Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Balch

Thomas H. Balch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5228804
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ex situ remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, comprising the excavation of the soil from its in situ position and forming a covered pile of loosened soil, at the base of which an array of a plurality of hot air inlet conduits are located. At least one array of a plurality of gas take-off conduits are situated at one or more higher level(s) in the pile. Heated air is injected into the inlet conduits at the base of the pile and allowed to percolate up through the soil to remove the hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds as hydrocarbon vapor entrained process gas. This process gas is drawn off by applying a negative pressure to the take-off conduits. The drawn-off process gases are then passed through a gas burner which thermally oxidizes the hydrocarbons and organic compounds. The heat generated from the gas burner is exchanged with ambient inlet air to provide the hot air used to inject into the base soil pile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas H. Balch