Monitoring, Detecting, Or Sensing Patents (Class 405/129.5)
  • Patent number: 11897820
    Abstract: A system and method for storing molten sulfur includes a reinforced concrete vessel, the reinforced concrete vessel being subterranean. The vessel has a floor that is a raft footing formed of reinforced concrete and has a floor interior surface. The vessel also has a ceiling that is a slab of reinforced concrete and has a ceiling interior surface. Sidewalls of the vessel extend between the floor and the ceiling and are formed of reinforced concrete, each sidewall having a sidewall interior surface. A liner is bonded to the floor interior surface, the ceiling interior surface, and each sidewall interior surface. The liner formed of an epoxy vinyl ester resin, and a glass fiber sheet embedded in the epoxy vinyl ester resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Hassan Alkhalifah, Muhammed Kalimur Rahman, Sami Al-Ghamdi, Ali Al-Gadhib
  • Patent number: 11353617
    Abstract: Methods and systems for leak detection are provided herein. A method for leak detection can comprise conveying an acoustic leak detection tool inside the innermost tubular of the multiple nested tubulars; taking measurements of the multiple nested tubulars at multiple measurement depths with the acoustic leak detection tool; arranging the measurements into a response image; and feeding the response image to a pre-trained deep neural network (DNN) to produce a flow likelihood image, wherein the DNN comprises at least one convolutional layer, and wherein the flow likelihood image comprises a representation of one or more flow patterns in at least one annulus formed by the multiple nested tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmed Elsayed Fouda, Junwen Dai, Li Pan
  • Patent number: 10429268
    Abstract: A leakage monitoring system for geomembranes comprises a power supply unit having two supply electrodes made from a nonmetallic conductive material and respectively connected to a membrane top and a membrane bottom of a primary geomembrane; a plurality of monitoring sensor electrodes made from the nonmetallic conductive material, uniformly arranged below the primary geomembrane and used for acquiring potentials at corresponding positions below the primary geomembrane; a data acquisition unit used for acquiring potential data of each monitoring sensing electrode; and a control and analysis unit used for analyzing the potential data of each monitoring sensor electrode acquired by the data acquisition unit, determining an abnormal potential area below the primary geomembrane to determine a leakage position of the primary geomembrane and giving an alarm. The abnormal potential area below the geomembrane can be determined to determine the specific leakage position of the geomembrane and give the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Kang Gao
  • Patent number: 9033620
    Abstract: A geomembrane liner for a containment system including liner panels and connected by a seam at overlapped edges, with the top panel having a conductive lower surface which is non-conductive across the seam. Heat welding of the seams is accomplished by a welder having a heating unit with a projection which interrupts the conductive lower surface of the top panel before forming the seam. Such seams may be used separately or selectively with a lined containment system having a plurality of liner panels covering at least a portion of the containment system bottom. The liner panels have a conductive lower surface and overlap with adjacent panels, and conductive members underlie adjacent panels and contact the conductive lower surface of both adjacent panels to provide an electrical connection between the conductive lower surfaces of the adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GSE Environmental, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmie Gordon Youngblood, Jr., David James Gallagher, Edward Joseph Zimmel
  • Patent number: 9016496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsurface refuse collection system comprising an underground bunker (4), a refuse container (3), a deposit bin (1) and a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system. The container (3) is collected by means of an automated crane (18) with automatic hitching to facilitate collection. The system is equipped with multiple devices to measure volume and weight of the refuse deposited in the deposit bin (1), for the purpose of system monitoring or improvements to the management of truck routes. It also includes a safety device to prevent accidental fails into the underground bunker during collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: MBE Sotkon SL,-Contenedores Subterraneos Para R.S.U.
    Inventors: Nuno Filipe Cardoso Cabral Martins Da Silva, Fernando Manuel Martins Fernandes, Gerard Georges Raphael Amanrich
  • Publication number: 20140091803
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, techniques for monitoring subterranean sequestered CO2 are disclosed. Tools for gathering relevant data are disclosed, and techniques for interpreting the resultant data also disclosed. For example, electrodes and micro-gravity sensors may be deployed, and their readings interpreted to detect underground CO2 migration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Dodds, Charles Christopher
  • Patent number: 8313921
    Abstract: A method of biodegrading municipal solid waste includes providing a quantity of municipal solid waste and promoting anaerobic digestion in the quantity of municipal solid waste by methanogenic organisms to produce methane. The methane production is monitored and when it is determined that production of methane from the quantity of municipal solid waste has subsided, aerobic digestion of the quantity of municipal solid waste is promoted. A gas collection system in operative association with the quantity of organic waste collects biogas and the biogas is monitored and the rate of gas collection is adjusted as necessary to maximize methane collection. A leachate collection system collects leachate from the quantity of municipal solid waste and circulates the leachate back to the quantity of organic waste during the anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Kraemer, Charles Kemper, Jan Allen
  • Patent number: 8256992
    Abstract: Underground sequestration system and method in which a liquid or gas is stored in a sequestration zone of enhanced porosity in an underground geological formation, with a containment barrier around the sequestration zone. Conditions within the formation are monitored to verify the integrity of the sequestered substance, and any necessary repair or maintenance is done through wells that extend into the formation. In some disclosed embodiments, the porosity of the formation in the sequestration zone is enhanced by boreholes and laterals that are drilled with high velocity hydraulic cutting jets, and the sequestered liquid or gas is injected into the sequestration zone through the boreholes and laterals. Additional boreholes and laterals are employed in the containment barrier, and the barrier is formed of a thixotropic material that is injected into the formation through the additional boreholes and laterals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: SEQEnergy, LLC
    Inventors: Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Robert Wayne Dickinson, Lawrence Joseph Musetti, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout
  • Publication number: 20120219361
    Abstract: Disclosed is a geological CO2 storage system that allows geological storage and management of CO2. A geological CO2 storage for storing CO2 stored in a plurality of storage tanks in a predetermined geologic formation, and a CO2 concentration detector disposed in an unsaturated zone located below a ground surface corresponding to the geologic formation where CO2 is stored detects a concentration of CO2 in the unsaturated zone. The geological CO2 storage includes a manifold section for introducing CO2, a distribution chamber communicating with the manifold section and an outlet side connected to an injection pipe extending toward the geologic formation so that the CO2 introduced through the manifold section is supplied to the injection pipe, a temperature regulator for regulating temperature of CO2 introduced into the distribution chamber, and a flux/pressure regulator for regulating a flux and a pressure of the CO2 to be geologically injected through the distribution chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Jeong-Chan Kim, Tae-Hee Kim, Ki-Sung Sung
  • Publication number: 20100143040
    Abstract: A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Alton Reich, Roberto DiSalvo, Stephen Doherty, H. Waite Dykes
  • Publication number: 20100008727
    Abstract: A storm water and septic system using plastic galleries that have multiple layers provided having differing hardness characteristics, the exterior layer having a lower hardness rating than an inner layer; and a multi-layer gallery where the inner layer is treated to be resistance to degradation to a selected chemical that would otherwise degrade polyethylene. The gallery may further be provided with an interior layer having defined dielectric properties such that a fluid level measurement can be made of fluid in the galleries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. DiTullio
  • Patent number: 7628567
    Abstract: A fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Milind V. Khire
  • Patent number: 7537415
    Abstract: A fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Milind V. Khire
  • Patent number: 7430834
    Abstract: The membrane cover has fold lines therein intersecting the walls of the reservoir at intersection points. A geometric chord or secant joins two intersection points, and defines, with a portion of the walls of the reservoir, a static segment in the membrane cover. The membrane cover in the static segment is tensioned along lines of force that are parallel to or that make acute angles, with the aforesaid chord or secant. The membrane cover in the static segment remains substantially planar and stationary, thus static, despite the rising and lowering of the remaining portion of the cover in response to variations in the level of the content of the reservoir. A hatchway is mounted in the static segment of the cover. In another aspect of the invention, the hatchway has an airtight compartment extending between the membrane cover and a point below the level of the material inside the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Geomembrane Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Claude J. Degarie
  • Patent number: 7357601
    Abstract: An adaptive coupling and method for joining a conduit to a barrier sheet through which the conduit passes are disclosed. The barrier sheet is movable axially relative to the conduit. A tubular member and an extensible boot are configured to allow passage of a portion of the conduit through an entirety of each. The tubular member is sealably joinable to the sheet and is sealedly joined to the extensible boot such that the first end of the extensible boot is movable in unison with the tubular member. The second end of the extensible boot is sealably and fixably joinable to the conduit such that the first end of the extensible boot is movable axially relative to the second end of the extensible boot when the tubular member moves axially. A substantially leakless seal is formed between the barrier sheet and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: TFH Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Howard
  • Patent number: 7287934
    Abstract: In monitoring a stratum disposal field for wastes, running tubes installed in the vicinity of a gallery or disposal holes, in a nearby rock bed, or within a gallery support or buffer members in the disposal holes have installed therein a movable monitoring device provided with various sensors, a water sampling device and the like. The monitoring device may be movable or fixed in a predetermined position, for measurement of the temperature, displacement, strain, stress and underground water in connection with the rock bed, the gallery support or the disposal space buffer members. Measurement of the clearances in the rock bed, the gallery support back or the disposal space buffer members is monitored. Also, sampling of underground water in the rock bed, the gallery support or the buffer members is effected, thus reducing the number of sensors, drilled holes, communication cables to facilitate the exchange or maintenance of the sensors, communication cables and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Okutsu, Hisashi Takamura
  • Patent number: 7234895
    Abstract: A containment system for use adjacent to a selected region of a subterranean formation and comprising a plurality of laterally interlocked casing strings. At least one electrically conductive element is disposed along at least a portion of a casing string and is used for performing electrical time domain reflectometry. At least one protective element may be positioned between portions of adjacent casing strings of the barrier, and at least one electrically conductive element may be disposed at least partially within the at least one protective element for use in indicating at least one characteristic of at least a portion of the containment system. Electrical time domain reflectometry (TDR) may be used to indicate the at least one characteristic; for instance, TDR may be used to indicate leakage through the barrier or a discontinuity or void in a barrier filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Richardson, Reva A. Nickelson, Paul A. Sloan, Kevin M. Kostelnik
  • Patent number: 7187299
    Abstract: A method of measuring a parameter of a landfill including a cap, without passing wires through the cap, includes burying a sensor apparatus in the landfill prior to closing the landfill with the cap; providing a reader capable of communicating with the sensor apparatus via radio frequency (RF); placing an antenna above the barrier, spaced apart from the sensor apparatus; coupling the antenna to the reader either before or after placing the antenna above the barrier; providing power to the sensor apparatus, via the antenna, by generating a field using the reader; accumulating and storing power in the sensor apparatus; sensing a parameter of the landfill using the sensor apparatus while using power; and transmitting the sensed parameter to the reader via a wireless response signal. A system for measuring a parameter of a landfill is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis C. Kunerth, John M. Svoboda, James T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7114880
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of excavating large quantities of non-homogenous radioactive contaminated waste, desirably without releasing radioactive contaminated dust or exposing personnel to its hazards. The excavation of buried waste is performed in the presence of a suppression fluid that coats the waste and captures and retains particles so that they do not become airborne. Use of this suppression fluid technique allows larger mechanized excavation equipment to be used to perform the work. This keeps workers away from the waste. The waste is excavated and placed inside large steel boxes, such as a roll-off box, by the excavator. The suppression fluid covers the waste in the boxes and prevents particulate emissions from the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Ernest E. Carter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7056063
    Abstract: A containment system for use adjacent to a selected region of a subterranean formation and comprising a plurality of laterally interlocked casing strings. At least one electrically conductive element is disposed along at least a portion of a casing string and is used for performing electrical time domain reflectometry. At least one protective element may be positioned between portions of adjacent casing strings of the barrier, and at least one electrically conductive element may be disposed at least partially within the at least one protective element for use in indicating at least one characteristic of at least a portion of the containment system. Electrical time domain reflectometry (TDR) may be used to indicate the at least one characteristic; for instance, TDR may be used to indicate leakage through the barrier or a discontinuity or void in a barrier filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: John G. Richardson, Reva A. Nickelson, Paul A. Sloan, Kevin M. Kostelnik
  • Patent number: 7056062
    Abstract: A method for using large chambers, located deep within the earth, for the disposal of processed waste is disclosed. In this context, waste includes solid waste from sewage, and other organic-waste materials from urban, agricultural or industrial sources. These wastes will be processed by mechanical pulverization and hydration to produce a slurry, which will be injected into the well's chamber. The anaerobic condition in the chamber will be conducive to the production of gases, especially methane which will be harvested as a source of industrial fuel. Hydrogen, ammonia and other gases will also be harvested. This system will alleviate the acute problem of disposal of wastes from urban agricultural and industrial sources. It will decrease pollution of the air with greenhouse gases and pollution of the land area water with organic wastes and also release of disease-causing pathogens. The system may be adapted to facilitate the disposal of nuclear wastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: Richard T. Takeuchi, Robert M. Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6948882
    Abstract: A sensor system for a buried waste containment site having a bottom wall barrier and/or sidewall barriers, for containing hazardous waste. The sensor system includes one or more sensor devices disposed in one or more of the barriers for detecting a physical parameter either of the barrier itself or of the physical condition of the surrounding soils and buried waste, and for producing a signal representing the physical parameter detected. Also included is a signal processor for receiving signals produced by the sensor device and for developing information identifying the physical parameter detected, either for sounding an alarm, displaying a graphic representation of a physical parameter detected on a viewing screen and/or a hard copy printout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Ann Marie Smith, Bradley M. Gardner, Kevin M. Kostelnik, Judy K. Partin, Gregory D. Lancaster, Mary Catherine Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6896446
    Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Patent number: 6860680
    Abstract: The invention pertains to means and methods for enabling the further use of previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as that suitable for forming gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, and particularly from such facilities as they are formed in place from such gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities can be utilized, rented or leased as waste containment facilities for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of non-gypsum waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventors: Peter J. Ianniello, Mark Topp, Tracy R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040247396
    Abstract: In monitoring a stratum disposal field for wastes, running tubes installed in the vicinity of a gallery or disposal holes, in a nearby rock bed, or within a gallery support or buffer members in the disposal holes have installed therein a movable monitoring device provided with various sensors, a water sampling device and the like. The monitoring device may be movable or fixed in a predetermined position, for measurement of the temperature, displacement, strain, stress and underground water in connection with the rock bed, the gallery support or the disposal space buffer members. Measurement of the clearances in the rock bed, the gallery support back or the disposal space buffer members is monitored. Also, sampling of underground water in the rock bed, the gallery support or the buffer members is effected, thus reducing the number of sensors, drilled holes, communication cables to facilitate the exchange or maintenance of the sensors, communication cables and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuo Okutsu, Hisashi Takamura
  • Publication number: 20040218980
    Abstract: A containment system for use adjacent to a selected region of a subterranean formation and comprising a plurality of laterally interlocked casing strings. At least one electrically conductive element is disposed along at least a portion of a casing string and is used for performing electrical time domain reflectometry. At least one protective element may be positioned between portions of adjacent casing strings of the barrier, and at least one electrically conductive element may be disposed at least partially within the at least one protective element for use in indicating at least one characteristic of at least a portion of the containment system. Electrical time domain reflectometry (TDR) may be used to indicate the at least one characteristic; for instance, TDR may be used to indicate leakage through the barrier or a discontinuity or void in a barrier filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: John G. Richardson, Reva A. Nickelson, Paul A. Sloan, Kevin M. Kostelnik
  • Patent number: 6802670
    Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Patent number: 6796746
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to subterranean drilling while maintaining containment of any contaminants released during the drilling. A thrust block installed over a zone of interest provides an overflow space for retaining any contaminants and excess sealant returns. Negative air pressure may be maintained in the overflow space by a ventilation system. Access ports in the thrust block seal the overflow space from the surrounding environment with a membrane seal. A flexible sack seal in the access port may be connected to a drill shroud prior to drilling, providing containment during drilling after the drill bit penetrates the membrane seal. The drill shroud may be adapted to any industry standard drilling rig and includes a connection conduit for connecting to the flexible sack seal and a flexible enclosure surrounding the drill shaft and of a length to accommodate full extension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Bachtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Jessmore, Guy G. Loomis, Mark C. Pettet, Melissa C. Flyckt
  • Publication number: 20040175819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for accelerating the decomposition of biogenic organic matter in refuse disposal sites. According to the method, at least one suction line is inserted into a disposal site debris heap (11) via which the arising refuse site gases are removed by suction. According to the invention, the quantity of gas removed by suction in the area of the bottom of the refuse disposal site should be greater than the quantity of gas arising in this area due to decomposition whereby enabling oxygen from the outside air to penetrate into the debris heap and transforming the decomposition process into an, at least to a large extent, aerobic decomposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Kanitz, Jurgen Forsting
  • Patent number: 6766620
    Abstract: A building levelling system is provided for a building having a basement or foundation supported on expansive soil. A water management system is included for maintaining water in the expansive soil at a level adjacent the foundation to saturate the soil with water and thereby prevent the cyclic shrinking and expanding of the soil when the soil is normally repeatedly dried and wetted, causing damage to the building supported thereon. An injection system may also be included for injecting water into the soil spaced well below the foundation to lift a foundation which has already settled significantly due to shrinkage of expansive soil upon which it is supported. The injection system includes a level sensing mechanism for determining when a level of water in a prescribed area of the expansive soil falls below a reference level of the system and injectors for feeding water into that area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Ralph Robbins
  • Patent number: 6749368
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and/or monitoring volatile compounds such as those buried underground. A cover or cover layer is placed over the source of the volatile compounds in the ground. The cover is intentionally made to be relatively gas permeable, to allow movement of volatile compounds upward into the cover. Oxygen is encouraged to be mixed with the volatile compounds in the layer to promote oxidation and degradation of the volatiles. The treated volatile compounds can then be allowed to be emitted from the cover into atmosphere. According to an aspect of the apparatus and method, optionally, a conduit can be placed in the cover to carry and eject oxygen to and into the cover layer. It can also be used to gather in a mixture of volatiles and air (with oxygen) and transport the mixture to a desired location. Still further, another aspect of the invention includes measuring and monitoring the presence and/or amount of a volatile compound in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Ankeny, James A. Kelsey
  • Patent number: 6648552
    Abstract: A sensor system for a buried waste containment site having a bottom wall barrier and sidewall barriers, for containing hazardous waste. The sensor system includes one or more sensor devices disposed in one or more of the barriers for detecting a physical parameter either of the barrier itself or of the physical condition of the surrounding soils and buried waste, and for producing a signal representing the physical parameter detected. Also included is a signal processor for receiving signals produced by the sensor device and for developing information identifying the physical parameter detected, either for sounding an alarm, displaying a graphic representation of a physical parameter detected on a viewing screen and/or a hard copy printout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Ann Marie Smith, Bradley M. Gardner, Kevin M. Kostelnik, Judy K. Partin, Gregory D. Lancaster, Mary Catherine Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20030198517
    Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Publication number: 20030190194
    Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Publication number: 20030175083
    Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. A trench is dug on either side of the zone of interest containing the buried waste so as to accommodate a micro tunnel boring machine. A series of small diameter tunnels are serially excavated underneath the buried waste. The tunnels are excavated by the micro tunnel boring machine at a consistent depth and are substantially parallel to each other. As tunneling progresses, steel casing sections are connected end to end in the excavated portion of the tunnel so that a steel tube is formed. Each casing section has complementary interlocking structure running its length that interlocks with complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent casing section. Thus, once the first tube is emplaced, placement of subsequent tubes is facilitated by the complementary interlocking structure on the adjacent, previously placed, casing sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Publication number: 20030152427
    Abstract: Processes and methods relating to treating contaminants and collecting desired substances from a zone of interest using subterranean collection and containment barriers. Tubular casings having interlock structures are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The subterranean barrier includes an effluent collection system. Treatment solutions provided to the zone of interest pass therethrough and are collected by the barrier and treated or recovered, allowing on-site remediation. Barrier components may be used to in the treatment by collecting or removing contaminants or other materials from the zone of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Reva A. Nickelson, Stephanie Walsh, John G. Richardson, John R. Dick, Paul A. Sloan
  • Patent number: 6575663
    Abstract: A containment system to isolate waste in the ground including parallel interlocking tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kostelnik, Hideki Kawamura, John G. Richardson, Masaru Noda
  • Patent number: 6505681
    Abstract: Gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) are applied to a landfill well to penetrate the landfill under rapid pressurization and depressurization repeated in cycles, with or without leachate or fluid in the well. These cycles can be repeated until the CO2 flows more freely down a lower pressure gradient in the well into the landfill surrounding the well screen, creating fissures in the landfill which allow methane and other gases to enter the well, thereby significantly enhancing methane and other landfill gas recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Subsurface Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven Catanla, Neil Mansuy
  • Publication number: 20020067953
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and/or monitoring volatile compounds such as those buried underground. A cover or cover layer is placed over the source of the volatile compounds in the ground. The cover is intentionally made to be relatively gas permeable, to allow movement of volatile compounds upward into the cover. Oxygen is encouraged to be mixed with the volatile compounds in the layer to promote oxidation and degradation of the volatiles. The treated volatile compounds can then be allowed to be emitted from the cover into atmosphere. According to an aspect of the apparatus and method, optionally, a conduit can be placed in the cover to carry and eject oxygen to and into the cover layer. It can also be used to gather in a mixture of volatiles and air (with oxygen) and transport the mixture to a desired location. Still further, another aspect of the invention includes measuring and monitoring the presence and/or amount of a volatile compound in the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Mark D. Ankeny, James A. Kelsey
  • Publication number: 20020056550
    Abstract: Gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) are applied to a landfill well to penetrate the landfill under rapid pressurization and depressurization repeated in cycles, with or without leachate or fluid in the well. These cycles can be repeated until the CO2 flows more freely down a lower pressure gradient in the well into the landfill surrounding the well screen, creating fissures in the landfill which allow methane and other gases to enter the well, thereby significantly enhancing methane and other landfill gas recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Catanla, Neil Mansuy
  • Publication number: 20020028110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for detecting the location of breakage at a liner which is laid with the building of a landfill and more particularly to an application of a sensor for detecting the location of breakage at a liner in a landfill, which is remarkably resistant to the oozing water and chemical components in the soil and which is economical in the manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jae Seong Rhee, Min Woo Jung
  • Publication number: 20020028109
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an economical externally-monitored leakage detection system for landfill liner which is simple in structure to realize marked decrease in the manufacturing cost and the operation of which can be conducted manually in a convenient manner so that a position of damage in landfill liner may be detected and determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jae Seong Rhee, Min Woo Jung
  • Patent number: 6338386
    Abstract: Gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) are applied to a landfill well to penetrate the landfill under rapid pressurization and depressurization repeated in cycles, with or without leachate or fluid in the well. These cycles can be repeated until the CO2 flows more freely down a lower pressure gradient in the well into the landfill surrounding the well screen, creating fissures in the landfill which allow methane and other gases to enter the well, thereby significantly enhancing methane and other landfill gas recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Subsurface Technologies
    Inventors: Steven Catania, Neil Mansuy
  • Patent number: 6338596
    Abstract: A waste collection device which comprises, inside a pit, a plate for supporting at least one container; the plate is provided with supports adapted to limit its downward motion to a minimum elevation which allows the container to lie fully within the pit; a monolithic structure, with a base and a lid provided with waste insertion pillars, the base and the lid being spaced so that when the lid is at the level of the paving that surrounds the pit the base lies at a lower level than the supporting plate; the structure is provided with movement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventors: Carlo Galeazzi, Gianpietro Galeazzi
  • Patent number: 6334737
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the landfill gas generation within the landfill in which leachate is recycled to be continuously injected into a deposit of wastes while extracting the landfill gas from a landfill gas extraction pipe inserted into the waste deposit, comprising steps of: (a) maintaining the recycling leachate at the temperature range of 35° C. to 38° C. and/or the pH of 6.5 to 7.5 until the amount of generated landfill gas reaches from the range of 5% to 20% of a capability of the landfill gas generation in the landfill; (b) maintaining the recycling leachate at the temperature range of 30° C. to 35° C. or the range of 60° C. to 65° C. and/or the pH of 6 to 7 until the amount of generated landfill gas reaches from the range of 75% to 90% of a capability of the landfill gas generation in the landfill; and (c) maintaining the recycling leachate at the temperature range of 35° C. to 38° C. or the range of 50° C. to 54° C. and/or the pH of 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Keum Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20010002970
    Abstract: A device for treating the ground in the vicinity of buried structures, comprises a plurality of probes which are driven into the subsoil and are connected to a control unit provided with an air generating device for generating, within the ground, a flow of dry air. The probes are arranged so as to make the generated air flow lap all the surfaces of the buried structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Domenico Pizzorni, Alberto Prandi