Patent ID: 8129578

Claim:
A method for the separation of hazardous and non-hazardous organic and inorganic waste constituents from matrices comprising: placing matrices in a vessel, said vessel comprising a frame adapted to receive one or more removable trays; heating matrices with a heater, said heater being positioned in a manner to allow heat to enter said vessel at a position below said one or more removable trays when inserted in said frame; creating a subatmospheric pressure within the matrices by establishing a vacuum above the matrices; and removing the gaseous constituents from the matrices through a manifold positioned on top of said vessel; wherein said one or more removable trays are adapted to be inserted in said frame, said one or more removable trays comprising a bottom part and peripheral sidewalls extending therefrom, said bottom part being capable of supporting the matrices and being structured so as to define orifices in the bottom; and wherein, upon insertion of said one or more removable trays in said vessel, said peripheral sidewalls of said one or more removable trays effectively form the sides of said vessel.