Drainage Or Collection Patents (Class 405/129.85)
  • Patent number: 9649675
    Abstract: A method of remediating contaminated sediment area. The sediment has an initial water depth and comprises water and fine-grained solids. The contaminated sediment is contained in place by installing over the contaminated sediment an in-situ cap having a total thickness TCP. The contaminated sediment, and optionally any uncontaminated subsurface, is then consolidated until the total settlement of the contaminated and uncontaminated sediment exceeds the thickness TCP of the in-situ cap. The sediment is consolidated by installing a vertical barrier along the perimeter of the contaminated sediment area, installing a plurality of horizontal line drains into the sediment, connecting the horizontal line drains to a vacuum source, installing an in-situ cap over the contaminated sediment area and over the upper edge of the vertical barrier, and applying vacuum pressure to the horizontal line drains to dewater and consolidate the sediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Daekyoo Hwang
  • Patent number: 8926221
    Abstract: A method and system for dewatering and consolidating contaminated dredged sediment concurrently as it is discharged to a disposal pond using horizontal drains installed in the settled sediment and vacuum loading. Horizontal drains are connected to a vacuum pump via collector hoses and a header pipe. Vacuum pump operation consolidates the settled sediment and reduces the volume, enabling continued discharge of dredged sediment. Successive installation of horizontal drains within accumulating sediment and consolidation by vacuum pumping may continue until the disposal pond is filled with consolidated sediment. Vacuum pumping is continued for some period after final cover installation to enhance containment performance by over-consolidation. The horizontal drain system may also be used to deliver liquid reagents for sediment treatment or to circulate water for flushing. The method enables the disposal pond to be on land or under water below the original sediment line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Daekyoo Hwang
  • Patent number: 8864413
    Abstract: A gas and liquid extraction system and method to efficiently capture the gas generated from the decomposition of organic matter, generally referred herein as the biomass, present in a landfill is disclosed herein. The system and method taking in account the presence of high amount of water and proposing landfilling methodology to allow the efficient capture of an as high as possible amount of gas from each and every ton of biomass contained in the landfill which is heterogeneous, anisotropic in nature and unsteady in term of fluid flow behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Marc-Antoine Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20140255101
    Abstract: A passive valveless gas vent for a landfill includes a sub-surface gas collection manifold for collecting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane. The collection manifold includes a plenum for receiving sub-surface gas, and the plenum defines an interior volume. A conduit is connected to and extends upwardly from the plenum, with the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and having an upper discharge end. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for communicating sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum through the geomembrane. A hood is positioned adjacent an upper portion of the conduit and defines a discharge chamber therein into which gas from the discharge end of the conduit is discharged. The hood also has a discharge outlet for venting gas from within the discharge chamber to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Delaney Lewis, Jose Urrutia, Michael Ayers
  • Patent number: 8784008
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The berm comprises a reinforced portion having opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprising fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein, backfill material having an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion, and an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the backfill material, at least a portion of the fill material, and at least a portion of one or more of the reinforcing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 8753037
    Abstract: The device is provided with a plurality of intermediate grid plate elements (12) with a top and a bottom surface, which are adapted to be positioned one on top of the other. Each intermediate grid plate element (12) comprises a grate strutting (18, 19) as well as a plurality of support members (20) which are distributed, in particular in a regular manner, over the intermediate grid plate element (12), wherein said support members (20) extend between the bottom face and the top face of an element in a direction substantially transverse to the extension of the intermediate grid plate elements (12) and are supported on the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged below a respective intermediate grid plate element (12), and support the support members (20) of an adjacent intermediate grid plate element (12) arranged above said respective intermediate grid plate element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hewitech GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Hewing, Frank Dirkskoetter
  • Patent number: 8727664
    Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Publication number: 20140030023
    Abstract: A near-surface wellhead for extracting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane includes a plenum defining an enclosure with an upper portion. A conduit extends upwardly from the upper portion of the plenum, the conduit communicating with the interior volume of the plenum and has external threads for receiving a threaded nut thereon. The conduit is adapted and provided for extending through an aperture in the geomembrane for withdrawing sub-surface gas from within the interior volume of the plenum and through the geomembrane. A gasket having an opening formed therein is slipped over the conduit and above the geomembrane so that the geomembrane is sandwiched between the gasket and the upper portion of the plenum. A threaded nut is fitted to the conduit and above the gasket for securing the gasket against the geomembrane, thereby sealing the geomembrane to the upper portion of the plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael R. AYERS, Delaney LEWIS, Jose URRUTIA
  • Patent number: 8585322
    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. A gas collection system is located under the cover system for the collection of gas produced by the waste sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ClosureTurf LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Ayers, Jose L. Urrutia
  • Patent number: 8430600
    Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises fill material and a covering portion. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess. The fill material has a base, an inner sloped surface adjacent a future accumulation of waste, and an outer sloped surface opposite the inner sloped surface. The fill material comprises contaminated fill material fully encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. The covering portion comprises structural fill material and at least partially covers the fill material. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill, and portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 8403597
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Closureturf LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Ayers, Jose L. Urrutia
  • Patent number: 8376657
    Abstract: A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 8365478
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8366918
    Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Patent number: 8349171
    Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120237299
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Carlton Dudding
  • Patent number: 8192111
    Abstract: A boot for attaching a geosynthetic layer to a vertical member in a soil, where the geosynthetic layer extends substantially horizontally outwardly from the vertical member. The boot includes a stack of flexible rings. Each ring has an inner edge defining a center opening larger than the horizontal cross section of the vertical member and an outer edge, and is secured around its inner edge to the inner edge of a ring adjacent one side and around its outer edge to the outer edge of a ring adjacent its other side. The bottom ring of the stack of rings is adapted to secure to the geosynthetic layer. A securement ring is secured around the top ring of the stack of rings and has a center opening adapted to be secured to the vertical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GSE Lining Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 8109047
    Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten
  • Publication number: 20110255923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stimulating biodegradation and the degassing of waste disposal sites by installing degassing pipes therein. The present invention further relates to a special waste disposal site. It is therefore an object of the present invention to increase the extent of biodegradation as well as the extent of degassing of a waste disposal site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Jacobus Cornelis Wammes, Johannes Kasper Van Eijk
  • Publication number: 20100303550
    Abstract: An existing landfill cell is retrofit with a lateral drainage pipe for draining leachate therefrom. The method involves installing an entry tube through a top surface of the landfill's cap, and sealing the entry tube with respect to surrounding material of the cap. Then, a drill string is introduced through the entry tube, and a drill bit on the drill string drills a hole through the solid waste along a path situated above the base of the landfill in an upwardly inclined direction from the entry opening. The leachate and drilling fluid are allowed to gravitate outwardly through the entry tube during the drilling operation. After installing a perforated drain pipe in the hole, a nozzle is passed through the drain pipe for emitting a high-pressure liquid jet generally radially outwardly through the drain pipe and into the surrounding solid waste to form a drainage layer of waste material around the drain pipe, allowing leachate to enter the drain pipe and gravitate from the landfill cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, INC.
    Inventors: Phillip D. McKALIPS, Gerald L. Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20100266342
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Michael R. Ayers, Jose L. Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20100266343
    Abstract: It is to provide a mixture for preventing contaminant diffusion having stable and excellent purifying ability against a contaminant included in contaminated soil as compared to the conventional technique for preventing contaminant diffusion, and a method for preventing contaminant diffusion. The mixture for preventing contaminant diffusion is comprised of an adsorbing agent for adsorbing a contaminant included in contaminated soil and a diluent mixed at a predetermined ratio to the adsorbing agent for adjusting permeability coefficient and thickness, wherein a spatial velocity of water containing the contaminant is 1 to 60 (1/hr).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Koji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7753412
    Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Royston, John A. Samudovsky
  • Patent number: 7740284
    Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. A containment chamber is disposed below ground level which creates a confined space which has, as its only egress, a fluid connection to a gas escape passageway. Any gas which leaks into the containment chamber is directed into the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks into said containment chamber is directed through the gas escape passageway and through the at least one vent and into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Royston, John A. Samudovsky
  • Patent number: 7712997
    Abstract: A plastics infiltration block for infiltration or attenuation purposes is disclosed. The infiltration block has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body having pairs of opposed first, second and third faces. At least one inspection channel extends through the infiltration block and inspection channel openings are positioned in opposed third faces of the infiltration block. The area of each inspection channel opening is at least 10% of the size of the area of the third face. The infiltration block can include a single infiltration block element or multiple coupled infiltration block elements. The infiltration block element has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body. A grid of duct walls forming substantially parallel ducts extend between each first face and the one or more inspection channels of the infiltration block, and between each second face and the inspection channels of the infiltration block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Wavin B.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Roelfsema
  • Patent number: 7682105
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael R. Ayers, Jose L. Urrutia
  • Publication number: 20090136298
    Abstract: The invention involves a method of collecting biogas from a landfill with a variable rate of collection varied to match periods of greatest need for energy and greatest economic value of energy during a day. The variable collection rate is made possible by a landfill design that includes a gas permeable layer and a gas containment layer with gas collection from an extraction locus beneath the gas permeable layer. In some embodiments the landfill also includes a porous gas storage layer above the gas-permeable layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Institute for Environmental Management
    Inventors: Don C. Augenstein, John R. Benemann
  • Patent number: 7470094
    Abstract: A geocomposite for use in a landfill, including a geonet and a geotextile bonded to at least one side of the geonet. The geonet includes a first plurality of substantially parallel strands, and a second plurality of substantially parallel strands disposed on top of the first plurality of strands, the second plurality of strands being at an angle relative to the first plurality of strands. The first and second plurality of strands are substantially incompressible and secured to one another at crossover locations, and are substantially round in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: GSE Lining Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dino Heathcott, Dhani Narejo, Rick Schaefer, Boyd Ramsey
  • Patent number: 7422393
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for creating, managing and staging aerobic and/or anaerobic landfills. Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for collecting liquids from and recirculating liquids into landfills and systems and methods for collecting gases from and introducing gases into landfills. Embodiments of the invention also provide a novel conduit for conveying liquids and gases which comprises a first pipe coaxially disposed within a second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Schwalbe
  • Publication number: 20080199256
    Abstract: What is disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for use in environmental remediation. The compositions are for use in a variety of environmental remediation barriers including fiber rolls, mats or blankets, and berms. Applications for the use of the compositions, devices, and methods include remediation of aqueous run-off material from contaminated soil, landfill remediation, eutrification of waterways, and revetment of banks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: R.H. Dyck, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin McPhillips
  • Publication number: 20080131206
    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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Milind V. Khire
  • 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: 7249607
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for servicing landfill conduits are disclosed. These systems, methods, and apparatus employ structures which facilitate access to and the servicing of buried landfill conduits, for example, one or more buried landfill laterals. In one aspect, the systems include an enclosure, at least one inlet conduit passing into the enclosure, at least one outlet conduit passing out of the enclosure, and at least one service conduit having a valve and an access port positioned between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit. In another aspect, methods and portable apparatuses are provided for introducing high-pressure fluids or vacuum to a landfill conduit, for example, by means of the access port in the service conduit, to remove or dislodge obstructions. Conduits connected to blowers and pumps are used to introduce or withdraw fluids from the landfill conduits, for example, from predetermined locations within the landfill conduits identified by remote sensing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Landfill Service Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Hansen, Dennis W. Super
  • Patent number: 7168888
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for creating, managing and staging aerobic and/or anaerobic landfills. The invention provides systems and methods for collecting liquids from and recirculating liquids into landfills and systems and methods for collecting gases from and introducing gases into landfills. The invention also provides a novel conduit for conveying liquids and gases which comprises a first pipe coaxially disposed within a second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Schwalbe
  • Patent number: 6726401
    Abstract: The performance of a leach field in processing waste water is maintained or improved by a control system in which one or more selected parameter in a waste water conduit, or in the influence zone of the conduit, is measured, compared to a set point(s), and one or more variable is manipulated. For example, gas composition, gas pressure, water level and water content are measured; waste water flow, heating, air flow and air composition are changed. In one mode of operation the manipulated variable is qualitatively different from the parameter being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Potts
  • Patent number: 6719489
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Cameron M. Colson
  • Publication number: 20040062610
    Abstract: A trench located in a landfill including the combination of a liquid infiltration piping system and a horizontal gas withdrawal piping system, the combination allowing for simultaneous liquid infiltration and gas withdrawal from a landfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Hater, John A. Barbush, Richard N. Barr
  • Publication number: 20040047691
    Abstract: A cover assembly for an organic waste lagoon basin and a method of making and deploying such a cover assembly. A cover includes connected cover panels or sections. In one form of the invention the panels are comprised of a single layer of geotextile fabric. In another form of the invention the panels are comprised of interconnected strata including a sacrificial layer which faces the sun and protects the cover from ultraviolet light degradation; a foam layer that floats the cover; and a geotextile fabric layer. The geotextile fabric is porous and suppresses the release of malodorous gases from the lagoon basin. The cover can be constructed and deployed by laying out cover panels in fanfold fashion along a side of the basin; connecting adjacent edges of the panels; attaching flotation to the free edge of the top panel; and using deployment lines and a mandrel to move the cover across the filled basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: John W. Baumgartner, Mark K. Kubesh
  • Patent number: 6688812
    Abstract: A hydraulic barrier for particular use in sealing the perimeter of landfill sites, the barrier comprising a geosynthetic clay liner, preferably containing prehydrated sodium bentonite, which geosynthetic clay liner is supported in a substantially vertical orientation by a support frame comprising a pair of spaced apart support frame members between whose substantially parallel inner surfaces the geosynthetic clay liner is located and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ivan Rowe
  • Publication number: 20030219310
    Abstract: Arch shape cross-section leaching and stormwater chambers are connected together so that swiveled angling is obtained at the joint. Angling is accomplished by means of an integral or detachable dome end comprising a conical section. A like chamber with an ordinary end mates by overlapping the dome. Or a like chamber may have an opposing and overlapping end, which also comprises a dome. A coupling for connecting two ordinary end chambers is comprised of two spaced apart conical domes spaced apart by a connector. The connector between the domes is optionally straight or angled. The couplings enable chambers to be connected at diverse angles to each other, as well as to be connected parallel with offset, i.e., with zigzag path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: James J. Burnes, Ronald Brochu, Bryan A. Coppes, Donald Crescenzi, Michael J. Ambrosino
  • Patent number: 6644890
    Abstract: A method for treating oxidable gas generated from waste at a dumping area and to the structure of the dumping area. The dumping area has an organic waste layer covered with a sealing layer that prevents the absorption of water, with a drying layer and a surface layer. Oxidable gas is generated and directed through an aperture formed in the sealing layer and made to spread in, the lateral direction with the help of one or several flow controllers so that the gas ends in the surface layer to become biologically oxidized. The aperture may be provided with a cover, and the gas flow controllers may be perforated pipes extending radially from a side of a well. The oxidation of gas may be intensified by directing air and/or moisture from a piping to the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Matti Ettala Oy
    Inventors: Matti Ettala, Petri Väisänen
  • Patent number: 6629390
    Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Argent Industrial, L.P.
    Inventors: James E. Wood, Jr., John E. Sepich
  • Patent number: 6599058
    Abstract: A landfill (10) having a leachate collection apparatus including a layer of geonet material (40) disposed above a liner (38) as its primary leachate flow path. Leachate flows along the geonet material to a collection trench (16) located along an edge (14) of a generally planar landfill area (12). The superior hydraulic conductivity of the geonet material (34) disposed above a liner (32) is provided below the primary drainage layer for additional ground water protection. A collection box 918) having both a leachate collection compartment (54) and a leakage collection compartment (56) is disposed in alignment with openings (80, 82) formed in the respective liner layers. The sealing surfaces (64,68) between the collection box and liners are all located on upper surfaces of the collection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: John Phillip Arnold
  • Patent number: 6558077
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Cameron M. Colson
  • Patent number: 6543189
    Abstract: An environmental protection and detection system includes a vapor and gas impervious barrier extending beneath at least part of the area of an enclosure to prevent fluids leaked or spilled within the enclosure for flowing downwardly into the underlying soil and ground water and to prevent vapors and gases emanating from sources beneath the enclosure from percolating upwardly into the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned above the barrier and are connected to points outside the enclosure for use in detecting and removing contaminants leaked or spilled within the enclosure. Lengths of perforated pipe are positioned beneath the barrier and are vented to the atmosphere for preventing accumulations of fluids emanating from sources beneath the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Argent Industrial L.P.
    Inventors: James E. Wood, Jr., John E. Sepich
  • Patent number: 6406219
    Abstract: A process is provided for reducing a greenhouse gas emission component of a combustion gas from a thermal power generation plant. The thermal power generation plant is located in a coastal region adjacent the ocean. The plant is located beneath a seawater reservoir and a discharge line via a cooling water loop provides cooling water to the power station. The discharge line in turn feeds a modified hydroelectric plant and an intake pipe is located with its outlet beneath the ocean surface. A bypass line is connected to the discharge line 14 and extends to deep ocean sinks. In operation, seawater is pumped from the ocean to the elevated reservoir via the intake pipe and discharge line and thereafter combustion gas from the flue stack or emission system of the power station is injected into the discharge line. Electricity is generated by the power station during peak demand periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jolyon E. Nove
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6283676
    Abstract: Landfills including multiple lifts having horizontal piping layers and methods for their use to accelerate anaerobic and/or aerobic degradation of municipal solid waste to increase landfill capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Hater, Roger Green, Gerard Hamblin