Abstract: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes rotating hollow shaft mandrel with external projections to aid mandrel advance into the soil and define the size of the cavity formed in the soil, the cavity being filled with granular material to form the column as the mandrel is withdrawn. The apparatus includes a storage hopper in the vicinity of its base, with the hopper sized to hold material to form more than one column, from which material is incrementally conveyed or pumped to a feed tank system which supplies granular material to the cavity along a flow path extending through the hollow shaft mandrel to produce the column. When a group of columns is required, as in a sand drain grid, the columns can be completed sequentially with reasonable continuity in the multiple column formation cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus to install small diameter columns of granular material in soil which includes a hollow shaft element advanced into soil, a storage hopper containing granular material at or near the base of the apparatus with an elongated system to move granular material to and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed in soil as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn to form each column. Granular material may be moved from the storage hopper to the hollow shaft element by conveyor, pumping, and by fluid under pressure. A feed tank may be positioned to initially retain granular material moved from the storage hopper and subsequently pass the granular material into and through the hollow shaft element to fill the cavity formed as the hollow shaft element is withdrawn from the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus to install multiple small diameter columns in soil which includes a hollow shaft element to form a cavity in soil, a storage hopper to contain granular material at or near the base unit of the apparatus from which an elongated conveyor moves the granular material to a feed tank at the top of the hollow shaft element through which granular material passes as it is withdrawn from the soil to form each column of granular material. The storage hopper, the conveyor, the feed tank and the cavity forming element are arranged and move to successive column locations in a manner to permit granular material to be conveyed from the storage hopper to the feed tank without interrupting the advance and removal of the hollow shaft element from soil without rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the formation of cooled or frozen zones of soil or other granular material using low temperature fluids introduced to contact the material through a cavity forming tool which aids in cavity support until such time as the required cooling or freezing occurs. The coolant may be introduced into the cavity under pressure in a manner to provide intermediate cavity support during the tool withdrawal process, such pressure being retained in the formed cavity by virtue of the tool and material forming an effective seal to minimize inadvertent loss or venting of coolant to the atmosphere. As such, the cavities can be formed in any desired orientation, depending upon the direction of tool insertion. It is to be recognized that the introduction of coolant under pressure is not a requirement of the invention where the coolant has characteristics which will induce the necessary flow into the cavity.

Abstract: Fluid jetting techniques are applied to the prevention of arches and plugs in archable materials which are flowed through containers and conduits. The fluid jetting technique involves the separation of particles in a manner which will minimize the development of forces between particles, so as to avoid the keying action necessary to arch formation which impedes flow of such materials. The applied fluid forms at least part of the medium within which the particles are maintained; however, the ultimate direction of flow of the material need not be limited to the direction of flow of the applied fluid. Outside forces may also be applied to the particles, such as gravity, which may affect the direction of flow resulting. The direction of application of the fluid jetting system is best when it is aimed at the location of arching to insure the breakdown of the arch as it may form; however, it is also beneficial to direct the fluid jet substantially in the direction of the desired flow of material from the system.