Patent ID: 6226889
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B09B,B09C,F26B

Abstract:
A method of separating at least one volatile contaminant from a contaminated material within a rotary retort, wherein the retort has an entrance, an exit, and a pair of rotating to or from non-rotating junctions, the method comprising the steps of:(a) continuously moving contaminated material from a first airlock in communication with the entrance to the rotary retort;(b) applying a vacuum of between about 2.25 mm Hg and about 735 mm Hg to the contaminated material;(c) applying heat to the contaminated material to render the internal temperature within the rotary retort greater than ambient temperature and sufficient to volatize at least one contaminant;(d) removing the volatized contaminant from the rotary retort; and(e) moving the decontaminated material through a second airlock in communication with the exit.