Landfill Patents (Class 405/129.95)
  • Patent number: 11977062
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling landfill gas from a landfill flowing through a pipe. The apparatus may comprise: an enclosure configured to receive a section of the pipe; a gas sampling port in the section of the pipe; at least one sensor device disposed in a region of the enclosure, the at least one sensor being coupled to the section of the pipe through the gas sampling port; and thermal insulation positioned to retain heat from the section of the pipe in the region of the enclosure. A method of operating a landfill gas recovery system. The method may comprise: flowing gas from a well riser pipe through a sampling subsystem to a collection system; and heating a portion of the sampling subsystem with the gas flowing from the well riser pipe to the collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Loci Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Campanella, Ian Martin, Joseph G. Michels, Nathan Pallo, Peter Quigley
  • Patent number: 11865594
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill via a gas extraction system comprising a plurality of wells are provided herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a concentration of a greenhouse gas measured a distance above a surface of a region comprising the plurality of wells; determining whether the measure of the concentration of the greenhouse gas is greater than a first threshold; and in response to determining that the measure of the concentration of the greenhouse gas is greater than the first threshold, increasing a flow rate of landfill gas being extracted from at least one well of the plurality of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Loci Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Quigley, Ian Martin, Nicole Neff, Jack Rowbottom
  • Patent number: 11739014
    Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process creates significant amounts of water. The invention provides an aqueous composition comprising specified amounts of dissolved and suspended solids, low chemical oxygen demand and low chlorine demand, pH in the range of 6.5 to 8.0, where the aqueous composition comprises organic carbon derived from fossil sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Velocys Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Lea, Ivan Philip Greager, Laura J. Silva
  • Patent number: 11633767
    Abstract: A landfill gas recovery system includes a waste layer disposed in a landfill and a capping layer overlying the waste layer. The capping layer includes a cured sealing layer and a loose fill layer between the waste layer and the cured sealing layer. The loose fill layer includes a granular fill material. The cured sealing layer includes a composite of the granular fill material and a cured water soluble polymer. The cured sealing layer is substantially impermeable to landfill gases formed within the waste layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Jihad Shana'a
  • Patent number: 11123777
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring or controlling an aerobic landfill bioreactor having a plurality of zones each including at least one well head. The system comprises: a gas extraction blower, a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the well heads, an ex-situ relative humidity detector, an ex-situ gas constituent detector, an air injection system, a liquid injection system, and a controller. Landfill gas is extracted by the blower and it's temperature, relative humidity, and gas constituents are measured. The system further comprises a system of headers, isolation valves, and flow control valves which serve to isolate zones for measurement and/or air and liquid injection as well as control the flow of either the landfill gas extraction or liquid and air injection. The method involves measuring: temperature, relative humidity, and gas constituents of the extracted landfill gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Aerobic Landfill Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Speer, Leon Green
  • Publication number: 20150071710
    Abstract: A geonet having a length substantially greater than its width and including no more than first and second layers of strands. A first plurality of substantially parallel strands extends in the lengthwise direction and defines the first layer of strands, and a second plurality of substantially parallel strands is disposed on top of, and at an angle relative to, the first plurality of strands and defines the second layer of strands. The first and second plurality of strands are substantially incompressible and secured to one another at crossover locations. Geocomposites include geotextile bonded to at least one side of the geonet. The geonets/geocomposites are laid in geotechnical construction sites in the direction of expected drainage flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Boyd J. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 8939676
    Abstract: A system for removing ammonia from landfill leachate comprising an economizer for producing high pressure hot water in a hot water circuit from heat exchange with a hot gas stream carrying waste heat; a boiler which is heated by the high pressure hot water to produce steam; and an ammonia stripper. The ammonia stripper has a leachate inlet connected to a leachate flow path, and an ammonia containing gas outlet. A leachate discharge outlet is connected to a leachate discharge flow path, and a steam inlet is provided which is connected to the boiler by a conduit. At a lower end of the ammonia stripper there is a forced air inlet. A randomly packed bed located between the upper end and the lower end. In use there is a flow of steam and air in one direction and of leachate in the opposite direction which releases ammonia from the leachate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Process Limited
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Mark Moulden
  • Publication number: 20140348589
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: JAMES JOSEPH MANNO, JR., JACQUELINE LILJA MANNO
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8807871
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: James Joseph Manno, Jr., Jacqueline Lija Manno
  • Patent number: 8784007
    Abstract: Apparatus for covering a large land area with a long length, wide width heavy flexible sheeting comprising: a main framework adapted for mounting onto the end of a crowd of an excavator; a swivel assembly rotatably secured to the main framework; an elongated support member secured to the swivel assembly; a bearing assembly pivotably fixed to one end of the support member; a bushing assembly pivotably mounted to the other end of the support member; an arbor assembly including an elongated mandrel for receiving and supporting a roll of sheeting with one end of the mandrel journalled at one of its ends in the bushing assembly and the opposite end removably arranged in the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Walter N. Wilson
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 8696244
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to apply waste treatment liquid to a solid waste disposal site by filing a storage tank with waste treatment liquid, connecting the liquid storage tank with a vehicle for solid waste compacting and releasing the waste treatment liquid to a portion of solid waste site in need of moisture. This invention further provided an apparatus for distributing waste treatment liquid over the working face of a solid waste disposal site includes an inflow conduit, a storage tank, an outflow conduit, a control valve that contains a remote-valve control; manifold inlet conduit attached to the control valve, and a manifold to allow the liquid received from the manifold inlet conduit to be distributed evenly over the working face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: S&D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Keylor, Lindsey Shirley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8672586
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for exchanging heat from the degradation, decomposition, and chemical/biochemical transformation of municipal, industrial, and other types of waste. In one embodiment, a heat extraction system may include a closed-loop fluid circulation piping channeled throughout at least one heat extraction well oriented throughout a waste mass. The piping is fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger. A first circulation fluid is circulated through the closed-loop circulation piping into various depths of the waste mass to transfer thermal energy between said mass and said heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the transfer of thermal energy between the waste mass and the heat exchanger is used as alternative energy method and to control at least one of shear strength, compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity of the waste mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Nazli Yesiller, James Lewis Hanson
  • Patent number: 8560459
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for creating a municipal solid waste (MSW) system to address the multiple types of waste that are disposed by the public, and further, to provide a waste management solution that provides for the sustained economic development and growth of communities. The present invention also provides effective screening and separation of hazardous components in the waste stream, and further provides recovery and reuse solutions as alternatives to disposal of hazardous waste. The present invention further provides communities with a system and method to more effectively capture and use disposed MSW and other waste streams to provide renewable energy sources. Moreover, the present invention includes a method for establishing a municipal solid waste management system that makes sustainable development possible while preserving the economic interests of the parties involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Paula Calabrese
  • Patent number: 8487018
    Abstract: Heavy metal-free compostable polymers, composites and articles anaerobically biodegrade in landfills in a relatively short time. Heavy metal-free composite polymeric articles and sheets such as indoor or outdoor signs, billboards, banners, images, protective barriers, backdrops and wall coverings have very useful service durations and yet are landfill biodegradable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Biotech Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Grossman
  • Publication number: 20130129420
    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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: AWT IP, LLC
    Inventor: AWT IP, LLC
  • 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: 8398335
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Stefan Stamoulis
  • Publication number: 20130045054
    Abstract: A machine (20) for laying a film on a landfill surface and depositing an anchoring material such as soil on the film is carried on the blade (22) of a bulldozer (24). The machine (20) has a pair of hoppers (28, 30) with an engine compartment (38) between them. The front walls (40) of the hoppers have exit slots (52) for the release of anchoring material onto the film as it is being laid. The hoppers have chain floors (62) for moving the anchoring material to the exit slots (52). A film roll holder 32 below the hoppers holds a roll (82) of film for unwinding onto the landfill surface as the machine is propelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: EPI ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES (NEVADA) INC.
    Inventor: Randall J. Kozak
  • 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: 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: 20120271091
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention include a method for the treatment of drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least a first drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a paste, combining at least a second drilling waste with coal combustion residues to form a compactable fill, and placing the paste and the compactable fill in a landfill. Other embodiments include a method of treating drilling wastes and coal combustion residues, comprising combining at least one drilling waste with a coal combustion residue to form a paste. Further embodiments include containing the paste within at least one geotextile container. Still further embodiments include placing the geotextile container in a landfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: James Joseph Manno, JR., Jacqueline Lilja Manno
  • Patent number: 8292543
    Abstract: A bioreactor including one or more features that improve bioreactor liquid infiltration and gas recovery including a porous material layer having a layer of first porous material including a trench, a second porous material located in the trench and extending beyond the top surface of the layer of first porous material and perforated gas recovery piping located in the second porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Hater, Kevin M. Mieczkowski, Roger Green, John A. Barbush
  • Patent number: 8287625
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for treating landfill gas using landfill leachate. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving landfill leachate from at least one of a plurality of sources, and pretreating the landfill leachate to adjust at least one chemical property of at least one component of the landfill leachate. The leachate contacts landfill gas, so that at least one component of the landfill gas chemically reacts with at least one component of the landfill leachate to form a spent landfill leachate and a treated landfill gas. The method also includes recycling a first portion of the spent landfill leachate, recirculating a second portion of the spent landfill leachate to at least one of the plurality of sources, and subjecting the treated landfill gas to flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Casella
  • Publication number: 20120257929
    Abstract: Methods of remediating construction and demolition waste by collecting sulfur containing construction and demolition waste materials, adding a sulfur stabilizing agent to the construction and waste materials, admixing the sulfur containing construction and demolition waste materials and the sulfur stabilizing agent to form a sulfur stabilized construction and demolition waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: WASTE MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Gary R. Hater, Gregory C. Cekander
  • 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: 8240959
    Abstract: A geosynthetic tufted drain barrier (GTDB) for preventing vertical migration of fluids. On a substantially impermeable woven or non-woven continuous layer is disposed a membrane. The tensile strength of the impermeable layer is at least 5 lbs/lineal ft (3.0 kg/lineal m). The permeability of the membrane is no greater than 10?4 cm/sec. Tufted tensile elements are attached to the membrane, each one being attached to the membrane at a density of at least 25 tufted tensile elements per square foot (30 square cm). The tufted tensile elements are formed in rows and are disposed at a density of at least four rows per square foot (30 square cm). Infill material can be introduced to the tufted tensile elements. The drain barrier may be constructed with integrated letters, logos, and signage and one or more colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Turf Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Rhoades, Peter J. Ianniello
  • Publication number: 20120183355
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to apply waste treatment liquid to a solid waste disposal site by filing a storage tank with waste treatment liquid, connecting the liquid storage tank with a vehicle for solid waste compacting and releasing the waste treatment liquid to a portion of solid waste site in need of moisture. This invention further provided an apparatus for distributing waste treatment liquid over the working face of a solid waste disposal site includes an inflow conduit, a storage tank, an outflow conduit, a control valve that contains a remote-valve control; manifold inlet conduit attached to the control valve, and a manifold to allow the liquid received from the manifold inlet conduit to be distributed evenly over the working face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: S & D Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Keylor, Lindsey Shirley
  • Patent number: 8163242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Elkins Earthworks, LLC
    Inventor: Charles D. Elkins
  • Publication number: 20120087737
    Abstract: A process is provided for treating produced water recovered from an oil recovery process. An oil-water mixture is collected from an oil bearing formation. The oil-water mixture is directed to a separator that separates the oil-water mixture to yield produced water and an oil product. The produced water includes water, dissolved organics and dissolved inorganic solids. The produced water is directed to a crystallizer. In the crystallizer, the produced water is concentrated by heating the produced water. Concentrating the produced water causes the organic and inorganic solids to precipitate from the produced water and form solid crystals, including salt crystals. Further, concentrating the produced water in the crystallizer produces an organic melt including the solid crystals. Thereafter, the method or process entails cooling the organic melt such that the organic melt solidifies into an organic solid structure, and wherein substantially no free water is present in the organic solid structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicants: Statoil Canada Ltd., HPD, LLC
    Inventors: Keith R. Minnich, David E. Gamache, John Kus
  • Publication number: 20120021123
    Abstract: Biomass is devolatilized to produce both a combustible fuel (syngas) and activated carbon. The activated carbon is used as an adsorbent to capture a contaminant, such as mercury, and stored in a landfill, is impregnated with components with inherent fertilizer properties and tilled into arable land, is used along with coal in an electric power generation facility, or is used to remove mercury or other heavy metals from the flue gas of a coal fired power generation station prior to being stored so as to sequester both carbon and the heavy metal. Thus, both the carbon and the adsorbed mercury or other chemical are sequestered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Philip D. Leveson, John P. Gaus
  • Patent number: 8100605
    Abstract: A composite material for environmental odor control is useful in controlling odors from waste, for example, as an alternative daily cover for landfills and in composting applications. The composite material includes a fiber web and a zeolite containing metals to promote absorption of odorous gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Karl Duncan Bishop, Michael A. Bilodeau, Susan G. Mackay, Douglas M. Ruthven
  • Patent number: 8052349
    Abstract: A modular roof like enclosed structure has attachments suitable for handling by lifting machinery to be placed on a landfill site and a perimeter strip extension which abuts or overlaps an adjoining module on the site. The modular structure is vented to allow ventilation of the landfill and the vent contains a filter to extract harmful gasses and odors. The structure also contains a liquid spray system to spray insecticide and deodorant onto the landfill and a fire retardant system which is activated automatically when smoke is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Grant Lloyd Lacey
  • Patent number: 8029616
    Abstract: A cover composition that can be applied to a bulk material pile, such as landfill refuse, to protect the pile from wind, precipitation, and access by animals and insects is provided. The cover composition is a mixture of a liquid, typically, water; bentonite clay; and synthetic fibers. The composition may be enhanced by the addition of one or more of the following additives: Portland cement, pregelatinized wheat starch, synthetic polymers, soda ash, and latex paint. Unlike prior art cover compositions, the disclosed composition adheres well to waste material, most notably plastics, whereby the composition is easy to apply and provides a substantially uniform, durable protective cover to landfill refuse piles and other bulk materials. Methods of applying the composition to bulk material piles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: LSC Environmental Products, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Hansen, Dennis W. Super
  • Patent number: 8002050
    Abstract: An onshore oil or gas well is completed with a coiled tubing unit. A completion liquid is circulated through coiled tubing and thereby removing solids from the well. The completion liquid and drilled solids pass into a tank where the solids are removed and the cleansed completion liquid is redelivered into the well. In some embodiments, drilled solids from the completion liquid are dewatered to a suitable extent in the tank and dumped into a bin where they are mixed with cotton motes to sorb any free liquid. In some embodiments, drilled solids from drilling an onshore subterranean well are mixed with cotton motes to sorb free liquid. The mixture of cotton motes and drilled solids are disposed of in a manner consistent with appropriate regulations, as by delivery to a commercial landfill, which may be either privately or municipally owned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: W. Lynn Frazier
  • Patent number: 7972082
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Don C. Augenstein, John R. Benemann
  • Patent number: 7959376
    Abstract: A method of reducing greenhouse gases while simultaneously generating carbon credits includes mitigating greenhouse gases at unregulated landfill sites or mitigating greenhouse gases at regulated landfill sites in excess of the required mitigation activities, obtaining carbon credits in an amount created by the mitigation efforts and selling or using the carbon credits in an open market to, for example, offset the costs of the mitigation efforts or to fund or support other greenhouse gas emission activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Heartland Technology Partners LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, Jr., Michael J. Rutsch, Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 7956101
    Abstract: Compostable hydrocarbon polymers, composites, and articles anaerobically biodegrade in landfills in a relatively short time. Composite polymeric articles and sheets such as indoor or outdoor signs, billboards, banners, images, protective barriers, backdrops and wall coverings have very useful service durations and yet are landfill biodegradable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Biotech Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7955419
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for treating landfill gas using landfill leachate. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes receiving landfill leachate from at least one of a plurality of sources, and pretreating the landfill leachate to adjust at least one chemical property of at least one component of the landfill leachate. The leachate contacts landfill gas, so that at least one component of the landfill gas chemically reacts with at least one component of the landfill leachate to form a spent landfill leachate and a treated landfill gas. The method also includes recycling a first portion of the spent landfill leachate, recirculating a second portion of the spent landfill leachate to at least one of the plurality of sources, and subjecting the treated landfill gas to flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Casella
  • Patent number: 7934544
    Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Nitra-Gen LLC
    Inventors: Donald O. Hitzman, D. Michael Dennis
  • Publication number: 20110058901
    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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Marc-Antoine Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7902271
    Abstract: Compositions of vinyl halide polymers such as PVC are rendered compostable by a prodegradant system of a monomeric adduct of an organotitanate or zirconate and an organotin. PVC sheets and composites are compostable in landfills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Biotech Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7866921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside PVC, HDPE, or plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing methane gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. Apertures in methane well risers allow methane gas, LFG derived from the decomposition of waste, to enter the existing riser and extraction system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to retrieve methane gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing LFG and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Stefan Stamoulis
  • Publication number: 20100226722
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and processes involved with hydrating particulate material are provided. A representative process includes: delivering a pressurized stream of dry particulate material; spreading the stream of dry particulate material outwardly from an axis; spraying a pressurized aqueous liquid into the spread dry particulate material such that the particulate material is hydrated; moving the hydrated particulate material along a helical path; increasing the velocity of the hydrated particulate material; and directing the hydrated particulate material to a depository. The pressurized aqueous liquid may include leachate collected from a landfill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Emmett M. Walker
  • Patent number: 7726908
    Abstract: This invention involves a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) treatment processing technology. The process entails a type of MSW landfill treatment process. This invention features the following steps. Firstly: MSW separation. Second: organic trash landfill. Third: the recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Xu Fei Wu
  • Patent number: 7699563
    Abstract: Landfills and their methods of operation are disclosed. Through the controlled introduction of septage into a wet cell having a refuse layer, refuse decomposes faster to achieve additional landfill space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Virdis Waste Control, LLC
    Inventors: Murugappan Subbarayan, John Lawrence O'Keefe, Te-Yang Soong, Jan M. O'Keefe
  • Publication number: 20100047020
    Abstract: A modular roof like enclosed structure has attachments suitable for handling by lifting machinery to be placed on a landfill site and a perimeter strip extension which abuts or overlaps an adjoining module on the site. The modular structure is vented to allow ventilation of the landfill and the vent contains a filter to extract harmful gasses and odors. The structure also contains a liquid spray system to spray insecticide and deodorant onto the landfill and a fire retardant system which is activated automatically when smoke is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Grant Lloyd Lacey
  • 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