With Treatment Patents (Class 405/128.7)
  • Patent number: 11358189
    Abstract: An on-site heavy metal contaminated soil treatment apparatus, comprising a sampling system, a molding system, a heat processing system and a tail gas processing system disposed in sequence. The sampling system includes a bucket elevator and a planetary stirring device which are connected in sequence and are disposed on a mobile platform of the sampling system. The apparatus is easy to move and assemble, has a small floor area, and can be built on a target contaminated site, reducing transportation costs and the risk of secondary contamination. The entire process performed by the apparatus proceeds automatically, reducing labor costs. The planetary stirring sampling method and automatic brick blank extrusion molding process of the apparatus are applicable to various types of heavy metal contaminated soil providing high processing efficiency and good molding effect. Combined microwave heating and high-temperature steam heating provide rapid heating, small thermal inertia, and easy temperature control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Chengshuai Liu, Yahui Lv, Wei Wu, Fei Wu, Fangbai Li
  • Patent number: 10384245
    Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to treatment cells, systems and methods for rehabilitating and valorizing a soil. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for removing volatile compounds from the contaminated soils. The methods and system generally make use of an openable and reclosable rigid enclosure capable of receiving and treating many tons of soils. According to the invention, heated air is circulated through the soil to allow volatilization of the contaminants which can then be captured and separated form the circulating air before the air is re-heated and re-circulated through the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Terra Neutra Inc.
    Inventor: Benoit Ringuette
  • Publication number: 20150093199
    Abstract: A contaminated soil remediation method activates a microorganism in soil contaminated with a toxic chemical substance. The contaminant is decomposed by a biodegradation reaction of the microorganism. The method involves forming a boring hole reaching into contaminated soil. A rod whose end is provided with a jet device is inserted into the boring hole. The contaminated soil is cut in a manner forming a flat-plate area in which the soil is intermittently cut by a microorganism activator, and the soil and the microorganism activator are mixed, by jetting water and/or the microorganism activator from the jet device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: Chemical Grouting Co., Ltd., EOS Remediation, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Borden, Junichi Yamanobe, Susumu Uesawa, Miho Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8974146
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sejong E&C Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyung Nam Min, Jae Won Lee, Jung Gwan Lee, Si Dong Ryu
  • Publication number: 20150056677
    Abstract: Provided herein are biologically pure cultures of microbes having the characteristic of reducing Sb(V) to Sb(III). In one embodiment, the microbes produce Sb2O3 by reduction of Sb(OH)6?. In one embodiment, the microbes also reduce selenite, selenate, tellurate, nitrite, nitrate, and/or arsenate. Also provided are compositions that include the microbes, and methods of using the microbes. Examples of methods include making crystalline Sb2O3 and converting soluble contaminants to insoluble contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. ABIN, JAMES T. HOLLIBAUGH
  • Publication number: 20150037099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of remediating heavy metal-contaminated soil using dry disintegration in a particle size-selective manner. The system for remediating contaminated soil comprises: a pretreatment unit for pretreating the contaminated soil to control the water content and the size of the soil; a disintegration unit for disintegrating the pretreated soil into individual particles; a particle separation unit for separating the disintegrated particles a standard particle size; a heavy metal removal unit for peeling off the surface of the separated soil particles larger than the standard particle size using a surface friction force and an impact force to remove heavy metals in dry condition; and a separation and collection unit for separating and collecting the peeled-off surface from the soil particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jun Gyo Jung, Wan Hyup Kang, Hee Hun Chae, Kang Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 8864412
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Dale Kunz
  • Patent number: 8852503
    Abstract: A method of biological soil decontamination, including the introduction into the soil of a product that contains a material chosen from a group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The product introduced into the soil does not contain any unprocessed fresh plants or unprocessed fresh plant residues. The method also includes the application of a barrier layer over the soil, e.g., between the soil and the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Thatchtec B.V.
    Inventors: Henk Meints, Herman Feil
  • Patent number: 8845233
    Abstract: A device for agitating a material is provided. The device includes a casing that includes an opening at a first end and a valve configured to open and close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Takahisa Kusuura
  • Publication number: 20140199756
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for the administration of a plasma modified field (PMF) to a subject comprising: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma modified field coupling mechanism (PMFCM) comprising a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of said plasma beam; said plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface; and (c) a controller for controlling said PMFCM. In a main aspect of the invention, said first surface of said plasma beam dish is mounted with: (i) at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing said field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing said field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing said field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing said field; and (ii) at least one reflecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ORTERON (T.O) LTD
    Inventors: Orit ISH-YAMINI TOMER, Tamar LEVIN
  • Patent number: 8757928
    Abstract: A pole with an eyelet disposed at one end and the first and second group of furled cup shaped furled containers are connected along the longitudinal length of the pole. The pole with the containers is inserted into a substance. The substance may, if desired, be sand, mud or mud-like soil. If desired, the insertion process may be accomplished by forcing the pole into the substance by applying downward force on the eyelet or twisting the pole in a clockwise direction into the substance. Once the pole is inserted into the substance the pole may, if desired, be twisted in the counterclockwise direction to unfurl the cup shaped containers. To extract the pole, the pole is twisted in the clockwise direction closing the cup shaped containers and pulling the pole in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Complete Consent, LLC
    Inventor: Sidney Smith
  • Publication number: 20140119833
    Abstract: A process for enhancing the solidification of tailings is provided comprising providing overburden having a moisture content ranging from about 15 wt % to about 25 wt % and comminuting the overburden to a first size; providing tailings having a solids content ranging from about 1 wt % to about 70 wt %; adding the tailings to the first sized overburden to form treated overburden and comminuting the treated overburden to a second size; and depositing the second sized treated overburden to produce a substantially solidified deposit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD., in trust for the owners of the Syncrude Project
    Inventors: Nan Wang, Ron Cleminson, Randy Mikula
  • Publication number: 20140119832
    Abstract: A process of dewatering tailings is provided comprising providing overburden having a moisture content ranging from about 15 wt % to about 25 wt % and comminuting the overburden to a first size; providing tailings having a solids content ranging from about 10 wt % to about 60 wt %; adding the tailings to the first sized overburden to form treated overburden and comminuting the treated overburden to a second size; and depositing the second sized treated overburden to produce a solidified deposit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD., in trust for the owners of the Syncrude Project
    Inventors: Randy Mikula, Nan Wang
  • Patent number: 8709135
    Abstract: An off gas extraction system cleans common sources of off gas, such as storage tanks and polluted soils. Off gas is extracted, followed by compression and condensation. Compression and condensation produce an off gas that can be reintroduced as a treated gas into the off gas source. Alternatively, a regenerative absorber cleans the treated gas by adsorbing residual chemical vapor and concentrates the removed chemical vapors and reprocesses them. If the treated gas is not reintroduced into the off gas source, conventional scrubbers may used on the back end of the system to produce a final exhaust as prescribed by environmental regulation. Methods of accomplishing the same are similarly provided, including novel methods for degassing storage tanks and treating polluted soils to meet current environmental regulations, as well as green technology and sustainability initiatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Carol Diane Krumbholz
  • Patent number: 8682584
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for assessing potential nitrogen concentration of plant available nitrogen in soil comprises collecting soil samples, analyzing one or more of the soil samples to compute the amount of nitrate and the amount of ammonium, analyzing one or more of the soil samples to compute the amount of mineralizable nitrogen using a soil respiration method, obtaining a total plant available nitrogen value in the soil samples by summing the computed nitrate value, the computed ammonium value, and the computed mineralizable nitrogen value, and calculating a potential nitrogen assessment value by subtracting from the total plant available nitrogen value an amount of nitrogen applied at time of planting not represented within the soil sample and further subtracting an amount of nitrogen required to achieve the crop yield goal multiplied by the yield crop goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brookside Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Baker, Thomas Menke
  • Publication number: 20140013661
    Abstract: A manufacturing process is disclosed for preparing torrefied biomass having a reduced inorganic content which comprises passing crude torrefied biomass through one or more selective separation devices capable of separating inorganic particulate matter from the torrefied biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: HM3 ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Breneman, David T. Carter, Howard J. Dawson, Andrew J. Green, Hiroshi Morihara, Richard F. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130333451
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a partial level of saturation to a mass of sand, through generation of gas bubbles, as a way to prevent liquefaction during earthquakes. The system includes a solution that is operable to generate gas bubbles and a solution generator that prepares the solution. A conduit delivers the solution to the sand, so that the solution generates the gas bubbles during and after being delivered to the sand. A probe may be used to determine whether the sand is susceptible to liquefaction before the solution is delivered and to assess a change in degree of partial saturation after the solution has been delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Michac YEGIAN, Akram ALSHAWABKEH
  • Publication number: 20130315671
    Abstract: A process for insitu treatment of at least one contaminant in groundwater, the process comprises the steps of: installing a permeable reactive barrier in the flow path of the at least one contaminant, wherein the installation of the permeable reactive barrier comprises the steps of: boring a first borehole with a portion longitudinally extending; filling the longitudinally extending portion with a reactive material comprising a solid reactant configured to react with the at least one contaminant in the groundwater to produce at least one product having less hazardous characteristics than the at least one contaminant; boring a second longitudinally extending portion and filling the second longitudinally extending portion with the reactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Lindsay Swearingen, Jason Swearingen
  • Patent number: 8580114
    Abstract: When a large-scale contaminant plume is located under a surface area with conditions that prevent placement of a network of injection and associated extraction wells, embodiments of the invention may be used to pump a specific volume of the contaminant plume to at least one remote in-situ treatment cell, comprising at least one injection well surrounded by a plurality of associated extraction wells, where each extraction well is less than 300 feet from the associated injection well, and has a treatment zone with treatment reagent between injection and associated extraction wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kleinfelder West, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Kenneth Tyler
  • Patent number: 8562252
    Abstract: Systems for treating contaminated soil are described herein. One system includes a soil chamber that includes one or more walls and at least one floor; at least one heater attached to or inside of at least one of the walls; and at least one heater coupled to or in the floor. Two or more of the walls enclose an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls is configured to move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber. At least one wall heater and at least one floor heater provide heat that transfers from the heaters to the contaminated soil in the soil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: TerraTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph S. Baker, James P. Galligan, Gorm Heron
  • Patent number: 8528251
    Abstract: The present device for oxygen enrichment of a soil generally comprises the perforated vertical tubular means pivotable in the vertical portion of the tubular connecting means, thereby providing by the soil loosening means a loosening of the sub-surface soil at the plant's rootzone. Also, the improved device includes the perforated horizontal tubular means, coupled with the vertical tubular means via tubular connecting means, which comprises the slots for unobstructed movements along the appropriate slots of the extended ends of the lower soil loosening means, and the handle means rigidly connected to the upper end of the vertical tubular means and intended for rotation of the vertical tubular means in the vertical portion of the tubular connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
  • Patent number: 8471089
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification. The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cromotecnica Mexico
    Inventor: Francisco Garcia Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20130129423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for preventing movement of a structure. An expansion element (6) is arranged in soil. A material which expands inside the expansion element (6) as a consequence of a chemical reaction is injected into the expansion element (6). The expanded expansion element (6) remains in its place in the soil owing to friction and cohesive forces, and it is fastened to the structure (2), the expansion element (6) thus preventing movement of the structure (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: URETEK WORLDWIDE OY
    Inventors: Sami Häkkinen, Tuomas Lievonen
  • Publication number: 20130115004
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soil cleaning method. The soil cleaning method is characterized in that after a pre-treatment step of mixing a dehydrating agent in soil to reduce a water content of the soil to 10 mass % or less is performed, a magnetic separation step of feeding the soil whose water content is reduced to 10 mass % or less in the pre-treatment step, to a dry magnetic separator to separate and remove a contaminant in coarse soil as magnetically attracted matter is performed. By bringing the soil into a dry state to separate the soil into magnetically attracted matter and magnetically unattracted matter and collecting the heavily contaminated magnetically attracted matter, it is possible to facilitate separating fine soil from contaminated soil, which makes it possible to easily reduce the content of the contaminant in the coarse soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: DOWA ECO-SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Yoshi, Masaru Tomoguchi
  • Publication number: 20130108373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating soil material. According to the invention, the soil material is treated by a mixture composition containing at least microfibrillated cellulose and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Antti Laukkanen, Jan-Erik Teirfolk, Laura Alakukku, Martti Sarkia, Helinä Hartikainen
  • Publication number: 20130094907
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Empiree technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Shigeo Sugano, Takahisa Kusuura
  • Publication number: 20130060076
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for the treatment of wastes and materials by addition of Amber Phosphoric Acid to reduce the PCB content and/or TCLP Pb content, thus allowing treated materials or waste to be classified as non-Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) waste and/or non-hazardous RCRA solid waste, or otherwise allowed to be reused or land filled at a cost lower than without such treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Keith E. Forrester
  • Patent number: 8348551
    Abstract: Provided is a method for treating contaminated soil. The method includes providing contaminated soil in a soil chamber that has at least one wall, and at least one floor, at least one heater coupled to or inside of at least one of the walls and at least one substantially elongated floor heater coupled to or in the floor. At least one of the walls at least partially includes a thermally conductive material configured to transfer heat from at least one of the heaters to an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls at least partially encloses an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls can move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber unencumbered by piping located within the soil volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: TerraTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph S. Baker, James P. Galligan, Gorm Heron
  • Publication number: 20120288333
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Arnold Lipes, Pierre-André Daignault
  • Patent number: 8287210
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Amcol International Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Hornaday
  • Publication number: 20120213589
    Abstract: In one aspect, a soil remediation device is provided. The soil remediation device can have a collector for receiving soil to be treated. From the collector, the soil can be moved into a comminuting section where the soil can be broken up, typically with blades and flail hammers. The comminuting of the soil can cause the soil to be heated up as a result of friction, causing some contaminants in the soil to be volatized and released therefrom. Once the soil has been comminuted by the soil remediation device, it can be discharged. A fume hood can cover the outlet of the comminuting section so that soil that has been discharged from the comminuting section of the soil remediation device is substantially covered by the fume hood. The fume hood can act to contain volatized contaminants exiting the comminuted soil and rising upwards in the fume hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Lorne Bates
  • Patent number: 8235627
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Mark T. Ellis, Son Q. Le, Larry J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8217215
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification. The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cromotecnica Mexico S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Francisco Garcia Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20120164022
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying radio frequency (RF) energy to an object in an energy application zone via at least one radiating element. The apparatus is selected from a group consisting of sterilizers, pasteurizers, drying cabinets, sintering furnaces, curing furnaces, soil remediation apparatuses, smelting furnaces, melting furnaces and plasma generators. The apparatus comprises at least one processor configured to determine a value indicative of energy absorbable by the object at least one of or each of a plurality of MSEs; and cause RF energy to be supplied to the at least one radiating element in at least a subset of the plurality of MSEs, wherein energy supplied to the at least one radiating element at each of the subset of MSEs is a function of the value indicative of energy absorbable at each MSE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Ginat MUGINSTEIN, Daniel Selinger, Eyal Torres, Ohad Karnielli
  • Publication number: 20120141209
    Abstract: A method of detecting RDX in soil includes the steps of: planting a plurality of prickly sida plants in a defined area; remotely monitoring the pigmentation of the prickly sida plants using hyperspectral imaging; and identifying one or more areas within the defined area that are contaminated by RDX based on the monitored pigmentation of the prickly sida plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Hagen
  • Patent number: 8168846
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process and plant for the transformation of dangerous wastes containing chromium six as contaminant into non dangerous wastes that can be stored without special care and will be degraded in the environment without time limit. The process basically consists of milling, extracting chromium six in liquid phase and under controlled conditions of stirring, time and temperature, proceeding then, through reduction, to transform the chromium six in chromium three and then precipitating as chromium trioxide, through gasification. The solid resulting from the transformation process can be used as raw material for the manufacturing of firebricks or eventually for the manufacturing of bricks used in the building industry through a process not included in the instant description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Cromotecnica Mexico
    Inventor: Francisco Garcia Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8163972
    Abstract: PCBs are removed from contaminated media using a treatment system including zero-valent metal particles and an organic hydrogen donating solvent. The treatment system may include a weak acid in order to eliminate the need for a coating of catalytic noble metal on the zero-valent metal particles. If catalyzed zero-valent metal particles are used, the treatment system may include an organic hydrogen donating solvent that is a non-water solvent. The treatment system may be provided as a “paste-like” system that is preferably applied to natural media and ex-situ structures to eliminate PCBs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jacqueline W. Quinn, Christian A. Clausen, Cherie L. Geiger, Kathleen B. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20120087736
    Abstract: In a method of controlling burrowing animals, a slurry of a natural soil component and water is generated. The slurry is pumped into a tunnel and den system dug by the burrowing animal until the tunnel and den system is filled by the slurry. An apparatus for controlling burrowing animals includes a first tank that contains water. A second tank contains a natural soil component. A water pump pumps water from the water tank into the second tank. A plurality of nozzles receives water from the water pump and sprays water from the water tank into the bottom portion of the second tank, so as to generate a slurry of a natural soil component and water. A slurry pump is configured to pump the slurry. A slurry hose is configured to delivery the slurry from the slurry pump into a tunnel and den system dug by a burrowing animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: AMERIGREEN TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Tikalsky
  • Publication number: 20120057936
    Abstract: A soil-amendment product for preparing a damaged or degraded soil ecosystem to establish a self-sustaining floral/vegetative rhizosphere contains a mixture of composted organic biomass, fiber, charcoal, and small amounts of inoculants to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Embodiments also contain a water-holding agent such as a starch-based polymer that is effective to prevent water from flowing downhill or seeping away from the surface. Methods of application and other uses for the soil-amendment product are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Robin J. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120034033
    Abstract: A method of biological soil decontamination, including the introduction into the soil of a product that contains a material chosen from a group consisting of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The product introduced into the soil does not contain any unprocessed fresh plants or unprocessed fresh plant residues. The method also includes the application of a barrier layer over the soil, e.g., between the soil and the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: THATCHTEC B.V.
    Inventors: Henk Meints, Herman Feil
  • Publication number: 20120020736
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the search for and choice of forest plants adapted to severe edaphological conditions in soils contaminated by pollutants, which plants are capable of surviving in most parts of the world and cannot enter the trophic chain. The genetic transformation thereof considerably enhances the metal absorption rate and storage capacity thereof and also makes it easier for said absorption to cover the majority of pollutants or harmful substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Juan Pedro Navarro Avino
  • Publication number: 20120012526
    Abstract: A method for bioremediation of contaminants, comprising contacting a contaminant with composite particles including at least one microbial available nutrient species and at least one fatty acid species, and contacting the contaminant with oxygenated water including greater than about 4 parts per million dissolved oxygen. Water may be oxygenated on-site using various oxygenating devices, such as an aspirator, aerator, impeller and diffuser. Optionally, the oxygenated water may be prepared with wastewater that is being remediated. The method may be used to maintain a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than a setpoint concentration, such as at least 4 ppm. A preferred oxygenated water stream or source has a dissolved oxygen concentration of greater than 50 ppm. Where the contaminant is in a wastewater, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the remediation zone or the oxygenated water stream may be measured with a dissolved oxygen sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: BIONUTRATECH, INC.
    Inventor: Sandra L. Hruza
  • Publication number: 20120014748
    Abstract: Disclosed are a soil diagnosis method for diagnosing soil using a cycle activity indicator which is calculated using the following factors (I) to (III): (I) the ammonia reduction rate in target soil; (II) the activity of forming phosphoric acid from phytic acid in the target soil; and (III) the activity of forming potassium from compost in the target soil, and (IV) the soil bacteria count in the soil; and a soil quality control method; and a soil improvement method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kenzo Kubota, Hiroyuki Ishimori, Yoshiki Matsumiya, Ryoichi Fukagawa, Motoki Kubo, Nobuyuki Kadokura, Akio Kanemori
  • Patent number: 8096350
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Andrew S. Drucker
  • Patent number: 8082981
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Andrew Scott Drucker
  • Publication number: 20110268507
    Abstract: A system and a method for remediation of organic contaminated soil are provided, which comprises M*N electrodes to form an electrode matrix of symmetrical electric field structure. The field intensity is uniform in those points that are equidistant from each electrode in remediation area. The electrodes arrayed in mesh style in remediation area are carried out electrokinetic remediation. To exchange between positive polarity and negative polarity of the electrodes periodically is to make each electrode be a state of anode intermittently which has preferable remediation efficiency, by operation mode of reversing row/column electrode groups in manner of electrical scanning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Shuhai Guo, Tingting Li, Wang Yanhua, Liu Kunpeng, Li Fengmei, Li Gang
  • Publication number: 20110236136
    Abstract: A method is provided for stimulating anaerobic degradation of a subsurface contaminant, comprising the steps of vaporizing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to form a treating gas and directing the treating gas to at least one subsurface injection site that includes the subsurface contaminant; wherein the treating gas stimulates anaerobic degradation of at least a portion of the subsurface contaminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick J. Evans, Karl Hopfensperger
  • Publication number: 20110176871
    Abstract: Reserve pit remediation utilizing an organic absorbent product made from beetle-killed lodgepole pine. The reserve pit remediation may take place in-situ, ex-situ, or a combination of both in-situ and ex-situ. In one embodiment of an in-situ reserve pit remediation process, one or more of a volume of water within the pit, a volume of fluids other than water within the pit, and a volume of solids within the pit are estimated, a quantity of absorbent product to be distributed within the pit is determined based on one or more of the estimated volumes, the quantity of absorbent product is distributed over the surface of the reserve pit, a period of time for the absorbent product to absorb at least a portion of the fluids other than water is allowed, and the absorbent product is mixed with the solids within the reserve pit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: LBI, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Francis St. Pierre, Shelly Ann St. Pierre
  • Publication number: 20110124745
    Abstract: Reversibly switchable negatively charged surfactants are provided. The anionic surfactant is formed in aqueous solution by providing an absence of CO2 and is converted to a non-surfactant neutral state through exposure to CO2. The anionic switchable surfactants are useful to stabilize emulsions. In the neutral state they are useful to separate immiscible liquids. The surfactants find uses in polymerization, the oil industry, remediation of oil-contaminated soil and recapture of oil contaminant, and formation of solid particles such as plastics and nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Liang Chen Guang, Jitendra R. Harjani
  • Publication number: 20110093964
    Abstract: The invention concerns uranium-chelating peptides as well as their uses for decontaminating soils and water, and for detecting and treating people contaminated by uranium. Said peptides have a helix-loop-helix type structure comprising the sequence of a calmodulin loop including at least one mutation of neutral residues selected from the group consisting of S, T, C, H, Y, N and Q, of one, two or three residues of at least one of the four calmodulin calcium binding sites: site I: residues selected among D20, D22 and D24 residues; site II: residues selected among D56, D58 and N60 residues; site III: residues selected among D93, D95 and N97 residues; site IV: residues selected among D129, D131 and D133 residues; said positions being indicated with reference to the human calmodulin sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Claudio Vita, Mireille Sauvage-Vita, Fabio Vita, Elena Vita, Loïc Le Clainche, Véronique Monjardet