Method and apparatus for thermal phase separation

Abstract

An improved thermal phase separation unit separates contaminants from a contaminated substrate. The improved thermal phase separation unit includes an enclosure arranged to withstand temperatures created by a combustion system, an essentially air-tight processing chamber supported within the enclosure by support columns connected between the processing chamber and a bottom of the enclosure, a heat shield disposed between the processing chamber and the bottom of the enclosure, and a vapor handling system arranged to remove vapor from the processing chamber. The combustion system heats the processing chamber, and, in turn, indirectly heats contaminated substrate being processed in the processing chamber so as to volatize contaminants in the contaminated substrate to vapor that is subsequently removed by the vapor handling system.

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         15 . A method for separating contaminants from a contaminated substrate, comprising: 
 supplying the contaminated substrate to a processing chamber supported by support columns positioned between the processing chamber and a bottom of a firebox housing the processing chamber;    moving the contaminated substrate through the processing chamber;    heating the contaminated substrate by externally heating the processing chamber so as to volatilize the contaminants in the contaminated substrate;    shielding the heating using heat shields positioned between the processing chamber and the bottom of the firebox; and    removing vapor resulting from the heating, wherein the vapor comprises the volatilized contaminants.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising removing the treated substrate from the processing chamber.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising collecting, condensing, and recovering the volatilized contaminants.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein moving the contaminated substrate comprises propagating the contaminated substrate through at least one tubular shaped trough disposed within the processing chamber.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the processing chamber is essentially air-tight.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the processing chamber, firebox, support columns, and heat shields are housed within a container frame, wherein the container frame is transportable.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the container frame is approximately 40 feet in length.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the externally heating comprises burning a fuel in a first burner disposed proximately at one end of the enclosure and in a second burner disposed proximately at another end of the enclosure.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the first burner comprises a first flue gas stack, and wherein the second burner comprises a second flue gas stack.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the propagating comprises advancing the substrate utilizing a screw augur.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the processing chamber is constructed of mild steel.