Abstract: The present invention relates to the retrievable storage of high-level nuclear spent fuel. Such waste, which generates heat as it decays, is packed in sealed containers (2) which are placed in a repository site comprising a tunnel or drift (5) in a geological rock formation (50) for permanent or long-term storage. Elongated, sealed cooling enhancement devices (7) are emplaced in boreholes (8) extending from the inside surfaces (16a-b) of the drift (5) and carry heat from the location of the waste containers (5) to farther distances in the repository site. Applicable sealed cooling enhancement devices disclosed are heat pipes (7), thermal syphons (307), superconductor rods, and heat pumps (407). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, conventional mining rock bolts which are hollowed contain a cooling enhancement choice.

Abstract: A temporary support for a mine roof is mounted on a mobile roof bolter, and includes a main support frame pivotably connected to the bolter, a main support beam and a ground contacting beam, both extending along the same axis in front of the main support frame, and connected to each other and to the main support frame by a scissors pivot joint and a leveling pivot joint, respectively. When the scissors pivot joint opens and closes, the main support beam and ground contact beam raise and lower with respect to each other and with respect to the ground. A cross beam is mounted on the main support beam and transverse to the axis thereof, and raises and lowers in the same plane with respect to the mine face, to contact and support the mine roof. For a high lift version, the scissors pivot joint is telescopically extendable.

Abstract: A glory hole silo comprising a cylindrical casing open at the upper end thereof; an upwardly open porch for supporting a flowline, said porch extending horizontally from and cantilevered with respect to said casing, the upper surface of said porch opening to the interior of said casing and provided with means communicating with the interior of said casing for attaching a flowline; and a removable roof extending over the open upper end of said casing and porch. The porch structure permits flowlines to be readily connected without the intervention of a diver.

Abstract: A system for irrigating the roots of plants below the surface of the ground in which a narrow irrigation tube is connected at its upper end to a water distribution source. The irrigation tube extends below the surface of the ground from the water distribution source in generally vertical alignment with the stalk of the plant, and its lower end opens vertically downwardly below the roots of a plant, so that water may be discharged from the opening in the lower end in a downwardly direction. The soil in the planting site is broken up to a depth of at least five feet below ground surface.

Abstract: Used drilling mud, and other high solids oilfield waste which has been contaminated with hydrocarbons, is pumped downhole into a salt cavity where the mud and hydrocarbons separate with the mud gravitating to the bottom of the cavity and the hydrocarbons rising toward the surface of the ground. Brine separates the accumulated hydrocarbons from the residual mud. The brine or the hydrocarbons is selectively removed for sales while additional water or contaminated mud is added to the system as may be required. The salt cavity preferably is located in a geographical area wherein anhydride ledges are formed therewithin upon formation of the cavity. The resultant ledges form baffle plates that coalesces the separated particles of oil and enhance formation of the separated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a breakaway prop for a wicket employing a slble and rotatable prop bearing which is secured to the prop by shear pins. Upon application of sufficient force, the shear pins release the prop bearing and allow the wicket to drop without damaging the prop.

Abstract: A slopeside of mudstone or laccolith is graded into an artificial slopeside and several oblique and parallel drainage channels are arranged on its surface. Several root planting segments are selected and connected with several root planting tubes provided for communication. The tubes are charged with organic fertilizers and are suitable for burial in the artificial slopeside. Bush packs with lateral roots are planted in each of the root planting segments and the lateral roots are inserted into the root planting tubes so that the roots of different packs grow quickly and entangle intimately with each other to form a stable base for greening the artificial slopeside. Vegetative quick greening bags containing organic material based on the different growing time of herbaceous plants are affixed to the slopeside to distribute the organic materials so as to provide an optimum place for the herbaceous plants to bud and fully grow.

Abstract: An improved coping construction is comprised of a precast element attached to a retaining wall. The retaining wall and precast element serve as a portion of the form for a cast in place portion of the coping construction.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a vertical member in an offshore environment, utilize support members which are secured to the vertical member by a doubler plate which is guided into an abutting relationship with the vertical member.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing chemicals into an underwater pipe comprising first and second chemical feed pipes, the feed pipes being mounted to an intake pipe forming part of the underwater pipe, the first feed pipe extending along the length of the intake pipe and being connected to the second feed pipe, the second feed pipe being mounted to the intake pipe at that portion of the intake pipe adjacent an intake pipe opening, the second feed pipe including a plurality of inwardly extending releasing valves for dispensing chemicals into the intake pipe, the chemicals being delivered to the second feed pipe through the first feed pipe. A cone-shaped device is also disclosed for inserting the first chemical feed pipe into the intake pipe, the cone-shaped device having first and second cone elements coaxially spaced apart to form an air pocket therebetween.

Abstract: Liquid is pumped through a specially designed wand to create a hole in the ground. The wand is pushed downward into the hole to a selected depth. The wand is then pivoted about a vertical axis through 90.degree. during a period of five seconds. The wand is then pushed downward an additional one foot during a ten second period. The steps of the method are repeated until the wand has reached a selected maximum depth. The wand has a body with a vertical nozzle exiting through the bottom, and four horizontal nozzles exiting through side surfaces. Intermediate surfaces are interspersed between the side surfaces, giving the body of the wand a hexagonal cross section.

Abstract: A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding. Bolting machines may be carried on the support sections. A drill may be provided on one section and a bolt inserter provided on a section rearwardly thereof. As the system is advanced, the bolt inserter can insert a bolt into a hole previously formed by the drill. The operation of providing roof bolts is therefore split into a number of stages. A mechanism for erecting and/or pre-stressing permanent arch supports may be provided at the rear of the sections.

Abstract: A method for treating chromium ore waste contaminated soils by detoxification, fixation, immobilization and stabilization comprising the steps of soil grinding, pre-activating, reducing chromium valiancy, forming insoluble metal hydroxides, and incapsulating the chromium compounds containing agglomerates to prevent potential chromium leaching from the soil according with the standard toxicity characteristic leaching procedure requirements. Additive agents such as an acidic solution, a bivalent iron sulfur containing salt, e.g. ferrous sulfate, an alkalifying agent, e.g. calcium lime slurry or lime kiln dust or caustic, a stabilizing agent, e.g. cement, cement kiln dust, silicates, polyelectrolytes, and the like are also disclosed as assisting in the chromium immobilization reactions by reacting with certain constituents in the soil.

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.

Abstract: A method for chemically stabilizing a hydroxide sludge waste material (10) having at least one contaminant is provided. The method of the present invention involves combining one or more oxides formed from each contaminants (11) contained within the hydroxide sludge (10) with at least one ionic binder (12) and glass-making oxides (14) to form a glass-compatible mixture. This mixture is melted, causing each ionic binder (12) to form a glass-compatible oxide, thus forming a glass oxide melt (18). Upon cooling, the glass oxide melt (18) forms a glass composition (20) containing each contaminant alloyed within its chemical structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing agent, for fixing organic and inorganic impurities containing material, which comprises an organophilic clay material and a clay-growth agent. The clay-growth agent comprises at least one magnesium compound and/or at least one aluminium compound, and an initiator for clay formation. This initiator is a silicon-containing material, such as a glass or a silicon-containing rock, such as pumice, basalt or andasite. The magnesium compound preferably originates from granulated blast furnace slags, or is magnesium oxide, whereas the aluminium compound is expediently aluminium oxide or an alumina containing material. An oxidising agent can also be present. A method for fixing organic and inorganic impurities containing material to an at least partially organophilic clay material in an aqueous medium, and, if desired, hardening the resulting material using an inorganic reagent and, where appropriate, a hardening activator, is also described.

Abstract: For constructing a pillar in an earthen foundation, a consolidating fluid is sprayed inside the earthen foundation from consolidating fluid spray nozzles provided on a rotating shaft, and then the consolidating fluid and the soil of the original foundation are stirred and mixed. The consolidating fluid spray nozzles which spray the consolidating fluid approximately horizontally are provided on the rotating shaft. The pillar is formed in the earthen foundation by stirring and mixing together the consolidating fluid and the soil of the original foundation in such a way that the rotating speed of the rotating shaft is faster for clayish soil than for sandy soil, the pressure from the consolidating fluid spray nozzles is higher for clayish soil than for sandy soil, and the penetration speed of the rotating shaft is slower for clayish soil than for sandy soil.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal apparatus for heating waste includes a hydrodynamic exhaust scrubber in which water is sprinkled in an atomized or spouted state into a circulation passage as the gaseous pyrolytic product and the steam flow through the passage, so that the product and the steam are dissolved in the water. The product and the steam are thus collected and removed.

Abstract: A pile grabbing apparatus comprising a steel I-beam of appropriate length supporting two claw assemblies. The claw assemblies are each driven by two hydraulic cylinders to grab and hold a concrete pile. A pair of steel support plates are welded onto the I-beam and with a "quick coupler", the I-beam is attached to the arm of a mobile excavating apparatus, such as a dirt excavator. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to hydraulic hoses and controlled by a control module. The operator at the control module may manipulate the claw assemblies to open and close.

Abstract: An underground work chamber assembly including a chamber, elevator shaft, air path, utility path, and slotted grout pipes which is assembled as lowered into a drilled hole on dry land or underwater, the slotted grout pipes facilitating a controlled grouting of the space surrounding the underground work chamber assembly when in place.