CONTINUOUS PYROLYSIS SYSTEM

Abstract: In a continuous pyrolysis system operating in an anaerobic environment, wherein heat sources are located within a heating unit and the material to be pyrolyzed is moved through the enclosure on a conveyor, the improvement comprising access means sealably engaging the enclosure wall, a partition between heating means sufficient to compartmentalize the interior of the system and a means for removing the liquid pyrolysate at a point other than the discharge.

Description: CONTINUOUS PYROLYSIS SYSTEM Technical Field The following invention relates to an improvement in a system for pyrolyzing materials into their constituent pyrolysates. Specifically, the improvements are concerned with easier access to the enclosure, compartmentalizing the heating section, and removing the liquid pyrolysate at a point other than the solid pyrolysate discharge point for the system. Background Art Copending U.S. Patent Application No. 08/218,222 described a continuous system for pyrolyzing material in an anaerobic environment. The disclosure of this U.S. Patent Application is specifically incorporated herein by reference. A need for improving the above-disclosed system existed when it came to providing easy access, for maintenance or other purposes, into the interior of the enclosure. The easier the access is for people working to repair or maintain the machinery of the continuous pyrolysis system, the quicker the system could be put back into operation. Additionally, it was found that the conveyor for the material moving through the enclosure had a tendency to move the heated air directly above the conveyor belt and below the heating elements away in the direction of conveyor travel. Insofar as the atmosphere within the anaerobic chamber could be kept in place below the respective heating elements, a more effective application of heat to the material to be pyrolyzed would be had. Finally, it was found that minimizing the combined distance that all the liquid pyrolysate traveled leads to a more efficient operation of the system, meaning less energy was expended, as well as enhancing the quality of the liquid pyrolysate. By minimizing the distance, undesirable further heating of the liquid pyrolysate is avoided. This undesirable liquid heating could char or otherwise change the chemical composition of the liquid pyrolysate. The following disclosures reflect the state of the art of which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge applicant's acknowledged duty to disclose relevant previous information available. It is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed. INVENTOR PATENT ISSUE DATE Wood 1,293,285 February 4, 1919 Hobbs, et al. 3,648,630 March 14, 1972 Anderson 3,707,355 December 26, 1972 Kemp 4,052,265 October 4, 1977 Kondo, et al. 4,080,158 March 21, 1978 Herbold, et al. 4,084,521 April 18, 1978 Kolze, et al. 4,311,102 January 19, 1982 Brewer 4,402,791 September 6, 1983 Tomita, et al. 4,577,564 March 25, 1986 Tomita, et al. 4,645,065 February 24, 1987 Keough 4,648,328 March 10, 1987 McGinnis, III, et al. 4,802,424 February 7, 1989 Horton 4,900,401 February 13, 1990 DiSanto, Sr. 5,099,771 March 31, 1992 Jarrell 5,230,777 July 27, 1993 OTHER PRIOR ART (Including Author. Title. Date, Pertinent Pages. Etc.) Huston Enterprises, Inc., "Industrial Shredders", entire brochure, date unknown. Disclosure of Invention The continuous pyrolysis system of this invention performs pyrolysis to produce the different constituents of pyrolysate, all in a substantially anaerobic environment. The environment is maintained within an enclosure that has an entrance, a discharge, a means for heating the material within said enclosure and at least two heat sources, optionally with a means to reflect heat toward the material in the enclosure. The reflective means includes a reflective surface having a parabolic shape where the heat source is located near the focus of the parabolic surface. The parabolic surface is located on the side of the heat source more distant from the material than the heat source. Preferably, the heat sources can be isolated from each other radiation by a lengthened triangular solid. Additionally, there are means for removing the different constituents of the pyrolysate from the enclosure independently of each other. Also, within the enclosure there are means for conveying the material from the entrance toward the discharge point, wherein the entrance includes means to evacuate oxygen from the material entering the enclosure. Finally, there is an access means, which preferably includes an outer panel, an access plate and insulative material in between, to the enclosure interior whereby the access means sealably engages the enclosure wall sufficiently well to exclude oxygen during the operation of the system, i.e., during pyrolysis. In addition to the above-described features, except for the access means, there is at least one partition extending at least one parabolic surface toward the material sufficiently far to compartmentalize the heating means. Preferably, the heating means are isolated by lengthened triangular solids when no parabolic surfaces surround the heating sources. Finally, in addition to the above features, except for the access means and partition extension, the means for removing the liquid constituent of the pyrolysate can be disposed under the means for conveying material and be shaped so that the liquid pyrolysate is removed from the enclosure at a point other than at the solid pyrolysate discharge point. Industrial Applicability The industrial applicability of this invention shall be demonstrated through discussion of the following objects of the invention. It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a system for pyrolyzing materials into the constituent components such that easy access is had to the interior of the pyrolysis chamber enclosure when the system is not operating. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for pyrolyzing materials such that at least two heating means are compartmentalized by a partition extending toward the material sufficient to hinder the air flow in the direction of the moving material. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for pyrolysis wherein the removal of the liquid constituent of the pyrolysate is disposed under the conveying means and the liquid constituent is removed at a point other than at the discharge. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drain tray system for removing the liquid constituent of the pyrolysate such that the combined travel of all liquid pyrolysate is minimized. Another object of the present invention is to provide a locking access panel such that inadvertent opening of the anaerobic environment is precluded above a predetermined temperature of 300°F. These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is an elevational view of the system of this invention according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in figure 1 with portions thereof cut away to reveal interior details. Figure 3 is a detail of a portion of that which is shown in figure 1 with portions thereof cut away to reveal interior details. Figure 4 is a detail of that which is shown in figure 1 with portions cut away to reveal interior details. Figure 5 is an end view of the system of this invention with portions thereof cut way to reveal interior details. Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of figure 3. Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of figure 3. Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of figure 2. Figure 9 is a detail of a portion of a heating means of this invention shown in section taken along lines 9-9 of figure 2. Figures 10 through 15 reveal details of an alternative embodiment of this invention showing stages of influx material loading and anaerobic conditioning at an entrance to the system of this invention. Figure 16 is a block diagram revealing details of the function of this invention. Figure 17 is a flow diagram of a control system of this invention. Figure 18 is a detail of a portion of figure 1 showing outer panels in place. Figure 19 is a cutaway of a portion of figure 1 showing access plate in place because outer panels are not shown. Figure 20 is a cutaway of a portion of figure 1 showing the interior of the enclosure because outer panels and access plate are not shown. Figure 21 is a sectional view along lines 21-21 of figure 18 showing access means. Figure 22 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of this invention which would be substituted in place of the structure shown in figure 9. Figure 23 is a cutaway of a portion of figure 1 showing an alternative embodiment of the invention for access plates in place because outer panels are not shown. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral 10 is directed to the continuous pyrolysis system with access means, heating compartment partition and liquid drain tray according to the present invention. The system 10 (figure 1) provides an anaerobic environment within an enclosure 60. The enclosure 60 has a heating system 100 therein (figure 3) which sufficiently heats an influx material M (figure 2) to pyrolyze the influx material into a solid pyrolysate SP (figure 3), a liquid pyrolysate LP (figure 3), and a gas pyrolysate GP (figure 3). In essence, and with reference to figure 1, the system 10 includes an influx auger 20 delivering influx material M from an in-feed hopper 30 to an influx shaft 40. The influx shaft 40 passes the influx material M (figure 2) into the enclosure 60 in a manner which prevents substantial amounts of oxygen from entering the enclosure 60 along with the influx material M. A conveyor belt 80 (figure 2) is provided within the enclosure 60 which transports the influx material M from the influx shaft 40 to a discharge chute 150. The heating system 100 (figure 2) overlies the conveyor belt 80 and pyrolyzes the influx material M passing thereunder. Solid pyrolysate SP (figure 3) passes out of the enclosure 60 through the discharge chute 150. Liquid pyrolysate LP (figure 3) is outputted from the enclosure 60 through an oil outlet 160 or through drain trays 272, 274 and collection trough 276 (figure 20) which can connect to oil outlet 160 in a different location on the enclosure 60 than that shown in figure 3. Gas pyrolysate GP (figure 3) is outputted from the enclosure 60 through a gas outlet 164 (figure 1). Continuing to refer to figure 1, outer panels 264 are disposed in vertical wall 64 of enclosure 60. These outer panels 264 are sealably engaged with vertical wall 64. Because the outer panels 264 are sealably engaged, the enclosure 60 operates in an anaerobic manner. The method for mounting outer panels 264 can vary from hinges 274 (as shown in figure 18) to a system where the outer panels 264 are disposed in a slide track mounting 266 and 267 (as shown in figure 21), and the sliding track mounting is attached to the outer hull 64. To facilitate access to the interior of enclosure 60 when the pyrolysis system 10 is not operating, especially when the system is not at elevated temperature, the outer panels 264 can be mounted in such a way as to allow complete removal of the outer panels 264. Finally, as a safety measure, outer panels 264 can be locked into sealable engagement with the vertical wall 64. This locking engagement can avert accidental or malicious opening while the system 10 is operating at an elevated temperature. Undesired opening may allow oxygen into the system which, at an elevated temperature, could result in undesirable consequences such as fires or explosion. Locking means for such outer panels 264 could be temperature responsive. This means that the lock will not allow the outer panels 264 to be opened unless the temperature is 300°F (149°C) or below. By having a temperature sensing means disposed within enclosure 60, a signal could be generated to the locking means that prevents accidental opening. While outer panels 264 have been shown disposed in the vertical wall 64 of enclosure 60, actually the outer panels 264 can be placed at any place in the boundary of enclosure 60 where access is needed. For instance, an outer panel 264 could be placed below any machinery inside the enclosure to facilitate machinery removal by lowering the machinery down out of the enclosure 60. Now referring to figure 21, outer panels 264 are disposed on outer wall 64 by means of sliding tracks 266 and 267. Sliding tracks 266, 267 are mounted to outer wall 64. Within sliding tracks 266 and 267 can be sealing engaging members such as gaskets. Inside outer panels 264 is door insulation 270. Door insulation 270 separates outer panels 264 from access plate 262 (also shown in figure 19 with outer panel 264 removed). Access plates 262 are sealably engaged to inner hull 62 by gasket 272. Access plates 262 can be fastened to inner hull 62 by various means, including a nut and bolt combination or screws 274 that engage flanges 276 of access plate 262. If tracks 266 and 267 are open ended, outer panels 264 can simply be moved all the way out of engagement with the sliding track and stored temporarily elsewhere. Door insulation 270 can then be removed and the fastening means, such as screws 274, can be disengaged from inner hull 62 and access plates 262 removed. In this way unobstructed access is granted to the interior 60 of the heating system 100 or any other part of system 10. Figure 23 shows yet another embodiment of the invention in relation to the size of access plates 262. If the need for access to the interior of enclosure 60 can be accomplished through a smaller area, then access plates 262 can be of reduced dimensions. If the reason for desiring access to the interior of enclosure 60 is to insert and manipulate rakes to remove any solid pyrolysate in the liquid drain trays 272 and 274 and trough 276, then the smaller access area provided by the access plates 262 in figure 23 is sufficient. Because access plates 262 are smaller, the sealing engagement of these access plates 262 with inner hull 62 is easier and surer of accomplishment. The better the sealing engagement of access plates 262 is, the less nitrogen is needed to be put into enclosure 60 and also less gas pyrolysate GP escapes. Now looking at figure 18, the outer wall 64 is shown with outer panels 264 engaged. Some of outer panels 264 are engaged by hinges 274. The system 10 as shown in figure 18 will allow outer panels 264 to be pivoted sideways to grant access to access plates 262 shown in figure 19. More specifically, and with reference to figures 1, 2 and 4, details of portions of the system 10 which enter influx material M into the enclosure 60 are described. Influx material M which is to be pyrolyzed by the system 10 is initially placed within the in-feed hopper 30. . While various different influx materials M can be utilized within the system 10, some influx materials M which appear to particularly benefit from pyrolysis include solid hydrocarbons such as rubber from shredded tires. Also, soil contaminated with hydrocarbons or other toxins can be pyrolyzed within the system 10. The in-feed hopper 30 preferably has a lower portion thereof in communication with a lower end 28 of the influx auger 20. The in-feed hopper 30 and lower end 28 of the influx auger 20 are preferably supported above the ground by a structural support 32. The influx auger 20 is supported within a casing 24 and is operatively coupled to a motor 22 at the lower end 28 of the influx auger 20. An upper end 26 of the influx auger 20 communicates with an influx shaft 40 which leads into the enclosure 60 of the system 10. The influx auger 20 preferably has an extreme radial tip 25 thereof coated with a material such as Teflon to provide a seal with the casing 24. Thus, when the motor 22 causes the influx auger 20 to rotate, influx material M is drawn from the in-feed hopper 30 to the influx shaft 40. The influx shaft 40 is a hollow structure including a lid 42 resting upon upper edges of side walls 44 supported upon an upper surface of the enclosure 60. The influx shaft 40 includes an upper volume 46 within an interior thereof adjacent the lid 42 and a lower volume 48 within the influx shaft 40 and below the upper volume 46. Two feed rollers 50 pass between opposite side walls 44 of the influx auger 40 between the upper volume 46 and the lower volume 48. The feed-rollers 50 are spaced by a gap 56 therebetween. A feed motor 52 is operatively coupled to the feed-rollers 50 through a drive system 54 (figure 5) which causes the feed rollers 50 to rotate in opposite directions, along arrows B, with upper surfaces thereof rotating toward the gap 56. The feed- rollers 50 thus draw influx material M from the upper volume 46 to the lower volume 48. Preferably, the upper volume 46 is maintained with a sufficient amount of influx material M to inhibit somewhat the passage of gases through the gap 56. The gap 56 is sized to minimize gas inflow and outflow therethrough and to cause some compression of the influx material M as it passes therethrough. This compression tends to "squeeze" gases away from the influx material M before the influx material M passes into the lower volume 48. With reference now to figures 10 through 15, details of an alternative embodiment replacing the influx auger 20, in-feed hopper 30 and influx shaft 40 are described. An influx loader 240 is provided which is mountable upon the enclosure 60. The influx loader 240 includes an upper bin 242 which supports influx material M therein and is readily accessible from the outside environment. The upper bin 242 has a feeder slot 244 at a lower end thereof. The feeder slot 244 is in communication with a compression chamber 245. The compression chamber 245 includes a piston 246 on one end thereof and a plunger 250 on an opposite end thereof. The plunger 250 is in communication with a feeder shaft 248 which is in communication with an interior of the enclosure 60. The piston 246 is translatable horizontally both toward the compression chamber 245 and away from the compression chamber 245. When the piston 246 is translated toward the compression chamber 246, the feeder slot 244 is sealed from the compression chamber 245 by the piston 246. The piston 246 thus acts a valve between the feeder slot 244 and the compression chamber 245. The plunger 250 is translatable vertically from a compression position adjacent the compression chamber 245 and an open position with the plunger 250 spaced from the compression chamber 245 and with the compression chamber 245 and feeder shaft 248 communicating together without obstruction. The plunger 250 thus acts as a valve between the compression chamber 245 and the feeder shaft 248. An air outlet passage 252 is in fluid communication both with the compression chamber 245 and the outside environment. The air passage 252 provides a conduit by which air can escape, along arrow G of figure 11, from the influx material M when the influx material M is compressed. An air valve 254 is positioned along the air passage 252 to prevent air from traveling into the compression chamber 245 through the air passage 252. An anaerobic gas passage 256 is in fluid communication with the feeder shaft 248 and the compression chamber 245. The anaerobic gas passage 256 delivers gas into the compression chamber 245, along arrow H of figure 14, to more easily allow movement of the piston 246 away from the compression chamber 245 and to assist in purging air out of the compression chamber 245. An anaerobic gas valve 258 is interposed along the anaerobic gas passage 256. The valve 258 prevents oxygen from passing through the passage 256 and into the feeder shaft 248. In use and operation, the influx loader 240 is preferably used in the following manner. Initially (figure 10), the plunger 250 is oriented adjacent the compression chamber 245 and the piston 246 is oriented distant from the compression chamber 245 with valves 254, 258 closed. This orientation allows influx material M to pass from the upper bin 242, through the feeder slot 244 and into the compression chamber 245. Once the compression chamber 245 has filled with influx material M, the air valve 254 is opened and the piston 246 is translated toward the compression chamber 245 (figure 11). The piston 246 thus causes a significant amount of air trapped interstitially between individual pieces of the influx material M to be forced through the air passage 252 and out of the compression chamber 245 along arrow G. Once the influx material M has been fully compressed by the piston 246, the air valve 254 is closed. The plunger 250 is then elevated away from the compression chamber 245 until the compression chamber 245 is in communication with the feeder shaft 248. The piston 246 is then translated further toward the compression chamber 245 until the influx material M has been deposited into the feeder shaft 248 (figure 12). The plunger 250 is then returned to a position adjacent the compression chamber 245 (figure 13). Next, the anaerobic gas valve 258 is opened and the piston 246 is translated away from the compression chamber 245. The compression chamber 245 is thus filled with anaerobic gas along arrow H (figure 14). The anaerobic gas valve 258 is then closed and the piston 246 is translated further away from the compression chamber 245 to allow the influx material M to again pass from the upper bin 242 through the feeder slot 244 and into the compression chamber 245 (figure 15). The compression process is then repeated. Although individual quanta of influx material M pass through the influx loader 240, these quanta are loaded without substantial alteration of the enclosure 60 environment. Thus, no reestablishment of an anaerobic condition need be done during operation of the continuous pyrolysis system 10. The influx loader 240 can also be used in conjunction with the hopper 30, influx auger 20 and influx shaft 40. For instance, the influx loader 240 could be oriented between the in-feed hopper 30 and the influx auger 20. In this way, the auger 20 would operate in a substantially anaerobic environment. Referring now to figures 2, 3 and 6 through 9, details of the enclosure 60 are described. The enclosure 60 includes an inner hull 62 nested within and spaced from an outer hull 64. A space between the inner hull 62 and outer hull 64 is filled with insulation 66. The inner hull 62 includes a floor 68 forming a bottom surface of the enclosure 60, sides 70 on longitudinal sides of the enclosure 60, a ceiling 72 forming an uppermost surface of the enclosure 60 and ends 74, 75 defining longitudinal extremities of the enclosure 60. The enclosure 60 is thus essentially an orthorhombic parallelepiped in form. The enclosure 60 is configured such that the inner hull 62 and outer hull 64 are substantially imperforate so that gases may not readily travel into or out of the enclosure 60. Access ports 65 are incorporated into the enclosure 60 such that the enclosure 60 can be readily accessed for maintenance. The access ports 65 are closed with seals to prevent leaks thereat. Preferably, as shown in figure 21, outer panels 264 and access plates 262 also provide entrance into enclosure 60. The insulation 66 is preferably formed from vermiculite around the uppermost portions of the enclosure 60 which are generally hotter than lowermost portions of the enclosure 60. The insulation 66 preferably has sufficient resistance to heat transfer that an exterior surface of the enclosure 60 is not hot enough to present a burn or fire hazard. Door insulation 270 is also made of similar material. The enclosure 60 is preferably angled slightly such that the floor 68 has a higher elevation at an inlet end 74 than at a discharge end 75. This angling of the enclosure 60 in one embodiment of the invention causes liquid pyrolysates LP within the enclosure to travel toward the discharge end 75. Also, this allows gasses having different molecular weights which may be generated by the pyrolysis to more readily be stratified into different elevational levels. For instance, hydrogen gas can collect in greatest concentration at a junction between the ceiling 72 and the inlet end 74 of the enclosure 60. Where no liquid pyrolysates LP are expected, as in soil decontamination, the enclosure 60 can alternatively be substantially horizontal. The enclosure 60 is preferably supported upon a structural support 78 which provides a foundation for the enclosure 60 above ground. Alternatively, the enclosure 60 can be supported upon a trailer or other mobile platform to facilitate use of the system 10 in a variety of different locations. Influx material M passes into the enclosure 60 for pyrolysis through an entrance 76. The entrance 76 is formed in the ceiling 72 near the inlet end 74. The entrance 76 thus provides the enclosure 60 with access from the lower volume 48 of the influx shaft 40. In the alternative embodiment of figures 10 through 15, the entrance 76 provides communication between the enclosure 60 and the feeder shaft 248. The conveyor belt 80 (figures 2, 4 and 6 through 8) is oriented within the enclosure 60 such that influx material M passing through the entrance 76 lands upon the conveyor belt 80 and is then drawn toward the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60 along arrow A. The conveyor belt 80 is mounted upon two drums 82. One of the drums 82 is operatively coupled to a motor 84. The motor 84 causes the drums 82 to rotate, causing the conveyor belt 80 to operate with an upper flight thereof traveling along arrow A. The motor 84 is preferably oriented outside of the enclosure 60 (figure 5). Drum adjustment covers 86 (figures 6 through 8) provide access to an axle 87 upon which the drums 82 rotate. The drum adjustment covers 86 allow a user to access the axles 87 for minor adjustments to the drums 82. The drum adjustment covers 86 are preferably configured so that they sealably connect to the outer hull 64, preserving the environment within the enclosure 60. The conveyor belt 80 is preferably formed from a steel mesh material which has a melting point greater than 1,000° Fahrenheit. The belt 80 is preferably foraminous, allowing fluids to pass therethrough. A tensioning means 90 (figure 3) insures that the conveyor belt 80 remains taut upon the drums 82. The tensioning means 90 includes a stationery idler 92 and a biased idler 94. Each of the idlers, 92, 94 is oriented adjacent the belt 80 on a lower flight thereof with the stationery idler preferably above a lower flight of the conveyor belt 80 and the biased idler preferably below the conveyor belt 80. The two idlers 92, 94 are preferably located proximate to each other. The biased idler 94 is supported within a slot 98 which allows the biased idler to translate vertically. A spring 96 applies a force on the biased idler 94 in a vertical upward direction. If the belt 80 is somewhat loose, the biased idler 94 is caused to be elevated by the spring 96 due to the lack of tension on the conveyor belt 80. This elevation of the biased idler 94 causes the belt 80 to be tensioned. In this way, a tension of the belt 80 is continuously maintained. The belt 80 is prevented from sagging by a plurality of longitudinal belt supports 126 (figures 2, 3 and 6 through 8). The longitudinal belt supports 126 are located below both the upper flight and the lower flight of the conveyor belt 80. The longitudinal belt supports 126 are shorter than a distance between the drums 82 and are preferably elongate with a low friction surface. The longitudinal belt supports 126 are supported in position below the belt 80 by a plurality of cross supports 128 which extend between sides 70 of the enclosure 60. The longitudinal belt supports 126 preferably include a first expansion joint 130 and a second expansion joint 132 therein which preserve a substantial linearity of the longitudinal belt supports 126 even when elevated temperatures are encountered within the enclosure 60. The conveyor belt 80 thus provides a pathway for influx material M to travel from the inlet end 74 of the enclosure 60 to the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60. As the influx material M is carried by the conveyor belt 80, pyrolysis occurs and liquid pyrolysate LP is allowed to pass through the conveyor belt 80. An oil drain tray 134 is oriented below the upper flight of the conveyor belt 80 and spans a width of the enclosure 60 between the belt drums 82. In one embodiment of the invention, drain tray 134 includes an entrance end 136 near the entrance 76 of the enclosure 60 and an exit end 138 beyond where pyrolysis occurs and near the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60. The oil drain tray 134 can be sloped slightly downward along with the enclosure 60 so that any liquids collecting thereon are encouraged to migrate toward the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60. The exit end 138 of the oil drain tray 134 is in fluid communication with a drain tray ramp 140 (figures 3 and 6). The drain tray ramp 140 is angled more steeply downward than the oil drain tray 134 and splits liquid pyrolysate LP from the oil drain tray 134 into two side channels 142. The two side channels 142 direct the liquid pyrolysate LP around the lower flight of the conveyor belt 80. The side channels 142 terminate above a drain trough 144 which collects liquid pyrolysates LP captured by the drain tray 134. The drain trough 144 includes an oil outlet 160 which passes from the drain trough 144 within the enclosure 60 through the sides 70 of the enclosure 60 and along arrow E into an oil container 162 (figure 5). In this way, liquid pyrolysate LP is collected within the enclosure 60 and drawn out of the enclosure 60 for storage and potential later use. Referring now to figure 20, an alternative arrangement for collecting the liquid pyrolysate LP is shown. Disposed between drums 82 is liquid constituent removal means 270. The liquid constituent removal means 270 is composed of drain trays 272 and 274 which lead to collection trough 276. The liquid pyrolysate drips down into liquid constituent removal means 270 from conveyor belt 80, especially when conveyor belt 80 is foraminous. The liquid constituent pyrolysate moves in the direction indicated by arrows G. The movement of the liquid constituent pyrolysate LP is usually in response to gravity. The exact dimensions of trays 272 and 274 are dependent upon the rate of pyrolysis in relation to the rate of movement of conveyor belt 80. By mathematical analysis, the total distance all liquid constituent pyrolysate LP travels can be minimized depending upon how much liquid constituent pyrolysate drains off at each point in the travel of conveyor belt 80. Locating collection trough 276 is done in response to the mathematical solution of this question. In absence of mathematical computations to determine the minimum travel distance point for locating trough 276, the trough can be at the center point of the longitudinal axis of conveyor belt 80. Trough 276 can then communicate with oil outlet 160, which can be disposed near the longitudinal center of the enclosure 60, as described hereinabove. As can be appreciated, the usual shape of drain trays 272 and 274 will be thin rectangular solids with vertical edges upstanding that are parallel to the direction conveyor belt 80 travels. The long dimensions of the drain trays 272 and 274 are oriented along the longitudinal axis of conveyor belt 80. Furthermore, the material forming the conveyor belt 80 should have a melting temperature greater than 1000°F, thereby resisting damage due to the heat from the heating sources 102. The oil outlet 160 preferably includes a U-section (figure 5) which prevents any gas within the oil outlet 160 from migrating back into the enclosure 60. The U- section thus further protects the environment within the enclosure 60 in an anaerobic state. The U-section also prevents gas pyrolysate GP from exiting the enclosure 60 through the liquid outlet 160. The oil outlet 160 communicates with an oil container 162 for storage of liquid pyrolysate LP drawn out of the enclosure 60. A line 163 is provided for periodic pumping of liquid pyrolysate LP out of the container 162 such as into a tanker truck. An air bleed valve 161 is in communication with the oil container 162 to balance a pressure within the oil container 162. Referring now to figures 1 through 2 and 16, details of output of gas pyrolysate GP out of the enclosure 60 are described. During pyrolysis, some of the influx material M is converted into gas pyrolysate GP. For instance, where tire shreds comprise the influx material M, pyrolysis produces a significant amount of methane gas as the gas pyrolysate GP. A gas outlet 164 is provided passing through both the inner hull 62 and outer hull 64 of the enclosure 60. As shown in figure 1, preferably the gas outlet 164 is located at an intermediate elevation between the floor 68 and the ceiling 72 of the enclosure 60. Experience has shown that, when tire shreds comprise the influx material M, that hydrogen gas collects near the ceiling 72 and that oils which are gasified within the high temperature environment of the enclosure 60 collect near the floor 68 of the enclosure 60. By locating the gas outlet 164 at an intermediate elevation of the enclosure 60, a higher percentage of gas passing through the gas outlet 164 is methane (natural gas). As an alternative, numerous different gas outlets may be provided at different locations within the enclosure 60 which collect different gases for later use. A gas outlet valve 166 is interposed within the gas outlet 164. The gas outlet valve 166 is capable of sealing off the gas outlet 164. When the gas outlet valve 166 is closed, a pressure within the enclosure 60 is allowed to build up. Preferably, the system 10 is operated with a slight positive pressure of approximately 1 psi over a pressure outside the enclosure 60. This positive pressure further assists in maintaining a substantially anaerobic environment within the enclosure 60. The gas outlet 164 communicates with a condenser 172. The condenser 172 has air from an outside environment passing therethrough which causes a temperature of gas pyrolysate GP passing through the gas outlet 164 to be cooled. The condenser 172 condenses gas pyrolysates GP having a relatively high boiling point. The condenser 172 thus acts as a separator separating gas pyrolysates GP from liquid pyrolysates LP which are temporarily gasified within the enclosure 60. Liquid pyrolysates LP are outputted from the condenser 172 and can either be directed through a return conduit 175 and into the oil container 162 or can be collected separately. The dimensions of the condenser 172 depend upon the rate of gas pyrolysate GP production among other things. Dimensions such as the diameter of any tubing carrying the gas pyrolysate (which may be 2 inches in diameter copper tubing) and the total length of the tubing subject to heat exchange (which may be 35 feet long) can be determined by those skilled in the art. The chemical composition of the liquid pyrolysate recovered by the condenser 172 can be controlled by changing the design or operational characteristics of the condenser 172 to provide varying degrees of condensation down to a selected boiling point of a specific desired compound. However, if the predominant concern is to purify the remaining gas pyrolysate GP issuing from the condenser 172, then the temperature of the gas pyrolysate GP should be lower than the temperature desired to assure the liquid pyrolysate recovered from the condenser 172 has fewer compounds. The condenser 172 is also in fluid communication with a gas storage tank 174. The gas storage 174 collects gas pyrolysate GP which remains gaseous after passing through the condenser 172. The condenser 172 thus further purifies the gas pyrolysate GP. In the case where shredded tires comprise the influx material M, the condenser 172 further purifies natural gas collected within the gas storage tank 174. The purified natural gas may then be sold and removed from gas storage 174 by, for example, tanker truck. However, the purified natural gas may also be burned on site of the pyrolysis system 10 in an electric generator to provide electric current to heating rods 102 of a heating system 100. In this way, the pyrolysis system 10 can be made more self-sufficient and economical to operate, especially if the pyrolysis system 10 is located in a remote area away from existing utility grids. However, if an electrical grid is accessible, and enough purified natural gas is produced during the operation of pyrolysis system 10, any excess electrical power generated can be sold to an electric utility. Referring now to figures 1, 3 and 5, details of the discharge of solid pyrolysate SP out of the enclosure 60 are described. The heating system 100 causes the influx material M to generate solid pyrolysate SP which remains upon the conveyor belt 80 after pyrolysis. The solid pyrolysate SP is thus carried to the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60 where the belt 80 passes over the drum 82 adjacent the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60. A discharge chute 150 is provided at the discharge end 75 of the enclosure 60 which accesses the enclosure 60. The discharge chute 150 is oriented such that the conveyor belt 80 passes partially thereinto as it transitions from the upper flight to the lower flight. Solid pyrolysate SP falls off the conveyor belt 80 and into the chute 150 as the belt 80 rounds the drum 82. A lower end of the discharge chute 150 includes a discharge auger 152 supported within a casing 156. A motor 154 is operatively coupled to the auger 152 which causes the auger 152 to rotate. The discharge auger 152 is preferably Teflon- coated to provide a substantially airtight fit within the casing 156. Preferably, solid pyrolysate SP is allowed to build up within the discharge chute 150 to discourage air from the outside environment from backing up through the discharge auger 152 and into the enclosure 60. The positive pressure maintained within the enclosure 60 further discourages such air migration. The discharge auger 152 outputs the solid pyrolysate SP along arrow C and onto a deflector 158 which can then either place the solid pyrolysate SP onto a discharge belt 159, which is moved along with solid pyrolysate SP in the direction as shown by arrow D, or directly into a bin. The solid pyrolysate SP may then be used subsequently for a variety of purposes. For instance, where tire shreds comprise the influx material, the solid pyrolysate SP is primarily carbon black (elemental carbon) with perhaps chunks of steel therein. A magnet may be used to separate steel from the solid pyrolysate SP and the carbon black can be separated therefrom for later use. Referring now to figures 2, 3 and 7 through 9, details of the heating system 100 are described. Pyrolysis is caused within the enclosure 60 of the system 10 by heating the influx material M to a temperature at which the influx material M is caused to breakdown into constituent elements or compounds. For influx material M that is composed of shredded rubber tires, the temperature at steady state operation of the enclosure interior is typically in the range of 875°F (468°C) to 1000°F (538°C). Preferably for this rubber material the temperature will be at or near 1000 . Of course, different material will require different temperature ranges and preferred temperatures, but these differences are well known to those skilled in the art. The heating system 100 includes a plurality of heating rods 102 oriented transverse to the conveyor belt 80 and above an upper surface of the conveyor belt 80. The influx material M upon the upper flight of the conveyor belt 80 passes under the heating rods 102 sufficiently proximate thereto to cause pyrolysis to occur. Referring further to figure 9, partition 107 has extended the parabolic reflector 104 closer to the material M disposed upon the upper surface of the upper flight of conveyor belt 80. By such an extension of the partition surface 107, which may be reflective, toward the conveyor belt 80 which moves in the direction of arrow A as shown in figure 3, the heating system 100 compartment is more completely partitioned. This can be of significant advantage since the greater partitioning inhibits flow of anaerobic gas in the direction of arrow A. Because the conveyor belt 80 is moving in direction A, the anaerobic gas above the conveyor belt 80 is urged in that direction. By bringing the partitions 107 closer to the upper surface of the upper flight of the conveyor belt 180, this movement of the anaerobic gas within the enclosure 60 is hindered. The advantage of stabilizing the position of the anaerobic gas below the heating elements 102 is that new, cooler gas from elsewhere in the enclosure 60 does not need to be heated above the general temperature of the enclosure 60. The most efficient pyrolysis is accomplished where the gas between the heating elements 102 and the material M can stay at a higher temperature. In addition, the consumption of energy by heating elements 102 is lessened in that less anaerobic gas needs to be heated to the temperature at which pyrolysis occurs most efficiently. Referring now to figure 23, with its preferable configuration of the heating system 100, the heating rods 102 are in place over the conveyor belt 80. The substance shown disposed upon conveyor belt 80 is the material M to be pyrolyzed. Each individual heating rod 102 occupies a separate compartment defined by dividers 109. Dividers 109 are generally triangular in shape and extend the length of heating rod 102. This arrangement is yet another attempt to limit the circulation of the anaerobic gas past the heating rods in the direction of conveyor belt 80 movement, as shown by the direction of arrow A. One characteristic of this arrangement in figure 22 is that heating rods 102 do not radiate infrared rays or other types of rays upon each other. In other words, the heating rods 102 are out of sight of each other. This extends the life of heating rods 102, as well as leading to a more efficient heating operation. Before the influx material M passes under the heating rods 102, the influx material M is leveled by a leveler 124 (figure 2) which provides a uniform thin layer of influx material M for efficient and uniform pyrolysis of the influx material M. A back baffle 120 and side baffles 122 prevent the influx material M from falling around sides of the belt 80 or over the drum 82 adjacent the inlet end 74 of the enclosure 60. The baffles 120, 122 thus position the influx material M appropriately upon the belt and then the leveler 124 adjusts a thickness of a layer of influx material M upon the belt 80. Each of the heating rods 102 is preferably an elongate metal construct having an electric current passing therethrough in such a way that resistance to electric current within the heating rods 102 causes the rods 102 to exhibit an extremely high temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the rods 102 should be capable of reaching at least 1,500°F (816°C).. The heating rods 102 transfer heat by radiation F and conduction to the influx material M. In one embodiment of the invention, each of the heating rods 102 is surrounded on an upper surface thereof by a parabolic reflector 104. The parabolic reflector 104 is oriented such that the associated heating rod 102 is at a focus of the parabolic reflector 104. Thus, each parabolic reflector 104 is of substantially constant parabolic cross section. The parabolic reflector 104 causes heat radiation F traveling from the heating rod 102 in an upward direction to be reflected downward upon the influx material M. A V-deflector 106 can be oriented at a vertex of each parabolic reflector 104. The V-deflector 106 prevents heat radiation F traveling upward from the heating rods 102 from striking the parabolic reflector 104 at the vertex of the parabolic reflector 104. This prevents heat radiation F from the heating rod 102 from being reflected back against the heating rod 102, enhancing the life span of the heating rod 102. The V-deflector 106 can be shaped like the capital letter "V" in cross section with two planar sides skewed with respect to vertical and horizontal axes. A tip of the V-deflector 106 is pointed toward the rod 106 at the focus. The sides of the V- deflector can be reflective such that heat radiation F striking the V-deflector 106 is caused to be reflected downward, away from the heating rods 102, and against the influx material M. With reference to figure 7, each heating rod 102 is supported within the enclosure 60 by a rod mount 108 and by a washer 112, nut 114 combination. A wire cover 116 surrounds wires 110 providing electric current to the heating rods 102. The wire cover 116 preferably is accessible from an exterior of the enclosure 60 for maintenance of the rods 102. Referring now to figure 17, details of the master control system 181 are provided. Preferably, the system 10 is controlled by the master control system 181, located within an electronics cover 170 (figure 5), which causes the system 10 to operate within user-defined parameters substantially automatically. The master control system 181 preferably provides control for a number of separate systems within the pyrolysis system 10. A belt temperature sensor 186 (figure 3) is oriented within the enclosure 60 and is operatively coupled to the control system 181. Also, a heating rod temperature sensor 187 (figure 7) is coupled to the rods 102. An amount of current passing through the wires 110 coupled to the heating rods 102 is also operatively coupled to the master control system 181. The master control system 181 is programmed to provide thermostatic control for the heating rods 102 to provide an amount of heat necessary to perform the pyrolysis of the influx material M. This thermostatic control maintains a temperature radiating from the heating rods 102 within desired parameters. The belt temperature sensor 186 provides information to the master control system 181 as to a temperature of the belt 80, and hence the solid pyrolysate SP, after passing beyond the heating system 100. If a temperature detected by the belt temperature sensor 186 is insufficient for complete pyrolysis, the master control system 181 can elevate a temperature provided by the heating system 100 to the influx material M, causing more complete pyrolysis of the influx material M. Likewise, if the belt temperature sensor 186 detects a temperature higher than that necessary for complete pyrolysis of the influx material M or a temperature which could be detrimental to the belt 80 or other structures within the enclosure 60, the master control system 181 can decrease an amount of heat provided by the heating system 100. The motor 84 driving the conveyor belt 80 is preferably adjustable in speed with adjustments thereto controllable by the master control system 181. If adequate temperatures are provided for the influx material M, the master control system 181 can alter the speed of the conveyor belt 80 to provide adequate residence time for the influx material M beneath the heating rods 102 of the heating system 100. A pressure sensor 183 (figure 1) can be oriented within the enclosure 60 which monitors a pressure within the enclosure 60 and communicates this information to the master control system 181. The gas outlet valve 166 is preferably operatively coupled to the master control system 181 such that the master control system can open and close the gas outlet valve 166. The master control system 181 utilizes information relating to a pressure within the enclosure 60 to open and close the gas outlet valve 166 in a manner which maintains a positive pressure within the enclosure 60. An influx shaft sensor 182 (figure 2) preferably is provided strategically in the upper volume 46 of the influx shaft 40 which monitors the presence of influx material M above the gap 56. The sensor 182 is operatively coupled to the master control system 181 along with controls for the operation of the feed motor 52. Thus, the master control system 181 can turn off the feed rollers 50 when an insufficient amount of influx material M is oriented thereabove. In this way, influx material M is maintained above the feed rollers 50 and air from the exterior environment is discouraged from passing into the enclosure 60. In the alternative embodiment of figures 10 through 15, influx loader 240 and specifically air valve 254, anaerobic gas valve 258, piston 246 and plunger 250 are all operatively coupled to the master control system 181. The master control system 181 is configured to appropriately choreograph the positioning of the piston 246 and the plunger 250 and the opening and closing of the air valve 254 and anaerobic gas valve 258 to assure effective operation of the influx loader 240. A discharge chute sensor 188 (figure 3) is preferably oriented within the discharge chute 150 which detects the presence of solid pyrolysate SP above the discharge auger 152 and communicates with the master control system 181. Also, controls for the motor 154 are operatively coupled to the master control system 181. Thus, the master control system 181 can turn off the discharge auger 152 when insufficient solid pyrolysate SP is oriented above the discharge auger 152 and to turn on the discharge auger 152 when sufficient solid pyrolysate SP is oriented above the discharge auger 152. This assures that no substantial amounts of air can pass into the enclosure 60 through the discharge chute 150. In addition, the master control system 181 can perform various safety precaution steps to increase safety and operation of the pyrolysis system 10. For instance, if a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 183 decreases below a level at which a positive pressure is being maintained within the enclosure 60, the master control system 181 can disable the heating system 100 to cool the influx material M and the pyrolysates GP, LP, SP to prevent combustion thereof if the anaerobic conditions within the enclosure 60 have been compromised Also, gas sensors 185 (figure 1) which detect oxygen or methane can be utilized to provide direct confirmation of the maintenance of an anaerobic environment within the enclosure 60. The influx auger motor 22 can also be controlled by the master control system 181 to prevent the shaft 40 from becoming overloaded. The master control system is programmable with user-defined parameters 190 such as temperature required for pyrolysis, maximum allowable belt 80 temperature, desired positive pressure in the enclosure 60, etc. The control system 181 can then operate the system 10 with minimal user interference. In use and operation, and with particular reference to figure 16, details of the operation of the continuous pyrolysis system 10 are described. Initially, the pyrolysis system 10 must go through a start up procedure whereby an anaerobic environment is provided within the enclosure 60. A nitrogen inlet 180 (figures 1, 2, and 6 through 8) is utilized to force nitrogen gas into the enclosure 60 and to substantially purge oxygen out of the enclosure 60. Preferably, various valves 161, 166 within the enclosure 60 and surrounding components are initially opened to allow air within the enclosure 60 to evacuate. The valves 161, 166 can then be closed once an environment within the enclosure 60 is sufficiently anaerobic. Before any influx material M has gathered within the influx shaft 40, the enclosure 60 is still in fluid communication with the outside environment. Preferably, nitrogen gas is continued to be provided through the nitrogen inlet 180 at a sufficient flow rate to diminish any amount of oxygen passing through the gap 56 and into the enclosure 60. Similarly, before solid pyrolysate SP is located within the discharge chute 150, the enclosure 60 is in fluid communication with the outside environment through the discharge auger 152. Cross-sectional areas of the discharge auger 152 and gap 56 are selected to be small enough that nitrogen gas provided by the nitrogen inlet 180 can provide positive gas flow out of the enclosure 60 until steady state operation of the system 10 can be achieved. Influx material M is then loaded into the in-feed hopper 30 and the influx auger 20 is activated by the motor 22, causing the influx material M to be drawn up the influx auger 20 and into the influx shaft 40. As influx material M collects over the rollers 50 within the influx shaft 40, a flow of gas out of the enclosure 60 is decreased. This increases flow of gas out of the enclosure 60 through the discharge auger 152 or an amount of nitrogen gas supplied through the nitrogen inlet 180 can be reduced. Once a sufficient amount of influx material M has collected above the feed rollers 50, the feed motor 52 can activate the feed rollers 50 allowing influx material M to pass through the influx shaft 40 and onto the conveyor belt 80. The heating systems 100 and conveyor belt 80 can then be activated, causing the influx material M to pass under the operating heating rods 102. As the first influx material M is pyrolyzed, the atmosphere within the enclosure 60 is preferably substantially entirely nitrogen gas. The pyrolysis process causes generation of gas pyrolysate GP which occupies more volume than did the influx material M. Thus, the pyrolysis process increases a pressure within the enclosure 60. As the gas pyrolysate GP is formed and the pressure within the enclosure 60 is shown to increase, an amount of nitrogen gas supplied through the nitrogen gas outlet 180 can be further reduced. During this time, the gas outlet 164 preferably remains closed to increase a percentage of the atmosphere within the enclosure 60 which is gas pyrolysate GP, rather than nitrogen gas from the nitrogen inlet 180. Liquid pyrolysate LP begins to collect upon the drain tray 140 and runs down through the drain trough 144 to the oil outlet 160. The outlet 160 fills such that liquid pyrolysate LP begins to collect within the U-section of the oil outlet 160. Once this occurs, an amount of gas escaping from the enclosure 60 through the air bleed valve 168 of the container 162 is reduced and gas passing through the nitrogen inlet 180 can be decreased accordingly. The solid pyrolysate SP travels along the conveyor belt 80 and into the discharge chute 150. As solid pyrolysate SP collects within the discharge chute 150, an amount of gas escaping through the discharge auger 152 is significantly decreased. At this point, nitrogen is no longer needed to maintain positive pressure within the enclosure 60. As positive pressure builds within the enclosure 60, the gas outlet valve 166 can be opened to regulate a pressure within the enclosure 60. Initially, a large portion of gas passing through the gas outlet 164 is nitrogen gas. As the system 10 continues to operate, nitrogen gas within the enclosure 60 diminishes and a percentage of nitrogen gas passing out of the enclosure 60 through the gas outlet 164 diminishes. Preferably, the positive pressure maintained within the enclosure 60 causes only small amounts of gas pyrolysate GP to escape through the influx shaft 40 and through the discharge chute 150. A casing sensor 184 located along the casing 24 of the influx auger 20 is positioned between the influx shaft 40 and the hopper 30. The sensor 184 detects the presence of gas pyrolysate GP within the casing 24 and communicates with the master control system 181 (figure 17). Preferably, gas pyrolysate GP is allowed to pass down the influx auger casing 24 to a position near the sensor 184. Because the influx auger 20 is drawing material toward the influx shaft 40 and because gas pyrolysate GP is normally lighter than oxygen, a "bubble" of gas pyrolysate GP is formed within the casing 24 and the upper volume 46 of the influx shaft 40. This arrangement assists in preventing gas pyrolysate GP from escaping out of the in-feed hopper 30 in sufficient amounts while also preventing oxygen from passing into the enclosure 60. Depending on the reason, enclosure 60 can be opened to the atmosphere by removing outer panels 264, door insulation 270 and access plates 262. Before any panels or plates are removed, however, the interior temperature of enclosure 60 should be brought down to at least 300°F by shutting off heating system 100 and preferably injecting a larger amount of nitrogen gas into the enclosure 60 through nitrogen inlet 180. If the reason for desiring access to the interior of enclosure 60 requires only a limited time, such as raking any solid down or out of liquid pyrolysate drain trays 272 and 274, the temperature of the interior of enclosure 60 need only be reduced to 300°F to avoid explosion or fire dangers. The embodiment of the invention shown in figure 23 can be used because only small access plates 262 are needed to insert and manipulate rakes inside enclosure 60. However, if more extensive work needs to be done, such as repair or replacement of major mechanical parts, the outer panels 264 and access plates 262 need to be left off or open and the machinery parts allowed to equilibriate to ambient temperature. When resumption of operation of the continuous pyrolysis system is desired, the access plates 262, door insulation 270 and outer panels 264 need to be reengaged, preferably in sealing engagement, and the above-described procedures followed. In the alternative embodiment of figures 10 through 15, the valves 254, 258 within the influx loader 240 can be utilized appropriately during start up to allow nitrogen gas to purge the influx loader 240 and then be closed as appropriate to allow for the beginning of the pyrolysis process. Specifically, the valves 254, 258 would remain open until a first quantum of influx material M is passed into the compression chamber 245. At which time, the anaerobic gas valve 256 would be closed and the influx loader 240 would commence operation as described in detail above with respect to figures 10 through 15. Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.

Claims: Claims I Claim: Claim 1 - A system for continuously pyrolyzing material into a pyrolysate of different constituents while in a substantially anaerobic environment having an enclosure, an entrance, a discharge, a means for heating the material within said enclosure having at least two heat sources, means for removing said different constituents of said pyrolysate from said enclosure independently, means for conveying the material from said entrance toward said discharge, said entrance including means to evacuate oxygen from the material entering said enclosure at said entrance and means for entering material into said enclosure at said entrance; wherein the improvement comprises: access means to said enclosure interior whereby said access means sealably engages an enclosure wall forming said enclosure, to exclude oxygen during pyrolysis. Claim 2 - The system of claim 1 wherein said access means comprises at least one panel which readily engages said enclosure wall. Claim 3 - The system of claim 2 wherein said panel is attached to said enclosure wall by hinges. Claim 4 - The system of claim 2 wherein said panel is disposed in a sliding track, said sliding track being attached to said enclosure wall surrounding a portal. Claim 5 - The system of claim 2 wherein said panel may be disengaged completely from said enclosure wall. Claim 6 - The system of claim 2 wherein said panel may be locked into engagement with said enclosure wall. Claim 7 - The system of claim 6 wherein said locking engagement is not released until said temperature of said substantially anaerobic environment has fallen to a predetermined level. Claim 8 - The system of claim 7 wherein said predetermined temperature is 300°F. Claim 9 - The system of claim 1 wherein said access means is disposed on a vertical wall of said enclosure. Claim 10 - The system of claim 1 wherein said access means includes at least one outer panel sealably engaging an outer wall of said enclosure and further includes at least one corresponding access plate sealably engaging an inner hull of said enclosure. Claim 11 - The system of claim 10 wherein an insulative material is disposed between said inner hull and said outer wall. Claim 12 - The system of claim 11 wherein an insulative material is disposed between said access plate and said outer panel. Claim 13 - A system for continuously pyrolyzing material into a pyrolysate of different constituents while in a substantially anaerobic environment having an enclosure, an entrance, a discharge, a means for heating the material within said enclosure having at least two heat sources including a means to reflect heat therefrom toward the material in the enclosure, said reflective means includes a reflective surface having a parabolic shape with said heat source located near a focus of said parabolic surface, said parabolic surface located on a side of said heat source more distant from the material than said heat source, means for removing said different constituents of said pyrolysate from said enclosure independently, means for conveying the material from said entrance toward said discharge, said entrance including means to evacuate oxygen from the material entering said enclosure at said entrance and means for entering material into said enclosure at said entrance; wherein the improvement comprises: at least one partition extending at least one said parabolic surface toward said material sufficient to compartmentalize said heating means. Claim 14 - The system of claim 13 wherein said partition surface is reflective. Claim 15 - The system of claim 13 wherein said partition extends sufficiently toward said material whereby said anaerobic gas flow caused by the movement of means for conveying material is inhibited. Claim 16 - A system for continuously pyrolyzing material into a pyrolysate of different constituents while in a substantially anaerobic environment having an enclosure, an entrance, a discharge, a means for heating the material within said enclosure having at least two heat sources, means for removing said different constituents of said pyrolysate from said enclosure independently, means for conveying the material from said entrance toward said discharge, said entrance including means to evacuate oxygen from the material entering said enclosure at said entrance and means for entering material into said enclosure at said entrance; wherein the improvement comprises: said means for removing a liquid constituent of said pyrolysate to be disposed under said means for conveying material and to be shaped so that said liquid constituent is removed from said enclosure at a point other than at said discharge. Claim 17 - The system of claim 16 wherein said liquid constituent removal means includes a drain tray. Claim 18 - The system of claim 17 wherein said tray drains to a removal point at the center of said longitudinal axis of said conveying means. Claim 19 - The system of claim 17 wherein said tray drains to a removal point disposed at a point wherein all of said liquid constituent has traveled an overall minimum distance. Claim 20 - The system of claim 16 wherein said conveying means includes a conveyer belt within said enclosure and between said entrance and said discharge, said conveyor belt having an upper surface which faces said heating means. Claim 21 - The system of claim 20 wherein said conveyer belt is porous, allowing liquid pyrolysate to pass therethrough, and is formed from a materiel having a melting temperature greater than 1,000° Fahrenheit, whereby said conveyor belt resists damage due to the heat from said heating means. Claim 22 - A system for continuously pyrolyzing material into a pyrolysate of different constituents while in a substantially anaerobic environment having an enclosure, an entrance, a discharge, a means for heating the material within said enclosure having at least two heat sources, means for removing said different constituents of said pyrolysate from said enclosure independently, means for conveying the material from said entrance toward said discharge, said entrance including means to evacuate oxygen from the material entering said enclosure at said entrance and means for entering material into said enclosure at said entrance; wherein the improvement comprises: said heat sources being separated by at least one partition which extends sufficiently toward said material from the top of said enclosure whereby radiation from one heating source does not strike any other heating source. Claim 23 - The system of claim 22 wherein said partition is a lengthened triangular solid . Claim 24 - The system of claim 22 wherein said partition extends sufficiently toward said material whereby said anaerobic gas flow caused by the movement of means for conveying materials is inhibited.

Inventors: DIGRE JOHN L, DIGRE, JOHN, L.
Applicants: DIGRE JOHN L, DIGRE, JOHN, L.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: F23G5
IPC codes: C10B7, C10B19, C10B53, F23G5, F23G7