Patent Description:
Vegetative material, in particular wood, has long been a difficult problem for community landfills, lumbering operations and cleanup operations after a natural disaster. Grinding wood reduces its volume, but is relatively expensive and can be harmful to the environment, and, in any event, it still fails to reduce the amount of wood. Moreover, in the context of a massive tree kill, due to insect infestation and/or climate change, for example, the approach of grinding, chipping and hauling the wood does not solve, but can actually spread the problem.

Fireboxes and fire pits have been used to burn vegetative material at clearing sites. In order to reduce ash and smoke released during material incineration (particulate release), a flow of high velocity air has been used to provide an "air curtain" over a fire pit or firebox in which the material is burned. <CIT> and <CIT> describe portable apparatus for air curtain incineration. The former patent relates to a fan and manifold assembly that can be towed to and positioned at the edge of a fire pit, whereas the latter patent relates to a firebox, fan, and manifold assembly mounted on a support frame for transport to a desired clearing site for incineration of material without the need to dig a fire pit. These portable solutions offer relatively clean burning and also minimize the need to transport the material, however, they both still suffer from a number of associated drawbacks, e.g., the material is completely burnt thereby releasing into the atmosphere the carbon contained in that material. The documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose other examples of incineration devices.

It is to be appreciated that currently available fireboxes and fire pits are typically costly to move or transport from one job site to another job site. In addition, it is typically tedious and time-consuming to move a firebox or a fire pit from one location, on a job site, to another different location, on the same or a different job site. Lastly, the currently available fireboxes and fire pits typically require either a crane to lift the firebox or fire pit onto a trailer or a very specialized trailer in order to facilitate transport of currently available fireboxes and fire pits from one job site or location to another job site or location. Further, such repositioning often includes required assembly effort and time when arriving at a new job site. This is a serious drawback concerning the currently available fireboxes and fire pits.

Trench burners tend to be somewhat easier to move, along a roadway, from one job site to another job site due their relatively compact size. However, trench burners typically require preparation work to be performed at the job site, such as digging a ditch in order to accommodate the trench burner.

In addition, the currently available trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits do not have any system for automatically removing the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., which eventually accumulate within the combustion chamber while burning the vegetative material and/or biomass. Accordingly, removal of the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., tends to be a dirty, cumbersome, tedious, and time-consuming exercise. In addition, since the material remains within the trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits for prolonged periods of time, the material is generally completely burned thereby releasing all of the carbon contained within the material into the atmosphere.

Moreover, the currently available trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits typically lack an adequate supply of combustion air to the combustion chamber, particularly the lower portion of the combustion chamber. This lack of adequate combustion air inhibits efficient combustion, whether to completion or as an initial step in the pyrolysis process, of the vegetative material and/or biomass within conventional burners, fireboxes and fire pits.

Further, the currently available trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits are typically not equipped with any automated or semi-automated ignition system which facilitates igniting the vegetative material and/or biomass contained within the combustion chamber. Accordingly, one typical technique for commencing burning of the vegetative material and/or biomass is to add an excessive amount of an accelerant, such as diesel fuel or some other readily combustible fuel, to the vegetative material and/or biomass and then ignite the accelerant in order to commence combustion of the vegetative material and/or biomass. Such technique is generally an inconvenient way of igniting the vegetative material and/or biomass and may possibly create a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation.

Lastly, it is to be appreciated that the currently available trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits are not equipped with any automated feed mechanism for feeding additional material into the combustion chamber for consumption, as periodically required by the combustion chamber. In addition, none of the currently available trench burners, fireboxes and fire pits have any visual aid which assists an operator of the equipment with viewing combustion of the vegetative material and/or biomass occurring within the combustion chamber.

Even with the recent advances which have occurred in the art, biomass incineration facilities and/or portable apparatuses still suffer from a number of associated drawbacks. Accordingly, there still remains a need for a vegetative material and/or biomass combustion apparatus that can be easily setup at a temporary location and operated until the material transportation costs become too high and, thereafter, the combustion apparatus can be easily moved or relocated to another location, at the same job site or to a new job site, for further use. The portable combustion system should not require any fuel(s) to supplement or augment the combustion/pyrolysis process (other than the fuel required to commence ignition of the vegetative material and/or biomass), and the portable combustion system should accept substantially <NUM>% of the vegetative material and/or biomass substantially without the need to process the same before such vegetative material and/or biomass is placed in the combustion chamber for combustion. Lastly, the portable combustion system should be designed to either periodically, or continuously, discharge of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., from the combustion chamber so as to permit prolonged and/or continuous operation of the portable combustion system before removal of char, biochar, clinkers, ash, soot, unburnt debris, etc., from the combustion chamber is required or necessary.

Wherefore, it is an object of the invention to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks associated with the prior art incinerator apparatuses.

Another object is to provide a portable combustion/pyrolization system which can combust all types of feed material, e.g., both unprocessed and processed vegetative material and/or biomass, and is readily movable or repositionable from one location to another location, either at the same job site or at a new job site.

A further object is to provide a portable combustion/pyrolization system in which combustion air is supplied to the combustion/pyrolization chamber, both from the top/side of the combustion/pyrolization chamber as well as from the bottom portion of the combustion/pyrolization chamber, in order to increase and promote more efficient combustion/pyrolization of the material contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber of the portable combustion/pyrolization system.

Yet another object is to preheat at least the secondary source of combustion air, being supplied to the bottom portion of the combustion/pyrolization chamber, prior to that combustion air passing through the perforated grate and entering into the combustion chamber, so as to increase and promote more efficient combustion/pyrolization of the feed material contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber of the portable combustion/pyrolization system.

A still further object is to provide the portable combustion/pyrolization apparatus with a perforated grate which permits continuous discharge of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., from the combustion/pyrolization chamber into the char collection/transfer chamber, thereby increasing the duration of time that the portable combustion/pyrolization system can continuously operate before any emptying/servicing of the combustion/pyrolization chamber is required.

A further object is to provide the perforated grate with sufficiently large holes so as to permit sufficiently large particles of char and boichar to pass therethough and fall into the char collection/transfer chamber and thereby avoid the complete combustion of the char and boichar and assist with collection of char and boichar particles having a sufficient carbon content for subsequent use and processing.

Another object is to locate the char collection/transfer chamber vertically below the perforated grate, provided at the bottom of the combustion/pyrolization chamber, in which the char and biochar can be extinguished/quenched so as to discontinue further combustion/pyrolization of the char and boichar and/or convey the char and biochar out of the char collection/transfer chamber for any additional extinguishing or quenching of the char and biochar thereby preserving as much carbon as possible in the generated char and boichar.

Still another object is to supply a heat transfer medium, such as water, into an end of a hollow auger in order to cool the auger shaft and, as the heat transfer medium flows through the auger shaft, openings in the auger shaft assist with distributing the heat transfer medium along the respective trough of the char collection/transfer chamber to extinguish or quench the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., which pass through the perforated grate and collect within the trough and thereby facilitate generation of char and boichar which has a desired carbon content.

Yet another object is to supply a heat transfer medium, such as water, to a leading end of each one of the troughs of the char collection/transfer chamber which assists with both extinguishing or quenching the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., as well as assists with or facilitates conveying the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., along the respective trough and out of the char collection/transfer chamber of the portable combustion apparatus.

A further object is to utilize a secondary source of combustion air, supplied to the bottom portion of the combustion/pyrolization chamber, to cool the char collection/transfer chamber, e.g., the troughs and conveying augers, so that the secondary source of combustion air is preheated prior to that combustion air passing through the perforated grate and entering into the combustion/pyrolization chamber.

Still another object is to provide the portable combustion/pyrolization system with a camera, or some other viewing device, which facilitates viewing by an operator of the combustion/pyrolization process, as it occurs within the combustion/pyrolization chamber, so that the operator can monitor such combustion/pyrolization and determine if a problem exists or when to feed additional material into the combustion/pyrolization chamber.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatical and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of this invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

The present invention will be understood by reference to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that the following detailed description of various embodiments is by way of example only and is not meant to limit, in any way, the scope of the present invention.

Turning first to <FIG>, a brief description concerning the various components of the present invention will now be briefly discussed. As can be seen in this first embodiment, the present invention relates to a self propelled portable (or possibly a stationary - see <FIG>) combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> which can be easily and readily transported to a desired location or site and set up in order to facilitate partial or substantially complete combustion/pyrolization of the desired feed material <NUM>, e.g., all types of material such forestry debris, vegetative debris, biomass, processed and unprocessed wood, chips, bark, ground wood and well as other materials such municipal solid waste (MSW). The portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> comprises a base frame <NUM> upon which the components of the system are assembled.

An engine <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), e.g., a <NUM>-<NUM> horsepower diesel powered engine or possibly a plurality of electric motors, is supported on the base frame <NUM>, in a conventional manner, typically adjacent a leading first end <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. An output shaft of the engine <NUM> drives a hydraulic pump (not shown in detail) which pumps hydraulic fluid and thus generates a source of hydraulic pressure <NUM> for controlling various operations of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, as will be discussed below in further detail.

A conventional first blower <NUM> is also supported, in a conventional manner, by the base frame <NUM> adjacent the leading first end <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. The blower <NUM>, when driven by the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM> or possibly directly driven by the engine <NUM>, generates a first flow of combustion air which assists with forming an air curtain and combustion/pyrolization of the feed material <NUM>, and a further discussion concerning such combustion air will follow below.

A drive assembly, e.g., at least first and second sets of drivable wheels or first and second spaced apart and independently drivable tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, is supported by a bottom surface of the base frame <NUM>. Each one of the first and second tracks <NUM>, <NUM> is supported by a set of conventional sprockets, or some other conventional rotatable components, which facilitate rotation and drive of the respective track <NUM> or <NUM> relative to a remainder of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. At least one of the sprockets, of each of the first and second tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, is coupled to the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM> to facilitate supplying hydraulic pressure thereto and rotationally driving that sprocket and the associated track <NUM> or <NUM> in a desired rotational direction. As a result of this arrangement, each of the first and second tracks <NUM>, <NUM> can be independently driven in either a forward or a reverse driving direction as well as at a variety of different rotational speeds to facilitate movement and repositioning of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. As such independently drivable tracks <NUM>, <NUM> are conventional and well known in the art, a further discussion concerning such drive feature is not provided.

The portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> may be equipped with a remote radio controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) which wirelessly communicates with a control panel <NUM> affixed to the base frame <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. The control panel <NUM> controls operation of the engine <NUM>, the pump and the supply of the hydraulic pressure to the drive sprockets of the first and the second endless tracks <NUM>, <NUM> in order to control forward and reverse travel, turning and/or repositioning of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, as required or desired by the operator during operation. As operation of tracked vehicles is conventional and well known in the art, a further detailed description concerning the same is not provided.

It is to be appreciated that the radio controller <NUM> is generally small enough to be held in the hand of the operator so that the communicated inputted commands, from the operator, are transmitted wirelessly by the radio controller <NUM> to the control panel <NUM> which, in turn, controls operation of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> and implements the inputted commands. The control panel <NUM>, or possibly the radio controller <NUM>, may also be equipped with a small display <NUM> to facilitate displaying images received from a viewing device <NUM> (see <FIG>), as will be discussed below in further detail.

The base frame <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> supports a combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and a perforated grate <NUM> forms a bottom surface of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> (see <FIG>, for example). The perforated grate <NUM> is secured to the base frame <NUM>, e.g., typically by conventional fasteners (not shown in detail), in order to facilitate removal, cleaning, servicing and/or replacement of the perforated grate <NUM> with another perforated grate <NUM> having the same, larger or small openings for passage of desired size char and boichar therethrough. The perforated grate <NUM> is typically fabricated from metal, such as steel or stainless steel, and the grating typically has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM> inches) or so and is mounted to a removable grate frame to assist with removal, replacement and/or servicing of the perforated grate <NUM>.

As noted above, the perforated grate <NUM> is typically removable so as to facilitate replacement, servicing, cleaning and/or changing thereof. The perforated grate <NUM> typically comprises a rectangular metallic frame upon which one or more replaceable grates are secured by conventional fasteners. The rectangular metallic frame, in turn, is supported by a pair of space apart rails lateral connected to the base frame <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. The rectangular metallic frame is typically secured to the pair of space apart lateral rails by one or more conventional fasteners (not shown in detail). In the event that one or more of the grates, forming the perforated grate <NUM>, deteriorate or become sufficiently worn, for example, the perforated grate <NUM> may be removed from the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> and the one or more worn grates can thereafter be replaced with one or more new grates. Following replacement of any necessary grates, the perforated grate <NUM> may then be reinstalled on the pair of space apart rails so that further combustion/pyrolization can then occur within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the grates of the perforated grate <NUM> may be replaced with a new grates having either smaller or larger openings therein to facilitate passage of either smaller or larger size particles of char and biochar from the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> into a char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

The perforated grate <NUM> has a plurality of spaced apart small openings, holes or apertures (not labeled) formed therein, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> to <NUM> inches) holes (see <FIG>), typically about <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM> inch) holes, which facilitate the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> falling through the perforated grate <NUM> and collecting on a top surface of the chamber plate <NUM> located vertically below the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> while the larger particles of ash and the larger char, biochar, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> are prevented from passing through and accumulate on the top surface of perforated grate <NUM>. The small openings, holes or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, also facilitate the supply of secondary combustion air up through plurality of equally spaced small openings, holes or apertures into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, as will be described below in further detail.

The chamber plate <NUM> extends along and forms a bottom surface of a char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) while the perforated grate <NUM> is spaced from and located vertically above the chamber plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and extends generally parallel thereto. The chamber plate <NUM> is secured to the base frame <NUM>, e.g., by welding or conventional fasteners. The chamber plate <NUM> is typically fabricated from metal, such as steel or stainless steel, and has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> and ½ inches) or so.

As shown in these Figures, the chamber plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> is shaped so as to form a plurality of parallel troughs <NUM> (e.g., three or more troughs) which each extend parallel to one another and longitudinally along the length of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. A plurality of hollow conveying augers <NUM>, e.g., three conveying augers (see <FIG>), are typically accommodated side-by-side and adjacent one another, each within a respective one of the troughs <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. Each respective trough <NUM> is typically sized and shape so as to accommodate a respective one of the conveying augers <NUM>, and, as the respective augers <NUM> rotate in a conveying (counter clockwise) direction, each trough <NUM> is designed to channel/direct the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> that pass through the openings or apertures in the perforated grate <NUM>, toward one of the respective troughs and conveying augers <NUM> for conveyance toward the second trailing end of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

As generally shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each one of the conveying augers <NUM> is located adjacent a bottom portion of the respective trough <NUM>. As the conveyed the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> exits from a discharge end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, this material is typically discharged out of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> into a collection container and/or some other device <NUM> to collect the same for further processing of the char and boichar (only diagrammatically shown in <FIG>). It is to be appreciated that the discharged the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> could, if desired, be deposited onto a conveyer or some other transport device to facilitate subsequent processing or handling of thereof, e.g., quenching, adding nutrients thereto, additives thereto, etc..

The conveying augers <NUM> are driven by one or more hydraulic motors <NUM> typically by an associated chain drive (see <FIG>). Alternatively, if desired or required, each one the conveying augers <NUM> may be individually driven by a hydraulic motor <NUM>. Each one of the hydraulic motors <NUM>, in turn, is connected to the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM> to receive driving power therefrom and facilitate driving of each one of the hydraulic motors <NUM> and, in turn, the associated conveying auger <NUM>. Typically, all of the conveying augers <NUM> rotate at the same time but, if desired or required, the conveying augers <NUM> may be intermittently driven, depending upon the quantity of the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> which passes through the perforated grate <NUM> and accumulates within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

Each one of the conveying augers <NUM> is typically a hollow shaft and a supply inlet, coupled to a heat conductive medium source, e.g., a source of water, is connected to one end of each one of the conveying augers <NUM>, e.g., typically the end of the auger opposite the discharge end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The heat conductive medium flows, e.g., water, into the inlet and along the length of the conveying auger <NUM> and the flow of the heat conductive medium is designed to cool the respective conveying auger <NUM>. The heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is also continuously discharged radially out through a plurality of small spray openings formed in and along the length of each one of the conveying augers <NUM>. This discharged heat conductive medium, e.g., water, assist with at least partially extinguishing/quenching the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris which is contained within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

As shown in the drawings, the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> is located directly below the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. As the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> pass and fall through the openings or apertures formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, this material falls directly into and collects within one of the troughs <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. As the conveying augers <NUM> rotate, the conveying augers <NUM> transport this accumulated char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> along the respective trough <NUM> toward the trailing end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. As the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> are discharged from the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, such particles are typically deposited in the collection container and/or some other device <NUM> to collect the same for processing of the char and boichar. As shown in <FIG>, the troughs and conveying augers <NUM> project a small distance out from the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

The smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM>, discharged from the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, may then be further suitably quenched and cooled, with additional heat conductive medium, such as water for example, in order to completely extinguish any remaining embers or other materials which are still burning. Thereafter, this completely extinguished material can then be further processed, mixed with fertilizer or additive, transported to another site for further processing, discharged into the soil, etc..

It is to be appreciated that the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, may have one or more conventional additive(s) or nutrient(s) added thereto. For example, the additive may be fertilizer or a pellet binder. It is to be appreciated that the fertilizer may be either added to the heat conductive medium or mixed with the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> as the same is being discharged, or after discharge, from the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The additive may be a nutrient mixer of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and/or the like. The additives may be used in varying proportions, dependent upon the particular application, in order to provide customized enrichment of the soil.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, an air plenum chamber <NUM> is located vertically below the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The air plenum chamber <NUM> is the area or space defined between a rear surface of the chamber plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and a top inwardly facing surface of the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> is secured to the base frame <NUM>, e.g., by welding or conventional fasteners and forms a bottom most surface of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> is typically fabricated from metal, such as steel or stainless steel, and has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> and ½ inches) or so.

A leading end plate (not shown in detail) connects a leading edge of the chamber plate <NUM> with a leading edge of the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> to close and seal the leading end of the air plenum chamber <NUM> while a trailing end plate connects a trailing edge of the chamber plate <NUM> with a trailing edge of the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> to close and seal the trailing end of the air plenum chamber <NUM>. At least one inlet (not shown in detail), e.g., typically a pair of spaced apart air supply inlets, are formed in the leading end plate and the air supply inlets supply a source of secondary air, from a secondary air source or blower <NUM>, into the air plenum chamber <NUM>, on either side of the centrally located trough <NUM> which accommodates a central conveying auger <NUM>. The secondary air source or blower <NUM> is connected to the air supply inlets (only diagrammatically shown in these drawings), in a conventional manner, for supplying secondary air to the air plenum chamber <NUM>. The secondary air source or blower <NUM> is typically driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown in detail) which is coupled to and powered by the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM>. It is to be appreciated that the secondary air source or blower <NUM> may, alternatively, be directly driven by the engine <NUM>.

As generally shown in the drawings, the lower most bottom surface of each one of the troughs <NUM>, located on either side of the central conveying auger <NUM>, is located closely adjacent the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM>, e.g., space therefrom by a distance of <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> to about <NUM> inch) or so, along the entire length of each respective trough <NUM>. In addition, the base plate <NUM> is also spaced away from the outwardly facing longitudinal lateral rear surfaces of the two outer most troughs <NUM> so as to form a pair of air flow passageways <NUM> out of the air plenum chamber <NUM>. A plurality of secondary air discharge openings (not shown in detail but axially) are formed adjacent and along each lateral longitudinal edge portions of the chamber plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> in order to provide a flow path for the heated air to flow from the pair of air flow passageways <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> into the uppermost region of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> (see the two outer most squiggly arrows in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). The secondary air discharge openings, e.g., each opening typically measuring <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches by <NUM> inches), are spaced from one another, e.g., between about <NUM> (<NUM> feet) or so apart from one another, generally along the entire length of each lateral opposed longitudinal side of the air plenum chamber <NUM>.

As the secondary air, from the secondary air source or blower <NUM>, is introduced and flows into the air plenum chamber <NUM>, this secondary air flows between two adjacent troughs <NUM> and along the rear surface of the chamber plate <NUM> and thereby cools the troughs <NUM>. This secondary air also, in turn, assists with cooling the conveying auger <NUM> which is accommodated by the respective trough <NUM>. Due to the relatively close spacing between the bottom surface of the troughs <NUM>, located on either side of the central conveying auger <NUM>, and the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM> as well as the size, location and number of the secondary air discharge openings, the secondary air tends to pressurize slightly the air plenum chamber <NUM> during operation. Such pressurization tends to assist with more uniform cooling of the entire rear surface of each one of the troughs <NUM> as well as cooling of the conveying augers <NUM> accommodated therein. As noted above, the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, flowing in and along the length of the conveying augers also cools the respective conveying auger <NUM>.

This secondary air, after passing between the bottom surface of the trough <NUM> and the base plate <NUM> of the air plenum chamber <NUM>, continues to flow both laterally and longitudinally along the rear surface of the outer most troughs <NUM> and eventually passes through one of air flow passageways <NUM> and the secondary air discharge openings and into the vertically uppermost region of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> (see the two outer most squiggly arrows in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). As a result of this flow path, the secondary air which flows through the air plenum chamber <NUM> cools both the troughs <NUM> and the associated conveying augers <NUM> and is, in turn, correspondingly heated so that this heated secondary air can, thereafter, eventually flow into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and assist with combustion of the feed material <NUM> being consumed therein.

As this heated secondary air passes through one of the secondary air discharge openings and enters into the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, this heated air is typically dispersed throughout the uppermost region of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> (see the five centrally located squiggly arrows in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). As noted above, this heated air then eventually flows up through one of the openings or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, to assist with combustion of the biomass material contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that this secondary air flow also assists with cooling the base frame <NUM> of the as well as other components, e.g., the tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM>, the hydraulic motors <NUM>, the blowers <NUM>, <NUM>, etc., of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> so as to prevent the base frame <NUM> and those other components from overheating, particularly during prolonged operation of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

The base frame <NUM> comprises upper and lower lateral horizontal supports <NUM>, <NUM> as well as a plurality of spaced apart vertical supports <NUM> which are connected to and extend substantially normal between the upper and lower lateral horizontal supports <NUM>, <NUM>. Each one of the vertical supports <NUM> is spaced from an adjacent vertical support <NUM>. The lateral horizontal supports <NUM>, <NUM> and the vertical supports <NUM> form a framework, which is part of the base frame <NUM>, to which various components of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> are secured or fastened. A plurality of ceramic members <NUM> (see <FIG>), or some other refractory material, are typically secured, in a conventional manner, to one or more of the horizontal and/or vertical supports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> in a side-by-side abutting relationship, as shown in <FIG>, along each of the opposed lateral sidewalls of the base frame <NUM>. Each one of the ceramic members <NUM> is typically securely but releasably fastened, e.g., by conventional fasteners (not shown in detail), to the one or more horizontal and/or vertical supports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the base frame <NUM>. Such releasable attachment facilitates replacement and/or servicing of one or more of the ceramic members <NUM>, in the event that one of the ceramic members <NUM> becomes cracked or is otherwise damaged during use.

As shown if <FIG>, typically between five and ten, e.g., eight, ceramic members <NUM> are arranged, side by side and closely adjacent one another, along the second longitudinal sidewall of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> and additionally between five and ten, e.g., eight, ceramic members <NUM> are similarly arranged, side by side and adjacent one another, along the opposed first longitudinal sidewall of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Each one of these ceramic members <NUM>, for example, has a height of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches), a width of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches) and a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches).

In addition, a first end fixed ceramic member <NUM> is releaseably secured to the horizontal and/or vertical supports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> at the first leading end of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, to facilitate replacement and/or servicing thereof, while a pair of (or possibly a single) second pivotable (end) ceramic member <NUM> is pivotably but releaseably secured to horizontal and/or vertical supports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the base frame <NUM> at the second trailing end of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, to facilitate replacement and/or servicing thereof. Each one of the first and the second end ceramic members <NUM>, <NUM> typically has a height of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches), a width of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches) and a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches).

The second pivotable (end) ceramic member <NUM>, either a pair of members as shown or possibly a single ceramic member, has both a closed position, shown in <FIG>, as well as an open position (not shown). When the second pivotably (end) ceramic member <NUM> is in its open position, this position of the second pivotably (end) ceramic member <NUM> facilitates access to the larger particles of ash and the larger particles of the char, biochar, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> which have accumulated on the top surface of the perforated grate <NUM>. The larger particles of ash and the larger particles of the char, biochar, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> can be dragged, pushed, pulled, or otherwise removed from the top surface of the perforated grate <NUM> so as to clean out the remaining debris contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the entire perforated grate <NUM> can be removed from the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> to facilitate cleaning of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, servicing of the perforated grate <NUM> or replacement of the perforated grate <NUM> with a new perforated grate <NUM> having either smaller or larger holes, as discussed above.

The combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> is defined by the perforated grate <NUM>, the plurality of ceramic members <NUM> arranged along each one of the first and second longitudinal sideswalls, the first and second (end) ceramic members <NUM>, <NUM> and an open top which provides access to the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and facilitates both the escape of combustion gases therefrom as well as loading of the additional feed material into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> for example, a coupling <NUM> interconnects an outlet end of the first blower <NUM> to an inlet end of a tapered air manifold <NUM> which is arranged and extends along an upper first longitudinal edge of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. The tapered air manifold <NUM> is secured to an upper horizontal support <NUM> which extends along the first longitudinal side of the base frame <NUM>.

An internal transverse cross sectional area of the air manifold <NUM> typically gradually tapers, e.g., via internal baffles, from a larger transverse cross sectional area to a smaller transverse cross sectional area, from the leading first end toward the trailing second end of the base frame <NUM>, where the air manifold <NUM> terminates. The taper of the air manifold <NUM> is designed to assist with uniformly discharging the supplied first source of combustion air laterally across the entire open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and toward the opposite longitudinal sidewall of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, but at a slightly downwardly inclined air flow direction.

The air manifold <NUM> has a plurality of spaced apart outlets or elongate slits (not shown in detail) along the length thereof which are designed to discharge air completely across the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. The first combustion air, exhausting from the plurality of outlets or elongate slits, is discharged so as to form a conventional "air curtain" which extends completely across the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, i.e., from the first longitudinal sidewall to the opposed second longitudinal sidewall as well as from the leading first end wall to the trailing second end wall of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. This air curtains assists with and substantially prevents the escape of any significant amount of smoke, particulate matter, other air borne debris, etc., from the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, during combustion, thereby resulting in relatively clean combustion/pyrolization of the feed material <NUM>. As formation of such air curtain conventional and well known in the art, a further discussion concerning the same is not provided.

The first source of combustion air, once that air reaches the opposite side wall of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, typically deflects off the sidewall downwardly, due to the slight downwardly inclined air flow direction of the first source of combustion air, and flows toward the bottom portion of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> to provide additional combustion air for the feed material <NUM> combusting/pyrolizing within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and thereby improve the overall combustion/pyrolization of the feed material <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that a height of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> must be sufficiently in order to permit the secondary combustion air to flow into the upper most region of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and be substantially uniformly distributed to each one of the holes or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, and eventually flow into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> while still allowing a sufficient amount of the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> to pass therethrough and collect within and be conveyed by the conveying augers <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

If desired, the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> may be equipped with a fuel source <NUM>, e.g., such as one or more refillable propane tanks or refillable tanks containing combustible liquids such as waist oil, spent cooking oil, etc., (see <FIG>). One or more nozzles <NUM> (only one of which is shown in this Figure) are installed within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and each one of the nozzles is connected to the fuel source <NUM>, via a conventional fuel line (not shown in detail), in order to supply fuel thereto. A fuel flow valve (not shown in detail) is located along the fuel line for controlling the flow of fuel from the fuel source <NUM> to the one or more nozzles <NUM>. At least one of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, e.g., typically each one of the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, has a conventional igniter (not shown in detail) associated therewith to assist with generating a spark and initiating a flame, when fuel is supplied from the fuel source <NUM> to the nozzle <NUM>, and thereby ignite the feed material <NUM> contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Since initiating combustion of the feed material <NUM> within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, via the gaseous fuel and the nozzles, is conventional and well known in the art, a further description concerning the same is not provided.

As shown in <FIG>, the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> may be equipped with a viewing device <NUM>, such as a camera, which permits viewing of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> by an operator. According to one embodiment, the viewing device <NUM> is attached to a free end of a movable/pivotable stand <NUM> and the stand <NUM> is movable from a storage position (not shown) into a deployed position (see <FIG>), and vice versa. When deployed, the viewing device <NUM> is able to view and monitor combustion/pyrolization of the feed material <NUM> within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. The viewing device <NUM> facilitates determining, by an operator, when additional feed material <NUM> should be added into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. As noted above, the radio controller <NUM> has the small display <NUM> which wirelessly communicates with the viewing device <NUM> to permit viewing of combustion, by the operator, as it is occurring within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>.

The portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> is typically transported to a desired destination in a fully assembled condition. Once the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> arrives at the desired destination, the operator can operate the radio controller <NUM>, which communicates with the control panel <NUM>, to maneuver the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> into a desired location and commence combustion of the desired feed material <NUM>.

Next, assuming the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> is equipped with the optional fuel source <NUM>, the plurality of nozzles <NUM>, and igniter, an operator can then load feed material <NUM> into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. Once a sufficient amount of feed material <NUM> is loaded within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, the fuel supply valve is then opened (either by the control panel <NUM> or manually by the operator) so that fuel is supplied from the fuel source <NUM> to the one or more of the nozzles <NUM> and, at the same time, the one or more igniter(s) are activated, by the control panel <NUM>, to generate a flame within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. The flow of fuel to the nozzle(s) <NUM> continues until the feed material <NUM> is deemed to be sufficiently burning so as to maintain combustion/pyrolization of the feed material <NUM> contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Thereafter, the operator either manually closes, or the control panel <NUM> automatically closes, the fuel supply valve which thus interrupts the supply of fuel to the nozzle(s) <NUM>. Alternatively, a desired amount of an accelerant, such as diesel fuel or some other readily combustible fuel, is added to the vegetative material and/or biomass and then the accelerant is ignited in order to commence combustion of the vegetative material and/or biomass.

Following continuous combustion of the feed material <NUM>, conventional loading equipment can then be periodically utilized to add additional feed material <NUM>, as necessary, to the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> via the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. This process of periodically feeding additional feed material <NUM> into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> continues until a sufficient amount of the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> eventually passes through the perforated grate <NUM> and/or accumulates within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. Once this occurs, the conveying augers <NUM> are then activated so as to rotate and convey the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM>, which pass through the perforated grate <NUM>, along the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and toward the trailing end thereof. As the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> are discharged from the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, the discharged char and biochar is typically deposited into the collection container and/or some other device <NUM> to collect the same for further processing of the char and boichar.

If desired or required, a heat conductive medium, such as water for example, can be pumped, via a heat conductive medium pump driven by the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM>, and supplied to an inlet end of each one of the hollow conveying augers <NUM>. The heat conductive medium flows along the respective conveying augers <NUM> and is sprayed or discharged onto the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> to assist with partially quenching and/or extinguishing of the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> which pass through the perforated grate <NUM> and accumulate within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is designed to adequately extinguish and quench the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> located within each one of the troughs <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> as well as cool both the conveying augers <NUM> and the respective trough <NUM>. The heat conductive medium, e.g., water, also assists the conveying augers <NUM> with conveying the quenched particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> toward the trailing end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and out of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> into the collection container and/or some other device <NUM> for collection and further processing of the char and boichar. The heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is typically supplied at a flow rate of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (<NUM> gallons to about <NUM> gallons) per minute per trough <NUM>, for example. It is to be noted that the flow rate of the heat conductive medium can vary from application to application, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the heat conductive medium is indicated as only being supplied adjacent leading end of each trough <NUM>, it is to be appreciated that the heat conductive medium may be supplied at variety of other locations along each one of the troughs <NUM>. For example, the heat conductive medium may be supplied to the leading end of each one of the troughs <NUM>, via a heat conductive medium supply line, and the heat conductive medium can then gradually flow along the length of the troughs <NUM> and assist with conveying the quenched particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> toward the trailing end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and out of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

It is noted that as the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> are extinguished and quenched within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, steam is generated as a byproduct of such extinguishing and/or quenching. This steam is then permitted to pass through the holes or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, and flow along with the secondary air into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. This steam is then available to contact and bind with small particulate matter, contained within the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, and thereby assist with minimizing the amount of small particulate matter which is permitted to escape through the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. That is, the steam is effective in reducing the overall emissions from the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> during operation of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As this embodiment is very similar to the previously discussed embodiment, only the differences between this second embodiment and the first embodiment will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

The major difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment relates to the components of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. According to this embodiment, the conveying augers <NUM>, the hydraulic motors <NUM> and the associated drive are eliminated and the source of heat conductive medium is utilized for conveying or transporting the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> which fall into and accumulate within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

As with the previous embodiment, the bottom plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> is still shaped to form a plurality of respective troughs <NUM> (e.g., three troughs, see <FIG> and <FIG>), and each trough <NUM> is designed to channel/direct the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM>, that passes through the openings or apertures in the perforated grate <NUM>, toward the bottom portion of the trough for conveyance toward the second trailing end of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>. According to this embodiment, the bottom plate <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> is preferably manufactured from stainless steel, or some other corrosion resistant material, to facilitate usage with a liquid heat conductive medium, such as water, to quench and convey the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>.

The heat conductive medium is pumped, via a heat conductive medium pump driven by the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM>, or supplied via some other source of water, and typically sprayed or discharged into the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, e.g., via the heat conductive medium supply line discharging adjacent the leading end of each one of the troughs <NUM>, to assist with quenching of the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> which passes through the perforated grate <NUM> and accumulates within the respective trough <NUM>. As diagrammatically shown, the heat conductive medium may be sprayed or discharge at more than one location in and along a length of the trough <NUM>. The heat conductive medium at least partially extinguishes and quenches the smaller particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> contained within each one of the troughs <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> as well as cools the respective trough <NUM>. The heat conductive medium, as it flows along the bottom portion of the respective trough <NUM>, also conveys the quenched particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> toward the trailing end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and eventually out of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The heat conductive medium is typically supplied to the leading end of each one of the troughs <NUM> via at least one tube or conduit, e.g., a <NUM> and <NUM> (½ inch to <NUM> inch) tube or conduit for example, at a flow rate of about <NUM> to about <NUM> (<NUM> gallons to about <NUM> gallons) per minute per trough <NUM>, for example. This flow rate is typically sufficient to both quench the particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> as well as convey the quenched char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> along the respective trough <NUM> and out of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

In order to assist the quenched char, biochar, ash clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> with being conveyed along the troughs <NUM>, solely by the heat conductive medium and gravity, toward the trailing end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and out of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> is typically installed so that the leading end of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> is located at a slightly higher elevation, at least a few centinmeters/inches or so for example, than the trailing end thereof. Such arrangement assists with inducing the heat conductive medium to flow from the leading end toward the trailing end of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> and thereby convey the quenched char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> along with the heat conductive medium out of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> and into the collection container and/or some other device <NUM> for collection and further processing of the char and boichar.

It is to be appreciated that as the particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> are extinguished and quenched within the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>, steam is generated as a byproduct. Such steam is then permitted to pass through the holes or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, along with the heated secondary air and flow into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> and, thereafter, bind with any small particulate matter contained therein. As noted above, this steam is effective in reducing the overall emissions from the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, during operation of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>.

It is to be appreciated that the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, may have one or more conventional additive(s) or nutrient(s) added thereto. For example, the additive may be fertilizer or a pellet binder. It is to be appreciated that the fertilizer may be either added to the heat conductive medium or mixed with the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> as the same is being discharged, or following discharge, from the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. The additive may be a nutrient mixer of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that the additives may be used in varying proportions, dependent upon the particular application, in order to provide customized enrichment of the soil.

It is noted that the conveying augers <NUM> permit the portable (or stationary) combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> to be operated for longer periods of time before removal of any larger particles of char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM> from the top surface of the perforated grate <NUM> of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> is necessary or required. In addition, the implementation of the conveying augers <NUM> typically allow the plurality of openings, holes or apertures, formed in the perforated grate <NUM>, to be somewhat larger in size thereby permitting somewhat larger particles of char and biochar to pass therethrough and be conveyed along the troughs <NUM> of the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> toward the second discharge end of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> for discharge/processing.

Turning now to <FIG>, a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As this embodiment is very similar to the previously discussed embodiment having the conveying augers <NUM>, only the differences between the third embodiment and the previously discussed embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

The major difference between the third embodiment and both of the previously embodiments relates to the additional feature of a heat exchanger <NUM> provided adjacent the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. According to this embodiment, a conventional heat exchanger <NUM> is located along the second longitudinal side of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>, opposite the air manifold <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> has both a retracted position (see <FIG>) as well as an engaged or active position (see <FIG>). The retracted position may be utilized when the feeding of feed material <NUM> into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM> is occurring or when the water or oil, which is flow through the heat exchanger <NUM>, becomes sufficiently heated or is possibly overheated by the combustion/pyrolization process.

As generally diagrammatically shown in <FIG>, a source of water or oil <NUM> is connected, via a flexible or movable inlet conduit or pipe <NUM>, to an inlet end of the heat exchanger <NUM> while an outlet end of the heat exchanger <NUM> is connected, via a flexible or movable outlet conduit or pipe <NUM>, to a heat recovery device <NUM> for removing/recycling the generated heat. The heat recovery device <NUM> is, in turn, connected to the source of water or oil <NUM> in order to complete the water or oil flow path. A pump <NUM> is typically provided to circulate the water or oil from the source of water or oil <NUM> through the heat exchanger <NUM>, e.g., as shown, the pump <NUM> may be located between the source of water or oil <NUM> and the inlet end of the heat exchanger <NUM>. Due to the flexibility of the inlet and the outlet conduits or pipes <NUM>, <NUM>, the heat exchanger <NUM> is permitted to be moved between its retracted (see <FIG>) and engaged positions (see <FIG>), and vice versa.

A second end of the inlet conduit or pipe <NUM> is connected to an inlet manifold <NUM> which, in turn, distributes the supplied water or oil to an inlet end of each one of a plurality of heating pipes <NUM> which extend substantially along the entire length of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. As diagrammatically shown in these figures, a total of <NUM> heating pipes <NUM> are arranged in a spaced apart relationship substantially parallel with one another. It is to be appreciated that the number of heating pipes <NUM>, as well as the diameter of the heating pipes, can be increased or decreased, depending upon the particular application. An optional protective plate <NUM> is located on at least a side of the heating pipes <NUM> facing toward the air manifold <NUM> in order to protect the heating pipes <NUM> from becoming inadvertently damaged during operation of the portable combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, e.g., when additional feed material <NUM> is being loaded into the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, in the event that the heating pipes <NUM>, facing toward the air manifold <NUM>, are sufficiently durable, stiff and rough enough this may avoid the need for the protective plate.

The opposite end of each one of the heating pipes <NUM> is connected to an outlet manifold <NUM> which collects the heated water or oil, from the plurality of heating pipes, and channels the same into an inlet end of the outlet conduit or pipe <NUM> for transportation to the heat recovery device <NUM>, such as a turbine for generating electricity, collection of the heat for use in drying an item, utilizing the heat to heat a building, etc..

As diagrammatically shown, the heat exchanger <NUM> is supported by a plurality of rails, slides, tracks or a pivoting arrangement <NUM> which extend substantially parallel to, but are located slightly above the open top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber <NUM>. Preferably, a pair of hydraulic cylinders <NUM> (or possibly a pair of hydraulic motors), connected to the source of hydraulic pressure <NUM>, are utilized for moving the heat exchanger <NUM> between its retracted and engaged positions, as desired or required.

It is to be appreciated that when the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is utilized to extinguish and quench the char, biochar, ash, clinkers, soot, unburnt debris, etc., <NUM>, the amount of generated steam is directed related to the amount of the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, added to the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. That is, if the operator desires to generate a lot of steam to control emissions from the combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, then typically a lesser amount of the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is added to the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM>. However, if the operator desire to generate a smaller amount of steam, then typically an excessive amount of the heat conductive medium, e.g., water, is added to the char collection/transfer chamber <NUM> so as to minimize the generation of steam.

In the event that the heat exchanger <NUM> becomes overheated, and the heat exchanger <NUM> can be moved into its retracted position (<FIG>) and an optional cooling blower (not shown) can be operated in order to blow cool or ambient air directly at the heating tubes <NUM> and more rapidly cool the water or oil flowing therethrough.

Turning now to <FIG>, a brief discussion concern a further embodiment of the combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> will now be provided. As this embodiment is very similar to the three previously discussed embodiments, only the differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiments will be discussed in detail while identical elements will be given identical reference numerals.

The major difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiments is the replacement of the drive assembly, e.g., at least first and second sets of drivable wheels or first and second spaced apart and independently drivable tracks <NUM>, <NUM>, with a stationary base frame <NUM>, e.g., the base frame <NUM> is supported by a plurality of spaced apart stationary legs <NUM>. It is to be appreciate that a variety of other support arrangements, other than legs <NUM>, which are well known in the art, would also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art for supporting the combustion/pyrolization system <NUM>, in a stationary manner, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> of this embodiment operates generally as discussed above except that the combustion/pyrolization system <NUM> is stationary and thus not readily repositionable.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that various modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to and be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various other related ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items while only the terms "consisting of" and "consisting only of" are to be construed in a limitative sense.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
A combustion/pyrolization system comprising:
a base frame (<NUM>);
a combustion/pyrolization chamber (<NUM>) being supported by the base frame;
a perforated grate (<NUM>) forming a bottom surface of the combustion/pyrolization chamber, and the perforated grate having a plurality of openings formed therein to facilitate passage of at least char and boichar therethrough;
the combustion/pyrolization chamber being open along at a top to facilitate feeding of feed material into the combustion/pyrolization chamber;
a first blower (<NUM>) for supplying a first source of combustion air across the top of the combustion/pyrolization chamber and forming an air curtain during operation of the blower as well as supplying a first source of combustion air to the combustion/pyrolization chamber;
an air manifold (<NUM>) being coupled to the first blower (<NUM>);
a char collection/transfer chamber (<NUM>) being located below the perforated grate for collecting the at least char and biochar
that passes through the perforated grate, and the char collection/transfer chamber having a conveying mechanism (<NUM>) for transferring at least the char and biochar out of the combustion/pyrolization system for collection;
a second blower (<NUM>) for supplying secondary air to the char collection/transfer chamber, the secondary air being heated as the secondary air flows through and cools the char collection/transfer chamber, and the heated secondary air eventually flows into the char collection/transfer chamber and through the perforated grate thereby providing secondary combustion air for the combustion/pyrolization chamber; and
an air plenum chamber (<NUM>) being coupled to the second blower (<NUM>).