Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Contaminated Soil

The present invention relates generally to thermal materials reclamation and/or incineration of unwanted combustible wastes. More particularly, this invention involves an improved apparatus and method for calcining sand and/or for incineration of toxic wastes from soil or other materials on a continuous basis by means of a direct fuel-fired oscillating drum-type kiln adapted to provide zoned temperature control and product mixing during the thermal processing. Controlled fume elimination is achieved by proper location of the burners and the temperature sensing instruments.

Traditionally, sand molds have been used for casting in the foundry and ceramics industries. The sand molds are typically a mixture of sand and binders (or sand otherwise chemically treated) which is tailored to form a mold and core for the particular item to be cast. Once the item has been cast, the mold and core must be broken to remove the casting.

Instead of discarding the broken molds, it has been common practice in the industry to recycle the molds to reclaim the sand for reuse in subsequent molds. This generally includes both physical and thermal reclamation. First, the lumps comprising the broken molds must be reduced to return the sand to usable granular form and to separate any tramp metal or oversized material from the reclaimed sand. It will be appreciated that broken sand molds are extremely hard and thus difficult to break up such that special equipment has been developed for this purpose. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,635 to Whirl-Air-Flow Corporation, the assignee of the present invention, shows a sand reclamation apparatus which is well suited for this purpose.

After physical reclamation, the reclaimed granular sand must then be treated to remove residual coatings for reuse as new sand supplement. This additional treatment is usually performed by heating the sand to an elevated temperature. Such thermal reconditioning usually takes place in a calciner which is, in effect, a special kiln in which all hydrocarbons and any remaining resins or binders are cleaned from the granular sand. Thermal treatment also stabilizes the sand expansion characteristics, a very desirable feature.

Various types of sand calciners or thermal reclamation systems have been available heretofore, however the devices of the prior art have tended to be bulky, slow, inefficient, overly expensive, or otherwise unsatisfactory for one reason or another. For example, the old Nickles-Hershoff machine utilized a multiple hearth tower which was fired tangentially and which incorporated a center shaft with plows for plowing the sand back and forth between levels of fire brick. This machine, however, is expensive and difficult to maintain, and difficult to control during operation. The Coreco indirect-fired kiln from College Research Corporation of Germantown, Wis., incorporates an inner tube which is heated by burners extending through a surrounding refractory lining such that there is no direct flame impingement on the sand to assure thorough calcining and complete removal of the binders. Finally, the SAND COURSE thermal reclamation system from Combustion Engineering, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., incorporates a rotary drum with a burner extending into one end which does not permit properly controlled temperature distribution within the drum.

Foundry sand is one type of granular material which can be reclaimed, however, there are other granular materials which could also be reclaimed, such as soil. The soil at some industrial sites can become soaked with hydrocarbons in the form of oil, fuel, creosote, paint, or other toxic chemicals. Such contaminated soil can in turn affect water supplies and is thus subject to hazardous waste site cleanup requirements. This typically involves digging up the site and trucking the contaminated dirt to a remote hazardous waste landfill, or to a remote incinerator, either which is of course time-consuming and expensive. Although specialized vertical incinerators have been utilized for this purpose, they have tended to be large, fixed, inefficient, and costly. It would be far preferable to reclaim contaminated soil or at least render it substantially inert on site without the expense and complication involved in traditional hazardous waste site cleanup procedures. Heretofore, there has not been available an efficient apparatus and method for reclaiming such contaminated soil.

There is thus a need for a new and improved method and apparatus for thermally reconditioning granular materials, such as foundry sand or contaminated soil, in which fluidized material is indexed through a rocking or oscillating drum in a manner which causes thorough mixing and exposure of the sand to multiple burners located along the top of the drum such that more effective cleaning is achieved.

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties associated with the prior art. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for calcining sand which comprises an elongate, refractory-lined drum defining a generally cylindrical chamber. The drum is mounted for rocking motion or oscillation, instead of full rotation, about its longitudinal axis. The drum includes an inlet end for receiving sand, an outlet end for discharging the sand after calcination, and burners spaced along the upper side of the drum. Index structure is provided along the lower inside of the drum for advancing the sand and for effecting thorough mixing of the sand responsive to drum oscillation to achieve complete calcination. In the preferred embodiment, the indexing structure comprises two longitudinal rows of staggered plows having inclined tops and angled faces adapted both to advance and to mix the sand as the drum is oscillated over a predetermined arc. An aerator tube preferably extends along the bottom of the drum between the rows of plows to fluidize the sand thereby facilitating better mixing, and adding secondary combustion air to the interior of the drum for complete calcination. A tempering section is preferably secured to the outlet end of the drum for receiving and initially pre-cooling the hot calcined sand. The tempering section includes a curved wall, cooled by partial immersion in a water bath, over which the sand is passed. In the preferred embodiment, a screening section is secured to the tempering section for movement with the drum. The screening section includes inner and outer curved screens for separating out any agglomerates carried into or formed during passage through the drum. The screening section includes a stationary hopper for receiving the calcined, pre-cooled sand.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a similar drum which is mounted for rocking motion or oscillation, but which is adapted for cleaning contaminated soil. The drum includes an optional excess combustion air fan connected to the inlet, for use with contaminated soils saturated with combustible liquids, and a stack and induced draft fan connected to the outlet. Burners are spaced in staggered arrangement along the upper side of the drum to provide for zoned temperature control therein.

A better understanding of the invention can be had by reference to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the sand calciner system incorporating the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front end view of the sand calciner system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back end view of the sand calciner system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional views taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows illustrating oscillation of the drum;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows showing the outlet of the drum;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7--7 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows showing details of the tempering section;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along lines 8--8 of FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows showing details of the screening section;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the contaminated soil cleaning system incorporating the second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along lines 10--10 of FIG. 9 in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the Drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding elements throughout the views, and particularly referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the sand calciner system 10 incorporating the first embodiment of the invention. The system 10 includes a generally cylindrical drum 12 supported for oscillation about its longitudinal axis 14, a tempering section 16 adjacent the outlet end of the drum, and a screening section 18 adjacent the tempering section. As will be explained more fully hereinafter, the sand calciner system 10 is particularly adapted for calcining sand on a continuous basis with improved temperature control and mixing to effect thorough thermal reclamation of sand for use or reuse in foundry molds and cores.

The calciner drum 12 is supported by a frame 20 which is constructed of suitable structural members, such as steel beams, welded or otherwise secured to form a rigid structure. The frame 20 is generally rectangular in shape. Provided at each corner of the frame 20 is a wheel 22 which is mounted for rotation on a shaft journaled between a pair of pillow bearings 24. The support wheels 22 are arranged in two lateral pairs, which engage an associated "tire" or external ring 26 on the drum 12. Two rings 26 are provided on the drum 12. Each ring 26, which is preferably of seamless construction, is secured to the drum 12 by welded shims 28 as best seen in FIG. 2, or other suitable means, so that the drum and rings are both concentric with the longitudinal axis 14. As illustrated, the axis 14 is substantially horizontal, however, the frame 20 and support rollers 22 can be constructed so that the axis may be angled slightly downward in the direction of the tempering section 16 and screening section 18 in order to facilitate and/or increase the flow rate of sand through the calciner system 10. It will be understood, however, that the system 10 will operate satisfactorily with the axis 14 oriented substantially horizontal.

Referring momentarily to FIG. 6, the calciner drum 12 is longitudinally constrained on the frame 20 by means of a pair of thrust rollers 29, only one of which is shown. The thrust rollers 29 engage opposite circular edges of the external ring 26 on the drum 12 to hold the drum on the support rollers 22 and prevent it from slipping off, particularly if the axis 14 should be slightly declined. Each thrust roller 29 is secured to the end of a shaft 30 which is supported for rotation between a pair of bearings 32 secured to an upright on a cross member of the frame 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the calciner drum 12 is driven by a motor 34 having an output shaft with a drive sprocket 36 thereon to which a chain 38 is secured. The motor 34 is preferably of the reversible type which includes a brake. For example, a twenty horsepower model R130DP Sew Furo-drive gear motor having a B3 electric brake can be utilized for the motor 34. The chain 38 extends from the drive sprocket 36 around a collar 40 secured to the drum 12 for connection with two pairs of circumferentially spaced lugs 42 and 44 which are also secured to the drum. The collar 40 extends only partially about the drum 12 between lugs 42 and 44. The opposite ends of the chain 38 are each connected to the respective lugs 42 and 44 by an adjustable tensioning assembly comprising a rod 46 with oppositely threaded ends secured between a block 48 attached to the end of the chain and a T-bar 50 pivoted between the associated pair of lugs. It will thus be appreciated that the calciner drum 12 is supported by rings 26 on rollers 22 for oscillation about the axis 14 responsive to reversible drive motor 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 in conjunction with FIG. 1, further constructional details of the calciner drum 12 can be seen. The drum 12 comprises a cylindrical shell 52 closed at opposite ends by circular end plates 53 and 54. A material inlet 55 is located in end plates 53, and a material outlet 56 is located in end plate 54. The shell 52 and end plates 53 and 54 can be formed from half inch steel plate or other suitable material. The drum shell 52 can be about 29 feet long and 5 feet in outside diameter, depending of course on the capacity desired. The sand calciner system 10 is typically charged with sand by means of a screw conveyor 57 as shown in FIG. 1, extending through the inlet 55 from a surge hopper (not shown) or the like.

A plurality of gas burners 58 are provided at longitudinally spaced intervals along the upper side of the drum 12 and a single exhaust flue 60 is located at discharge end plate 54. As illustrated, three gas burners 58 are provided, however, this particular number of burners are not critical to practice of the invention and any suitable number of gas burners can be utilized. A plurality of gas burners 58 is preferable because they can be individually controlled and this facilitates better temperature modulation within the drum 12 to obtain a minimum time to reach the calcining temperature without overheating that may cause partial fusing of binders. Provision of gas burners 58 positioned at longitudinal intervals along the top side of the drum comprises an important feature of the invention because this allows the use of direct flames without overheating. A pair of removable plugs 62 are preferably provided along the lateral side of drum 12 for access to the interior of the drum.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the interior of drum 12 is lined with refractory material to define a hearth, and is also adapted to effect advancement and mixing of the sand as the drum oscillates over a predetermined arc centered on axis 14. In particular, the interior side of the shell 52 is preferably covered with layers of insulating paper of other suitable insulation 64, which in turn are covered by a liner 66 of refractory material. In accordance with the preferred construction, the liner 66 comprises an outside layer 67 of lightweight refractory material which in turn is covered by an inner layer 68 of denser refractory material having better wear characteristics. Layers 67 and 68 can be formed of castable material or brick shapes. As illustrated, the liner 66 is formed by casting suitable refractory material in place over anchors 70 as are best seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Similarly, layers of insulation 72 covered by a liner 74 of refractory material are provided on the inside of the end plates 53 and 54, as is best seen in FIG. 4.

A plurality of plows 76 are provided along the lower inside surface of the calciner drum 12 for advancing the sand towards the outlet 56 as the drum oscillates about axis 14, and for mixing and rolling the sand during advancement for maximum exposure to the flames from burners 58, radiation from the refractory, and conduction from the hearth, in order to achieve thorough calcination. The plows 76 are oriented in two staggered longitudinal rows, as is best seen in FIG. 4, with each plow being of generally triangular shape. The plows 76 can be of precast refractory material, of cast alloy steel, or of fabricated stainless steel plate. For example, the plows 76 can be about eight inches deep near the middle of the drum 12, with the top surfaces being inclined as shown so that the plows are effective over the oscillation arc of the drum. The upper surfaces of the plows 76 can be inclined at about 28 degrees off horizontal, for example.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the drum 12 at its opposite extremes of oscillation. The drum 12 oscillates over a predetermined arc centered on axis 14, which may be about 110 degrees or 55 degrees either way off vertical. Line 77 represents the typical level of sand in the drum 12 during operation of system 10. As the drum 12 oscillates between these extremes, the sand rolls back and forth between the rows of plows 76, thus mixing as well as advancing the sand toward the outlet 56. Sand is primarily silica, which is a good insulator, and it will be appreciated that the vigorous mixing effected by the plows 76 as the drum 12 oscillates assures thorough heating of the sand and maximum exposure to the burners 58. Sand calcining within the drum 12 is therefore accomplished by direct flames from burners 58, radiation, and conduction from the refractory liners 64 and 74 defining the hearth within drum 12. The provision of staggered plows 76 with inclined top surfaces inside the oscillating drum 12 comprises a significant feature of the present invention.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the calciner drum 12 further includes a longitudinal aerator pipe 78 extending between the rows of plows 76. The outer end of the aerator pipe 78 extends through the inlet end of drum 12 and is connected by a flexible fitting 80 to a source of pressurized air (not shown). As drum 12 oscillates, air is injected underneath the sand to effect at least partial fluidization. This aids movement of the sand toward the discharge outlet 56 as well as effective mixing of the sand. In addition, it will be appreciated that injection of air into the sand adds secondary oxygen to the combustion chamber defined within the drum 12, in addition to that inspirated through drum inlet 55, and helps to carry fumes and hydrocarbons upward toward the burners 58 for complete incineration. Air flow through the aerator pipe 78 can be continuous or pulsed. The provision of an aerator pipe 78 in the calciner drum 12 comprises another significant feature of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the outlet end of the drum 12 including the exhaust flue 60. A slideable door 82 is provided over the material discharge outlet 56 for controlling the flow rate of hot calcined sand out from the drum 12. The slideable door 82 can be of any suitable construction. As shown, for example, the door 82 consists of a plate slideable in a generally vertical direction between a pair of rails through which the plate can be secured in any desired position by means of pins on chains, so that the size of outlet 56 is adjustable in accordance with the desired throughput of sand. A generally semi-circular spout or lip 84 is also provided beneath the discharge outlet 56 for directing discharge of the sand as drum 12 oscillates. The lip 84 can be formed from overlapping plates as shown, or from a continuous length of material. A semi-circular flange 86 is also provided on the outlet end of the drum 12 for connection with an adjacent section of system 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the sand calciner system 10, a tempering section 16 is provided adjacent to the discharge end of the drum 12 for receiving the hot calcined sand and tempering the temperature thereof. The tempering section 16 comprises an upper receiver portion moveable with the drum 12, and a lower fixed portion. The tempering section 16 includes a generally semi-cylindrical bottom wall 88 which on one side extends beneath lip 84 and is thus positioned to receive sand from the outlet 56. The bottom wall 88 is of continuous construction without perforations. The bottom wall 88 is secured between a pair of semi-annular end plates 90 and 92. As is best seen in FIG. 4, the end plate 90 of the tempering section 16 is secured by bolts 94 and tubular spacers 96 to the flange 86 on the discharge end of drum 12. Part of the tempering section 16 is thus secured directly to the discharge end of drum 12 for oscillation therewith. A pair of longitudinal ribs 98 together with two rows of staggered plows 100 are provided on the bottom wall 88. Plows 100 are similar in construction and function to plows 76 inside drum 12, except that their purpose is to advance the hot sand and maximize contact with the air and cold bottom wall 88 for cooling. The ribs 98, which can be constructed from sections of angle iron, serve to induce even more rolling of the sand back and forth on wall 88 between the plows 100 as the receiver portion of the tempering section 16 oscillates with drum 12.

Longitudinal T-shaped members 102 are secured to the underside of the bottom wall 88, which in turn are partially immersed in water held in an underlying lower portion comprising a stationary tank 104 supported on legs 106. The tank 104 includes an inlet 108, outlet 110, and bottom drain plug 112. As the drum 12 oscillates and the upper portion of the tempering section 16 oscillates with it, the underside of the bottom wall 88 is immersed in the water or other coolant in tank 104 to cool the bottom wall 88 and the sand thereon. It will be noted that the T-shaped longitudinal members 102 on the underside of the bottom wall 88 are slightly circumferentially spaced apart in order to define open channels for receiving and partially retaining a portion of the coolant therein as the bottom wall 88 oscillates relative to the cooling tank 104. The level of coolant in tank 104 can be maintained by a conventional float control (not shown).

After pre-cooling in the tempering section 16, the calcined pre-cooled sand is then preferably directed into the screening section 18, the constructional details of which are best seen in FIGS. 4 and 8. The screening section 18 also includes an upper receiver portion moveable with the drum 12, and a fixed lower portion. The generally U-shaped upper portion includes a semi-cylindrical perforated inner plate 114 and a generally semi-cylindrical outer plate or screen 116 secured between a pair of end plates 118 and 120. Perforated intermediate stringers 122 and topside plates 124 are also secured between the inner perforated plate 114 and outer screen 116. The perforations in the inner plate 114 are preferably larger than the openings in the outer screen 116. For example, the inner plate 114 can be of ten gauge material with quarter inch perforations on staggered centers, while the outer screen 116 can comprise 16 mesh wire. The openings in the longitudinal stringers 122 can be about 21/2 inches in diameter or otherwise large enough to freely pass the sand which passes through the inner perforated plate 114 while providing some scrubbing of the granules which will not pass through the outer screen 116. The semi-annular end plate 118 of the screening section 18 is secured by bolts 126 to the adjacent end plate 92 of the tempering section 16 so that the upper portions of sections are connected in series for oscillation with the drum 12.

The pre-cooled, calcined sand is thus classified by the screening section 18 into oversized material which remains on top of the perforated inner plate 114, intermediate-sized material which passes through the inner plate but will not pass through the outer screen 116 without further reduction, and finished material which passes through both the perforated inner plate as well as the outer screen for collection in a stationary underlying hopper 128 supported by legs 130. The lower portion of screening section 18 thus includes hopper 128 and legs 130. A vacuum outlet 132, or a discharge provision for a conveyor belt, screw conveyor or other method, is secured to the hopper 128 for conveying the calcined, pre-cooled and screened sand on to another point, such as a sand cooler, for final cooling before reuse in the foundry molds.

As illustrated, the end plate 120 of the screening section 118 is of semi-circular shape whereby the oversized material is retained therein. If desired, however, the end plate 120 can be provided with a discharge outlet and spout similar to those provided in the discharge end of drum 12, so that the oversized material can be conveniently collected in a tote for further reduction.

The sand calciner system 10 operates as follows. Burners 58 are energized such that the internal temperature of the drum 12 is between about 1200.degree. and 1800.degree. F. The motor 34 is also energized to oscillate the drum 12 at the desired rate back and forth about the axis 14 over the desired arc for the desired flow rate and dwell time of sand in the drum. The sand to be calcined is fed into the drum 12 through inlet 54. The sand can comprise "green" or "no bake" sand, or a mixture thereof. As the drum 12 oscillates, the sand moves back and forth between the rows of plows 76 which thoroughly mix the sand and move it towards the discharge outlet 56. As the sand is thus thoroughly mixed, it is exposed to the flames from burners 58 and otherwise thoroughly heated by the hearth defined by the refractory linings 68 and 74. Any resins or other chemicals on the granules of sand are thereby driven off and incinerated to effect calcining. Air is preferably simultaneously injected into the sand through the aerator pipe 78 to fluidize the sand and thereby further promote thorough mixing action, advancement towards the discharge outlet 56, and complete incineration of the resins. The temperature of the sand upon reaching the discharge outlet 56 is determined by the internal temperature of the furnace, but is normally well over 1000.degree. F.

Following calcining in the calciner drum 12, the sand is then discharged into the tempering section 16 for pre-cooling. The hot calcined sand is discharged from the outlet 56 onto the cooling plate bottom wall 88 which is mounted for oscillation with the drum 12. The hot calcined sand is thus mixed and advanced on the bottom wall 88 by the rails 98 and plows 100, while the underside of the plate is immersed in the cooling tank 104. Pre-cooling of the hot calcined sand is thus accomplished by mixing and direct contact with the cool bottom wall 88. The temperature of the calcined sand at the discharge end of the tempering section 16 is usually about 500.degree. to 800.degree. F.

Following pre-cooling in the tempering section 16, the pre-cooled calcined sand is then discharged onto the screening section 18 for classification. The perforated inner plate 114 and outer screen 116 of the screening section 118 are secured through the tempering section 116 to the drum 12 for oscillation therewith. Pre-cooled calcined sand deposited onto the perforated inner plate 114 is thus rolled back and forth across the plate to effect classification. Oversized material which will not pass through the perforated inner plate 114 remains on top for collection and further reduction. Intermediate-sized material which will pass through the perforated inner plate 114 but not the outer screen 116, remains between the plate and screen and floats back and forth between the stringers 122 until it can pass through the outer screen. After passage through the perforated inner plate 114 and outer screen 116, the finished material is removed from the hopper 128 for reuse. Some additional cooling takes place during classification in the screening section 118.

If desired, direct water spray cooling can be added to the tempering section 16. The amount of water sprayed would be controlled by a sensing temperature controller placed in the discharge hopper 128.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a soil incineration system 130 incorporating the second embodiment of the invention. The system 130 includes an oscillating drum similar to system 10, but no tempering section 16 or screening section 18. System 130 thus includes some components which are substantially identical in construction and operation to corresponding components of system 10. Such components have been identified with the same reference numerals as used in conjunction with system 10, but have been differentiated therefrom by means of prime (') notations.

The soil incineration system 130 includes a drum 12' comprising a cylindrical shell 52' of steel plate or other suitable material. The interior side of the shell 52' is preferably covered with refractory cloth or other suitable insulation 64', which in turn is covered by a liner 66' of refractory material. In accordance with the preferred instruction, the liner 66' comprises an outside layer 67' of insulating brick covered by an inner layer 68' of fire brick. A drum 12' can be about 45 feet long and about 101/2 feet in diameter, for example. The drum 12' is supported by rollers 22' and rings 26', and is driven by a reversible motor (not shown) similar to motor 34 of system 10.

The primary difference between system 130 and system 10 is that the second embodiment herein is adapted for receiving granular materials with high calorific content, such as soil contaminated with oil, fuel, paint, creosote or other combustible hydrocarbon-rich liquids, so as to incinerate the material and render it essentially inert and thus safe for further handling without the disadvantages associated with traditional methods of hazardous waste site cleanup. In particular, system 130 includes an optional excess combustion air fan 132 connected to a manifold 134 surrounding the screw conveyor 57' extending into the inlet of drum 12'. The screw conveyor 57' is driven by a motor 136 to charge the drum 12' with contaminated granular materials from a surge hopper 138. If desired, a plunger-type device instead of a screw conveyor could be used to charge the drum 12'.

A plurality of burners 58' are located in staggered relationship along the top of drum 12', together with thermocouples 140 so as to provide zoned temperature control within the drum. The three heating zones within drum 12' are the preheat ignition zone 142, the burn zone 144 and the afterburn zone 146. A longitudinal aerator pipe 78' is provided between the rows of plows 76' inside the drum to facilitate better movement and mixing of the material similar to system 10. An exhaust stack 148 and induced draft fan 150 are connected to the outlet of the drum 12' for directing the combustion products from within the drum to atmosphere, or through a baghouse (not shown) if necessary for collecting fine particulate. A vibratory pan feeder or other suitable conveyor 152 extends outwardly from beneath the outlet of the drum 12' for conveying the incinerated granular materials to a collection point.

Emission tests have been conducted to test the efficiency of the system 130 to destruct pentachlorophenol residual in soil and creosote sludge. For example, in one test contaminated soil from a lumberyard containing pentachlorophenol and polyaromatic hydrocarbons was fed into drum 12' at the rate of 3000 pounds per hour at an incinerator temperature of about 1600.degree. F. No principal organic material was detected in the solid material discharged from the drum. The carbon monoxide concentration in the gaseous emission was 15.4 ppm, the combustion efficiency was 99.69%, the pentachlorophenol destruction and/or removal efficiency was 99.88%, and the polyaromatic hydrocarbon destruction and/or removal efficiency was 98.47%. Another test involved feeding creosote sludge from a train yard into the drum at the rate of 1000 pounds per hour with the incinerating temperature within the drum at about 1800.degree. F. Emission analysis showed the carbon monoxide concentration to be 5.3 ppm, the combustion efficiency to be 99.87%, and the polyaromatic hydrocarbon destruction and/or removal efficiency to be 99.08%. Such contaminated soil is considered a type of toxic waste, however, it will be apparent from these test results that the system 130 rendered the soil substantially inert and safe for backfill or further handling.

From the foregoing, it will thus be apparent that the present invention comprises an improved apparatus and method for thermally reclaiming sand or other granular materials having numerous advantages over the prior art. One significant advantage involves the fact that either green or no-bake sand, or a combination thereof, can be thoroughly calcined on a continuous basis. Calcining occurs in an oscillating drum kiln incorporating staggered plows which, together with oscillation of the drum, effect thorough mixing of the sand for maximum exposure to the burners and hearth, resulting in better temperature distribution through the sand and thus complete removal of the chemical binders, resins, etc. This process is complemented by the use of an aerator pipe. After calcining, the sand is pre-cooled and then classified to facilitate further handling and reuse as new sand. The drum can also be adapted for cleaning contaminated soil which would otherwise be subject to costly hazardous waste disposal requirements at remote sites. Other advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is intended to embrace any alternatives, equivalents, modifications and/or rearrangements of elements falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.