ROTARY BEARING SUPPORT
An apparatus and method, for processing solid waste to produce a solid fuel product and a recycling stream, involves an elongated, generally cylindrical shape rotating pressure vessel that can use the effects of heat, humidity and pressure to convert the solid waste into a burnable fuel and can produce a glass, a metal or a plastic recycle stream. The pressure vessel is adapted to be rotated along its axis or rotation in order to ensure close contact between the solid waste and internal humidity at elevated temperatures and pressures to result in the conversion of the solid waste into a useful fuel and recycle stream. The driving mechanism and support structure for the vessel requires substantial strength and resistance to wear. The pressure vessel of the invention, while requiring rotation around its axis of rotation, also requires the pressure vessel to be movable in the vertical plane. Accordingly, the pressure vessel rotates on its axis of rotation and moves through an are in the vertical plane for charging, processing and discharge. The support structure for the vessel must both support the weight of the vessel and cause the vessel to rotate along its axis of rotation. The support system maintains the pressure vessel in a useful position throughout its axis of rotation and through its angle of orientation. The invention involves a support structure and drive mechanism that can actuate the rotational and arcuate movement.
1 . A rotatable pressure vessel having a rotational drive means and support frame, the elongated pressure vessel having an enclosed volume of about 30 to about 90 m 3 capable of maintaining an internal pressure of about 10 to 4200 kPa, a relative humidity of up to about 100% relative humidity and a temperature of about 20 to 200° C., the vessel comprising a support end and a driven end, the driven end comprising means to rotate the vessel about a longitudinal axis, the support end in contact with the support frame, the interface between the support frame and the support end comprising a bearing for supporting the load of the vessel.
2 . The rotatable vessel and frame of claim 1 wherein the bearing diameter is about 2.5 to about 3.5 meters and comprises steel.
3 . The vessel and frame of claim 1 wherein the load comprises a thrust load that comprises about 30,000 to about 100,000 kg.
4 . The vessel and frame of claim 1 wherein the load comprises an axial load that comprises about 30,000 to about 100,000 kg.
5 . The vessel and frame of claim 1 wherein the vessel rotates at a rate of about −8 to about 8 rpm.
6 . The rotatable vessel of claim 1 wherein the bearing comprises a bearing race affixed to the support frame and a bearing race fixed to the end, the circular bearing placed therebetween.
7 . The vessel and frame of claim 6 wherein there are about 10 to about 100 spherical bearing units.
8 . The vessel and frame of claim 7 wherein the bearing unit additionally comprises a seal.
9 . The vessel and frame of claim 1 wherein the bearing is lubricated with a grease stable at a temperature that ranges from about 50 to about 200° C.