Abstract: A process for treating contaminated subsoil is provided that includes arranging at least one hole in contaminated subsoil, inserting at least one piping into the at least one hole, the at least one piping being longitudinally equipped with at least one first valve; inserting or arranging at least one injecting means into the at least one piping, and injecting at least one fluid into the contaminated subsoil through the at least one injecting means and next to the at least one first valve in open configuration; and removing possible residuals present in the at least one piping following the injection of the at least one fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices or systems and a method for remediating a soil comprising contaminants, comprising the steps of: —introducing in said soil at least one perforated column for contaminant extraction from a contaminated region of said soil; in close proximity of said at least one perforated column introducing at least one non-perforated column for providing heat to said contaminated region of said soil; providing heat to said at least one non-perforated column; extracting said contaminant vapor containing said soil contaminants out of said contaminated region of said soil into said at least one perforated column; removing said contaminant vapor from said at least one perforated column, thereby providing remediated soil; wherein said at least one perforated column and said at least one non-perforated column are connectable to at least one surface-located device comprising a combustion, a heating and control unit for heating and thereby cleaning said soil.

Abstract: A microwave ground or road surface heating system that eliminates the need for preparation of the surface to be heated while preventing leakage of microwave radiation. The highly portable microwave heating system prevents leakage of microwave radiation via a microwave horn and sealing shroud configuration that seals the unit to the surface being heated.

Abstract: A method for removing seaweed from a beach. A first step involves providing a primary vessel with a seaweed collection area and a vacuum source. A second step involves anchoring the primary vessel offshore. A third step involves connecting one end of a vacuum hose to the vacuum source and extending a remote end of the vacuum hose to the beach. A fourth step involves controlling the positioning of the remote end of the vacuum hose along the beach with a secondary vessel that is small in relation to the primary vessel. A fifth step involves activating the vacuum and feeding seaweed into the remote end of the vacuum hose. The seaweed is drawn by the vacuum source through the vacuum hose to the seaweed collection area on the primary vessel.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.

Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. The infrastructure can also include a comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material within the encapsulated volume. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The infrastructure can further include at least one convection driving conduit oriented in a lower portion of the permeable body to generate bulk convective flow patterns throughout the permeable body. An associated method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminated ground water and controlling the temperature of a building includes pumping water to be remediated from a well to ground level and treating the water with water remediation equipment. The method further includes providing the water to a heat pump to serve as a heat source or a heat sink. The water is then discharged. A geothermal heat pump and water remediation system includes a well used as a source of water, a water remediation system configured to treat the water, and a heat pump configured to heat or cool a building where the heat pump uses the water as at least one of a heat source or a heat sink.

Abstract: A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil are provided. The system comprises a soil remediation cell of contaminated soil and a plurality of multi-functional conduits located within the contaminated soil. Each multi-functional conduit defines a reaction housing. The multi-functional conduits includes heating elements for introducing heat into the contaminated soil for volatilizing the contaminants located within the contaminated soil, without utilizing mechanically driven forced air. This produces a contaminated vapor. The system and allows for re-circulation of vapors generated during breakdown of contaminants allowing for use of the re-circulated vapor for heat production and energy use. The system may be utilized for remote access and portability to disparate locations whereby the system does not require use of a container or receptacle. A substantial portion of the contaminants in the contaminated vapor are destroyed in the reaction housing.

Abstract: An engine/steam generator which converts hydrogen peroxide to superheated steam and oxygen and having an afterburner that together with a reducing agent, utilizes the oxygen, thereby supplying oxygen free super-heated steam under pressure for oil well stimulation. Fluids such as water and KH30 can be injected into the engine/stem generator. The invention also relates to an apparatus and methods of incineration, soil remediation, land fill remediation, controlled vault burning, chemical atomization/vaporization, home heating, generation of electricity, diesel engine exhaust cleaning, steam turbine, gas path cleaner for jet engines, steam cleaning, natural gas engine power booster emission reducer, chemical storage tank cleaning, portable gas drive, and metal tempering.

Abstract: An in situ soil remediation system may be used to remove or reduce levels of mercury contamination within soil. The soil remediation system may also remove or reduce levels of other contaminants within the soil. Mercury may be vaporized within the soil by a heating system. The vaporized mercury may be removed from the soil by a vacuum system. The vaporized mercury may pass through heated risers that elevate the vaporized mercury. After the vaporized mercury passes from the heated risers, the vaporized mercury may be allowed to cool, condense, and flow downward to a treatment facility. Removing mercury from the soil as a vapor may provide an economical, safe, and efficient way to remediate mercury contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method is provided to remove contaminants from contaminated soil. The method may include withdrawing vapors from a vapor extraction well, estimating the amount of water vapor removed from the contaminated soil in the vapors being withdrawn from the vapor extraction well, and applying heat to the contaminated soil from a plurality of heater wells at a rate not greater than that which would vaporize the estimated amount of water vapor. The permeability of the soil may thereby increase by the application of heat. Six or more heat injection wells may be provided for each vapor extraction well, and the heat injection wells may be placed and energized in a regular pattern around the vapor extraction well, which may include multiple rings of heaters around each vapor extraction well.

Abstract: A method for in-situ dense non-aqueous phase liquids treatment in which a subsurface source area comprising at least one rapid release contaminant is located and free water removed therefrom. The subsurface source area is then heated to a temperature suitable for extracting the at least one rapid release contaminant from the subsurface source area. The at least one rapid release contaminant is extracted from the subsurface source area, resulting in solidification of the dense non-aqueous phase liquids remaining in the subsurface source area.

Abstract: Methods are provided for remediating contaminated soil. The methods may include collecting contaminated soil at a plurality of treatment sites. The contaminated soil at one or more of the plurality of treatment sites may be at least partially contained. Contaminated soil at the plurality of treatment sites may be treated with equipment in a central treatment facility. Treatment of the plurality of sites may be coordinated such that equipment in the central treatment facility operates substantially continuously as soil is delivered to, treated at, and removed from various treatment sites. The plurality of sites may be treated in a sequential manner, in which soil is delivered to one site, treated at a second site, and removed from a third site substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Freeze wells may be used to isolate an area for soil remediation. Freeze wells may form a frozen barrier around a treatment area. The frozen barrier may inhibit fluid from entering into the treatment area. The frozen barrier may also inhibit migration of contamination out of the treatment area. The frozen barrier may be used to surround all of the perimeter of the treatment area. A frozen barrier may also be formed above or below a treatment area. Freeze wells may be activated in advance of soil remediation so that a frozen barrier is formed when soil remediation is begun. The soil remediation may be accomplished by any type of soil remediation system, including a thermal soil remediation system. Heaters of a thermal soil remediation system may be may be placed close to the frozen barrier without the barrier being broken through during remediation.

Abstract: An in situ thermal desorption system may be used to remove contamination from soil. Off-gas removed from the soil may be transported from the soil to a treatment facility by high temperature hoses and plastic piping. The use of high temperature hose and plastic pipe may reduce the capital cost, installation cost, and operating cost as compared to conventional transport systems from thermal desorption soil remediation systems. The high temperature hose and plastic pipe are highly resistant to corrosion caused by the off-gas. The treatment facility may separate the off-gas into a liquid stream and a vapor stream. The liquid stream and the vapor stream may be processed to reduce contaminants within the liquid stream and vapor stream to acceptable levels.

Abstract: Methods are provided for remediating contaminated soil. The methods may include collecting contaminated soil at a plurality of treatment sites. The contaminated soil at one or more of the plurality of treatment sites may be at least partially contained. Contaminated soil at the plurality of treatment sites may be treated with equipment in a central treatment facility. Treatment of the plurality of sites may be coordinated such that equipment in the central treatment facility operates substantially continuously as soil is delivered to, treated at, and removed from various treatment sites. The plurality of sites may be treated in a sequential manner, in which soil is delivered to one site, treated at a second site, and removed from a third site substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An in situ soil remediation system may be used to remove or reduce levels of mercury contamination within soil. The soil remediation system may also remove or reduce levels of other contaminants within the soil. Mercury may be vaporized within the soil by a heating system. The vaporized mercury may be removed from the soil by a vacuum system. The vaporized mercury may pass through heated risers that elevate the vaporized mercury. After the vaporized mercury passes from the heated risers, the vaporized mercury may be allowed to cool, condense, and flow downward to a treatment facility. Removing mercury from the soil as a vapor may provide an economical, safe, and efficient way to remediate mercury contaminated soil.

Abstract: An in situ thermal desorption (ISTD) soil remediation system may be used to remove or reduce contamination within soil. Heat may be transferred to the soil from resistively heated, bare metal heater elements. The heater elements may be placed directly within the soil. Alternately, the heater elements may be suspended within casings. The heater elements may be conductive heaters, or the heater elements may be radiative heater elements. The ISTD soil remediation system may include temperature-resistant, chemical resistant, flexible conduits that transport off-gas removed from the ground to a treatment facility. A residence time of off-gas within the conduits may be sufficient to allow the off-gas to cool so that the off-gas may pass to a treatment facility through a manifold and piping made of polymeric material.

Abstract: An in situ thermal desorption soil remediation system may be used to remove contamination from soil. Heat may be applied to the soil by metallic strip heaters that have large cross sectional areas as compared to conventional heater elements. The strip heaters may be made of stainless steel. Large cross sectional areas of the strip heaters allow for large areas of thermal contact between the strip heaters and the soil being treated. Casings may not be needed between the strip heaters and the soil. The operating temperature of the strip heaters is self-regulating. As the temperature of a strip heater increases, the electrical resistance of the strip heater also increases. The increase in resistance causes a decrease in the power dissipation of the strip heater. The decrease in power dissipation as temperature increases allows a steady state heater strip temperature to be attained during use.

Abstract: A method is provided to remove contaminants from near-surface contaminated soil, the method including the steps of: placing a plurality of metal sheets on the surface above the contaminated soil to form a contiguous cover over at least a portion of the contaminated soil; seal welding adjacent metal sheets together; cutting a plurality of holes in the metal sheet; providing a plurality of heater wells and a plurality of vapor extraction wells into the contaminated soil through the holes cut in the metal sheets; providing vapor extraction wellheads over the vapor extraction wells, the vapor extraction wellheads sealed to the metal sheets; and removing contaminants from the near-surface soil by heating from the heater wells and extracting vapor through the vapor extraction wells. The wells are preferably both heater wells and vapor extraction wells, and the wellheads are preferably bolted to a flange which is welded to the metal sheets to ensure a positive seal at the surface.

Abstract: Methods of extracting liquid hydrocarbon contaminants from underground zones are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of introducing a hot purge gas into an underground zone containing a pool of liquid hydrocarbon contaminants whereby light liquid hydrocarbons in and around the pool are evaporated and dense liquid hydrocarbons in the pool are evaporated to some extent, charred, auto-ignited and combusted, and removing the hot purge gas, the evaporated light liquid hydrocarbons and combustion gases from the combustion of the dense liquid hydrocarbons in the zone.

Abstract: A preferred method of soil remediation in which contaminant organic compounds are removed from soil by a sequential process in which the bulk of natural and contaminant organic compounds are stripped from the soil by hot air injection, followed by applying a strong oxidizing agent, preferably a permanganate, to reduce residual organic contaminant concentration to acceptable levels. Hot air is injected into the soil as it is being churned by the soil mixing device, preferably a chain trencher, to strip off organic compounds, The vapors may be collected through a vacuum hood disposed over the soil mixing device. When the thermal stripping has reduced the bulk hydrocarbon content of the soil (and thus reduced the oxidant demand), an effective amount of permanganate or other strong oxidizing agent is mixed into the soil to reduce the residual organic contaminants. Hot air can also be injected into the soil as or after the oxidizing agent is introduced to accelerate the oxidation rate.