Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for recovering areas degraded by mining by means of soil treatment. In this context, the present invention provides a method for reusing ore concentrate waste, comprising the steps of (i) generating a solid or pasty residue from ore concentration, (ii) enriching the residue with at least two organic binders and a fertilizer to obtain an enriched/improved residue, (iii) depositing the enriched residue on the mined ground to form an enriched subsoil and (iv) depositing a topsoil layer on the enriched subsoil.

Abstract: A filter assembly useful in collecting the particulate matter from a diesel engine onto surfaces on which the combustion vapors are condensed, and thereafter exposing the exhaust stream to catalytic reaction, is defined by a split cavity in which a row of kinematic filter discs is received. The filter discs are stacked in the assembly in a progressively finer opening size, each filter disc making an intimate contact with the assembly housing for cooling. In this manner condensation onto the discs is promoted to provide a liquid bed on which the particulate matter is trapped. The exhaust flow then passes through a coiled, corrugated catalyst surface for further reaction. A set of spring loaded bypass conduits is provided to allow diesel operation at such times when the filter plates and the catalytic coiled surface are clogged. The filter plates and the coiled catalyst strip can then be periodically removed and cleaned, for continued operation.

Abstract: An evacuated enclosure is provided around a circular cutter to collect the cutting dust produced while forming inspection apertures in insulation cladding. The enclosure includes an upper and lower coaxial chamber, the upper chamber provided with an air pump geared to a rotary shaft from a hand tool that also extends into the lower chamber. The hole cutter at the end of the shaft is then advanced through the insulation cladding by the advancement of the shaft through the cover, and the withdrawal stroke removes the cut pluc from the hale cutter while a spray of fixative is released into the enclosure. This fixative coats the loose strands on the plug exterior and also collects on the filter elements, to fix hazardous dust like asbestos from dispersal. The assembly may be combined with a portable power unit which may also include a vacuum device to augment the air draw across the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming inspection apertures through the insulation cladding of a containment vessel by forming an opening partly through the cladding which is thereafter lined by an adhered liner. The depth of the liner is less than the thickness of the cladding, thereby precluding heat transfer thereacross. The removed plug of the insulation is then fixed by an adhesive spray about its exterior, and once cured can then be replaced into the liner to recreate substantially identical insulative qualities. On replacement, a bridging cover is adhered across the liner to maintain the weather integrity of the cladding. This cover may be removed on successive occassions to allow for repeated inspection of the vessel walls.