Abstract: A waste material depositing system for depositing waste material into a sub-seabed sediment of an ocean floor. There is a penetrator including a first disposal stage and a second disposal stage. The first disposal stage having an outer shell disposed about a cavity, the cavity being shaped and sized to receive a waste disposal canister. The second disposal stage being removably coupled to a top end of the first disposal stage by an automatic disengagement device, and having: an outer cylinder, a plurality of second disposal fins disposed along a length of the outer cylinder, and an arrestor system coupled to a top portion of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A riser section having a generally tapered, e.g., frustoconical wall, the riser section having a first connector assembly at one end of the riser section and a second connector assembly at the other end of the riser section.

Abstract: A drilling fluid composition having a controlled viscosity with the addition of a polyamide as a rheology modifier. The polyamide having has an acid value from 10 mg KOH/g to 200 mg KOH/g is obtained from a reactant mixture comprising: one or more polycarboxylic acids and one or more polyamines. The polycarboxylic acid is selected from the group of polycarboxylic acids having a carboxylic acid functionality of two or more, an average number of carboxylic acid functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 60 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the polycarboxylic acids is derived from a dimer fatty acid. The polyamine is selected from the group of polyamines having an amine functionality of two or more selected from the group of primary and secondary amino groups, an average number of amine functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 36 carbon atoms.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a prefabricated container is modified as a medical isolation room by replacing an original door with a clear front door. An intake louver and an adjustable damper are disposed at a lower part of the front end. An exhaust vent is disposed at an upper part of the back wall. An exhaust fan and a HEPA filter are coupled to the exhaust vent. Washable coverings cover interior sides of the container to provide washable, nonslip interior surfaces. The exhaust fan and the adjustable damper at the intake louver are controlled to produce in the medical isolation room a negative air pressure of at least about minus 0.01 inch of water gage (approximately 2.5 pascals) and a displacement ventilation exhaust flow rate through the exhaust vent of at least about 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm) greater than an intake flow rate through the intake louver.

Abstract: A fluorine gas functionalized surface of a fixture is chemically bonded to a fiberglass sump using a resin. The resin chemically reacts with the functionalized surface creating a strong, chemical bond between the fixture, which penetrates the shell of the sump, and the fiberglass shell of the sump. For example, the surface of the fixture is functionalized by a fluorine-containing gas mixture in an autoclave at a temperature, pressure and duration that creates C?O double bonds at the surface of a polyethylene fixture. The resin chemically reacts with the C?O double bonds and bonds with a fiberglass transition fitting capable of being joined to the shell of the sump.

Abstract: The invention discloses a real-time water-level monitoring system for a dumping site of an open-pit coal mine. The dumping site of the open-pit coal mine comprises an aboveground part and an underground part, where the aboveground part is a stacking site (1) located above an original ground surface. The real-time water-level monitoring system for a dumping site of an open-pit coal mine comprises a first measuring well (2) and a second measuring well (3), where the first measuring well (2) is arranged vertically in the center of the stacking site (1), and the second measuring well (3) includes a vertical section (301), a horizontal section (302), and a free section (303) connected in sequence; and a first water-impermeable layer (4), a second water-impermeable layer (5), and a third water-impermeable layer (6) are provided internally in the stacking site (1).

Abstract: A mobile retail unit and associated network and method of use, where the mobile retail unit includes one or more of a customized-tint station and a climate-control system. The mobile retail unit also includes a computer-based system for storing inventory and order information, and which may include a network adapter configured to relay the inventory information and the order information over a wireless network between the computer-based system and a remote network center.

Abstract: A landfill soil cover system is proposed for preventing water infiltration into a landfill and gas emission from the landfill under all weather conditions. The landfill cover system comprises three soil layers; namely, a clay layer, a gravelly sand layer and a silt layer, compacted successively from the bottom to the top of the system. The clay layer is compacted immediately above an optional gas collection layer and landfill waste at an optimum water content. Additionally, a trench for water drainage may be constructed, for example, every 20-40 m in the horizontal direction. Water infiltration and landfill gas emission can be prevented effectively by this landfill soil cover system under any humid, semi-arid and arid climates.

Abstract: A wet well design that utilizes recycled material in sectional components to construct wet wells on site is disclosed. Traditional wet well components are made of pre-cast concrete. Green Recycled Material Component Wet Well components are constructed using recycled plastic, recycled steel and recycled Styrofoam. The method described herein for constructing the components and assembling the wet well on site addresses several logistical problems associated with the pre-cast concrete design including reducing project start to completion time, delivery costs, large crane rental costs and power line relocation costs. This design also enables construction of oblong wet wells in medians and other restricted areas as components can be straight or curved sections. Finally, this design eliminates the shifting of traditional cement well components due to uplift from underground water pressure through the use of a new anchoring system. Shifting can result in groundwater intrusion into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against environmental contamination at a drilling site is disclosed. The apparatus is used to form a perimeter around the drilling site, the interior of which is covered by a geomembrane. The portion of the geomembrane found along the perimeter is placed in the groove of the apparatus's base. A key block is then fit into the grove, thereby holding the geomembrane in place by the tension created between the base and the key block. At those perimeter locations that will be traversed by vehicles and equipment, two ramp pieces replace the key block in holding the geomembrane tight against the base.

Abstract: An alternating anaerobic and aerobic digestion system and method of forming same includes a subterranean enclosure configured to hold organic matter. The enclosure has a plurality of conduits in a bottom surface of the enclosure. The digestion system further includes an irrigation system configured to dispense a liquid from a top portion of the enclosure and to recover a percolated liquid from a bottom portion of the enclosure, a ventilation system configured to provide air flow to the bottom portion of the enclosure, and a gas-tight membrane cover configured to cover the enclosure.

Abstract: A riser section having a generally tapered, e.g., frustoconical wall, the riser section having a first connector assembly at one end of the riser section and a second connector assembly at the other end of the riser section.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods and devices for containing a substance within a region. In some embodiments, one or more hollow structures are positioned around the region and the structures are at least partly filled (e.g., through fill openings) with a weighting material. Some embodiments relate to a curved device comprising steps, such that a first cross-section of the device comprises a round shape and a second cross-section comprises a plurality of substantially linear segments. Some embodiments relate to a tank connection device comprising a sleeve extending through a curved device.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.

Abstract: A portable monitor used to measure landfill gas and landfill well parameters. The portable monitor includes a control unit and a measuring unit that can communication wirelessly with one another. The control unit and/or measuring unit can includes a heating arrangement to increase the temperature of one or more components in the control unit and/or measuring unit in cold environments.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.

Abstract: The method of the present invention results in a secondary containment area for above ground storage tanks. The method involves leveling the site, laying a foundation bed, building a retaining barrier around the site, covering the foundation bed and retaining barrier with a liner cloth, and applying a layer of polyurea to the liner cloth and retaining barrier.

Abstract: An installation for very long term storage of products emitting a high thermal flux. The installation comprises a container (14), in which the products to be stored are placed, and an evaporator (22) surrounding the container, to evacuate the heat through a heat-pipe effect. The evaporator (22) comprises a jacket (28), pipes (32) integral with the jacket and filled with a coolant fluid such as water, and a system for tightening the evaporator (22) on the container (14). The arrangement is such that the evaporator (22) is not maintained in close contact with the container (14) except in front of the pipes (32). Advantageously, channels (42) are provided for air circulation by natural convention between the evaporator (22) and the container (14), on both sides of the pipes (32).

Abstract: A temporary berm or bin system, easily transported, erected without tools, and easily dismantled. A set of panels or planks is joined with sliding clips to form a bin having vertical or near vertical sides. The bin is lined with an impervious sheet of geocloth to form a containment berm for use in controlling the dispersal of hazardous material spilled from storage or work facilities. Spring loaded clamps hold the geocloth securely to the uppermost plank without nailing, sewing, or other labor consuming and/or tear prone methods. The berm is particularly suited to protect oil well drilling sites in environmentally sensitive environments such as arctic tundra. No excavation or other disturbance of the soil is required to erect the protective berm. The berm is secured to the ground by spiking through triangular support gussets. In the arctic, securing may be accomplished by freezing ice or mud as an “ice mortar” over the gusset feet and along the lower edge of the planking.

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.

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.

Abstract: An advanced containment system for containing buried waste and associated leachate. The advanced containment system comprises a plurality of casing sections with each casing section interlocked to an adjacent casing section. Each casing section includes a complementary interlocking structure that interlocks with the complementary interlocking structure on an adjacent casing section. A barrier filler substantially fills the casing sections and may substantially fill the spaces of the complementary interlocking structure to form a substantially impermeable barrier. Some of the casing sections may include sensors so that the casing sections and the zone of interest may be remotely monitored after the casing sections are emplaced in the ground.

Abstract: The invention pertains to business methods for enabling the creation of positive revenue streams from previously negative assets, and particularly from those facilities formed from gypsum waste, such as gypsum stacks. Waste containment or landfill facilities are formed from the conversion of gypsum refuse waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as from existing gypsum stacks, or from facilities formed in place from gypsum-based refuse. Such facilities are 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.

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.

Abstract: A very long term storage installation for calorific products such as nuclear waste, comprises at least one closed cavity (10), in which at least one product confinement container is housed (14). To evacuate the heat released by the stored products, each container (14) is surrounded by a jacket (26) associated with a thermosiphon (24) whose cold source is formed of an air condenser provided above a slab (20) sealing the top part of the cavity. The jacket (26) is preferably interchangeable and tightly surrounds the container (14).

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods relating to subterranean containment barriers. Laterally adjacent tubular casings having male interlock structures and multiple female interlock structures defining recesses for receiving a male interlock structure are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The multiple female interlock structures enable the barriers to be varied around subsurface objects and to form barrier sidewalls. The barrier may be used for treating and monitoring a zone of interest.

Abstract: A process for reducing plant availability of heavy metals in substrates such as soils wherein the substrates treated with cross-linked polymethacrylates. The poly (meth)acrylates can be worked into the soils.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to the outer surface of a pre-cast concrete walled container to be buried in an earthen excavation.

Abstract: A method for treating a landfill formation. The method includes the steps of preparing a water soluble resin solution, preparing a catalyst solution, and introducing separate streams of the resin and the catalyst into the landfill formation in a manner that avoids mixing air into the resin and catalyst streams and promotes mixing of the resin and catalyst streams to yield a substantially fluid impervious treatment substrate within desired locations in the landfill formations to inhibit effusion of gas and travel of liquids therein.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for bulk material piles and loads in transit may be formed from a slurry mixture of liquid and powder made from recycled gypsum wallboard. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a bulk material pile and/or waste pile, and/or to control erosion. The cover will harden to minimize water infiltration, wind blown dust, odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water, landfill leachate and wastewater; the powder from heated recycled gypsum wallboard may include alpha-hemihydrate and shredded paper, beta-hemihydrate and shredded paper or anhydrate and shredded paper. When clean water is used, the cover is non-toxic, non-combustible and harmless to fish, birds, plants and animals.

Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. An alternative spill containment system comprises two liner portions, one about a storage tank and another about a flow device leading, for example, to a furnace. A withdrawal tube extends to a low point of the first liner portion. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A temporary berm or bin system, easily transported, erected without tools, and easily dismantled. A set of panels or planks is joined with sliding clips to form a bin having vertical or near vertical sides. The bin is lined with an impervious sheet of geocloth to form a containment berm for use in controlling the dispersal of hazardous material spilled from storage or work facilities. Spring loaded clamps hold the geocloth securely to the uppermost plank without nailing, sewing, or other labor consuming and/or tear prone methods. The berm is particularly suited to protect oil well drilling sites in environmentally sensitive environments such as arctic tundra. No excavation or other disturbance of the soil is required to erect the protective berm. The berm is secured to the ground by spildng through triangular support gussets. In the arctic, securing may be accomplished by freezing ice or mud as an “ice mortar” over the gusset feet and along the lower edge of the planking.