Abstract: A method of producing a compacted article according to one embodiment may involve the steps of: Providing a copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder including a substantially homogeneous dispersion of copper and molybdenum disulfide sub-particles that are fused together to form individual particles of the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder; and compressing the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder under sufficient pressure to cause the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder to behave as a nearly solid mass.

Abstract: A method of producing a compacted article according to one embodiment may involve the steps of: Providing a copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder including a substantially homogeneous dispersion of copper and molybdenum disulfide sub-particles that are fused together to form individual particles of the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder; and compressing the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder under sufficient pressure to cause the copper/molybdenum disulfide composite powder to behave as a nearly solid mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating in-situ soil by use of solar energy is provided. A targeted area of contaminated in-situ soil is covered with a substantially sunlight-transmitting, nonporous covering that allows solar energy to penetrate said covering. A greenhouse effect subsequently occurs in which trapped solar energy heats the interior air within the covering and in-situ soil below the covering. As the in-situ soil is heated, contaminants found within the in-situ soil are vaporized. The structure comprises first and second side panels with attached first and second end panels. An exhaust vent is provided such that vaporized contaminants and air can escape the interior of the covering. An evacuating device can be utilized to further assist in removal of vaporized contaminants and air within the covering. A fresh air intake mechanism allows replenishment of air that is evacuated or vented with vaporized contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for, decontaminating in-situ soil by use of solar energy is provided. A targeted area of contaminated in-situ soil is covered with a substantially sunlight-transmitting, nonporous covering that allows solar energy to penetrate said covering. A greenhouse effect subsequently occurs in which trapped solar energy heats the interior air within the covering and in-situ soil below the covering. As the in-situ soil is heated, contaminants found within the in-situ soil are vaporized. The structure comprises first and second side panels with attached first and second end panels. An exhaust vent is provided such that vaporized contaminants and air can escape the interior of the covering. An exhaust means can be utilized to further assist in removal of vaporized contaminants and air within the covering. A fresh air intake slot allows replenishment of air that is exhausted or vented with vaporized contaminants.

Abstract: A contaminated valve containment device is provided which includes a leak-proof housing that is attachable to a leaking pipe member to prevent migration of contaminants to the environment. Disposed inside the housing is a catch pan for collecting contaminates leaking from the pipe member. A drain tube is provided in communication with the catch pan to evacuate the collected contaminates. An environmentally safe container may be connected to the drain tube for storage of the contaminants. At least one removable panel is provided on the wall of the housing to allow access to the leaking pipe member for maintenance purposes. The removable panel may be secured to the housing by either leak-proof or non-leak-proof seals depending upon the toxicity of the liquid carried by the pipe member.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from soil is provided. The invention comprises a classifier to separate oversized particles within the soil, a solid and liquid mixer to mix the soil and an added liquid, an agitator to fully mix the soil and liquid into a substantially homogeneous mixture, a separator wherein the soil and liquid are separated such that the contaminants float to the surface of the liquid, and a dryer wherein remaining excess liquid is removed from the substantially decontaminated soil. A material bin receives the oversized classified particles and a crusher/roller is provided to reduce the oversized material and return it to the classifier. The added liquid may include various chemicals to enhance the separability of the soil and contaminates. The solid and liquid mixer, agitator and separator may comprise of a number of sequential containers whereby separation is accomplished in a number of steps.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a well for soil sparging and soil vapor extraction is provided. The well comprises a bore hole extending from the surface of the earth for several feet and preferably to the base of the clay layer. An impervious casing having a larger diameter than the bore hole is mounted concentrically around the bore hole and extends from a point above the surface of the earth to a point below the surface of the earth. The impervious casing is sealed at its top end by a cover plate. An injection tube is inserted into the bore hole wherein the injection tube terminates at a point above the bottom of the bore hole. The bottom most portion of the bore hole is filled with granular material. Above the granular material, the bore hole is filled with packing material that is substantially impervious to liquid and gas. Above the packing material, the remaining space in the bore hole is filled with permeable material which allows passage of gas or liquid.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention a soil vapor well for removing volatile hydrocarbons from the vadose zone is provided. The well comprises a larger diameter first bore hole extending from the surface of the earth for several feet and preferably to the base of the clay layer, an impervious casing having a smaller diameter than the first bore hole is mounted concentrically within the first bore hole and extends from the bottom of the first bore hole to a point above the surface of the earth. Concrete fills the space between the sides of the first bore hole and the casing to provide a substantially air-tight seal from the earth below the first bore to the surface of the earth. A second bore hole, having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the casing extends downwardly from the lower end of the casing to a point located above the water table. Aggregate fills the second bore hole and the casing.