Abstract: A sprayable composition and a method of protecting material with the composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a bulking/setting material, a water soluble polymer and water to provide a cover layer which, after spraying, is tough, flexible and water-repellent. Other materials such as clay, fibrous material, a foam producing agent and a hardening retarder can be included in the composition. The composition is effective as a cover layer over material such as soil, refuse at a dump site, stockpiled material, a temporary cover for remediation sites, or tire piles.

Abstract: A flowable material to isolate or treat a surface consists of a plurality of manufactured composite particles. Each composite particle includes a core, and a sealant layer at least partially encapsulating the core. The core is relatively dense compared to the sealant layer, and the composite particle has a specific gravity greater than one. The sealant layer includes a clay mineral, a pozzolanic material and/or activated carbon. A sealant layer formed of a pozzolanic material creates a hardened underwater barrier layer. The sealant layer can also include natural fibers such as cellulose or man-made fibers such as glass, carbon or plastics to mechanically improve the geotechnical properties of the layer when hydrated. The composite particles can also include a material to treat the contaminants or otherwise improve the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A self-foaming composition includes a foaming agent, a bulking material, and a water soluble polymer. The composition, when mixed with an aqueous carrier, forms a foamed sprayable composition suitable for providing a cover layer over a selected material.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a foamed outdoor protective cover layer having a storage tank adapted to contain a slurry. A pump is connected to the storage tank for supplying slurry from the tank to a first inlet port of a regulating valve. A foam generator is connected to a second inlet port of the regulating valve. The regulating valve also includes an outlet port which is connected to a spray nozzle. The regulating valve is operable to combine foam produced by the foam generator with pumped slurry to produce a foamed composition. The regulating valve is adjustable to vary the rate of addition of foam to the pumped slurry to control the density of the foamed composition.

Abstract: A bead for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface. Generally, a plurality of such beads are required to form an effective underwater barrier layer. Each of the beads comprises a core, preferably formed of a piece of gravel. A sealant layer is provided which at least partially encapsulates this core. The sealant layer includes a clay and a binder. The binder facilitates the adhesion of the sealant layer to the core of the bead. To form such an underwater barrier layer over contaminated sediments beneath a body of water, a plurality of the beads are deposited on top of the contaminated sediments.

Abstract: A sprayable composition and a method of protecting material with the composition is disclosed. The composition comprises a polymer such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, clay, and water to provide a cover layer which, after spraying, is tough, flexible and water-repellent. Other materials such as shredded paper and gypsum can be used in the cover layer. The composition is effective as a cover layer over material such as soil, refuse at a dump site, or grain in a stockpile.