Patent ID: 8168043
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: C10B

Abstract:
1. A retort apparatus for baking a liquid and solid mixture with the release of gases or vaporized liquids, and extracting and recycling heat energy and recoverable liquids from materials separated therein, comprising: a plurality of concentrically nested pipes; each of said pipes having a first end and a second end, and a substantially common longitudinal axis; said nested pipes including a heated pipe within a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe; said primary and second rotating pipes being rotatable about said substantially common longitudinal axis; a first annulus formed between said primary and second rotating pipes; a second annulus formed between said heated pipe and said primary rotating annulus; and a third annulus formed between said second rotating pipe and said fixed pipe; a heater positioned proximate said second end of said first rotating pipe and within an interior area thereof; a first conveyance to move the liquid and solid mixture within said first annulus in a direction toward said second end of said second rotating pipe, whereby the mixture is pre-heated by acquiring heat energy from the second and third annuli, and wherein said first conveyance includes a first screw conveyance comprising a plurality of spaced paddles affixed to said primary rotating pipe and extending into said first annulus, such that said first screw conveyance rotates with the rotation of said primary rotating pipe; a second conveyance to transfer the liquid and solid mixture from said first annulus to said second annulus, whereby the liquid and solid mixture is further heated by said heater; and a third conveyance to move the heated liquid and solid mixture within said second annulus in a direction toward said first end of said first rotating pipe, whereby the mixture is cooled by the dissipation of heat energy to the second annulus, and wherein said third conveyance includes a second screw conveyance comprising a plurality of spaced paddles affixed to said primary rotating pipe, such that said second screw conveyance rotates with the rotation of said primary rotating pipe and wherein said paddles of said first screw conveyance are in heat transfer relation with said paddles of said second screw conveyance, such that heat from the liquid and solid mixture moving in said second annulus is caused to be transferred to said first annulus to heat the liquid and solid mixture therein.