Abstract: The present invention discloses a sand control device for marine hydrate production, which comprises a top motor, a bottom motor, and an inner-layer sand control cylinder, an outer-layer sand control cylinder and an outer-layer sand control screen coaxially arranged from inside to outside, wherein the top motor and bottom motor are configured to control the inner-layer sand control cylinder and the outer-layer sand control cylinder to rotate reversely, and wherein a plurality of sand retaining balls are provided between the inner-layer sand control cylinder and the outer-layer sand control cylinder and between the outer-layer sand control cylinder and the outer-layer sand control screen. According to the present invention, the arrangement of the inner-layer sand control cylinder and the outer-layer sand control cylinder rotating reversely can effectively prevent formation sand from accumulating on the surface of a sand control screen pipe and blocking the sand control screen pipe.

Abstract: A digging equipment includes a coupling portion coupling the digging equipment to an operating machine, an equipment body having abutment runners with a working surface, a digging tool movably mounted in the equipment body around a rotation axis (R), projecting partially frontally to the abutment runners and peripherally having a plurality of excavation elements. Adjustment means of the excavation depth of the digging equipment are functionally connected to the equipment body and to the digging tool to adjust a relative distance between the abutment runners and the plurality of excavation elements. Articulation means, mechanically interposed between the coupling portion and the digging tool allow the rotation axis (R) to move around an incident or orthogonal tilting axis (T) with respect to the rotation axis (R).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a non-destructive recovery of PFAS contaminants from a variety of media, the apparatus including 1) a polarity conversion unit for non-destructive PFAS removal from soil, sludges, filter media, and objects; 2) a brine pot evaporator for recovering PFAS from foams and fluids; 3) a fluids treatment system for PFAS removal from treated fluids; and 4) an amphiphilic decontamination wand for PFAS removal from hard surfaces.

Abstract: A gas inlet configured to convey a gas stream from a feed source to the system. A hydrogen sulfide removal stage includes a first vessel configured to receive a first media. A primary compression stage is configured to elevate a pressure of the gas stream. A moisture removal stage is configured to condense and separate remaining moisture from the gas stream. A siloxane removal stage includes a second vessel configured to receive a second media. A carbon dioxide removal stage includes a single-stage membrane configured to separate carbon dioxide from the gas stream by a permeability characteristic of the gas stream. A secondary compression stage is configured to elevate a pressure of the gas stream to a level suitable for distribution to CNG-compatible vehicles. An electrical generator set has a prime mover configured to be fueled by the gas stream.

Abstract: Exemplary products and methods are described for in situ treatment of groundwater or aquifer material that is or may become contaminated with pollutants that can be anaerobically bioremediated. Easily biodegradable organic material and humic material may be injected into the soil in a manner such that portions thereof are carried below the water table to create anaerobic conditions. Thereafter water is injected in an amount sufficient that, with natural groundwater flow, the organic and humic materials are distributed throughout a zone to be treated.

Abstract: A method of remediating contaminated sediment area. The sediment has an initial water depth and comprises water and fine-grained solids. The contaminated sediment is contained in place by installing over the contaminated sediment an in-situ cap having a total thickness TCP. The contaminated sediment, and optionally any uncontaminated subsurface, is then consolidated until the total settlement of the contaminated and uncontaminated sediment exceeds the thickness TCP of the in-situ cap. The sediment is consolidated by installing a vertical barrier along the perimeter of the contaminated sediment area, installing a plurality of horizontal line drains into the sediment, connecting the horizontal line drains to a vacuum source, installing an in-situ cap over the contaminated sediment area and over the upper edge of the vertical barrier, and applying vacuum pressure to the horizontal line drains to dewater and consolidate the sediment.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to electro-remediation. In some embodiments, an apparatus for collecting metal is provided and includes a helically shaped electrode. An electrical current can be applied to the apparatus causing metal and ions thereof to become fixed to the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for purifying asbestos-contaminated soil capable of increasing the removable efficiency of removing the soil by applying a drop method, facilitating the scattering of asbestos by extending the drop time of soil, and improving the separation efficiency of the asbestos from the contaminated soil by preventing the generation of eddies in the soil. The apparatus includes a blowing unit 100 including a blowing case 110 provided with a vertical portion 111 and horizontal portions 112 and blowers 120; a drop unit 200 including a drop case 210, a storage hopper 220, a discharge device 230, shock absorbing plates 240, and guide plates 250; a transfer unit 300 including a plurality of transfer cases 310 and screens 320; and a discharge unit 400 having a third opening 401 and a vent hole 402.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least one cutting jet configured to inject a fluid into a first layer of soil below a surface layer of underwater soil in a first region. At least one soil extractor is configured to remove at least a portion of the injected fluid and a portion of the first layer of soil in the first region. A mixing manifold is provided for mixing the removed portion of the injected fluid and the removed portion of the first layer of soil. A discharge is provided for depositing the mixed fluid and soil over the surface layer of underwater soil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for treating ship ballast water, wherein electron beams are irradiated into the ballast water to induce radiolysis of the water, and harmful marine organisms present in the ballast water are killed by radicals produced by the radiolysis. The electron beams are continuously irradiated into the ballast water under operating conditions of an energy of 0.5-5 MeV, an electron beam irradiation dose of 0.1-30 kGy and a flow rate of 1-200 m3/hr.

Abstract: A containment chamber is constructed by excavating a pit at the site of oil-contaminated sand and lining the pit with an impermeable, heat-resistant, flexible plastic liner. An array of spaced apart heating assemblies is positioned to cover the bottom of the chamber. Each heating assembly may include an elongate linear electric resistance heater positioned within a tubular slotted sand screen. The containment chamber is filled with a charge of contaminated sand. Solvent, such as diesel fuel, is pumped into the elongate passageways defined between the heaters and screens. The heaters are actuated to vaporize the solvent, which moves through the screen slots and convectively permeates the charge. The vapor transfers heat to the oily sand and condenses. Condensed solvent and heated oil drain and are recovered from the chamber.

Abstract: Exemplary products and methods are described for in situ treatment of soil that is or may become contaminated with energetic materials or their degradation products. Easily biodegradable organic material and humic material may be distributed on the soil surface in a manner such that portions thereof are carried below the soil surface by infiltrating water, where the easily biodegradable material may be degraded by microorganisms, generating an anaerobic environment suited to further biologic and abiotic reduction of the contaminants, and the humic material may be retained by the soil particles thereby reducing pollutant leaching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning water is disclosed. Water is flowed past a probe, wherein the water may include impurities. The probe is energized to excite the water and a presence of electrons in the excited water is reduced to produce positively charged water downstream of the probe that causes the impurities to dissociate from the water. The excited water may be deposited on a soil for crop production. The excited water may be further deposited on the soil to flush impurities in the soil to a depth away from a root of a crop planted in the soil to reclaim the soil for crop production. The excited water may further be used to descale pipes, such as used in irrigation, heat exchangers, cooling systems, etc. In yet another embodiment, the probe may be energized at a frequency selected to destroy organism, thereby protecting ecosystems.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using such compositions for treating subsurface soil in an aquifer to remove contaminants that may be present in water of the aquifer. The composition includes a first solution and a second solution. The first solution includes at least one chemical capable of being effectively bound to soil to form a sorbent matrix by reacting in the subsurface. The second solution includes at least one chemical capable of reacting with at least one of the chemicals in the first solution in order to create the matrix. The first and second solutions are chosen so as to react on a time scale allowing at least one chemical in the first solution to bind to the soil.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds, compositions, and methods useful for bioremediation of a contamination. In particular, described herein are compositions that include one or methyl esters of a fatty acid and one or more bioremediation reagents, and methods for their use.

Abstract: A new synthetic cultivar of prairie cordgrass designated ‘Savoy’ is described. ‘Savoy’ is well adapted to the lower Midwest environment of the United States of America, and has a higher biomass yield potential than presently available commercial prairie cordgrass cultivars, such as ‘Red River’. In particular, compared to ‘Red River’, the cultivar ‘Savoy’ has higher mass per tiller, more leaves per tiller, higher shoot height and longer, wider leaves containing more biomass per leaf.

Abstract: A flexible process for the preparation and conditioning of sedimentary materials. The degree of decontamination of these dredged materials is enhanced by the use of chemical indicators. Based upon the level of contamination contained within this material the process is used to isolate the specific contamination and utilize a variable process to decontaminate these compounds. Not all of the compounds contained within the dredged sediment is treated the same way. The process is designed to isolate the composite of materials and treat each particle with a different process based upon its classification. Post treatment, this material may be combined and dewatered for a suitable use.

Abstract: A suspension having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 that contains one or more reactive materials, said suspension containing a biopolymer that decomposes over time, thereby releasing the contaminant reactant for contact with the contaminants in the waterway bottom sediment or waterway floor material. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a water-buoyant material, that can be placed underwater over a sub-aqueous waterway bottom or floor that contains a contaminant to be treated or confined and remains in place for treatment and/or confinement. After the suspension is placed, it may be stabilized against movement by applying a confining or weighting layer, such as sand or a water-permeable or water-impermeable geotextile, thereover.

Abstract: A system for detecting and remediating a discharge of fuel from a fuel source facility is disclosed. The system can comprise a contamination detection subsystem configured to detect a discharge of fuel from the fuel source facility and a remediation subsystem configured to remediate contamination due to the discharge of fuel. A controller can automatically activate the remediation subsystem upon detection of a discharge by the contamination detection subsystem. The controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated.

Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil.

Abstract: A contaminant recovery system for recovering contaminant in a contaminated area. The contaminant recovery system includes (i) a buffer configured to heat wax and thereby create molten wax, and (ii) a sprayer configured to spray the molten wax onto the contaminant within the contaminated area. The system further includes (i) a first line configured to deliver the molten wax from the buffer to the sprayer, and (ii) a second line configured to return the molten wax from the sprayer to the buffer in response to the sprayer being deactivated. The second line is separate from the first line.

Abstract: An adjustable depth air sparging well system having a fixed depth or secondary air injection point and an adjustable depth or primary air injection point for injecting compressed air into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove volatile contaminants from the soil's subsurface. At least one flow-through air sparge packer which is slidably mounted within the well casing of the air sparging well system allows a user to adjust the depth at which the adjustable depth air injection point is set. The flow through air sparge packer is available in one, two and one half and five foot lengths.

Abstract: An multiple point adjustable depth air sparging well system having a multiple air injection points for injecting compressed air into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove volatile contaminants from the soil's subsurface. At plurality of flow-through air sparge packer which are slidably mounted flow-through packers within the well casing of the air sparging well system allows a user to adjust the depths of the air injection points. Each packer has attached thereto a pressure regulator which provides compressed air to one of the multiple air injection points.

Abstract: A method for in-situ reduction of contaminants in soil.

Abstract: The present invention uses one or more sediment survey techniques to map the sediment of a water course in three dimensions. The sediment survey techniques result in sediment definition that may be used to identify zones of sediment (whether areas or volumes) that are likely to contain contaminants. This may be based on the identity of the sediment, the location of the sediment in the water course, the depth of the sediment and/or the thickness of the sediment layer. In one embodiment, the sediment survey techniques, and the resulting sediment definition, may be used in combination with geomorphology techniques to calculate an adjusted contaminant concentration for sediment zones. Based on the adjusted contaminant concentrations for a site, selective sediment removal may be used to achieve the most effective removal of contaminant with the least of sediment removal or sediment testing.

Abstract: This invention provides a photocatalyst material, which can be produced at low cost without using platinum, particularly a visible light response-type photocatalyst material, a material having a photocatalyst mechanism not possessed by the conventional photocatalyst material, a process for producing the material, and a method for decomposing a contaminant using the material. The photocatalyst material comprises a) an oxide of a first metal and b) an aqua complex salt of a second metal. In this case, for the oxide of a first metal, the redox potential of a conduction band lower end in the oxide is on a rather negative side than 0.2 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential). For the aqua complex salt of a second metal, the redox potential of a second metal ion in the aqua complex salt is on a rather negative side than 3.0 V (a value as measured at pH=0, vs. reference electrode potential).

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for investigating a site for possible selective removal of sediment containing a contaminant. The methods include calculating an adjusted contaminant concentration for sediment zones on the site. The site preferably contains a water course. The methods may also include determining whether sediment zone need remediation by comparing the adjusted contaminant concentration to a standard. The invention also includes a system for carrying out the described methods, at least partially implemented in a computer.

Abstract: A stabilized, chemically reactive, metallic nano-material effective for degradation of chlorinated organic compounds in soils, sediments and groundwater. The nano-material is composed of a magnetic metal nanoparticle and a carbohydrate stabilizer bound to the nanoparticle. The preferred metal nanoparticle is iron and the preferred carbohydrate stabilizer is either a starch or a water soluble cellulose such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The nanoparticle may be either mono-metallic, bi-metallic or multi-metallic in nature, but is preferably bi-metallic wherein it is coated with a secondary catalytic metal coating, preferably palladium. A method of making the metallic nano-material is further disclosed wherein a solution of the metal nanoparticle and carbohydrate stabilizer is prepared, and the nanoparticle is then reduced under inert conditions.

Abstract: A supplemental fluid adjustable depth air sparging system which is used to remediate contaminants from groundwater within the soil. An adjustable depth air injection point injects compressed air mixed with a chemical oxidizer or nutrient into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove contaminants including chlorinated solvents from the soil's subsurface.

Abstract: A supplemental fluid adjustable depth air sparging system which is used to remediate contaminates from groundwater within the soil. An adjustable depth air injection point injects compressed air, and an adjustable depth chemical injection point injects a chemical oxidizer or nutrient into saturated or groundwater regions of the soil's subsurface to remove contaminants including chlorinated solvents from the soil's subsurface.

Abstract: A process and system for oil-contaminated soil remediation and oil recovery from oil-bearing media such as oil-contaminated soil, different types of oil-bearing sludge's from oil producers, upgraders and refineries, oil shale, oil sands, and coal oil shale, oil sands and coal includes (1) a portable or fixed twin thermal desorption unit with two rotating trundles in one stationary house, and (2) multiple co-combustion burners burning coal, scrap tires, used oils, sludge's containing high oil content, propane and natural gas to supply heat for the twin desorption unit, and (3) a suction fan to create a slightly vacuum environment, receive vapors and send them to (4) a cooling line with a heavy component condenser to condense heavy oils, a set of air cooling pipe to condense light oils and steam and a three-phase (gas/oil/water) separation tank to separate oil from water, and (5) a feeding line with a blender to break wet lumps and a crasher to break rocks presence in the raw material being processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the in situ remediation of contaminated sites. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include one or more conduits for injection or coinjection of liquid electron donor compositions and dispersant gas compositions.

Abstract: A method is provided that can amend treatment wetland soils and sediments in order to reduce pollutant export following the use of the wetland for contaminant removal. The method includes the steps of draining at least a portion of a water body and permitting the growth of vegetation on the sediments. Once grown, the resulting biomass is tilled into the soil, and the water body is permitted to re-hydrate. In some instances a portion of the vegetation can be harvested prior to tilling remaining crop residues into the soil. In another embodiment, the draining step occurs naturally.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen releasing blend is disclosed utilizing magnesium peroxide blended with powdered Bentonite and/or vegetable oil. The Bentonite (or other clay material) reduces the hydraulic conductivity of magnesium peroxide, thereby reducing the rate of magnesium peroxide disassociation.

Abstract: Reactive gabion/geocomposite articles, and their methods of manufacture, for controlling contaminants in soil, sediment or water that allow the passage of essentially non-contaminated water therethrough. The articles and methods described herein utilize gabions, which are box shaped cages or grids (see FIG. 2) made of either steel wire mesh or plastic. In one embodiment, the reactive geotextile mats are lined on the top major surface with a gabion cage or grid. In other embodiments, the cages or grids surround a geocomposite containing reactive material. The gabion/geocomposite articles can be constructed in-situ (at the site of deployment) or remotely (on land or barge) and set in place. They are typically placed side-by-side and, in a preferred embodiment, are configured to cover a target sediment area, underwater. The gabion/geocomposite articles may be filled with clean sediment, silt, sand and/or concrete block or rock to hold the reactive geocomposite in place and for armoring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: According to the methods, a site is investigated for possible selective removal of sediment containing a contaminant. An adjusted contaminant concentration is calculated for sediment zones on the site. The site preferably contains a water course. A determination may be made as to whether the sediment zone needs remediation by comparing the adjusted contaminant concentration to a standard. The method may be at least partially implemented in a computer.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby.

Abstract: A method for managing plant biomass in a wetland containing floating macrophytes includes the steps of draining a body of water having wetland plants growing thereon and permitting the plants to dry. The dried plant matter is then tilled into the bed of the water body, along with a coagulant. The body of water is then re-flooded, and another remediation cycle begun. In a particular embodiment the bed of the body of water has a first depth over a first area of the bed and a second depth greater than the first depth over a second area of the bed. Drainage is to a depth sufficient to expose the first area and leave depressions above the second area at least partially filled, plants in the depressions serving to re-inoculate the wetland upon reflooding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve.

Abstract: A method of treating a metal-contaminated sediment includes capping the sediment with a capping product containing sulfur and at least one component selected from the group consisting of clays, clay-sized materials, bulking agents, sand, sand-sized materials, aggregate, and binding agents. A capping product includes a plurality of manufactured composite particles, each composite particle comprising a relatively dense core and a sealant layer at least partially encapsulating the core, the sealant layer including sulfur and at least one of the above components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel approach to containing and removing toxic waste from a subsurface environment. More specifically the present invention relates to a system for containing and removing volatile toxic chemicals from a subsurface environment using differences in surface and subsurface pressures. The present embodiment generally comprises a deep well, a horizontal tube, at least one injection well, at least one extraction well and a means for containing the waste within the waste zone (in-situ barrier). During operation the deep well air at the bottom of well (which is at a high pressure relative to the land surface as well as relative to the air in the contaminated soil) flows upward through the deep well (or deep well tube). This stream of deep well air is directed into the horizontal tube, down through the injection tube(s) (injection well(s)) and into the contaminate plume where it enhances volatization and/or removal of the contaminants.

Abstract: A gas exchange apparatus is provided which provides for both passive fluid flow and blower associated fluid flow through a barometric valve. A battery powered blower is provided which allows for operation of the barometric valve during times when the barometric valve would otherwise be closed, and provides for enhanced volume of gas exchange.

Abstract: A soil aerating machine includes in combination a skid-steer and a basket resembling a loader bucket adapted for attachment to the skid-steer boom. An air pressure tank, an elongate air nozzle pipe, an air hammer, and air control valves for the air nozzle pipe and air hammer are carried within the basket. The elongate air nozzle is attached to the basket using a pivotal bearing surface, which permits controlled motion therebetween. The air hammer is used to assist with the driving of the elongate air nozzle pipe into an earthen medium. A blast of air is then released through the air nozzle pipe into the earth, to loosen and aerate packed or clogged soil. A method of restoring a septic system using the preferred apparatus is also described, as are various alternative apparatus and method steps.

Abstract: A process for converting municipal solid waste landfills to aerobic conditions that will allow for a highly accelerated and enhanced bioreduction of landfill mass, followed by the optional excavation of the landfill cell materials subsequent to the bioreduction process, separation of excavated materials using trommels, screens, and other means as necessary, production of useable compost materials, and reclamation of recyclable plastics, metal, and glass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, composition and apparatus for stabilizing mercury and other heavy metals present in a particulate material such that the metals will not leach from the particulate material. The method generally involves the application of a metal reagent, a sulfur-containing compound, and the addition of oxygen to the particulate material, either through agitation, sparging or the addition of an oxygen-containing compound.

Abstract: A method and system for improved environmental remediation. A method comprising establishing an initial remediation protocol; applying at least one initial motive force according to the initial remediation protocol; monitoring the effect on the site resulting from the application of the at least one initial motive force; modifying the remediation protocol to improve the performance of the remediation using information gleaned from the monitoring of the site; applying at least one motive force according to the modified remediation protocol; and repeating monitoring, modifying, and applying in a more or less continuous fashion until the remediation is complete.

Abstract: A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil is provided. The system comprises a soil remediation cell of contaminated soil, and a plurality of multi-functional perforated pipes located within the contaminated soil. The multi-functional perforated pipes operate as (a) heating elements for introducing heat into the contaminated soil for volatilizing the contaminants located within the contaminated soil without utilizing mechanically driven forced air thereby producing a contaminated vapor, and (b) flow channels for removing the contaminated vapor from within the soil remediation cell. A high temperature covering, located about the soil remediation cell, forms a chamber over the soil remediation cell which receives and collects in the chamber the contaminated vapor which have been released from the multi-functional perforated pipes.