GB2505245A

GB2505245A - Cyclonic separator for filtering incinerator emissions

Info

Publication number: GB2505245A
Application number: GB1215160.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Elder Marshall
Original assignee: CLEAN AIR MERCURY Ltd
Current assignee: CLEAN AIR MERCURY Ltd
Priority date: 2012-08-24
Filing date: 2012-08-24
Publication date: 2014-02-26
Also published as: GB201215160D0

Abstract

An apparatus or system 12 for filtering or abating incinerator emissions comprises a cyclonic separator 22. The apparatus or system may comprise a cooling arrangement 20 for cooling the emissions upstream of the cyclonic separator. Preferably, the cooling arrangement is configured to cool the emissions such that the temperature of the emissions at an inlet 38 to the cyclonic separator is below a boiling point of mercury. Such a system may be used for removing particulates and/or mercury from emissions generated by incinerating matter. Furthermore, such a system may in particular be used for removing particulates and/or mercury from emissions generated by cremating human or animal remains. In further aspects of the invention, an incinerator system, a cyclonic separator or filter, and a method for filtering or abating incinerator emissions are also disclosed.

Description

I

MPROVEMENT RELATING TO INCINERATORS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an incinerator apparatus or system. The present invention patcuarIy though not exclusiv&y relates to a system and a method for filtering or abating emissions generated by incinerating matter, for example abating emissions such as mercury emissions generated by the cremation of human remains,

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

It is well known that emissions from the cremation ci human remains may include mercury and/or mercury compounds from amalgam fHllngs which have historically been used for filng teeth. For example, it is known that cremator flue gasses may comprise elemental mercury, mercury ions and mercury compounds including mainly mercury chloride and, to a lesser extent, mercury oxide, Growing concern regarding the accumulation of mercury in the environment has led to more stringent regulations for the reduction in mercury emissions resulting from the crematbn of human remains. In the UK, for example, the Department for Environment, Food and Rur Affairs (DEFRA) issued Statutory Guidance Note 5/2 (12) in February 2012 which specifies limits for the emission of various matter typically generated during the cremation of human remains induding mercury, particulate matter and hydrogen chloride. In particular, this Guidance Note specifies that aD new crematoria in the UK should be fitted with mercury abatement and that by 31 December 2012 existing crematoria in the UK should be fitted with mercury abatement to the extent necessary to ensure that 50% of cU cremations carried out in the UK are subject to abatement. As a consequence of the environmental impact and/or the corresponding legislation, there is a pressing requirement to remove mercury from cremator emissions in the UK and elsewhere.

A known system for abatement of cremator emis&ons comprSs a coohng arrangement to cool the emissions, an activated carbon filter for mercury abatement and a pulse cleaning arrangement for partide filtering. This system may be effective at removing mercury oxide but may not be as effective at removing mercury chloride or elemental mercury. Other known mercury abatement systems use particulate matter filters such as baghouses, electrostatic precipitators and wet scrubbing to capture mercury chloride and elementS mercury to some extent. However, it is generafly recognised that elemental mercury is substantiay more difficult to remove from cremator emissions than mercury chbride. Known mercury abatement systems may not be effective enough to meet increasingly strRigent regulations for the cremation of human remains.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to seek to obviate or at east mitigate one or more problems in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTON

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus or system for filtering or abating incinerator emissions comprising a cyclcnic separator.

The apparatus or system may be configured for filtering or abating cremator emissions.

The apparatus or system may be configured for filtering or abating emissions generated by cremating human or animal remains.

The apparatus or system may be configured for ifitering or abating mercury from incinerator emissions.

Such an apparatus or system may permit more efficient removal of mercury and/or particulate matter from incinerator emissions than known systems for filtering or abating incinerator emissions. Such an apparatus or system may, in particular, permit more efficient removal of elemental mercury from incinerator emissions than known systems for filtering or abating incinerator emissions. Such an apparatus or system may be configured to ensure that a cremator system including the apparatus or system for Meting or abating incinerator emissions complies with regulations. Such an apparatus or system for filtering or abating incinerator emissions may be configured for installation as part of a new cremator system or may be retro4itted to an existing cremator system.

The cyclonic separator may be configured for separating the emissions into heavier matter and lighter matter.

The cyclonic separaor may comprise an inlet for unfiltered emissions.

The cyclonic separator may comprise a gas outlet.

The cyolonic separator may comprise a dust outlet.

The cyclonic separator may comphse a dust coVection member such as a dust collection vessel, bin or the like.

The cyclonic separator may be configured so that dust moves from the dust outlet to the dust coHection member under the acUon of gravity.

The cyclonic separator may comprise a cyclone member.

The cyclone member may define a cyclone chamber intemay thereof.

The cyclone member may comprise an inlet. The inlet may be configured to receive unfiltered emissions.

The inlet of the cyclone member may be in fluid communication with the inlet to the cyclonic separator.

The cyclone member may comprise a dust outlet.

The cyclonic separator may be configured so that dust moves from the dust outlet of the cyclone member to the dust outlet of the cyclonic separator under the action of gravity.

The cyclone member may comprise a gas outlet, The gas outlet from the cydone member may be in fluid communication with the gas outlet from the cyclonic separator.

The cyclone member may comprise a tubular upper portion.

the cyclone member may comprise a generaUy tubular lower portion.

The upper portion of the cyclone member may define a gas outlet at an upper end thereof, The lower portion of the cyclone member may comprise a cylindricai body portion arranged above a tapered neck portion.

The lower portion of the cyclone member may define a dust outlet at a lower end thereof.

An upper end of the lower portion of the cyclone member may be arranged around a lower end of the upper portion of the cyclone member so as to define an inlet to the cyclone member.

The upper and lower portions of the cyclone member may be concentricefly arranged.

The upper and lower portions of the cyclone member may define an annular inlet to the cyclone member, The lower portion of the cyclone member may have an overall height between 0.5 m and 5 m, between I mend 2 m or substantiaHy equai to 1.5 m.

The cyndrica body portion of the lower portion of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0.1 ro and I m. between 0.3 m and 0.5 m or substhntiaHy equal to 0.4 rn.

The upper portion of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0.1 m and I m, between 0.2 m and 0.4 m or substanually equal to 0.29 m.

The gas outlet of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0.1 m and 1 m, between 0.2 rn and 0.4 m or substantiaily equal to 0.29 m.

The upper portion of the cyclone member may extend into an internal space defined by the lower portion of the cyclone member by a dtance between 0,1 m and 1 m, between 0,4 m and 0.5 m or substantiaHy equal to 0.48 m.

The dust outlet of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0.05 m and 0.5 rn, between 0.1 m and 0.2 m or substantiaHy equal to 0.189 m.

The cyclone member may be configured so as to impart a spiral flow on fluid entering the cyclone chamber. The cydone member may comprise one or more int vanes for imparting a spiral flow to fluid as the fluid enters a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member, This may result in cyclonic flow of fluid within the cydorte chamber for the cyclonic separation of heavier and lighter matter within the cyclone chamber.

The cyclone member may be configured so as to convert a generaHy spiral flow of fluid hi a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member to a generauy hnear flow as the fluid exits the cyclone chamber. The cydone member may comprise one or more outiet vanes arranged to convert a generally spiral flow of fluid in a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member to a generay Unear flow as the fluid exits the cyclone chamber. This may serve to avoid any undue reduction in the fluid flow rate through the cyclone member, The cyclonic separator may comprise a olurality of cyclone members, Such a multicyclone separator may remove mercury and/or particulate matter from the emissions more efficiently than a single cyclone separator.

The cyclonic separator may comprise a plurality of cyclone members each defining an identically configured cyclone chamber internally thereof.

The number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected to remove mercury and/or particulate matter at a predetermined rate, The number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected to remove mercury and/or particulate matter so as to comply with concentration limits for mercwy and/or particulate matter emissions, for example, concentration limits for mercury and/or partictate matter emissions specftied by reguiations.

The number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction.

Where the apparatus or system is used as part of an incinerator system, the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the incinerator system. For example, where the apparatus or system is used as part of an incinerator system compri&ng an extractor fan for drawing emissions through the cyclonic separator, the number and/or IC] arrangement of cyclone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the incinerator system for a given fan speed. The minimum emissions flow rate may be a minimum flow rate for emissions exiting from a flue of the incinerator system. The minimum emissions flow rate may be specified by regulations. The cyclonic separator may comprise an enclosure for housing and/or supporting the one or more cyclone members, The enclosure may define at least one of the inlet for unfiltered emissions, the gas outlet and the dust outlet of the cyclonic separator.

The enclosure may be adapted according to the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members.

The enclosure may be adapted to accommodate the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members required so as to remove mercury and/or particulate matter at a predetermined rate.

The enclosure may be adapted to accommodate the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members required so as to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction.

The plurality of cyclone members may be arranged in parallel.

The plurality of cyclone members may be arranged in a two dimensional array, The plurality of cyclone members may be arranged in series.

The cyclonic separator may comprise a deflector for deflecting a fluid from the inlet of the cyclonic separator towards one or more inlets of the one or more cyclone members. Such a deflector may allow unfiltered emissions to enter a plurality of cyclone members for cyclonic separation of the unfiltered emissions in the plurality of cyclone members.

The cyclonic separator may be configured to withstand temperatures up to the boiling point of mercury.

The cyclonic separator may be configured to withstand temperatures up to 400 *C, up to 360°C or up to 3561 C. The cydonic separator may comprise or may be formed from a metaL For example, the cyclonic separator may comprise or may be formed from steel such as mild steel, stainless steel or the like. Such a cyclonic separator may withstand temperatures up to the boiling pohit of mercury.

The system may comprise a cooling arrangement.

The system may comprise a coong arrangement for cooling the emissions upstream of the cydonic separator.

The coong arrangement may be configured to cooi the emissions such that a temperature of the emissions at an inlet to the cyclonic separator is below a predetermined temperature.

The wong arrangement may be configured to cool the emsions such that a temperature of the emissions at an inlet to the cyclonic separator is below a boiling point of mercury, The coohng arrangement may be configured to cool the emsions from a temperature in the range of 800 850 °C at an oudet of the incinerator to a temperature at an inlet of the cyclonic separator below the boiling point of mercury around 356.7 °C.

Such a cooilng arrangement may ailow the temperature of the emSions entering the cydonic separator to be below a boiling point of mercury such that any elemental mercury present in the emissions at east partially condenses within the cyclonic separator and is separated from the lighter matter with the heavier matter within the cyclonic separator. This may aflow removal of any condensed mercury with the heavier matter.

The cooling arrangement may comprise a heat exchanger.

The cooilng arrangement may comprise a heat sink.

The coofing arrangement may comprise a heat pump.

The cooilng arrangement may be configured to connect an outlet of the incinerator to an inlet of the cyclonic separator.

The coong arrangement may comprise a duct extending from the outlet of the incinerator to the inlet of the cyclonic separator.

The duct may comprise or may comprise or may be formed from a metal, For example, the duct may comprise or may be formed from mild steel. stainless steel or the like, The duct may be configured for thermal communication with a surrounding environment. For exampe the duct may be unlagged so as to permit heat to flow from the duct to a cooer surrounding environment.

The duct may be configured to extend ong a path which is se'ected so that a S temperature of the emis&ons at an inlet to the cyclonic separator is below a predetermined temperature. For example, the duct may be configured to extend aong a path having a length and/or spatial arrangement which is selected so that a temperature of the emissions at an inlet to the cyclonic separator is below a predetermined temperature. The duct may be configured to extend abng a tortuous or serpentine path.

The apparatus or system may comprise an auxiUsry filter.

The auxiliary filter may be configured to at east partiaHy remove a selected material from the emissions, The auxiliary fluter may be configured to at east parfisily remove a metal from the emissions.

The auxiliary filter may be configured Ia at least paftaHy remove mercury from the emissions.

The auxiliary filter may be configured to at east partiafly remove one or more mercury compounds from the emissions, The auxiliary Mar may be configured to at least partiafly remove mercury chloride and/or mercury oxide from the emissions, The auxHiary filter may be located downstream of the cyclonic separator. Thus, at least a portbn of any Semental mercury contained in the emissions generated by the incinerator may be extracted at the cycionic separator before the emissions reach the auxiliary filter. Hence, the auxiary filter may be exposed to lower mercury levels, thereby improvftig the efficiency and/or extending the lifetime of the auxiliary filler, This may, in turn, reduce the frequency with which it is necessary to replace the auxiliary fifter, The auxiliary filter may comprise a mercury adsorbing medium.

The auxiilary filter may comprise activated carbon, The auxiliary filter may comprise impregnated activated carbon.

The auxiary filter may be configured to at least partily remove parculates from the emissions, The apparatus or system may comprise an acidity reducing medium for the reduction of acidity of the emissions. An acidity reducing medium may reduce the a acidity of the emissions to an acceptable evel, for example, to a level which is compliant with reguations.

The acidity reducing medium may be located upstream of the auxiliary filter, The mercury adsorption efficiency of the auxiliary filter may deteriorate at higher acidity evels, Accordingly, locating the acidity reducing medium upstream of the auxiliary filter may improve the mercury adsorption efficiency and/or may extend the lifetime of the auxiliary filter.

The acidity redudng medium may comprise ccium hydroxide.

The acidity reducing medium may comprise soda lime, The acidity reducing medium and/or the auxiliary filter may be located at a position which provides (easy) access to the acidity reducing medium and/or the auxiliary fliter, For example, the acidity reducing medium and/or the auxary filter may be boated adjacent to ground leveL The efficiency of the acidity reducing medium and/or the auxiliary filter may degrade with use and/or over time, Accordingly. locating the acidity reducing medium and/ar the auxiliary filter at a position which provides (easy) access to the acidity reducing medium and/or the auxiliary filter may simplify replacement of the acidity reducing medium and/or the auxiliary filter, The apparatus or system may comprise a sensor for measuring a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound in the emissions. Such a sensor may be used to measure a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound in the emissions, for example at an outlet of the system, and may permit the emissions to be checked for compliance with regulations.

The apparatus or system may comprise one or more sensors for measuring moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of emissions, Such sensors may be used to monitor moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of emissions. Such sensors may, for example, be used to monitor moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of emissions example at a flue outlet. This may sHow the emissions to be checked for compliance with regulations before the emissions reach the environment.

The apparatus or system may corn price a processor. The one or more of the 3D sensors for measuring a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound, moisture temperature and/or flow rate of the emissions and the processor may be configured for wireless communication, One or more sensor readings from the one or more of the sensors may be wirelessly communicated to the processor. This may mitigate the need to run cables along a flue of an incinerator system.

The apparatus or system may comprise a thsplay. The processor and the display may he configured for communication. This may allow one or more of the sensor readings to be communicated from the processor to the display for dplay of the one or more of the sensor readings to an operator.

The apparatus or system may comprise an indicator such as an audio or a visual indicator, The processor may be configured to activate the indicator in the event that one or more of the sensor readings fall outside a corresponding predetermined operating range. For example, the processor may be configured to raise an authble andior visual alarm in the event that one or more of the sensor readings fall outside a corresponding predetermined operating range. Such a system may allow an operator to take remedial action to reduce a parameter of the emissions to within a corresponding predetermined operating range such as an oerating range specified by regulations. Such a system may allow an operator to shut down the incinerator in the event that a parameter of the emissions falls outside a corresponding predetermined operating range. Such a system may allow an operator to shut down the ilicinerator in the event that a parameter of the emissions as sensed at a flue outlet falls outside a corresponding predetermined operating range. Such a system may allow an operator to shut down the incinerator in the event that a temperature as sensed at an ouflet flue exceeds a maximum temperature or in the event that a flow rate of the emissions as sensed at a flue outlet fails below a minimum flow rate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an incinerator system comprising an apparatus or system for filtering or abating incinerator emissions comprising a cyclonic separator.

The incinerator system may comprise an incinerator.

The incinerator system may comprise a cremator for the cremation of human or animal remains.

The incinerator system may comprise a fan.

The incinerator system may comprise a flue for the dispersal of abated emissions, It should be understood that one or more of the optional features described in connection with the first aspect may apply alone or in any combination with the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a cyclonic separator or filter configured for filtering or abating incinerator emissions.

The cydonic separator or fiRer may be configured for separating the emissions into heavier matter and hghter matter.

The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise an inlet for unfiltered emissions, The cyclonic separator or Mar may comprise a gas outlet, The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a dust outlet, The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a dust coection member such. as a dust coflecflon vess&, bin or the like.

The cyconic separator or fter may be configured so that dust moves from the dust ouflet to the dust colleclion member under the acfion of gravity.

The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a cyc'one member.

The cyclone member may define a cyclone chamber internafly thereof.

The cyclone member may compñse an inlet. The inlet may be configured to receive unfiltered emissions.

The cyclone member may comprise a dust oudet, The cyclonic separator or filter may be configured so that dust moves from the dust ouflet of the cyclone member to the dust outlet of the cyclonic separator under the action of gravity.

The cyclone member may comprise a gas outlet, The gas outlet from the cyclone member may be in fluid communication with the gas outiet from the cyclonic separator or filter.

The cyclone member may comprise a tubular upper portion.

The cyclone member may comprise a generally tubukir lower porfion, The upper portion of the cyclone member may define a gas outlet at an upper end thereof.

The lower portion of the cyclone member may comprSe a cyhndricai body portion arranged above a tapered neck portion.

An upper end of the lower portion of the cyclone member may be arranged around a lower end of the upper porfion of the cyclone member so as to define an inlet to the cyclone member.

The upper and lower portions of the cyclone member may be concentricafly arranged. Ii

The upper and bwer porfions of the cyclone member may define an annular inlet to the cyclone member.

The lower portion of the cyclone member may have an overa height between 0.5 m and Sm, between I m and 2 m or substantiavy equal to 15 m.

The cylindrical body portion of the lower portion of the cycbne member may have an inner diameter between 0.1 m and I m, between 0.3 m and 0.5 m or substantiay equal to 0.4 m.

The upper portion of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0,1 m and I m, between 0.2 rn and 0.4 m or substantially equal to 0.29 m.

The gas outlet of the cyclone member may have an inner diameter between 0.1 m and 1 m, between 0.2 m and 0.4 m or substanflally equal to 0.29 m.

The upper portion of the cyclone member may extend into an internal space defined by the lower portion of the cyclone member by a distance between 0.1 m and 1 m, between 0.4 m and 0.5 m or substantially equal to 0.48 m.

The dust ouflet of the cydone member may have an inner diameter between 0.05 ni and 0.5 m, between 0.1 m and 0.2 m or substanUafly equal to 0.189 ni.

The cyclone member may be configured so as to impart a spiral flow on fluid entering the cyclone chamber, The cyclone member may comprise one or more inlet vanes for imparting a spiral flow to fluid as the fluid enters a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member. This may result in cyclonic flow of fluid within the cyclone chamber for the cyclonic separation of heavier and lighter matter within the cyclone chamber.

The cyclone member may be configured so as to convert a generally spiral flow of fluid in a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member to a generally linear flow as the fluid exits the cyclone chamber, The cyclone member may comprise one or more outlet vanes arranged to convert a generally spiral flow of fluid in a cyclone chamber defined by the cyclone member to a generally near flow as the fluid exits the cyclone chamber, This may serve to avoid any undue reduction in the fluid flow rate through the cyclone member.

The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a plurality of cyclone members.

Such a multicyclone separator may remove mercury and/or particulate matter from the emissions more efficiently than a single cyclone separator.

The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a plurality of cyclone members each defining an identicafly configured cyclone chamber internally thereof.

The number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected to remove mercury and/or particulate matter at a predetermined rate.

The number and/or anangement of cyclone members may be selected to remove mercury and/or particulate matter so as to comply with concentration hmits for mercury and/or particulate matter emissions. for example, concentration mfts far mercury and/or particulate matter emissions specified by regulations.

The number and/or arrangement of cydone members may be selected to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction.

Whore the cyclonic separator or filter is used as part of an incinerator system.

the number and/or arrangement of cycone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the incinerator system. For example, where the cyclonic separator or fflter is used as part of an incinerator system comprising an extractor fan for drawing emissions through the cyclonic separator, the number and/or arrangement of cydone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the incinerator system for a given tan speed. The minimum emissions flow rate may be a minimum flow rate for emissions exiting from a flue of the incinerator system. The minimum emissions flow rate may be specified by regulations.

The enclosure may define at least one of the inlet for unfiltered emissions, the gas outlet and the dust outlet of the cyonic separator or filter.

The enclosure may be adapted accorthng to the number and/or arrangement of cydone members.

The enclosure may be adapted to accommodate the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members required so as to remove mercury and/or particulate matter at a predetermined rate, The enclosure may be adapted to accommodate the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members required so as to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction.

The plurality of cyclone members may be arranged in parallel.

The plurality of cyclone members may be arranged in a two dimensional array.

The pluraUty of cyclone members may be arranged in series.

The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise a deflector for deflecting a fluid from the inlet of the cyclonic separator towards one or more inlets of the one or mare cyclone members. Such a deflector may allow unfiltered emissions to enter a plurality of cyclone members for cyclonic separation of the unfiltered emissions in the pluraty of cyclone members, The cyclonic separator or filter may be configured to withstand temperatures up to the boiling point of mercury.

The cyclonic separator or filter may be configured to withstand temperatures up to 400 °C, up to 360 C or up to 356,7 C. The cyclonic separator or filter may comprise or may be formed from a metal For example. the cyclonic separator or filter may comprise or may be Formed from steel such as mild steel, stainless steel or the Uke. Such a cyclonic separator or filter may withstand temperatures up to the boiling point of mercury. It should be understood that one or more of the optional features described in connection with the first or second aspects may apply alone or in any combinafion with the thftd aspect.

Accordng to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for filtering or abating incinerator emissions comprising cyclonicay separating the emissions.

It should be understood that one or more of the opfionai features described in connection with the first to third aspects may apply alone or in any combination with the fourth aspect.

The method may comprise cyclonicay separating the ecnis&ons into heavier matter and ght matter.

The method may comprise disposing of the heavier matter.

The method may comprise selecting a number and/or an arrangement of cyclone members so as to remove mercury and/or particulate matter from the emissions at a predetermined rate, The method may comprise selecting a number and/or arrangement of cyclone members so as to remove mercury 2nd/or particulate matter so as to comply with concentration limits for mercury and/or particulate matter emissions, for example, concentration limits for mercury and/or particulate matter emissions specified by regulations, The method may comprise selecting the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members so as to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction, Where the cyclonic separator or filter is used as part of an incinerator system, the method may comprise selecting the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the incinerator system. For example, where the cyclonic separator or filter is used as part of an incinerator system comprising an extractor fan for drawing emissions through the cyclonic separator or filter, the method may comprise selecting the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members so as to provide a mhiimum erris&ons flow rate through the incinerator system for a given fan speed. The minimum emissions flow rate may be a minimum flow rate for emissions exiting from a flue of the incinerator system. The mhnimum emissions flow rate may be spedfled by regulations, The method may comprise coong the emissions before cydonicafly separating the emissions, The method may comprise cocUng the emissions to a temperature below a bong point of mercury before cyclonicaUy separating the emissions.

The method may comprise a step of auxiliary filtering of the emissions.

The step of auxiflary filtering may comprise at least partiaHy removing a s&ected material from the emissions.

The step of auxiary fiftering may comprise at least partiafly removing a metal from the emissions.

The step of auxiliary filtering may comprise at least partiaUy removing mercury from the emissions.

The step of auxiliary filtering may comprise at east partiaUy removftig one or more mercury compounds from the emissions.

The step of auxihary iltering may comprise at least partially removing mercury chloride and/or mercury oxide from the emissions.

The step of auxiliary filtering may comprise adsorbing mercury from the em issions The method may comprise auxiliary filtering of the emissions after cyclonically separating the emissions.

The method may comprise auxiliary filtering of the lighter matter after cyclonicafly separation of the lighter matter from the heavier matter.

The method may comprise a step of reducing acidity of the emissiona The method may comprise the step of reducing acidity of the emissions before the step of auxiliary filtering of the emissions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention wI be further described by way of nonUmiting example only wfth reference to the foilowing drawings: Figure 1 a schematic of an incinerator system; Figure 2(a) a front elevaton of the incinerator system of Figure 1; Figure 2(b) an end elevation of the incinerator system of Figure 2(a); Figure 2(c) a plan view of the incinerator system of Figure 2(a); Figure 2(d) a crosssection on PA of the incinerator system of Figure 2(c); Figure 3(a) a perspective view of a cycionic separator of the incinerator system of Figure 1; Figure 3(b) a side view of the cydonic separator of Figure 3(a) in which part of an enclosure of the cydonic separator is shown removed; Figure 4 a perspective view of a single cyclone chamber of the cyclonic separator of Figures 3(a) and 3(b); Figure 5(a) a front elevation of an alternative incinerator system; Figure 5(b) an end elevation of the incinerator system of Figure 5(a); Figure 5(c) a plan view of the incinerator system of Figure 5(a); and Figure 5(d) a crosssection on PA of the incnerator system of Figure 5(c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring initiaHy to Figure 1 there is shown a schematic of an incinerator system in the form of a crem&or system generally designated 5 for the cremaflon of human remains. The cremator system 5 comprSes a cremator 10. The cremator 10 comprises a combustion chamber (not shown) which is configured to receive a human body and/or a casket. The cremator 10 is configured for the combustion of a human body and/or a casket.

The cremator system 5 further comprises a system generay designated 12 for abating emissions generated by the cremator 10, a fan 13 and a chimney or flue 14 having an outlet 16 for disDersing abated emissions 17 to the atmosphere 18, The cremator system 5 defines an emissions flow path 19 from the cremator 10, through the emissions abatement system 12 to the flue 14. In use, the fan 13 extracts the emissions generated by the incinerator 10 through the emissions abatement system 12 and exp&s the abated emissions 17 via the flue 14 and the flue ouflet 16, The cremator 10 including the damper 34, the emissions abatement system 12, the ducts 30, the fan 13 and/or the flue 14 may be specifically configured or may be adjusted to maintain a minimum emissions flow rate for compllance with any relevant cremation regulations, The emissions abatement system 12 comprises a coollng arrangement 20, a cycbnic separator generally designated 22. an acidfty reducing medium 24 and an auxiliary filter arrangement in the form of a mercury adsorption medium 26 arranged in order aiong the emissions flow path 10.

As shown schematically in Figure 1, the cyclonic separator 22 comprises a cyclonic separator portion 31 and a collection bin 32. The cyclonic separator 22 is configured to receive cooled emissions from the cooling arrangement 20 and separate the cooled emissions into heavier matter and hghter matter, In use, the heavier matter is collected in the collection bin 32 and the lighter matter continues along the emissions flow path 19 through the acidity reducing medium 24 and the mercury absorption medium 26. The collection bin 32 is configured to be accessible and removable to permit disposa of the heavier collected matter.

As shown in more detail in Figures 2(a) 2(d), it should be understood that the crematcr 10, the cooling arrangement 20, the cyclonic separator 22, the acidity reducing medium 24, the mercury adsorpbon medium 28. the fan 13 and the flue 14 are connected by ducts 30 for conveying emissions therebetween along the emissions path 19.

The cremator 10 comprises an adjustable damper 34 for controffing air flow into the cremator 10 to support the combustion process, The damper 34 and or the fan 13 may he adjusted to provide a desired emissions flow rate.

The cooling arrangement 20 comprises a duct 30 which is configured to convey the emissions generated by the cremator 10 to the cyclonic separator 22 so that, in use, the emissions arrive at the cyclonic separator 22 at a predetermined temperature.

More speciticauy, the cooling arrangement 20 comprises an unlagged mild steel duct which connects an outlet 36 of the cremator 10 to an inlet 38 of the cydonic separator 22 and which is arranged in a generay horizontal orientation and has a geometry which is selected to ensure that. in use, the emissions from the cremator 10 arrive at the cyclonic separator 22 at a temperature of approximately 340 C, Since the bofling point of mercury is 356.7 C, such a cooilng arrangement 20 ensures that the emissions entering the cycionic separator 22 are at a temperature marginaily below the boiling point of mercury. Consequently, in use, any mercury present within the cydonic separator 22 at east partiMy condenses within the cydonic separator 22 and is directed with the heavier matter to the coflection bin 32.

The acidity reducing medium 24 and the mercury adsorption medium 28 are located adjacent to one another downstream of the cydonic separator 22 with the mercury adsorption medium 26 being located downstream of the acidity reducing medium 24. The acidity reducing medium 24 is connected to a gas outlet 40 of the cyclonic separator 22 by a duct 30. The acidity reducing medium 24 comprises soda me contained within a perforated housing which extends across the emissions flow path 19. The mercury adsorption medium 26 includes an impregnated activated carbon materiaL It should be understood that a skiUed person would have no difficulty in selecting one of the impregnated activated carbon materials which are commercially available for the adsorption of mercury. The impregnated activated carbon material is contained within a perforated housing which extends across the emissions flow path 19.

As iustrated most clearly in Figure 1: the mercury adsorption medium 28 is located downstream of the cyclonic separator 22. This may ensure that at east a portion of any elemental mercury contained in the emissions generated by the incinerator 10 are extracted at the cyclonic separator 22 before the emissions reach the mercury adsorption medium 26. This may ensure that the mercury adsorption medium 26 is exposed to lower mercury levels, thereby improving the efficacy and/or extending the lifetime of the mercury adsorption medium 26. This may. in turn, ensure that the frequency with which it is necessary to replace the mercury adsorption medium 26 is reduced.

The mercury adsorption efficiency of the impregnated activated carbon material deteriorates at higher acidity levels. Accordingly, the acidity reducing medium 24 is located upstream of the mercury adsorption medium 26 so as to reduce the acidit of the emissions prior to the emissions flowing through the impregnated activated carbon material of the mercury adsorption medium 26.

The efficacy of the acidity reducing medium 24 and/or the. mercury adsorption medium 26 may degrade with use and/or over Ume, Accordingly the acidity reducing medium 24 and the mercury adsorption medium 26 are located at a posiflon which provides for easy access to permit periodic replacement of the acidity reducing medium 24 andlor the mercury adsorption medium 26. As shown in Hgure 2, for example, the acidity reducing medium 24 and the mercury adsorption medium 26 are located adjacent to ground level, As shown in Figure 1, the cremator system 5 comprises a sensor 50 for measuring a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound in the abated emissions 17 at or adjacent the flue outlet 16. The cremator system 5 further comprises sensors 52, 54 and 56 for measuring moisture temperature and flow rate of the abated emissions 17 respectively at or adjacent the fiue outlet 16. The cremator system 5 comprises a processor 56 and a display 60 configured for communication with processor as indicated by the dashed ne in Figure 1. Each of the sensors 50, 52, 54 end 58 are configured for wireless communication with the processor 58 as indicated by the respective dashed lines in Figure 1, In the use of wireless communications may eliminate any requirement to run cables from the sensors 50, 52, 54 and 56 to the processor 58. In use, sensor readings from the sensors 50, 50 to 54 and 56 are wirelessly communicated to the processor 58 and displayed on the display to a user to permit the user to mon[tor the abated emissions IT at or adjacent the fluid outlet 16 and to check that the abated emissions 17 comply with the relevant regulations. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 58 may be preprogrammed with acceptable operating ranges for the concentration of mercury and/or mercury compounds, moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of the abated emissions 17 and the processor 58 may be configured to alert a user when the concentration of mercury and/or mercury compounds, moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of the abated emissions 17 faIl outside the conesponding acceptable operating range.

Figure 3(a) shows the cyclonic separator 22 in more detail. The cyclonic separator pofton 31 comprises a 4x4 array of parallel mild steel cyclone members generally designated 70 housed within a mUd steel enclosure 72 which is supported by legs 74. It should be understood that, in the interests of clarity, only one row and one coiumn of cyclone members 70 are shown in Figure 3(a). The cyclone members 70 are arranged in parallel for improved separation. The collection bin 32 is suspended below the enclosure 72 between the legs 74. The enclosure 72 is dMded into an upper chamber 70 and lower chamber 76 by a mlld steel dMder plate 80. The enclosure 72 and the divider plate 80 together define the inlet 38 to the cyclonic separator 22 as a rectangular aperture which is located below the divider plate 80. The enclosure 72 and S the divider plate 80 together define the gas outlet 40 from the cyclonic separator 22 as a rectangular aperture which is located above the divider plate 80. The dMder plate 80 is angled downwardly in a direction of flow of the emissions from the iriet 38 to the outlet 40 through the cyclonic separator 22.

As shown more clearly with reference to Figure 3(b), each cyclone member 70 comprises a tubular upper portion 82 defining a gas outlet 64 at an upper end thereof and a generally tubular lower portion 86 defining a dust outlet 88 at a lower end thereof. The lower porflon 88 of each cyclone member 70 is tapered towards the corresponding dust outlet 88. The lower portion 82 of each cyclone member 70 defines an identically configured cyclone chamber 69 internally thereof. The upper porUon 82 of each cyclone member 70 extends through and is sealed by welding to the divider plate 60. The lower portion 86 of each cyclone member 70 is suspended from a mild steel support plate 90 such that an upper end 92 of the lower portion 88 of each cyclone member 70 surrounds end is concentric with a lower end 94 of the upper pofton 82 of the cydone member 70 and defines an annular inlet 96 to the cyclone chamber 89 which extends through the support plate 90. The upper portions 82 of the cyclone members 70 vary in height to accommodate the difference in separation of the divider plate 80 and the support plate 90 resulting from the downward slope of the divider plate 80 such that the height of the upper portions 82 of the cyclone members which are closer to the inlet 38 are greater in height compared with the upper portions 82 of the cyclone members 70 which are closer to the outlet 40.

As illustrated in Figure 4, each cyclone member 70 comprises inlet vanes 97 which are arranged adjacent to the annular inlet 96 so as to impart a generaHy spiral flow to the emissions as the emissions enter the cyclone chamber 89 through the annular inlet 96. Each cyclone member 70 further comprises outlet vanes 98 located at a lower end 94 of the upper porbon 82 of each cyclone member 70. The outlet vanes 98 are arranged to convert spiral gas flow in the cyclone chamber 89 back to generally Unear gas flow so as to avoid an undue reduction in the flow rate through the cyclonic separator 22.

In use, unfiflered emissions enter the lower chamber 78 of the cyclcnic separator 22 via inlet 38 as indicated by the arrows extending towards the inlet 38 of the cydonic separator 22 in Figure 3(a). The unfiltered emissions impinge upon dMder plate 80 which deflects the unfiltered emissions downwardly towards the annular inlets 96 of the cyclone members 70. The inlet vanes 97 impart a generally downward outer spiral flow 99a shown in Figure 4 to the unfiltered emissions as the unfiltered emissions pass downwardly through the cydone chamber 89 of each cyclone member towards the corresponding dust outlet 88. As a result of the combmed effects of gravity and the centrifugal force acting on the unfiltered emissions, heavier particulates exit the dust outlet 68 and coect in collection bin 32. Together with any hghter particulates, the filtered gases flow along a generay upward inner spiral flow path QQb and exit the cyclone chamber 89 via the outlet vanes 98. The outlet vanes 98 convert the generally upward inner spiral gas flow 99b in the cyclone chamber 89 back to a generally linear gas flow as the gas exits the cyclone chamber 89. Together with any lighter particulates, the filtered gases flow through the tubular upper porUon 82 of each cydone member 70 and exit the gas outlets 84 of the cyc!one members 70. The filtered gases exit the cyclonic separator 22 via the gas outlet 40 of the cycionic separator 22 as indicated by the arrows extenthng away from the gas outlet 40 of the cyclonic separator 22 in Figure 3(a). It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the cyclonic separator 22 is configured to remove heavier particulates of a size which exceeds a predetermined minimum size and to remove any liquid or solid mercury present with the heavier particulates, One skiiled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the cremator system 5 are possible. For example, Figure 5 shows an alternative cremator system having corresponding features to those of the cremator system 5 of Figures 1 4.

As such, like features in Figure 5 share like reference numerals with corresponding features in Figures 1 -4. The alternative cremator system 105 of Figure 5 differs from the cremator system 5 of Figures 1 -4 in that the cremator 110 of the alternative cremator system 105 is positioned differently to the cremator 10 of the cremator system of Figures 1 4, and the cooling arrangement 120 of the alternative cremator system comprises a duct 130 which has a generally horizontal orientation but which follows a different flow path to permit connection of the cremator 110 to the cyclonic separator 122.

In a further alternative cremator system, the coding arrangement 20 may be modified to provide a variable degree of coding to the emissions generated by the cremator 10 and the cremator system 5 may further comprise a further temperature sensor (not shown) for sensing a temperature of the cooled emissions upstream of the cyclonic separator 22, for example at the inlet 35 of the cydorc separator 22. The coor,g arrangement 20 and the further temperature sensor may be configured for communication with the processor 58. In use, the processor 58 may control the degree of cooling provided by the cooling arrangement 20 according to the temperature sensed by the further temperature sensor upstream of the cydonic separator 22 so as to ensure that the temperature of the cooed emissions is maintained at or around a predetermined taet temperature. The predetermined target temperature may, for example, be selected so as to be lower than the boning point of mercury so as to permit condensation of mercury within the cycionic separator 22.

One skied in the art wHl also appreciate that the cyclonic separator 22 may comprise a different number and/or arrangement of cyclone members to that described with reference to Figure 3(a). The number and/or arrangement of cydone members may be selected so as to provide a predetermined flow restriction to emissions. The number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the cremator system 5. For exampie, the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members may be selected so as to provide a minimum emissions flow rate through the cremator system 5 for a given fan speed.

The minimum emissions flow rate may, for exampie, be a minimum flow rate for emissions exiting from the flue 14. The minimum emissions flow rate may be specified by regulations. The cyclonic separator 22 may comprise more or fewer than sixteen paraflel cyclone members. The cyclone members may be arranged in a rectangular, square, hexagonal parallel array or in a parallel array of any kind. The cydonic separator 22 may comprise two or more cyclone members connected in series. The enclosure 72 may be adapted to accommodate the selected number and/or arrangement of cyclone members.

The cremator 10, 110 may be configured to cremate a human body and/or a casket within a predetermined period, for example, less than four hours, less than two hours of less than 1 hour.

One skilled in the art wiU appreciate that the cremator systems 5, 105 may be adapted for the incineration of materials other than human remains, For example, the cremator syslems 5, 105 may be adapted for the incineration of animal remains or adapted for the incineration of waste material such as nontoxic waste. The cremator systems 5, 105 may be adapted for the incineration of materials other than human remains in accordance with any relevant emission regulations.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus or system for Thtering or abating incinerator emissions comprising a cyclonic separator.
2. An apparatus or system according to Sim 1, wherein the apparatus or system is configured for filtering or abating cremator emissiona 3, An apparatus or system according to clam I or 2, wherein the apparatus or system is configured for fUtering or abating emissions generated by cremating human or animal remains.4. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus or system is configured for filtering or abating mercury from incinerator emissions, 5. An apparatus or system according to any preceding dSm, wherein the cyclonic separator comprises a plurality of paraHel cyclone members arranged in a two dimensional array, wherein each cyclone member is configured to separate the incinerator emissions into heavier and lighter matter.6. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cyclanic separator comprises a cyclonic member configured to impart a spiral flow to fluid as the fluid enters a cyclonic chamber defined by the cycionic member and/or configured to convert a spiral flow of fluid in a cyclonic chamber defined by the cyclonic member to a generay linear flow of fluid as the fluid exits the cyclonic chamber.7. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cyclonic separator comprises an mist, one or more cyclone members each of which has an inlet, and a deflector for deflecting a fluid from the inlet of the cycioric separator towards the one or more inlets of the one or more cyclone members.6. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cyclonic separator is configured to withstand temperatures up to the boiling point of mercury.9. An apparatus or system according to any preceding cm, wherein the cydonic separator comprises or is formed from md steel.10. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, comprising a cooling arrangement for cocflng the emissions upstream of the cyclonic separator.11. An apparatus or system according to claim 10, wherein the cooUng arrangement is configured to cool the emissions such that a temperature of the emissions at an inlet to the cyclonic separator is below a boiling point of mercury.12. An apparatus or system according to claim 10 or 11. wherein the coohng arrangement is configured to connect an cutlet of the incinerator to an inlet of the cyc!onic separator.13, An apparatus or system according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the coong arrangement comprises a duct.14. An apparatus or system according to claim 13, wherehi the duct comprises or is formed from mild steel.15. An apparatus or system according to any of claims 13 to 14, wherein the duct is configured for thermal communication with a surrounding environment.16. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim. comprising an auxihary filter arrangement.17. An apparatus or system according to claim 16, wherein the auxiliary filter arrangement is located downstream of the cyclonic separator.18. An apparatus or system according to clam 18 or 17, wherein the auxiliary filter arrangement comprises a mercury adsorbing medium, 19. An apparatus or system according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the auxiliary filter arrangement comprises activated carbon, 20. An apparatus or system according to any of claims 16 fto 19, wherein the auxiNary filter arrangement comprises an impregnated acflvated carbon matedaL 21. An apparatus or system according to any preceding daim, comphsing an acidity reducing medium for the reduction of acidity of the emisons, 22. An apparatus or system according to any of claims 16 to 20. comprising an acidity reducing medium for the reduction of acidity of the emissions, wherein the acidity redudng medium is located upstream of the auxiary filter arrangement, 23. An apparatus or system according to claini 21 or 22, whereft, the acidity reducing medium comprises calcium hydroxide 24. An apparatus or system according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the acidity reducing medium comprises soda lime.25. An apparatus or system according to any preceding claim, comprising a sensor for measuring a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound in the emissions.26. An apparatus or system according to any precethng claim, comprising one or more sensors for measuring moisture, temperature and/or flow rate of the emissions.27. An apparatus or system according to claim 25 or 26, comprising a processor, wherein one or more of the sensors for measuring a concentration of mercury and/or a mercury compound moisture, temperature and/ar flow rate of the emissions and the processor are configured for wireless communication so as to permit one or more sensor readings from the one or more of the sensors to be wirelesy communicated to the processor.26. An apparatus or system according to claim 27, comprising a display, wherein the processor and the display are configured for communication so as to permit the one or more of the sensor readings to be communicated from the processor to the display for display of the one or more of the sensor readings to an operator.29. An apparatus or system according to claim 27 or 28, comprising an audio or visuS indicator, wherein the processor is configured to activate the audio or visual indicator in the event that one or more of the sensor readings f&ls outside a corresponding predetermined operating ranga 30. An incinerator system comprising an apparatus or system for filtering or abating incinerator emissions according to any preceding claim.31 An incinerator system according to claim 30 comprising: an incinerator; a fan; and a flue for the dispersal of abated emissions.32. An incinerator system according to claim 31 wherein the incinerator comprises a cremator for the cremation of human or animal remains, 33. A cyconic separator or filter configured for filtering or abating incinerator emissions.34. A cycionic separator or filter according to claim 33, comprising one or more cyclone members each defining an identically configured cyclone chamber internally thereo 35. A cyclonic separator or filter according to claim 34, wherein the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members is selected to remove mercury and/or particulate matter at a predetermined rate, 36. A cyclonic separator or filter according to claim 34 or 35; wherein the number and/or arrangement of cyclone members is selected to provide a predetermined fluid flow restriction.37. A cyclonic separator or filter according to any of claims 33 to 36, wherein the cyclonic separator or filter is configured to withstand temperatures up to the boing point of mercury.38. A cyconic separator or ifiter according to any of dairns 33 to 37, wherein the cydonic separator or filter is configured to withstand temperatures up to 400 C, up to 360 °C or up to 3567 C. 39. A cyclonic separator or fHter according to any of claims 33 to 38, wherein the cydonic separator or filter comprises or is formed from a metaL 40. A method for fUtering or abating incinerator emissions comprising cydonioSly separating the emissions, 41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the emissions comprise cremator emissions, 42. A method according to claim 40 or 41, comprising cooling the emissions before cydonically separating the emissions, 43. A method according to any of daims 40 to 42, comprising cooling the emissions to a temperature below a boifing point of mercury before cydonically separating the emissions.44. A method according to any of claims 40 to 43, comprising adsorbing mercury from the emissions.45. A method according to any of daims 40 to 44, comprising adsorbing mercury from the emissions after cyclonicaUy separating the emissions.46. A method according to any of claims 40 to 45, comprising reducing acidity of the emissions.47. A method according to claim 46, comprising reducing acidity of the emissions before adsorbing mercury from the emissions.48. An apparatus or system for tUtoring or abating incinerator emissions substantiaHy as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.49. An incinerator system substantiaHy as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.50. A cremator system substantiay as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.51 A cycloric separator or fflter substantiafly as described heren with reference to the accompanying drawings.52. A method for Wtering or abating incinerator emissions substantiay as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.53. A method for fittering or abating cremator emissions suhstantiay as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.