Incinerator for combustible refuse

An incinerator for burning combustible refuse which comprises:

• a horizontally disposed stationary cylindrical combustion chamber means having an inlet end for receiving refuse and an outlet end for discharging exhaust gases and residue;
• ignition means adjacent said inlet end for igniting the refuse;
• screw conveyor means extending through the length of said chamber means for moving refuse therethrough;
• air supply means for supplying combustion air under pressure;
• stationary hot air manifold means, extending substantially the length of said chamber means in heat exchange relationship therewith, said manifold means having distributing means for admitting approximately equal volumes of air along the length of said chamber means;
• and
• means for delivering said air under pressure from said air supply means to said manifold means adjacent the outlet end of said chamber means;
• whereby the air is selectively pre-heated as it flows longitudinally through said manifold means counter to the flow of refuse through said chamber means, with the hottest air being admitted at the inlet end of said chamber means to quickly heat incoming refuse, and cooler, denser air containing more oxygen being admitted at the outlet end of said chamber means, to effect total combustion and prevent emission of smoke.