Containment Patents (Class 588/249)
  • Patent number: 5416253
    Abstract: Disclosed are formulations for producing chemical solvent admixtures that can be employed to clean a surface for further work; and that can be applied to cloths for the cleaning operation yet alleviate problems with solvent evaporation into the atmosphere to cause many legal and environmental problems, and a method of storing and disposing of cloths soaked with the formulation that alleviates current problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Henry J. Weltman, Tony L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5416249
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for encapsuling hazardous wastes materials stored in drums. The drum is enclosed in an overcapsule that is grouted to the drum and the contents of the drum are stabilized if necessary with a solidification grout. Once the grouts have set, the overcapsule is positioned onto an undercapsule and grouted to the undercapsule so that the entire capsule with the drum containing hazardous waste inside may safely be transported and stored. The capsule is shaped so that the individual capsules may be stacked one on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Nicholson Construction Company
    Inventors: Lynn M. Crayne, Gary J. Zawada
  • Patent number: 5414208
    Abstract: Dense ceramic material in the form of a block is made in a hot uniaxial press, particulate precursor material for the ceramic being supplied in cylindrical metal capsules having a convoluted or bellows-like side wall which are supplied in a stream with an elongated cylindrical spacer of greater diameter between adjacent metal capsules. Each spacer has a recessed end face for accommodating a corresponding end portion of a metal capsule so that the metal capsule is centered and there is restraint against radially outward expansion of the capsule under the heat and pressure which is applied. The apparatus is operated essentially continuously and the stream moves progressively upwardly so that the discharge of processed containers and spacers occurs at the upper end and capsules to be processed and spacers are inserted intermittently at the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation
    Inventor: John E. Ramm
  • Patent number: 5406019
    Abstract: The present invention is used in response to petroleum related spills in the environment. The hydrocarbon materials can be removed from any substrate, particularly ice or beach sand, by impinging in two separate fluid streams, a formable surfactant/emulsifying solution with a latent foaming agent and a foam inducing agent through specially designed variable pressure guns. Once treated, the petroleum-related liquids are lifted above the substrate in a foam matrix formed while the solution is in contact with the spilled contaminants, and captured via standard industrial vacuum technology for later disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Miles W. Dean
  • Patent number: 5399833
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the melting and subsequent solidification of fine particulate material by use of a plasma torch. The fine particulate material is introduced into a furnace having a plasma torch to a depth sufficient to cover the plasma flame produced by the torch. When operative, the torch generates a heat at low gas flow, which both allows the fine particulate material to rest with little disturbance and to transfer large amounts of heat energy to the fine particulate, effectively preheating the fine particulate material for more efficient melting. The melt may, for example, be solidified into a block for building use, into fibers by way of pressurized air passed through a venturi nozzle or into other useful forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Salvador L. Camacho
  • Patent number: 5391020
    Abstract: A method for removing a substance from a medium including the steps of growing plant life in the medium to absorb the substance into the plant life, removing the plant life from the medium and thereby the substance from the medium and repeating the growing and removing steps as many times as necessary to reduce the remaining quantity of the substance in the medium to the level desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: SDVC, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5391019
    Abstract: An environmental enclosure structure formed of a cement-based slurry infiltrated fiber composite material is used above ground or underground to enclose, protect, and safely contain; hazardous materials, telecommunications equipment, volatile explosives, and the like. The preferred enclosure structure is a box-like enclosure formed of a cement-based slurry infiltrated fiber composite material which is produced by first placing a plurality of individual short fibers or fiber mats of organic or inorganic materials into a form to create a bed of fibers substantially filling the form and having a predetermined fiber volume density and then adding a cement-based slurry mixture into the form to completely infiltrate the spaces between the fibers. The cement-based slurry mixture includes a composition of Portland cement, fly ash, water, a high-range water reducer (superplasticizer), and may also include fine grain sand, chemical admixtures, and other additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: J. P. Pat Morgan
  • Patent number: 5387736
    Abstract: A portable decontamination system including a carriage for carrying an operator and a decontamination unit is moved to the site of a truck mounted environmental well drilling rig. The carriage is displaced along the length of the substantially upright rig via a lift, whereupon the operator remotely operates the decontamination unit for washing the rig. Contaminated wash water resulting from washing the rig is caught in a pan for subsequent disposal, or decontamination and re-use, as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Salomone Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Salomone, Paul Salomone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5387057
    Abstract: A system and method of remediating a ground site contaminated with volatile chemical material such as volatile organic compounds (VOC). The system includes an array of elongated spaced dewatering wells embedded into the contaminated ground for lowering the ground water level in this area. The system also includes an array of spaced vacuum extraction wells also embedded in the contaminated ground for removal of air mixed with the volatile contaminates after the ground water level has been lowered below the level of the contaminated ground. By this arrangement, both contaminated ground water and volatile contaminants are removed for disposal to greatly increase both efficiency and long-lasting effect. After remediation, the uncontaminated surrounding ground water flows back to further cleanse the now remediated ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Anthony DeLoach
  • Patent number: 5387735
    Abstract: A disposal container and a disposal system employing the disposal container. The container comprises a hollow container body having an opening at the top to permit access to the interior of the container body and having a barrier disposed adjacent the opening for restricting access to the interior of the container body. The barrier at least in part comprises a first cowl extending over the opening and a complementary second cowl extending beneath the opening, with the second cowl being offset relative to the first. The container includes a retention for preventing items from being dispensed through the opening from the interior of the container body when the container body is upright. The outer enclosure is shaped to accommodate the inner container, and includes a hood conforming to the first cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Ponsi, Barbara T. Skiba, David McDonough
  • Patent number: 5385194
    Abstract: A fabric panel clean change-out frame, for use on a containment structure having rigid walls, is formed of a compression frame and a closure panel. The frame is formed of elongated spacers, each carrying a plurality of closely spaced flat springs, and each having a hooked lip extending on the side of the spring facing the spacer. The closure panel is includes a perimeter frame formed of flexible, wedge-shaped frame members that are receivable under the springs to deflect the hooked lips. A groove on the flexible frame members engages the hooked lips and locks the frame members in place under the springs. A flexible fabric panel is connected to the flexible frame members and closes its center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald M. Brown
  • Patent number: 5385105
    Abstract: The system (10) for collecting and disposing of contaminated waste products such as medical sharps and other medical wastes includes a housing (11) and its telescopic cover (9) which are fabricated of biodegradable and combustible material such as natural cellulose and non-natural cellulose. An absorbent biodegradable and combustible absorption package (30) or insert (35) can be placed in the bottom of the holding chamber (12) for absorbing any liquids emitted from the sharps and other wastes, and for enhancing the combustion of the medical sharps and other wastes when the housing is placed in a furnace. When the housing is burned it evolves no more than trace levels of sulfur or chlorine and yields substantially only biodegradable ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: McDonald, Withers & Hughes, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Andrew Withers, Jr., David W. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5383745
    Abstract: A catch basin for collecting hazardous materials in a drain comprises a container having a drain hole, an annular flange extending from the upper edge of the container for supporting the container in a drain, a cover member having a plurality of through-holes and a drain plug which is threadably inserted in a drain hole provided therefore in the bottom of the container for use in plugging the container to contain hazardous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: John P. Deming
    Inventor: John A. Shannon
  • Patent number: 5372453
    Abstract: A fuel spill containment system for use with an underground fuel tank has two upstanding fill tubes extending upwardly from the tank through the bottom wall of a spill container. Each tube has an adjustable sealed connection with the container bottom wall to adapt to the container for different fill tube spacings. The spill container is floatably positioned within a protective casing having an overhead cover with an access opening above the fill tubes. A flexible annular sleeve extends from the spill container side wall to the overhead cover to form a flexible liquid-tight closure about the container upper edge. Dislocations of the casing or spill container, caused by earth movements, as from freezing or earthquake, are safely absorbed by the flexible sleeve, thereby preventing earth stresses from breaking connections between the casing and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Toby Argandona
  • Patent number: 5367116
    Abstract: Solid residues obtained in flue gas purification, in particular flue dusts, are disposed in an environmentally compatible and economical manner by acid extracting heavy metals from the residues, precipitating the heavy metals from the extract, separating the precipitate from the mother liquor, subjecting the precipitate containing heavy metals to mechanical stress during which procedure the water contained in the precipitate is released and the precipitate itself is resuspended, and then adding a hydraulic binder to the resuspended precipitate containing heavy metals and/or to the extracted residues separately from one another. The binder-containing mixture can be used to form moldings which, after hardening, are employed for the erection of boundary walls in a landfill, Additionally or alternatively, the plastic binder-containing mixture can be introduced in the form of layers into preformed landfill spaces, where it then hardens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Von Roll AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Frey
  • Patent number: 5365013
    Abstract: A mobile trailer adapted to receive hazardous waste building products such as lead painted windows, doors, door frames, sills and the like. The trailer is lined to prevent escape of toxic air and dust. The trailer contains wood working machinery to plane and cut lead painted wood surfaces from the wood building material fed therein. The lead painted wood scraps are the encapsulated into compact bales, washed and stored within the trailer to await hauling by a waste haul service. The stripped wood once having had its lead paint surfaces cut away, is passed from the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Alan P. Aulson
  • Patent number: 5360632
    Abstract: Solid waste material which contains arsenic and/or mercury impurities is encapsulated in a cured polysulfide polymer so as to alleviate leaching of arsenic and/or mercury into aqueous liquids. Preferably, the solid waste material is first extracted with an alcohol such as ethanol or, alternatively, treated with an oxidizing agent such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide and then substantially dried before the encapsulation with the polymer is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Maybin Simfukwe, Gerhard P. Nowack, Donald H. Kubicek
  • Patent number: 5354149
    Abstract: A hazardous waste containment system for preventing the lateral migration of hazardous fluid substances (including both liquid and gas wastes, heavy metals, etc.) into the water table, particularly for sites which are located over a fluid impermeable strata (20) of clay or the like, while also allowing the controlled removal and/or in situ treatment of the fluid substances. The system uses an encircling barrier containment wall (W) comprising a plurality of slidingly engaged, sealed, interlocked, vertical barrier members (501/101) which extend down to and sealingly interface with the underlying fluid impermeable strata. At least one barrier member (1') includes a pass-through (P', FIG. 2) for one or more pipes (900) leading into an adjacent, satellite work/equipment area (E, FIGS. 1 & 3) where the hazardous fluids are controllable removed and treated on-site, and the treated fluids thereafter removed out of the work/equipment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Barrier Member Containment Corp.
    Inventor: Louis B. Breaux
  • Patent number: 5347074
    Abstract: Fly ash generated from incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) when placed in landfills can under mild acid conditions can leach lead and cadmium. A process for stabilizing heavy metals in this fly ash is presented which involves calcining the fly ash in the presence of an oxygen containing gas stream at a temperature greater than about 400.degree. C. and less than about 600.degree. C. for times from about 170 seconds up to about 5 hours fly ash which has been subjected to calcium scrubbing for acid gas removal. Such treated MSW fly ash will give leachates containing heavy metal concentrations less than the EPA regulatory limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang A. Hochleitner, Stephen P. Goff
  • Patent number: 5347071
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of contaminants using metal scavenger is disclosed. The metal scavengers individually comprise a polyamine derivative and a polyethyleneimine derivative. The polyamine derivative is formed of a polyamine having a molecular weight not higher than 500 and contains, per molecule of the polyamine, at least one dithiocarboxyl group or a salt thereof as an N-substituting group substituted for an active hydrogen atom of the polyamine. The polyethyleneimine derivative is formed from a polyethyleneimine having an average molecular weight of at least 5,000 and contains, per molecule of the polyethyleneimine, at least one dithiocarboxyl group or a salt thereof as an N-substituting group substituted for an active hydrogen atom of the polyethyleneimine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Miyoshi Yushi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masafumi Moriya, Kazuo Hosoda, Masatoshi Yoshida, Masayoshi Tsukanome
  • Patent number: 5347070
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile contaminants. Six electrodes are inserted into a region of earthen material to be treated in a substantially equilateral hexagonal arrangement. Six phases of voltages are applied to corresponding electrodes. The voltages are adjusted within a first range of voltages to create multiple current paths between pairs of the electrodes. The current paths are evenly distributed throughout the region defined by the electrodes and therefore uniformly heat the region. The region of earthen material is heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially remove volatile and semi-volatile contaminants. This temperature is less than a melting temperature of the earthen material. The voltages are then increased to a second range of voltages effective to create dry regions around the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs
    Inventors: William Heath, Richard Richardson, Steven Goheen
  • Patent number: 5345034
    Abstract: A barrier for reducing the spread of a plume of subsurface contaminants. The apparatus includes a well system for injecting a fluid, such as air, just outside and below the periphery of the plume. The fluid is injected at a pressure sufficient to lower the hydraulic conductivity of the soil from the point of injection to the surface thus establishing a curtain-like barrier to groundwater movement. The barrier is established upgradient of the plume to divert groundwater away, or preferably completely around the plume to reduce the flow of groundwater into or out of the plume. The barrier enables the remediation of the confined contamination and then, when the injection of the fluid is halted, the barrier quickly dissipates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John C. Corey
  • Patent number: 5345033
    Abstract: A method for neutralizing hazardous materials wherein the material and if applicable, the device within which such material is contained, is first cooled to substantially sub-ambient temperatures. The material is then safely extractable from such device and exposed to the appropriate reactants in order to form benign products. Most of the hazards associated with accessing, handling, and reacting these materials are thereby eliminated and such is achieved in relatively economical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Toxco, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5336843
    Abstract: A process for compacting normally occurring radioactive material (NORM) into a cylinder, such as a pipe, by providing a cylinder having a continuous sidewall, a first open end and a second closed in, and a cavity formed by the side wall defining a NORM storage space therein; providing a hopper for holding a quantity of the NORM; positioning the open end of the cylinder against the hopper, so that there is communication between the hopper space containing the NORM and the cylinder space; moving a ram member through the hopper toward the open end of the cylinder for forcing a quantity of the NORM contained within the hopper into the cylinder; repeating the compaction step until the cylinder is substantially filled with the NORM; and closing off the open end of the cylinder so that the NORM cannot move from the cylinder. The process also includes the step of removing the moisture from the NORM before the NORM is compacted in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: John Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5332335
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a secondary containment system in place includes providing a support surface for bottom and side portions of the secondary containment systems and applying a thermoset resin material to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Charles M. Daul
  • Patent number: 5324137
    Abstract: An advancing freeze front is established in a porous region adjacent to or within contaminated earth. A flow of contaminated liquid phase water migrates toward the freeze front and a concentration of impurities is established in front of the advancing freeze front. When the freeze front reaches a collection zone, at least a portion is melted and the resultant water bearing concentrated impurities is collected and removed. This process may be repetitively performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventor: J. Gregory Dash
  • Patent number: 5318383
    Abstract: A method for controlling a closed-loop processing system (100) including the steps of receiving and analyzing an element to be processed to identify the contents thereof. The method further includes the steps of processing and converting the element into a residue which is stabilized, to prevent physical interaction therewith, and then deposited in a permanent landfill storage facility (124). Finally, a plurality of parameters of the residue and the environment surrounding the closed-loop processing system (100) are monitored to provide a plurality of control signals. The control signals are utilized to control each stage of the processing system to ensure a negligible environment effect. Thus, the invention provides a method for controlling a processing system in a closed-loop automated manner with negligible environmental impact. In a preferred embodiment, the closed-loop automated system (100) for processing waste of the present invention receives and analyzes waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: William A. Yates, Jon N. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5306861
    Abstract: A flexible sheet barrier includes a flexible sheet which has a first face to receive adhesive surface from a material being a strip of duct tape. The flexible sheet has a spaced series of apertures along at least one edge of the sheet, and inwardly spaced from the edge of the sheet. When the duct tape is placed over the apertures, the adhesive surface adheres to a substrate on the opposite face of the flexible sheet. The adhesive surface also adheres to the material on the first face of the sheet. This effectively provides a bonding of the flexible sheet to the substrate. Applied to a secured area, a room or space or floor can be lined so that safe asbestos abatement can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventors: Philip I. Amos, Diane L. Lickar
  • Patent number: 5304705
    Abstract: A depository for storing radioactive waste is comprised of a material such as natural rock, magmatic rock, or concrete. The construction body has an interior storage chamber. The size and the wall thickness of the construction body prevent emission of radioactive radiation during a projected storage time of several thousand years. The construction body is designed to provide a free, stable support on a concave to flat ground surface so that a displacement of the construction body due to tectonic movements of the earth's crust does not have an effect on its free and stable support. Preferably, the construction body has the shape of a tetrahedron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Max Himmelheber
  • Patent number: 5304704
    Abstract: A process of soil remediation in which an encapsulation solution is introduced into contact with a soil matrix containing chemical contaminants such as polynucleated aromatics in an amount sufficient to form a saturated admixture of the soil matrix and the encapsulation solution, the encapsulation solution being capable of preferentially attracting the chemical contaminants contained in the soil matrix, and containing an effective amount of non-ionic surfactant material and water; and the admixture is admixed for an interval sufficient to permit the chemical contaminants to preferentially dissociate from contact with the soil matrix in favor of association with the encapsulation solution. Once this occurs, the encapsulation solution with associated chemical contaminants can be removed from contact with the soil matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Norman Kammeraad
  • Patent number: 5304707
    Abstract: A method for solidification or encapsulation of compositions containing a substantially continuous aqueous phase comprising uniformly incorporating into said compositions core-shell polymer particles and subsequently neutralizing said polymer particles by incorporating into said compositions an organic or inorganic base. The neutralized polymer particles swell and absorb substantially all of said aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Blankenship, Clarence Neyhart, Ronald W. Novak
  • Patent number: 5301479
    Abstract: A hazardous material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. A mechanical joining mechanism extends through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also provided. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises providing a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also disclosed. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: CID Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Romig
  • Patent number: 5302179
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a useful soil product from contaminated soil and sludge is disclosed, and wherein the contaminated soil is heated in a primary treatment unit to a temperature above the vaporization temperature but below the auto ignition temperature of the contaminates, so as to volatilize the contaminates. The volatilized contaminates are then delivered to a secondary treatment unit where they are heated to a temperature sufficient to be converted to non-toxic products, such as carbon dioxide and water. The hot purified soil produced in the primary treatment unit is conveyed to a mixing chamber, and sedimentary sludge is also conveyed to the mixing chamber, and during mixing, heat energy is transferred to the sludge so as to heat and substantially sterilize the sludge, and to thereby produce a useful soil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5297896
    Abstract: An environmentally safe underground piping system for liquid fuels and chemicals which interconnects an underground liquid storage tank to one or more above ground liquid dispensing units, that provides a complete secondary containment system for the entire primary liquid supply piping system. The piping systems employs one tank access chamber interconnected to one or more dispenser access chambers by a double walled pipe. The double wall pipe provides an interstitial space for gravity flow of any leaking liquids, from any point in the primary liquid supply piping system, to an access chamber, which also serves as a liquid collection sump, for purposes of leak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5285617
    Abstract: A hazardous waste material container storage building comprising a plurality of modules, each module having a floor for supporting containers of hazardous waste materials and tubes underlying the floor. In one embodiment, a first and second module are provided. The invention further comprises a mechanical joining mechanism extending through the first module tube and the second module tube for securing the first module to the second module. The first and second modules are joined to create a single, unitary hazardous waste material storage building. A related method is also disclosed. Another embodiment of a hazardous waste material container storage building comprises providing a plurality of modules, each having a securing member disposed on the roof of each module. Two modules are joined by connecting a fastener to the securing members of each respective module. A related method is also disclosed. The first and second embodiment may be used in the same installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: CID Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Romig, Charles D. Ledford
  • Patent number: 5284998
    Abstract: Drums liners and methods used in the handling of hazardous materials and liquids comprising the use of disposable drum liners having a fitting allowing communication with the interior of the liner for securing the liner to a conventional drum bung hole, said fitting to be used to evacuate and collapse the liner, and a reseal plug attached to the fitting to seal the collapsed liner, said reseal plug having means to accept a plunger. The lid of the drum is removed and the sealed liner is taken from the drum using the plunger attached to the reseal plug. The liner is then placed into a disposal drum made of the same material as the liner and compressed. Once the disposal drum contains a sufficient number of compressed liners, it is removed for incineration or other safe disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Russell-Stanley Corporation
    Inventors: William Lima, Earl V. Lind, Philip D. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5284997
    Abstract: A two-stage filtering process and a two-stage filter, with a first-stage coalescing filter separating and removing liquid paint droplets and solids from the gaseous contents of a spent aerosol container, and a second-stage filter removing the hazardous solvents from the gaseous mixture discharging from the first-stage filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Porous Media Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Spearman, Eric C. Stender, Patrick R. Spearman
  • Patent number: 5284996
    Abstract: Method for storing a waste gas mixture comprised of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, the gas mixture containing corrosive contaminants including inorganic acids and bases and organic solvents, and derived from space station operations. The gas mixture is stored under pressure in a vessel formed of a filament wound composite overwrap on a metal liner, the metal liner being pre-stressed in compression by the overwrap, thereby avoiding any tensile stress in the liner, and preventing stress corrosion cracking of the liner during gas mixture storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Vickers
  • Patent number: 5276252
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of the storage of toxic wastes, in solidified form, without the creation of any pollution, on appropriate artificial sites. Briefly, a concrete raft is cast on a ground stabilized in depth, said concrete raft being constituted by slabs having joints between them and being arranged in a diamond moulding. This raft can support a tight-sealing material. Wastes are then piled up on the raft in maintaining the shape of a tumulus-like mound, the positioning being done under the protection of a movable cover comprising a travelling crane provided with rolls of plastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: SARP Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Biros, Bertrand Gontard, Philippe Pichat
  • Patent number: 5263794
    Abstract: An environmentally safe underground piping system which employes a inner flexible fluid supply piping system contained within an outer non-flexible containment piping system which interconnects a series of surface access chambers. Both the flexible supply and and non-flexible containment piping systems are interconnected by a series of directional fittings and couplings. The containment system may be installed, integrity tested, inspected and backfilled, prior to installation of the supply piping system which allows for a faster and more economical installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5262578
    Abstract: An environmental chamber comprising a transparent dome shaped housing having an annular conduit, including an exhaust port, affixed to the base of the housing. The housing securely fits over an end of a chemical container, to create a controlled environment within the encapsulated space between the housing and the container. Two cylindrical openings at the top of the housing allow chemical transfer hoses to be connected to the chemical container openings. A pair of gloved access ports allow an operator to access the encapsulated space to manipulate connections between the transfer hoses and the chemical container openings. The top of the housing also includes an intake port for delivering clean purging material into the encapsulated space in order to purge the encapsulated environment of any chemical that escaped from the chemical openings during hook up of the transfer tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Systems Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Hall
  • Patent number: 5254798
    Abstract: A secondary containment structure for the safe storage of hazardous materials held in primary containers, such as drums, cans and bottles. In large sizes, the containment structure is adapted to function as a pallet or as the floor of a building or shelter for primary containers. The structure includes a core formed of an end-grain balsa wood base and a rectangular frame placed thereover formed of the same or similar material to define the bed and the side walls of a sump. The inner edges at the upper end of the frame are indented to create a ledge to accommodate a fiberglass grating. The containers to be stored are seated on the grating, whereby leakage or spillage from the containers are collected in and confined to the sump. Laminated to the exposed surfaces of the core is a layer of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic material, whereby the resultant laminate, though light in weight, is of exceptional strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Warminster Fiberglass Company
    Inventor: Harry A. Zoback
  • Patent number: 5245118
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible waste disposal container apparatus and a method of disposing of hazardous waste in the subduction zone between tectonic plates making up the earth's upper mantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Howard W. Cole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5245117
    Abstract: The container (11) includes a side wall (15) defining a syringe storage chamber (19) where a coiled strip pack (31) of syringes (29) is placed. A central core (35) is place concentrically within the container and forms a collection chamber (20) for used syringes. The side wall (15) includes an outlet opening (30) so that the strip pack (31) can be paid out through the opening (30) and the syringes can be dispensed. The used syringes (29) will be pushed, needle-first through the central opening (26) and into the collection chamber (20), whereby when all the syringes in the strip pack are used and deposited into the collection chamber, the entire container can be disposed of, as by burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventors: L. Andrew Withers, David W. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5231938
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for handling hazardous materials, including liquid and solid materials, includes as a central feature the encapsulation of materials into spherical capsules. The capsules, which may be in one preferred embodiment about 12 inches to 17 inches in diameter, may be formed of two connected hemispheres or as an integral ball with a fill opening. Once filled and sealed, the spherical balls are nearly indestructible (although incineratable) and a very high percentage of the balls will survive even in a collision of a vehicle carrying them. The system of the invention preferably includes a color coding scheme directly on the capsules for identifying the materials in the capsules both generally, with a background color, and more specifically, with one or more color bands. In one preferred embodiment the spherical balls, when filled with hazardous materials, have a specific gravity less than 1.0 so that they will float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Douglas Gore
  • Patent number: 5220112
    Abstract: Fly ash generated from incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) when placed in landfills can under mild acid conditions leach lead and cadmium. A process for stabilizing lead in this fly ash is presented which involves calcining a mixture of the fly ash and certain calcium-containing compounds in the presence of an oxygen containing gas stream at a temperature greater than about 475.degree. C. and substantially less than about 800.degree. C. for times from about 30 minutes up to about 5 hours. Such treated MSW fly ash will give leachates containing lead concentrations less than the EPA regulatory limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Bucci, Francis A. Altemose, II, Nancy C. Easterbrook, Edwin N. Givens, Joseph Klosek, Kenneth D. Tracy, Kai P. Wong
  • Patent number: 5220111
    Abstract: Fly ash generated from incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) when placed in landfills under mild acid conditions can leach lead and cadmium. A process for stabilizing heavy metals in this fly ash is presented which involves calcining in the presence of an oxygen containing gas stream at a temperature greater than about 375.degree. C. and substantially less than about 800.degree. C. for times from about 170 seconds up to about 5 hours fly ash which has been subjected to lime scrubbing for acid gas removal. Such treated MSW fly ash will give leachates containing heavy metal concentrations less than the EPA regulatory limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Bucci, Francis A. Altemose, II, Nancy C. Easterbrook, Edwin N. Givens, Joseph Klosek, Kenneth D. Tracy, Kai P. Wong
  • Patent number: 5202522
    Abstract: Radioactive waste is mixed with concrete and stored below any potable aquifers in a well casing traversing a stable geological hydrocarbon-containing formation. Salt water and/or hydrocarbon zones are sealed off with clean cement. Preferred storage is in offshore deep non-operating oil or gas wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Billy J. Williams
  • Patent number: 5191156
    Abstract: The drill string enclosure consists of six component parts, including; a top bracket, an upper acrylic cylinder, an acrylic drill casing guide, a lower acrylic cylinder, a bottom bracket, and three flexible ducts. The upper acrylic cylinder is optional based upon the drill string length. The drill string enclosure allows for an efficient drill and sight operation at a hazardous waste site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of Americas as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Douglas K. Jorgensen, Douglass J. Kuhns, Otto Wiersholm, Timothy A. Miller
  • Patent number: 5161915
    Abstract: A synthetic cover for waste piles may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, cellulose fibers and plastic fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or portland cement with flyash or stone dust. The cellulose fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Landfill Service Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Hansen