivity for gas separations and high flux, with resistance to flux losses at high pressures and at elevated temperatures.
A waste decomposition disposing device comprises an agitating tank (1) having an outer wall (1A) formed in a round shape and storing organic waste (M) in the outer wall; and an agitator (2) to agitate organic waste (M) in outer wall; and an agitator (2) to agitate and ferment organic waste in the agitating tank. Storage equipment of the waste decomposition disposing device comprises intermediate walls (21) arranged adjacently to the outside of the outer wall of the agitating tank and arranged along radiation with the central part of the agitating tank serving as a centre; and storage chambers (22) located between the adjoining intermediate walls. The agitating tank is brought into a state to be closed on a whole by a roof (23) and a partition wall (24). A deodorising mechanism (25) to feed a smell, collected from the internal space of the agitating tank, to the bottom of the storage chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The microorganisms of odour are decomposed.
A microbe bed using cut pieces of a hollow yarn membrane and/or an open cell foam as the carrier for the microbe or activated carbon or material derived from plant body such as wood powder, wood piece, chaff, coffee grounds, bran, oil cake and tofu refuse or pellets moulded tarmaline ore in plastic or rubber as the deodoriser.    Also claimed are a method for fermenting and decomposing raw garbage and/or organic waste by using the microbe bed, and a fermentation vessel in which pumice or a porous ore or a porous metal or a porous ceramic is used as the filtering material between the microbe bed and the filter to protect the filter separating and discharging water formed by fermentation and decomposition, and a method for fermenting and decomposing raw garbage and/or organic waste by utilising the fermentation vessel.    The open cell foam used was polyethylene foam. The activated carbon used was in granule form and/or powder form. For example a microbe bed contained 50% hollow yarn membrane, 5% polyethylene foam, 35% granular activated carbon and 10% bran.    ADVANTAGE -   The method can extend the period of renewal of the microbe bed from several months to one year or longer.
Process for in situ decontamination of soil contaminated by aromatic and/or heteroaromatic compounds, comprises subjecting contaminated ground water to the action of anaerobic sulphate reducing microorganisms and then to the action of sulphur bacteria, after which it is collected and separated in the usual way.    USE -   The process is used for decontaminating land which is polluted down to groundwater depth with aromatic and/or heteroaromatic compounds, e.g. sites previously occupied by coke works, blast furnaces or gas works.    ADVANTAGE -   The sulphate-reducing microorganisms produce bio-surfactants which, by their emulsifying activity, cause dissolution of aromatics, so that the soils are decontaminated not only by decomposition or conversion into biologically compatible products, but also by physical removal.
A compound fertiliser contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and cellulose. The fertiliser is made by mainly compounding wheat straw, chemical raw materials and making them pass through fermentation, acidification and ammonification. It has three essential factors required for crop growth. Examination confirmed that it contains 38% of potassium, 10.9% of phosphorus and 12,86% of nitrogen. The product can be applied to various crops and also contains a lot of cellulose, so that it can help to deal with the problems resulted from using chemical fertiliser. The product can be directly absorbed by crops without chemical reaction and on poor soil it can obtain a result within two days. Besides, it has the good function for inhibiting virus in soil.
An improvement for a corrugated fluid conduit for use in a drainage field, comprises: (i) a first fabric layer wrapped around the conduit over surface; (ii) at least one additional fabric layer overlaying the first layer, and having a lower density than it, the denier and thickness depending on the fluid being treated and dispersed, and the draining field size, composition and geometry. The drainage field is in combination with disposal and irrigation systems used in the treatment and disposal of fluids. The conduit has circumferential perforations within the valleys of the corrugations.    Also claimed is a method for subterranean leaching and treatment of effluent from a septic system.    USE -   For treating fluids which must have material removed from them before reusing them or returning them to the earth or the water table.    ADVANTAGE -   Fabric selection can meet specific fluid treatment requirements. The multilayer fabric provides boundaries, interfaces and regions within which specifically chosen bacteria, chemicals etc. can be introduced to facilitate biodegradation. There is improved performance over current leach fields.
Composter for organic waste comprises a container (10) with a waste-impermeable but gas-permeable floor (20), a first port (30) allowing gases to enter the container, pass through the floor (20) and exit the container through a second port (40) and a blade (60) dimensioned such that the shear forces produced by it when rotated in the waste are equal to the viscoelastic forces between particles forming the waste. Also claimed are:(a) an organic waste composting system having 2 containers as above, with the exhaust port of 1 container connected to the input of the other, and(b) a method of composting organic waste, which comprises placing finished compost in a composter as above, allowing gas to travel through the composter, adding organic waste to the composter and mixing the waste and compost with the blade.    ADVANTAGE -   Composting is rapid, operation and installation are simple and inexpensive and the system is economical for small to medium scale users. the product is odourless and the process is natural, using and producing no environmentally harmful materials.
Apparatus for (1) aerobically treats, conditions and/or dries moist,at least partly organic, material which is solid or paste-like. The apparatus has a vessel (2) which is internally-partitioned, with supporting bodies (8a-d). A pair of air-permeable partitions enclose a reaction volume (4). Externally these partitions define air supply (5) and off-take chambers (6). The apparatus also includes transporters, conveyers, chargers, emptiers, air ducts, blowers, valves, dampers, slide plates, and controllers. Louvered walls (3a-b) have lamellae adjusted in angle, spacing, length and/or width. Supports (8a-d) are spatially distributed and offset, reducing wet material pressures, loosening packing.    Also claimed is a method of composting, using the apparatus.    USE -   The apparatus is used for the pre-treatment, conditioning and/or making hygienic of organic residues and organic waste, including industrial and communal clarified sludge, waste from agricultural production, mass raising of animals, horticulture and industrial food production. The apparatus gives long-term stabilisation of residues, and/or produces fertilisers, growth media and soil improvers.    ADVANTAGE -   The composter overcomes problems of poor material distribution, excessive compaction and poor air distribution into the centre of the mass. The supports improve the flow of materials such that fresh material cannot bypass the process, leaving essentially unchanged. Odour is suppressed by the air distribution, with control over the height of the bed.
A new azeotropic or azeotropic-like composition comprises 80 - 95 wt. % 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and 5 - 20 wt. % n-butane; or 70 - 95 wt.% 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and 5 -30 wt.% isobutane. At 14.7 psia, the dew point and bubble point temperatures differ by less than or equal to 1C. Also claimed are: (1) a composition consisting of 80 - 99 wt. % 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1 - 20 wt. % n-butane, with a maximum difference in the dew point and bubble point temperatures of about 7C (at 14.7 psia); (2) a composition consisting of 70 - 90 wt. % 1,1,2,2- tetrafluoroethane and 1 - 20 wt. % isobutane, with a maximum difference in the dew point and bubble point temperatures of about 7C (at 14.7 psia); (3) a process of producing refrigeration by condensing the composition and evaporating the mixture near a body to be cooled; (4) the preparation of a polymer foam from a formulation, using the compositions as a blowing agent; (5) the preparation of aerosol formulations, using the compositions as a propellant; and (6) a process of heating by condensing the composition near a body to be heated, and then evaporating the composition.    USE -   The mixtures are useful as refrigerants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, foam expansion agents, aerosol propellants and power cycle working fluids. The compositions are also useful as fire extinguishants.    ADVANTAGE -   The mixtures are potentially environmentally safe substitutes for known refrigerants such as dichlorodifluoromethane. The azeotropes offer the possibility of forming more economical non-fractionating systems with improved properties, such as refrigeration performance, polymer and refrigerant oil solubility.
This new method processes a cracked gas feed at relatively low pressures. The feed contains hydrogen, methane, C3 to C5 hydrocarbons, C6 and heavier hydrocarbons. Hydrogen and methane are separated, with subsequent compression to relatively high levels. The feed is compressed to &lt;27 bar, cooled to 10-25C; forming and separating condensate from vapour, both of which are dried. The vapour is cooled to -20 to 5C, forming second condensate. First and second condensates are separated in a stripper, to bottoms containing C6 and above, with overhead containing part of the C3 to C5 fraction. The second vapour and stripper overhead are combined, the stream comprising hydrogen, methane, C3 to C5 hydrocarbons, with no C6and above.    USE -   To separate hydrogen and methane from higher hydrocarbons in a cracked gas feed.    ADVANTAGE -   This process allows cryogenic separation of hydrogen and methane from a cracked gas feed stream produced in an olefin process, at a pressure below 27 bar, whilst maintaining high olefin recovery, and producing high purity hydrogen at relatively high pressure using a single compressor, simultaneously providing the lowest level of refrigeration. Liquids are flashed to provide the lowest level of refrigeration. It complements olefin production by processing the cracked gas feed, resulting from pyrolysis of hydrocarbon feedstocks to olefins.
Process for treating a gas stream comprising methane, nitrogen and at least one other compound involves: (a) providing a membrane having a feed side and a permeate side and which is selective for both methane and the other component over nitrogen, (b) passing the gas stream across the feed side of the membrane at temperature at which the membrane exhibits selectivity for methane over nitrogen of at least 5, (c) withdrawing from the feed side a residue depleted in methane and the other component and enriched in nitrogen (d) withdrawing from the permeate side a permeate stream enriched in methane and the other component and depleted in nitrogen and](e) subjecting the residue stream to cryogenic separation of nitrogen from methane.    Also claimed is gas treating apparatus.    Preferably the other component is water, carbon dioxide, 3+C hydrocarbon and/or aromatic hydrocarbon. The membrane is operated at stage-cut of at least 30, preferably at least 40 but especially at least 50%. The membrane comprises a rubbery polymer, preferably with glass transition temperature below (-)50 preferably below (-)80 but especially below (-)100 C.    USE -   For treating and separating gas stream comprising methane, nitrogen and at least one other component e.g. water, carbon dioxide or 3+C hydrocarbons in pipeline natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Preferentially permeates methane and other component(s) that might affect cryogenic separation. Reduces volume flow and capacity of unit required and can replace the costly pretreatment train normally required for cryogenic distillation.
Process and the apparatus for production of fertiliser from organic waste are claimed. Irradiation of humid mixture is done by UHF device, and the loading to reactor is at 70-80 C. The blow with oxygen-containing gas is in direction upwards, and additionally in transverse direction, with continual removal of used gas. The subsequent holding of raw materials in the reactor is at 70-80 C for 60-70 hours. After unloading the finished product is dried to the humidity of 20-25 %. The unit comprises collector (1) of raw materials (2) set below the field level and with openings (3,4) for loading and unloading of mixture. The rotary conveyer (5) is with device (6) for UHF-irradiation of raw materials in transport to reactor (7) which is in the form of reservoir of dimensions 4x6x6 m, and with lower side walls transitions at 45 to horizontal. The reactor (7) is made of metal with inner lining of non-rust steel. The reactor (7) is with opening (8) for loading of irradiated raw materials (9), and lower opening (10) for unloading of finished product (11). It contains a system (12) for input of oxygen-containing gas connected to pressure and suction collectors. The system (12) is in the form of tiers of pipes with openings. The unloading opening (10) of reactor is above conveyor (19) for transport of finished product to drum drier (20). The UHF device is operated at 2.7-9 MHz, wavelength 19-30 cm. The energy consumption is 0.63 kWh of electrical energy per 1 ton of production.    USE -   The method is used in agriculture, in particular in production of fertilizers. It is useful for preparation of ecologically clean fertiliser from organic waste, in particular from poultry droppings.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and low-cost with insignificant energy consumption and sufficient productivity. The obtained fertilizer is suitable for transport and prolonged storage. The unit can be easily assembled and transported.
Mfr. comprises (1) crushing rubbish, (2) magnetically separating Fe components from the crushed rubbish to remove them from it, (3) passing the other components through a sieve, (4) classifying the unsieved components by wt. into (a) heavy ones contg. fragments of broken glass bottles, (b) ones of middle wt. contg. Al and (c) light ones contg. fragmented plastic films, (5) removing Al from the components (b), (6) crushing the resultant components (b), (6) admixing calcined or hydrated lime with the sieved components and (7) mixing the obtd. admixture and the resultant components (b).    USE -   The obtd. fuel is used for power generation.
The cooling medium composition comprises 25-65 mass% tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a) and 75-35 mass% propane (R290).    Also claimed is a cooling medium composition comprising a mixture of HFC134a and R290 as above, and an azeotropic mixture comprising 56 mass% HFC134a and 44 mass% R290.    USE -   Used in refrigerators.    ADVANTAGE -   The cooling medium composition decreases the amount of HFC134a having a relatively high GWP of 0.305, while maintaining the properties inherent in HFC134a, and reduces ozone layer depletion and global warming.
A fermentation tank (2) is formed so that an agitator (6A) is vertically arranged in a body container (3), and agitation weirs (13, 13A) are arranged at a body container bottom (3). The agitators (13, 13A) are formed in cross section. A refuse disposing device (1) comprises the fermentation tank (2); and a deodorising apparatus (22) connected to the exhaust port of the fermentation tank.    A deodorising apparatus (22) comprises a body container (23) to the upper part of which a communication passage (8) of a fermentation tank (2) is coupled; a pair of partition walls (24, 25) vertically arranged in the container (23); an odour introduction passage (26) formed between the peripheral wall of the container (23) and a partition wall (24); a deodorising cassette insertion part (27) formed between the partition walls (24, 25); and an after-treatment layer insertion part (28) formed between the partition wall (25) and the peripheral wall of the container (23).    ADVANTAGE -   Contents are uniformly and smoothly decomposed.
A pelletising device for fowl droppings a comprises a main roller (18) having annular grooves (18a) to mould a raw material (26) in a string-form manner and be rotationally driven by a drive device (35); auxiliary rollers (20, 22, 24) to compress the raw material (26) fed between an annular groove (18a) and annular protrusion parts (21, 23, 25) to mould in a string-form shape; and a cutting device (14) to cut a string-form raw material, compressed by an auxiliary roller (24) and a main roller (18), to given lengths. Gaps between the annular groove (18a) of the main roller (18) and annular protrusion parts (21, 23, 25) of the auxiliary rollers (20, 22, 24) are set so as to decrease width toward the auxiliary rollers (20, 22, 24) situated downstream. A compression amount by the main roller (18), and the auxiliary rollers (20, 22, 24) is gradually increased.    ADVANTAGE -   Pelletising is continuously effected for a long period and a mfg. cost is reduced.
Deodorisation device (22) used in fresh waste processor consists of a chamber which has an introduction opening (29) connected to a fermentation tank (2) of a garbage processor and an outlet opening. A bad smell decomposition bacterium is provided inside the chamber. A pair of porous water absorption members provided at a bottom part (32) of the chamber, absorbs water poured to the chamber.    Then the porous water absorption members supplies water to the bacterium which in turn decomposes bad smell component of the fermentation tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In foodstuff factory, animal treating place. Deodorises bad smell generated quickly and completely.
A material having an antibacterial action is impregnated into a production body.    USE -   The environmental purification paper finds its application in toilet paper, tissue paper, disposable diapers (nappies) and sanitary napkins.    ADVANTAGE -   The toilet paper discarded in a toilet bowl eliminates bad odour in a purifier and sewage. The dirty toilet paper is degraded, sticking no mud. The dirty toilet paper serves as fertiliser and purifies soil and water. Tissue paper, disposable diapers and sanitary napkins evolve no bad odour even if they are allowed to stand for a long term. The result assures sanitary waste disposal.
The rate of production of methane from a water-containing subterranean coal formation penetrated by at least one well is increased by injecting an aqueous oxidant solution (I) into the coal formation. By maintaining (I) in the coal formation, the formation of cleats is enhanced or stimulated.    The oxidant preferably comprises hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid metallic salt, hydrogen peroxide, ozone and/or oxygen, especially hydrogen peroxide or ozone.    USE -   The process can be carried out prior to the use of gas sweep or gas desorption treatments for methane recovery.    ADVANTAGE -   The cleat systems provide channel ways through which water and methane can migrate to the production wells for removal.
Industrial products are made from agricultural raw materials, e.g. purple medic, corn, sorghum or other vegetable product or byproduct containing or not containing starch, by pressing to provide a green juice and a fibrous residue, and then treating juice and residue separately to provide vegetable sera, containing soluble proteins, non-proteinaceous nitrogen, mineral salts and sugars, cellulose, other polysaccharides, process liquids, proteinaceous-vitamin concentrates and enzymes.    USE -   The cellulose can be used as wood replacement and the sera for preserving corn products and oil seeds in a wet condition. Alkaline process liquids containing proteins, sugars and mineral salts can be used for recovering proteins of zoo-technical interest, producing grain products and oil seeds having pH adjustment function in ruminant animals, or providing sugary liquids for animal feeding or fermentation. Starch and various sugars may be obtained. Other products act as glues, pigments or animal feeds. Fibres of different lengths are of use in textiles and as asbestos substitutes.    ADVANTAGE -   The proposed method eliminates losses of product in storage by leaks, moulds and micotoxins.
Remediation of polluted soil comprises: (a) injecting into a predetermined site of the soil a liquid containing a microorganism, and (b) injecting a gas into the same site when the water content of the site is 0.6 times the saturation water content of the soil.    The pollutant is phenol or a chlorinated organic aliphatic hydrocarbon, e.g. trichloroethylene. The microorganism is J1 (FERM BP-5102) or JM1 (FERM BP-5352). The liquid contains dissolved oxygen and nutrients for the microorganism. The gas is air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or methane.    ADVANTAGE -   A small amount of the liquid is distributed over a large area, especially when the two steps are carried out repeatedly in turn. The method is economical and efficient.
A process for the purification of exhaust gases containing harmful substances comprises passing the gas through a biological cleaning step and through a non-thermal plasma cleaning step.     Pref., the biological cleaning step uses a biofilter, bioscrubber or biomembrane. Gas is passed through the biological cleaning step at 15 - 60 deg.C, 75 - 99 % humidity and 30 - 250 g harmful substance content per m3biomaterial per hour.    USE -   Useful for removing organic solvents (eg. styrene, butyl acetate, dichlorobenzene, halogenated hydrocarbons, cyanide compounds, acrylic acid derivatives or methane) or small amounts of inorganic contaminants (eg. sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide or nitrogen oxides) in gas deodorisation processes, decontamination of soil, sewage works, paint-processing industries, disinfection processes, animal exploitation processes or the foodstuffs industry.    ADVANTAGE -   The size of the biological reactor is reduced and chemicals not normally degraded in biological reactors are eliminated, as are chemicals not normally efficiently removed by plasma reactors. Toxic gases (eg. formaldehyde or ozone) generated in the plasma reactor are also removed.
In the production of hydrocarbons (I) from thermoplastic waste plastic or mixtures by hydrogenative cracking, the waste, optionally mixed with other liquid or liquefiable organic residues, which may contain harmful matter, is treated with (a liquid containing) methanol (MeOH) at 200-500 C and 1-60 bar for 0.1-4 hours. The MeOH fraction is 1:10 to 10:1 with respect to the weight of the feed and a stoichiometric excess of MeOH is maintained. Also claimed is the appts. used for producing hydrocarbons from thermoplastic waste plastics and mixtures.    USE -   The process is useful for producing hydrocarbons, especially distillate fractions akin to those from refineries (crude gasoline, gas oil, lubricating oil) and higher paraffinic hydrocarbons and waxes.    ADVANTAGE -   The chlorine content of the product is &lt; 10 ppm. The process is not dependent on a refinery and can operate at relatively low pressures.
Fertilizer is a mixture of bio-fertilizer and calcium-magnesium-phosphorus fertilizer and contains P, sulphur, Ca, Mg and copper nutritive elements. It uses cheap CaMgP fertilizer and grass stalk ashes as the main raw material and is prepared by a biological method.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser overcomes the shortcomings of CaMgP fertilizer in that the latter contains only citrate-soluble phosphate and has only a single function.
Treatment of livestock wastewater comprises biodegrading it in a primary stage by mixing with hydrolytic, acidogenic and acetogenic bacteria culture. The supernatant from the primary stage is further biodegraded in a secondary stage by contacting it with a biofilm with immobilised photosynthetic bacteria. Finally, the liquid from the second treatment is mixed in a third stage with activated sludge mixed with photosynthetic and symbiotic bacteria culture.    USE -   The method is especially for treating waste-water from pigs or cattle.    ADVANTAGE -   The BOD removal efficiency of the method is 99%.
Industrial scale recycling of waste material comprises:(a) manually or mechanically separating paper for repulping;(b) cutting the waste to 3-5 cm mean length and floating it slowly down a canal in running water;(c) further processing light flotation products of paper, polymers and woody mass to recover paper and polymers separately for recycling;(d) separating and recycling heavy sinking products such as metal and glass;(e) further processing the remaining organic mass by anaerobic digestion; a special hydrolysis treatment at pH 9.5-10 and 80-100 C for lignocellulose increases their digestibility. The digester produces methane gas, which is burned to produce electricity, and the remaining sludge is co-composed in an aerobic unit to produce mixed fertilisers.    USE -   The method can be used to dispose of collected waste materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The garbage is fully utilised with nothing rejected for disposal on landfill sites.
A gas ejector is attached to the top of a built in heat exchanger to introduce water vapour.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas can be reformed efficiently by mixing with water vapour.
A reforming-converting method into a low molecular weight compound for fossil fuels and macromolecular compounds such as vulcanised rubber comprises treating a fossil fuel such as coal, oil sand oil, orinoco oil (sic) and shale oil or a macromolecular compound bearing a hetero atom such as vulcanised rubber or not bearing a hetero atom under water with water under high temperature high pressure supercritical or subcritical state in the substantial absence of hydrogen or hydrogen-donative material with attending hydrogenation decomposition owing to hydrogen donative action from water.    USE -   The reforming and/or converting method is useful for low grade fossil fuels and macromolecular organic wastes. The macromolecular compound not bearing a hetero atom includes polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene.    ADVANTAGE -   The reforming-converting method is effective and economical and does not produce coke as by-product.
Organic waste disposal device has a primary disposal tank (24) having a charge port (28) for organic waste before treatment and a secondary disposal tank (26) having an output port (30) for th organic waste horizontally arranged in an interconnecting state. The primary and secondary disposal tanks (24,26) are intercommunicated through an opening part (32). Primary and secondary agitating shafts (36,38) are pivotally supported to the primary and secondary disposal tanks with an opening part (32) nipped between them. Primary and secondary agitating tools (40,50) to agitate organic waste are attached to the primary and secondary shafts, respectively. Primary and secondary drive motors (52,54) to rotate the primary and secondary agitating tools are used. When the organic waste is disposed, a power source is fed so that the primary and secondary agitating tools (48,50) are rotated in a reverse direction to each other. A source feed part (74) feeds a power source to the primary motor so than when the organic waste in the primary disposing tank is transferred to the secondary disposing tank, the primary agitating tool is rotated in a reverse direction to a rotation direction available when the organic waste is disposed.    ADVANTAGE -   Transfer of organic waste from a primary disposing tank to a secondary disposing tank is facilitated.
Waste disposal machine comprises a waste disposal tank (1) in which a bottom is partitioned by a porous plate (2). An air receiving chamber (3) is formed on the under side of the porous plate (2) and a waste containing chamber (5) is formed above the porous plate (2). A disposal medium is contained in the waste containing chamber (4). An agitating blade (6) is arranged in the waste containing chamber (5). In the waste disposal machine, a circulation passage through which air is discharged from the upper part of the waste containing chamber (5) and returned to the lower part of the waste containing chamber is arranged and a condenser (12) to condense a moisture content in air is arranged in the circulation passage.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is kept with specific moisture content temperature and high-efficiently disposed of by high activity microorganisms.
Waste disposal machine has a radiation plate (13) at the upper part of a waste containing chamber (5) and an air vent chamber (12) to cause flow of air arranged on the upper side of the radiation plate (13). Trays (14) for collecting water are below the radiation plate (13) and inclined in the same direction and in a double level state so that a slit (15) for ventilation is formed between the trays (14), and a condensing chamber (18) to condense a moisture content in air is arranged between the tray and the radiation plate. A drain pipe (16) is used to discharge water on the tray (14) to a waste disposal machine, and an exhaust fan (17) is used to discharge air through a space between the radiation plate and the tray to the outside of the waste disposal machine.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is kept at a specific moisture content and high-efficiently disposed of by high activity microorganisms.
Waste disposal machine comprises an air vent chamber (12) having a radiation plate (13) at the upper part of a waste containing chamber (5) and causing a flow of air through the upper side of the radiation plate (13); a tray (14) for collecting water in an inclined state below the radiation plate (13); an air inlet formed in the high level side of the tray (14) and guiding air from the lower part of the waste containing chamber (5) to a position between the tray (14) and the radiation plate (13); a drain pipe (16) to discharge water on the tray (14) to the waste disposal machine and connected to the lower level side of the tray (14) and an exhaust fan (17) to discharge air through a space between the radiation plate and the tray to the outside of the waste disposal machine.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is kept at a specific moisture content and high-efficiently disposed of by high activity microorganisms.
The agitating device has an agitating blade (5) arranged in an agitating tank (2), both are which are rotationally driven around a support shaft (2) by a motor (7), at rotation speeds slightly different from each other.    USE -   Used in disposal of refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   A substance to be agitated is slowly agitated at high torque without needing a large reduction gear mechanism.
NOx-containing gas containing excessive oxygen is added with a hydrocarbon e.g. methane and contacted with a zeolite supporting Co to remove NOx.    ADVANTAGE -   NOx is removed efficiently.
A heater is assembled in the hydrogen-rich gas reformer connected to the methanol solution source.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable fuel gas supply can be implemented.
In a waste composting process, the novelty is that: (a) in the first-stage, organic material is rinsed with a heated liquid, especially water; (b) in a second stage, part of the organic substances in the material are decomposed under aerobic and/or anaerobic conditions; (c) the first-stage is applied during movement of the organic substance to the place at which the second stage is applied; (d) the rinsing liquid flows in the opposite direction to that (A) in which the organic material flows; (e) the organic residues (26) not freed in the first stage are decomposed under aerobic conditions; (f) the organic substances (22) freed into the water in the first stage are decomposed in the second stage under anaerobic conditions, and (g) the water is re-used after undissolved residues (26) have been removed; (h) the water is heated to 30-60 C. Also claimed is a suitable assembly with an inlet (8) for waste organic material and a conveyor (10) which transports wastes to the treatment station, during which wastes are exposed to hot water jets (18).    USE -   The process and assembly separate organic substances from animal and vegetable origin, e.g. catering wastes, and facilitate their decomposition under aerobic or anaerobic conditions as appropriate.    ADVANTAGE -   The efficiency of the composting process is enhanced in comparison with previous composting processes and assemblies.
Process for reducing odours produced by metabolic processes, especially odours that arise during the storage and composting of organic waste materials and/or odours that originate from liquids that may form during the storage of these materials or during the metabolic process, comprises adding an agent that absorbs the odours and liquids to "the substances effecting the metabolic processes".    Preferably the agent is active carbon or "active coke" or another material with adsorbent and absorbent properties, e.g. aluminosilicates such as zeolites, perlite and kieselguhr, or a mixture of these.    ADVANTAGE -   The process can be carried out simply and without problems.
Bio-remediating composition comprises conidia of a strain of Beauvaria bassiana that is able to degrade the aromatic part of compounds (A) containing aromatic rings.    Also claimed is a bioremediation method for degrading a complex mixture of high molecular wt. hydrocarbons in a material.    USE -   The composition is used to degrade (A) in complex mixtures of high molecular weight hydrocarbons, specifically API (American Petroleum Institute) separator sludge, diesel or bunker fuels, or crude or lubricating oils, in soil, water or separator sludge.    ADVANTAGE -    The composition provides complete degradation of complex heavy hydrocarbons and is stable during transport and storage, can be produced economically in highly concentrated form (101 0 to 31011 conidia/g); only low levels of soil inoculation are required (e.g. 10 l/cu. m, compared with 250-1000 l for white rot fungus) and the use of a pure culture with defined activity ensures a predictable remediation. Unused starch from the culture medium can be used as added substrate for the remediation process.
A method for drying a wet gas with a liquid desiccant involves: (a) contacting the wet gas with a dry liquid desiccant in a contacting zone to remove water and form a wet liquid desiccant and a dry gas product; (b) heating and flashing the wet liquid desiccant to form a flash gas and a flashed wet liquid desiccant; (c) passing the flashed wet liquid desiccant sequentially through a first stripping zone and a second stripping zone; (d) passing a vaporised dry stripping agent sequentially through the second stripping zone and the first stripping zone in counter-current with the flashed wet liquid desiccant to strip water from the desiccant and form an overhead stream from the first stripping zone and a dry liquid desiccant from the second stripping zone; (e) maintaining the stripping zones at temperatures sufficient to remove water but not decompose the flashed wet liquid desiccant; (f) cooling the overhead stream to condense water and stripping agent; (g) separating the resulting condensed stripping agent from the condensed water; (h) contacting the condensed stripping agent with a solid desiccant to dry the stripping agent; (i) heating the dry stripping agent to form a vaporised agent; (j) recycling the vaporised dry stripping agent to the second stripping zone; and (k) recycling the dry liquid desiccant from the second stripping zone to contact the wet gas in the contacting zone.    USE -   For drying a wet gas e.g. natural gas, refinery gas, oil production facility gases and other gases.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents formation of hydrates in downstream processes and pipelines, prevents corrosion associated with wet gas and produces gases with low dew points.
Pellet of a fermentation-composed product is formed by compressing an organic waste reduced in volume through fermentation to solidify into a desirable shape.    Preferably the compression solidification is carried out by mixing the product with calcium oxide or hydroxide.    The wastes include agricultural, stockbreeding and daily wastes.    USE -   The pellet is used as a fertiliser or a solid fuel according to demands.    ADVANTAGE -   Agricultural and daily wastes are used. The pellets are easy to handle and prevent odorisation of raw materials during storage and transportation, reducing the volume of wastes and achieving a good balance between demand and supply, reducing transporting costs and giving high efficiency of energy recovery.
Device comprises a container body (V) having opening part (1e) for charging refuse formed in upper part; and a closure cover (3) with which opening part (1e) is closed. Refuse is fermented in container body (V) by anaerobic microorganisms and disposed. The container body (V) is divided into upper and lower parts and comprises storage part (1) structured to contain charged refuse and having through-holes (15) which fermentation liquid passes. A liquid storage part (2) stores fermentation liquid dripping through the through-holes (15). The refuse storage part (1) and the liquid storage part (2) are intercoupled via a packing (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Refuse is easily removed from refuse storage part. Storage part and liquid storage part are, respectively easily cleaned.
Treatment of excreta of livestock comprises mixing a reaction agent, such as calcium oxide, with a chemically analysed raw material comprising excreta of livestock, such as droppings of cattle, pigs and/or fowls and allowing the mixture to react chemically through electronic and/or ionic action. The process gels the treated raw material in sol form after the chemical reaction and evaporating gases and odorants, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and trimethylamine with the heat generated on the reaction to deodorise, a second process of disinfecting the deodorised product with alkali by adding and additive containing 5 wt.%, with respect to the amount of the product of CaO, pH13, a third process of separating water adsorbed onto organic matter form the solid portion and dehydrating from the surface of the product through action of calcium, fourth process of deodorising odorants through oxidising action of gradually evaporating stabilised chlorine dioxide to decompose the odorants into odourless substances and a fifth process of leaving the resultant organic product for a specified period, while turning over at least once, to ferment and mature the product.    ADVANTAGE -   The method permits effective deodorisation, disinfection and prevention of environmental pollution. The product obtained is safe, contains calcium and neutralises acidic soil, restores soil fertility effectively and has improved fertilisation efficiency and durability.
When manufacturing fermentation fowl droppings using a circular die horizontal granulating machine, the die (1) has upper hole shape different from a lower hole shape. The upper hole shape is cylindrical and the hole diameter is 3-5 mm. The lower hole shape is cylindrical or truncated cone, and the ratio (diameter 2 to diameter 1) of the lowermost hole diameter (diameter 2) to the uppermost diameter (diameter 1) is 1.3:1.8. The ratio (h2/h1) of lower hole depth (h2) to the upper hole depth (h1) is 1:5. The fermentation fowl droppings having a moisture content of 18-28 wt.%, are granulated.    ADVANTAGE -   Granular fermentation fowl droppings can be manufactured in high efficiency without killing the live contained fungi and without clogging the die.
Turning and moving device comprises a main running vehicle located astride accumulation of compost on compost yard and reciprocating main rails; a pair of traverse rails laid on a traverse beam of running vehicle in a direction crossing the main rails at right angles; a traverse truck reciprocating on traverse beam; a turning machine scraping compost, accumulated on compost yard, from below and dropping it on traverse truck; and a conveyor mounting on traverse truck in oblique upward state from below and having upper end positioned at side of main running vehicle traverse beam, and lifting compost, dropping on traverse truck by turning machine, to side of traverse beam of main running vehicle, and dropping compost on a compost yard.    ADVANTAGE -   Work labour is reduced and work is produced in high efficiency.
Preparation of high-quality matured organic fertiliser comprises fermenting an animal organic fertiliser at an external temperature of 25-35 deg. C and a water content of 13-35 % to mature to high quality.    Preferably the water content is kept at 20-35 % at least in the first half of the fermenting period. The fermenting conditions are an external temperature of 30 deg. C and an initial water content of 21.7-27.7 %. The fertiliser is granulated prior to fermentation.    The fertiliser is at least 1 of dried blood, powdered meat and bones, fish dregs, fish fertiliser, powdered meat dregs and powdered bones. The fermentation is promoted by adding Bacillus subtilis BS-2, deposited under Accession No. of FERM P-15201.    ADVANTAGE -   Based on ordinary static accumulation, the process provides high quality matured organic fertiliser with plant disease microorganisms controlled.
Organic waste fermentation disposal device has a cover (8) for a disposal tank (2) formed in a conical shape. A peripheral part is lowered and in a dome-form ceiling shape. A gutter part (9) for a liquid reservoir is arranged at the peripheral part of the cover (8).    The disposal tank (2) preferably has an agitator (3). The agitator is formed so that an endless belt (6) is run around upper and lower shafts (5a,5b) arranged at the side of a vertical shaft (4) and lower agitating plate (7) is arranged at the endless belt (6). The shaft (4) is rotationally driven by a drive machine and the endless belt is vertically moved around by a drive machine. The endless belt is an agitating body revolved by a shaft (4) and vertically self-run and organic waste in the disposal tank is agitated.    ADVANTAGE -   Condensate is sunk in a peripheral part along the under surface of a cover and gathers in a gutter (9).
3-10% of oil contaminated waste material is mixed in a ratio 1:0.5-1 with a prod. comprising (%w/w): 5-20 oil destroying bacteria, 4-40 mineral clay, 20-40 compost, 10-15 artificial fertiliser, 0.1-5 oil absorbent, then the remaining 97-90 of waste material is mixed in before storing for 6-8 days, after which the mix is further homogenised with a prod. comprising 10-15 spent grapes, 10-15 animal dung and 5-10 dopping (sic) bacteria. This mix is stored for 80-120 days and it is stirred every 2-3 weeks.
A method of forming a gas hydrate comprises passing the gas into a hydrate-forming region and passing the residual unreacted gas into at least one other hydrate-forming region.    The hydrate is formed in a number of stages, each comprising at least one region connected one above another within a pressure vessel. The gas is bubbled upwardly through the water in each region at a (preferably constant) mean upward superficial velocity which is the same in all stages. The gas is supplied simultaneously to all the vessels of one region, unreacted gas from these regions being supplied simultaneously to all the regions of the successive stage, which preferably has a smaller total cross-sectional area. A preferred plant includes 3 successive stages: the first comprising vessels (A1), (A2), (A3); the second comprising (A4) and (A5); and the third comprising (A6). Pipes (c1-c6) supply gas to the vessels while (d1-d6) are gas outlet pipes. Gas hydrate is extracted through outlet pipes (e1-e6).    USE -   For producing hydrates of natural gas. Unreacted gas may be burnt to provide heat energy for driving apparatus used in the hydrate-forming plant.    ADVANTAGE -   The mean upward velocity may be the same at each stage to provide a more efficient gas to solid conversion.
A high-energy organic fertiliser is prepared from human or animal's excrement and urine by fermentation, special treatment, mixing with nitrohumic acid and trace elements, and reinforcing processing with a high-concentration mother liquid of a humic acid type spray fertiliser. The method does not cause any pollution, increases fertility of the soil and relaxes the surface crusting of the soil.
Compound N-P-K bacterial fertiliser is made up of magnetised fermented N-P-K liquid and high- quality grass ash through conventional culture, separation, purifying N-P-K bacteria, magnetising, large-scale reproduction, open fermenting with soybean milk medium, fermenting in ferment tank containing soybean milk and mixing fermented liquid with high-quality grass ash.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser features a broad spectrum of multiple components, improving ecotype, promoting growth of root system and ensuring high yields.
Biological fertiliser is prepared by adsorbing the fermentation liquors of A. chrocum, B. megaterium and B. polymyxa on a carrier to form a solid, dry powder, which is mixed with a chemical fertilizer synergist and organic matrix to obtain the bio-fertilizer.    ADVANTAGE -   Compared with current fertilisers, this fertiliser increases crop yield, improves crop quality and strengthens it against disease.
The catalyst carrier is natural sepiolite. The catalyst specially suitable to the hydrogenation reaction of CO2 is made by soaking uniformly the pretreated sepiolite in the solution of active component Ni or active component Ru bearing comp ound and through drying, roasting and reducing. Said catalyst can serve for the effective catalytic reaction under the condition of normal atmosphere pressure,high idling ( greater than 3000 h-1) and H2/CO2=4/1. The conversion rate of CO2, selectivity of methane and the temporal and spatial yield are all higher than that of the existent catalysts of variousactive component elements using Al2O3 as carrier. Said catalyst also has the advantages of simple making method, low lost , high activity and good selectivity.
The artificial fuel comprises compressed milled fruit stones.    Also claimed is the production of the above fuel, where the dried and milled stones are compressed in forms and then brought to an appropriate temperature.    USE -   Used as an artificial fuel made from fruit stones.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel is compact and self-cohesive with a high calorific value. The components have no commercial value and may come from a wide variety of fruits.
The air floor for curing compost is made of a series of Iightweight, relatively short grates each containing a number of air slits narrow at the top of the grate openings and progressively widening toward the bottom of the opening, and structure supporting the grates to provide a span spaced to limit the bending moment to which the grates are subjected and to provide space beneath the grates to facilitate removal of compost passing through the air slits and to permit unobstructed air flow through the grates.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides more uniform air distribution resulting in more reliable curing of compost.
Composting organic materials, especially refuse containing organic material, in an enclosed vessel (4) using forced aeration, comprises measuring the nitrogen content of the airstream leaving the composting vessel.    Also claimed are: (i) an arrangement for the above process where an enclosed vessel has a means for forced aeration, and instruments to measure the nitrogen content in the airstream leaving the vessel, especially to measure the electrical conductivity and/or ammonia content of the water entrained in the airstream; and (ii) a compost produced by the above process and/or arrangement.    USE -   Used compost organic materials such as waste (claimed) e.g. domestic waste containing organic matter, to produce fuel pellets or briquettes or to make part-composed products.    ADVANTAGE -   The process affords more precise control of the composting process so that a more satisfactory product is reliably obtained in less time, especially from domestic waste, than by known methods. The process minimises carbon dioxide generation by prematurely halting the composting process.
Separator which removes and breaks down fats and oils from waste water, has a process chamber (9) which:    (a) contains a carrier material charged with microorganisms which break down the fats and oils;    (b) has a programme controlled feed system to supply feedstock to the chamber (9) at above the surface level from a separate collector tank, and    (c) has an overflow pipe (14) which draws from the bottom (13) of the chamber (9) and dictates the fluid level in the chamber (9).    The chamber (9) is located within a two part (7, 8) tank (1) which separates oils and fats from the inlet stream. The chamber (9) has an electrically driven rotating drum (20) which contains the microorganisms. The drum drive shaft has a scoop system (26, 27) which lifts fats and oils from the surface in the collector tank (8) and delivers them into the chamber (9).    USE -   The process is used to separate and dispose of oils and fats from waste water (claimed) from, e.g. catering kitchens, hotels and abattoirs.    ADVANTAGE -   The temperature, pH value and ammonium and nutrient contents in the chamber (9), are kept within close limits to optimise the rate of biological activity. Almost no detergent comes into contact with the microorganisms. The process causes no danger to the environment and is not hazardous to human health. Has no harmful effect on subsequent water purification processes.
A reactor is formed of: (a) reaction vessel in which at least part of its inner surface is formed of an iron-based oxide for forming an anode, and cathode is provided in the vessel; and (b) a reservoir for H2and a reservoir for carbonated water connected to the reaction vessel through each shut-off valve.    USE -    The reactor is used for recovering CO2 in form of carbon and CH4 from the carbonated water in which a CO2gas is absorbed in water.    ADVANTAGE -    H2 generated from a chemical reactor is used as H2 for electrode reduction and methanation. This expensive H2 external supply to reduce operating costs. Reaction is liquid phase. The result enhances CO2 treatment and allows the use of a small reactor to simplify the equipment and to reduce building costs; further enhanced CO2 treatment is available by voltage application and voltage elevation; The generated CH4is used as fuel. C recovered from the electrode is almost 100%-carbon or graphite, allowing various applications.
Bio-enhancing composition (I) for stimulating metabolism of a microorganism comprises carbohydrate and 0.01 % by weight saponin.    USE -   (I) is used to accelerate bacterial metabolism in the degradation of organic waste, particularly grease and sewage (claimed). Clogging up of waste pipes and production of noxious odours is prevented. (I) may also be used in the acceleration of bacterial metabolism to degrade oil spills, in recycling plants, various biotechnological applications, in composts, contaminated soils, golf course turf, farmland, farm water, ponds, water hazards and potable water.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is not harmful to the environment. (I) increases respiration of the bacteria, allowing quicker, more efficient break down of organic waste by the bacteria. (I) acts on all naturally occurring bacteria that feed on organic waste. Organic waste adhered to the inside of pipes is also degraded more quickly leading to a widening of the waste passage and hence improved movement of waste.
Closed composting tunnel with atomising has a chamber (1) with sealable end doors (2) and a fan (5) with an extractor (6) circulating air through the organic material being composted. Top input (7), and bottom manifold (8) also collecting the organic vapour lead to biofilter (10), and a tank (11) with a pump (12) recycling the organic matter to atomisers (14) in the top of the chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The composter regulates temperature, oxygen and humidity.
The fuel cell has a gas-tight housing [2] and within this is an anode [5] that extends to an output point [6] and across this fuel gas flows. The gas enters [B] and passes over a heat exchanger [3] that is of the gas to gas type that has the circulating cathode gas on the other side. The flow of the cathode gas is mixed with the anode exhaust gas in a mixing stage [9]. A blower [4] is switched by a catalytic burner [10] and the temperature is held in a defined region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cells Effective control of temperature
Method for microbiological treatment of compostible organic waste matter in an enclosed cylindrical vessel with means of introducing and extracting air, water and the waste matter, where the novelties are that the organic matter is placed on a round, flat horizontal floor plate which can rotate about its vertical axis, and is aerated and moistened; after the appropriate time the matter is extracted; the supply and removal and or organic matter can be continuous, intermittent, or in batches; radial inner walls divide the cylindrical vessel into compartments; loading can be from above and/or from the side; and the composted product can be unloaded radially outwards and/or upwards. Also claimed is an arrangement (1) for carrying out the above method.    USE -   To microbiologically treat compostible organic waste matter (claimed) and generate a useful product, e.g. compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable and efficient method which is simple and cost-effective to build and to use. Avoids internal transportation plant and energy costs of known methods.
Mixed organic-inorganic fertilizer contains coated solid medium containing azotobacteria, sodium, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and soil modifier and is prepared through inoculating solid medium for circular brown azotobacteria and photosynthesizing bacteria, mixing, stacking, coating, adding N,P and K fertilizer, mixing with soil modifier, granulating and drying.    USE -   The fertiliser has complete nutrients and can create a balanced micropopulations in soil.
The isomerisation of saturated hydrocarbons involves mixing saturated feed 4-8C hydrocarbon(s) selected from alkanes and cycloalkane(s) at effective isomerisation conditions with hydrogen gas and an isomerisation catalyst to produce an isomer. The catalyst is prepared by: (a) impregnating alumina with a platinum compound, (b) heating the impregnated alumina at 300-650C for 5 minutes, (c) heating the calcined material with reducing gas at above 100C for 5 minutes and (d) treating the obtained material with gaseous aluminium chloride and gaseous titanium tetrachloride at 400-700C for 10 minutes, the molar ratio of aluminium chloride:titanium tetrachloride being 5:1 to 15:1.    USE -   For isomerisation of saturated hydrocarbons, especially n-butanes to isobutanes    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst has improved activity for saturated hydrocarbon isomerisation.
Organic substance disposal device comprises a fermentation tank: a heater to heat fermentation tank until temperature of tank is adjusted to set temperature agitator comprising agitating shaft and agitating blades to agitate content in fermentation tank; and a discharge fan to discharge air containing steam in fermentation tank to outside of fermentation tank. Moisture content of fermentation tank is detected and set temperature of heater and/or operation time of agitating device, is changed by detected value. Weight sensor is used to detect moisture content of content of fermentation tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Degree of maturation of compost is improved.
Waste disposal device agitates waste charged in a reaction tank and containers treating substance with agitation blades aligned along the axial direction of a rotary shaft. The drum part of agitating blade has curved shapes and tip is formed into shape where it is inclined with respect to extending direction of drum part. Rotation direction of agitating blade is direction in which drum part of agitating blade is curved. Agitating blades are aligned on rotary shaft such that adjoining agitating blades along the axial direction of rotary shaft, do not draw a continuous spiral.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient agitation is achieved such that agitation load is reduced.
Production moulded cattle faeces compost is by mixing cattle's faeces compost optionally with added lime particularly quick lime and/or acidic material, and water-absorptive clay mineral particularly attapulgite followed by pressure extrusion or moulding then optionally drying.    ADVANTAGE -   Cattle faeces are mixed with sawdust, husk and straw of rice to adjust water content and fermented to give compost. Resultant compost is further mixed with clay, lime and acidic adjuvant, and extruded and/or moulded to give compost optionally further followed by drying.    In an example, a mixture of 80 parts of cattle faeces compost containing 45% water and 20 parts of attapulgite was kneaded and extruded under pressure to give pellets having hardness of 3.7 kg and water content of 37%.
ADVANTAGE -   Spent fuel can be reformed without carbon deposition on fuel electrode.
A stream reforming catalyst for reforming a fuel to hydrogen and carbon monoxide by reaction with a steam, is installed on an outer surface of a fuel supplying tube in a power generating chamber, to utilise the heating by the power generation of a fuel cell stack and the steam, for reforming reaction.    ADVANTAGE -   The property of the stack is improved.
Material is pyrolysed using microwave energy with the energy input higher in the pyrolysis region (D to E) relative to its level outside the region. Also claimed are a process and apparatus, together with a process in which the capacity of the material to absorb microwave energy at a number of different temperature is determined and the material is heated, using microwave energy, so that at each temperature the microwave energy is set below the maximum capacity, and a process for destructive distillation of organic material by preheating by hot gas and/or microwaves, without pyrolysis, prior to pyrolysis by microwave at a higher level than could be used in the preheating, to produce solid fission products.    USE -   Used particularly in the pyrolysis of organic waste materials such as automobile tyres.    ADVANTAGE -   Input of microwave energy is limited by the ability of the material to absorb the energy. However, much higher energy can be absorbed during the actual pyrolysis, shortening pyrolysis time and increasing the efficiency.
Drying organic wastes in two drying stages operating in sequence comprises aerating waste in the initial stage and simultaneously de-watering. The air supports aerobic decomposition, producing heat which is used in the second stage, to complete the drying. Also claimed is device to dry the wastes as above.    Preferably, in the first stage, the pre-drying aeration is controlled to leave the waste (now part-composted) with a residual moisture of 28-30 wt%. In the second stage, the waste is dried to a residual moisture of up to 15 wt%.    USE -   The process is used to dry waste for subsequent or immediate incineration.    ADVANTAGE -   The process dries waste without odour so that it may be stored or burned, avoiding unwanted emissions. A minimum of energy is consumed in the process, heating energy being released by the composting of the material itself. The heat pump system accelerates drying in the second stage. The closed chambers and use of a biological filtration treatment for the outgoing air prevent odour emission.
The refrigeration system is mechanically designed for use with the refrigerant R-12 (di:chloro-di:fluoro-methane). The process uses a refrigeration circuit comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator and a refrigerant for transport of thermal energy between the evaporator and the condenser. The refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator to produce a gas, which is compressed by the compressor and sent to the condenser to be condensed to produce a liquid for metering into the evaporator via the expansion valve. The improvement comprises substituting for the R-12 refrigerant, a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant mixture of propane, butane and ethane containing 32.6 - 65.7 vol.% propane on a liquid basis.    Also claimed is a refrigeration system designed for use with R-12 refrigerant, in which a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant mixture comprising 25-75 vol.% propane and 75-25 vol.% butane is used as a direct "drop-in" substitute for R-12 .    USE -   The refrigeration system is used in motor vehicles, preferably automobiles, or in domestic refrigerators (all claimed). It is particularly applicable to automobile air-conditioning and home refrigeration.    ADVANTAGE -   The refrigerant has zero ozone-depletion potential and it is simple, relatively cheap, easy to manufacture and it may be used a direct "drop-in" substitute for R-12. In use, it provides power consumption savings of 10 - 12% while providing equivalent refrigeration capacity to R-12. The mixture forms no undesirable acid compounds when moisture is present in the mixture. It is compatible with existing refrigeration oils and oil solubility in the mixture is greater than for R-12.
Trommel (28) for classifying municipal solid waste comprising inclined rotating cylindrical drum (29) with perforations in side wall through which fragments of a predetermined size range may fall; means for introducing waste at upper end of drum; means for introducing flow of gas (42) inwardly through perforations in side wall and outwardly through lower end (39) of drum to retain and remove relatively less dense materials through lower end of drum. A method of classifying waste comprises feeding waste to top end of rotating drum as described above; inducing flow of gas inward through perforations; recovering through perforations a dense phase relatively poor in paper and plastics and rich in non-paper non-plastics materials; and recovering from lower end of drum a light phase rich in paper and plastics. A method of recovering heavy metals comprises anaerobically digesting waste; mixing residue of lignin and heavy metals with mineral acid to dissolve heavy metals, forming a heavy metal salt solution, which is electrolysed to electrodeposit cations on lignin; and recovering deposits.    USE -   Sorting solid municipal waste by size and density.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy requirements are reduced. Paper and plastics are removed from other waste for separate processing. All the products are marketable; no land fill or incineration is required. There are no toxic emissions.
Hydrogen rich fuel gas (I) containing an amount of carbon monoxide sufficient enough to poison a fuel cell anode is oxidised to selectively convert carbon monoxide using oxygen (II) and provide a fuel gas stream (III) for a fuel cell with a lower CO content than in (I). The flow rate of (II) to the oxidation reaction is controlled to optimise the oxidation of CO and minimise the hydrogen consumption by: (a) measuring the H2 concentration in the gas (I) and stream (III) to determine a first concentration difference; (b) determining a second control difference based on the concentration obtained in (a) and a reference difference between the hydrogen concentration in (I) and (III); (c) determining the ideal O2 flow rate needed for the oxidation reaction to achieve the reference difference corresponding to the ideal difference; (d) determining the difference between the actual O2 flow rate and the ideal O2 flow rate to the oxidation reaction; (e) generating an output signal based on the difference; and (f) modulating the O2 flow rate to the CO oxidation reaction in response to the signal to give the ideal O2 flow rate.    USE -   Control of O2 or air supply to a preferential oxidation reactor used to lower the CO content of the H2 rich reformate from a shift reactor of an methyl alcohol reformer used to supply a fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   CO which poisons the catalyst of a fuel cell anode is optimally removed from the feed stream.
Gas or liquid is exchanged between a first area (40) inside a pile of material (10) and a second area (42) outside the pile using: a leaching chamber (30) which is placed horizontally in the first area as the pile is being formed; and, a conduit (34) which is placed partly in the leaching chamber and partly in the second area, along which gas or liquid is exchanged.    Also claimed is a method of exchanging gas or liquid between the inside and the outside of a pile of material by forming the pile with a cavity therein, and establishing a conduit between the cavity and the outside of the pile as the pile is formed.    Also claimed is a method of accelerating decomposition of solid waste by forming it into a pile and injecting liquid from outside the pile into a horizontal cavity in the pile, so as to increase the moisture content of the waste.    USE -   Exchanging gas or liquid between the inside and outside of a pile of material, e.g. organic solid waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Unpleasant or dangerous gasses e.g. methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and mercaptan can be released or removed. Decomposition and resultant pile stabilization are accelerated. Leachate can be disposed of cheaply.
A waste neutralisation system consists of an inlet borehole(1), a gas outlet borehole (2), an underground cavity (3), a hydrocarbon material containing bed (4), waste material (5), and a gas purification facility (6). The boreholes (1, 2) are of identical structure and are connected to different equipment.    USE -   The system is used for neutralisation of commercial and industrial wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas generator can operate in a boosted thermal mode.
Production of bean curd waste solid material comprises mixing 100 parts weight bean curd waste with 5-70 parts weight urethane resin to produce a bean curd waste solid material.    Also claimed is burning of the bean curd waste solid material comprising: (a) mixing the 100 parts weight bean curd waste with 5-70 parts weight urethane resin; (b) burning the resulting bean curd waste material.    Preferred the mixing is at 5-50 degrees C. Preferably the urethane resin consists of a humidity-curing urethane resin.    USE -   Method produces and burns bean curd waste solid material and is used in reforming bean curd waste released during bean curd production.    ADVANTAGE -   Mixing bean curd refuse with urethane resin reduces moisture content yielding bean curd refuse solid material having improved antiseptic property, improved tensile strength and calorific value.
In the preparation of compounds by the hydrogenation of carbon oxides, the hydrogenation is carried out by contacting the carbon oxides with hydrogen-occluding alloy.    USE -   The compounds which are given by the hydrogenation of carbon oxides (e.g. carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, etc.) are used as materials for useful organic compounds and fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   Carbon oxides are hydrogenated rapidly in high yield under mild condition (30-150C and several tens of atmospheric pressure). The process is useful in industry.
Modifying apparatus has at least one reaction pipe (3) along the fluid area of combustion gas in a reaction container (1). The reaction pipe (3) forms a double pipe structure of an outer pipe (10) and an inner pipe (10) so that raw material gas flows through the reaction pipe (3) from the lower part of the reaction pipe (3) to a top part and is returned at the top part and flows to below. A modified catalyst layer is formed at a raw material gas flow area ranging from the inner lower part of the reaction pipe (3) to the top part. The modified catalyst layer comprises a lower modified catalyst layer (2a) along a fluid area ranging from below to a spot situated short of the top part; and an upper modified layer (26) extends along a top flow area.    USE -   Used in fuel cell generating plant.    ADVANTAGE -   A non-contact space is not formed at a top flow area. Damage of a reaction pipe, especially its cap does not occur, and a modifying apparatus is operated safely for a long period.
Heavy metals (A) in organic waste (B) are removed prior to fermentation by applying direct electric current continuously or intermittently. Pre-treatment using electric current is carried out prior to the dehydration process of (B). Application of electric current to (B) is carried out in order to dehydrate (B) and at the same time to eliminate (A) from (B).    USE -   Used for treating organic wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   This method eliminates heavy metals from organic wastes such as sludge or wastes of food industries and at the same time reduce their water content down to 30% prior to the fermentation treatment.    A cross section of pre-treatment bath is shown in fig.1, where (3)s are anodes and (4)s are cathode. Sludge containing 12 ppm of As and 95 wt.% of water was applied with 8 mA of direct current for 6.5 hours, As and water concentration of the sludge have been reduced down to 0.01 ppm and 75 wt.% respectively.
Organic waste disposal device comprises screw shafts vertically protruded under a swivel frame to transmit rotating force of a motor on the swivel frame to the screw shafts via a chain or a belt, and screw blades spirally formed around the screw shafts.    For a cylindrical disposal tank with a circular swivel rail at the upper edge, a travel rail and a travel frame is not required but a swivel frame swings along the swivel rail, so that a roller for the swivel frame on the swivel rail is smoothly rotated to turn the swivel frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic waste in a disposal tank is efficiently stirred all over the corners to promote fermentation of organic material.
Waste disposal device comprises a reaction tank for waste and medium, a stirrer, a heater under the stirrer to maintain a specific temperature in the reaction tank, a surface temperature controller to maintain the surface temperature of the heater at a specific value, an outside temperature detector and a power supply controller to supply power for the heater.    When a power switch (15) is ON, power is supplied for a heater (60) and, if an outside temperature detecting sensor (31) detects a temperature of above 20 degrees C, power for the heater (60) is OFF.    ADVANTAGE -   Power consumption is reduced, odour is restricted and a temperature in the reaction tank is easily controlled.
The film comprises a continuous structure of a homogeneous skin layer portion with 5-100 m average thickness and a porous layer formed by a void structure with less than 3 m average pore diameter.    USE -   Used for separating H2, CH4, CO2, O2, N2 or acidic gas from mixed gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The film has high transmission flux and is produced at a reasonable cost.
The film comprises a continuous structure composed of a homogeneous skin layer portion of 500-1000 nm average thickness and a porous layer formed by a void structure under 3 m average pore diameter.    USE -   Used for separating H2, CH4, CO2, O2, N2 and acidic gas from a mixed gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The film has adequate dynamic strength, aperture ratio and high transmission flux.
An impermeable sheet (2) is spread on the ground, with the edges raised by suitable means (3). The residues (5) are heaped on this to a considerable height and covered by another impermeable sheet (6) fitted to sheet (2) around the periphery. Air, moisture, bacteria and nutrients are passed in and distributed through the heap by a network of tubes (9), inserted at different levels. The same tubes are used to extract and recover the vapours and gases formed.
(US6695973-B1)   NOVELTY - A near-azeotropic ternary composition comprises (wt.%) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (75-86), pentafluoroethane (4-20), n-butane (2-4), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (75-93), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (5-20), n-butane and/or isobutane (2-4). The percent variation of the vapor pressure after 50% percent evaporation of the liquid at 25degreesC comprises 0.5-7% of the vapor pressure before the evaporation.    USE - Used as refrigerating fluids in circuits working at middle-high evaporation temperatures, of the domestic refrigeration, and of the housing and motor vehicles air-conditioning.    ADVANTAGE - The near-azeotropic ternary composition has zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) value and low global warming potential (GWP) and volatile organic compound values, utilizable as low environmental impact substituents of dichlorofluoromethane.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for refrigeration comprising condensing and evaporating the above compositions.
(IN9700505-I1)   NOVELTY - This invention concerns a composting system comprising an area having a base for holding and treating compostable material in a single stage composting operation; in use, a mass of compostable material located in the area; a removable cover exposed to weather conditions and securable to the base for defining with the base of a controllable composting environment; means for securing the cover to the base for forming the composting environment; aerating means for forcefully flowing an oxygen containing gas through the enclosed composting environment, the aerating means having a blower, a gas inlet means for introducing moist oxygen containing gas to the composting environment and gas outlet means for collecting moist spent process gas from the composting environment; and a control unit for variably controlling an operation of the aerating means during composting; characterized in that the removable cover is an air-tight and water-impermeable flexible polymer cover conformable to the mass of compostable material; in that collected moist spent process gas is recycled to the composting environment; and in that a ratio of a portion of spent process gas recycled to the composting environment, in combination with a portion of fresh oxygen containing gas, to the portion of fresh oxygen containing gas flowed into the composting environment, is controlled as a function of a measured variable of the composting environment to control oxygen concentration and moisture level of the mass of compostable material, and as a function of a phase of a composting process being undergone by the mass of compostable material when the measured variable is measured. Image 0/0
A manufacturing method for an industrial computer water-proof plate, which comprises: A metal plate adheres to a transparent cover for water resistance. A frame of computer plate is coated with a catalyst and again coated an adhesive and then the transparent cover is put in the frame. So plate strongly adheres to transparent cover. Component catalysts: ethane 65~70%, Aldehyde-aniline condensate 25~30%, methane 1~3%, isopropyl alcohol 1~3%, organo-copper compound 0.01~0.1%. Component adhesives: heterocyclic methacrylate 50~55%, polyethylene based rubber 30~35%, alkyl methacrylate 5~10%, methacrylic acid 5~10%, cumene hydroperoxide 0.1~1%, 2,6-DI-tert-butyl-p-cresol 0.1~1%, epoxy resin 0.1~1%, carbon tetrachloride 0.01~0.1%. Computer plate is made of Al alloy. Transparent cover is made of tempered glass.
Installation for biogas production comprises a closed treatment tank divided into three compartments for two stages of acid fermentation and one stage of alkali fermentation. Water and gas from each fermentation compartment are fed to an associated methane tank. The methane tanks are connected to a common gas holder. The residual sludge is separated on a centrifugal micro-filter and disintegrated for dispatch. Each fermentation chamber incorporates a sedimentation section with flexible filament filter and vibro-screen disintegrator. The methane tanks are divided into sections by horizontal plates with bubbling frames and flexible filament packing with immobilised micro-organisms.    The first stage of acid fermentation breaks down the organic matter into acids and alcohols, which are converted into carbon dioxide and other gases in the second stage of acid fermentation. The alkali fermentation converts the nitrogenous organic matter into ammonia. The biogas contains 95-98% methane.    USE -   The installation is used for disposal of effluents from the agricultural industry.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased throughput and quality of the biogas are achieved.
In a refuse disposal device wherein exhaust of reaction tank (10) is by ventilation device (22) mounted in ventilation port (21) formed in upper part of side plate (20) of reaction tank (40), a cover (20) attached to side plates (10,20) to surround a gap around ventilation device (22) is provided. Cover (30) has a ventilation port (31) formed in lower part. Interior of the reaction tank (40) is agitated by agitating blades 943) driven through transmission mechanism, and exhaust of reaction tank is effected by ventilation device (22) mounted in ventilation port (21) formed in upper part of side plate (20) of reaction tank (22). The device is characterised in that the cover (30) is arranged on side plate side, on which the ventilation device (22) is mounted to surround the gap. The cover (30) has a ventilation port (30) formed in lower part and at least the transmission mechanism and ventilation device (32) are placed in the gap.    ADVANTAGE -   Refuse disposal device reduces exhaust odour using a simple constitution.
A refuse disposal device comprises a first detector consisting of clocking device and circuit to output detecting signal each time clocking value is changed by specified value; a second detector consisting of detector to detect moisture content in reaction tank and circuit to output detected signal when value exceeds given threshold; a third detector consisting of detector to detect load during agitation by agitating device and circuit to output detected signal when detecting value exceeds or is below given threshold; a fourth detector consisting of odour detector in flow passage for air and circuit to output detected signal when detecting value exceeds or is below given threshold; and fifth detector consisting of detector to detect volume of a disposed substance and a circuit to output detected signal when detecting value exceeds or is below a given threshold; and an announcing device to receive detected signal from detector and sound alarm to the outside or change display.    ADVANTAGE -   Timing at which medium material is charged, is easily detected.
The method involves mechanical crushing of the superannuated asphalt from abandoned roads. The crushed asphalt is treated with a solution containing sulphur and microorganisms.    The microorganism has hydrocarbon which acts on the surface of superannuated asphalt and decomposes the asphalt.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables reuse of gravel and asphalt.
Waste decomposing disposal device has a heat exchanger (9) to heat-exchange heat of air fed in a fermentation decomposing tank (1) in which a living carrier (2) for microorganism and waste are charged with heat of exhaust gas from the interior of the fermentation decomposing tank (1) arranged at the fermentation decomposing tank (1). The heat exchanger (7) is removably positioned in the vent passage of the fermentation decomposing tank (1). The heat-exchanger (9) has at least two lamination spaces formed of partition plates (11) with fins. One lamination space forms a passage to feed air in the fermentation decomposing tank (1). The other lamination space forms a passage for exhaust gas discharged from the fermentation decomposing tank (1). A partition wall (10) of a heat passage member to transfer heat is located between the lamination spaces to exchange the heat of feed air flowing through the lamination space with the heat of exhaust gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid metabolism of microorganisms is maintained and decomposition disposal performance for waste is improved.
Organic material disposal device has air in a disposal tank (A) to decompose and dispose an organic substance sucked in a blast fan (15) through a dust removing filter (7), and at least a part of intake air is discharged to the outside of the disposal tank (1). A choking detector (8) detects if the dust removing filter (7) is choked. A display unit (96) displays the detecting result of the choking detector (8). The choking detector (8) is a detector for the drive load of the blast fan (15). A choking detector is preferably at an intake port for exhaust gas and choking is reliably detected without depending on inspection by a user.    ADVANTAGE -   By replacing a dust removal filter according to detection of choking, reduction of disposal capacity due to deterioration of internal environment of a disposal tank is prevented.
Organic material disposal device has organic substance charged in a disposal tank (1) which contains a carrier (A) for microorganisms. The temperature is kept at a specific value by heating from below by a panel heater (6), and through activity of microorganisms living in the carrier (A), decomposition disposal is effected. A level detector (8) to detect the surface level of the carrier (A) is arranged. The detecting result of the level detector (8) is displayed on a display part on a control panel (90). When the detecting level of the level detector (8) exceeds a specific value, heating operation by a panel heater (6) is effected to keep the temperature of the interior of the disposal tank (1) at a value higher than the temperature during normal operation.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowering of disposal capacity due to deterioration of internal environment of a disposal tank is prevented.
Organic substance disposal device has an outer surface of a disposal tank (1) in which an organic substance is decomposed and disposed covered with a panel heater (6) having a heater wire (6b) embedded in a sheet form base material (6a). The heater wire is energised as the surface temperature of the panel heater (6) is sensed by a temperature sensor (7), and the interior of the disposal tank (1) is heated. The temperature sensor (7) is engaged with a recess (1a) formed in the outer surface of the disposal tank (1) and the temperature sensor including the recess (1a) is covered with the panel heater (6) is embedded in a density higher than that of other parts near the covering part of the temperature sensor (7).    ADVANTAGE -   The mounting position of a temperature sensor is accurately determined and displacement after mounting is prevented.
Heater (37) to heat substance to be treated in fermentation treatment tank (20), is mounted on outer periphery of bottom of fermentation treatment tank (32) to effect fermentation treatment as refuse is agitated by agitating claws (41-43); and a temperature sensor (76) to detect temperature of treated substance is attached to inner lower part of fermentation treatment tank (20). Temperature sensor (76) is connected to input side of control part (80) and a heater (37) is connected to output side of control part (80), and temperature of heater (37) is controlled. Humidity sensor (77) to detect moisture content of treated substance is attached in fermentation treatment tank (32). Humidity sensor (77) is connected to input side of control part. Based on moisture content detecting result of treated substance of humidity sensor, control of temperature of heater (37) is practicable.    ADVANTAGE -   Treated substance in a fermentation treatment tank is fermented and treated at appropriate temperature with high efficiency.
A process wherein refuse is crushed as it is continuously agitated in a specified time on sterilisation treatment temperature condition wherein anaerobic bacteria adhered to refuse are sterilised for treatment; a fermentation treatment process wherein refuse crushed and treated at the crushing process is intermittently fermented in specified time on a fermentation treatment temperature condition at temperature lower than the sterilisation treatment temperature, ageing disposal process wherein fermentation-treated substance fermentation-treated at fermentation treatment process is ageing-disposed as substance is intermittently agitated in specified time on ageing treatment temperature condition at temperature lower than fermentation treatment temperature are repeated through one cycle of 24 hours.    ADVANTAGE -   Refuse is continuously disposed of.
Refuse disposal device (A) comprises refuse disposal part (2) to ferment refuse and further effect ageing disposal of refuse; a recovering part (3) to recover final residue disposed by refuse disposing part (2); and a deodorising part (4) to deodorise odour generated from refuse disposed by refuse disposal part (2). Refuse disposal part (2) is constituted such that fermentation treatment tank (32) to effect fermentation treatment as refuse, is agitated arranged adjacently to ageing disposal tank (33) to effect ageing disposal of substance as the substance is agitated. Final residue is recovered by a recovering part (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Recovering part periodically recovers ageing-disposed final residue.
At least a part of an exhaust gas of a fuel gas system exhausted from a fuel cell, is supplied to the first reaction station for generating an intermediate gas composed of H2 and a carbon monoxide, from an hydrocarbon and a carbon dioxide, of an hydrocarbon reformer as a part of a material generating the intermediate gas.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 utilisation factor can be improved.
A fuel cell power generation system comprises: (a) a modifier for modifying fossil material into hydrogen; (b) fuel cells for generating power using the hydrogen and oxygen in air; and (c) an electrical output system, to convert the power. A hydrogen feed apparatus or an oxygen feeding apparatus is installed, and hydrogen from the hydrogen feeding apparatus or oxygen from the oxygen feed apparatus is fed according to change in power in the electrical output system.    ADVANTAGE -   Output from the fuel cells is prevented from lowering when electric output changes or fuel is exchanged.
A procedure for operating a high temperature fuel-cell has the fuel gas needed for the electrochemical reaction produced by a reforming process, whereby more hydrogen is created than is needed in the cell. The heat for the reforming process is taken from the electrochemical fuel cell reaction.    The fuel gas is reformed both inside the fuel cell module as well as before entering the module. There is a storage device (70) in an exhaust path (10) of the anode portion (20) of the module (4). There is also a load in the same path as well as heat exchangers (28,32) to transfer the heat content of the exhaust to the reformer (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Optimised power density.
Active column-type chengji fertilizer comprises culture bacteria, chemical fertilizer, 3 sources (nitrogen source, carbon source and energy source), growth promoter, trace elements, grass stalk and neutralizer.    ADVANTAGE -   The production process for the fertiliser is simple and uses machinery which is made in China. The source of raw materials is extensive. As compared with imported complex fertilizer, its cost can be reduced by 25% and, when used on rice, the yield can be increased by 35% a season.
An explosive device (I), capable of bioremediation in situ if it fails to detonate, is formed by positioning microorganisms (M) in sufficient proximity to explosive material (E) that (M) can initiate bioremediation of (E) when (M) are mobile. (I) is claimed per se; (M) may be admixed with (E). Also claimed are: (i) a remediation apparatus (A) for coupling with an explosive apparatus (B) containing (E), to remediate (E) in situ if the latter fails to detonate. (A) comprises means for storing (M), and a divider for releasing (M) from storage to contact (E); (ii) method of forming the explosive capable of bioremediating; and (iii) the self-remediating explosive.    USE -   Public health and safety are protected from risks arising from abandoned undetonated explosive charges, e.g. seismic charges.
A method of storing natural gas comprises:(a) admixing the natural gas with 2-3C hydrocarbon(s) to form a mixture, the amount of the hydrocarbons being sufficient to reduce the z factor (compressibility factor) to lower than that for natural gas alone at storage pressure: and (b) storing the mixture at temperature below 110 F and pressure of at least 1000 psia. Also claimed is a method for storing or transporting natural gas involving: (a) admixing the natural gas with ammonia and (b) storing the mixture or transmitting it by pipeline at temperature below 110 F and pressure of at least 800 psia.    USE -   For storing natural gas at high pressures above 1000 psia.    ADVANTAGE -   The method reduces the compressibility factor and power needed to compress the mixture.
A method for transporting natural gas by pipeline comprises:(a) adding to the natural gas sufficient of 2-3C hydrocarbon(s) to form a mixture with a total 2-3C hydrocarbon(s) content reduce the z factor (compressibility factor) to a level lower than that of the untreated natural gas at the transportation pressure and temperature; and (b) transporting the mixture by pipeline at a temperature of -40 to 120 F and pressure above 1000 psia, the pressure and temperature being selected such that the mixture has no liquid phase at the temperature and pressure of transmission.    USE -   For transporting of natural gas by pipeline.    ADVANTAGE -   The method reduces power needed to pump or compress the natural gas mixture, particularly containing methane, and reduces compressibility factor of natural gas.
The volatility of hydrocarbon waste from a compost pile is reduced by introducing a non-microbial hydrocarbon adsorbent (A) to the pile.    USE -   Composting is often used to treat hazardous waste, e.g. fuels or other hydrocarbons, that have contaminated soil, but airborne contamination is sometimes increased by volatiles not contained in the pile during composting; the above process method reduces this airborne contamination.
Apparatus for remediation of anaerobically fouled cutting oil comprises a housing, which can be inserted into the oil, comprising: (i) an aeration chamber having openings for escape of air bubbles into the surrounding oil; and (ii) a bacterial support chamber, supporting cultured aerobic bacteria. The surrounding oil can flow in and out of the microbe chamber. An air compressor is provided to supply air to the aeration chamber. Also claimed is a similar apparatus where the bacteria are supported on a surface in the bacteria chamber.    USE -   The oil is used in machining of metal parts.    ADVANTAGE -   Hazardous waste products of anaerobic bacteria are broken down. Aeration encourages proliferation of the seeded aerobic bacteria, and discourages unwanted anaerobic bacteria.
Magnesium-nickel hydride (I) of formula Mg2 NiH4is used as an agent for catalysing the hydrogenation of olefins and 2-4C diene hydrocarbons to alkanes. (I) is normally used for hydrogenating carbon monoxide.    USE -   For alkane production or for removing unsaturated impurities from hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   Olefin and diene conversion rate is improved by up to 70% and selectivity by 2-10% compared to catalysis with known products.
Preparation of methane comprises alternating processes of (1) carbon dioxide decomposition process where carbon dioxide-containing gas is reacted with activated ferrite-containing iron oxide prepared by removing oxygen from ferrite oxide crystals, and (2) methane preparation process where hydrogen-containing gas is applied to the activated oxide.    In an example, nickel ferrite (150 g) was added to the reactor (4) heated at 300C and reacted with hydrogen gas (500 ml/min) to give activated nickel ferrite. Sample gas (line 2) (50 ml/min) composed of 10% of carbon dioxide, and 90 % of nitrogen gas was added to the reactor for adsorption of carbon dioxide. Methane gas (line 1) was circulated for 15 minutes from the reactor (4) to the tank(5). The processes (1) and (2) were repeated to give methane of 92%. The processes were repeated 10 times.    USE -   Methane gas used as fuel can be prepared from carbon dioxide.
Fermentation stimulator for organic wastes comprises beet pulp, particularly with water content of upto 50%, which can be used in upto an equal wt. to organic waste to be fermented.    Organic wastes such as kitchen wastes are preferably mixed with 5-25 pts.wt. beet pulp and fermented to give compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Production of compost is effected with reduced development of malodour and insects.    In an example, kitchen wastes were mixed with 10% beet pulp and stood and fermented for 10-40 (preferably 20) days at 5-30 (preferably 10-25) degrees C to give compost.
Production of compost from kitchen waste comprises (1) destroying the organic structure of waste, particularly by mincing wastes optionally enclosed in paper or cloth and (2) fermenting the wastes with microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid and smooth fermentation of minced wastes with reduced malodour is effected.    In an example, kitchen wastes were enclosed in waste paper, e.g. newspaper, minced and fermented with microorganisms, opt. under warming, in a container to give compost.
Production of fertiliser or feed from raw waste comprises fermentation with insufficient supply of air, particularly followed by drying.    ADVANTAGE -   Raw wastes are used.    In an example, raw wastes were fermented with insufficient supply of air with aerobic nitrogen fixer, vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza, actinomycetes and yeast, and anaerobic lactic acid bacteria for 20-50 hours to give the feed or fertiliser.
Fermentation comprises: (a) adding a sludge sample from a sludge digestion tank and digested sludge to a basic culture medium; (b) adding ethanol as a substrate to it; (c) adding sodium bicarbonate to it to control the pH; and (d) fermenting methane at the appropriate temperature.    ADVANTAGE -   Normal methane fermentation can progress even under a low pH and methane production from hydrogen carbonic acid gas can progress by the addition of sodium bicarbonate.
Organic waste water treatment comprises adding powdery active carbon and iron chloride to waste water; contacting waste water with oxygen while maintaining dissolved oxygen under 0.5mg/1; and biochemical-nitrification and denitrification treating the waste water with microbes.    ADVANTAGE -   Nitrogen compounds, phosphorus compounds and organic matter can be reduced efficiently using a simple structure.
Method for treating wastes by gasification involves: (a) gasifying wastes in a fluidised bed reactor at relatively low temperature, (b) introducing gaseous material and char produced in the reactor into a high-temperature combustor and (c) producing low calorific gas or medium calorific gas in the combustor at relatively high temperature.    Also claimed is an apparatus for the gasification of wastes comprises a fluidised bed reactor and a high-temperature combustor.    USE -   For treating wastes e.g. sewage sludge, municipal waste and industrial waste by gasification, for use in power generation and in production of fuel gases.    ADVANTAGE -   Process and apparatus can be operated easily and simply, has high thermal efficiency and can produce low- or medium calorific gas which can be used in the generation of electric power and industrial fuel gases.
In a process to determine the amount of energy liberated during the forced aerated composting of organic matter in an otherwise closed vessel, the novelty is that: (a) the quantity of water is measured, which is formed by micro biological action during the composting process; (b) that the water content and enthalpy in the incoming and outgoing air are measured or determined, to determine the quantity of water formed by micro biological action; (c) the loss in weight of the organic matter is measured or determined; (d) the energy inputs and outputs and/or the quantity of water produced is measured, and this information used for the regulation and control of the composting process; (e) the cooling power setting or blower power are regulated to produce a given quantity of condensate per minute, providing a composting rate of e.g. 20 %.    USE -   The process determines the amount of water produced by the microbiological action of the composting bacteria, and uses this for controlling humidity levels in the composting organic matter.    ADVANTAGE -   The composting reaction proceeds at the optimum rate and prevents the excessive presence of water which could halt the reaction.
These closed, rapid-composting containers provides aerobic treatment for moist, organic biodegradable solids, optionally containing non-biodegradable substances. They are surrounded by an insulating casing. Loading and extraction devices are provided. A heat exchanger pre-heats fresh incoming air, simultaneously cooling outgoing air and condensing its moisture, fans optionally being provided. In the new system, the material (1) is placed in stacking, basket-like containers (2) with perforated walls or bases (3). Vertical and horizontal interspaces are maintained between individual adjacent baskets; also between baskets and outer wall (4).    USE -   A system for composting mixed waste, e.g. from an apartment block.    ADVANTAGE -    This rapid composting system benefits from excellent ventilation between the perforated, stacking baskets. The baskets rest on each other, hence do not sink, as the material rots down. Two outstanding advantages accrue: ventilating spaces are maintained, even augmented; and the formation of large, closed anaerobic zones is prevented. A further, consequential bonus, is absence of odour. The stacking and interspacing provides regular channels throughout the mass of compost, whatever its volume. Unhindered air distribution makes convective air supply an option. For assisted ventilation, solar cells might power the fans, only a few watts per m3being required. Use of stacking baskets obviates all form of internal structure in the composter, e.g. carrier frames are not required. The system is modular, and may be extended to any quantity. It can decentralise refuse treatment, for example serving an apartment block, with manual handling only.
In the rotating of waste in a process open or closed ot the environment, and in which a gas containing oxygen is led into the waste for aeration, the gas has a higher concentration of oxygen than air, with a maximum concentration of 30% (25-30%0.    ADVANTAGE -   The decaying time is shorter, and there is less emission of odour.
Double current anaerobic device is a methane-generating pit, i.e. a device for anaerobically treating organic material to generate methane. The filtered raw material flows through the middle and the bottom of the feeding inlet into the annular fermenting area and the central re-fermented area of the main fermenting pit, where it is anaerobically digested and then fermented in the gas sump. The methane generated is released from above the main fermenting pit and the gas sump.    USE -   By using stereo material distribution, repeated fermentation and a central dreg-extracting and shell-crushing device, the methane pit can realize continuous fermentation.
Synthetic civil alcohol fuel comprises an inflammable material selected from odorous methanol, odorous alcohol, fusel oil and condensate, which are recovered from the leftovers of chemical plants, ammonium fertilizer plants, pharmaceutical factories, wineries and oil refineries. The MeOH, alcohol and fusel oil are mixed with ammonia water and water to eliminate their bad smell and waste gas, the condensate is mixed with ferrocene, alcohol and acetone as catalyst and solvent and then the 2 components are mixed and left to stand for 24-48 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel can burn fully and be stored and used at normal temperature and pressure.
Organic carbon fertiliser is prepared by high-temperature carbonating fermentation, including selection, decomposition, high-temperature carbonation, sieving and triple fermentation to change refuse into organic carbon fertilizer.    USE -   The fertilizer, in 3 grades and 5 series, has indexes superior to the national standard and may be widely used in agriculture, especially green food engineering, and city greening.
In the said reactor, two perforated separating cylinders with catalyst filled in between are concentrically mounted and the interval between the two cylinders is adjustable for changing the thickness of catalyst bed layer. During operation, the reactant entering the inner cylinder through the inlet at the center of cylinders passes through the catalyst bed radially and the out cylinder and exhausts through the outlet. By reducing the thickness of catalyst bed to prevent multiple reaction, the said reactor can raise the selectivity and yield of C2 hydrocarbon and increase catalyst loading level and space velocity of reactant, adapting large scale production.
A Sanzhu oral liquid is prepared by using soya bean sprouts as the main material and by secondary fermentation of inoculating seed liquid, which is generated through fermentation with bacilli ramosus, streptococcaceae faecium and lactobacillus acidophilus in a mixture solution of a beef soup, soya bean sprout leachate, yeast balm, glucose and sodium chloride. It can maintain the physiological functions of enteron, regulate micro-ecological balance in enteron and guard against invasion of germs so that it has the health functions of improving health, antineoplastic and anti-senility. The liquid may be used in curing diarrhoea, constipation, enteritis and liver diseases.
The electrochemical converter comprises a fuel electrode, an electrolyte and oxidiser electrode layered structure, interconnectors between adjacent electrodes, and fuel and oxidiser supplies, the interconnector (contact surface), the fuel electrode and/or the oxidiser electrode being formed of a mixture containing at least chromium oxide plus one of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium oxide.    Also claimed are: (i) four further electrochemical converters; and (ii) a solid oxide fuel cell system for converting a hydrocarbon fuel to electricity.    USE -   Used especially as a (planar) solid oxide fuel cell, or as a hydrocarbon fuel cell. (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The converter has low internal resistance and is capable of processing hydrocarbon fuel containing up to 50 ppm or more of sulphur material without internal damage or need for external processing to remove sulphur or need to vaporise and reform the fuel prior to its introduction.
A test composition (I) is screened for the presence of microorganisms (M1) capable of anaerobically dechlorinating polychlorinated aromatic compounds (PCAs) by:    (i) selecting as substrate (S) a PCA which is not susceptible to the degradation by the 2,3-dioxygenase pathway, but which, when anaerobically dechlorinated, affords products which are susceptible to such degradation;    (ii) anaerobically contacting (I) with (S);    (iii) aerobically contacting the product of (ii) with an indicator microorganism (M2) consisting of Escherichia coli FM4560 or Pseudomonas sp. FM206, which encodes the first three steps but not the hydrase enzyme step of the 2,3-dioxygenase pathway, and    (iv) screening the product of (iii) for presence of coloured metabolites, indicating presence of M1 in (I).    Also claimed is the screening of a test sample (II) for presence of halogenated aromatic compounds (HAs) capable of dehalogenation by the 2,3-dioxygenase by:    (a) aerobically contacting (II) with M2, and    (b) screening the products for the presence of coloured metabolites, indicating presence of HAs in (II).    USE -   HAs, especially PCAs, are industrially produced contaminants, e.g of soils. Present screening methods are of use in selecting decontamination methods.    ADVANTAGE -   The 2,3-dioxygenase pathway is an aerobic microbial route for degradation of HAs. The third step gives highly coloured products, e.g. highly conjugated substituted carboxylic acids, whereas the fourth step yields colourless products. Taking the pathway only to the third step provides colour, indicating that materials susceptible to this pathway have reacted.
Fuel gas is produced from methanol, and unconverted methanol is rejected from the produced fuel gas. The resulting fuel is then supplied to the cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery performance drop due to unconverted methanol in fuel gas can be prevented.
NOVELTY - Waste water treatment ammonia comprises introducing the waste water to a treatment tank, removing materials such as an antiseptic and a rust preventive obstructing microbe from the waste water and introducing the waste water from which the obstructing materials are removed, to a semi-sealed biochemical treatment reactive tank.    ADVANTAGE - ADVANTAGE Running cost such as initial cost and maintenance can be reduced and ammonia in the waste water can be removed efficiently with a simple equipment.
A device is claimed to decompose and dispose of refuse by a refuse disposing agent (2). The device has a refuse disposing tank (1) laterally partitioned into two tanks. A decomposing disposing part (4) is formed so that one tank is filled with the refuse disposing agent (2) and by agitating and mixing together the refuse and the refuse disposing agent by an agitating blade (3), the refuse is decomposed and disposed, and the other tank forms an output tank part (5). A hole (7) to discharge a surplus refuse disposing agent (2) of the disposing agent (2), with which the disposing tank part (4) is filled, to the output tank part (5) is formed in a partition plate (6) to partition the upper parts of the two tanks.    ADVANTAGE -   When surplus refuse disposing agent is outputted, there is no need to stop operation of refuse disposing operation.
A refuse disposing device comprises: i) a charge line (10) extending about vertically from a refuse charge port (3); ii) a communication passage (18) branched from the sidewall of the charge line (10) and coupled to a disposing tank (19); iii) a drainage passage (11) branched from the sidewall of the charge line (10) upstream from the branch inlet of the communication passage (18); iv) a cut-off body (16) elevatably arranged in the charge line (10); v) a shield body support device to prevent inflow of refuse to the communication passage (18). When a load on the cut-off body (16) is below a given value, the position of the cut-off body (16) is directly below the branch inlet of the drainage passage. When a load on the cut-off body is above a given value, the position of the cut-off body (16) is directly below the branch inlet of the communication passage, allowing refuse to flow into it.    ADVANTAGE -   Temperature in a disposing tank is maintained at a uniform value.
Fermentation material contains a microbe and a carrier carrying the microbe and giving fermentation activity of the microbe on a mixed organic material in which coffee strained lees is used as at least part of the material forming the carrier.    Also claimed is preparation of a fermentation material by fermenting a mixture containing coffee strained lees by the microbe.    ADVANTAGE -   The process uses coffee strained lees handled as industrial waste.    In an example, coffee beans strained lees, rice bran and a commercial fermentation agent were prepared as the raw materials. Coffee beans were dried and baked at 200 deg.C for 15-20 min. and then ground roughly and extracted by hot water and steam under pressure to prepare coffee extract. It was squeezed to give coffee strained lees comprising particles consisting of fibrous material of a diameter of 1-3 mm and rich in water retention. Rice bran was mixed with it in a ratio of 3:1. A fermentation agent was mixed with it to 5%. The mixture was piled to a height of 1.5-2 m for 40 days. Cut grasses such as eulalia was cut to 2-5 cm and 2.2 tons of the fermentation material was added to 10 tons of the cut grasses and water was added to 50-70% of the material and the mixture was stirred and fermented for 20 days and then aged for 10 days. The obtained compost was dry and easy to handle.
Carbon dioxide is produced in a composter manufactured from thermally insulated, corrosion-resistant material, with a sealable container (1) with a corrosion-resistance bottom tray (4), above which is a corrosion-resistant composting box (2) having temperature sensors (7). A fan (5) at the top removes air enriched with carbon dioxide via pipelines, to a point at which it can be used, such as a greenhouse (9). Preferably, a heat exchanger (8) is also installed in the upper part of the compost container and is connected to lines leading to the greenhouse.    USE -   The apparatus is used to remove generated carbon dioxide from a composting unit.    ADVANTAGE -   The apparatus utilises heat and carbon dioxide waste products from composting.
Cattle or pig manure is homogenised in a pit or silo, to which saturated fermented waste (kieselguhr) is added, e.g. from a brewery. Preferred addition of kieselguhr containing 70-80% water is 0.05-0.1 litre per litre of manure. The organic solid and liquid content of the manure is converted into a thin-flowing substance and the conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia is retarded, reducing odour.    The process renders manure into a state suitable for pumping, spreading etc.
Use of industrial grinding sludges by microbial decomposition of the grinding oil and separation of ground material and grinding medium residues. The oil is first hydrolysed by mixing the grinding sludge in a tank with septic sludge from a biogas digester, with addition of nutrients for the micro-organisms. In further processing stages the grinding oil is decomposed anaerobically, forming biogas and septic sludge. The solid components are separated for use, employing conventional methods.    Also claimed is a device for use of grinding sludges.    USE -   The process is used to separate highly viscous oils used in, e.g. glass and metal grinding, from the resulting sludges.    ADVANTAGE -   The process achieves what mechanical separation cannot, because of the high viscosity of the oils in question, and their strong adhesion to the fine particles. Other physical or chemical processes are highly cost- and energy intensive. Difficult liquid, solid and gaseous wastes can arise. The process allows the separation of the solids for re-use and production of gas. Microbial action breaks down high molecular weight material, destroying potential pollutants. The viscosity becomes water-thin, destroying the binding capability of the oil. Nutrients, e.g. starch from potato processing or sewage sludge are readily available, and thin the highly viscous mixture for pumping and processing. Heating further improves fluidity. Biogas is recovered for use in the process. The plant can be assembled for portable use.
Organic, shaped fertilizer comprises a composite chemical fertilizer and a trace fertilizer, uses organic fertilizer and biological bacterial manure as the main components and is formed by mixing extrusion.    USE -   The fertilizer is high strength and is especially for rice. It is a whole nourishment and high content organic commodity fertilizer.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser has economic and social benefits and experiments show that under the prerequisite of 10-20% less than the chemical fertilizer application, production is increased by 10-20%.
Preparation of efficient, general-purpose microbe fertiliser comprises mixing yeast, starch-containing substance and water, fermenting the mixture, mixing with weathered coal, coal stone, turfy soil, pond mud or natural organic fertiliser and adding microbe able to decompose phosphor, potassium and coal stone and able to fix nitrogen. The microbe fertiliser causes no pollution, increases yields and quality of crops.
Inclined aerobic fermentation chamber for garbage comprises two ventilating-drainage cavities symmetrically set up at both sides of the inclined floor, under which there are two rows of ventilating-drainage slots communicating with two drainage cavities at whose bottom there is draining pipe to a liquid collecting pool and whose inner wall has a ventilating hole to a fermentation chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The chamber allows enclosed fermentation, a short fermenting period, and automatic loading and unloading.
Manufacture of resin kernels comprises (a) establishing in a vessel a thermosetting resin substance which is porous to liquids; (b) impregnating this substance with a reactive material by mixing; and (c) curing the mixture to form kernels having a sponge-like configuration. Foaming and curing may be effected by adding a catalyst selected from toluenesulphonic acid, benzenesulphonic acid and sulphuric acid.    USE -   The kernels can be used for treating liquids (claimed), to filter, purify or chemically alter them e.g. prior to discharge into effluent water supplies. For example, ammonia and hydroquinone may be removed from spent photographic chemicals, and silver reclaimed. They can also be used to treat air or gases. Metals within the solutions to be treated may be reclaimed or recovered. The material can become the structural host for bacteria and thereby become a biological reactor for removing toxic substances such as ammonia from marine water sources.    ADVANTAGE -   The kernels are simple, of low cost and easy to use with a container of any size or configuration. They are inert to liquids but pervious to them. The reactive material will cause the desired purification or exchange reaction when the liquid, air or gases to be purified are passed through the kernels. Addition of a salt to the mixture of resin and reactive material provides for a greater amount of available surface area for the liquid to interact with the reactive media.
Storage or transportation of vegetable fuel comprises storing or transporting vegetable fuel while contacting it with an alkaline substance.    ADVANTAGE -   Vegetable fuel, such as wood or bagasse, can be stored or transported without being putrefied or fermented.
Compost treatment of organic solid waste comprises the following steps: crushed organic solid waste such as wet refuse (J) is received, and stored and treated in an anaerobic condition (A); then, the organic solid waste (J) is dewatered down to a moisture content below 70%, and the solid material (H) is separated from the waste water (B); the waste water is separated and stored (C); and the solid material (H) dewatered, fermented and treated with aerobic condition (D). In the fermentation treatment step (D), the solid material (H) is sprayed with the waste water stored in the separated waste water storing step (C) to keep the moisture content of the solid material (H) at a set value.    ADVANTAGE -   It becomes possible to produce product compost from wet refuse of high moisture content (80% or over) within 20 days compared to prior art methods, which required 40 days or more.
A microorganism carrier containing coconut husk is new. also new is the disposal of crude refuse by throwing the carrier together with crude refuse in a container, and stirring the carrier and refuse while aerating the container with oxygenated gas.    The mixing ratio of crude refuse to the carrier depends on the proportion of crude refuse components, type of microorganisms in use, etc., normally 100/50-2,000. The water content should be regulated to 30-70 percent by weight, preferably 40-60 percent by weight. The mixture should be treated at relatively high temperatures, 45-60 degrees C, to shorten the disposal time. After the completion of decomposition, the disposal product is left standing piled up and dewatered to be available as compost.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The carrier is useful for the disposal of crude refuse. This method permits efficient fermentative decomposition of crude refuse, rapid disposal without causing putrefaction, emergence of pest insects or generation of offensive odours due to the good water-holding capacity and good drainage of coconut husk.
Secondary treatment for primary fermented composts originated from organic waste materials comprises: (a) applying the primary fermentation treatment to organic waste materials generated from generating sources by using an aerobic solid fermentation device for each generating source to convert the organic waste material into the primary fermented compost; (b) randomly placing the primary fermented compost in any one of the secondary treatment facilities fewer than the number of generating sources and having an ageing function; (c) adding secondary fermented compost containing actinomycetes to the primary fermented compost; (d) successively accumulating the resulting mixed composts in a non-opening fermenter; (e) successively extruding the mixed composts; (f) applying the secondary fermentation treatment under the control of at least quantity of airflow and moisture content on a reaction bed during the flowing process and (g) converting the mixed composts into the secondary fermented composts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The secondary treatment is applied to the primary fermented composts originated from the organic waste materials, particularly waste (kitchen waste), or processed food waste materials. The primary fermented composts having different quality are converted into the secondary fermented composts.
Agents for treatment of organic wastes mainly composed of fly-ash with hydraulic modulus (H.M.) of 0.02-0.20 and specific surface area of 2400 square cm/g or over, containing useful microorganisms for fermentation or carbon source of pulverised wood or husk of crops.    The treatment agent containing porous powder for bed of useful microorganisms and deodorants. Claimed mixtures of fly ash, powdered woods and organic wastes are fermented at 30-45 deg.C to give fertiliser compositions. Treatment of 100 pts. wt. of organic wastes with 3 pts. wt. or over of fly ash with H.M. of 0.02-0.20 and specific surface area of 2400 cm2/g under weakly alkaline condition by fermentation with microorganisms, particularly with addition of the carbon source and/or porous powder.    ADVANTAGE -   Fly ash provides beds for microorganisms and the claimed composition maintains favourable pH ranges for growth of microorganisms.    In an example, in 100 pts. wt. of waste water sludge containing 80% water and 99% organic components, 3-5 pts. wt. of fly ash and 3 pts. wt. of a useful microorganism were added and fermented at 20 or 40 deg.C for 14 days. The pH of mixture was kept at 8.8-9.7, while control group without addition of the microorganisms or fly ash showed high acidity or alkalinity with bad odour.
The bacterium of Corynebacterium can decompose ethanolamines and is selected from Corynebacterium sp. N1 (FERM P-15178), Corynebacterium sp. N2 (FERM P-15179). Cornebacterium sp. N3 (FERM P-15180), Corynebacterium sp. N4 (FERM P-15181), and Corynebacterium sp. N5 (FERM P-15182).    Also claimed is a process for treating aqueous waste liquid (specifically water-soluble cutting oil) with the bacteria.    USE -   The bacteria can be used in treatment of aqueous waste liquid containing a large quantity of ethanolamines which are discharged by metal-working factories.
In manufacture of organic fertiliser from domestic waste by inoculation with different microorganisms at different stages of production, inoculation is with (a) azotobacteria and/or beijerinckia and (b) rhizobacteria and moulds: zygomycetes, protomycetes and protoascomycetes.    USE -   Organic matter in the waste is converted to an agricultural product which replaces nutrients in the soil.    ADVANTAGE -   Microorganisms (a) fix atmospheric nitrogen in the mesophilic phase of decomposition of the organic matter, and (b) degrade the lignin fibres, and assimilate nitrate into ammonia and fix this.
A compositing assembly holds bio-degradable matter forming a bed (18, 20, 22) on an air-permeable support (2, 70). The bed (18, 20, 22) is exposed to a humidifier and air washer (30 formed by hollow chambers (26, 28) linked to axial flow air passages (32, 24) and incorporates a number of water discharge sprays as described in earlier Patent 4416686. The process comprises: (a) the bed-support (2, 70) is interrupted by one or more boxes (14, 16) which are open above and hold bio-degradable material in an advanced stage of decomposition; (b) a second similar box (18) is located immediately adjacent to the first (14, 16), holding bio-degradable material in an earlier stage of decomposition, and through which air discharged from the air washer (30) flows from top to bottom.    USE -   The assembly composts bio-degradable material especially household waste, catering residues and farm animal slurry.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is capable of dealing with very large quantities of waste material at an economic cost, and almost completely avoiding any discharge of unpleasant smells to the atmosphere.
Concentration method for removing carbonic acid gas from an anaerobic digestive fermentation gas and concentrating and recovering methane comprises using apparatus (10) including a pre-stage module (11) with a membrane (11a) and a post-stage module (12) with a membrane (12a) connected in series. An anaerobic digestive fermentation gas is supplied under pressure to the pre-stage module (11) through a compressor (14). The gas passing through (11) is discharged by a vacuum pump (16), while the gas remaining in the pre-stage module is supplied by a residual pressure to the post-stage module (12). The gas passing through the post-stage module is returned to the pre-stage module (11) through a recycling pipe (18) and the gas remaining in the post-stage module (12) is recovered as concentrated methane gas having concentration 90% at methane yield 85%.
A composition (I) for treatment of municipal and industrial waste water comprises: (A) a yeast fermentation supernatant; (B) preservatives; and (C) a nonionic surfactant. Also claimed is the treatment of such waste water by adding a solution (Ia) comprising (A') a fermentation supernatant from a Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture, (B') preservatives sodium benzoate, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, and (C)    USE -   Pollutants in the water are reduced, the water is deodorised and its ability to support life increased. (I) is a modification of the fermentation compostion of US 3635797.
Viscous, aqueous, liquid composition (I) for the treatment of waste including solid mineral materials, metallic materials, synthetic materials and vegetable matter comprises: (a) lime; (b) a compound (II) selected from smectites, montmorillonite, bentonite, alkali-activated bentonite and ashes, and (c) water. Also claimed is a waste treatment process which comprises: (1) sorting the solid, metallic and synthetic materials; (2) crushing the remaining plant materials, and (3) treating the remaining material with (I).    USE -   (I) is used for treating waste materials, particularly those resulting from the demolition of buildings, household and hospital waste and existing waste dumps. It can also be used for treating plant waste, e.g. wood, leaves, straw, grass, paper or natural textiles.    ADVANTAGE -   No prior technique is specifically designed for the treatment of building site wastes. The treated waste can be used as an agricultural fertiliser.
Nickel is recovered from a Ni-containing lateritic ore (I) or a Ni-containing sulphidic ore or concentrate (II) by bioleaching a slurry, heap or vat of the ore, to effect dissolution of the Ni and form a pregnant solution (III) and a residue, separating (III) from the residue, contacting (III) with an ion exchange resin (IV) containing bis-picolylamine specific to absorption of Ni, to form a Ni-loaded resin (V), extracting Ni from (V) with a mineral acid solution (IV), and recovering Ni from (VI). When the ore is (I), the microorganism (A) used in the leaching is a fungi (or bacteria) that systemically produces a carboxylic acid conductive for chelating Ni, pH is maintained at 1-3, and a nutrient for (A) is present. When the ore is (II) or a concentrate thereof, the microorganism (B) is a biooxidising bacterium selective for leaching (II), pH is maintained at 1-3 and a nutrient for (B) is present; (B) is at least one of Thiobacillus thiooxidans or ferrooxidans, Leptospirit um species, Sulphobacilus, thermosulphidoxidans or similar species, or Sulpholobus BC or sulphataricus.    USE -   Low grade and relatively high grade ores are treated economically and efficiency, without going through an intermediate nickel sulphide stage.
Storage of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels in a storage container comprises: filling the container with activated carbon prior to filling with the gaseous fuel. The activated carbon is prepared by a two-stage phosphoric acid/potassium hydroxide activation of lignocellulosic material in which more than 50% of the total pore vol. is of pores of 8-20 width and more than 95% is of pores up to 50 width. The fuel is natural gas which is stored at pressure of 500 psi and the filled container delivers at least 150 vol./vol. natural gas.    Preferably more than 25% of the total pore vol. of the activated carbon is or pores 10-16, more than 70% is of pores less than 20 and more than 98% is of pores less than 50. The lignocellulosic material is wood chips, sawdust, wood flour or coconut shell. The storage container is a conformable or non-conformable tank, a cylinder or a vessel.    USE -   For storing gaseous hydrocarbon fuel especially natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The highly microporous activated carbon material is specific for storage of methane in natural gas at low pressure. Provides effective deliverable capacity.
The apparatus contains the heating block (1), the rectification column (2) of quadratic cross- section, fractionating column (3), sleeve (4), and condenser (5) with tip (6). The rectification column (2) comprises a vertical trough (7), lid (8), and joining mechanism (9) with gasket (10). The walls of trough are with welded pins (11) for mounting of plates (12). Each plate (12) is with central vapour input duct (13) and ribs (14) in contact with cap (15) and flat skirt (16) with openings (17) for vapour output. The skirt (16) is held with spacing to the bottom of plate (12) by support elements (18). Pipes (19) for overflow of liquid are welded to the bottoms of plates (12). Plates (12) in the zones of contact with walls are hermetised by gaskets (20). The fractionating (3) contains chamber formed by casing (21) and end boards (22) with welded-in three-layer heat-exchangers (23). Each heat-exchanger (23) contains two jackets (24) connected to shelves of I-beams (25).    USE -   In devices for processing of agricultural by-products to ethyl alcohol which can be used on farms and in manufacturing units.    ADVANTAGE -   Portable apparatus with simple servicing, reduced energy consumption, and cost of manufacture.
Two circular plates (7) under a toilet (3). The upper circular plate (7) divides faeces and urine. The lower circular plate (7) is fixed by welding. The upper circular plate (7) has a shaft (12) for turning to remove the moisture from faeces and to produce heat through friction between the upper and lower circular plates (7) for drying the faeces and urine. The faeces and urine are dried by the heat friction to form powder. The degree of friction can be controlled by adjusting the shaft receiver (16) up and down. The faeces and urine are condensed and put in a crusher.    ADVANTAGE -   The faeces and urine can be treated as a combustible waste or as fertiliser for gardening.
Waste disposal device has a disposal tank (17) in which waste and a disposal agent to dispose of waste are charged, and air in an amount for the disposal agent to dispose of the waste is flowed in the disposal tank (17). The waste disposal device comprises an air inflow device (32) to form a mixture of air in the disposal tank (17); an air flow rate detector (48) to detect a flow rate of air passing through the disposal tank (17) and a controller (34) to control the air inflow device (32) so that the flow rate of air detected by the air flow rate detector (48) is adjusted to a value within an air flow rate range in which refuse can be disposed of the disposal agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is disposed of with high efficiency.
A monoxide transforming device comprises a modifier to produce modified gas, having rich hydrogen, by modifying raw fuel at a hydrocarbon system; a monoxide transformer (2) to refine fuel gas by removing monoxide carbon contained in the modified gas; a fuel battery body to electrochemically generate power by using the fuel gas and oxidant gas as reaction gas and having a cooling body to remove heat, generated during generation, through circulation of cooling water; and a device for feeding cooling water to feed cooling water, having a desired temp., to the cooling body. A carbon monoxide transformer for a fuel battery generating device comprises a catalyst layer filled with a granular catalyst to remove carbon monoxide contained in modified gas; a container made of a metal to contain the catalyst layer at the inside; and a cooler to hold the temp. of a catalyst layer at a desired value. The carbon monoxide transformer uses cooling water (91), fed from a device for feeding cooling water, as a heating medium supplied to a cooler from the outside.    ADVANTAGE -   Manufacturing cost for a monoxide transformer is reduced.
A process for the treatment of sewage containing selenium (Se) comprises: (a) microbially treating the sewage to reduce 6-valent Se present in the sewage to 4-valent Se and/or simple Se; and (b) separating any resulting liquid from any solid that is present. Also claimed is an apparatus for the treatment of sewage containing Se comprising: (i) means for microbially treating the sewage to reduce 6-valent Se present in the sewage to 4-valent Se and/or simple Se; and (ii) means for separating any resulting liquid from any solid that is present.    USE -   The process is especially useful for treating desulphurized sewage from power generating facilities.    ADVANTAGE -   The process enables effective removal of Se at a low cost.
Reactor for selectively oxidising carbon monoxide in hydrogen-rich gas comprises a reaction chamber (4), into which is fed the hydrogen-rich gas and oxygen or air and containing a catalyst, and a cooling chamber through which a cooling medium flows. The novelty is that the reactor (1) is constructed by stacking separating walls (3) in a filter press manner, where each reaction and cooling chamber is constructed with two neighbouring separating walls (3). The catalyst material (6) is applied on the surfaces of the walls facing the reaction chamber.    USE -   The reactor is used to remove carbon monoxide from hydrogen-containing reformate for mobile fuel cells (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The reactor is compact, and the carbon monoxide amount is reduced to below 50 ppm..
Plant growth regulating agent is prepared using photosynthetic bacteria. The basic fermentation liquid is obtained from animal's excrement and urine by anaerobic fermentation and regulated to neutral pH using acidified starch solution, then the regulator is cultivated with 109/ml photosynthetic bacteria.    USE -   The preparation can promote the growth of plants, increase yield and improve soil character. If sodium selenite is added, the regulator can be used to produce selenium enriched sugar, fruit and vegetables.
Producing an efficient compound fertiliser from garbage is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser is highly durable and of low cost.
The composite catalyst for methanation contains Mo-series catalyst (10-90) and oxide-series catalyst (10-90) and its process may be either internal or external composition. Its advantages include high activity and selectivity, no need of presulfurization and reduction before reaction and non-sensitive to concentration of H2S in raw gas.
Manufacture of an organic fertiliser from 1 organic waste material comprises: (a) preparing an initial mixture of 1 organic waste material where the carbon : nitrogen ratio is 100 and carbon : phosphate ratio is 100; (b) allowing biological degradation of the initial mixture to commence; (c) sequentially adding 1 suitable culture or group of microorganisms to aid degradation; (d) ventilating the mixture with air to maintain a desired temperature and to provide O2 and N2 for biological degradation; (e) monitoring and controlling 1 parameter, e.g. temperature, moisture content, residual O2levels, carbon dioxide levels, carbon : nitrate ratio and carbon : phosphate ratio, in the mixture; (f) allowing degradation to continue until a predetermined carbon : nitrogen ratio is reached, and (g) terminating the degradation once the required organic fertiliser is obtained.    USE -   The method can be used for making organic fertilisers from organic waste materials including the organic portion of domestic waste material and those from the deciduous fruit industry, viticulture and the wine industries, wheat industry, timber industry, sugar cane industry, other fruit industries, maize industry, animal husbandry, fishing industry and other suitable organic waste materials including wood chips, rock phosphates, bagasse, chicken litter, filter press, vinesse and dewatered sewage sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   Hazardous material such as sewage sludges malodorous filter cakes, noxious agricultural waste, waste productions constituting a fire hazard, and other organic waste materials are converted into a useful organic fertiliser. The process is environmentally friendly and provides a process for the rehabilitation of soils and nutrient carried out on a small or large scale and at the point where the fertiliser is required, thus reducing transport costs. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9714 based on complete specification)
Process for separating ethylene and ethane from light hydrocarbons comprises:    a) a de-ethaniser feed comprising substantial amounts of ethylene and ethane and essentially no other components with lower boiling temperatures than ethylene;    b) a de-ethaniser with rectification section above feed stage, a stripping section below feedstage and an overhead condenser above top stage of rectification section providing refluxing duty to de-ethaniser;    c) feeding de-ethaniser feed to feed stage and performing separation of ethylene and ethane from heavier feed components between feed stage and sidedraw withdrawal stage, where the latter lies between feed stage and top stage of de-ethaniser;    d) withdrawing at least 5% of ethane in the feed in a sidedraw of vapour or liquid at sidedraw withdrawal stage so that no portion of sidedraw stream is returned to de-ethaniser.    Also claimed is a process for separating a first column overhead product comprising two product hydrocarbon components with higher and lower boiling temperatures from other hydrocarbons.    Pref. the rectification section stages between top stage and sidedraw withdrawal stage is greater than 5 stages. The overhead product of the de-ethaniser is a stream comprising from 90 to 99.9 mole percent ethylene. The number of actual trays between sidedraw withdrawal stage and overhead condenser is from 7 to about 45 actual trays. 5-99% of the ethane in the feed is recovered in the sidedraw. The sidedraw is fractionated in a low pressure, heat pumped C2 splitter. The de-ethaniser operates at about 240 psia. The de-ethaniser and the C2 splitter condense the vapour stream from their top stages in the same heat exchanger.    USE -   Fractionation of light hydrocarbons especially to de-ethanisation.    ADVANTAGE -   An overall reduction in total cold utilities for the overhead condensers for the de-ethaniser and downstream C2 splitter is obtained.
The manufacture of solid fuel comprises mixing granulated organic wastes obtained by dehydrating organic sludge or crushing dried vegetable or animal wastes; mineral, vegetable or animal waste oil; and powdered, chipped or filamented waste plastics and hot-pressing the obtained mixture.    ADVANTAGE -   The obtained solid fuel has high shape retentivity.
A refuse disposal method comprises a process where after refuse charge is crushed, the refuse is transferred to a regulation tank (21) and transferred to a dehydrator (22) and separated into a solid and sewage, and after the solid is fermented and disposed by a fermentation disposer (3), the solid is aged and re-utilised as compost; and the sewage from the dehydrator (22) is transferred to an organic disposer (23), air is injected to purify the sewage, which is separated into treated water and sludge and treated water is re-utilised as regeneration water, and the sludge is charged in the fermentation disposer (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Since sewage is separated into treated water and sludge, which is re-utilised, resources are effectively re-utilised.
100 parts weight of dewatered sludge cake (produced from sludge whose water content is 75-85%) is mixed with 10-50 parts weight of saw-dust and 5-30 parts weight organic substance then their mixture is fermented at 60-80 degrees C in fermentation tanks.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating sludge. This method produces compost from sludge within 10 days.    In an example, a schematic diagram of this fermentation tank is given in the specification comprising an air supply line and a mixer. 200 kg of de-watered sludge (water content = 78.0%, VTS/TS = 76.2%, BOD = 8.9 mg/g) and 22 kg of rice bran (water content = 11.9%, BTS/TS = 87.4%, BOD = 300.8 mg/g), their mixture were supplied to the fermentation tank every 2 days. Air was supplied to the tank at the rate of 100 litres/minute and the temp. in the tank was kept on 60-80 degrees C for 40 days. Weight of the mixture had reduce down to 47% of initial weight. BOD was reduced down to 27% of that of initial.
Assimilation of oil and fat comprises contacting with Burkholderia genus microorganisms, partic. Burkholderia cepacia (FERM P-15034), capable of aerobically assimilate oil and fat at elevated temp., partic. at temperatures of 50 degrees C or higher.    The microorganisms are used under immobilised state. Continuous addition of oil and fat is maintained for assimilation to maintain constant concentration. Waste water is polluted with oil and fat. An apparatus for treatment of waste water with the microorganisms is preferred. Burkholderia cepacia (FERM P-15034) is aerobically cultured in organic or inorganic media at pH 2.0-12.0, pref. 4.0-8.0, more pref. 5.0-8.0 and 10-45, pref. 20-40 degrees C in oil and fat free media and 28-60, preferably 40-55 degrees C in oil and fat containing media for 2-10 days.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of waste water. Culture of Burkholderia genus microorganisms at elevated temperature kills saprophytes and can assimilate larger amount of oil and fat than that of conventional microorganisms.    In an organic medium, Burkholderia cepacia (FERM P-15034) was cultured at 28 degrees C for 1 day. Waste edible oil was added to the medium at a concentration of 3, 6 or 9 w/v% and aerobically cultured at 50 degrees C for 3 days by supplying 0.5% aqueous peptone to maintain water content. The assimilation rate was 95.97, 90.93 and 81.85%, respectively.
Refuse disposal device comprises disposing tank (3) to dispose refuse; heater to heat interior of tank (3); temp. sensor (16) to measure temp. in disposing tank (3); agitating mechanism (5) to agitate contents in tank (3); and ventilation device to input air outside the tank (3) and output air in tank (3) to outside. Material for regulating moisture content, such as sawdust, is previously placed and charging refuse is converted into compost or decomposed for disposal. Moisture content detector (15) to detect the moisture content in the disposing tank (3) is also provided. Control device is provided to receive output of moisture content detector (15) and output of temp. sensor (16), and interlock and control heater, agitating mechanism (95), and ventilating device (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Refuse is stably converted into compost or decomposed and disposed.
Decomposing and reducing organic waste material by bacteria comprises supplying organic waste material to a casing containing carrier for bacteria and stirring and heating while supplying air, to reduce organic waste material.    ADVANTAGE -   The organic waste material is reduced using simple treating apparatus.
Refuse disposal device comprises disposal tank (2) to dispose by fermentation fungi; agitating device (3) having agitating shaft (6) at periphery of which helical agitating blade (7) is arranged; refuse charge port (4); and discharge port (5) having agitating blade (7) of agitating device (3) positioned near end of disposal tank (2) on opposite side to direction, in which refuse is fed through rotation in one-way of rotary shaft (6) and through which refuse disposed prod. (A) produced by disposing refuse is discharged. The refuse disposal tank (2) has were body (9) rising from wall surface of disposing tank (3) and partitions refuse under disposal from discharge port (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Reliability of device is improved and entanglement with fibres is reduced.
Refuse decomposing disposal device comprises fermentation decomposing tank (8); agitating device (14) arranged in fermentation decomposing tank (8); rotating device (5) 15 to rotate agitating device; blast device (17) to suck air in fermentation decomposing tank (8) and discharge air therefrom; microorganism carrier (10) with which fermentation decomposing tank (8) is filled; first state amount detector (21) arranged in fermentation decomposing layer (8); and controller (22) to change capacity of one or both of rotating device (15) and blast device (17) w.r.t. absolute value of signal from first state amount detector (21) and change amount per unit time.    ADVANTAGE -   Living conditions of microorganism is maintained and the refuse is effectively decomposed.
The separation of microbes highly decomposing oil adhered to steel scale comprises extracting the oil composition from steel scale on which oil is adhered; preparing a medium using the extracted oil as the only carbon source; inoculating a microbe separated from nature to the medium and culturing; and separating the microbe grown in the medium.    Also claimed is the method for decomposition and removal of oil adhered to steel scale in which an oil composition is extracted from steel scale on which oil is adhered, a medium using the extracted oil as the carbon source is prepared, and a microbe of Rhodococcus, Alcaligenes or Acinetobacter genus having an activity of decomposing oil adhered to steel scale is inoculated to the medium and cultured.    ADVANTAGE -   The method removes oil adhered to steel scale easily at low cost.
Catalytic reactor for gases comprising a metal body (1) partially defining a volume (2) for containing waves, device (3) of generating electromagnetic waves to emit into this volume at a frequency above 10MHz, a porous dielectric catalyst (4) placed in the volume, which heats itself by absorbing energy from the electromagnetic waves, a gas inlet (5) to introduce a reactive gas into the volume, and a gas outlet (6) connected to the volume. The reactor is designed so all the reactive gas entering through the inlet passes across the catalyst before it leaves through the outlet. The reactor also contains a heat exchanger (7) which is outside the volume immediately downstream of the gas outlet, to cool the gas abruptly by heat transfer with a heat-carrying fluid, as soon as the gas leaves the volume. The gas outlet is designed so the body is not heated in the presence of electromagnetic waves generated in the volume    USE -   Chemical reactions such as the catalytic oxidizing coupling of methane to produce organic compounds with two or more carbon atoms.    ADVANTAGE -   The abrupt cooling of the outlet gas stops the reaction at the required point.
Composting plant has (a) materials (e.g. dried municipal sludge, separately collected organic waste, and industrial organic waste and dried sludge together with mixing and/or supporting materials such as wood chips, bark and peat) are unloaded at intermediate collection points (4.1,4.2,4.2); and (b) mixed, sieved and crushed according to a recipe then (c) formed into a batch load and transferred into a composting tunnel (3) and composted with the aid of air circulated by air conditioning devices (7), and finally (d) transferred from the tunnel (3) to its own collection point (4.4) to await delivery to the point of use. The plant is characterised in that all of handling, mixing and crushing of materials can be performed using a wheeled loader (8) equipped with interchangeable mixing (8.1) and crushing (8.2) buckets.    USE -   Used for producing compost from a variety of waste materials.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides an efficient method of processing the material.
Process for treating and decomposing quinolone- and naphthyridone carboxylic acids and derivatives of these having antimicrobial, especially antibacterial activity, comprises contacting the compound to be treated with wood-rotting fungi, optionally in the presence of water and/or inert solids, liquid substrates or further assistant agents.    USE -   The process is especially used for decontaminating effluent waters, straw, soils, sludges and liquid manure from intensive farming contaminated with quinolone- and naphthyridone carboxylic acids (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The wood-rotting Ascomycetes exhibit excellent attack of quinolone- and naphthyridone carboxylic acids and their derivatives.
A process for treating compostable materials using a mixer, comprises placing the material in the mixer after mixing, and then removal to allow it to rot. Part of the compostable material is heated before it is placed in the mixer, so that the temperature in the mixer is 20-30C. The compostable material is preferably sewage sludge.    USE -   The process is used for treating compostable materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and effective.
Process for separating active components from liquid material, especially a waste liquid, containing low content of active components, uses water glass. It can decrease the consumption of chemicals during fermentation and increases the comprehensive utilization rate of final product.
Azeotrope-like compositions comprise: (a) 50-99 wt.% pentafluoromethyl ether (E-125); and (b) 1-50 wt.% of a hydrocarbon.    Also claimed are: (1) a method for producing refrigeration comprising condensing a refrigerant comprising the above composition, and then evaporating the refrigerant in the vicinity of a body to be cooled; (2) a method for producing heating comprising condensing a refrigerant comprising the above composition in the vicinity of a body to be heated and then evaporating the composition; and (3) a method for producing foam comprising blending a heat-plasticised resin with a volatile blowing agent comprising the above composition and introducing the blowing agent into a zone of lower pressure to cause foaming.    USE -   As refrigerants for heating and cooling, blowing agents, solvents or fire extinguishing agents.    ADVANTAGE -   The compositions offer the same performance as CFCs and HCFCs, or better, without the associated ozone-depletion potential.
A mfg. device comprises a dehydrating device (22) for urine residue; a dehydrating device (22) to dehydrate sludge produced by organism treatment; a drier (1) to dry the dehydrated urine residue and dehydrated sludge; a crusher (2) for the dried substance; and a moulder (3) to mould a crushed dried substance.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid fuel having high calorific value can be manufactured.
Device for composting material has a disposal cylinder (19) having a charge port (2) for a substance comprising perishable waste formed in one end and an openable discharge port (3) formed on the other end. The disposal cylinder (1) is positioned at the interior with a screw device (6) to feed with pressure the substance charged through a charge port (2) toward the discharge port (3). A friction kneading device comprising rotary blades (7) to cut the substance. By cutting and frictionally kneading the substance discharged by the screw device (6) against the feed pressure of the screw device (5), temperature is increased and the substance discharged through the discharge port (3) is fermented aerobically.    In the manufacturing device for composting material, drain holes (16) are formed in the wall surface of the bottom of the disposal cylinder from near a boundary between the frictional kneading device and the screw device (5) to near the discharge port (3). A drop water pan (11) is positioned below the drain holes (10).    ADVANTAGE -   During passage of a substance through a disposal tank, moisture content is automatically adjusted and friction kneading is effected.
Scavenged shells (collected in the cleaning process of intakes or channels of cooling sea water for power plants) are sepd. into shell crusts and their contents, which are composted aerobically.    USE -   Used for treating scavenged shells.    ADVANTAGE -   The process treats scavenged shells without generating odour, and the shell crusts can be used as a raw material for cement.
Fermentation disposal device for organic waste has a function to select an operation mode for forming an optimum fermentation condition, from preset operation modes. The operation mode is variable by selecting types of fungus species groups and selecting an operation condition, such as an optimum temperature, ventilation, agitation, and pH, classified by each of the fungus species groups. When waste is dumped, an operation mode is selected according to the nature of the content of waste. Along with the fermentation, an operation mode is selected. A fermenter (1) for exclusive use for each fungus species group is used, and by selecting the fermenter, an operation mode is variable.    ADVANTAGE -   When fluctuation in an amount of waste and composition is produced, stable disposal is effected.
Compost fermenting device comprises a vertical fermenter (10) horizontally rotatably supported at a low speed through a support roller (9) mounted on a frame (8); an agitating rod (14) inserted in the fermenter (10) and rotated in a wooden pestle-form state and having air injection nozzles; a tray (11) supported at the lower part of the fermenter (10) through a roller (9) and a vent cylinder (16) opened to the fermenter (10).    An agitating rod (14) having a tip in which small air injection nozzles are formed is preferably inserted rotatably in a wooden pestle-form state from the top part of a fermenter (10). An air compressor (15) is connected to the agitating rod (14), an exhaust cylinder (16) is arranged at the fermenter (10), and a deodorising device (17) is connected to the exhaust cylinder. Waste fed to a regulating device (5) is fed to the fermenter (10) through a transfer conveyor (18a) together with fermentation bacteria fed from a fermentation bacteria feeding device (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Operation of fermentation bacteria mixed in waste is promoted and fermentation time is reduced.
Compost container has a charge port (2) formed in the upper surface of a cylindrical container body (1) having a lower end opened. The upper surface of the container body (1) is removably covered with an outer cover (3). A middle cover body (4) functioning as both the cover (3) and waste receiver is openably arranged at a waste charge prot (2). When the container body (1) is not covered with the outer cover (3), energisation is effected so that the waste charge port (2) is closed with the middle cover body (4). The container body (1) is covered with the outer cover (13) and a middle cover operating part (5) operates the middle cover body (4) so that, when the outer cover is locked, the middle cover body (4) is opened and waste on the middle cover (4) is dropped in the container body. The middle cover operating part (5) is arranged at the outer cover (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Container compost is used without discomfort.
Cleaning water or soil polluted with phenanthrene comprises treatment with microorganism of Burkhorderia genus capable of assimilating phenanthrene.    The material is preferably Burkhorderia N372B (FERM P-15025). Burkhorderia N372E (FERM P-15025( is cultured in conventional natural and synthetic media at 10-35 (pref. 25-30) deg. C and pH 3-8 (pref. 5-7) for 3-5 days. The cultured cells are dispersed in soil or water at concentrations of 0.01-10,000 (pref. 1-1,000) mg/l contg. phenanthrene at concentrations of 0.01-10,000 (pref. 1-1,000) mg/l.    In an example, in 40 ml of an inorganic liquid medium containing 50 mg wet cells of Burkhorderia N372B (FERM P-15025) was inoculated and 1 ml of phenanthrene in DMSO at a concn. of 20 mg/ml was added. The cells were cultured at 25 deg. C for 20 days with shaking. The decomposition rate of phenanthrene was 99.5 %.
The disposal of pulp bleaching wastewater comprises using a microorganic strain, SKB-1152 (FERM P-13721), that has a lignin-oxidating decomposition activity and lignin-reducing activity.    USE -   Useful for the disposal of wastewater in pulp manufacture.    ADVANTAGE -   This method permits highly efficient and remarkably rapid disposal, without using pre-cultured microorganic cell bodies, of pulp bleaching wastewater contg. hardly decomposable oxidated or chlorinated colouring substances.
Filler comprises a mixture of porous organic particles of small apparent specific gravity and porous organic particles of large apparent specific gravity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The filler is used to decompose wet waste such as leftover rice or cooking discharged from homes and restaurants, by means of microorganisms. Because of the good breathability of the porous organic material of small apparent specific gravity, air can be supplied to the inside of the filler filled in the fermentation decomposition tank. The porous organic material of large apparent specific gravity has porous wall surfaces used by microorganisms. The load to a motor for agitation can be reduced.    In an example, a fermentation decomposition tank (8) is housed in a case (9). A wet waste feed port (11) is positioned at the top front of the fermentation decomposition tank (8), having an openable lid (12) at the top. Agitation blades (14) are fixed by a shaft (13) horizontally in the fermentation decomposition tank (8). A motor (15) is housed in the top rear of the case (9), and the torque is transmitted to the agitation blades (14) through a chain (16) and the shaft (13). A fan (17) sucks air through a suction port (18) and discharge the air in the fermentation decomposition tank (8) through a discharge port (19).
Waste decomposition disposing device comprises a fermentation decomposing tank (1) to contain a microorganisms, to decompose and dispose of waste; an agitating device to mix together the living carrier (2) and waste in the fermentation decomposing tank (1); a device (4) to rotationally drive the agitating device; and a heater (9) to heat the interior of the fermentation decomposing tank (1). The agitating device comprises a horizontal pipe (11); and agitating pipes (12) coupled to the horizontal pipe (11). The two ends of the horizontal pipe (11) are closed and sealed. One end of the agitating pipe (12) is closed and sealed and the other end is inserted in the horizontal pipe and the insertion outer periphery is joined in sealed state, and the pipes communicated with each other are sealed with a heat working medium (13).    ADVANTAGE -   Stable fermentation decomposition disposal of waste is effected.
A catalyst is produce by subjecting a source Y-type zeolite to ion-exchange treatment and de-alumina treatment, until ion exchange becomes greater than 60% and the amount of de-alumina becomes up to 10%. A cobalt salt solution is impregnated in the resultant NH4 or H-type de-aluminised Y-type zeolite, then the zeolite is dried and reduced with H2.    USE -    The catalyst is used for producing a hydrogenation catalyst to produce branched 6+C hydrocarbons through the hydrogenation of CO.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst provides branched hydrocarbons with a increased selectivity.
Stenotrohomonas maltophilia FERM P-15162 having oil decomposition activity is new.    Also claimed are: (i) a process for the biological treatment of oil-containing waste water in which a carrier active sludge and/or a granulated active sludge prepared by adhering a microbe to crinoptilurite is contacted with oil-containing waste water under aerobic conditions; (ii) a carrier for adhering to the microbe, comprising crinoptilurite; and (iii) a fluid carrier bio-treating device with an air lift portion, an air inlet, a circulating part and a carrier separating part, in which a carrier adhered to a microbe is contacted with waste water under aerobic conditions and a reversed cone form dispersion plate is contained on the upper part of the air lift portion.    ADVANTAGE -   The microbe effectively treats oil-containing waste water.
Base material is prepared from pulverised bark of Cryptomeria Japonica D. Don or Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb et Zucc; organic waste water sludge; and fly ash partic followed by compost formation.    Bark of conifer (ie Cryptomeria japonica D Don or Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb et Zucc) are pulverised into pieces of sizes 0.1-10 (pref 1-5)mm. To 100 pts wt of pulverised bark, 10-300 pts wt of organic waste water sludge and 5-100 pts wt of fly ash opt with nitrogen fertiliser are added and fermented to give compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Base material provides effective use of waste water sludge and pulverised bark of conifer (ie Cryptomeria japonica D Don or Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb et Zucc).    In an example, mixt of 100 pts wt of Cryptomeria japonica D Don bark, 50 pts wt each of waste water sludge and fly ash; and 2 pts wt of (NH4)2SO4 was fermented for 100 days to give the compost. Resultant compost mass showed sufficient germination and growth of radishes.
Plug flow, horizontal fermenter for the anaerobic fermentation of organic materials, is new. Between the inlet and outlet a stirrer and heater (2) are included for reaction temperature control. The fermenter vessel is in concrete, with the heater (2) embedded in its walls.    Also claimed is the method of fermenter construction, in which a steel shuttering is used, and the vessel is concreted in sections. The shutterings of individual sections are welded together. Connection fittings are integrated into the shuttering.    USE -   A fermenter is used for the digestion of e.g. sewage sludge, with gas production.    ADVANTAGE -   This fermenter is relatively compact, and easily installed. The device can be electrically heated, with the benefit of electronic control. The heaters are readily incorporated at low cost. In-situ construction in any required size is feasible. The concrete confers strength and protection from external influences, and may be fully or partly underground, where barriers against water and heat loss can be included. 1500 m3 capacity, and 20000 t per year are feasible.    The vessel has thermal inertia and some insulation properties, tending to buffer the temperature of the contents. The heating resembles proprietary floor heating, with low cost plastic sheathing. The electronic control and service structures may be an integral part of the vessel.
Livestock such as pigs or cows are kept on a floor (2) which has openings (5) over at least part of its area, through which manure can fall into a chamber (9) underneath, the chamber containing a composting system (14). Preferably, a mixer (17) is provided and an organic base material is added in stacks or layers (15), e.g. sawdust, wood shavings and/or brushwood, in layers of 0.5 to 1.5 m thickness. The compost produced can be discharged (25).    Manure can be utilised at low cost without affecting the health of the animals.
Processing organic waste comprises heating the waste with the addition of carbonaceous material, e.g. coal tar pitch, coal, coke or wood, to 100C, and mixing so that carbonisation and optionally depolymerising take place, cooling the carbonisate, solidifying and comminuting to a grain size of less than 20, preferably 10, mm. The carbonisate obtained has the properties of cokeable coal and can be coked into coke of high strength.    USE -   The process is used in the disposal of plastic waste.
Preparation of aerosol emulsions comprises: (i) emulsifying oils in water, using an emulsifier mixture containing (a) a partial glyceride of a 6-22C fatty acid, and/or (b) an adduct of 5-50 molecules of ethylene oxide on a 6-22C fatty alcohol, and/or (c) a 6-22C fatty alcohol, and (ii) introducing 5-30 wt.% of propane and/or butane into the emulsion under pressure.    USE -   The emulsifier mixture may be used for the preparation of single-phase, thinly liquid aerosol emulsions (claimed). The emulsions are used in the preparation of deodorant sprays, sun protectant and after-sun sprays, hair conditioner sprays and foams, sprays for intimate use, after-shave sprays, shaving foams, depilatory foams, and face masks.    ADVANTAGE -   The emulsions have viscosity below 100 mPa.s at 20 C, and give stable, single-phase emulsions containing up to 25 wt.% of propellant even in presence of 1-10 wt.% of a salt, e.g. aluminium hydrochloride or triethyl citrate.
A digital signal processor is connected to two sensing resistance bridge circuits which are sensitive to methane gas and carbon monoxide gas respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Methane gas and carbon monoxide gas can be detected selectively.
Treatment of wet refuse, comprises a first fermentation process, where wet refuse is supplied into a first fermentation tank (3), a fermentation accelerator is added, the moisture is adjusted so as to become a specified moisture content, and the primary fermentation of the wet refuse is carried out. A secondary fermentation process is carried out where a part of the intermediate fermented product is left in the first fermentation tank (3) as the fermentation accelerator, and the residue is transferred to a secondary fermentation tank (4) to be stirred and mixed again for ageing fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used, especially, to treat wet refuse e.g. from restaurants, etc. for making farmyard compost. The primary fermentation and the ageing fermentation can be performed independently, so farmyard compost of stable quality can be obtained.
The fluid is mfd. by mixing isobutane (R600a) at up to 30 wt.%, 1, 1, 1, 2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) at up to 81 wt.%, 1, 1-difluoroethane (R152a) at up to 66 wt.% and difluoromethane (R32).    USE -   Used for heat pumps or refrigerating appliances.
A flare assembly has a collection manifold (10) connected to a flare tip (17) by a duct (12) including a fan (15). A controller (21) responds to a gas pressure sensor in or adjacent the manifold to adjust gas flow along the duct.    USE -   A flare assembly especially for burning gas produced from a land fill site (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   Optimises combustion of methane and minimises production of carbon monoxide.
Cleaning a waste water stream or the like comprises: (a) a desulphurisation step whereby a desulphurising agent is added and a buffer; (b) a biodenitrification step using micro-organisms which feed on the buffer in the waste-water stream. The sulphur contaminants and the like are removed in the desulphurisation step. Nitrate contamination and the like, as well as the buffer, are removed in the bio-denitrification step. Also claimed, (1), use of a buffer to enhance the desulphurisation of a flue gas stream or the like with a desulphurising agent such as lime or limestone suspension. (2), use of microorganisms for removing buffer from a waste-water stream which has been subjected to the desulphurisation step of part (a). (3), apparatus for cleaning a waste-water stream or the like which, comprises: (a)' a desulphurising unit where the sulphur components are removed from the stream via a buffer enhanced desulphurising agent; (b)' a biomass reservoir contg. microorganisms. (c)' a means for supplying the desulphurised waste-water stream and the buffer into the biomass reservoir where the waste water is denitrified; and (d)' an outlet for guiding the denitrified waste water stream away from the reservoir.    USE -   A process to clean a waste water stream, e.g. from a flue-gas cleaning installation.    ADVANTAGE -    The process is environmentally friendly and does not release harmful sulphur cpds. i.e. sulphur dioxide, into the atmos. Biological denitrification is effectively carried out at a chloride concn. of 44 g/dm3.
Composting bin, with at least one chamber for compostible materials, e.g. kitchen- and garden-refuse, has front, rear and side walls, and a fleece-covered floor which is raised clear of the ground. The floor is made of wooden slats (25) and there is space (26) between adjacent floor slats; the floor extends over the full area of the chambers (2,3,4) which are formed by walls (5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12). There is a layer of fine-mesh wire netting (28) between the floor slats (25) and the fleece cover (29).    USE -   To compost materials such as garden- and kitchen-wastes (claimed), plants, flowers, paper, cardboard packaging, wood shavings, sawdust, pet-droppings and feathers.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple to construct, provides good aeration, and the wire netting prevents e.g. mice and rats from entering the bin, allowing the bin to be set higher above the ground, giving better aeration than known composting bins. Removable front and inner walls allow easier filling and emptying. Three-chamber system enables more effective mixing of raw materials and enables faster rate of composting.
Method for determining of the biological oxygen demand of sewage where a sample of sewage in a test vessel is mixed with biologically-neutral water to a predetermined dilution and the oxygen concentration is measured, based on the reaction of a known quantity of biomass with the sample diluted sewage. The successive samples of sewage are introduced into the oxygen-saturated water in the test vessel, agitated, the oxygen consumption per unit time is measured, and the test vessel is washed out with the dilutant water.    Also claimed is an apparatus for carrying out the above method.    Pref. the reaction vessel (1) contains a measuring probe which can be immersed in the sewage sample. A suction pump (13), which has a cylinder (15) built into the reaction vessel (1), and a piston (14) is used to draw sewage samples into, and to expel fluid from the reaction vessel (1). There is an agitator (6) to agitate the diluted sewage sample in the reaction vessel bath (2). The oxygen probe (18), the suction pump (13) and the agitator (6) are assembled into a probe head (4) which is sealed into the reaction vessel (1).    USE -   Used for determining the biological oxygen demand of sewage.    ADVANTAGE -   It is a simple and quick method, using simpler apparatus to obtain a sufficiently accurate result, compared with known methods.
Prodn. of a bioactive composite phospate fertiliser includes mixing fowls' excrement and nitrogen and potassium-contg. plant, pulping, mixing with phosphate ore powder, adding acid for displacement, fermentation and packing. The phosphate fertiliser contains active organic matter, trace elements, nitrogen and potassium. It features no blocking and high water solubility.
Anaerobic biodegradation of waste and residual waters uses an anaerobic reactor (1) which is fed with a supply of water for treatment (22) which is pumped (3) at a constant rate. The treated water (23) overflows from the side of the vessel and evolved gas (24) is removed (4) from the top. Measurements are taken (13 and 14) on each flow and these are analysed electronically (10) and may be used to adjust the feed flow rate.    USE -   The process can be used for the treatment of highly polluted waste waters by anaerobic bacterial digestion.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is reliable and simple to operate. Its operation is automatically stabilised at optimum conditions.
The process includes the vapour or carbon dioxide conversion of methane in the presence of catalyst, the methanation at an excess of hydrogen in the volume ratio to carbon oxides in converted gas equal to (8-10):1, cooling of gas obtained to temp. of adsorption, input to a short-cycle adsorption for separation to methane and hydrogen, and return to the stage of methanation. The converted gas from a heat-source is mixed with hydrogen and directed to methane reactor (2) where the synthesis of methane with generation of heat takes place. The heat is utilised for water heating (3). Cooled products of synthesis are separated from humidity in device (4), and desiccated gas is directed to device (5) for short-cycle adsorption of gases. Hydrogen is by blow (6) directed to mixing with converted gas, and the methane fraction is returned to the heat source or directed to user. The ratio of converted gas to hydrogen is controlled by blow (6).    USE -   In power generation, in particular in transport of heat and accumulated energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced capital investment and simplified process of methane generation.
A method for the production of wood based plastics involving biological decomposition of wood raw material , drying, tapetum (sic) formation by cold pressing, and hot pressing is new. The wood raw material is decomposed by liquid phase fermentation in a culture liquid of lignin destroying basidiomycetes over 3-4 days at 25-30C, ratio of culture liquid to wood raw material 10:1.    USE -   The method is useful in the production of building materials, e.g. wood plastics based on natural adhesive substances.    ADVANTAGE -   The method gives wood based plastics of higher strength than previous methods.
A cylinder bodies (2), in which an agitating and transfer member are arranged and the outside of which are heated, are horizontally intercoupled in a multistage manner to constitute an external heat type carbonisation treatment furnace. Organic waste containing a moisture content is fed in the carbonisation treatment furnace through a feed port (2e) formed in one end of the upper part of the cylinder body (2). As the organic waste is agitated by a transfer member and transferred to a discharge port (2f) at the other end, the waste is heated and dried in a heating cylinder part at a front stage, and it is heated and carbonised in the heating cylinder part (3) at a rear stage.    USE -   For disposal of coffee residue, vegetable chips, other garbage and lawn at a golf course.    ADVANTAGE -   Sand and carbide are separated and recovered as a product which is reutilised.
Prodn. comprises: (a) sealing base material consisting of rice bran, rice hulls, or bean-curd refuse, or their mixt. and a material consisting of useful germ, (several % per the base material) in sealing chamber; (b) heating resulting mixt. to temp. for activating germ are agitating mixt. for several minutes for set time for 1-2 days; (c) leaving mixt. to stand for 1-2 days in sealed condition to ferment and decompose mixt.; (d) opening sealing chamber to heat and dry mixt. at higher temp. which does not kill the germ.    Also claimed is the equipment having (a) case body; (b) material inlet at site closest to one end of case body, and having closing and opening lid for sealing; (c) sealed treating tank for keeping materials loaded from material inlet in sealed state in case body. Sealed treating tank having semi-arc shape at its lower portion; (d) agitator for agitating materials; (e) heater for heating mixed material to accelerate fermentation and decomposition; (f) exhaust tube having closing and opening valve for externally-purging water vapour in sealed treating tank; and (g) chute having closing and opening door for externally purging by driving agitator a shading material produced in sealed treating tank from sealed treating tank at its lower portion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Produces shading material for treating garbage (kitchen refuse) used as fertiliser. Germ is uniformly mixed with base material to ensure efficient fermentation and decomposition. Equipment efficiently produces shading material.
The reformer consists of a combustion chamber in which a fuel gas and combustion support gas are burnt with a combustion catalyst to produce a combustion gas; a reforming chamber in which raw material gas contg. steam is reformed with a reforming catalyst to produce a reformed gas and a heat exchange chamber separated from the reforming chamber by a partition and into which the combustion gas is introduced to heat the reforming chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Since combustion chambers and reforming chambers are independent and the number of combustion chambers is smaller than that of reforming chambers, combustion is controlled easily and efficiently.
A heat accumulating type plate reformer consists of alternately layered heating chambers, reforming chambers, and heat retaining chambers placed between the heating and reforming chambers. The reforming chambers are packed with a reforming catalyst, and the heat retaining chambers are packed with a heat accumulating agent which has a melting point close to the reforming temp.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat accumulating type plate reformer obtained is small and light, and shows stable reforming performance.
Waste treatment comprises stacking wate in waste treating facilities with a waste water drain on its bottom, which is connected to sewage treating facilities. Films of polymer hydrolysed by alkaline aqueous solution are placed on the stacked waste and rain water is uniformly flowed in the waste and the water passed id passed from the drain to the sewage treating facilities.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is economically treated without using a light decayable sheet or a microorganism decayable sheet.
In a fuel modifier for a fuel generating generator, comprising a cylindrical modifying pipe and a burner (5), the burner (5) receives the feed of raw fuel as fuel during the starting of a fuel modifier and the increase of temp. At a fuel modifier (1) steady operation period corresponding to a time when generating operation of a fuel battery generating device is effected and fuel oil gas of the fuel battery generating device is fed as main fuel. Air in an amount high enough to allow combustion of fuel on a lean combustion condition is fed to the burner (5) as an amount of air to burn the fuel during the increase of temp.    ADVANTAGE -   By increasing combustion gas fed from a burner having a fuel modifier, combustion gas uniformly flows through a combustion furnace.
A fuel battery system includes a reforming device (3) which is composed of an evaporator (11) to vaporise fuel, and a catalytic layer (12) to reform the vaporised fuel to H2 gas. H2gas is supplied to the fuel battery (6). A part of the reacted gas from (12) is return to a heater (10) which heats the evaporator (11).    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel battery system has reforming device having improved efficiency, has simple construction, has miniaturised size, and has good to be transferred property.
The biogas fuel system supplying fuel to the intake of an internal combustion engine comprises a carburettor having bio-gas and air intakes and mixes air with a bio-gas stream supplied to the bio-gas intake and delivers the mixture to the engine intake. A reservoir stores acid neutralising oil and is coupled to an injector which injects the oil into the engine intake for a pre-set time interval when the engine is shut down.    USE -   For preventing corrosion caused by acid-forming components in unburnt biogas in intermittently used, biogas fuelled internal combustion engines, e.g. electrical generator sets.
A process and assembly converts especially organic refuse into gas for energy conversion. Liquid or flowing bulk solids carrying an organic load passes under control from the inlet to the outlet, through a horizontal fermentation assembly which is subdivided into a number of chambers.    The novelty is that all of the chambers (2) have an open aperture to a common gas chamber (4), such that the fermentation unit (1) forms a common gas chamber (4) for the gas.    Each chamber (2) is separated from its neighbour by a wall (3) and incorporates assemblies such as heaters, mixers, valves and push-blades. The first chamber receives fresh air (f) enabling it to operate as an anaerobic hydrolysis reactor. One or all chambers are supplied with a nutrient (51).    Contaminated wastes are introduced via an inlet to a mixer.    USE -   The process and assembly converts waste organic liquids or bulk flowing solids into gas for energy conversion.    ADVANTAGE -   The individual gas-generating stages can be operated flexibly to maximise the efficiency of the compact plant as a whole.
Composting method is claimed for organic wastes in a heap, which is at least partly open to the surroundings. The heap is aerated by introducing a gas with an oxygen content enhanced above that of air, with maximum levels of 30%, esp. 25-30%.    Also claimed is an appts. to carry out the process. It includes a blower connected to a line, with a source of oxygen and means of introducing the oxygen into the line.    ADVANTAGE -   The method reduces the composting time, at little expense. Odour emission is reduced. Favourable temperatures for composting are established, with even distribution throughout the heap. Keeping the concentration below 30% O2, is a safety measure.
The operating method has the anode and cathode spaces of the fuel cell (1) respectively supplied with a gas which is rich in hydrogen and with a gas which contains oxygen, with fuel and water supplied to the reaction space of a reformer (2), for generation of the hydrogen rich gas via endothermic steam reformation. In one operating mode, the heat energy for the steam reformation is obtained by oxidation of the fuel cell gases in the combustion space (10) of the reformer and in a second operating mode, additional fuel and oxygen is supplied to the reformer reaction space. The switching between these operating modes is effected in dependence on the temp. in the reformer, the loading characteristic and/or the hydrogen content of the gas from the anode space.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient steam reformation under wide range of operating conditions.
Water-resistant agglomerates from lignite and renewable bio-raw materials as additives are prepd. by mixing moist crude lignite with comminuted wood chips, straw, coarse grasses and/or similar materials, with a satn. moisture content of 40% (50-70%), by: (a) mixing the moist lignite with 5-50% of bio-raw materials of grain size 2-0 mm, (b) opt. adding 2-10% of water, (c) intensive and turbulent mixing, with high energy input, and with further comminution of the raw coal, and (d) drying and pressing to briquettes or pelleting.    ADVANTAGE -   The briquettes or pellets are strong, and resist weathering and storage.
In a CO2 methanisation catalyst comprising support and active component, the support is ZrO2prepd. by hydrolysing a tetra-alkyl ortho-zirconate.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has good activity.
Stationary container (10) for keeping solids in suspension in a liq. by causing forced circulation, has an upper part of the container wall (11) shaped to guide the liq. flow along a downwardly curved path.    Also claimed are:(a) a method of keeping solids in suspension in a liq. which comprises either making the suspension flow in a circulatory path about a non- vertical axis, following a downward curve along part of the path, or flowing the solids and liq. together along a circulatory path about a non-vertical axis, so that the suspension remains homogeneous;(b) a container for mixts. of liqs. and solids, having either a partition from the bottom to the mid region and a smoothly, continuously curved upper wall to divert an upward flow outwardly and downwardly in a smooth circulatory movement, or a curved lower surface with an intermediate cusp, and(c) a method of making a slurry container which comprises folding opposite edges of a rectangular sheet about parallel fold lines, bending the sheet opposite to the folding to form a continuously curved container wall and fitting end walls to close the container.    USE -   The device can be used for fermenting slurries, e.g. from animal manure.    ADVANTAGE -   Solids are kept in suspension with lower energy input and cost than current methods. Suspension effectiveness is maintained for a wide range of solids, mfr. is simpler and cheaper, running is economical and performance is reliable over long periods.
A process for cleaning soil, containing DDT-type contaminants and a population of viable aerobic/anaerobic microbes capable of transforming DDT-type contaminants into harmless materials and being viable under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, comprises:    (a) forming a degradation zone comprising the soil;    (b) maintaining the zone at a temperature of 15-37 C and maintaining the degradation zone microbes population counts of 105 cfu/g anaerobic and aerobic bacteria;    (c) supersaturating the degradation zone with water;    (d) rendering the zone anaerobic;    (e) maintaining the zone supersaturated with water and at a redox potential level below negative 200 mV until a significant amt of DDT type contaminants is degraded;    (f) oxygenating the zone to render it aerobic;    (g) maintaining the zone at a redox potential level above positive 100 mV until a significant amount of DDT type contaminants is degraded, and    (h) repeating steps (c) through (g).    Advantage - DDT is converted into harmless materials and the soil can be decontaminated to the extent desired.
Decontamination of soil contg. DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethane) type contaminants and populations of viable anaerobic and aerobic microbes capable of transforming the contaminants into harmless materials and viable under anaerobic and aerobic conditions comprises: (a) admixing the soil with amendment material to form a solid compost mixt. contg. organic nutrient materials; (b) composting the soil while maintaining the temp. of the mixt. at 20-65 C and the water content at 40-100% WHC; (c) during the composting maintaining the redox potential of the mixt. below -200 mV until a significant amt. of DDT-type contaminants is degraded, and (d) oxygenating the mixt. to increase the redox potential of the mixt. to above +100 mV and maintaining the redox potential at above +100 mV until a significant amt. of DDT type contaminants is degraded.    USE -   The process is used for partially decontaminating or completely remediating soil and/or sediments to produce harmless materials.
The method involves incinerating garbage in garbage incinerator under limited value of combustion air. After the generated exhaust gas is cooled and carbon content component is solidified, the scattered ashes containing carbon content component are collected by a dust collection device.    The scattered ash is then pressurized to form massive fuel blocks.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables using waste from incineration as effective resource.
The process comprises: (1) pulverising combustible wastes; (2) prim. drying the obtd. powder; (3) moulding into solid fuel; and (4) sec. drying the obtd. solid fuel by utilising the exhaust heat obtd. from the prim. drying.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid fuel can be mfd. at low cost.
The process comprises impregnating bean curd refuse with an alkali metal cpd. to carbonise it.    ADVANTAGE -   The activated carbon can be mfd. efficiently at a low cost by utilising a by-product obtd. on mfr. of bean curd.
The refrigerant compsn. is composed of an azeotrope composed of 88-71 wt.% of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 12-29 wt.% of isobutane.    USE -   For refrigerators.    ADVANTAGE -   The refrigerant compsn. is not harmful to the ozone layer.
The refrigerant compsn. composed of an azeotrope composed of 70-90 wt.% of 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and 30-10 wt.% of isobutane.    USE -   For refrigerators.    ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is not harmful to the ozone layer.
A mixed working fluid comprises 10-90 wt.% trifluoroiodomethane and 5-70 wt.% propane and/or up to 75 wt.% isobutane and also a lubricant excepting an ester oil.    USE -   The refrigerating cycle appts includes refrigerator, freezing appts., etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The mixed working fluid can be used in a conventional refrigerating cycle appts., as it is and slightly effects to the ozone layer, and earth warming and is fire retardant.
A modifier comprises:    (i) a burner (4) arranged at the inner side part of a modified pipe (8); and    (ii) a heating medium (41) to heat a catalyst layer (6) fed to the inner peripheral surface side of an inner cylinder body and the outer peripheral surface side of an outer cylinder body.    By effecting steam modification of hydrocarbon raw fuel by a catalyst layer (6) heated by a heating medium (41), the hydrocarbon raw fuel is modified into modified gas abundant in hydrogen.    A device (2) for pressurisation is formed so the size in the direction of width in the radial direction of a modified pipe is adjustable to a distance size between adjoining cylinder bodies to partition the inner and outer peripheries of the catalyst layer (6) from each other.    The adjoining devices (2,2) are intercoupled at a pressurising portion in such a state to mutually have the deg. of freedom.    USE -   Used as a fuel modifier.    ADVANTAGE -   As a portion pressurised by a device for pressurisation is additionally functioned as a closing plate, the fuel modifier eliminates the closing plate.
Device comprises fermentation decomposition tank (8); garbage charge port (11) formed in upper part of fermentation decomposition rank (8); cover (12) to open and close the charge port (11); agitator (14) in fermentation decomposition tank (8); rotation device (15) to rotate agitating device (14); microorganism carrier (10) wit which fermentation decomposition tank (8) is filled; feed and exhaust passage (18) formed separately from fermentation decomposition tank (8); blast device (17) arranged in feed exhaust passage (18); ventilating device (21) connected to feed exhaust passage (18) to ventilate interior of fermentation decomposition tank (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Drying of microorganism carrier, excess moisture content, decrease in temp., and wear do not occur.
Agitating and grinding-down blade shaft (7) is arranged inside a fermentation tank (1) and formed so that it is driven by a motor (3). Support shaft (10) rotatably supporting the fermentation tank (1) in central position between the blade shaft (7) and the motor (3), is also included. Support shaft (11) is supported b leg poles (11). Exhaust fan (12) connected to the fermentation tank (1) is attached to a deodorising appts. (1) and a ventilation device connected to external air through deodoriser (14) are arranged at outer frame (2) of fermentation tank (1). Blade shaft (7) of sprocket (8) is driven chain (6) through sprocket (5) of motor shaft (4) by motor (3) arranged at outer frame (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Since there is no need for pretreatment device for grinding-down, entire device is simplified and made compact.
Garbage is mixed with fermentation bacteria and sawdust or activated carbon and ground then raked at 40-50 deg.C to form compost (A). Pref. garbage is mixed with (A) and fermented at 40-50 deg.C to form (A). (3) Alternatively little part of (A) is left in fermentation bath then fresh garbage is added and obtd. mixt. fermented at 40-50 deg.C to form compost. Cross-section of the fermentation device has (1) as a fermentation bath, (2) a casing, (12) is exhaust fan, and (14) is a deodoriser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating garbage. Method treats garbage in short time of low cost.
Breather is attached fermenting substance sealing container in which garbage is charged and causes pressure difference between the inside and the outside. In the breather, communication hole (5) is formed in breather body (2) and porous filter (13) partitions communication hole (5) and is gas permeable but liquid-impermeable. Water repellent treatment is applied to filter (13). First and second filters (13,14) are arranged in recessed part (6) of opening on rear (8) side of communication hole (2). Second filter (16) formed from porous material which is liquid-impermeable to e.g. water and oil, but gas-permeable and has holes size 1 micron. The first filter (13) is formed from porous material treated to avoid passage of miscellaneous germs.    ADVANTAGE -   Penetration of unnecessary moisture content in fermented substance sealing container does not occur.
Two flat boards are arranged facing up and down and disposing space, and are rotated by driving mechanism. Partition board is arranged between the two boards. Flow of foams is formed in centrifugal direction by the boards and the partition board. Flow pathway is successively narrowed along centrifugal direction and downwards. In the flow pathway, collision component is arranged to disturb the flow of the foam.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in night soil treatment plant, waste water processing plant, or fermentation plant. Liq. exhausted from pathway is jetted downwards obliquely and foam stored under the machine, are defoamed effectively.
Fermentation of waste material uses a large-dia. tube (1) with inner welded partitions (3) and inclined vanes which link them, forming cells of small capacity. As the tube rotates, the waste material drops from the cells successively over a height of &gt; 2 m onto deflectors so that any lumps are broken up. Air and water feeds (6, 7) create a favourable medium for the development of bacteria, promoting a rise in temp. to &gt; 80 C, in which pathogenic germs are destroyed. The water feeds are contained in an upper beam and are controlled automatically by electrically-operated valves connected to a moisture sensor inside the tube. The temp. of the air feed is governed by a temp. sensor and the tube is rotated by variable-speed pneumatic friction tyres (filled with nitrogen or water, depending on the geographical situation) and a redn. gear system which turns it at 4-12 revolutions/hr.    ADVANTAGE -   The device provides improved conditions for accelerating the fermentation and composting of materials.
A compost maker, which is self contained and mobile, consists of a rotary cylindrical container (I) which is mounted at an angle on two rollers (4) which are turned by a wind rotor (II) through a low gear transmission system (III). The rollers which support and turn the container are set on a frame (IV) which has wheels (13) at one end to allow it to be moved. The container is filled through an opening (3) at its upper end, equipped with spiral guide (3), and its surface is in the form of a mesh or has perforations which allow small particles of composted material to pass through it into a collecting trough (V) below.    USE -   The device is useful for composting organic domestic and garden waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The wind rotor and gearing ensure a slow and intermittent rotation of the cylinder, alternating with phases of fermentation and oxygenation.
A clamping arrangement for a corner connection, esp. for compost silos, consists of nut and bolt units located at corners of wooden slat sections. The silo consists of wooden or plastic or metal slots. The clamping arrangement can also be used for corner connections in e.g. furniture such as tables, chairs, or in other wooden constructions. The bolt passes through two triangular slot members.    The arrangement can be used to clamp together corners, e.g. in compost silos or other constructions.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. allows the connection to be released as required.
In a mechanical-biological assembly for the intermediate treatment of refuse, the novelty is that: (a) there is a combination of a separation press (5) and a subsequent fermentation unit (7); (b) means are provided to supply the combustible fraction from the press outlet to an incineration installation (6).    A unit for the thermal concn. or evapn. of the liq. portion of the fermentation prod. may be arranged downstream of the fermentation unit. Part of the liq. may be recycled to the inlet of the fermentation unit.    A chemical-biological waste water treatment unit may be arranged downstream of the fermentation unit. A separator may be arranged between the fermentation unit and the evaporator to separate solids from water. A composting unit may be arranged downstream of the separator and evaporator.    A bio-heat utilisation plant may be arranged after the fermentation unit in which heat and current are generated.    USE -   The assembly applies combined mechanical and biological treatment to municipal refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly improves the quality of the biological fraction enhancing the energy yield in both the ecological and economical respects. The assembly may be used for cleaning up existing open tips.
A process and assembly determine the condition of organic waste matter which has been composted in a force-ventilated closed container. The novelty is that: (a) the organic waste (2) is placed in a vessel which is then evacuated; (b) the pressure difference between the inner vessel (5) and ambient air pressure is measured at intervals or continually; (c) the vessel (1) is evacuated until a given pressure is reached which is signalled by the evaporation of water; (d) the heat energy required to evaporate the water is supplied to the vessel (1); (e) a suitable vessel (1) has an air-tight vacuum seal, incorporates a vacuum pump (4), a vacuum pressure gauge (5) and a heater (6, 7, 8).    USE -   The condition of the organic waste can be determined from the pressure difference, which reveals the amount of residual water, which thus acts as a guide to its condition and degree of stability.    ADVANTAGE -   The process can be discontinued as soon as the required degree of composting break-down has been attained.
An assembly stores liquid organic substances such as farm slurry and the resulting gas, and consists of a varying-volume gas holder fitted with a slurry inlet and outlet, and a gas inlet and outlet.    The novelty is that:    (a) the lower part of the structure is a cylindrical vessel (1) and    (b) the upper part consists of an elastic membrane cap (2) forming a gas-tight seal with the vessel (1) and a disc (3) which rises and falls on a central guide-tube (5) held down by a weight (6).    USE -   The assembly is a combined storage unit for farm animal slurry and the associated biogas. The assembly also stores gas produced in adjacent units and captures residual gas arising from slurry.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is cheap to make and install. It can be installed in the open to reduce the risk of explosion, and is easy to operate and maintain. The gasholder is large enough to hold enough gas as fuel for the continual supply of e.g. a motor.
Gasification of low value fuels to produce gases contg. carbon monoxide and hydrogen comprises pyrolysing the fuels with moving bed gasification using lumpy, low calorific fuel. The novelty is that moving bed gasification is carried out counter currently to a pyrolysis coke derived from a pyrolysis stack, which divides gasifying gas at the upper end of the shaft. A part is removed as the impellent gas and reused, another part flows over into the stack which heats and pyrolyses low calorific fuel. The part of the gasifying gas flowing into the stack is removed from the stack together with the volatile pyrolysis products as circulating gas, and reacted with oxidant contg. free oxygen in a reaction chamber by combustion and gasification. The reaction gas formed is recycled as gasification agent to the pyrolysis stack. An appts. for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE -   The process is used to gasify low value fuels, such as straw, wood, grass, leaves, plants, household waste, communal and industrial slurries, residues from organic parts such as cables, used cars, electronic scrap, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Low calorific fuels, which could be charged with toxic components, can be processed to lumpy flowable materials which are harmless, and which can be processed into solids that are easy to dispose of.
The liquid fuel, esp a household fuel of waste industrial solvent contains coarse methyl alcohol as main raw material, carbon black, smoke- eliminating agent, C-5-9, emulsifier, dope, methane, KMnO4, industrial alcohol, sulphurized glycerin e, methyl benzene, formaldehyde and water vapor, and has a thermal value of 6500-7000 Kcal/ kg.
The new method using composite bacteria including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Paracoccus denitrificane, Edwardsiclla tarda and Peptococcus anacrobius can reduce the six-valence chromium in electroplating waste water into three-valence chromium , which settles down in the form of chromium hydroxide and may be recovered via simple chemical and physical process. Thus, water is purified.
New nucleic acid (I) encoding a protein (P), present in plant cells in both soluble form and bound to starch granules, (a) encodes a 1464 amino acid (aa) of (P) reproduced in the specification; (b) includes the coding region of a 4856 bp sequence reproduced in the specification; (c) can hybridise with (a) or (b); (d) is degenerate, within the genetic code, with (a)-(c) or (e) is a fragment, deriv. or allelic variant of (a)-(d).    Also claimed are: (1) DNA (II) encoding RNA that is antisense to a (I) transcript, has ribozyme activity on this transcript or which when expressed in a plant cell reduces expression of (I) by a co-suppressant effect; (2) nucleic acid fragments (III) of at least 15 nucleotides that hybridise specifically with (I); (3) plants contg. cells contg. (I) or (II); and (4) starch obtained from these plants.    USE -   Host cells contg. (I) are used to produce (P) which is an enzyme that, when expressed in E. coli, causes increased level of phosphorylation of glycogen. Generally, the transgenic plants produce starch with altered chemical or physical properties, esp. altered viscosity, level of phosphorylation and/or reduced release of reducing sugars at low temp. In particular, potato tubers from plants in which (P) expression is inhibited have reduced sweetening after exposure to cold. Starches from plants with inhibited expression of (P) show very little change in viscosity during cooking or cooling and are useful e.g. as films and foils for packaging (replacement for petroleum-based polymers), for encapsulation of vitamins, flavourings, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, pesticides etc. and as chiral material for enantiomeric separation. (III) are used as primers, probes and as (II) (i.e. to encode antisense RNA).
The spark ignition internal combustion engine is operated by vaporising a liquid mixt. to give a gaseous fuel comprising 10-30 wt.% dimethyl ether and 90-70 wt.% propane, passing air and the gaseous fuel to the engine cylinder and igniting the fuel with a spark.    Also claimed is a fuel compsn. comprising 10-70 wt.% dimethyl ether and 90-30 wt.% propane and its use in fuelling a spark ignition engine.    USE -   Used in the converted gasoline engine of a truck, bus or automobile.    ADVANTAGE -   On combustion the fuel gives less CO and unburned hydrocarbons than 100% propane. The mixt. has a lower vapour pressure than propane and is therefore relatively easy to liquefy and transport.
The converter of litter dung into fertiliser and biogas comprises a methane tank with a gas line, an air blower or a fan with air lines, and a loading and offloading grab (18). The tank has a removable cover (6) accommodated by grooves (5) filled with water, and a removable press plate (19) supplementing supports (9) and gratings (10).    USE -   The device is used in oxygen saturation of the feed stock.    ADVANTAGE -   Optimised cyclic operation is achieved.
The generating plant comprises an external anaerobic chamber (3) and an internal aerobic treatment chamber (2). The internal chamber (1) has a biomass charging branch pipe (3) with a lid (4), a biomass discharge branch pipe with a cock (5), a mechanical blade mixer (7), a biogas outlet branch pipe (8) with a valve (9) and thermal insulation (10). The internal chamber (2) has a biomass charging port (11) and a lid (12), an aerated biomass discharging port (13) with a lid (14), an air supply pipe (15) and a circular grid (16) set in the internal chamber (2) lower part. The internal chamber (2) lower part is connected to an air pump (18) via an air supply pipe (15) and a flexible hose (17).    USE -   The biogas generating plant is used in agriculture.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy losses produced by an external electric supply are reduced.
Holes for passing gas and cooling water through are opened partially on a flat gasket which is placed to seal the gas and cooling water between each cell of a laminate type fuel battery.    USE -   The gasket can change flowing and flow direction of gas and cooling water through each cell without using a special plate.
Plate of a bis(maleimide)-triazine cpd. having lower viscosity is impregnated into a gas permeability C plate which is machined to a required shape, has 1.8 bulk density and is sintered at lower temp. to give no gas permeability to all or part of the plate.    USE -   The plate is suitable for various fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The plate is easily machined, has no leakage of gas at high pressure since there is no shrinkage at processing and is produced at lower cost.
Solid fuel is produced by introducing crushed urban refuse into a dryer and forming dried refuse powders into solid fuel pieces. Part of the powder is introduced into a carbonising furnace to generate carbonised gas as the fuel for the furnace.    ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. costs can be reduced.
Waste disposal device for a domestic applications has the periphery of a fermentation tank (15) surrounded with an outer frame (16). An agitating claw shaft (17) is horizontally inserted through the central part of the fermentation tank (15). By rotating the agitating claw shaft (17), filled with claws in the fermentation tank (15), agitation is effected. The fermentation tank (15) is rotatably supported on the agitating claw shaft (17) and during discharge of contents, the charge port of the fermentation tank (15) is rotated to below. A motor (20) to drive the agitating claw shaft (17) is integrally arranged obliquely at the front of the bottom of the fermentation tank (15).    ADVANTAGE -   Force in counterclockwise direction is exerted so that upright position is easily maintained.
The device laminates a resin film (2) on a metal strip (1) by bonding rolls. The periphery of the bonding portion is surrounded by a seal box (4) while providing a unit for controlling a vol. ratio of a gas excluding air with molecular weight less than 44 to higher than 50% while controlling the inside pressure to 50 - 750 torr in the seal box.    USE -   For laminating a resin film on a metal strip.    ADVANTAGE -   Environmental contamination caused by coating soln. for a coating process, baking process, etc., is prevented while eliminating soln. volatilisation energy consumption.
Waste disposal device comprises quenching treatment layers (5a,5b,5c) comprising at least one layer to decompose and quench solid waste, a foreign material removing layer (5d) to remove foreign material remaining in the quenching treatment layers and a treatment agent recovery layer (5e) arranged in a vertical direction. A bio type decompsn. treatment material (8) is fed from a biostocker (9) to the quenching layers. The bio type decompsn. treatment agent (8) and solid waste are agitated together by an agitator (15) to effect quenching disposal of waste. Foreign material such as sticks and a non-decomposing and quenching solid waste are removed by first and second foreign material separators (29a,29b) and discharged to first and second recovery boxes. The bio type decompsn. treatment agent (8) is transferred to the quenching treatment layer through a circulation feed passage to interconnect the treatment material recovering layer (5e) and the quenching disposal layer and can be reused.    ADVANTAGE -   Decompsn. disposal capacity for waste is improved.
A membrane element(I) is used in an electrochemical cell with a first zone for introduction of O2 and a second zone. The zones are sepd. by (I) which has first and second surfaces which conduct O2 between each other and also has a catalyst exposed to the first zone at least.    An electrochemical reactor for sepn. of O2 from an O2-contg. gas having a cell which includes (I) is also claimed.    Further claimed are solid multicomponent membranes comprising intimate, gas pervious, multiphase mixts. of an electronically conductive phase and/or gas impervious single phase mixed metal oxides with perovskite structure and having both electron conductive and O2 ion conductive properties.    A porous support is provided for (I). Catalyst is an electrically conductive coating in the form of a thin film on at least the first surface of (I). At least one of the surfaces of (I) is formulated or coated with a metal, metal oxide or perovskite which is stable towards gases contacted therewith. Cr or a lanthanide are esp used. The catalyst includes platinum and minimises formation of carbon deposits.    USE -   Cells contg. (I) are used to oxidise CH4, natural gas , light or unsaturated hydrocarbons to synthesis gas, to catalytically react an aromatic cpd. with a H2 contg. cpd. to form a substituted aromatic cpd. or to extract O2 from an O2 contg. gas or from SO2, SO3, N2O, NO or NO2 or are used in the cleanup of flue or exhaust gases or can be used to oxidise CH4 and NH3 to HCN.
Compost is produced from fermentable material using a porous carbonaceous support material in a heap. Fresh fermentable material is added to the heap in relatively small quantities at intervals and mixed in with the existing material.    USE -   The method can be used for the prodn. of compost from fermentable organic waste such as domestic or garden wastes, industrial or urban muds of various consistencies or agricultural effluents including slurry and animal droppings.    ADVANTAGE -   Mixing relatively small amts. of fresh material with partially composted substrate means liq. material can be added, but an open structure is still maintained within the heap.
A bag for compostable biological waste, esp. kitchen waste, comprises: (i) a film tube section or a film material with at least one of its edges (4) welded; (ii) a tongue (3); and (iii) a closure (20). The bag consists of a biologically degradeable film material, and is cushion shaped when full.    USE -   The bag can be used for compostable biological waste, esp. kitchen waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The bag prevents smells from forming and is compact.
Small-scale water treatment plant processes water discharged from residential buildings and comprises a settlement tank with a pump which circulates and aerates waste water, a pump to remove clear water and an automatic level-control system controlling the circulation system and pump. The novelty is that: (a) the system incorporates a pre-settling tank (2) and a pre-storage holding tank (4); (b) the aeration and recirculation within the settling tank (7) are effected as required by a combined assembly (7) or separate assembly, and (c) the assembly may also be fitted with a storage vessel for clear water, a water disinfection assembly and a drinking water extractor. The pre-settling and pre-storage holding tanks accumulate their charge before commencement of the process and transfer of water effluent from the pre-storage holding tank to the settling tank is only possible during the aeration phase.    USE -   By sepg. the aeration and settlement phases, the settling tank becomes a combined aeration tank and supplementary settlement tank. All processes within the assembly are triggered by a level-controlled automatic assembly.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly is capable of efficient, intermittent operation under a sharply varying effluent load.
The normal-temp. extraction testing method of DHA in digested slurry features use of redox dye TTC as final hydrogen acceptor, Na2SO3 as deoxidizing agent, formaldehyde as biochemical reaction stopper and acetone as extractant. Its advantages include good reproducibility, high correctness and easy operation.
Prepn. of multicarbon hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide comprises heating the carbon dioxide with syn gas at elevated temp. to produce carbon monoxide and water as feed to the metal catalysed reaction.    Also claimed are four processes for the prodn. of multicarbon hydrocarbons from mixt. of hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases or natural gas.    USE -   The processes are used in the prodn. of higher hydrocarbons from syn gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat produced in the exothermic partial oxidn. balances the heat needed in the endothermic reaction between carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Very little, if any, natural gas is burned to supply the heat.
A system and process for treating organic wastes or waste water from a plant in a bioreactor (6). This is a tank holding a biomass mixture of the organic wastes and efficient organic degrading and cannibalising microorganisms. These degrade any hazardous constituents of the waste and convert organic biomass into liquids, liquid solubles and gases. The system also includes a solid/liquid separator (8) to which a portion of the biomass mixture from the bioreactor is transferred via a line (7). Separated solids are returned via a line (9) to the bioreactor. Also claimed is a system further comprising a second bioreactor in a treatment train.    USE -   The system treats organic hazardous wastes from plants, e.g. petroleum oil refineries, petrochemical and chemical processing facilities, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and also the wastes from such plants wastewater treatment facilities. The wastes include hydrocarbon sludges, chlorinated hydrocarbons, DAF float or sludge, API separator sludge and RCRA listed wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   The system converts the hazardous organics into inert material for extensive periods of operation without the need for solids removal and external solids treatment or disposal.
Organic acid fermentation tank which can increase the efficiency of organic acid prodn. and can control the compsn. of organic acids such as high density butyric acid, acetic acid and propionic acid comprises the use of an immobilised, butyric acid-producing fungus combined with the methane fermentation tank for treating the sewage water. Sodium alginate is used as the carrier for the fungus which is immobilised by dropping the fungus-contg. sodium alginate in 3-7% calcium chloride soln.
The method involves compressing a raw material gas using a compressor (2). The compressed gas is fed to a first blower (11). The gas from the blower which is diverged into a first piping (53) is cooled in a cooling pipe (24) of a heat exchanger (15). The gas from the cooling pipe is fed into a first expansion turbine (9) which performs an expansion temperature drop and introduces it to the heat exchanger as a cooling source. The gas used as the cooling source is re-compressed by the compressor. The compressed gas from the first blower which is diverged into a second piping (52) is fed to a second blower (10). The gas diverged from the second blower to a third piping (55) is cooled in a liquefaction pipe (16) of the heat exchanger.    The gas diverged from the second blower into a fourth piping (56) is cooled using a freezer (59) and is fed into the liquefaction pipe. The gas output from the liquefaction pipe is fed into a second expansion turbine (8) which performs the expansion temperature drop and feeds it into the heat exchanger as the cooling source which is fed to the compressor for re-compression. The gas cooled below a critical temperature in the liquefaction pipe is expanded using an expansion value and is sent out as a liquefied gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces power consumption.
The structure has a pit main body (1) at outer surface of which, a draining pit (2) is provided. A heater (3) is arranged inside the draining pit.    The garbage containing moisture is stored in the pit main body.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables to dry wastage efficiently. Obtains effective dried wastage used as fuel. Simplifies installation structure. Decreases amount of fuel usage for drying wastage.
A fermentation-promoting deodorant consists of fine particles of a 0.5-to-8.0 micron average particle size of microorganism adsorbed by a deodorant powder which particles are packed in a soft plastic container having a nozzle with a cap at the tip.    The deodorant typically consists of fermentation-promoting aerobic microorganisms adsorbed with a porous deodorant powder, such as zeolite or activated charcoal. The amt of the deodorant sprayed through twice or three-time spraying is typically 1-2 g, and a container contg 300 g of the deodorant allows 150 times of use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The deodorant is scattered on a garbage to obtain a compost. The deodorant permits easy and uniform scattering, promoted fermentation even in a small amt used, deodorises durably and economic.
Prepn of an organic fertiliser uses stock waste and/or activated sludge as raw material for fermentation. It comprises adjusting the water content of the raw material to 55-65 wt%, the pH to 7.0-8.5 an the C/N ratio to up to 20 and addn of 25-50 wt%, based on the dry wt as wheat bran, of a fermentation auxiliary comprising wheat bran or a mixt based on the bran to the 100 pts wt of the raw material and fermenting the mixt. Pref the adjustment of the water content, pH and the C/N ratio are carried out with a fermented prod of a C/N ratio of up to 20 and/or a mineral. Pref the wheat bran mixt is based on the bran and contains one or a mixt of calcium hydroxide, effective microorganisms, humic acid and minerals. Also claimed is the organic fertiliser obtd.    ADVANTAGE -   Method provides high-quality quick-acting fertiliser easily and economically in a short period without special equipment, with controlled emission of odour during prepn. The auxiliary promotes the fermentation further.
High speed vacuum composting of organic waste comprises (I) decreasing water content of organic waste down to suitable value for fermentation by drying in vacuum; and (II) fermenting when their water content reaches set value in warm air flow under 1 atmos., pressure with high temp. fermentation bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is able to produce compost from organic waste within 24 hrs. continuously.    In an example, in schematic diagram of the facilities (1) is a fermentation tank (2) is a mixer's blade, (13) is a drain tank, (and (14) is vacuum pump 400 kg. of organic waste produced in prodn. process of (Tofu) was mixed with 40g. of soil bacteria in fermentation tank by rotating mixer at 2 rpm. then tank evacuated down to 100mm Hg and heated up to 50-55C. for 7.5 hrs. pressure inside tank increased up to 1 atmos. pressure and waste was kept on mixing holding its temp. to 75C. after 7 hrs. fermentation 78kg. (water content = 8%) of compost was obtd..
Bag (A) for disposal of waste has a bag body (1). The bag body (1) has through-holes (2) formed in a bottom part. The size of the through-hole (2), is set to a value at which a fine substance, such as a grain of boiled rice, of waste does not pass. A string-through part (3) formed in a bag-form shape throughout a whole periphery is formed on a port edge part on the upper edge of the bag body (1). Two loop-form throttle strings (4) are arranged in a double level at the upper and lower parts of the string-through part (3). The ends of both sides of two throttle strings (4) are inserted through the respective insertion holes (30) formed in the ends on both sides of the string-through parts (3), and each string (40) is tied at the outside of the insertion hole (30) to form the string in a loop-form shape.    ADVANTAGE -   A throttle port throttled by one string and a throttle port throttled by the other string are not superposed but displaced from each other, so that a closing effect is increased. Waste is rapidly fermented.
Waste disposal device mfd by blow moulding has a periphery of a fermentation tank (15) covered with an outer frame (16). An agitating claw shaft (17) is horizontally inserted in the central part of the fermentation tank (15) and the agitating claw shaft (17) is rotated in the fermentation tank (15). The fermentation tank (15) is rotatably supported on the agitating claw shaft (17). During discharge of contents the charge port of the fermentation tank (15) is rotatable below. The outer frame (16) is vertically divided in the axial position of the agitating claw shaft (17). The fermentation tank (15) is formed so that an outer tank (15b) and an inner tank (15c) are integrally moulded through blow moulding and the blow-moulded prod is divided into two sections to form a double tank where the inner tank is mounted in the outer tank. Ribs (44) for rigidity are formed on the outer tank.    ADVANTAGE -   A fermentation tank having sufficient strength is easily mfd through blow moulding.
Waste disposal device comprises a tank (1) to dispose charged waste by a decomposing medium and decompose and dispose the waste by aerobic bacteria; and a system (10) to exhaust decomposed gas generated in the tank (1) to the outside. A deodorising device for the waste disposing device comprising a deodorising unit (13) disposed in the exhaust system (10) and adsorbing and deodorising a smell in decomposition gas. Heating regeneration operation of the deodorising device (13) by a heater (16) is executed within a first given time starting from charge of the waste or after a lapse of a second given time longer than the first given time. A point in time when the garbage is charged is decided by opening closing operation of the cover of the disposing tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Device is maintenance-free and high-efficient deodorisation is effected.
Device comprises a container (21), a unit (29, 30) for supplying air in the container, a stirring unit provided in the container and an odour sensor (32) provided in the container. Charged matters of animal materials or plant materials, carriers for breeding microorganisms, and the air supplied by the unit are stirred by the stirring unit and the charged matters are decomposed by activity of the high temperature aerobic microorganisms. Intensity of the odour in the container is detected by the odour sensor, the operation of the stirring unit is controlled according to variation of the intensity of the odour, and the stirring is continued so as to decompose the matter.    USE -   The device is used for biological decomposition of waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The process can be continued effectively without influence by the charged amount of the charged matters.
The combustion system consists of a culture tank (1) exposed to sunlight. Culture medium with nutrient salts are provided in the tank. Minute algae is produced in the tank. The grown up algae is mixed with a slurry fuel and water. The mixture is burnt in a combustor (6) with oxygen.     The vapour generated is fed to a steam turbine generator (8) for electric power generation. A gas clean up appts. is provided which removes NOxand sulphur oxide, alkali and halogenated compounds from the combustion gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Converts solar energy into electrical energy effectively.
The equipment is used for obtaining oxygen air 'D' with high density by separating nitrogen 'C' from an air 'B' using an air separator (26). The isolated nitrogen is heated to a high temperature by a heating tube (27C). The air containing high density oxygen is used as a combustion air, which serves a heat source in several indirect heating appts. (9a, 9b, 9c). Several combustion fire grates (7a, 7b, 7c) are arranged combining with the indirect heating appts..    The gas generated at the lower indirect heating appts. and the combustion fire grate rises and passes through the upper stage fire grates. Waste `A' on the upper stage fire grate is directly heated at that time. A carbonising gas is propelled and is made to contact the carbon in the waste in the combustion at upper most stage where it is pyrolysed.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces amount of rubbish and makes handling easy. Improves combustion gas generation rate and heat reuse efficiency. Enables processing various wastes. Decreases installation expense and maintenance expense.
Drying of bird droppings comprises mixing fresh droppings with droppings which have already been dried to make a mixture (M) which can be handled and is permeable to air; and placing the mixture in a drying vessel (E) supported on a base (7) which allows a drying airstream (A) to pass through it. The base includes components which can be moved to release the bed of droppings into the base of the vessel. The droppings can then be moved and mixed.    USE -   Drying of bird droppings from broiler houses, to produce a dry product which can be used as a fertiliser, being relatively innocuous.    ADVANTAGE -   Drying process is relatively simple to operate, cheap to install and efficient.
Supported catalyst (I), suitable for selective hydrogenation of C2H2 in hydrocarbon streams, is based on SiO2 and contains 0.001-1 wt.% Pd and 0.005-5 wt.% gp. I and/or II metal(s) as promoter. It is obtd. by impregnating a SiO2 support with a soln. contg. the promoter metal(s), drying, impregnating with a soln. contg. Pd, drying and calcining. Also claimed is a method of preparing (I).    USE -   (I) is used for catalytic hydrogenation of C2H2 in hydrocarbon streams, esp. in the presence of C2H4, and in a process for selective hydrogenation of C2H2 in the gas phase, esp. in a stream of C2H4 and C2H6 contg. 0.01-5 vol.% C2H2 (all claimed). It is esp. useful for hydrogenating C2H2 in streams from steam crackers, which contain mainly C2H4 and C2H6 with 0.01-5 vol.% C2H2 and are used in the mfr. of polyethylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Even small amts. of C2H2 in hydrocarbon streams are hydrogenated with high selectivity, without addn. of CO.
A process for chemical reactant modification by microbes, comprises: (i) providing a particulate material comprising a carrier with microbes attached dispersed in a fluid where the material has a specific gravity less than that of the fluid; (ii) establishing a flow of the reactant through the material; and (iii) contacting the flow with the microbes for a time sufficient to chemically modify the reactant. When the microbes are anaerobic the material has an operating interfacial surface area of 2000-240000 m2/m3 particulate material. When the microbes are aerobic the material has an operating interfacial surface area of 1000-30000 m2/m3 reactor vol.    USE -   For chemical modification of reactants using microbes, e.g. for treating sewage, ground water toxins, and nitrifying and denitrifying the water used in aquaculture fish prodn.    ADVANTAGE -   The process permits efficient and rapid modification of a variety of reactants. Hydraulic retention times as short as several minutes are possible in sewage applications. Organisms with relatively low biochemical conversion rates can be used. Head loss through the bed, suspended solids management and biofilm management can be optimised.
Petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) and halogenated organic solvents (HOS) are thermally biodegraded by: (a) promoting the growth of thermophilic bacteria (TB); and (b) contacting the TB with PH or HOS in a contaminated environment under thermal conditions.    Thermus aquaticus and Thermus sp., a sulphate-reducing consortia derived from a hot oil reservoir sample, or other TB of appropriate activity are preferred bacteria.    The TB is pre-grown to a density of 1-2 g dry wt per litre medium in a bioreactor, using e.g. tryptone as primary carbon source, and then injected into the preheated contaminated subsurface; the medium may be supplemented with a bio-degradative inducer carbon source, e.g. catechol or o-cresol. Nutrients, cofactors and electron acceptors are co-injected with the TB to expand the inoculum in situ. Bioremediation takes place at 45-75C.    USE -   The method is of use for in situ clean up of environmental contamination resulting from fuel leaks. The PH is esp. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or m-, o- or p-xylene. The method may be used after preliminary in situ dynamic underground stripping.
A microporous carbon absorbent material (I) containing a metal component (M), which is suitable for storage of light gases, has uniform pore distribution in range 4-15 Angstrom and high surface area; (I) is further defined as either (Ia) having micropores comprising at least 50% of the surface area, or (Ib) being the product of pyrolysis of a crystalline aromatic sulphonate (II) or a non-porous polymeric salt (III) containing (M). Method of prepn. is claimed.    USE -   (I) is of use for storing light fuel gases, e.g. methane or hydrogen, or as catalyst support; storage also of tetrafluorocarbon and sulphur hexafluoride is exemplified.
A microporous carbon absorbent material (I) suitable for use as a storage medium for light gases has a uniform pore size distribution in range 4-15 A and high surface area. (I) is further defined as (Ia) having micropores comprising at least 50% of the surface area, or (Ib) having mercury density 0.5-1.0 gm/cm3and being the product of pyrolysis of a non-porous crystalline aromatic sulphonate (II) or non-porous polymeric salt (III). Further claimed is a method of producing (Ib).    USE -   (I) is of use for storing methane or hydrogen, or as a catalyst support.
Absorbing and decontaminating an organic chemical spill comprises:(a) partially composting plant material;(b) mixing 80% partially composted material with 20% dry plant material;(c) inoculating the mixt with 50-100 ppm wt. of an organic cpd selected from residues of ethylene glycol, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, trichloroethylene, methylene chloride and/or petroleum fuel hydrocarbons to form an absorbent;(d) mixing the absorbent with 20-40 vol.% spilled organic chemical;(e) adding water;(f) adding an aq. mixt. of a nitrate salt and a phosphate salt, and(g) allowing the mixt. to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temp until the chemical spill is neutralised.    USE -   The method is esp. useful for the bioremediation of unwanted chemical substances such as petroleum hydrocarbons, residues of DDT, dieldrin and toxaphene as well as other aliphatic/aromatic cpds. which have been spilled onto the ground, esp agricultural fields.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides more rapid spill clean up than prior art. The compost contains microorganisms capable of digesting the spilled chemical and no microorganisms antagonistic to the contaminant digesting microorganisms.
The tank has a body (1) with acid (2,3,4) and alkali (5,6,7) fermenting chambers, silt water collector (8) and biogas collectors (9,10), methanisation chamber made as vertical shaft (11) with transverse solid and meshed baffles (12,13), forming containers (14) connected to each other by overflow cups (15), packing (16) for immobilisation of micro-organisms, located in the containers, a pipes which connect the lower part of the methanisation chamber to the biogas collector and the chamber upper part to the silt water collector. The tank is also provided with an additional meshed baffle (22) located between the alkali fermentation chamber and the silt water collector, made as cloth of deforming material and can reciprocate, and a tray provided with perforated lid whose outlet openings are connected to the cloth surface.    The organic prod. is supplied in a liq. state to the separator (48) for large matter sepn. which is crushed in a crusher (47) and homogenised in a mixer (46) and is then supplied through heater at 32-36 C through pipe (35) to acid fermentation chambers (2, 3,4) where it is mixed by mixer (33). The soln. from the chamber (4) flows through pipes (34,36) to alkali fermentation chambers (5,6,7) where decomposition continues. The biogas is removed through pipes (18,19) and is directed through pipe (17) to the shaft (11). The silt water from collector (8) flows to the container (14).    USE -   The tank is used for biogas prodn. by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter produced by animals and birds.    ADVANTAGE -   The bio-gas prodn. is increased by ensuring complete silt sepn.
A bed used for the disposal of crude refuse is new.    Pref. the water content-regulating material has a water absorption magnification of 100-1000; constitutes fixing bed at 2-20 wt.%; has particles of a dia., 20 -1.0 mm, smaller than that of the microorganism-retaining material; and is formed, wholly or partly, of macromolecular gel of acrylic acid resin.    USE -   The fixing bed is useful for the disposal of crude refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   Due to the water-holding effect of the water content-regulating material, the fixing bed minimises fluctuations in water content, accelerates microorganic growth, and stably maintains the decomposing activity of microorganisms for a long time. With these properties, the fixing bed reduces the rise of decomposition, prevents the accumulation of non-decomposed organic matter, and avoids the emergence of offensive odour, propagation of insects, etc., and with further downsizing the disposing device.
Treatment comprise adding surfactant to soln. contg. oil to generate emulsion, adding pH controlling agent to generated emulsion to form pH controlled emulsion having neutral and weak alkaline pH value and treating the emulsion in a biochemical reactor by bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Load of the reactor can be reduced and oil component in the sludge can be decomposed completely.
Fermentation disposal appts. comprises a fermenter (101) to enclose microwaves while housing organic materials (102), an exhauster (104) for exhausting gas in the fermenter (101), a material temperature detecting unit (107) for detecting temperature of the materials (102) in the fermenter (101), and a microwave supply device (103) for supplying microwaves in the fermenter (101) to raise temperature of the materials (102). The temperature in the fermenter (101) is maintained at a temperature for fermentation of the organic materials (102) by supplying microwaves in the fermenter (101) according to a detected result of the material temperature detecting unit (107).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is used for disposal of organic waste such as leaves. Fermentation of the materials can be effected at high speed while eliminating stirring.
Disposal device has stirring wheels attached inclined to rotary shaft so that the wheels are staggered from each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Microbial waste decomposition can be done quickly.
Device to mfr. compost from refuse, comprises refuse storage tank (1); crusher (12) to crush bag contg. refuse; magnetic selector (3) to remove foreign matter such as metal; coarse screening machine (4) to remove fine foreign matter such as metal and plastic; drier (5) to dry refuse from which metal and plastic are removed; fine screening machine (6) to screen dried refuse from dried dust; fermentation tank (7) to ferment dried refuse and compost refuse; cracking machine (8) to crack granulated compost; screening machine (9) to screen compost; and curing storage tank (10) to cure compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Foreign substance is efficiently removed from refuse to mfr. good compost having reduced amt. of foreign substance.
Kitchen waste disposal appts. has a biological kitchen waste disposal unit (2) for disposal of kitchen waste by fermentation bacteria in a closed space (S) inside a house.    The closed space (S) is pref. formed under a sink (5) of a scullery (3) and a chute (6) of the biological kitchen waste disposal unit is opened and closed by a roof of the scullery.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is used in a cold district. Influence of variation of outside air temperature is reduced as compared with equipment placed in the open air and running cost is reduced by reducing heating time using a heater.
Waste disposal device comprises a waste disposal part (2) to effect fermentation disposal of waste; a predisposal part (3) sideways of the waste disposal part (2) and crushing and effecting dry disposal of waste; and an elevating traversing part (4) to laterally move waste in a position above the waste disposal part (2). The elevating traversing part (4) elevatably suspends and supports an elevation frame body (48), to which the predisposal part is attached, from a traversable elevation support machine frame (47) by an elevation drive mechanism. An auxiliary wire (90) is located between the elevation support machine frame (47) and the elevation body (48). A chain cut detecting device is arranged at the auxiliary chain (90). Based on a chain cut detecting result by the chain cut detecting device for elevation, the elevation drive mechanism is stopped.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste is automatically transferred and disposed.
Metallic components and incombustible matter, e.g. glass, sand and soil are removed from the crushed trash, and biologically treated by adding additives, heated and solidified to give the high density recycled prod..    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides high density solid to be used as a fuel.
The process uses animal manure ground in a hammer mill and pine bark previously milled in a hammer mill and mixed with urea. The mixt. is subjected to controlled composting for 6 months at around 100C under aerobic conditions and then left in heaps to cause fermentation and conditioning.
A method for thermal treatment of biological waste, is new. The waste is treated in a treatment drum which is heated to a temp. 121 C and the carbonisation temp. of the mixt. using a stream of hot gas. This temp. is maintained until the moisture content has dropped to 20%.    USE -   The process is used for the treatment of biological household waste, to reduce the amt. of landfill. Biological waste that is treated in this way can be used as carrier material for fast bed reactors to purify biological waste gases. It may also be used in cat litter, as a shock absorber in packaging, as a building material and as compost in agriculture or in gardening (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The method is economical and quick, cf. to composting, and the end prod. contains no pathogenic organisms.
In prepn. of a catalyst consisting of WC and an ion-conducting oxide, by heating a mixt. of WO3 and an ion-conducting oxide to high temps., there is added to a paste consisting of a cellulose-based binder and a conveyor for screen-printing pastes, or to WO3 , a polymer formed of C, H and O, sol. in the paste, the paste is mixed with a powder consisting of WO3and the ion-conducting oxide to form a screen-printing paste, and this paste is heated at 600-900 deg.C under a protective gas.    USE -   The catalyst is used in reforming processes (claimed), esp. in a high temp. fuel cell. WC anodes can also be produced.    ADVANTAGE -    The catalyst is less active than Ni, but sufficiently active for an easy reformation process. In the fuel cell, the operating temp. is little altered, evapn. of large amts. of water is avoided, and the reformation gas has a higher content of CH4.
Process for purifying the raw gas (mixture of semi-water gas and natural gas) for ammonia synthesis includes high-temp. conversion, low- temp. conversion, desulfurizing, carbonification, further desulfurizing and methanation, and features high purification effect, low cost and no copper ion pollution.
Non-azeotropic refrigerant compsn. comprising carbon dioxide, pentafluoroethane (R-125), propane and chlorodifluoromethane (R-22) is new. Also claimed are a heat transfer device contg. the refrigerant and its use in cooling and low temp. refrigeration (as replacement for refrigerant R-502).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher refrigerant capacity and less damaging to the atmosphere than chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants.
For collection of domestic organic waste households take waste in batches (2) to a collection point (10) from which it is taken in larger batches at intervals to a communal composting facility (17). Wood chips (5) are used as composting accelerator and each household places chips at the bottom of a batch collector in an amount equal to 10-35% of full capacity. Similarly, 10-35% of larger batch capacity is placed at the bottom of the collection point container so that most of the total accelerator used is added to the batches. The chips are pref. at least partly crushed and dried willow chips with max. moisture content 20%, most pref. 10-15%. Dry sphagnum peat in an amount of 40-60% of the amount of chips is pref. placed under the chips. The collection point container is pref. a readily compostable 100-300 litre paper sack, and domestic collection is in a paper or compostable plastic bag supplied complete with an accelerator layer and supported with the top open to allow evaporation.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic waste disposal is more hygienic, easier and involves less effort.
A miscible blend comprising: (a) an aromatic polyether sulphone contg. unit(s) of formula (1); (b) an aromatic polyimide (I) contg. unit(s) of formula (2) ;Ar" is (3); R is (4); (c) an aromatic polyimide (II) contg. unit(s) of formula (5); Ar is (6); R is (7).    USE -   The blend is useful for gas separation membranes useful in separation processes involving eg. H2, N2, CH4, CO, CO2, He and O2.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas separation membranes made from the blend have high permeability and selectivity.
Crude inert gas (10) contg. up to 5% O2 as an impurity is contacted with an inorganic oxidisable material under oxidising conditions to produce an O2 free inert gas (23),(24). This gas is recovered and the oxidised material is regenerated by exposure to a reducing gas at a temp. greater than 300 C.    USE -   Used for removing oxygen from crude inert gases e.g. N2, Ar, He, Ne or Xe which are used in, amongst others, metal treatments and manufacture and, various electronic industries.    ADVANTAGE -   The purification units can be made small.
An incinerating apparatus for firing the waste tyre, recycling the materials and filtering the exhaust gas, comprises (B) a feeder for continuously feeding the sliced waste tyre pieces to, (C) the incinerator for pyrolysing the tyre pieces and recovering the carbon from the pyrolysed tyre; (D) a cleaning device for cleaning the bunker-C oil and the dust contained in the exhaust gas and recovering the bunker-C oil; (E) a device for recombusting the inflammable exhaust gas passing through the cleaning device (D) and removing the air-pollution materials.
Fermentation chamber having an air injection nozzle and axially mounted a stirring axle of organic wastes is installed in a side of a stirrer. A driven sprocket is installed in a side of the stirring axle and rotated axially mounting support bearings are arranged in both sides. A duct is installed in side of stirring axle having a blower. Thermal sensor and a heater are connected to a temperature controller. A rotating pulley of a reduction gear drives the driven sprocket of the stirring axle by a belt.
The facility comprises a carbonisation furnace (1), means for heating material in the furnace (1), and an exhaust gas processor (5) for applying vapour-liquid separation to the exhaust gas generated by heating the material. The heating means is formed by a radiant tube burner (4) comprising a tube member (41) placed across the carbonisation furnace (1) and a burner placed at a heat inlet end (41a) side of the tube member (41) so as to face the inside of the tube member. A heat exhausting end (41b) of the tube member (41) is introduced to the outside of carbonisation furnace (1) and the exhaust heat in the tube member (41) is used as a heating source for refining the liquid sepd. by the exhaust gas processor (5).    USE -   The facility is suitable for processing, e.g., waste wood, wooden chips, sawdust, beer cake or livestock dung.    ADVANTAGE -   Dilution of combustible gas components in a carbonised gas generated accompanying the carbonisation process is prevented and combustible gas with a high calorific value is obtd..
A process for preparing foamable styrene polymer particles (X) is characterised in that 100 pts. wt. of a styrene monomer and 0.01-0.1 pt. wt. of Ca3 (PO4 )2 are dispersed in an aq. medium by the use of a dodecyl-phenyloxide diphosphate (salt) as a dispersing assistant and emulsion-polymerised to give polymer particles. The polymer particles are impregnated with a foaming agent, wherein the Ca3 (PO4 )2 is prepd. by the reaction of 1/0.8-1/1.2 mol ratio of Na3 PO4 and CaCl2.    USE -   (X) is used for packaging materials, building boards, heat insulator blocks, fish boxes, and fast food cups.    ADVANTAGE -   (X) contains little fine particles having dias. of &lt;0.5 mm and their prefoamed particles have moderate cell sizes which are controlled in a particle dia. range of 50-150m.
A reformer has a reforming chamber, in which reaction gas contg. hydrocarbons or alcohols is reformed into fuel gas contg. hydrogen. The reforming chamber has more than one sepd. gas passage through which the reaction gas passes from the inlet to outlet and a reforming block where the reaction gas and a reforming catalyst can be contacted with each other is provided in some part of each gas passage.    ADVANTAGE -   The distribution of reforming reaction in the reformer can be made uniform and the reformer operates stably with uniform temp. distribution for a long time period.
Removal comprise passing phenol cpd. through enzyme immobilised column to oxidise it, adding it to the waste water and precipitating chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the waste water.    ADVANTAGE -   Decomposition retardant COD such as phenol contained in the waste water can be removed simply at a low cost.
The wooden material is liquefied using a solvent by heating to a temp. higher than the b.pt. of water and lower than the b.pt. of the solvent to evaporate and remove water contained in the wooden material, and heating by enclosing them to liquefy the wooden material.    ADVANTAGE -   The design pressure of the liquefying reaction tank is significantly reduced.
A catalyst (A) is produced by supporting a ruthenium component (C) and a zirconium component (D) on alpha-alumina (B). In the x-ray diffraction diagram of (A), the ratio of the intensity (Ia) of (B)'s strongest diffraction peak to the intensity (Ib) of the strongest diffraction peak except (B)'s (i.e. (Ia)/(Ib)) is less than 0.01. The concentration of (C) and (D) as metals in (A) is 0.05-5 wt.% and 0.1-20 wt.% respectively.    USE -   Used for denaturing hydrocarbons and producing hydrogen for fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   This product has high activity at high temperature.
Catalyst is produced by: (A) making alumina carry ruthenium component (B); zirconium component (C); and magnesium component (D). Concn. of (D) as metal in (A) is 0.5-20 wt.% and molar ratio of Mg/Zr in (A) is 0.5-5.0. (A) is produced by making alumina to carry (B), cobalt component (E), (C), and (D).    USE -   Used for steam denaturing hydrocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   This catalyst has high activity and high thermal resistance.
Water is added to the compounded feed and concn. feed for domestic animals for fermentation. The obtd. wet fermented feed is fed to the domestic animals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fermented feed is fed by using feeding shovel and wagon. Feeding efficiency is improved.
A bioreactor comprises: (i) a treatment tank for receiving liq. to be treated; (ii) 1 porous-bodied carrier member immobilised with non-agglutinative microorganisms for treating the liq.; and (iii) a drive unit for moving the carrier member in the tank.    PREFERRED BIOREACTOR - The drive unit comprises a power unit, and a support unit coupled to the power unit and retaining 1 carrier member. The support unit is rotated when the power unit is energised, so rotating the carrier member. The support unit comprises a stem coupled to the power unit and a support disk mounted on the stem and retaining 1 carrier member. The stem and the disk are rotated when the power unit is energised, so rotating the carrier member along an orbital path about the stem.    USE -   The bioreactor is used for biologically treating industrial or household sewage, or for treating or fermenting liq. contg. stuff materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The bioreactor increases the effective contact between immobilised non-agglutinated microorganisms and the liq. to be treated, increasing effectiveness and treatment capacity.
The fuel cell system comprises a number of stacked cells (32), each with an anode (40), a cathode (42) and a rigid-body polymeric electrolyte membrane (38), which is sandwiched between the anode and cathode. Fuel gas is supplied to the anode via one channel (20) and oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the cathode via a second channel (46). This second channel has a catalytic converter (50) in its path to oxidise selectively carbon monoxide contained in the incoming air.    The converter has an electric heater (56) and also receives heat from a burner. The gas inlet system includes a compressor (52) and an intercooler (54) following the converter, the intercooler supplying the cathode directly.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple design using air free from carbon monoxide as an oxidiser.
Prodn. of a compost-like soil improver from pollutant-contaminated shredded wood comprises mixing the shredded wood with farmyard slurry, subjecting the mixt. to the "hot fermentation" process of DE 4439710, and inoculating the prod. with fungal mycelium as a heavy metal absorbent.    ADVANTAGE -   Pollution problems associated with hydrocarbons and heavy metals are avoided.
Process for recovering biogas from biomass with a high solids content is carried out using at least 4 separate container modules each acting as a biogas generator and draining into a common drain feeding into a percolation liquor tank. The liquor is treated with an acid buffer and then recycled to be sprayed onto the biomass in the containers.    USE -   The process is used for continuous recovery of biogas with a high methane content from high solids biomass such as a mixt. of grass and maize.    ADVANTAGE -   By using separate container modules operating on a cyclic basis so that each is in a different stage of the fermentation process (hydrolysis, acetate formation, methanisation), a higher total residence time of the biomass in the fermentor can be achieved without redn. of the overall rate of gas production (m3 biogas/m3 fermentor vol.) and despite the discontinuous mode of operation of the individual containers, at least 3/4 of the max. available amt. of biogas is continuously available. The process lends itself to decentralised operation (e.g. for operating a vehicle) since large feed storage is not required. Treating the percolation liquor with acid buffer prevents over-acidification of the reactors and maintains a nutrient feed with the desired C/N ratio of 15-35/1.
Bio-fertilizer for tobacco is prepd. from carrier-type medium and mixed bacterial liq. and contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, trace elements, hormones and antibiotics.    USE -   The fertiliser eliminates the diseases and insect pests of tobacco and increases its quality and output.
A non-molybdenum catalyst used in methanation reaction uses Cr base as principal active component with addition of the oxide of V, Ni, Co, or Mn as cocatalyst. During the preparation of said catalyst, a forming agent containing cellulose acetate or aqueous solution of vinol is added. In said methanation reaction, the structure of catalyst does not change, and the catalyst features high catalytic activity ( transform rate of CO&gt;60%), good selectivity (&gt;64% for CH4), and long life (the attenuation of CO transform rate&lt; 2% after reaction for 1000 hours).
Recycling of organic waste comprises: (a) passing a waste into a first sealed container; (b) introducing an inert gas into the interior of the sealed contained to displace oxygen; (c) heating the first container to 1000-2700F to form a heated gas; (d) filtering the heated gas to remove S and Cl by-prods. of the heated gas; and (e) transmitting the filtered gas into a storage vessel.    Also claimed are two further processes.    USE -   Used for recycling organic waste, esp. contg. polychlorinated biphenyls.    ADVANTAGE -   The cost-effective process cleanly burns the waste material and minimises the formation of O by-prods.. The waste can be reacted with a water filter and a NaOH filter to remove harmful by-prods..
Sludge to be digested is fed into a first closed spaced (11A) in a first container (10A) and, after a predetermined time, is transferred via a valve (16) into a second closed space (11B) in a second container (10B) for a second period of time. The containers are repeatedly and quickly tipped back and forth while the sludge flow is redirected (by 22) to provide good homogenisation of the sludge. Gas is vented from the spaces (at 13). Also claimed is the appts. for the above process.    USE -   The method can be used for the treatment of sewage sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   The method provides almost odour free digestion in a very compact simple appts. with no moving parts exposed to the sludge. The vol. treated can be increased by adding further treatment modules in parallel.
Processes for treating heterogeneous waste including organic cpds. (OC), metals (M) and/or bulk materials (B) comprise: (a) treating waste comprising (OC) and (B) by first eliminating (OC) and then reducing volume of (B); (b) treating waste comprising (M) and (B) by first separating (M), then reducing volume of (B); (c) treating waste comprising (OC) and (M) by first eliminating (OC), then separating (M); (d) treating waste comprising (OC), (M) and (B) by first eliminating (OC), then separating (M) and reducing volume of (B). Also claimed is a process for oxidising a chemical species(S) by contact with Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain OFS (ATCC 29672).    USE -   Mixed waste is treated to remove or eliminate volatile organic cpds. and other hydrocarbons, separate contaminant toxic metals, e.g. Pb and Cr, and reduce the volume of any bulk present. The waste may be generated by actinide processing, e.g. stripping actinide-contaminated paint.
Prepn. of a organo-mineral fertiliser comprises subjecting a deposit of aq. effluents, formed during the process of their biological purificn. and settling in sec. settlers and sludge platforms, to thermal treatment, until full disinfection. This is followed by introduction of biogenic additives in form of a mixt. of adapted cultures Azotobacter and Nitrobacter. This is followed by introduction of additives and fermentation of deposit at 32-36 C, with subsequent dehydration of thus obtd. mass on filters.    Produced biomass can be dehydrated on filters, or mixed with peat.    USE -   The method solves the problem of quick and safe disposal of ecologically harmful deposits from biological purificn. settlers, after their disinfection, by utilising them as starting material for prodn. of valuable organomineral fertiliser, enriched with microorganisms taking part in mineralisation of soil and exchange of nitrogen.    ADVANTAGE -   The method increases agrochemical efficiency of produced fertiliser.
Fuel is mfd. from waste by using a processing system comprising a hollow cylindrical casing main body (11) incorporating an exhaust opening (15) on the top end and a processed matter discharging opening (21) at the tapered lower end, a damper (16) provided at the top portion in the casing main body to adjust an opening amt. of the exhausting opening, an inner pipe (17) with dia. reduced toward the lower side and placed at the centre portion of the casing main body, an air pipe (19) for sending air to a main revolving vortex space between the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe and the centre inner peripheral surface of the casing main body, and a material charging pipe (22) with the tip opening (23) placed under the inner pipe. The processed materials charged through the material charging pipe (22) are crushed, dried, and kneaded while dropping at a high speed by mutual collisions caused by the main revolving vortex generated by the air sent to the main revolving vortex space through the air pipe, and the processed matter is discharged through the processed matter discharging opening (21). The fuel using the waste is formed by charging the waste contg. water and dried powder fuel through the material charging pipe, crushed, dried, mixed, and by moulding the processed matter discharged through the processed matter discharging opening.    USE -   The method is suitable for mfg. the refuse derived fuel (RDF).    ADVANTAGE -   The high calory refuse derived fuel can be produced economically by a simple process.
A working fluid is obtd. by mixing (A) difluoromethane, (B) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, (C) pentafluoroethane and up to 25 wt.% of (D) 2-methyl propane on the condition that the refrigerating properties of the mixt. of the components (A), (B) and (C) equal or are greater than those of chlorodifluoromethane.    USE -   For circulating refrigeration system contg. a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device and an evaporator.
Refuse (4) and useful microorganisms (8a, 11) are kneaded together by a blade(3) of a kneading part (1). A crushed kneaded substance (14) is produced in a powdery or granular state. Microorganism liquid and microorganism powder are used. The microorganism liquid is fed in the refuse (4) in the kneading part (1) and the organism powder is fed in the kneading part (1). A refuse disposing device comprises a charge tank (5) in which refuse (4) is charged; a net conveyer (7) connected to the charge tank (5) and conveying the refuse to above; a feed pump (8) to feed the microorganism liquid (8a) to the charge tank (5); a kneading part (1) to receive refuse (4) conveyed by the net conveyor (7); and a feed conveyance body (10) to feed the microorganism powder (11) to the kneading part (10). The refuse (4), the microorganism liquid (8a), and the microorganism powder (11) are kneaded together by the kneading part (1) to produce a crushed kneaded substance (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Even refuse having high moisture content is kneaded and disposed in an almost odour-free state in a short time working using a heat source.
Fermentation facilities have multiple funnel shaped fermentation baths with a waste feeding system and a discharge system of fermented waste on their head and at their bottoms, respectively. Inlet of waste to the fermentation bath is connected to discharge outlet of adjacent bath. A screw and its driving system are positioned in each fermentation bath.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for producing compost from sludge generated in water or waste water treating facilities. The method reduces the size of each fermentation baths and produce 100% fermented compost in a shorter time.
The plant comprises pulverisers (10,20) e.g. crushers etc.for crushing organic matters e.g. the leftovers, fruits, vegetables, etc., waste including plastics, etc., to pieces; a sorting machine (30) formed by arranging rotating rotors with large and small wheels placed alternately to carry the crushed matter in the arranged direction while sieving the crushed matters by sieves provided between the wheels; a fermenting unit (120) for fermenting matters including the organic matters passed the sieves; and a solid fuel forming machine (90) for crushing and kneading carried matters including combustibles sorted by the sieved by the sorting machine, compressing and crushing the crushed and kneaded matters with a compressing unit, and forming solid fuel from the compressed and crushed matters using a forming unit.    USE -   The plant is used for processing mixt. of general waste and industrial waste, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Suitable recycling is applied to various types of waste selectively.
A stirring device includes a stirring belt constituting the bottom portion of the garbage disposal vessel charged with garbage-decomposing biological chips. The biological chips are stirred on stirring belt while turning the stirring belt.    ADVANTAGE -   Conventional stirring vanes can be omitted.
A microbe carrier in which activated carbon is covered by a fibre aggregate, pref. activated carbon being heat-adhered to the fibre aggregate through a resin having a m.pt. lower than that of the fibre aggregate.    Also claimed are: (i) a method for the prepn. of the above microbe carrier, in which activated carbon and a resin having a M.p. lower than that of a fibre aggregate are made to be present on the surface and/or in the interior of a structure where the fibre aggregate is laminated and then the whole thing is heated; and (ii) an organism-treating equipment by using the above microbe carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   The microbe carrier can remove ammoniacal nitrogen and organic components from waste water easily and efficiently in a short period.
Deodorising waste processing appts. comprises a processing tank contg. decomposition. medium ready for high temp. destruction. A canopy divides the core from the top plate and features an insulator. A churning aerofoil activator is set up at the top plate of the revolving pt., connected by meshed gearing to revolving axis. The aerofoil is constructed in a spiral shape and is supported in the centre of the lower board, fixed to an underframe slurry with a net. An air inlet and exhaust is set up which allows a constant stream of air between raw waste and main body.    USE -   The appts. is used for inoffensive processing of domestic and food waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. allows a constant flow of oxygen through the tank to prevent survival of odour-producing anaerobic bacteria and aid survival of aerobic bacteria. Churning is performed uniformly due to the spiral design.
Catering kitchen waste disposal unit incorporates:(a) a water filter (12) together with a solid wastes inlet (11) which transports the solid wastes, from which the water is subsequently sepd.; (b) an outlet (13) removing water which has been sepd. from solid wastes; (c) a dry solids crusher (20) and crushing rotor (24) which processes waste solids from which water has been removed (12); (d) a micro organic solids break-down vessel (40), which processes solids from the crusher (20) by means of microorganisms borne on a substrate (41); (e) a mixer paddle (44) incorporated within the break-down vessel (40) and which agitates the substrate (41), and (f) a water outlet (18) for discharge of water received from the water outlet (13), together with the gases which are the prod. of the contents in the break-down vessel (40).    USE -   The assembly is a kitchen or catering waste disposal unit for, esp. organic wastes.    ADVANTAGE -   The wastes are de-watered before they are crushed, minimising the problem of filter blockage and preventing the ingress of crushed particles into the final water effluent and enhancing the quality of the water discharged.
Gram-negative sulphate-reducing bacterial strains which grow and reduce sulphate to sulphide under anaerobic conditions at pH 3.9-9.5 and 3-45 C utilise methanol as sole source of C and energy and are tolerant to metals.    USE -   Use of the bacterial strain(s) in decontaminating water (highly) loaded with H2SO4 and metals, esp. radioactive water, and partic. shaft and flood water from abandoned U mines and wash waters from soil-decontamination plants, is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The bacteria adsorb and accumulate radioactive metals and heavy and light metals. Water with pH 1-2 can be treated cheaply and effectively in a controlled, one-step process.
Respiration rate of bacteria is measured by; (i) filling a chamber with a liquid (30) containing the bacteria; (ii) degassing the chamber (36); (iii) receiving a sample of released gas into a test chamber (35) and optionally passing the sample through at least one more chamber and; (iv) measuring (33,34) an amount of a component of the sample gas to determine the respiration rate.    USE -   Determining biological oxygen demand in sludges and waste waters.    ADVANTAGE -   Control is easy, repeatable and precise.
Treatment of waste water is by sepg. waste water contg. organic substances and nitrogen into solid and liq. in first solid-liq. sepn. tank; introducing liquid into nitrification tank connected to downstream side of first solid-liq. sepn. tank and then into anaerobic treatment tank connected to downstream side of nitrification tank and contg. denitrifying bacteria and methane bacteria; and sepg. waste water into solid and liq. in second solid-liq. sepn. tank connected to downstream side of anaerobic treatment tank to remove organic substances and nitrogen from waste water. Process is characterised in that solid sepd. in first and second solid-liq. sepn. tanks, is introduced into anaerobic treatment tank to undergo denitrification and methane fermentation in anaerobic treatment tank. Methane gas is recovered.    Pref. two anaerobic treatment tanks are set in series, solid sepd. in first solid-liq. sepn. tank is pref. sent to first anaerobic treatment tank. Solid sepd. in second solid-liq. sepn. tank is pref. sent to both tanks or second tank so that denitrification and methane fermentation are performed in separate tanks.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic substances and nitrogen contained in waste water can be removed efficiently at same time. Amt. of sludge can be reduced.
Disposal device has a treating tank in which microorganisms, a medium, and waste are placed and the waste is decomposed by the microorganisms for disposal. In the disposal device, a container (S) is used when waste is charged in a treating tank (101) through a chute (104) having one end connected to the treating tank (101). The container (S) comprises a cylindrical container body (1) having a size to allow insertion of the container body through the other end side of the chute (104) into the chute (104) and having an upper part and a bottom part, both being opened. A bottom cover (5) allows the opening of the bottom of the container body (1) to be closed. A cover releasing device (4) releases holding of the cover by the cover closing device (5) when a specific external force is exerted and opening the bottom cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Adhesion of waste on the inner surface of a chute is prevented.
Appts. for covering walled compost heaps with a water vapour and air permeable cover sheet includes (a) a jib arm (2) which can swivel about a vertical axis and which is mounted on a stand (5); and (b) fasteners (4) which can slide along the jib arm (2) and which have suspension elements (3) onto which the cover sheet (1) can be fastened. Pref. the suspension elements (3) have hooks and rope or chain members which can be connected to loops on the cover sheet (1). Pref. the stand (5) is anchored in a channel (15) at the top of the side wall (10) of the compost heap.    USE -   The appts. is used to cover heaps used for composting biological waste and green waste and for residual waste treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. allows easy and safe handling of the cover sheet, can stretch the cover sheet to avoid formation of water pockets and facilitates loading, unloading and control of the compost heap.
The CO in a flowing gas mixture contg. H2 is catalytically oxidised in an appts. that first reduces its temp. with the help of static mixer structures as it enters the reactor and then feeds in an oxidising gas through several inlets, at a rate that depends on the operational parameters. The reactor temp. is regulated by the vol. of coolant flow through a cooling facility.    USE -   Used for oxidising CO in gas mixtures used for the catalytic prodn. of NH3 or for preparing H2 for use in fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The oxidation is conveniently controlled and prior cooling of the gas flow produced by reforming with superheated steam, is not necessary.
Microbiological treatment process is claimed for organic waste, esp. native organic waste. The organic components of the waste are partially transferred into water soluble forms by microbiological reduction under forced aeration in a first reaction chamber, in the form of one or more interchangeable composting drums. Simultaneously or sequentially, these components are treated at fixed intervals to remove the soluble components by continuous spraying with extraction water, such as tempered water and / or salt, acid or alkaline solutions. The organic fraction is then removed from the aqueous extract and fed to a second reaction chamber for further microbiological treatment, where they are aerobically or non aerobically treated. The aqueous soln. which arises from this is alkalised by the microbiological reduction reaction and is either fed back to the next extractive nutrient removal in the first reaction chamber or removed separately.    Also claimed is a device to carry out the above process with the first chamber (1) formed as a closed fermenter, having feed and discharge flaps (6,7) for the organic waste (8).    USE -   Used in the treatment of esp. native organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Arrangement permits a definite nutrient output in a hygienic manner under temp. control whilst requiring low exhaust air purification.
In an analyser for the semi-continuous determn. of biological toxicity in water, the determn. in the automated appts. rests on the metabolic activity of microorganisms, with the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concn. as the metabolic signal in the form of a determn. of bio-luminescence.    USE -   The analyser can be used for surface water, ground water, drinking water, waste water, drainage water from deposits and process water (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The universal energy metabolite ATP is measured automatically, with high sensitivity and specificity. A wide range of applications is ensured by the use of the microorganism most suitable for each sample. The test can be used in place of, or as an addn. to, animal tests.
Prepn. of complete fertiliser made from waste water obtd. in the course of cooking organic bone fertiliser comprises adding hoof, bone or feather to the waste water, adding acid, heating to hydrolyse, neutralising, adding enzymes, precipitating, blending, complexing with trace elements and filtering.    The fertiliser can convert high-mol. wt. protein into low-mol. wt. amino acids which are easily absorbed by plants.    The fertiliser is cheap to produce.
The prodn. of a chemically bonded medium comprises: (a) providing a cut elongate or finely divided organic macromolecular material; (b) partly thermally drying to give a hydrophobic surface and water content of not more than 10 wt.%; (c) subjecting some of (b) to vapour pressure equilibration under conditions in which water and other volatiles cannot escape to render the surface hydrophilic; (d) mixing the prod. of (c) with a liq. lignosulphate to form a coating on the hydrophilic surface; and (e) partially polymerising the lignosulphate to give a flowable, non-resilient, chemically bonded medium.    USE -   Used for processing resilient materials, e.g. peat wood-chips, cardboard, straw and plastics into useful materials, e.g. as additives to carbonaceous fuels to improve thermal energy emitted on combustion.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of lignosulphate results in a chemically bonded medium which is a substantially non-resilient, friable material but which may still be regenerated into a pressure-sensitive non-friable form by reactivation with, e.g. urea.
The appts. to remove impurities from noble gases or nitrogen includes a single purifier vessel. The vessel has three working zones (30,34,38), the first of which (30) is used to heat gas being treated to at least 150C. The second zone (34) contains getter material heated to at least 335C, and the third zone (38) contains further getter material heated to at least 150C.    Also claimed is the associated process, which comprises preheating the gas in the first zone (30), passing it through the getter material in the second zone (34) to remove impurities, and then through the material in the third zone (38) to remove hydrogen.    USE -   Used to reduce the concn. of impurities, e.g. methane, water, carbon monoxide, oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen to less than 1 ppb before supply to a user point.    ADVANTAGE -   By using a single purifier vessel, the prior effects of contamination from equipment surfaces and connecting pipework are reduced, so that gas can be treated at a higher flow rate. Removal of hydrogen at a relatively high temp. also contributes to such a high flow rate. Mfg. costs are less than those of the prior equipment, and the appts. is more energy efficient.
A cleaning compsn. (I) for use in an aerosol container comprises (a) a base material consisting of detergent (I) and thickener (II), and having viscosity greater than 9,500 cps, and (b) a foam forming material (III) at least part of which is in suspension in (I) until after dispensing from the container.    USE -   esp. for personal cleaning in the shower.    ADVANTAGE -   A post-foaming gel compsn. which feels good to use, is provided.
The catalyst is based on platinum and chlorine on alumina support. To improve its activity and selectivity, the catalyst additionally contains one or more elements from gp. including iron, alkali and alkaline earth metals. The components are taken at ratio (in wt.%): platinum 0.3-0.6, chlorine 8.0-12.0, alkali and/or alkaline earth metals 0.001-0.02, and/or iron 0.001-0.05, and balance alumina.    USE -   In oil processing and petrochemical industry, as catalyst for isomerisation of saturated 4-6C hydrocarbons or their mixts.    ADVANTAGE -   Proposed catalyst has increased activity and selectivity.
Recycling of organic waste, e.g. organic sludge, comprises (1) partially carbonising the organic waste, while composting the residue of the waste, and (2) mixing the obtd. carbide and the obtd. compost to obtain a soil improver.    ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. soil improver is odourless.
A composting prepn. compounded with Bacillus spores is new.    The prepn. is pref. compounded with deodorants, e.g. magnesium salts, phosphates, iron (I) salts, and/or pref. houttuynia herb, and nitrogenous fertilisers effect-maintainer, e.g. 2-chloro-6-trichloromethyl pyridine, 2-chloro-trifluoromethyl pyridine, thiourea, and/or 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole, and with Bacillus spores. The prepn. contains a combination of magnesium salt(s) and phosphate(s) at a Mg/P molar ratio of 1 or over. Spores of Bacillus are in dormant state. Spores may be obtd. by acetate-liq. culturing spawn in a heat-sterilised liq. medium, e.g. aq. suspension/soln. of polypeptone 1%, yeast extract 0.5%, and NaCl 0.5%, and then leaving the obtd. culture fluid (1 l) for 8-24 hrs. under aeration with the addn. of a sporulating soln. (1 ml), e.g. aq. soln. of NaCl 10%, KCl 10%, MgSO4 . 7H2O 10%, MnCl2 . 4H2O 2%, and FeSO4 . 7H2O 2% to obtain spores. Bacillus spores are prepd. as a microbial component by harvesting the spores by filtration, centrifugation, etc., and then drying them at a non-fatally high temp., or impregnating a carrier, e.g. wheat bran, etc., with a sporulation soln., and then drying it at a non-fatally high temp..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Composting prepn. is useful in agriculture / horticulture. Prepn. shortens the composting period, permitting disposal of organic wastes, e.g. crude refuse, human/animal excretes, sludge, etc., in large quantities, and improves the nitrogenous fertiliser's effect of compost.
A disposal device composts solid organic waste and brings it into a decayed state by crushing, fermenting, and drying the solid organic waste. The device for solid organic waste comprises a fermenting tank (1) having an agitating and fermenting device for the solid organic waste and having a charge port through which a base material, fermentation fungus and the solid organic waste are charged; and a base material regenerating tank (15) having an agitating, fermenting, and drying device and having a discharge port (23) for a disposed substance situated downstream. The fermenting tank (1) and the base material regenerating tank (15) are arranged in juxtaposition and a communicating part (27a) through which the fermenting tank and the base material regenerating tank are intercommunicated is formed. The base material, fermentation fungus, and disposed substance are circulated through the communicating part (27a) between the fermenting tank and the base material regenerating tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Solid organic waste is regenerated into a state having original permeability and high moisture content holding ability.
Waste disposal device comprises container body having charge port body (8) through which waste is charged; microorganism carrier (3) to carry microorganisms contained in container body; rotation agitating part (4) to agitate and mix mixt. of waste charged through charge port part (8) and microorganism carrier (3); drive part (6) to drive rotation agitating part (4); upper photosensors (15a,15b) and lower photosensors (16a,16b) in container body for detecting storage vol. of garbage mixt.; temp. sensor (13) and humidity sensor (14) to detect stage of microorganisms; discharge port to discharge excess when waste mixt. increases due to rotation of agitating part (4); and controller (21) to open discharge door of discharge port when vol. detected by sensors exceeds set vol. and state detected by sensors is not within set range at set time.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of waste mixt. is controlled to value, providing effective disposal.
Waste disposal device has a motor-driven mesh unit placed between a waste hopper and microbial waste decomposition tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Microbial waste decomposition can be effected positively.
Waste disposal device has a waste cutter housed in a waste hopper. A microbial waste decomposition tank is connected to the area-contracted section formed at the bottom of the hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   The time taken to decompose waste can be reduced.
Microorganism supply to microbial waste disposal device comprises determining the microbial treatment amount from the waste weight introduced into the device. The timing and amount of microorganism supply is determined according to the microbial treatment amount.    ADVANTAGE -   The optimum timing of microorganism supply can be determined exactly.
Waste disposal device has a microbial waste decomposition tank with a stirrer and a heater connected to a waste hopper in which a waste cutter is housed.    ADVANTAGE -   Microbial waste decomposition can be activated.
Waste disposal device contains decomposing medium, contg. microorganisms in disposal container (11) and decomposes waste charged in disposal container (11), using microorganisms in decomposing medium. Waste disposal device comprises rotary shaft (12C) in the disposal container (11); and agitating device (12) extending radially from peripheral surface of rotary shaft (12e), rotary shaft (12e) being removably mounted on disposal container (11). Waste disposal device has case body (10) to contain the disposal container (11) and disposal container (11) is removably mounted on case body (10). Waste disposal device comprises case body (10) to contain disposal container (11); and door (10) to open and close front of case body. Disposal container is inclinably forwards in the case body.    ADVANTAGE -   When decomposing medium is exchanged, old decomposing medium is discharged from disposal container.
In detection of a supply timing of microorganism in a refuse disposing device fermentation heat generated when refuse is decomposed by microorganisms is detected. When value of the fermentation heat detected is reduced to a value lower than a detecting value, the supply timing of the microorganisms is actuated. Carbonate dioxide generated when refuse is decomposed by the microorganisms is detected and when value for the carbonate dioxide is reduced to a value lower than a given value, the supply timing is actuated. Steam generated when the refuse is decomposed by the microorganisms is detected and when a detecting value for steam is reduced to a value lower than a given value, it is decided that the supply timing for the microorganisms comes.    ADVANTAGE -   By supplying microorganisms refuse is reliably decomposed.
Waste disposal device comprises a crushing device, such as a blade (7) of a rotationally drive rotary body (6); and a decomposing device (2) to decompose waste by using microorganisms. The decomposing device (2) comprises an agitating device (12) to agitate a material contained in the decomposing device (2) and a heater to heat the decomposing device (12). A material necessary for the microorganisms and activity of the microorganisms are contained in the decomposing device (2). Waste contained in a waste containing part is pref. crushed by the blade of a rotary body. Crushed waste is fed to a decomposing device through a discharge part and decomposed into carbon dioxide, and water by microorganisms. In the decomposing device, through temp. adjustment by a heater, water sprayed from a moisture content feeder, and agitation by an agitation device, activity of the microorganisms is promoted.    ADVANTAGE -   Work to sort waste is eliminated. Since waste not decomposed does not remain in a decomposing device, removal of waste not decomposed is eliminated, and handling is facilitated.
Waste disposal device comprises a disposal tank (3) to partition agitating space for waste; agitating blades (8) rotated in the disposal tank (3) for agitating the waste and protrusions (27) to regulate movement space for waste agitated by the blades (8) and improve agitating efficiency. Protrusion (27) comprises a flange part (27a) fixed at inner wall of disposal tank (3) by a screw; and a tongue part (27b) integrally moulded upright on flange part (27a). Protrusion (27) consists of boss part integrally protruded from inner wall of disposal tank (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Since shearing is increased, the agitating effect is improved, causing brisk contact with air to decompose waste in a short time.
Organic waste disposal device comprises body (2) to contain organic waste (3) and have air intake port; agitator (9) to agitate the organic waste; external air introduction passage (14) to guide external air in body; external air suction fan (16) to suck external air in external air introduction passage and discharge body (2); external air heater (17) to heat air fed in the introduction passage (14); exhaust passage (11) to guide air in body to outside body; a discharge fan (112) to suck air in body in exhaust passage and discharge it outside; and controller (20) to feed hot blast in body through external air introduction passage (14) by operating external air suction fan (16) and heater (17), and dry organic waste at a high speed and after that, stopping the heater (17) and feed external air in body through the external air introduction passage (14), and dissipating heat of organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficient fermentation of organic waste is practicable.
Waste disposal device has a washing-water supply pipe connected to the top of a waste hopper in which a waste milling wheel is housed.    ADVANTAGE -   The device can be washed out easily.
Waste disposal device comprises a waste milling wheel in the discharge port of a waste hopper and attached to the rotary shaft connected to the upper disc lid which moves along a spiral groove formed in the inner wall of the hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste can be milled efficiently.
Waste disposal device has parallel waste-milling blade wheels placed in the discharge port of a waste hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste can be milled efficiently.
Waste disposed device has a rotary cutter placed in a waste hopper in the barrel of the device. A microbial decomposer is coupled to the bottom port of the hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   Microbial waste decomposition can be effected efficiently.
Waste disposal device has a waste crush wheel and a moving waste compression cup attached to the rotary shaft extending to the barrel of the device.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste can be milled efficiently.
A fuel refining appts. generates hydrogen by refining a raw fuel, e.g., methanol. The appts. is composed of a fuel combustion device to generate steam consisting of a burner (34), fuel supply line (10a) and air supply line (28a), a fuel heating dish (32) to generate methanol vapour, a chamber (30) to contact the methanol vapour with steam, a refining reactor (24) to generate refined gas from the mixed gas, and a hydrogen separator (26) to separate hydrogen from the hydrogen-rich refined gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel refining appts. generates high purity hydrogen gas with improved thermal efficiency.
A fuel cell power generator comprises a fuel cell (20) for power generation from cathode gas (3) contg. oxygen and anode gas (2) contg. hydrogen, a reformer (10A) to reform material gas into the anode gas, exhaust gas supply line (24) to the fuel cell (20), an air supply line (40) to the exhaust gas supply line (24) and steam line (41) to the reformer (10a).    ADVANTAGE -   Water supplied from the system exterior is heated to produce steam, which eliminates steam separator and improves efficiency of the fuel cell power generator.
In fuel refining equipment, raw fuel e.g. natural gas is heated in a raw fuel preheater (9), desulphurised in a desulphuriser (6), heated again in a desulphurised fuel preheater (10) and is then led to the fuel refining chamber (2). To improve temp. control in the desulphuriser (6), a temp. controlling device is used consisting of a bypass raw fuel supply line (21) branched from the raw fuel supply line (12), which is provided with a flow control valve (20), and is joined to the original line (12) after by passing the raw fuel preheater (9), a temp. detector (22) in the desulphuriser (6), and a temp. controller (23) controlling the valve (20) based on the deviation between the prescribed temp. and the detected one.    ADVANTAGE -   The temp. in the desulphiriser is controlled at an appropriate level, irrespective of the operating load and the performance deterioration in the raw fuel preheater.
A municipal waste water treatment plant incorporates a number of biological stages where the water passes through a series of specific processes in separate basins. The novelty is that two basins (2; 3; 4) are constructed in a concentric arrangement around a circular sedimentation basin (1), and that all the basins (1; 2; 3; 4) rest upon a single base (5) and are linked as required by pipes (15; 19) or overflow weirs (9; 10). At least 1 of the basins (2; 3; 4) is equipped with an aeration assembly (11).    USE -   This arrangement sub-divides a circular basin (2; 3; 4) into two sections enabling the water on the surface of one basin to flow in the opposite direction to that of the water flowing over the base (5).    ADVANTAGE -   The function of a number of otherwise separate basins is combined within a single basin, greatly reducing the size and complexity of the assembly, and enhancing the efficiency of the process. In particular, the arrangement reduces the lengths of pipe required and the associated pumping power for the return of the mixt. of activated sludge and water and the sludge from the sedimentary basin.
Waste materials are composted in a closed vessel with forced ventilation until the easily composted materials have been broken down. The process is ended by drying of the vessel contents and is completed when the temp. and humidity of the exhaust air corresp. to those of the incoming air.    ADVANTAGE -   Process provides a practical criterion for control of the process.
The compost catalytic decomposition agent consists of ferrous chloride (60-80%), magnesium phosphate (6-10%), potassium nitrate (2-4%), calcium cyanamide (10-22%), sodium hydrogen sulphite (2-4%). By application of this catalytic decomposing agent, the humification speed of compost may be increased, the complete decomposition of nutrients in compost is achieved and high yield of compost. The composition of this catalytic decomposing agent is simple and its properties are stable, its cost low and it is suitable for use in the preparation of organic fertiliser.
A process for utilizing the heat of vaporisation of liq. propylene to cool the overheads from a benzene recovery column comprises: (a) fractionally distilling benzene contg. dissolved 3Cs in distn. column to vaporise and remove the 3Cs as overheads and (b) contacting the vaporised 3Cs by indirect heat exchange with liq. propylene in condenser where liq. propylene is vaporised and the overheads are cooled and condensed. The distn. column pressure is reduced by the refrigeration provided by the vaporised liq. propylene.    Also claimed is a process for mfg. cumene.    USE -   Process for depropanising unreacted benzene from the alkylation of benzene to produce cumene.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises heat of vaporisation of liq. propylene to cool overheads from benzene recovery column. Lower overhead temps. result in lower operating pressures in the depropaniser and thus lower heat requirements in the reboiler.
The mfr. of C2H3Cl comprises: (a) the reaction of C2H4 with chlorinating stream contg. a highly chlorinated ethene e.g. C2Cl4, C2HCl3 or C2HCl2 to produce C2H3Cl and corresponding less chlorinated ethene e.g. C2HCl3 or C2H2Cl2 and (b) the sepn. of the effluent from the reaction to recover C2H3Cl as prod., recover unreacted C2H4 and the highly chlorinated ethene for recycling and recover less chlorinated ethene as another prod..    Pref. the reaction occurs at 100-650C and pressure 1-40 atmos. The reactor feed has molar ratio of C2H4:highly chlorinated ethene of 0.1-15:1. The highly chlorinated ethene is C2Cl4, C2HCl3 and/or C2H2Cl2 and the less chlorinated ethene is C2H2Cl, C2HCl3 and/or C2H2Cl2. The less chlorinated ethene is recycled and reacted with C2H4 to produce additional C2H3Cl. The less chlorinated ethene is oxychlorinated with HCl/Cl2 and oxygen to produce the highly chlorinated ethene for the process. The chlorinating stream contains CCl4.    USE -   For mfr. of chloroethene useful in prodn. of vinyl chloride.    ADVANTAGE -   Less chlorinated ethenes or methanes are recovered as co-products or recycled as chlorinating agents. Maximises mfr. of chloroethene.
A char-containing combustible product (I) is made by:    (a) providing an aq. pulp containing cellulose fibres, comprising waste paper and / or paper board;    (b) providing a comminuted char;    (c) blending pulp and char to form a slurry; and    (d) conveying the slurry to a press or extrusion machine, to form (I).    USE -   (I) is of use in cooking, or as an incense cone; it is readily ignited without ignition-promoting additives, and can be provided in a range of shapes and sizes, e.g barbecue briquettes. Waste paper materials are utilised in the pulp, and opt. other wastes for the char.
A process for waste redn. of household and other landfill waste at a landfill waste management site comprising: (i) grinding the waste to reduce the vol.; (ii) placing the ground waste in a pit dug in the ground; (iii) composting the waste in the pit to reduce it to humus; (iv) removing the waste from the pit after composting; (v) screening the waste to remove glass, metal, concrete and other dense materials; (vi) sepg. the waste by flotation to remove plastic cpds. and light materials from the humus.    USE -   For reducing and recycling household and other landfill waste material at a landfill waste management site.    ADVANTAGE -   The process reduces the vol. of waste to be put in the landfill site without incineration and allows natural breakdown of organic constituents.
An appts. for in-situ treatment of contaminated land, comprising: (i) a treatment fluid deliverer; (ii) an ultrasonic horn within the deliverer for supplying ultrasonic sound waves with a frequency between 2000 and 20000Hz to increase the soil permeability and facilitate the flow of treatment fluid.    Also claimed is a method for in-situ treatment of contaminated ground, comprising: (i) delivering a treatment soln. to the ground; and (ii) supplying ultrasonic sound waves in the frequency range of 2000-20000Hz to the ground to increase the permeability of the ground by exciting soil particles so that treatment fluid flows through and maximises removal of the contaminants.    USE -   For in-situ treatment of contaminated ground, esp. oil contaminated ground.    ADVANTAGE -   Contaminant removal is maximised by increasing soil permeability using ultrasound.
Compost is prepd. by fermentation of crushed wood chip particles including coconut husk or rice husk, with added rice bran as a fermentation stimulant, partic. with further addn. of cattle excreta at the highest fermentation temp. during fermentation.    Raw materials are pref. fermented by addn. of a fermentation stimulant, rice bran, and excreta of cattle including fowl, cows and pigs are added during fermentation at the time of highest temp..    ADVANTAGE -   Effective and low cost prodn. of fertiliser is effected.    In an example, in a fermentation tank fitted with mixing blades, an air supply tube, 180 kg raw material and 60 kg rice bran contg. 30% water were placed and the water content was controlled to 50%. Then fermented with stirring and air supply was effected. In the fermented mixt. at 60 deg.C, 75 kg chicken manure was added and further fermented to give compost.
Disposal of organic waste comprises agitating the interior of a tank (1) to contain organic waste by an agitating mechanism (20) and hot air heated by a heater (60) is circulated through the tank (1). As the organic waste in the tank is heated and agitated, organic waste is fermented. In the disposal of the organic waste, after the organic waste is charged in the tank (1), fermentation is effected for a preset fermentation operation time so that the temp. of the organic waste reaches a set fermentation temp. The fermentation operation is then switched to drying operation which is effected for a preset dry operation time so that the temp. of the organic waste reaches a set dry temp.    ADVANTAGE -   The residue of organic waste and moisture content in a moisture content adjuster are highly efficiently vaporised.
Compost is prepd. by drying bagasse to a water contact of up to 10 (7-8)%, spreading the dried bagasse in a livestock barn as a bed to absorb excreta in an amt. of 15-20 kg/m3 and fermenting for 2 months in summer or 3-4 months in the winter in an open field.    Bagasse contg. 2-4% sugar and 52-59% fibre is pref. treated to give compost.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is rapidly prepd. with small prepn. area from easily available highly water absorptive bagasse.    In an example, bagasse contg. 40-48% water, dia. of 10-50 mm and length of 50-30 mm was dried to reduce water content to upto 10% (8-7)%. The dried bagasse was spread in a livestock barn for 10-20 days to absorb excreta in an amt. of 15-20 kg/m3 and then fermented to give compost.
Methane fermentation uses 2-propanol as a substrate. Sludge obtained from a sludge digestion tank as well as digested sludge (as seed sludge) are added to a basic culture medium, and 2-propanol is added as a substrate and methane is generated under controlled pH using an acid of an alkali.    Pref. sodium bicarbonate is used together with 2-propanol as the substrate. The pref. pH is 5.0.    USE -   The process is useful for using a lower alcohol, particularly 2-propanol, as a substrate for methane fermentation of organic substances partic. organic waste water.    In an example, 500 ml. basic culture medium (KH2PO4 2.5 g./l., K2HPO4 1.0 g./l., NH4Cl 1.0 g./l., Mg4Cl1 0.1 g./l., yeast essence 0.1 g./l., Na2S7H2O 0.1 g./l.) was mixed with 250 ml. seed sludge (stored at room temp. as digested sludge). Sludge was taken from the sludge digesting tank (centrifuged raw sludge), then NaHCO3 was added (5g./l.) and the pH was controlled with 1N HCl or 1N NaOH to pH 5 and 2-propanol (2.5 ml.) was added for methane fermentation. In 12 days, 0.489 l. methane was generated per 1g. sludge.
Waste disposal device comprises an outer casing (2) having an openable cover (2c); a culture tank (3) in the outer case (2) and contg. waste and contg. a porous substance to which effective fungi are fixed; an agitating device (8) in the culture tank (3); and a drive motor (11) to drive the agitating device (8). The agitating device (8) is formed so that the central part of a long plate-form blade plate (9) is fixed directly on a rotary shaft (8a) extending through the culture tank (3). The blade plate (8) is attached to be inclined based on the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft (8a). A side plate (3e) journals the shaft (a) of the agitating device (8) in the culture tank (3) a bearing is arranged to extend externally from the outer periphery of the culture tank and a drive motor (11) to drive the agitating device is attached to the extension part of the side plate (3e).    ADVANTAGE -   An agitating paddle is easily formed.
Equipment comprises vertical sucking/spouting cylinder (4) at centre of disposal tank (1); strainer (6) fixed to lower end of sucking/spouting cylinder (4); diffusion plate (13) fixed at top sucking/spouting cylinder so as to form spouting gap (14) for diffusing air in radial shape in horizontal direction parallel to diffusion plate fixing plate (12); and truncated conical ejector (7) connected to sucking/spouting cylinder at lower half portion. Air blast opening (11) at tip of air supply pipe is in the ejector (7) so as to face upwards while providing exhaust pipe (16) connected to disposal tank (1) at upper side of spouting gap (14).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for disposing of kitchen refuse in water. Processing soln. is circulated while receiving sufficient oxygen required for breaking down bacteria attached to kitchen refuse by mixing vigorously spouted air and water sucking/spouting cylinder.
Waste disposing device comprises arranging rotary agitating blades (15). A slit-form drain port (5) communicated with a drain-treating tank (6) is formed in the lower side of a solid content processing tank (3) filled with a solid content processing medium. Plate-form choke preventing blades (18) are forward and backward movably disposed in the drain port (5). The choke preventing blades are connected to rotary shafts (13,14) of rotation agitating blades (15,15) and reciprocated in synchronism with rotation.    ADVANTAGE -   Choking of a drain port does not occur.
Solid material for carrier for microorganism, is vol. reduced after start utilisation in fermentation decomposing tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Filling material has quick starting up and can decrease transferring cost and transferring and filling works.
Refuse disposal device contains decomposing medium (A) contg. microorganisms in disposal container (11) for decomposing refuse, charged in disposal container (11). Refuse disposal device comprises rotary shaft (12a) at set height in disposal container (11); agitating member (12) radially extending from peripheral surface of rotary shaft (12a); a motor (12c) to rotate agitating member (12) around rotary shaft (12a); and controller (17) to stop agitating member (12) constantly in given rotation. Controller (17) stops agitating member (12) constantly in position where height of extension to above is reduced to its lowest value.    ADVANTAGE -   Since agitating member is stopped so as not to be exposed from surface of decomposing medium, refuse charged into disposal container is totally mixed with decomposing medium avoiding putrefaction of refuse.
Refuse-disposal device contains decomposing medium (A) contg. microorganism in disposal container (11) for decomposing refuse charge in disposal container (11). Refuse-disposal device has sprayer (16) to spray liq. formulation into disposal container (11). Refuse disposal device comprises cover (10a) to open and close charge port of disposal container (11); and controller (17) to operate sprayer (16). Ultrasonic spraying device is used as sprayer (16) to spray liq. formulation via supersonic vibration. Sprayer (19a) spray liquid formulation with which closed container is filled, together with high-pressure gas is used as sprayer (19). Drive device (19b) to inject liq. formulation through injector (19a) is also included.    ADVANTAGE -   Since there is no need to manually spray liq. formulation, manual labour is reduced.
Waste disposal device contains decompsn. medium (A) contg. microorganism in disposal container (11) for decomposing refuse. Waste disposal device comprises agitator (12) to agitate decomposing medium (A) and a controller (16) to change agitation speed of agitator (12). Waste disposal device also comprises cover (11a) to open and close charge port of disposal container (1); and controller (16) to operate agitator (12) at low speed for set time and set intervals and operate agitator (12) at high speed for set time when cover (10a) is opened and closed; and crushing device (17) charged crush waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Decomposition time of waste is shortened.
Organic waste disposal device comprises body (2) to contain organic waste (3) such as garbage and having air inlet port, agitator to agitate organic waste (3); temp.-adjusting device to adjust temp. in body to constant value; circulation passage (11) to circulate air in body (2); fan (17) to suck air in circulation passage (11) and discharge air to outside of passage (11); moisture content-removing device in the circulation passage (11) for removing moisture in air in circulation passage (11); air heater in circulation passage for heating air contg. no moisture and exhaust passage (10) branching of from middle of circulation passage for transporting removed moisture and thereafter guide part of air heated by heater, to outside of body.    ADVANTAGE -   Interior of body is prevented from humidity, avoiding putrefaction of organic waste.
Garbage disposing device comprises garbage charge port formed in upper part of casing; removal port formed in lower part of casing; rotary shaft (50) in casing and coupled to drive part; and blade part (60a) coupled to rotary shaft (50). Blade part (60a) comprises two belt frame bodies (61,62) wherein plate surface is arranged in direction intersecting rotation direction. Belt frame bodies (61,62) comprise coupling plate faces (61a,62a) with rotary shaft (50); lower plate faces (61b,62b) of frame body positioned on lower side; and linking plate faces (61d,62d) to interlink side-plate faces (61c,62c) formed about in same direction as those of coupling plate faces (61c,62c) formed about in same direction as those of coupling plate faces (61a,62a) and coupling plate faces (61a,62a). Two belt frame bodies (61,62) are attached to rotary shaft (50) such that respective undersurfaces are vertically displaced from each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Blade part consisting of belt frame bodies, stably agitates a disposal medium and garbage.
Refuse disposal device decomposes and disposes of refuse by microorganisms and has a cylindrical conical-shaped container. Refuse disposal device also comprises drum (1) having charge port (1a) which is formed in one end in an axial direction and through which refuse is charged; support mechanism (consisting of spur gears (4a,4b) to rotatably support drum (1) around shaft (2) of drum (1) to incline drum in vertical direction; and a drive mechanism (5) to exert rotational force on drum (1). Blades (11-13) which feed content from lower part of drum to upper part along with rotation of drum, are fixed on inner wall. Protrusions (11a,12a,13a) protruding towards centre of drum, are formed on respective blades.    ADVANTAGE -   Refuse and microorganisms in drum are uniformly mixed and agitated, providing improved crushing.
Raw garbage processor has a crusher (5) to which raw garbage is fed from a hopper. A supply system (6) feeds processing water to the crushing space (38,38a,38b). The crushing space is connected to a compression zone (7) through a leading part (42a). The garbage after getting minutely crushed is fed to the compression zone.    Then, the compressed garbage is led to a collector located below one end of the compressed air. Remnant water squeezed out of garbage is led to a water tank (9).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents blockage of compression zone due to insufficient fluidizing. Avoids necessity of drying garbage before incineration. Enables continuous processing for long time. Prevents dispersal of garbage and remnant water. Deodorizes and stabilizes compact garbage by mixing ozone with processing water.
Garbage processor has a fixed quantity feeding drum (4) positioned below a hopper (14) into which raw garbage of different kinds is input. The garbage is crushed into minute particles by a crusher (5). The crushed garbage is fed to a positively displacing compressor (7).    During the process of compression, moisture from the garbage is squeezed out and the garbage is compacted. The compacted garbage is disposed off in an incinerator.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids drying process before incineration. Enables continuous processing of large amount of garbage with decreased processing time. Requires less installation space being small sized device. Improves moisture equalization efficiency. Simplifies drainage of remnant water. Prevents dispersed of garbage and remnant water. Avoids damage to device by preventing impact force since compression rate is increased gradually. Uses single motor for feeding drum, crusher and compressor. Improves reliability of device.
A heteropoly acid supporting solid catalyst comprises a heteropoly acid (or a salt thereof) supported on a support which satisfies at least one of the following conditions (a) or (b); (a) the BET constant C obtained by BET analysis of adsorption isotherm of water using the following equation (1) is 10 or more; (b) the monomolecular layer adsorption amount of water per unit area calculated from the monomolecular layer adsorption amount of water Vm (g/g) obtained by BET analysis using the equation (1) and the specific surface area (m2/g) of the support, is 5/nm2 or more; (where P = vapour pressure of water (atm.); PO = saturated vapour pressure of water (atm.); V = amount of water adsorbed under pressure P (g/g); Vm= monomolecular layer adsorption amount of water (g/g); and C = BET constant measured at 25 C.).    USE -   The heteropoly acid supporting solid catalyst is useful for alkylation of an isoparaffin by reacting the isoparaffin with an olefin.    ADVANTAGE -   The heteropoly acid supporting solid catalyst shows better dispersed heteropoly acid, and provides high yields and a long catalyst life.
Prodn. of microorganisms having biodegradable capacity for organic cpds. comprises collecting porcine excreta contg. porcine-derived bacteria, and preserving the excreta with argillaceous soil in the presence of oxygen for ageing and concn. for a predetermined period, during which time the moisture is evapd. and the biodegradable capacity of bacteria is improved.    The preservation of excreta is pref. made in contact with concrete in a darkroom.    Also claimed is a microorganism produced by the above process. Also claimed is a method for preparing fully matured compost by mixing the microorganism with compost material, and piling up for maturation. Also claimed is a method for treating kitchen waste by mixing the kitchen waste with the fully matured compost, vegetable fibre material and an aq. soln. of microorganism. Also claimed is a method for removing malodour from a barn by washing with an aq. soln. of microorganism.    USE -   The microorganisms can be used for prepn. of fully matured compost, treatment of kitchen waste, and removal of malodour of barns.    In an example, excreta of 1,300 pigs was gathered for 180 days, during which period the pigs were fed with commercially available cpd. fertiliser in barns. The excreta was placed in a hole (20x20x3m) dug in the earth (argillaceous soil), 40 cm depth from the bottom, and preserved for 2 yrs. to yield sludge, of which the moisture content was 50%.
This method contacts gas and liquid in a novel, long cylindrical reactor. At one end is an inlet region of reduced cross section, where gas and/or liquid is introduced tangentially to the long axis, hence causing rotational flow throughout the reactor, with sufficient velocity for intimate mixing.    Also claimed are: a gas/liquid contacting appts, essentially of the form described; and a bioreactor for gas and liquid, generally as described, using the two-reactor configuration with recirculation, secondary gas introduction and means of stirring.    USE -   A long vortex liquid and/or gas contactor which is used e.g. for bioreactions, esp. for treatment of sewage sludge or other organic waste (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. may be used for the aerobic treatment of sewage sludge, or for other totally unrelated chemical or biological reactions using different materials. The speed of reaction is increased by the turbulent mixing, with heating if appropriate, and the plant volume required is reduced. The problems of froth production occurring in other reactors are absent. The flow is sufficient to sweep bubbles from the top of the column, and to prevent them rising to collect there. A horizontal arrangement is equally possible. Swirl flow in the reactor base holds up gas providing improved contact, with 100% utilisation even at high column flow rates.
Process and installation for fermentation of liq. and solid biomass, produces energy and fertiliser. Most domestic waste and organic solids are subjected to drying and anaerobic and aerobic processes in a modular system. Each module has equipment for the removal of heat, recycling of liq. without disturbing solids and turning of solids during the aerobic phase.    USE -   The method can be used for the aerobic and anaerobic fermentation of domestic waste and vegetable matter to produce heat and a useful compost fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The equipment is cheap and simple to install and operate and can treat large quantities of material, 1000 tonnes/day (claimed).
Square cross-section household waste bin ('wheelie bin') includes a removable drying grid (7) in the upper empty section. The grid is supported by cross-members (6) and a frame (4) which clips on to the upper rim of the bin (1) under the lid (2). Air circulation is facilitated by a large number of grid holes.    USE -   The frame grid bearing a sheet of e.g. newspaper inside a waste bin supports esp. organic kitchen waste while this dries in the air. The assembly can be fitted to new and old bins.    ADVANTAGE -   The mass and vol. of the waste for subsequent disposal are reduced as is the incidence of unpleasant smells. The dried waste is less inclined to form a frozen mass in winter, which causes difficulties in bin-emptying.
Alkylene amine acetates (A) are degraded under alkaline conditions using microorganisms present in activated sludge, by contacting waste contg. (A) at pH 9 with sludge contg. a wide range of microorganisms, in the absence of carrier materials.    USE -   (A) comprises ethylene diamine tetraacetate (EDTA), propylene diamine tetraacetate (PDTA) and/or other cpds. e.g. N,N-bis(2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)ethyl)glycine (pentetic acid).    ADVANTAGE -   Degradation of EDTA in waste water using microorganisms from sewage sludge is known (Gschwind, GWF Gas-Wasserfach: Wasser/Abwasser Vol.133, 10 (1992), 546-549), but a carrier is required and the pH is limited to 9-9.5. The present method operates at pH 8-9, without need of a carrier and can take place at normal water treatment plant temp., e.g. 10-38 C.
Appts. using pressurised air for composting organic waste, comprises:    (a) a container for holding the waste, with bottom and enclosing walls;    (b) an uneven perforated aeration floor above the bottom wall for supporting the waste, peaked upwardly toward the centre of the container, and    (c) a first air passage for allowing air to be introduced to or exhausted from the waste chamber, where the passage is an orifice positioned beneath the aeration floor through the container.    USE -   The appts. can be used for aerobically composting organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The appts. composts efficiently but does not require agitation and ancillary equipment.
Sepn. of liq. feed mixt. comprising one or more heavier, higher-boiling components and one or more lighter, lower-boiling components involves:(a) introducing the liq. feed mixt. into first gp. of vertical flow passageways having upper end and lower end, the passageways being disposed in indirect heat exchange with additional gp(s). of passageways in heat exchange-mass transfer zone, (b) passing the liq. feed mixt. into upper end and downwardly through the first gp. of vertical passageways, and warming the liq. during downward flow by indirect heat exchange with condensing process fluid flowing upwardly in one of additional gps. of flow passageways, the liq. being partially vaporized to form vapour which flows upwardly in first gp. of passageways to provide a stripping medium in countercurrent flow to the downwardly flowing liq. and promote vaporization of lighter components from the liq., thus enriching the upwardly flowing vapour in the lighter components and enriching the downwardly flowing liq. in the heavier components, (c) withdrawing a vapour stream enriched in the lighter components from the upper end of the first gp. of passageways and (d) withdrawing a liq. prod. enriched in the heavier components from the lower end of the first gp. of passageways.    USE -   For sepn. of liq. feed mixt. contg. heavier and lighter components, esp. 2-5C hydrocarbons partic. methane.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces capital cost and reduces power consumption.
A slurry contg. organic material is treated in a first cyclone (15), pref. at &lt; 20 psi, to remove sand and dirt and then in a second higher pressure cyclone (22), pref. at 40 - 70 psi, to remove water soluble salts. The remaining organic material is then dewatered in a mechanical press (29).    USE -   The low salt, high organic material is used as a peat substitute, growing media, fertiliser carrier, soil additive, composting material or fuel for co-generation plants by removing sand and soluble salts from slurry, esp. vegetable processing waste, potato peelings waste, manure, offal from slaughterhouses, and used grain from distilleries and breweries.    ADVANTAGE -   The process removes water soluble salts.
First and second fuel control valves (41, 42) to distribute fuel gas to first and second fuel gas (1a, 1B) are provided. A fuel battery (20) comprises first and second fuel batteries (20a, 20b). A modifier (10) comprises first and second modifiers (10a, 10b). The first fuel gas (1a) and steam (9) are fed to the first modifier (10a) to produce first anode gas (2a) and cathode gas (3) from a circulation line (14). The second modifier (10b) receives the feed of anode exhaust gas (4) of the first fuel battery (20a) and the second fuel gas (1b) to generate second anode gas (2b). The second fuel battery (20b) generates a power by the second anode gas (2b) and cathode exhaust gas (7) of the first fuel battery (20). A steam/carbon ratio between steam (9) and the first fuel gas (1a) is set to 2-3.    ADVANTAGE -   The amt. of steam used for a modifier is decreased.
In the reactor, a modification appts. which modifies hydrocarbon raw material to hydrogen rich property modification gas, is positioned in front of and/or in the rear of the fuel property modification appts. on the path of raw material or property modification gas, and removes impurities in the raw material and/or property modification gas and has a catalyst layer in which a grain catalyst which removes impurity is contained, a metal vessel in which the catalyst layer is contained and a sheathed heater which is set in the vessel through a wall of the vessel to heat the catalyst layer. The vessel has a holder for the sheathed heater made of metal and is cylindrical, and the length is sufficient to be contained a part of the sheathed heater in the catalyst layer. The inner dia. is able to be inserted into the sheathed heater and is set at a region in which the sheathed heater is set with the sheathed heater inserting in the holder.    ADVANTAGE -   Replacement time for the sheathed heater can be decreased.
Deodorisation of organic waste, partic. kitchen waste, malodours during prodn. of compost comprises addn. of microorganisms, partic. Candida krusei sp. including Candida krusei MA-1 (FERM P-14923).    ADVANTAGE -   Decomposes lower fatty acids to diminish malodour.    In an example, Candida krusei MA-1 (FERM P-14923) is aerobically cultured in nutrient media at pH 5-7.5 and 20-40 (pref. 25-37) deg. C for 1-7 days. Cultured cells were mixed with suitable carriers (e.g. zeolite, radiolite, vermiculite and acid clay. Cultured Candida krusei MA-1 (FERM P-14923) cells together with carriers were added to kitchen waste and fermented for a week. Malodour was completely deodorised after 2-6 days.
Treatment of residual town water comprises:    (a) roughing, de-sanding and/or de-fatting;    (b) micro-screening or prim. decanting of suspended solids using relatively high ascent rates, and    (c) acid fermentation of the effluent from (b) in an anaerobic reactor with fixed or fluid bed and rising flow operated at low ascent rate.    Fermentation is assisted by the soluble substrates from the hydrolysis of solids accumulating at the bottom of the reactor, which does not contain supporting material. The effluent from (c) is suitable for anaerobic / aerobic active sludge treatments to remove nitrogen and phosphorus and the solid residues can be incorporated in the sludge lines of such systems.
The novel feature in rigid foam prodn. from polyisocyanates, high mol.wt. cpds. with 2 or more reactive H atoms and opt. also chain extenders and/or crosslinkers is that the blowing agent is a mixt. of (i) a low boiling 3-7C hydrocarbon; and (ii) a low mol., monofunctional, primary or secondary OH gp.-contg. 1-4C alcohol.    The (i)+(ii) mixt. is also claimed per se and can be used in combination with CO2 produced in situ from water and the isocyanate.    ADVANTAGE -   The problems associated with prior-art blowing agents are overcome, in particular the foaming effect and flow properties are improved so as to yield a rigid foam for use in insulation.
Decontamination of soil and waste contg. iron oxides fixing heavy metals comprises: (a) contacting, in a reactor, waste and a source of assimilable carbon under anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to solubilise the iron oxides by the action of ferri-reducing microorganisms, and as a result, solubilising the heavy metals; (b) retaining in the reactor a soln. contg. the solubilised iron and the heavy metals; (c) oxidising the soln., to ppte. the iron as ferric hydroxides, with co-pptn. of the heavy metals; and (d) sepg. the ppte. from the liq. phase of the soln..    USE -   Used for the decontamination of soil and waste contg. heavy metals, e.g. copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, silver, cobalt and uranium.
Installation to produce a replacement fuel from waste materials has a pre-grinder (1) and a pelletising press (2) for finer grinding. The pelletising press (2) has a ring counter die (3) with openings (5) extending radially from the inside (6) to the outside (7). The openings (5) have a passage section (8) with an inlet dia. of 6-25mm on their end on the inside. There is a further opening section (9) after the first (8) with an exit dia. larger than that of the first section.    USE -   In the disposal of municipal, industrial and commercial waste.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits a high throughput with minimal maintenance by using ring counter dies which extend radially from the inside out.
An assembly which thickens sludge from a waste water process incorporates 1 centrifuge (4). The novelty is that the centrifuge incorporates 1 lysis assembly which rupture the cell walls of the organisms in the sludge.    Also claimed is that the centrifuge (4): (a) incorporates esp. a helical conveyer (6) which delivers sludge to an outlet (9), and/or    (b) incorporates a rotating mantle (7), and/or    (c) is a jet centrifuge or a jet separator. The mantle (7) rotates at approx. 3000 rpm and conveyer (6) turns at approx. 3010 rpm. The lysis assemblies can operate by means of friction (100; 200) using grinding disks (161, 162), with a grinding cone, a profiled friction unit, a roller squeeze assembly, a drum or rotating cutters.    USE -   The assembly ruptures the cellular walls of esp. bacteria and protozoa within a mass of sewage sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly reduces the vol. of sludge produced in a sewage works, improves the de-watering process and speeding the fermentation process and anaerobic water treatment
A compost curing and odour control system has a windrow of compost piled on an air floor over and communicating with a plenum (30), a mechanism for periodically turning and moving the compost along the windrow, and a system to draw air through parts of the compost and redirect air upwardly through other parts. The plenum has a zone in which air is pulled through the overlying compost, and a second in which the air is passed upwardly through the compost, and also a third zone isolated (33) from the first two and supplied by a blower with ambient air to pass upwardly through the compost. The compost pref. enters in the first zone and exits from the third. Also claimed is the method of using the above system.    USE -   The system is used for final curing and deodorizing of compost discharged from a digester.    ADVANTAGE -   The system can provide controlled optimal processing conditions.
The following are claimed: (A) gas sepn. process, in which a selected gas in a mixed gas stream (MGS) is contacted by an enzyme (which has an active site directly contacting the MGS) and the selected gas is at least partially removed from the MGS; (B) bioreactor comprising a vessel having at least one first wall enclosing an inlet zone and at least one second wall enclosing a second phase zone (SPZ). A portion of the second wall is permeable to at least one selected gas in the inlet zone and retains the second phase in the SPZ. A portion of the second wall also comprises a support surface on which at least one enzyme is fixed, such that a MGS entering the inlet zone contacts enzyme which removes a selected gas from the MGS and passes the selected gas to the SPZ; and (C) bioreactor comprising buoyant beads coated with enzyme, floating on the surface of a condensed fluid phase, in contact with a gas phase (such that the active site of the enzyme is in direct contact with the gas phase). The beads are free to rotate in response to motion in either phase. The bioreactor comprises means for producing motion in at least one phase, such that portions of the beads alternately contact the gas phase and the fluid phase, bringing a selected gas into the condensed fluid phase.    USE -   The process may be used for sepn. of gases and enrichment of gas mixts. and is used, e.g. for treating effluent from smoke stacks, to process gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane, ozone or nitrogen oxides.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows prodn. of very large vols. of gas. The sepn. appts. may be located at or near the site of final use, reducing necessary transportation.
The simple rest room comprises a fermentation chamber (20') for fermenting dung, an isolation chamber (22) filled with permanent media for filtering liquid excrement, a chamber (23) for receiving liquid excrement, an agitator for mixing the dung and sawdust, a dung tank (20) having inlet (212) for sawdust and outlet for fermented dung, a chamber pot (30), a ventilation device for exhausting the dung gas, circulation device for resupplying liquid excrement to the fermentation chamber, and a discharging device for discharging excess excrement.    USE -   Used for fermenting dung.
Human waste utilisation device has a male side with a compression hydraulic cylinder (8), a moving press plate (7), and a chevron press plate (9) with a moving utilisation hole assembled together and a female side with a passive hydraulic cylinder (1), a passive press plate (10), and a chevron press plate (12) with a passive utilisation hole assembled together. The sides are assembled together in an engaged state in cylinder (6) having a human waste and straw mulching charge port (5) and an mulch discharge port (15). A charge amt. regulating device is formed so that a charge hydraulic cylinder (3), a charge press plate (2), and an adjusting plate (4) are assembled together in an adjusting charge hopper (1), which is arranged above the waste and straw mulching charge port (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Size is reduced to 1/2 of the function length of a screw press machine and the structure is simplified.
The composter has a sieve base, with an integrated vibrating rod. The composter stands on legs.    ADVANTAGE -   The humus can be taken out easily through the sieve by agitating it through the vibrating rod.
Processing of biomass residues from recovery of biotechnological prods., in which the residues are to be converted into a granular, dust- and smell-free, sterile solid, which is useful as a fertiliser with a long duration of activity, comprises passing flowable prepn. of the residues to a conventional fluidised bed drying process (with addn. of superheated water vapour (SWV) as drying gas). The temp. of the SWV and the residence time of the granular dry solid in the presence of the SWV are coordinated so that a dry solid with the above properties is obtained.    USE -   The prods. of the above process are useful as fertilisers in horticulture and agriculture, both on a large scale and for use in small gardens.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and gives prods. which do not have a bad smell.
In a process to clean soil (6) contaminated with crystalline or amorphous pollutants (5), the novelty is that the contaminated soil (6) is brought into contact with a liq. sepn. agent (10) whose density is higher than that of the pollutant (5), onto which it is washed. Also claimed is apparatus in which the contaminated soil (6) is lifted by conveyor to a receiving station (1,1',1",1"') to a washing station (2,2',2".2'") where a tank (8,8',8",8"') holds a quantity of a liq. sepn. agent (10), and where the soil is fractionated by density variation and subsequently conveyed to the output (3,3',3",3"').    USE -   The process and assembly clean soil contaminated with crystalline or amorphous pollutants esp. TNT.    ADVANTAGE -   The pollutants can be removed from the soil atan acceptable cost in a continuous process.
Combined household waste water and solid waste treatment installation collects rainwater and water discharged from baths, showers, washbasins and washing machines into a closed water treatment plant (1). In the plant the water passes through a distributor assembly (11) and is forced to form droplets, which then pass through and are cleaned by different gravel filters (12). The water is processed in ion exchange units (17,18) and is then aerated (14) by oxygen. It is finally passed through a stainless steel wool filter (19) before it is returned to a water storage tank (23) for repeated use in the domestic supply (26).    USE -   The assembly is a domestic waste water treatment plant combined with an assembly converting biological household refuse into garden compost, esp. in regions with a weak municipal infrastructure of water supply, waste water treatment and waste disposal.    ADVANTAGE -   The assembly ensures a constant supply of water and means of disposal for organic wastes. Further claimed is that the assembly both reduces dependence on public utilities, and reduces the scale on which such utilities are required esp. for flood prevention and water drains and treatment plant.
The composition of this detergent wt. is: tetrachloroethylene 40-70%, trichloromethane 14- 21%, silica gel for column chromatography 8-14%, polyurethane diluent 1-5%, butane 15-30%. Its production process is: tetrachloroethylene is mixed evenly with trichloromethane, then silica gel for column chromatography and polyurethane diluent is added and stirred evenly, and then it is poured into a can, finally butane is injected into the can; thus the rapid dry washing deter gent for clothes is produced. The product produced by this invention possesses advantages of high power of removal of oil dirt; no damage the clothes; convenient in usage; and cheap in price.
Treatment of waste water comprises cooling waste liquor to 40-60 C, adjusting the pH 7.5-9.0 with liq. ammonia, using MC-No.9 mycelium which is cultivated from an anaerobe in a sewage ditch and treating the mixt. at a constant temp. of 30-55 C for 4-10 hrs. and concentrating it to a solid content of 60-75%.    It may be used for the prepn. of leaf-spraying fertilizer or used as a feed additive. It may also be mixed with common calcium superphosphate and dry filtered sugar refinery waste to produce a solid organic fertilizer.    It solves the pollution problem of waste liquor. The investment is low and the cost of treatment is reduced.
Monomer recovery is claimed comprising thermally decomposing an addn. polymer into monomers and monomer fragments through chain depolymerisation by rapidly heating the addn. polymer such that the polymer ceiling temp. is reached in a time period substantially equal to the thermal relaxation time of the polymer itself.    USE -   This process can be used to recover monomers from addn. polymers, partic. those whose thermal decomposition does not proceed via a depolymerisation reaction.    ADVANTAGE -   The degradation through depolymerisation that occurs in this process is contrary to what is observed in the pyrolytic decomposition of certain addn. polymers. The monomers that result include those originally used to form the addn. polymer. They can be detected by mass spectrometry and isolated via a cold trap at the end of the gas/prod. stream.
Process for the sepn. of CO2 from CH4 comprises: (i) contacting one side of a semi-permeable gas sepn. membrane with a feed gas mixt. contg. at least the first and second gases, wherein the membrane divides a sepn. chamber into a high pressure side into which the feed gas is fed, and a low pressure side; (ii) maintaining a pressure differential across the membrane such that the CO2 selectively permeates through the membrane from the high to low pressure side; (iii) removing from the low-pressure side permeated gas rich in CO2 and depleted in CH4; and (iv) removing from the high pressure side a CH4 enriched and CO2 depleted gas mixt. The membrane comprises at least a thin layer of polyimide of repeat formula (I): R = gp. of formula (a), (b), (c), (d), (e); and x = integer. Also claimed is the process wherein at least part of a thin layer of polyimide of formulae (II), (III), (IV); and (V) is blended with (VI): R = a gp. of formula (e) or (f); y = integer z; R1 = gp. of formula (d), (g) or (h); and R3 = gp. of formula (b) or (e). In (IV), if R1 is (g) R2 is (b); if R1 is (h) R2 is (a); and if R1 is (d) R2 is (g). In (I) and (II), if R3 is (b) R4 is (g); and if R3 is (e) R4 is gp. of formula (i).
Methane fermentation comprises processing organic waste such as acetobutyl liquor, distillery grains, starch syrup or sugar beet processing waste with a consortium of thermophilic or mesophilic microorganisms and a complex of zinc with p-aminobenzoic acid and glycine mixed in amts. of (2-200)10-6 wt.% relatively to zinc. Subsequent fermentation yields a mixt. contg. 1.5-7.6 mg/l of 80-97% pure vitamin B12and 12-30 l methane per l of nutrient medium.    USE -   The method is used in biotechnology, technical microbiology and bioenergetics.    ADVANTAGE -    Methane and vitamin B12 can be produced simultaneously. The yield of vitamin B12is increased.
The appts. has a worm growing space (4), a bridge crane (8), containers (3), machines for preparation of feeding medium, containers loaders and unloaders, chamber (5) for worms separation from the growing medium, containers washing and mechanical cleaning chamber (6) and containers disinfecting chamber (7). The containers do not have inner partitions and contain horizontal and vertical shaft formers in their feeding medium loading points. The shaft formers has frames and connection pipes, fitted at 90 with the possibility of displacement in the vertical plane. The connection pipes have square, polygon or circular cross section. The connection pipes lower ends slant at an acute angle. The containers are formed by steel corners, perforated walls (22) and doors (23). The chambers (5,6) are provided with water line (59) and tap (60). The lower part of the chambers is connected to the settler, for biological cleaning of the water, by pipes (61) and pump (62) provided with electric motor (63).    USE -   In agriculture for worm growing.    ADVANTAGE -   The output is increased, construction is simplified and material consumption is reduced.
Incineration processor comprises a dehydration device (10) wherein liquid with solid scum and moisture are separated. The concentrated liquid containing solid scum materials go to a porous membrane incinerator (30) from a concentrated can (20) containing liquid from device. A catalytic combustion device (43) is provided for burning in organic substance in the vapour.    A high temperature air heater (35), an exhaust heat boiler (37) and a low temperature air heater (38) are provided for the exhaust gas from incinerator. Air fed to burner (39) in incinerator is preheated by the exhaust gases from air heaters. Vapour generated in boiler is led to a heater (22). A preheating device for air (45) and a preheating device (44) for vapour is also installed in circuit of concentrated can prevents catalytic combustion chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in incineration and disposal of scum from mfg spirits of rice, wheat, buckwheat, field sake. Enables installation possible in small and compact space. Provides for usage of small sized, easily maintainable incinerator equipment. Provides better thermal efficiency. Eliminates requirement of cooling water in catalytic combustion device.
A resin bag equipped with a opening with a fastener, a string on one corner of the opening, a cut across one corner, and spot welded line along the cut.    USE -   Used for fermenting garbage.    ADVANTAGE -   Garbage can be composted easily in this bag.
Treatment comprises using Alcaligenes group microbe capable of decomposing phenol group and maintaining density of its microbe group in mixed microbe over 10g cell/ml over the ten days.    ADVANTAGE -   High level of phenol group decomposition bacteria can be maintained in the mixed microbe over a long time and the waste water can be treated efficiently.
Treatment comprises adding more iron ion than sulphur cpd. contained in organic waste water to waste water to conduct anaerobic treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen sulphide generated in anaerobic-treatment of waste water, can be removed. No equipment for desulphurisation is necessary and cost can be reduced.
Waste water treatment agent, comprising an anchored microorganism support comprising an organic carbon source particle and a microorganism immobilised by a gel anchoring agent.    USE -   The waste water treatment agent is useful for treating organic and inorganic cpds. in a waste water.    ADVANTAGE -   As an organic carbon source necessary for the growth of the microorganism is immobilised together with the microorganism, the microorganism can be quickly proliferated in the pellets. When those pellets are used for treatment of a waste water, the waste water can be purified to a required level in a short time.
In the prodn. processes of prods. (A), methods (B) of treating them when they are disposed as wastes are manifested on them. (B) is selected according to (A's) material composition (C).    USE -   Used for recycling materials especially for recycling plastics.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is able to prevent the mixing of different kinds of plastics, so that able to raise recycling ratio.
Machine comprises a crude refuse treating tank (1) having a perforated plate (2) to divide the bottom part of treating tank, air chamber (3) placed under the plate and crude refuse storing chamber (5) placed at the upper side of perforated plate, treating medium (14) stored in the crude refuse storing chamber, stirring wings (6) placed in the crude refuse storing chamber, air suction hole (10) at one side of upper part of crude refuse storing chamber, exhaust fan (11) provided at another side of upper part of crude refuse storing chamber, thermal insulation material (15) for covering wall surfaces of crude refuse storing chamber and pump (4) for supplying air to the air chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For discharging excess water maintaining a suitable temp. in the crude refuse storing chamber. Crude refuse can be treated by highly active microorganisms effectively and at low power cost.
Crude refuse-treating machine has a stirring shaft (6) placed in a crude refuse-treating tank (1) and stirring wings (7) projected from stirring shaft. Heaters (11,15) are provided for stirring wings. Pref. stirring shaft and stirring wings of crude refuse treating machine are hollow shafts connected to each other and air supplier is connected to the stirring shaft.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing crude refuse by microorganisms. Crude refuse can be heated uniformly and water in the crude refuse can uniformly removed by blowing out air from stirring wings rotating them and heating blowing air by heaters or heating crude refuse using heat from stirring wings.
Crude refuse treatment appts. to store decomposing medium (A) contg. microorganisms in treating vessel (11) and decompose crude refuse injected into treating vessel by microorganisms, comprises drain tank (16) to store water sepd. from decomposing medium in treating vessel, and discharge means to discharge water in drain tank to outside.    Pref. crude refuse treatment appts. comprises discharge means to discharge water in drain tank into treating vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing meat, fish or leftover rice from homes or restaurants as crude refuse by microorganisms. Excess water in decomposing medium is completely removed.
An outdoor microbial garbage treatment tank has a garbage chute duct and is furnished with a monitor mirror by which the interior of the tank can be observed through the duct.    ADVANTAGE -   Indoor observation of garbage treatment can be done.
Appts. comprises treating tank (1) to store carrier for cultivating microorganisms; penetration holes (32) at both sides of treating tank; stirring shaft (34) inserted in penetration holes and supported by bearings; motor to rotate stirring shaft; and stirring wings (35) fixed to stirring shaft to stir carrier in treating tank; and gaps formed between bearings and outer walls of treating tank. Pref. appts. comprises reinforcing plates at both sides of treating tanks to insert stirring shaft into penetration holes via reinforcing plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating organic materials e.g. crude refuse by microorganisms. Carrier leaked from gaps does not enter gaps to cause motor problems.
Crude refuse treatment appts. comprises treatment body (1) to treat crude refuse; stirring tank (2) in treatment body; crude refuse-treating agent contg. microorganisms and placed in stirring tank; and water supply means (4) at outer wall of treatment body and fitted with delivery hole (12) to supply water from water supply means to stirring tank. Pref. water supply means is connected to water pipe directly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to inject crude refuse from kitchens to storing cases installed outdoor. Optimum water content of crude refuse can always be maintained.
The holder composition contains glucose, activated carbon and abolition molasses.    ADVANTAGE -   Offers easy and early decomposition of garbage. Improves decomposition efficiency. Prevents generation of bad smell.
Device has an upper tank and a lower tank. The enzyme fermentation is carried out in the upper tank, and the anaerobic bacteria fermentation and the filtration are carried out in the lower tank. When supplying wet refuse from the top, the anaerobic bacteria and a specified enzyme are supplied at the same time. The wet refuse is collected in a rotary drum (3) to start the fermentation. Pref. temp. at this time is about 40 deg.C. At the start of the fermentation, the action of the specified enzyme is active. After the enzyme fermentation, the material drops into the lower tank where the action of the anaerobic bacteria becomes active.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to treat wet refuse or to manufacture long-term conservation food by means of enzyme fermentation. The enzyme fermentation, the anaerobic bacteria fermentation, and the filtration can be done by one device.
Pulverised hulls have sizes of 0.3 mm to less than 0.6 mm for water retention, 0.6 mm to less than 1.2 mm for growth of microorganisms and at least 1.2 mm or over for aeration at ratios of 10-40, 45-70 and 10-40 wt.%, respectively, for decompsn. of organic substances prepd. by grinding. Hulls are pulverised and classified by sieving in 3 gps.    USE -   Decompsn of organic waste from animals and plants. Treatment of moistened organic wastes including animal and plant wastes.    In an example, pulverised hulls were mixed and soaked in water for 2-3 days. Then, the mixt. was dried to make water content of about 60%. In 5 kg of the moistened mixt. 0.5 kg of organic substance was put and aerated with a pump with occasional stirring to decompose them.
A high quality stabilised organic compost is produced by aerobic or anaerobic fermentation of organic material, such as domestic waste, having low inert matter content; followed by removal of the inert material from the liquid phase of the compost after fermentation. Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out this process, which comprises an elimination means (8) to treat the prod. discharged from a fermentation means (1).    USE -   Used for removal of inert mineral material such as sand from compost produced by fermentation of kitchen and garden wastes and paper and cardboard.    ADVANTAGE -   Inert material, which is difficult to remove from the other feed materials before composting as they are also solid, can be removed easily after fermentation.
In disposal of food residues from industrial kitchens, the residues, mixed with 5-50% of shrub coatings, are fed to a silo, the surface of the silo is covered with 0.1-2 kg/m2of an alkali, e.g. quicklime, and sprayed with water corresp. to a 0.1-10 mm water column. During 24-48 hr., while the inner temp. of the silo rises and the surface and bottom layer of the silo, 1-15 cm thick, reach a pH of 12, the silo is not turned over. Further processing of the silo corresponds to the composting of bio-waste. After 6-12 weeks, the prod. is a hygienic fertiliser, which can be used on agricultural surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   All disease-causing microorganisms are destroyed.
The multistage anaerobic treatment for biomass, with simultaneous recovery of biogas, comprises mechanically separating contaminants followed by a preliminary stage of mechanical breakdown; mechanically disrupting the cells by ultrasound before and/or after later stages; microbiologically pre-hydrolysing; and mechanically conditioning and hydrolysing, with separate treatment of sedimented solid material and floating light material. Heating and conditioning with pH adjustment are followed by methanisation (i.e. digestion), the sedimented solids being treated separately. The mechanically separated digestion residues are composted aerobically, with process water treatment.    Also claimed is a plant for the above process, in which the hydrolysis and methanisation reactor is rectangular with the base sloping, and has a sludge extraction screw over the length of the sump.    USE -   Used for multistage anaerobic treatment of a broad variety of biological waste or biomass materials, with biogas recovery.    ADVANTAGE -   The plant is designed for short residence time, with low construction and running costs. Maximum gas output with minimal solid residues for composting are targeted. Cell structure breakdown provides large surface areas for the microbiological activity. A static mixer is used for sludge recycle inoculation. Gaseous emissions are prevented by enclosure and recycling of effluent gases.
Redn. and recycling of waste for use with household and other landfill waste material at a landfill management site comprises: (i) grinding of waste materials (WM) to reduce the vol.; (ii) placing in a pit dug into the ground arranged to accept the (WM) after grinding; (iii) composting in the pit to reduce the organic material in (WM) to humus, and simultaneously adding sludge sepd. from a sewage treatment; (iv) removing (WM) from pit;(v) screening (WM) to remove glass, metals, concrete, and other dense materials from the humus; and (vi) sepg. and removing plastics and light materials by means of flotation.    ADVANTAGE -   Unlike burning, the method allows recycling of the waste material and does not pollute the air. The process is economical in the use of land, compared to simply burying the waste material under a layer of earth, and is therefore cheaper.The process also generates the proper conditions for the natural breakdown of the organic component of the waste.
A catalyst to oxidise oxygen-contg. organic cpds. to CO2 and water comprises perovskite on a metal oxide support.    Also claimed is a method of reducing the amt. of volatile oxygen-contg. organic cpd. in waste gas by oxidn. to form CO2 and water.    Pref. the metal oxide support is a stabilized metal oxide, or one or more of aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide and zirconium oxide, or alumina. The stabilized metal oxide support comprises metal oxide having a layer of an oxide of a different metal comprising Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Ti, Cu, Cr, La, Ba, Ca, Sr or Ag on the surface thereof. The formula of the perovskite is La1-xAxYO3, where x is 0-1, A is Ag or Mg and Y is Mn or Fe, and x is esp. 0.1-0.75.    Pref. the organic cpd. is ethanol and oxidn. is effected by contacting the gas with the perovskite catalyst as described above. Oxidn. is at up to 550F max..    USE -   The catalyst is used in treating waste gas produced from fermentation, baking and brewing.
Rotatable composting device comprises:    (a) a base unit (10) having 4 vertical support legs (11) made from 44" square timber;    (b) cross beams (12a,12b) secured to the upper ends of the legs by means of galvanised steel connectors (13);    (c) side and end boards (14,15) secured to the legs to form a storage space (20) enclosed by moveable angled slats (16) retained by U-shaped slat brackets (17), and    (d) a hexagonal shaped tumbler drum (21) mounted on the cross beams by means of pivot nipples (31) engaging axle supports (33a,33b), which comprises:    (i) rigid hexagonal galvanised steel end frames (24a,24b) infilled with boards to form end walls (27a,27b), leaving cracks between them for the ingress of air, and connected by:    (ii) horizontally arranged boards to form the drum sidewalls (28) which incorporate a hinged door (38) secured by a latch (45) closing an access opening (37), and    (iii) a handle (26) threadably secured to the nipple (31a).    USE -   The device can be used for composting waste organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, small twigs and selected household waste material.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is ruggedly attractive and is capable of rotating the compost material to assist aeration and rapid decomposition.
The reforming device provided with H2 sepg. and permeating membrane, is assembled in the fuel cell, as to utilise its operating heat to the reforming device. Hydrocarbon or methanol is reformed to high purity H2and supplied to the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   High heat efficiency.
The working fluid comprises: (A) up to 25 wt.% 2-methyl propane; (B) di:fluoromethane; (C) 1,1,1,2-tetra:fluoroethane; and (D) 1,1,1-tri:fluoroethane, to give at least the same refrigerating effect as chloro-di:fluoromethane.    USE -   Used in a refrigerating cycle, using a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device and an evaporator.
High temp. and high speed fermentation appts. comprises a fermentation tank (1) having rotating and stirring blades (2), porous ceramic burner (31) placed at the upper part of the fermentation tank and having porous holes (32) at its circumference to emit a flame, and waste gas passage (110) in the double-structured wall of the fermentation tank to flow waste gas in the double-structured wall.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating industrial waste of mfg. feed of livestock or compost from waste of food industry. Efficiency of heat transmission to a raw material is increased, and a temp. for producing thermophilic bacteria can be maintained.
Crude waste treatment appts. used to decompose crude waste stored in a vessel by fermentation of microorganisms comprises a receiving vessel (10) to receive dirty water of crude waste storing in the space at which crude waste is fermented and decomposed, and a water removal part (30) in the receiving vessel to remove water from the dirty water by drying. The water removal part comprises dirty water sucking up members (31) dipping their lower parts into dirty water and exposing their sucking up surfaces and air supply means near the dirty water sucking up members to blow air to the sucking up surfaces of dirty water sucking up members.    Crude waste treatment appts. pref. comprises dirty water sucking up members formed by hanging water-adsorbable sheets in the dirty water receiving vessel and arranged at a specific distance to the length direction of the dirty water receiving vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing crude waste generating in homes. The amt. of dirty water discharged to the outside can be reduced to prevent pollution.
Crude waste treatment appts. comprises a disposer (5) to crush crude waste injected from an injection hole (2), a vessel (4) to store and decompose crushed crude waste, net like bodies (8) placed in the vessel apart from each other to the depth direction at a specific distance, air supply pipes (16) to supply air to the inside of the vessel, aerobic microorganisms injected to the vessel to decompose crude waste, and dirty water receiving vessel (10) to receive dirty water falling from the bottom of the vessel.    Crude refuse treatment appts. pref. comprises a selecting means to store crude waste temporarily before injecting to the disposer to select metal from crude waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing crude waste generated in homes. Crude waste is decomposed by microorganisms because the crude waste is finely crushed by the disposer before fermenting.
Crude waste treatment appts. used to decompose crude waste with microorganisms in a decomposing medium by storing a decomposing medium contg. microorganism in a treating vessel (11), comprises a blower (14) to ventilate the treating vessel, a temp. sensor (15) to detect the temp. of the decomposing medium, and a controller (17) to control the operation of the blower based on detected temp. of the temp. sensor.    The appts. pref. comprises the controller to operate the blower only when a detected temp. of the temp. sensor exceeds a specific value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating meat, fish, rice or vegetable waste discharged from homes or restaurants. Temp. of decomposing medium can accurately be maintained for microorganisms.
Organics treatment appts. comprises a treating tank (1) to store and decompose organic material, a first heater (3) placed at a position corresp. to a position where organic material is deposited in the treating tank and at the outer surface of treating tank to heat the inside of the treating tank, and a second heater placed above the organic material in the treating tank and at the outer surface of the treating tank to heat the inside of the treating tank.    The appts. pref. comprises a first controller to control the first heater and second controller to control the second heater.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating organic material e.g. crude waste, by using microorganisms. Uniform temp. can be maintained at the space above the organic material in the treating tank to vaporise water in the organic material.
Organic material treatment appts. comprises a treating tank (1) to store and decompose organic material, body case (10,45) to cover the treating tank, suction hole (9) at the treating tank, air inlet (12) at the body case, air passage for connecting the suction hole and air passage, and heater (4) placed at the outer surface of the treating tank facing the air passage to heat the inside of the treating tank.    The treatment appts. pref. comprises the heater placed at the outer surface of the treating tank and above the level of the organic material in the tank facing the air passage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating organic material, e.g. crude waste by using microorganisms. Organics can be treated in winter when the atmospheric temp. is low by heating air with the heater.
Drum used for biological purposes is equipped with a ventilating rod comprising a polyethylene rod, 480-580 mm long, 20 mm dia., with notch at either end.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents generation of smells and maggots by adequate aeration.
The method is based on deasphaltising of residual fractions with propane, with subsequent extn. of soln. of deasphaltised prod. with polar solvent, consisting of two components, of which one is N-methyl-pyrrolidone. To reduce vol. of solvent and power consumption of process, the sec. component of polar solvent is N-methyl-caprolactam, used in amt. 3-50 wt.%.    USE -   In oil processing industry, as a method of prodn. of residual oils by refining residual oil fractions.    ADVANTAGE -   The method reduces vol. of polar solvent, increases its thermal stability and reduces power consumption of process.
Mixture separation is carried out using rectification column producing the distillate and still residue and feeding it into the column for rinsing purposes. Reflux is supplied in periodic cycles at the maximal rinsing rate of 84.2-110.0 mass % and the minimal rate of 31.3-63.0 mass % with the cycle period of 60-100 seconds. The rectification plant consists of the column (1) equipped with the overflow trays (2), raw material supply line (3), raw material heating heat exchanger (4), still residue heating heat exchanger (5), still residue collection line (6), reflux removal facility (7), reflux collection-distribution capacity (8), distillate collection line (9), rinsing reflux supply line (10) and cyclic reflux supply device (12).    USE -   Method is used in oil industry for the separation of butylene di-vinyl and butane fractions.    ADVANTAGE -   Process efficiency is increased and the energy losses are reduced.
The patent refers to use of isobutyl oil, obtd. as waste from the process of prodn. of methanol, as new additive to car gasoline.    Isobutyl oil consists of mixt. of alcohols, mainly with branched structure, having high detonation stability and high combustion heat, close to that of hydrocarbons contained in compsn. of gasoline. Presence of large concn. of isobutyl alcohol (at least 50%) promotes good solubility of all components in gasoline, including small concns. of methanol and water. Pref. compsn. of isobutyl oil is (in wt.%): water 11.2, methanol 4.0, isobutanol 51.2, propanol 12.6, butanol 3.7, X-component (C-5) 11.4, isopentanol 3.9 and other alcohols 2.0, and it is added, in amt. 10-20%, to non-ethylated gasoline, having octane No. 65-70.    USE -   In prodn. of engine fuels, as new additive to car gasoline.    ADVANTAGE -   New additive reduces cost of gasoline and increases octane No. of gasoline contg. no tetraethyl-lead additive.
Extn. of heavy metal ions from solid materials involves aq. extn. and subsequent treatment of the extract with sorbent. The solid material is extracted by using a biomass of microorganisms previously treated with an excess of 0.1-10% aq. hydrolysing agent with sepn. of the liq. and solid phases. The liq. phase is used as extractant and the solid phase as sorbent.    USE -   The method is used in the purificn. of activated sludge, aeration of stage deposits, and the removal of heavy metal ions from soils and ground.    ADVANTAGE -   The method avoids e.g. the use of expensive complexing agents and ion exchange resins, and the high energy costs of the method involving grinding and homogenisation of the soil or ground, and countercurrent extn. with hot water.
Mfr. of solid fuel comprises: (1) continuously crushing charged refuse with horizontally rotating blades in prim. and sec. crushing chambers of a crusher, while removing uncrushed incombustible materials; (2) gravity-sepg. the crushed refuse to remove incombustible materials; (3) moisture-controlling the obtd. combustible crushed refuse; and (4) compression moulding the refuse.    ADVANTAGE -   High quality fuel solid can be mfd. efficiently from refuse.
A wet waste treatment device comprises a digestion chamber (1) of a tapered cylindrical part having a larger diameter toward the bottom; a supply port (7) of treatment powder at the top end of the digestion chamber (1), which opens all over the opening; a scrape-out port (8) of the treatment powder formed at the bottom of the digestion chamber (1), which opens all over the opening; an openable lid (10) at the top of the digestion chamber (1); a vertical circulation spiral (12) at the centre of the digestion chamber; a circulation cylinder (14) surrounding the outside periphery of the circulation spiral (12); and a scraping body (20) having scraping blades (21) on the top surface, which engages with the lower end of the circulation cylinder (14) so as to be movable. By moving the scraping body (20) to the left and the right and by turning the circulation spiral (12), the treatment powder, which falls downward, is circulated upward for piling up.    PREFERRED CONDITION - The treatment powder is formed by mixing grain flour and powdered bark in a ratio of 1:1, and adding Rhodococcus Coprophilus and Actinoplanes.    ADVANTAGE -   The cost is low, the quantity of treatment is large, there is no malodour, maintenance is easy, maintenance cost is low, and the treatment powder lowers smoothly.
In the appts. (1) to treat crude refuse with a decomposing medium contg. microorganism, at least bottom part of treating tank (2) storing the decomposing medium and crude refuse is made of a flexible material, and the mixing appts. (3,4) shifts part of bottom part made of a flexible material to the inside of treating tank.    Mixing appts. of treatment appts. is operated by interlocking with the opening or closing of opening or closing lid (7) provided to the treatment appts. and pushes the flexible material from the outside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For decomposing domestic crude refuse by microorganisms. Treating tank is mfd. at low cost and is easy to clean and design of mixing appts. is simplified.
odour collecting appts. for a fermentation tank (1) comprises odour suction holes (15) facing inside of the tank, and placed at positions of sidewalls (1a) of the tank higher than the height of raw material stored in the tank along the extending directions of sidewalls, and odour suction appts. (16) connected to the suction holes.    Pref., the odour collecting appts. comprises odour suction holes formed by divided suction holes in parallel with extending directions of sidewalls and a control means controlling suction operation for each divided suction hole individually or for several divided suction holes.    USE -   Used for collecting odour generated in the fermentation tank when organic waste e.g. excrement and leftover rice is fermented.    ADVAnTAGE - Odour generated in the fermentation tank can be collected by using the odour suction appts. having a low suction force.
Method of removing clogging ventilation holes (6) in the floor board (7) of a fermentation tank (1) by use of a clogging removal tool having projections corresp. to the ventilation holes of the tank. The tool is placed on the lower surface of floor board and the projections are inserted to penetrate the holes and remove the clogging.    Also claimed is the clogging removal appts. comprising the projections corresp. to the ventilation holes and a moving mechanism to bring the clogging removal appts. down to the floor board and separate it from the floor board after removing the clogging.    Used for removing clogging of ventilation holes of a fermentation tank used for fermenting organic raw material, e.g., excrement and leftover rice. Clogging of ventilation holes is eliminated without decrease in efficiency of fermentation .
Waste treatment appts. comprises a hollow spherical body (12) having an opening (14) to receive waste to be treated and fixed to a support (10) rotatably, and heating element (16) to heat the lower part of body.    USE -   For treating crude refuse, livestock excrements, drain sludge used developing soln. or waste plating liq.    ADVANTAGE -   Crude refuse and other waste can be treated quickly by injecting waste to the spherical body adding fermentation bacteria and flowing an electric current to the heating element.
Appts. to store a decomposing medium (A) contg. microorganisms in a treating vessel (11) to decompose crude refuse injected to the treating vessel by microorganisms in the decomposition medium, comprises means (15) to detect a temp. of decomposing medium and warning means to generate a warning based on results of detect means.    Appts. comprises a humidity sensor to detect humidity of decomposing medium and the warning means.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For decomposing waste vegetables, meat, fish or rice discharged from homes or restaurants. Operator can see an abnormal change of temp. of decomposing medium rapidly to rectify condition.
In appts. to store a decomposing medium (A) contg. microorganisms in a treating vessel (11) to decompose crude refuse injected to the treating vessel by microorganisms in the decomposing medium, a surface of heating means (17) faces the decomposing medium in the treating vessel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For decomposing waste vegetables, meat, fish or rice discharged from homes or restaurants. Decomposing medium is uniformly heated to increase life of medium.    Pref. appts. comprises an opening provided at the upper part of treating vessel, lid (10a) to open or close the upper part of treating vessel and heating means provided at the back of lid.
Organic waste treatment appts. comprises a crusher (2) to crush a material to be treated, dewatering machine (3), fermentation treatment tank (4) having a fermentation chamber (4a) with heaters and stirrers and drying chamber (4b) with heaters and stirrers to receive a dewatered crushed material to be treated and discharge it from the drying chamber, gas circulation and drying line (5) with a fan and dehumidifier to dry hot discharged gas from the fermentation chamber and return it to the fermentation chamber, and deodorising and discharged water treating tank (8) to receive discharged water from the dewatering machine and dehumidifier and eject dried discharged gas branched from the outlet of dehumidifier and fresh air to deodorise discharged gas and purify the discharged water by aerobically biological treatment.    Organic waste treatment appts. comprises a screw press type dewatering machine and treats organic waste maintaining a retention time of material to be treated in the fermentation tank to up to 24 hours and an amt. of discharged gas returned to the fermentation tank to 70-80% of amt. of hot discharged gas.    USE -   For treating organic waste, e.g. waste of food mfg. plants, sanitarily at a high yield to mfr. compost without pollution to the environment.
Refuse-decomposing device comprises fermentation decomposing tank (8); a refuse charge port (11) formed in upper part of fermentation decomposing tank; and microorganism carrier (10) with which fermentation decomposing tank is filled and at least part of which consists of hydrophilic resin porous substance.    ADVANTAGE -   Wear and refining of microorganism carrier does not occur.
Appts. comprises a storing tank (1) to store organic waste (M), stirring machine (6) having stirring blades (5) placed movably in a horizontal direction along the storing tank to ferment and decompose organic waste by scraping up the waste placed at the front of storing tank to its rear side, pressure receiving plate (7) fixed to the back of stirring machine to move the stirring machine forward by deposit pressure of waste scraped up and scraper plate (10) placed above the pressure receiving plate to drop organic waste on the waste-loading surfaces (5A) of stirring blades to the back of pressure receiving plate by sliding on the waste-loading surfaces.    Pref. the scraper plate is placed above the pressure receiving plate movably to the front and rear direction, the front part of scraper plate is shifted in a running route of stirring blades and slides on the waste-loading surfaces of stirring blades.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To ferment and decompose organic waste, e.g. livestock excrement, domestic refuse. Power consumption can be decreased.
Sea water for washing laver is circulated from inside to outside of machine then vice versa. Contaminated water is made germ-free in circulation route.    USE -   Used for purifying sea water for washing laver in laver stirring and washing machine.
A fuel cell power generating system comprises a reformer (1) to produce reformed gas for a fuel cell (2) from material fuel, a mixt. diluter (2) connected to the downstream side of the reformer (1), a fuel cell (3) connected to the downstream side of the mixt. diluter (2) and an inert gas supplying section (4) to supply inert gas to the mixt. diluter (2).    ADVANTAGE -   The reformed gas is mixed with the inert gas at the mixt. diluter to dil. CO in the reformed gas to the lower density, suppressing deterioration of the electrode.
A hybrid fuel cell power generator comprises a reformer (1) to reform hydrocarbon-base or alcohol-base material fuel into carbon monoxide-content gas; a first fuel cell (2) using hydrogen and carbon monoxide as fuel for power generation and a solid high-molecule fuel cell (4) using the gas discharged from the fuel electrode (2b).    ADVANTAGE -   The carbon monoxide generated by the first fuel cell is consumed as fuel for the first fuel cell before supplying into the solid high-molecule fuel cell. The high system has high efficiency.
The gas detecting element is composed of a CH4 detecting element of SnO2 film added with 3 atom% Pb, and a reference element of SnO2film added with 0.5 atom% Pb.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas detecting element has good selectivity and stabilised characteristics for long period.
Catalysts contg. at least one halogen, at least one gp. VIII metal and a -alumina support are claimed. The lowest average dimension of the support is 0.8-2 mm, and the halogen content is 4.5-15 wt.%. Also claimed is the prepn. and use of the catalysts.    USE -   The catalysts are used for the isomerisation of normal 4-6C paraffins, in partic. for the prodn. of isobutane used for the alkylation of olefins, e.g. in the synthesis of MTBE, a prod. with a high octane rating. Halogenation of the catalyst is pref. a chlorination with an agent, e.g. carbon tetrachloride or chloroform.
A plant- or bio-waste composter is novel in having a conveyor (5) transferring the material to a compactor (18), with a comminutor (20) comprising a cutter insert (21) and a perforated disc (24).    Pref. a pre-comminutor (39, 43) for large or long plant sections is provided at the entrance (17) of the compactor (18). The cutter insert and perforated disc are interchangeable, allowing different types to be inserted, to cope with materials of differing constitution. The edges of the perforations in the plate act against a pre-cutter. A second cutter behind the plate, works with the rear edges of the perforations. The perforations may be round, elliptical or slotted, with variable diameter or size.    USE -   To compost plant or other wastes. Examples include florists', park or garden waste, including branches.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit prepares a variety of plant- or bio-waste material, for rapid composting. Odour free, simple, reliable operation is claimed. It both compacts and size-reduces the material, breaking up the cells, assisting the biological processes. Pre-reduction assists, also preventing blockage of the equipment. The equipment is generously equipped with slow-moving cutters, and much more quiet in operation than a conventional shredder. Water expression improves the composting qualities of the material. The treated material may be loaded into containers for composting and/or transport.
A refuse treatment assembly incorporates a standing cylindrical fermentation reactor (13) with an internal mixer assembly (14). Refuse is introduced to the lower section of the reactor (13) and rises under the influence of the mixer (14) to the upper section where it is converted to compost and removed. The novelty is that the fermentation reactor (13) incorporates a flow generator assembly which sends a flow of mixed refuse and compost from the top to the bottom of the reactor while the mixer (14) pushes refuse from the bottom to the top of the reactor. The mixer assembly (14) is a helical blade (16, 41). The horizontal gap between the blade tip (16) and the inner face of the reactor (13) increases upwardly; alternatively there may be a gap (40) between the rotating shaft (38) and blade (41) which increases with height.    USE -   The rotating helical blade drives esp. household and plant refuse from bottom to top and a mixture of refuse and compost from top to bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   The opposing flows creates a homogeneous mixture of refuse and compost and both accelerates the composting process and produces a continuous process.
Catalyst for treating the exhaust gas of a natural gas fuel engine comprises: (a) a first washcoat support of alumina, (b) a second washcoat support consisting of ceria and lanthana promoted with alumina and (c) Pd and opt. (d) Rh impregnated into the two washcoat supports.    USE -   Used for treating the exhaust gas of a natural gas fuel engine esp. in cars.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides improved conversion of methane, CO and NOx in lean, stoichiometric and rich air/fuel environments.
Treating a gaseous discharge stream formed from a waste in a molten metal bath comprises: (a) directing the waste into a molten metal bath within a reactor to cause conversion of at least a portion of a waste to form a gaseous discharge stream that includes at least one intermediate component; (b) combining the gaseous discharge stream with a fluidised bed of particulates; (c) cooling the combined discharge stream and fluidised bed, where at least a portion of the intermediate component is converted to a particulate prod. component of the particulates of the fluidised bed; (d) sepg. at least a portion of the particulates from the cooled combined gaseous discharge stream and fluidised bed to form a particulate stream that including at least a portion of the particulate prod.; and (e) recirculating at least a portion of the particulate stream to the fluidised bed.    USE -   Used for the disposal of waste materials and may be used for the formation of ethylene from a methane gaseous discharge stream or for converting chlorine to CaCl2 by reaction with particulate CaO or for recovery of heavy metals.    ADVANTAGES -   Dioxin formation is suppressed, gaseous emissions of deleterious cpds. are reduced, reaction of reactive components can be controlled and relatively stable cpds. are formed.
Release of blowing agent is accelerated from a solid, non-perforated polyethylene foam (20) contg. a permeability modifier by perforating the surface (40) of the foam to form channels (30) extending from it non-directionally with respect to its length.    USE -   The blowing agent is released to enhance flame retardancy, such agents often being flammable hydrocarbons. The foam itself is useful in cushion packaging applications.
Waste is composted and reduced by passing it through a series of independent, rotatable, sealable, cylindrical processing chambers. The waste is first prepared (10) by removing one or more of plastics, magnetic metals and non-magnetic metals. Prepared waste is then passed through successive rotating chambers in which it is: anaerobically decomposed (16); aerobically decomposed (20); has organic waste removed (22); has plastics reduced (24) by a solvent, and; has metals reduced (26) by acid. The by-products at each stage are collected. Also claimed is a waste processing method in which the composting and reductions are performed in a single rotary container.    USE -   Composting and reducing solid organic and inorganic waste, including plastics and ferrous and non-ferrous metals.    ADVANTAGE -   A single type of chamber provides aerobic and anaerobic decompositions and reduction of plastics and metals. Mixing and movement of the waste are improved. Decomposition gasses are not released into the environment.
The catalyst is based on iron oxide, and contains oxides of chromium, aluminium and a Gp.I metal, in amts. of 6.5-7.5:1-4:2-10%, in which the preferred Gp.I metal is copper.    USE -   The catalyst has wide use in chemistry and petrochemistry, esp. for prodn. of hydrogen or ammonia.    ADVANTAGE -   The formation of organics as by-prods. at low ratios of steam to gas is prevented, and the catalyst has resistance to degradation.
Kneader for fertiliser comprises a mixing tank (3) to store and mix organic material and microorganisms in animal intestines, screw conveyor (15) at the bottom of the mixing tank rotatably and fitted with a spiral screw stirrer (17), a motor (20) to rotate the screw conveyor and mixing space parts (24) in the mixing tank and formed above the end parts of the screw conveyor in the transportation direction to stir, transport and compress up the organic material together with the microorganisms in animal intestines by the screw conveyor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. fertilisers by decomposing organic materials e.g. vegetable waste, grass and excrement of livestock with microorganisms in animal intestines. Organic materials are rapidly decomposed by microorganisms in animal intestines by taking a large amt. of air in the organic material.
Fuel reformer (1) has a reforming tube (2) and burner (5)to steam-reform hydrocarbon to hydrogen enriched reformed gas. The reforming tube comprises an intermediate cylinder (81) erected vertically, both inside and outside cylinders (82,83) placed concentrically at the outside and inside of intermediate cylinder providing the space, respectively, and connected to the intermediate cylinder by an upper plate (21) and connected to each other at the lower ends of both cylinders sepg. from the lower end of intermediate tube, and catalyst layer (3) formed at the circular space between the intermediate cylinder and inside cylinder. The burner is placed at the inside of reforming tube to supply a heating medium to the inner circumferential surface of inside cylinder and circumferential surface of outside cylinder. The catalyst layer comprises connected bodies formed by connecting reforming catalyst particles having penetration holes by strings, and the connected bodies are supported at the lower surface of upper plate providing an average distance between connected bodies wider than an average distance between the catalyst particles.    USE -   For mfg. fuel gas of fuel cell power generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Reforming catalyst particles do not crush to increase life of catalyst, and the catalyst is easily replaced.
A processing tank (2) with shape formed by opening an upper half of a horizontal cylinder is placed on a processing machine main body (1). The processing tank (2) comprise a ventilating fan incorporating an air discharging filter (3) and an air introducing port (5). A stirring shaft (8) with stirring blade fixing arms (11) incorporating stirring curved blades (12) and stirring claws (13) is placed in the processing tank (2) across the right and left walls of reducing drive unit (16). Organic matter decomposing medium of peat moss base is charged in the tank. An opening for charging organic garbage is provided on the top surface of the processing machine main body (1) and the speed reducing drive unit (16) is operated periodically at a fixed interval.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The machine decomposes organic garbage by using microorganisms. The decomposition process is performed by a simple structure while using moisture contained in the organic garbage.
A rotary processing tank (9) is mounted on a base plate comprising a rotary processing tank mount (2), a rear centre roller (3), side rollers, (4,5,6) and a speed reducing driving machine (8) incorporating a drive gear (7). The tank (9) comprises a convex bottom (10), a gear (11) formed on the outer peripheral surface so as to engage with the drive gear (7), an inner stirring blade contacting the inside wall of the rotary processing tank, and a cover (16) for sealing a processed organic matter charging port while incorporating a ventilating fan (14) and a rain water inflow preventing ventilating opening (15). Organic matter decomposing medium is charged into the rotary processing tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The equipment is for decomposing organic garbage using microorganisms. Decomposing and dissipating of the organic garbage is odour-free while generating no drainage.
Device comprises a sink (1) having a part with a drainage port communicated to a sewerage and a charge part in which refuse is charged; a disposer (4) arranged below the sink and crushing refuse charged from the sink together with supply water; and a sewage disposing device to produce sewage by mixing refuse crushed by the disposer with supply water to produce sewage and discharge the sewage to the sewerage after the sewage is disposed by microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   Charged refuse flows directly to a sewerage after disposal.
Crude refuse treatment appts. (1) comprises a vessel (2), stirrer (4) placed in the vessel, motor (5) to rotate the stirrer to a natural direction and reverse direction, detector to detect number of rotation of stirrer and power transmitter (10) capable of slipping and placed between the stirrer and motor. The motor rotates the stirrer to a natural direction and reverse direction according to the control by signals from the detector. Also claimed is treating crude refuse by injecting crude refuse, crude refuse decomposing bacteria, and/or water adjust material to the vessel, stirring them, detecting number of rotation of stirrer and stopping or rotating the stirrer to a reverse direction when number of rotation is under a given value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. compost by treating crude refuse generating in kitchens. Excess load is not applied to the stirrer to prevent generation of deformation or breaking of stirrer.
Treatment vessel comprises a vessel body (10) formed by a thermal insulation material (11) and opened at its upper part, a transparent lid (15) having an inclined surface inclined downward to the circumferential part of vessel and fitting wall (15a) at the circumferential part of lid to fit the lid to the vessel body from the outside to close the opening part of vessel body and stirring means (12) in the vessel body.    The treatment vessel pref. comprises a fitting wall inclined downward from the central part of its bottom of its circumference part, and another fitting wall at the circumferential part of the opening to fit the fitting wall of one treatment vessel to another fitting wall of another treatment vessel to pile them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to ferment crude waste discharged from homes to mfr. compost. Temp. in the treatment vessel is increased by the sunlight and does not decrease at night by the thermal insulation material. Condensed water generating at night is discharged through the inclined surface.
Heating bodies (K) are arranged in a reaction chamber (H) with a distance therebetween. A gap between the inner surface of the reaction chamber (H) and the outer surface of the heating body (K) and a gap between the outer surfaces of the adjoining heating bodies (K) are filled with a modified catalyst (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Installation area is reduced.
Reducing NOx in exhaust gases from stationary combustion engines comprises adding a reducing gas contg. CO, H2, propane or butane to produce a mixed gas, catalytically reducing the mixed gas, adding air, and catalytically reducing this mixture.    USE -    The process is used to reduce NOxin combustion engine exhaust gases.    ADVANTAGE -    The final NOxconc. is well below the boundary limit.
A process for the treatment of a flow (VAR ) of exhaust gas contg. malodorous substances, germs and spores, generated by a standard device in which predominantly aerobic biodegradation of material takes place, comprises passing the gas through a sepn. step and returning the removed substances in the retained material (VR) to the degrading material.    USE -   Used for removing e.g. ammonia, amines, alcohols, aldehydes, carbonyls, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans and fatty acids from gases generated by bio-waste composting processes in densely populated areas, fermentation processes, sewage plants or sludge towers.    ADVANTAGE -   Less space is needed compared with previous continuously operating biofilters.
Bioreactor process treats fluid media, continuously and microbiologically. Raw fluid is supplied to the bioreactor (1) and mixed with the microorganisms to form a surface scum or foam phase. The treated medium is withdrawn continuously for filtration, which largely frees it of microorganisms, for discharge (8). The medium enriched in microorganisms, is recirculated to the reactor, while foam is sucked from the bioreactor.    Also claimed is a plant to carry out the process.    USE -   The continuous process is used for the biological treatment of fluid media. It discharges a largely microorganism-free fluid. Fluids which can be treated include sewage and residues from the fermentation, food or pharmaceutical industries, including fluids from, e.g. antibiotics manufacture.    ADVANTAGE -   The method described, obviates additives and moving parts. The injector acts like a water jet pump, inducing foam from the bioreactor, together with air, performing a valuable oxygenation function. Foaming is controlled, rather than being exacerbated, by this process. An ultrafilter is used to largely contain and recirculate the microorganism concn. The filter can be bypassed in case of difficulties.    (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9657 based on complete specification.)
Device contains contact areas - gold (1), relief on oxide (2), resistor layer (3), silicon nitride (4), interlayer insulation - silicon oxide (5), sensitive layer - tin oxide (6), silicon oxide (7), and silicon plate (8). The heating layer is in the form of grid with linear size of elements equal to the wavelength of IR-radiation corresp. to the absorption maximum of molecules of analysed gas. The device is of size 2.7 x 2.7 mm in plane. The gas-analyser for methane contains plate of silicon with the following layers: alternating SiO2 of thickness 2.5 micro.m, Si3 N4 of thickness 0.5 m, heater of permalloy, interlayer insulation SiO2 of thickness 2.5 m, Si3 N4 of thickness 0.5 m, sensitive layer SnO2 of thickness 0.1-0.2 m, and golden contacts to heating and sensitive layers. The selectivity of sensor to methane at T=450 C is 133-240, compared to about 20 for prototype. The sensor for hydrogen sulphide is made by the same method with grid in the form of squares with side equal to 6.7 m which is the absorption maximum for H2S. The selectivity of sensor to hydrogen sulphide at T=160 C is 133-165, compared to about 30 for prototype. The required wavelength can be sepd. because of the effect of braking of phonons at boundaries of layers.    USE -   In devices for gas analysis for determn. of gaseous components in petroleum and gas industry, agriculture, medicine, buildings, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased selectivity of gas-sensitive layer to components of gaseous medium.
Drying agent includes diethylene glycol or triethylene glycol and organic reagent. The latter consists of prod. of oxyalkylation of 2-4C aliphatic alcohols with the degree of oxyalkylation 3-5 (I), and the components are taken at ratio (in wt.%): diethylene glycol or triethylene glycol 10-70 and oxyalkylated 2-4C aliphatic alcohols as described above (I) 30-90.    USE -   In chemical and gas processing industry, as low temp. drying agent for natural gas and other gaseous prods.    ADVANTAGE -   The agent can be used within wide range of contact temp., including subzero temps.
Specialised type of rainworm Eisenia foetida is obtd. as follows. Wild worms are placed in a 25-40 cm layer of manure compost and kept there for three development cycles, each lasting for 140-180 days. The worms are fed by monthly supply of fresh substrate placed on top of the layer. The process is carried out at 15-25 C, 65-85% moisture content and pH 6.5-7.5.    USE -   The method is used in agriculture and biotechnology.    ADVANTAGE -   The method allows utilisation of agricultural waste.
Human waste and livestock dung are treated without causing harm to the public and without polluting the air to obtain an organic fertiliser. The amount of sludge placed in the inlet hole of the movable fermentation tank by the screw pump is checked by an electronic sensor to control the quantity of the sludge and the input sludge was stirred by the impellers. Powdered moisture regulating materials (straw and rice bran) are input through a manhole which penetrates into the fermentation tank having heating devices for the fermentation of sludge.    USE -   The treated prod. is used as an organic fertiliser.
An electrode having at least a photocatalyst layer on its surface is used as an anode. The anode and a cathode consisting of copper or a copper alloy placed through a solid electrolytic layer are soaked in an electrolyte in a cell. Converting gas introduction means, means for introducing carbon dioxide is provided in the cathode side of the cell. The carbon dioxide converting equipment also has a pulse generator for applying a 5-15 V pulse voltage at pulse intervals of 1-1800 seconds across the anode and the cathode, and means for incorporating ultraviolet light to the anode.    USE -   The carbon dioxide converting equipment converts carbon dioxide into methane, or ethylene by an oxidation-reduction reaction using light energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of light energy economically and stably enables the oxidation-reduction reaction with high efficiency to the carbon dioxide.
An agitator (1) having a vertical shaft is positioned in a body (4) so as to be rotatable. A solar battery (2) is positioned on a lid (5) which ca be openable, and the agitator (1) is rotated by power from the solar battery (2). In an example, the composter pref. (3) has a body (4) with both ends opened and the openable lid (5) at the top opening. The agitator (1) having a spiral blade is vertically installed at the centre of the body (4). The agitator (1) is rotated at a low speed (10-15 r.p.m) by the power supplied from the solar battery (2) through a worm gear (8) and a motor (9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to form compost in domestic vegetable gardens. Compost can be manufactured in areas with no power source.
Crude waste treatment appts. comprises a crude waste treating tank (1) to store crude waste treating agent (5) to decompose crude waste, a fan (6) for blowing air to stir up crude waste treating agent having low water content in the treating tank, detector (7,8) to detect the water content of crude waste treating agent from an amt. of crude waste treating agent stirred up, and a controller (14) to control the water content. Pref. detector of water content of crude waste treating agent pref. comprises an optical sensor (7) and light receiver (8) placed in the part of the crude waste treating tank at which crude waste treating agent is not present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing crude waste by adjusting the water content of crude wasted treating agent. Water content of crude waste-treating agent having low water content can be accurately detected and adjusted.
Prodn. of hydrogen gas from organic wastes comprises causing obligatory anaerobic, heterotrophic hydrogen-producing Clostridium microorganisms and hydrogen-producing photosynthetic Chromatium (purple sulphur bacteria) and/or Oscillatoria (blue-green algae) microorganisms to live together under aerobic dark conditions in order to culture together.    USE -   The gas produced is used as a clean alternative energy source for fossil fuels.    ADVANTAGE -   The method permits stable prodn. in large amts.. No sec. treatment of fermentation-digested liq. is required. The effects are enhanced further when microanaerobic reduced-pressure fermentation is employed.
A F-contg. polyimide gas sepn. membrane of at least 0.5m2 comprises a sponge-like layer of solvent-sol. F-contg. polyimide resin and a skin layer on it. The average thickness of the skin layer is 1-100 nm, the permeability of the membrane for CO2 gas is 0.01-50 Nm3/m2/h/atm., and the sepn. factor for CO2/methane is 2-60.    Also claimed is a method of mfg. the membrane by dissolving the resin in a solvent selected from two solns., one of which (A) is an organic solvent having a dielectric constant of at most 30 and a dipole moment of at most 3.0D, and the other (B) is an organic solvent having at least one ether bonding in the molecular unit; and dipping the resin in a solvent (C) which dissolves either (A) or (B) but does not dissolve the resin for desolvation.    USE -   The membrane is used to separate components from a mixt. of gases for industrial use. Components include, e.g., hydrogen, methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen and water vapour.    ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is pinhole-free, uniform over a large area, and has a high permeability and a high sepn. factor . The method of mfr. is cost effective.
A man-made polder is planted to drive a process of soil cleansing, soil mineralisation and the biological treatment of waste water bearing a load of organic and inorganic pollutants. Some of the pollutants are first processed in an aerobic section. Substances not processed in the aerobic section and deposited by sedimentation are subsequently removed. The novelty is that the superior aerobic zone (4) is sepd. from an inferior water collecting layer (3) by a water-permeable non-woven fleece mat (7). Further claimed is that water draining from the sedimented deposits then drains aided by a pump (12) located in a shaft (9) and a pipe (13) to a mobile water treatment process and assembly (14), either chemical or biological depending upon the nature of the pollution load. The water collection layer (3) incorporates a layer of bulk grain solids to facilitate percolation and drainage.    USE -   The fluid draining from the aerobic zone to the anaerobic zone is removed and processed as appropriate.    ADVANTAGE -   The range of possible waste treatment uses of the man-made polder is increased.
Animal cadavers are processed by:    (a) successive stages of comminution;    (b) decomposition pretreatment;    (c) hydrolysis at 18-40 C to give a hydrolysate with a pH of 3-5;    (d) methanisation at 50-60 C and a pH of 6.5-8.5 and subsequent    (e) sterilisation, to yield biogas and a liq. fertilizer.    Also claimed is the use of a specified modular appts. for carrying out the process.    USE -   The process is used for the utilisation of animal cadavers and waste, unsuitable for human or animal consumption, to yield biogas useful for power generation and liq. fertilizer for use in horticulture and agriculture.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is energy efficient and allows.
The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, and esp. the model strain Yarrowia lipolytica W1, is used for the industrial biodegradation of oils, fats and oil emulsions.    Also claimed is a process for biodegradation of oils, fats and oil emulsions in sewage comprising:    (a) passing the oils, fats and oil emulsions into a special container such that they are at a concn. of 0.1 - 3 % w/v in an aq. medium (waste water);    (b) adding the Yarrowia lipolytica while maintaining a temp. of 5-35 C, a pH of 0.8-7.0 and a NH4+ concn. of at least 60 mg/l, and    (c) passing air into the medium.    USE -   The yeast is suitable for the treatment of sewage contaminated with oils, fats and oil emulsions.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of the Yarrowia lipolytica allows industrial scale biodegradation of oils and fats in sewage with excellent results.
In a compost vessel, air flow can be adjusted anywhere inside it to give large contact surface between flow and plant/animal waste by altering height of front and / or back walls relative to side walls fixed into lower horizontal wings in a base secured to an underlay on which the vessel stands.    ADVANTAGE -   Composting is optimised using a simple process operated automatically or by hand. Air exchange region and insulation are protected by inside cavity wall against mechanical influences during handling. (Reissue of the entry advised in week 9651 based on complete specification).
Use of organic waste in the prodn. of biohumus is as follows: Cardboard mfr. waste (I) is used as the cellulose-contg. component in amt. of 20-80%, and composting is carried out at 65-80% moisture content in the presence of Eisenia foetida worms used in amt. of 15-25 103 worms/m2. When the substrate is low in nitrogen, up to 5% urea may be added together with limestone flour, and added in amt. to ensuring pH does not exceed 8.    USE -   The process is useful in agriculture.    ADVANTAGE -   The process uses industrial waste.
Treatment of silver halide photosensitive material, having at least one of red, green and blue sensitive emulsion layers on one surface of a transparent substrate, and a magnetic recording layer contg. magnetic particles on the other surface of the substrate, comprises treating with a colour developing soln., desilvering and washing with water or stabilising. The treatment is conducted in a state that the liq. surface of the colour developing soln. and/or a colour developing supplemental soln. in its cell is coated with a fluid floating layer on the liq. surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Yellow sensitivity change, cyan density change and magnetic recording output of the photosensitive materials having a magnetic recording layer are improved before and after running.
The refuse treating device consists of a drying chamber (1) for drying refuse by heating and a catalyst deodoriser (4) to deodorise odorous gas. The catalyst deodoriser (4) comprises a catalyst layer (41) composed of catalysts arranged in parallel and a heater to sequentially heat the catalysts depending on the density of the odorous gas.    ADVANTAGE -   With increase of odorous gas, catalyst volume increases to enhance deodorisation, resulting in reduced running costs.
The refuse treating device consists of a refuse drying chamber and a stirrer. The drive transmission of the stirrer comprises a lower coupler (50) connected to a drive unit (8) and an upper coupler (60) connected to a stirring blade A lower linkage (54) of the lower coupler (50) is engaged with an upper linkage (65) of the upper coupler (60) for transmission of the drive.    ADVANTAGE -   The transmission of the drive to the stirring blade is achieved by engaging the upper and lower linkages, to facilitate setting of the refuse container.
The device has a vessel to contain refuse and a drying chamber which contains the vessel, a lid to plug an upper opening of the drying chamber and a spraying structure to spray deodoriser to the refuse after dry treatment when the lid is opened.    ADVANTAGE -   Residual smell can be decreased effectively.
Wet waste (1) is crushed, conveyed in water, and separated into solid particles (3) and waste liquid (5). When composting (17) the solid particles (3) and the sludge (11) produced when the waste liquid (5) is subjected to aerobic treatment, the exhaust gas (7) including malodour produced in the composting (17) is used as supply air in the aerobic treatment (18) of waste liquid (5).    In the conveying of the wet waste, water in an amount of 2-20 times the weight of the wet waste is supplied, and the wet waste is conveyed in an inclined pipe line by gravity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to treat wet waste without environmental pollution. The fermentation exhaust gas including malodour produced in the composting can be deodorised.
Treatment of human waste involves adding human waste to a medium contg microorganisms and sawdust, partic also contg active a charcoal, and stirring the mixt to give compost.    Human excreta are pref put in a medium contg microorganisms (eg Bacillus, Streptococcus, Rhizopus, Nitrobacter and Pseudomonas genera) and sawdust at ratios of 0.1-3.0:100 pts wt to give a water content of 40-60% and fermented at 45-60 deg C for 2-3 days, opt with added 2-20 pts wt active charcoal in 100 pts wt medium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for prodn of compost. Safe and easy process for deodorisation produces low cost compost.    In an example, human waste was put in a tank contg the medium and having a blender. The content of the tank was blended to give compost.
Organic waste treatment appts comprises a treating tank (1) having a nearly arc shaped bottom to store organic material, stirring body (34) to stir organic material in the treating tank, driving mechanism to drive the stirring body, lower case (4) to place the treating tank, upper case (45) to cover the side of the treating tank, and sheet heater (2) placed at the outside of the treating tank and held between the lower case and treating tank.    Organic waste treatment appts pref comprises reinforcing ribs (9) on the lower case projecting upward and contacted with the sheet heater.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for treating organic material eg crude waste, by using microorganisms. Sheet heater can be contacted to the treating tank tightly for a long period preventing peeling from the treating tank.
Waste treatment appts comprises treating tank (1) in series to treat organic waste by maintaining a specific target temp at the inside of each treating tank by heating with respective sheet heaters (5a, 5b, 5c), and shifting organic waste from one treating tank to the others sequentially, a decision means to determine continuation of stopping of injection of organic waste and a means to stop heating of a part of the heaters.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing organic waste discharged from restaurants by using microorganisms. When organic waste is not injected to the treating tanks, temps in the treating tanks are maintained at lower than temps during operation to decrease operation cost.
Waste treatment appts comprises a treating tank (1) to treat organic waste, circulating air passage (4) connected to the treating tank forcibly to circulate generated gas contg water generated in the treating tank, a condenser (41) at the circulating air passage to condense and separate water contained in the generated gas to discharge it, an exhaust tube (5) branched from the circulating air passage to exhaust part of generated gas after removing water, discharged water tank (6a) to store condensed water before discharge, the aeration means (50) to aerate the condensed water in the discharged water tank by using generated gas exhausted from the exhaust tube.    Water treatment appts pref comprises the circulating air passage having a suction tube (7) to suck air from the outside and back flow prevention means at the suction tube to prevent generated gas from flowing to the outside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for decomposing organic waste discharged from restaurants by using microorganisms. Malodours are completely removed to eliminate pollution.
Appts. comprises treating tank (17) to store crude refuse and treating agent to decompose crude refuse by maintaining temp. in treating tank within set range; temp. sensor (16a) to detect temp. in treating tank; humidity sensor (49) to detect humidity in treating tank; air temp. controllers (32, 33, 35, 40a, 40b, 41a, 41b) to control temp. of air flowing into treating tank; and controller (34) to control air temp. controllers w.r.t. detected values of temp. and humidity sensors. Controller controls air temp. controllers so that temp. in treating tank is first temp. value within set temp. range. When humidity in treating tank decreases under first humidity value, it controls it so that temp. in treating tank is second temp. value within set range under first temp. value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to treat crude refuse by adjusting evapn. speed of water contained in refuse. Refuse does not dry before it is decomposed completely by treating agent.
Cogeneration of electric power and heat comprises supplying high purity hydrogen (11) obtd. by steam-reforming hydrocarbon (7) in a reformer (5) having a hydrogen sepn. and permeation membrane to a fuel cell (12), heating the reformer by combustion heat of off gas of reformer, and using waste heat of combustion gas after heating the reformer as a heat source of heating appts. or hot water supply appts.    USE -   For supplying electric power and heat using reformers of hydrocarbon and fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides simplified cogeneration of electric power and heat appts. having a high thermal efficiency.
Sludge activity measuring device comprises a second closed tank (4) to hold an alkali solution (6); and a second tank (1) to hold sludge (2). Gas in the inner upper part of the first closed tank (4) is blown in the sludge (2) in the second closed tank (1) and gas in the inner upper part of the second closed tank (1) is fed in the alkali solution (6) in the first closed tank (4). Gas pressure in the first closed tank (4) is detected by a liquid level monitor (10).    ADVANTAGE -   A liquid level is measured in a state to make non-contact with liquid in an U-shaped pipe.
This procedure composts materials which can be decomposed biologically. In its novel course, the materials used are comminuted and suspended in water, to be introduced into a reactor. There they are decomposed under aeration.    Pref. water used to form the suspension is recirculated, and heavy metals are removed from it.    USE -   The process is used to compost waste materials capable of biological decomposition.    ADVANTAGE -   Contemporary trends lead to increasing numbers of larger, closed composting plants, with large capital investment. The units are not particularly efficient, and representative types are reviewed for their disadvantages. These include large area required and considerable time to complete the process, often running into many weeks. Depending on the type of plant, costs of maintenance, control and instrumentation may be high. The subject system is intended to replace conventional processes, on a commercial scale.
A waste disposal device which allows recovery of biogas comprises a first shell formed by boring a hole in soil in which liquid is displaced at a velocity less than 0.001 cm/sec. The soil can be of any type but may need pretreatment to obtain the desired characteristics. This may be effected by injection under pressure of impervious mixtures or chemical compositions. The diameter of the first shell is 200 to 5,000 mm and its depth from the surface may reach 200 metres. Concentric rings connected together are used to centre a geomembrane within the bore.    USE -   For the disposal of solid city waste including toxins.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is simple, low cost and can provide large scale waste disposal. It is not open air, so there are no problems associated with rain. It does not produce atmospheric or underground water pollution. It does not support harmful animals and insects.
Refrigerant compsns. (I) useful as substitutes for R-12 comprise: (i) 64-68 molar % R-134a (C2H2F4); (ii) 32-36 molar % R-124 (monochlorotetrafluoroethane); and (iii) 1-4 molar % n-butane.    USE -   (I) are esp. useful in automobile air conditioning systems.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) can be used without requiring expensive retrofitting of equipment and the compsns. provide environmental safety, material, oil and equipment compatibility; non-flammability; non-toxicity; and a high coefft. of performance at reasonable commercial cost. Compatibility with lubricating oils is maintained even when only trace amts. of butane are present (1 molar % is equiv. to wt. fraction of 0.005).
Mfr. of wood coal comprises: (a) softening raw material wood (30) through wet heat treatment; (b) a compression and restoration prevention jig mounting where the softened raw material woods is horizontally compressed by a press device (11) and a restoration preventing jig (21) is attached to the outer periphery of a bundle of the raw material wood in a compression state; (c) a press device removal where a bundle of raw material woods to which the jig (3) is attached is removed from the press device; and (d) a bundle of the raw material woods maintaining a compression state by the restoration prevention jig is heated as oxygen is cut off for carbonation to produce wood coal.    ADVANTAGE -   A high effect is produced in terms of effective utilisation of resources and protection of environment.
Raw material stored in fermentation treatment tank (11) is fermented by ejecting compressed gas onto fermentation tank to stir raw material by injection.    Also claimed is fermentation treatment appts. comprising fermentation treatment tank having tightly-closed structure; compressed gas injection means to eject compressed gas to fermentation treatment tank; and exhaust means to exhaust gas from fermentation treatment tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for fermenting excrement etc. to mfr. compost. Investment cost can be decreased by removing mechanical elements contg. power for driving stirrers. Also raw material can be stirred, vigorously.
Plate type reformer consists of combustion chambers (3) and reforming chambers (2) laminated alternately. The combustion chamber consists of a dispersion chamber (5) and combustion catalyst chamber (4) near to the dispersion chamber and filled with combustion catalyst. An inlet of fuel gas is formed in the dispersion chamber, inlet of air is formed in the combustion catalyst chamber, and many dispersion holes (7) are provided near the fuel gas inlet side of dividing plate (6) between the dispersion chamber and combustion catalyst chamber to supply fuel gas to the combustion catalyst chamber, and a small hole (8) for preventing stay of gas and purging gas is provided at a position of dividing plate corresp. to the innermost part of dispersion chamber apart from the dispersion holes.    USE -   Used as plate type reformers of molten carbonate type fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel gas does not stay in the dispersion chambers and gas can be purged for a short time.
Fuel reformer (1) comprises a honeycomb structure (30) having numerous passages divided by sepg. walls (31,32) in a housing (10). The honeycomb structure has feed gas flowing regions (16) having reforming passages arranged in rows neighbouring each other and reforming catalyst layers formed on the surfaces of sepg. walls surrounding the passages to convert fuel gas to reforming gas. Heating gas flowing regions (26) having heating passages arranged in rows neighbouring to each other are sepd. from the feed gas flowing regions through the sepg. walls, and the feed gas flowing regions and heating gas flowing regions are arranged alternately and in parallel to each other. In either the feed gas flowing regions or heating gas flowing regions, the reforming passages or heating passages neighbouring to each other are connected by lateral holes (27) provided to the sepg. walls.    USE -   For catalyst parts of fuel reformers of fuel cell systems or hydrogen generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Large contact surfaces between the feed gas flowing regions and heating gas flowing regions are provided.
Sludge digestion comprises digesting sludge by methane fermentation in a digestion tank where more than 45 vol.% concn. of carbon dioxide in digestion gas is maintained.    ADVANTAGE -   Digestion efficiency of the sludge can be improved.
Sludge treatment comprises controlling propagation of sulphate reduction bacteria on sludge generated in a water treatment appts. through an ultrasonic crusher and transporting it to central sewage works by a duct.    ADVANTAGE -   Corrosion of duct equipment accompanied with generation of hydrogen sulphide in the sludge due to sulphate redn. bacteria can be prevented.
Disposal of organic waste comprises mixing a mushroom bed made of peat moss, enzyme sources active at the pH of the peat moss, and organic waste at a specific ratio to allow the enzymes to ferment and decompose the organic waste.    The enzyme sources are pref. aerobic microorganisms that extracellularly produce the enzymes involved in the decomposition of the components of the organic waste.    Typically, crude waste is thrown in a tightly closable container together with peat moss at 600-1000 g/100 g crude waste of enzyme sources. The container has capacity of 5-20 times the vol.of crude waste. The materials are stirred and mixed and then left standing. The fermentation/decomposition proceeds overnight to help reduce the vol. of waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is useful for the disposal of organic waste, e.g. kitchen waste and meal waste. The method efficiently disposes of crude waste without generation of malodour, saving on the addn. of deodorants and reducing disposal expenses. The use of peat moss minimises the size of a disposal container and so facilitates operation of the disposal system.
A soln. contg. complexes obtained from constituent metal nitrate and amino acid is heated above the boiling point.    USE -   CuCr oxide catalyst powder is used for olefin hydrogenation, e.g., 2-butene hydrogenation to n-butane.    ADVANTAGE -   CuCr oxide catalyst powder having a larger specific surface area and a higher catalytic activity can be obtd. cost-effectively.
Treatment comprises irradiating UV rays on the exhaust gas, oxidising and/or hydroxidising the materials and passing the gas through a biological treater holding microbes in wet state to treat it.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas contg. hydrophobic volatile materials can be decomposed efficiently at low energy.
Decomposition of nitrile rubber comprises addn. of a Bacillus or Pseudomonas microorganism(s) capable of decomposing nitrile rubber introduced with hydrophilic gps. to a medium contg. the rubber introduced with hydrophilic gps. to culture. Pref. hydrophilic gps. are introduced by immersing nitrile rubber in a strong inorganic acid to introduce chemically. Also claimed is decomposition comprising culturing the microorganism and contacting the rubber introduced with hydrophilic gps. with the cultured cells, the filtrate of the cultured soln. or their processed prod.    USE -   The method is applied to decomposition of nitrile rubber by microorganisms.    ADVANTAGE -   The introduction of hydrophilic gps. enhances the decomposing capacity.
Culture of methanol-assimilating methane-forming microbes in which a medium having the same compsn. as medium used for culturing acetic acid-assimilating methane-forming microbes except acetic acid but contg. appropriate amt., of methanol added, is used as basal medium. Sludge collected from sludge-digesting tank and digested sludge as seed sludge, are added to the basal medium. The pH is then adjusted by using acid or alkali and a specified amt. of methanol in acidic methanol waste water is added. methane is generated under appropriate temp. conditions.    Also claimed is method for culturing a methanol-assimilating methane-forming microbe in which system wherein gas formation is completed by culturing batchwise at pH somewhat higher than pH under which the methanol-assimilating methane-forming microbe is cultured is added as the seed microbe to culture system of microbe under low pH condition to increase concn. of low pH-resistant methanol-assimilating methane-forming microbe and thus to enhance methane gas forming velocity.    ADVANTAGE -   Method can prevent inactivation of microbe.
Detoxifying biocide which is toxic to aquatic life comprises bringing it into contact with a water soluble organic thiol cpd. and opt. a base, for an effective period of time, in an amt. effective to detoxify the biocide.    Also claimed is a kit comprising an organic thiol in a plastic or plastic lined container, inert adsorbent, a spill pillow and a pair of gloves.    USE -   The method is used to detoxify industrial effluents contg. biocide, e.g. 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4-isothazoin-3-one, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, benzisothiazolone, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, methylenebisthiocyanate, 2,2-dibromo-3-nitro-lopropion-amide, bromochloro-dimethylhydantoin, glutaraldehyde, hypobromous acid, hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite, 1,4-bis(bromoacetoxy)-2-butene, 4,5-dichloro-1,1-di-thia cyclopentene-3-one and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (all claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   The industrial waste is effectively detoxified in an environmentally safe and cost effective way.
A composting arrangement for organic waste consists of three sections, a holed baseplate, a cylindrical compost tub and a lid section. The lid section is formed in the shape of an animal or comic figure. Ventilation slots are located in the lid section and in the tub. All sections are connected by threads and the composter consists of plastic or a recycling material.    USE -   The arrangement is used as a composter for organic waste.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement is simple and effective.
Treatment of waste materials prior to their further use or disposal treatment involves combustion, gasification, dumping etc. The novelty is that the process consists of the following sequence: (a) the composition of the materials is adjusted and homogenised to render it suitable for biological treatment; (b) the materials are subjected to anaerobic treatment, following which the homogenised residues are deposited in a heap which is encapsulated or covered; (c) the heap is then oxygenated using atmospheric oxygen, the combined effect of exothermic heat and incoming air driving off most of the residual water through a gas outlet; (e) the dried material is sieved, deagglomerated and classified into a dry combustible component and other heavy residues; (f) the components which pass through the sieve are meshed and agitated, the fine grains are cleaned, with the liberated substances being transferred to the aqueous phase and separated from the clean sand fraction by upward current flow; (g) generally inert de-watered sand particles are deposited on a tip, while other residues are incinerated.    USE -   The process recovers energy from municipal waste, and renders other solid residues suitable for disposal.    ADVANTAGE -   The process reduces the volume and compacts inert material to a minimum, thus effectively increasing open landfill site capacity and life.
The process comprises subjecting the waste to thermal processing in a working medium, dividing the prods. of disintegration into solids and gases, and sepg. out oils from the gases. The working medium is a mixt. of steam and gas, made up of steam superheated to 300-1600C and the gas obtd. after sepg. the oil from the prods. of disintegration, the steam comprising 98-85 wt.% of the mixt., and the gas 2-15 wt.%. Prior to the thermal disintegration of the rubber waste oil is added at a rate of 3-40 wt.% by passing gases obtd. from disintegration, mixed with the working substance, through a layer of waste in a ratio of 0.05-1.62:1. Oil is added to the solid prod. at a rate 4-40 vol.%, and the resulting mixt. is compressed into briquettes while heating to 100-500C by filtering gas through it obtd. after the sepn. of oil from the gaseous prods. of disintegration.    ADVANTAGE -   Lower energy consumption and a redn. in harmful emissions into the atmos. are obtd..
To clean the emissions of exhaust air and gas and waste water from wood processing plants, soiled at least with formaldehyde, the waste water is at least biologically cleaned, and a part vol. of the precleaned waste water is recirculated with the exhaust air and gas to pick up at least part of the carried hazardous matter. It is then given a further biological cleaning. Also claimed is an assembly with a wet scrubber (6) for the exhaust air and gas to be cleaned. A micro-flotation unit (12) is linked to a feed (10) for the waste water, and has a transfer channel (16) to an activated sludge station (17,21) with an activating basin (17) followed by a secondary sedimentation unit (21). The settling unit (21) has an overflow channel (23) for the precleaned water, with a feedback (24) for a part vol. to be returned to the wet scrubber (6). A washing water channel (27) leads from the wet scrubber (6) to the feed channel (14), at a point in front of the micro-flotation unit (12).    USE -   The system is especially for plants which convert wood chips and other wood materials into medium density fibreboards.    ADVANTAGE -   The system gives an economic cleaning of the waste emissions from wood processing plants, with min. damage to the environment.
Fish culture equipment is provided with: (a) water circulation facilities with a filter section (8) for trapping residual feed and fish faeces present in water, (b) a bubble floating device (10) for generating bubbles by supplying air alone or together with ozone and trapping the bubbles to remove fatty acids or proteins present in water, (c) a biofilter section (12) for sepg. carbon dioxide from water, decomposing ammonia and controlling the pH of water, and (d) an aeration section (15) for dissolving oxygen in water. On the downstream side of the aeration section (15) is provided an ammonia decomposer (20) with a first vessel (21) contg. sand and aerobic bacteria, a second vessel (22) with a filter for trapping the sand and bacteria and a third vessel (23) functioning as a sludge settling tank.    ADVANTAGE -   A reasonable combination of the facilities serves to provide fish culture equipment which can manage water quality at a low cost.
Determn of maturity of compost comprises extn of compost with a solvent and fractional determn of components by molecular wt and calculation of ratios of low molecular wt components.    ADVANTAGE -   Management of compost prodn process for control of contents and stable prodn of compost. Compost is extracted with solvent(s) (eg water, MeOH, EtOH and/or acetone) and fractionated with gel-permeation chromatography and detected with UV absorption spectrum to give contents of low molecular wt carbon and nitrogen components and C/N ratio.    In an example, during compost prodn procedure, contents of carbon and nitrogen were followed daily and C/N ratio and contents of components have molecular wt of 1,500 or less were determined. The C/N ratio on day 0, 3, 5, 8 and 12 was 31.3, 24.0, 23.6, 25.2 and 20.5, respectively, and ratio of components having mol wt of 1500 or less was 24.0, 3.1, 1.6, 0.1 and less than 0.02, respectively.
Fermentation stimulant is composed of 1-30 wt% of citric acid soluble manganese, 0.5-25 wt% of water soluble manganese both calculated in terms of MnO, and iron and necessary additives for the rest, partic 3-50 wt% of iron in which 25 wt% or over of iron cpd having water for recrystallisation, opt in forms of mass, powder or granules, or suspensions or their supernatant, prepd from manganese and iron raw materials dissolved in an acidic soln, partic H2SO4, together with an oxidant or iron. This is followed by neutralisation, partic to pH 5-6, filtration, drying the filtered mass and pulverisation or granulation, or mixing pulverised citric acid soluble and water soluble manganese raw materials, and pulverised iron hydroxide.    The prods are prepd by (1) dissolving manganese and iron ores, slag and sludge in H2SO4 soln at elevated temp or (2) filtration of slurry mixts of Fe(OH)3, water insoluble MnO2 and iron oxide, silica sand and gypsum and drying to water content of 2-5% followed by pulverisation or granulation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn of fertiliser. Effective utilisation of by-prod in electrolytic MnO2 industry, for the supply of micronutrients.    In an example, a mixt of manganese carbonate ores, slag, scale powder and MnO2 ores was treated with 15% H2SO4 at 90 deg C for 5 hrs, neutralised with CaCO3 to pH 5.5 and filtered. The filtered mass was dried and granulated to give the stimulant.
Plant comprises crushers (10), (20) to crush mixed waste including organisms such as leftover rice, fruits, vegetables, etc; a sorter (30) which sorts the crushed waste into, via screen with oversize to be carried using rotors (32); and a device (120) to ferment the organisms passed via screen of the sorter (30).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The waste contg organisms ranging from the general waste to the industrial waste can be treated to recycle as fertiliser. Even if leftover rice, fruits, vegetables, etc are mixed in the waste, they can be crushed and sorted. The sorter can be installed in a comparatively small place, having low vibrations without causing clogging.
Composting appts. comprises sludge supply means to supply dewatered sludge cake to composting appts.; sludge transporting conveyor (18) to transport sludge from sludge supply means drying it, fermenting tank to ferment sludge transported by conveyor; discharge tube to discharge treated material after treating with fermentation; and humidity adjusting means to adjust humidity in treating tank by using heat pump-type dehumidifying mechanism having dehumidifier to cool and dehumidify air heated in fermenting tank; pressure part to pressurise coolant after adsorbing heat in dehumidifier; and heating part to heat cooled and dehumidified air by coolant heated in pressure part.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. compost by drying sludge. Sludge can be dried without supplying energy from the outside.
Granulated gelatin contains fertiliser prepd by mixing gelatin and/or decomposed gelatin extract residue, and dried microorganisms followed by granulation.    Gelatin and/or decomposed gelatin extract residue, which is/are degraded and mixed with 5-50 (pref 10-30) wt% of commercial dried microorganisms and granulated to give fertiliser. Furthermore, conventional micronutrient fertiliser(s) may be added to granular fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   Addn of dried microorganisms improves granularity for prod.    In an example, a mixt of 100 pts of gelatin-extracted residue degraded with alkaline protease, 34 pts of (NH4)3PO4 and 35 pts of K2SO4 was further mixed with 25 pts of dried yeast from beer waste and granulated to give fertiliser.
The dust bin (20) is provided with a rubbish bag (30) made of vinyl plastic having square shape, which is arranged in the inside space. A disk body (10) which is arranged at the base of rubbish bag has a convex shape.    A pair of notched holes (14a,14b) are provided at the either terminations of the convex shaped disk body. Shallow hemisphere state is formed from the centre of the disk body. A network part (16) is connected to each of the hole.    ADVANTAGE -   Forms liquid fertilizer easily for plants. Eases categorizing liquid fertilizer from solid. Enables net work part to be removed. Stabilizes installation of net work and executes liquid fertilizer formation cheaply and handily.
The plant comprises a crusher (10), e.g. a screw crusher, to crush waste materials contg. plastics, a sorting machine (30) to divide crushed materials received from the crusher into sieve opening passing materials and transporting materials by placing the crushed material on a sorting block (31) having rotation rotors (32) comprising large rotors and small rotors arranged alternately to transport crushed material from one end to another end and fitted with eyes of sieves between neighbouring rotors, and a solid fuel moulding machine (90) to crush and knead transporting materials contg. inflammable materials sorted at the sorting machine, compress and crush, and mould solid fuel.    USE -   Used for recycling waste materials contg. inflammable materials, e.g. plastics or wood discharged from homes, supermarkets or offices as solid fuel.
Machine to decompose crude refuse by aerobic bacteria by placing a culture base material (3) and aerobic bacteria in a treating tank (1) having stirring wings (2) and a ventilator. Crude refuse is injected in the treating tank and stirred, and water absorption agent is mixed with the culture base material.    Crude refuse treating machine comprises water absorption agent mixed with a culture base material previously before use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For decomposing crude refuse generated in domestic kitchens aerobically. Generation of clay like blocks due to increase of water is prevented by mixing water absorption agent with a culture base material.
Machine is for reducing the vol of crude refuse by placing a culture base material (3) with aerobic bacteria in a treating tank (1) having stirring wings (2) and a ventilator. Sectional shape of stirring wing is triangular and one side of triangle is in parallel with the rotation surface of stirring wing.    In the triangular sectional shape stirring wing, the angles at both ends of the side of triangle in parallel with the rotation surface of stirring wing are up to 60.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To reduce the vol of crude refuse generated in homes by decomposing it aerobically. Generation of clay like blocks caused by increase of water can be prevented to prevent overload to a motor for stirring.
The fuel cell system has a reforming device to reform methanol to fuel gas contg. H2, and the fuel cell to obtain electromotive force by electrochemical reaction of the fuel gas. The system is provided with a methanol detecting device, and an operation control device for the reforming device, to reduce methanol concn. according to the measured methanol concn.    ADVANTAGE -   A fuel cell system which can prevent decreasing fuel cell output is provided with control of the reforming device to reduce methanol concn.
Temp. controller of fuel reformer (1) to reform a raw fuel material with steam, by passing it through a superheated tube (5) and reforming tube (8) having a catalyst layer (6) and heat transmission fin and heating the superheated tube and reforming tube by using burners (3), comprises a temp. detector (40) of raw material flowing into the catalyst layer, temp. detectors (41,42,43) of catalyst layer to detect temps. of several positions of catalyst layer, average temp. arithmetic unit (45) to calculate an average temp. of catalyst from data of the temp. detectors of catalyst layer, correction temp. arithmetic unit (46) to correct an average temp. of catalyst from deviation between the average temp. of catalyst calculated by the average temp. arithmetic unit and catalyst average standard temp., and temp. setting device (47) to set a corrected set temp. obtd. by correcting a set temp. corresp. to a load from a command of load by a correction temp. from th correction temp. arithmetic unit. A temp. of catalyst is controlled from the deviation between the correction set temp. from the temp. setting device and a detected temp. of raw material.    USE -   Used in a fuel reformer of fuel cell power generation appts. to reform a raw fuel material, e.g. methanol or natural gas, with a team.    ADVANTAGE -   When a load is fluctuated, a temp. of steam reform reaction is stably controlled.
Removal or redn. of the ammonium fraction from aerobic and anaerobic waste liquor, esp. from compost or bio-gas plants, comprises passing the waste air taken from the surface of the waste liquor through a filter of fresh compost.    USE -   After up to 2 months, the filter compost can be used as nitrate-enriched fertiliser.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is environmentally friendly, easily managed and economical.
This system produces gaseous fuel, e.g. methanol and / or steam as the source material for reforming of hydrocarbons, for use in fuel cells, e.g. for mobile use. It comprises a first heat exchanger constructed for evaporative duty, and a second heat exchanger for superheating. The feed material is at least partially evaporated before being fed by an interconnecting line from the evaporator to the superheater. In this original arrangement, the gas prodn. system (1) is thermally insulated from the surroundings, at least in the region of the interconnection (7).    USE -   A system producing fuel in gaseous form and / or steam as raw materials for reforming, to be used in fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   In this unit the gaseous material produced exhibits constant operational parameters, independently of the gas flow.Thermal insulation of the interconnection keeps the temp. constant, reducing or prevents variation by heat losses esp. at low flow rates. The system dynamics are also improved by insulation, through a redn. of dead space. Introducing the filling section increases the flow velocity. The funnel geometry of inlet and outlet induces controlled atomisation of the transport medium. In the second implementation, a jacketed construction is used, with a thermal medium flow, which not only prevents cooling by heat losses, but imposes its own temperature at the walls, for further-improved temperature control.