Chemical Patents (Class 405/129.25)
  • Patent number: 11577112
    Abstract: A method for destructing and valorizing an asbestos waste including the steps of: determining the asbestos mineralogical group contained in the waste, performing a treatment on the waste which includes of: an acid treatment when the waste comprises only a chrysotile, a base treatment when the waste comprises only an amphibole, the acid treatment followed by the base treatment when the asbestos waste includes a mixture of a chrysotile and an amphibole, and valorizing at least one of the products obtained on completion of the performing of the treatment. An embodiment also concerns a treatment of a chrysotile waste through an acid treatment followed by a thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTPELLIER, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ENSCM—ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DE CHIMIE
    Inventors: Gaël Talbi, Olivier Cambon, Martine Cambon
  • Patent number: 10125317
    Abstract: The present invention intends to provide a practically valuable insolubilizing material for a designated hazardous substance (a heavy metal or the like) and an insolubilization method using the insolubilizing material for a designated hazardous substance, the insolubilizing material and method: making it possible to conduct treatment in a neutral region from start to finish to effectively insolubilize and immobilize a heavy metal or the like, which is contained in soil and the vicinity of the surface of the soil and which has adverse effects on health, by adding the insolubilizing material to the soil to mix with the soil, or spraying the insolubilizing material on the soil; and making the treated matter reusable, environmentally friendly, and neutral without fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: YOSHINO GYPSUM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Sugano, Shinichi Miura, Yusuke Ichino, Masaru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9475213
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for reproducing a template. The template includes a transfer surface and a release layer. The transfer surface has a concavoconvex pattern. The release layer includes an inorganic functional group and an organic functional group, both being bonded to the transfer surface. The method for reproducing the template includes the following two steps: removing the organic functional group by oxidizing and decomposing the organic functional group included in the release layer; and removing the inorganic functional group; and forming the release layer by coupling a silane coupling agent with the transfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masako Kobayashi, Hideaki Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 9284621
    Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a sulfate and/or sulfide-rich waste material, comprising metal sulfide minerals, and sequestering CO2 comprises exposing the material to a CO2-enriched gas mixture, reacting the CO2-enriched gas mixture with the metal sulfide minerals and forming a CO2-depleted gas mixture and a carbon-containing compound and at least one product selected from the group consisting of a purified metal or a metal-rich compound suitable for smelting or refining, sulfuric acid, sulfur and sulfurous acid, and system and apparatus therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Strategic Metals Ltd.
    Inventor: William Douglas Eaton
  • Patent number: 9216419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing waste incineration ashes (A), in particular domestic waste incineration ashes (HMVA), in which the ashes are classified into a plurality of fractions of different grain size distributions in a processing plant (11) separated from the actual waste incineration process. The ashes (A) are classified exclusively using a wet classification process in the processing plant (11), only wet classification processes that are gentle to the grains being used, and the wet classification process is performed in such a way that all of the ashes (A) are classified into at least one fine fraction (I) loaded with harmful substances and at least one coarse fraction (II, III) that contains only a small amount of harmful substances or no harmful substances at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Friedrich-Wilhelm Evers, Alexandra Beckmann
  • Patent number: 8940958
    Abstract: Method for the stabilization of contaminants within a material selected from soils, mining tailings and by-products, sludge wastes and industrial wastes, by mixing the material with an alum sludge composition. The composition includes one or more aluminum compound(s) and/or complex(es) together with a reactive carbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ziltek Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael John McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8696244
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to apply waste treatment liquid to a solid waste disposal site by filing a storage tank with waste treatment liquid, connecting the liquid storage tank with a vehicle for solid waste compacting and releasing the waste treatment liquid to a portion of solid waste site in need of moisture. This invention further provided an apparatus for distributing waste treatment liquid over the working face of a solid waste disposal site includes an inflow conduit, a storage tank, an outflow conduit, a control valve that contains a remote-valve control; manifold inlet conduit attached to the control valve, and a manifold to allow the liquid received from the manifold inlet conduit to be distributed evenly over the working face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: S&D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Keylor, Lindsey Shirley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8628659
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater having contaminants such as but not limited to organic compounds perhaps providing adsorption, chemical oxidation, and even biodegradation of contaminants with novel treatments such as but not limited to mixtures of granular activated carbon, calcium peroxide, sodium persulfate, and nitrate perhaps in various concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jesse Clinton Taylor, III
  • Patent number: 8608405
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods of disposing of produced water recovered during hydrocarbon drilling, production, transportation or storage operations include collecting produced water, mixing Type I Portland cement with produced water to form a cementitious slurry, introducing the cementitious slurry into an underground void and allowing the cementitious slurry to set and form cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John St. Clergy, Freddie L. Toney
  • Publication number: 20130330128
    Abstract: Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Anticline Disposal, LLC
    Inventors: Lee L. Shafer, John W. James, Richard D. Rath, Jesse Eubank
  • Patent number: 8580114
    Abstract: When a large-scale contaminant plume is located under a surface area with conditions that prevent placement of a network of injection and associated extraction wells, embodiments of the invention may be used to pump a specific volume of the contaminant plume to at least one remote in-situ treatment cell, comprising at least one injection well surrounded by a plurality of associated extraction wells, where each extraction well is less than 300 feet from the associated injection well, and has a treatment zone with treatment reagent between injection and associated extraction wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kleinfelder West, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Kenneth Tyler
  • Patent number: 8579544
    Abstract: A method for the combined chemical oxidation/assisted bioremediation of contaminated materials, comprising contacting a contaminated material with at least one metal chelate and at least one peroxide compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: SOLVAY (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Noel Boulos, Alastair McNeillie, Jason Muessig
  • Patent number: 8529155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: FracPure Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Frank A. DiTommaso, Peter N. DiTommaso
  • Patent number: 8480903
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for in-situ remediation of soil and groundwater having contaminants such as but not limited to organic compounds perhaps providing adsorption, chemical oxidation, and even biodegradation of contaminants with novel treatments such as but not limited to mixtures of granular activated carbon, calcium peroxide, sodium persulfate, and nitrate perhaps in various concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Jesse Clinton Taylor, III
  • Patent number: 8287625
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for treating landfill gas using landfill leachate. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving landfill leachate from at least one of a plurality of sources, and pretreating the landfill leachate to adjust at least one chemical property of at least one component of the landfill leachate. The leachate contacts landfill gas, so that at least one component of the landfill gas chemically reacts with at least one component of the landfill leachate to form a spent landfill leachate and a treated landfill gas. The method also includes recycling a first portion of the spent landfill leachate, recirculating a second portion of the spent landfill leachate to at least one of the plurality of sources, and subjecting the treated landfill gas to flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Casella
  • Publication number: 20120243942
    Abstract: A process for insitu treatment of at least one contaminant in groundwater, the process comprises the steps of: installing a permeable reactive barrier in the flow path of the at least one contaminant, wherein the installation of the permeable reactive barrier comprises the steps of: boring a first borehole with a portion longitudinally extending; filling the longitudinally extending portion with a reactive material comprising a solid reactant configured to react with the at least one contaminant in the groundwater to produce at least one product having less hazardous characteristics than the at least one contaminant; boring a second longitudinally extending portion and filling the second longitudinally extending portion with the reactive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: SPECIALTY EARTH SCIENCES
    Inventors: Jason Swearingen, Lindsay Swearingen
  • Publication number: 20120183355
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to apply waste treatment liquid to a solid waste disposal site by filing a storage tank with waste treatment liquid, connecting the liquid storage tank with a vehicle for solid waste compacting and releasing the waste treatment liquid to a portion of solid waste site in need of moisture. This invention further provided an apparatus for distributing waste treatment liquid over the working face of a solid waste disposal site includes an inflow conduit, a storage tank, an outflow conduit, a control valve that contains a remote-valve control; manifold inlet conduit attached to the control valve, and a manifold to allow the liquid received from the manifold inlet conduit to be distributed evenly over the working face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: S & D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Keylor, Lindsey Shirley
  • Publication number: 20120128424
    Abstract: In some embodiments, methods of disposing of produced water recovered during hydrocarbon drilling, production, transportation or storage operations include collecting produced water, mixing Type I Portland cement with produced water to form a cementitious slurry, introducing the cementitious slurry into an underground void and allowing the cementitious slurry to set and form cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: JOHN ST. CLERGY, FREDDIE L. TONEY
  • Patent number: 7967989
    Abstract: A sulfurous acid treated wastewater disposal method employing soil aquifer treatment (SAT) for artificial recharge of groundwater through infiltration basins allowing fully or partially-treated sewage effluent to infiltrate into the soil and move down to the groundwater through a “vadose” zone, which acts as a natural filter to remove essentially all suspended solids, biodegradable materials, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Earth Renaissance Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Gong, John Harmon, Marcus G. Theodore
  • Patent number: 7955419
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for treating landfill gas using landfill leachate. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving landfill leachate from at least one of a plurality of sources, and pretreating the landfill leachate to adjust at least one chemical property of at least one component of the landfill leachate. The leachate contacts landfill gas, so that at least one component of the landfill gas chemically reacts with at least one component of the landfill leachate to form a spent landfill leachate and a treated landfill gas. The method also includes recycling a first portion of the spent landfill leachate, recirculating a second portion of the spent landfill leachate to at least one of the plurality of sources, and subjecting the treated landfill gas to flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Casella
  • Publication number: 20100329790
    Abstract: Embodiments include treatments for acid mine drainage generation sources (10 perhaps by injection of at least one substrate (11) and biologically constructing a protective biofilm (13) on acid mine drainage generation source materials (14). Further embodiments include treatments for degradation of contaminated water environments (17) with substrates such as returned milk and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation d/b/a Western Research Institute
    Inventors: Song Jin, Paul H. Fallgren, Jeffrey M. Morris
  • Patent number: 7833423
    Abstract: The treatment of contaminated waters or soils by an oxidizing agent and a catalyst is described. The addition of silica as a catalyst to an oxidizing agent with or without an additional metal catalyst showed a greater remediation effect. Subsequent normal bacterial processes are unimpeded since the treatment process does not leave residual chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Regenesis Bioremediation Products
    Inventors: William A. Farone, Maryam H. Azad
  • Patent number: 7588527
    Abstract: Process for the disposal of sulfur in the liquid state which comprises: a) transforming elemental sulfur into sulfanes having the general formula H2Sn+1, wherein n is a number from 1 to 7; b) optionally mixing elemental sulfur in powder form with the liquid sulfanes, up to such a concentration as to guarantee the pumpability of the mixture; c) injecting the sulfanes liquid at room temperature into geological formations having a temperature lower than 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., ENITECNOLOGIE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto De Angelis, Paolo Pollesel, Giuseppe Bellussi, Thomas Paul Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20090175688
    Abstract: A method of using a water-base wellbore fluid in subterranean wells that penetrate through a subterranean formation containing a shale which swells in the presence of water. The well bore fluid includes, an aqueous based continuous phase, and a shale hydration inhibition agent. One illustrative shale hydration inhibition agent is preferably the reaction product of a hydrogenation reaction of the product of the reaction of an aromatic amine with an aldehyde, preferably formaldehyde. Alternatively the shale hydration inhibition agent may be the reaction product of a hydrogenation reaction of the product of the reaction of aniline and formaldehyde. In one illustrative embodiment, the shale hydration inhibition agent is selected from the class of compounds known as polycycloaliphatic amines. Further the shale hydration inhibition agent may be present in the form of a free-base or in the form of an acid salt of the disclosed amine compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Arvind D. Patel, Emanuel Stamatakis
  • Patent number: 7498163
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass. More particularly, the process of the present invention is directed to reducing organic waste with or without production and collection of a useful product. The process of the present invention involves supplying at least one oxidizing agent in the presence of an aqueous medium into organic materials. The oxidizing agent oxidizes and breaks down a portion of these materials. After addition of the oxidizing agent, at least one species of microorganism may be supplied into the channel and the microorganism consumes the oxidized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Annel K. Greene
  • Patent number: 7468469
    Abstract: A dissolved oxygen releasing blend is disclosed utilizing magnesium peroxide blended with powdered Bentonite and/or vegetable oil. The Bentonite (or other clay material) reduces the hydraulic conductivity of magnesium peroxide, thereby reducing the rate of magnesium peroxide disassociation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: E.S.P. Environmental Service Products
    Inventors: Robert Hollabaugh, I. Richard Schaffner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7442305
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbon and toxic constitutes from contaminated soils and sediment. The method comprises the removal of contaminated materials from soils and performs bioremediation for the removed contaminated materials in an efficient mode. The remained contaminated materials in the soils are biologically stabilized to allow microorganisms to grow and to consume the remained contaminated materials in the soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Vitabio, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Cheng-Hsin Wu
  • Patent number: 7271199
    Abstract: Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jacqueline Quinn, Christian Clausen, Cherie L. Geiger, Christina Coon, Cristina M. Berger, Laura B. Filipek, Kristen M. Milum
  • Patent number: 7250287
    Abstract: This method facilitates the cost effective treatment of liquid, hazardous, and solid waste in a landfill or composting site or any other containment facility. The ability to distribute the oxygen to the waste, facilitate aerobic degradation, and remove the spent waste are the focal points of the process. This invention can digest any size landfill or treat any size green waste pile. Waste moisture content is increased, eliminating fires and the aerobic degradation halts the production of harmful greenhouse gases and odors. Liquid is oxygen-supplemented and added to the waste to maintain aerobic degradation. Temperature increases with the availability of the dissolved and released oxygen. The bacteria break down the solids and liquid waste. The digested material is available for release, cover or agricultural uses. Facility space is recovered, odors are minimized, and environmental risk is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Lee Aho
  • Patent number: 7235181
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide metal powder capable of decomposing and remedying various range of organic halogen compounds including organic halogen compounds which are difficult to be decomposed by a conventional decomposition and remediation method. Metal powder for decomposition of organic halogen is prepared in such a manner that the metal powder contains at least two kinds or more of metal elements, the respective metal elements forming phases, the respective metal elements therein serving as major constituents thereof, wherein difference in standard oxidation-reduction electric potential between any two kinds among the above-described metal elements is 778 mV or more in absolute value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Tomoguchi, Taishi Uehara
  • Patent number: 7166228
    Abstract: A method for treating a subsurface formation with a ferrous compound, to reduce a contaminant therein, involves introducing into the subsurface formation a ferrous compound in combination with sodium hydrosulfite in an amount sufficient to substantially prevent precipitation, during the introducing, of a major portion of the ferrous compound. The method was found to be useful in the reduction of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium at a Superfund site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Ralph D. Ludwig, Chunming Su
  • Patent number: 7128498
    Abstract: In one application for containing and remediating contaminants in sediments, employing a geocomposite eliminates the need for a thick cap or removal and subsequent ex situ treatment of the sediment. A geocomposite with at least one layer of reactive material is placed over the area to be remediated. A layer of available surcharge materials such as sand, gravel, or riprap covers the geocomposite. The weight of the surcharge materials causes pore water to flow from the sediment through the reactive layer or layers. Contaminants may be trapped in this reactive layer or layers. A top or bottom layer, or both a top and bottom layer, may be provided to inhibit incursion from outside the sediment layer, while permitting appropriate flow direction of pore water into the reactive layer or layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Thomas Clair Sheahan, Akram N. Alshawabkeh, Karen Sue Henry
  • Patent number: 7115203
    Abstract: A system for treating sediments contaminated with organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) includes treating the sediments with ozone to react the contaminants. The system is particularly effective for remediation of PCBs. In an in-situ system for remediating sediments in underwater sediment beds that are contaminated with (PCBs) and other contaminants, the contaminated sediments are treated with ozone with an ozonator conveyed over the sediment bed to mix the sediment with the ozone. The ozone reacts with the PCBs to form more reactive and biodegradable products. The treated sediment is then redeposited upon the sediment bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Donald F. Hayes, Puikwan Andy Hong
  • Patent number: 7105084
    Abstract: A passive treatment system for removing metals, especially manganese, from mine drainage and other aqueous solutions. The Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP) is an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal or vertical operational flow path through a bed of treatment media together with a vertical flow path for flushing accumulated solids from the bed. The bed preferably contains basic steel slag, limestone, marble, blast furnace slag, other types of slag, organic material, or mixtures thereof. In another aspect of the Hybrid Flow Pond, a tiered piping system divides an interior of the treatment bed into cells. Each cell has its own header and adjustable riser whose output level can be raised or lowered to change the head experienced by each cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: Gene T. Hilton, Jr., Timothy P. Danehy, Margaret Hensley Dunn, Clifford F. Denholm, IV, Shaun L. Busler
  • Patent number: 7101115
    Abstract: To overcome obstacles faced by current remediation technologies for contaminated sediments, the present invention provides a new strategy based on in situ control of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) bioavailability. The strategy employs the addition of activated carbon sorbents to sediments. These activated carbon materials sorb HOC contaminants strongly, reduce release of HOCs into water, and reduce HOC uptake by benthic biota, thereby reducing environmental exposure and human health risk to such contaminants. By in situ sorbing the contaminants, the inventive approach reduces environmental exposure and avoids massive material removal while controlling food web transfer of HOCs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Richard G. Luthy, Upal Ghosh
  • Patent number: 7077963
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising bauxite refinery residues that have been reacted with sufficient calcium and magnesium ions that they have a reaction pH of less than 10.5, and one or more water treating additives. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances involving stepwise treatment of the water in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added after the addition of a pH-raising additive. The invention also provides processes for treatment of water containing dissolved inorganic substances in which the reacted bauxite refinery residues are added stepwise, with one or more water treating additives also being added in at least one of the steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nauveau Technology Investments
    Inventors: David M McConchie, Malcolm William Clark, Fiona Gaye Davies-McConchie
  • Patent number: 7037423
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment apparatus and method for reducing toxicity in zinc containing acid stormwater runoff, the apparatus comprising a first filter layer of high calcium material a last filter layer comprising a drainpipe arrangement embedded within an aggregate; and at least one intermediate filter layer comprising a wood mulch material positioned between the first filter layer and said last filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: ISG Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart T. Herman, Joseph Bartosh, Zachary J. Lezoche, Richard T. Sewald, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7022194
    Abstract: The present invention includes a composition having detackifying and detoxifying properties such that the composition is useful for detackifying and detoxifying paint particles in spray booth water and for treating a paint booth dry filter to render the filter fire retardant, non-combustible and non-hazardous to enable disposal of a used dry filter in a standard landfill. The present invention also includes a method for the detackification and detoxification of oversprayed paint in a paint spray booth system wherein said oversprayed paint comes into contact with water of a waste water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Enchem Chemical Products, Inc
    Inventor: Ronnie Joe Ennis
  • Patent number: 7011756
    Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 7008964
    Abstract: A zero-valent metal emulsion containing zero-valent metal particles is used to remediate contaminated natural resources, such as groundwater and soil. In a preferred embodiment, the zero-valent metal emulsion removes heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), from contaminated natural resources. In another preferred embodiment, the zero-valent metal emulsion is a bimetallic emulsion containing zero-valent metal particles doped with a catalytic metal to remediate halogenated aromatic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from natural resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Christian A. Clausen, Jacqueline W. Quinn, Cheri L. Geiger, Debra Reinhart, Laura B. Filipek, Christina Coon, Robert Devor
  • Patent number: 6994491
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide in a landfill is reduced by dispersing a hydrogen sulfide control agent, such as an iron compound, into the landfill. The hydrogen sulfide control agent may be a component of an injected foam. Gas is also recovered from the landfill by introducing water into the landfill, as part of the foam, to promote digestion of organic matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Paul A. Kittle
  • Patent number: 6991405
    Abstract: A system, computer program product and method of preventing and controlling sulfide mineral oxidation and generation of acid rock drainage in a mass of sulfidic waste is provided. The mass of sulfidic waste includes a cover. The method involves applying under the cover of an oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture, substantially throughout the mass of sulfidic waste, in a quantity sufficient to create a pressure differential between the inside of the mass of sulfidic waste and the open atmosphere outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste, such that the oxygen gas concentration inside the mass of sulfidic waste is substantially equal to, or less than, the atmospheric oxygen gas concentration outside and adjacent to the mass of sulfidic waste. The system includes a distribution system and sensors for detecting acid rock drainage conditions of the mass of sulfidic waste, and in response applying an effective amount of oxygen deficient/non-reactive gas mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Terraquest Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Howard A. Barrie, David A. Orava
  • Patent number: 6984329
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6962561
    Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising providing a supply of biosolids; selecting an introduction formation below a ground surface, the introduction formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; introducing the biosolids into the introduction formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected introduction formation; and allowing degradation of the introduced biosolids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: Terralog Technologies USA, Inc., Terralog Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Bruno, Maurice B. Dusseault, Roman Bilak
  • Patent number: 6929423
    Abstract: Gas is recovered from a landfill by introducing water into the landfill to promote digestion of organic matter in the landfill, and removing from the landfill gas produced by digestion. The improvement comprises the introduction of water as part of an aqueous foam, whereby the water is distributed more uniformly throughout the landfill. Iron salts may be included in the foam to eliminate hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Paul A. Kittle
  • Patent number: 6926837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture and a process for the treatment of waste materials and the use of the mixture for the treatment of waste materials and waste material treated therewith. The mixture comprises (A) at least one zinc salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (B) at least one calcium salt of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, (C) at least one hydrophobing agent, (D) at least one amino alcohol and (E) NH3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Geodur Cis AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schwetlick
  • Patent number: 6921477
    Abstract: A groundwater treatment system, which includes subterranean inlet, treatment, and outlet portions. The inlet portion is configured to collect groundwater from an aquifer. The treatment portion includes a replaceable treatment media and is configured to receive the groundwater from the inlet portion and expose the groundwater to the treatment media. The outlet portion is configured to receive groundwater from the treatment portion and expel the groundwater to the aquifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Steven L. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6893570
    Abstract: The slag-only Vertical Flow Pond, which we have developed, is a passive treatment component capable of removing large concentrations of metals, especially manganese, from water to extremely low concentrations while neutralizing acidity and producing alkalinity. An improvement to this design is the Hybrid Flow Pond (HFP), which is a passive treatment system component that consists of an open, pond-like structure utilizing a horizontal operational flow path (or a vertical flow path if desired) with a vertical flush flow path. By creating flushing flow paths generally perpendicular to operational flow paths, the development of preferential flow paths that encourage short circuiting can be prevented. Additional head can be generated prior to flushing by adjusting the water level in the pond. Although any treatment media can be used with this system, the use of basic steel slag is particularly useful in the removal of metals, especially manganese from aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Gene T. Hilton, Jr., Timothy P. Danehy, Margaret Hensley Dunn, Clifford F. Denholm, IV, Shaun L. Busler
  • Patent number: 6878281
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for rejuvenating a wastewater treatment system of the type including a septic tank, an aerobic treatment unit or the like connected by a pipe to a plugged downstream soil absorption system includes a wastewater treatment unit which is interposed between the septic unit/aerobic treatment unit and the downstream soil absorption system. The wastewater treatment unit includes a single piece or a multiple piece solids settling and retention basin within which is suspendingly supported a wastewater treatment mechanism essentially of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,120. The wastewater treatment mechanism includes filters for filtering and settling solids from wastewater and flow equalization ports for effecting flow equalization thereby eliminating flow surges to the downstream plugged soil absorption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jan D. Graves
  • Patent number: 6843617
    Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing toxic materials in a waste matrix and in the pore water of the waste matrix. The method includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix (and pore water) an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix/water, an agent for controlling the pH of matrix/water, and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the toxic material in the matrix/water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: RMT, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit Chowdhury, Lane D. Tickanen