Abstract: A method for melting snow containing solids and chemical contaminants and washing the solids is disclosed therein. The method includes the steps of heating the snow mixture within a hopper to melt the snow into water, gravitationally separating the solids from the water, agitating the water and solids to wash and separate chemical contaminates from the solids, discharging the water/contaminant mixture from the hopper for further treatment, and discharging the decontaminated solids. A cleansing agent may be added during the washing step to facilitate separation of the chemical contaminants from the solids.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 16, 1991
Date of Patent:
November 30, 1993
Assignee:
Patrick E. Hammond
Inventors:
Patrick E. Hammond, Patrick L. Severin, William C. Drake