Abstract: The top layers of soil contaminated with halogenated organic chemicals are remediated by initial heating at moderate temperature and reduced pressure to remove soil moisture and volatile contaminants and subsequently heating the soil of minimum clay content or acidity at higher temperature, thereby decomposing the halogenated organic chemicals contained therein. Means for effecting such remediation is provided which includes a heat source, pressure regulating means, and vapor collection and treatment means.

Abstract: An in-situ thermal desorption system utilizes perforated or slotted pipe buried in the soil below the depth of contamination in the soil. The surface of the soil is covered with a layer of permeable insulation (to conserve heat and to provide a gas migration path on top of the soil) and a layer of impermeable material above the insulation. A vapor recovery/treatment system consists of a method of inducing a vacuum between the impermeable layer and the soil surface (e.g., a vacuum pump or an induced draft fan) and a treatment system for the contaminated vapor (e.g., a cold trap, carbon adsorption, or incineration). Fuel and compressed air are fed to a pressurized combustion chamber and combusted, the combustion products flow into the buried pipe and are distributed through the contaminated soil. Heat from the pressurized combustion products causes the organic contaminants within the soil to vaporize, pyrolyze, decompose, or react with oxygen.

Abstract: A soil decontamination apparatus is based on a heating operation performed on soil to be contaminated to vaporize and burn off hydrocarbons. The soil is fed into a drum drier at a constant rate which is related to the moisture contents in the soil and the energy available from the burner of the drum drier. Soil particles in the form of dust which become entrained in the hot gases which are used in the decontamination process are removed from the gas stream and are recombined with the base material of the soil in a region of the drum drier which is substantially devoid of gas flow. The substantially calm atmosphere in the region of the drum drier in which the recombination takes place permits the fines to be mixed with the base material without the fines again being carried off by gaseous movement. A soil reconditioning is provided for in an isolated third zone of the drum drier.

Abstract: The process of the present invention serves to remediate and reduce the volume of waste materials in a landfill site and increases the useful life of the treated landfill. The process steps involve drilling a series of holes into the waste material mass at proper spacing, inserting and operating a plasma arc torch in each drilled hole to pyrolize, remediate and vitrify the waste materials and allowing the melted materials to cool and harden. During the process, a gaseous by-product is produced and collected in a hood which is attached to scrubbing and chemical cleaning apparatus. The resultant gases are commercially useful as fuel gas and the vitrified residue is significantly smaller in volume than the original waste material volume, thus substantially extending the useful life of the landfill site and ultimately providing a firm foundation for construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the in situ removal of contaminants from contaminated soil wherein exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is injected at an elevated temperature into contaminated soil creating a sweep gas driving volatile organic chemicals out of the in situ soil. The mechanical energy from the internal combustion engine is utilized in separating the volatile organic chemicals from the sweep gas and/or increasing the flow rate of the sweep gas through the contaminated soil by either increasing the injection pressure and/or reducing the pressure on the recovery well.

Abstract: A mobile heating system for thawing frozen ground. The system includes a hot water heater, antifreeze reservoir, and pumps mounted on a mobile apparatus such as a trailer for being towed by a car or truck. A line is connectable to the heater and antifreeze reservoir and includes a plurality of elongate heater probes for being implanted in the ground, adjacent a frozen water or sewer line. Circulation of hot water through the line and probes thaw the ground. Alternatively, the probes may be used to heat building material such as bricks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ solidifying and stabilizing a mass of unstable foundation soil utilizes a plasma arc torch. The torch is inserted into a drilled and cased hole to a selected depth in a subterranean unstable soil layer and the torch is energized. The intense heat generated by the torch melts the soil material close to the hole and forms a pool of melt while more remote sections are baked to a brick-like consistency or dried and strengthened. Upon cooling, the central melted soil material cools to a hard, vitrified column with physical properties equivalent to a hard, dense rock. Variations of the method apply to a variety of construction support problems and landslide remediation problems.

Abstract: A heat transfer tube extends along the peak of a dike having at least two rows of seedlings for collecting heat from the sun during the daytime and transferring the collected heat to the soil at night. The tube is of a geometrical configuration, preferably oval, and is made of transparent plastic. The tube is secured or in intimate contact on opposite sides to a mulching sheet made of opaque plastic, preferably black plastic during the winter growing season, and white plastic during the summer growing season. Optionally, a drip irrigation line is formed separately from or integrally with the heat transfer tube to irrigate the at least two rows of seedlings located on the peak of a dike.

Abstract: An electrode for use in in situ vitrification of soil comprises a molybdenum rod received within a conductive sleeve or collar formed of graphite. Electrodes of this type are placed on either side of a region containing buried waste material and an electric current is passed therebetween for vitrifying the soil between the electrodes. The graphite collar enhances the thermal conductivity of the electrode, bringing heat to the surface, and preventing the formation of a cold cap of material above the ground surface. The annulus between the molybdenum rod electrode and the graphite collar is filled with a conductive ceramic powder of a type that sinters upon the molybdenum rod, protecting the same from oxidation as the graphite material is consumed, or a metal powder which liquifies at operating temperatures. The molybdenum rod in the former case may be coated with an oxidation protectant, e.g. of molybdenum disilicide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remediating soils and other materials contaminated with organic compounds comprising dual volatilizing zones and radiant heat. The material is treated in the volatilizing zones to substantially volatilize the organic compounds contained within the material.

Abstract: Moist, warm, clean air from a vapor treatment system is injected into wells which are screened only at the contaminated depth forcing vapor flow only through the contaminated region. Intermediate the injection wells is an extraction well which is also screened only at the contaminated depth. A vacuum is drawn on the extraction well drawing the flushing vapors from the injection wells and toward the extraction well through the contaminated soil thereby entraining some of the contaminants. The contaminants are preferably non-volatile hydrocarbons such as diesel fuel, aviation and jet fuel, crude oil or pesticides. The contaminated, flushing vapor is then treated and recycled. An MW/RF heating system heats the earth's surface and the contaminated soil, thereby enhancing volatilization of the contaminants and their removal via the vapor flushing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid contaminants from a solid material is described. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical container having opening in its surface through which contaminants in a gaseous state may enter is filled with a cryo-adsorbing substance, for example, charcoal, and placed into a correspondingly-sized hole formed in the solid material from which the contaminants are to be removed. A cryogenic fluid, for example liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the container, preferably into a tube therein, thereby cooling the cryo-adsorbing substance so that molecules of contaminants are cryo-adsorbed from the solid material. After the adsorption of contaminants, the container is removed from the solid material and the cryo-adsorbing substance is regenerated, or regeneration is effected in situ. This invention has utility in the field of removing contaiminants, such as for example gasoline or other hazardous or toxic materials, from the ground.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-freeze separator assembly connected to a piece of equipment in outdoor freezing conditions in order to take a fluid, such as water, and treat same for subsequent disposal without freezing. The anti-freeze separator assembly includes 1) a main container housing; 2) a material retainer member mounted within the main container housing to receive and hold a treatment chemical therein; 3) an enclosure cap assembly releasably mounted on the main container housing; 4) a main fluid inlet assembly connected to the main container housing to transfer a fluid to be treated therein; and 5) a main discharge assembly connected to the main container housing to transfer a treat fluid therefrom. The main discharge assembly includes a discharge pipe member connected to a transfer pipe assembly with a diaphragm valve assembly therebetween.

Abstract: An underground water warmed by the geothermy in an aquifer is pumped up by a pumping means disposed in a pump-up well and the pumped up underground water is introduced into a heat exchanger located in the pump-up well near the opening thereof. The heat exchanger is connected to a heat radiating pipe laid under a road or a building structure on the ground through feed and return conduits. An antifreezing fluid is filled in the heat radiating pipe and circulates through the heat radiating pipe and the heat exchanger through the conduits. The antifreezing fluid warmed in the heat exchanger by the heat exchanging operation stores the heat in the road and transfers the heat to the snow on the ground during the passing through the heat radiating pipe by the heat radiating operation, whereby snow lying on the road is melted without sprinkling water.

Abstract: A method is provided for in situ decontamination of contaminated subsurface area by injection of steam into injection wells and withdrawing liquids and vapors from extraction wells under subatmospheric pressure whereby steam is passed through the contaminated area in an essentially horizontal direction. After a substantial portion of the contamination has been removed in this manner, the injection of steam is ceased, but the extraction at subatmospheric pressure is continued, to volatilize and remove the residual water and contaminants trapped in the pores of the soil. The steam injection may be periodically resumed to reheat the area and to replenish the water in the pores.

Abstract: Disclosed is in situ decontamination methods and apparatus for injecting a hot gas into boreholes formed in a contaminated soil area to vaporize the soil moisture and contaminants, and for collecting the vaporized contaminants at the surface of the soil. A burner heats pressurized gases and mixes the same with combustion gases for injection into the contaminated zone. A central collection system recovers the vaporized contaminants and couples such vapors to an on-site incinerator for disposal. Controlled heating of the injection gas is effective to sequentially remove different types of contaminants, as well as to provide in situ oxidation of other contaminants, while minimizing recondensation of the soil vapors. Wellbore casings are especially adapted for injecting the gas in predetermined patterns. In addition, a heater and incinerator assembly utilizes a single burner for both heating the dry gas and for incinerating the vapor contaminants.

Abstract: In-situ vitrification of soil is initiated by placing a cord of dielectric material impregnated with conductive material in thermally-conductive contact with the soil, and energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.

Abstract: Hazardous volatile contaminants are removed from the ground by circulating air between two substantially parallel wells and by removing the vapors of the organic compound from the circulated air using at least one of a condenser and a demister. To enhance efficiency the air is recirculated in a closed loop. The heat output of the condensation process is used to heat the recirculated air. Pipes having openings along only a limited portion of their lengths are placed in the wells and the depth of the openings adjusted to treat one level at a time, thereby preventing shunting of air through more porous soil layers. Flow rates can be equalized by using circumferentially placed induction wells surrounding an extraction well (or the reverse) and by controlling air flow through individual sections of a given level.

Abstract: An RF transmission line is located horizontal to the surface of a region of earth to be decontaminated. The transmission line is driven by a constant current RF source thereby causing induction heating of the soil therebeneath. An array of transmission lines may be required depending upon the size of the area to be decontaminated. The array may be moved slowly along tracks or other mobile carrier, in a direction horizontal to the earth's surface and perpendicular to the transmission line in order to achieve more uniform heating. In an alternative embodiment, a second array may be interspersed with the first array and the RF source switched between the arrays to achieve more uniform heating. Heat losses from recondensation of vapors at the surface and/or from radiation may be reduced by heating the air used for removing the vapors and by providing a radiant surface above the array and heating said array to the desired target temperature.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for cleaning contaminated earth. The contaminated soil is first frozen using freezer boxes which are placed on the surface of the ground to be frozen. A refrigerant, preferably liquid nitrogen, is then introduced into the box until the soil is frozen to a desired depth and temperature. The frozen soil containing pollutants is then removed and placed in sealed containers for optional further treatment.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a molybdenum rod is received within a conductive collar formed of graphite. The molybdenum rod and the graphite collar may be physically joined at the bottom. A pair of such electrodes are placed in soil containing buried waste material and an electric current is passed therebetween for vitrifying the soil. The graphite collar enhances the thermal conductivity of the combination, bringing heat to the surface, and preventing formation of a cold cap of material above the ground surface. The annulus between the molybdenum rod electrode and the graphite collar is suitably filled with a conductive ceramic powder that sinters upon the molybdenum rod, protecting the same from oxidation as graphite material is consumed, or a metal powder which liquefies at operating temperatures. The center of the molybdenum rod, used with a collar of separately, can be hollow and filled with a powdered metal, such as copper, which liquefies at operating temperatures.

Abstract: To provide confinement in a porous medium in the earth, a limited region of the porous medium is heated to drive substantially all of the free water from open spaces of the medium in the region. After heating, liquid material is introduced into the open spaces in the medium, which liquid material will set into a substantially solid structure. The liquid material is then set in the open spaces to form a substantially solid structure in the medium in the region.

Abstract: Hazardous wastes are identified and treated in situ by forming a downwardly extending zone of particles in the waste. Toxic components in the waste are identified by injection of a pressurized fluid into the zone and capturing a sample of gases rising to the surface of the waste. At least one treatment agent is injected into the zone as appropriate until sampling indicates the particles of waste have been treated to a desired degree.

Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated soil area in situ comprises the steps of placing a barrier in engagement with the exposed surface of the contaminated soil area, sealing the barrier around the periphery of the contaminated soil area and reducing the pressure beneath the outer layer of the barrier to draw the contaminants out of the soil. The barrier is comprised of an outer fluid impermeable layer and an inner fluid permeable layer. The edges of at least the outer layer of the barrier are sealed by digging a trench in the uncontaminated soil beyond the periphery of the contaminated soil area, inserting the edges of the barrier into the trench, refilling the trench and compacting the fill against the ends of the barrier. A liberating fluid may be injected into the soil beneath the contaminated soil area through a plurality of conduits inserted into the soil at acute angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus (U) is shown in FIGS. 11-13 that includes a power operated vehicle (V) that supports a vertically movable frame (W) that has a confined space defining shroud (X) on the lower end thereof that may be placed in sealing contact with the upper surface of a hazardous waste impoundment (Y) at a first station to permit the insitu detoxification of a desired portion of the impoundment. At least one power driven blade (Z) is rotated downwardly from within the shroud (X) into the impoundment to form a vertically extending zone (A-1) of particled material that is treated with a detoxifying agent that may be chemical, biological or heat from one or more plasma torches. Gases emitted during the formation of the particled zone (A-1) are subjected to scrub action by a liquid within shroud (X) and the liquid returned to zone (A-1). After the detoxification of a zone has been completed the apparatus (U) is moved to a succession of overlapping second stations where the above described method is repeated.

Abstract: A method for installing a pipeline for transporting a warm fluid, such as newly-produced oil, across arctic seafloor underlain by a permafrost zone without danger of rupture of the pipeline caused by thawing in the supporting permafrost zone comprises (1) drilling a series of boreholes along the seafloor through a thawed zone of subsea soil so as to penetrate a distance into a zone of permafrost lying thereunder, (2) circulating a warm fluid through each borehole so as to cause a zone of prethawing in the permafrost zone and thereby create a slump trough on the surface of the seafloor along a path marked by the series of boreholes; and (3) installing a warm fluid bearing pipeline along the bottom of the slump trough. Usually a temperature differential between the warm fluid and the bottom of the borehole of at least 2 degrees Fahrenheit is required to assure economical prethawing of the permafrost zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing mud slides comprising determining an area of soil to which to apply heat to evaporate water accumulation therein; determining, as a function of water drainage and water accumulation, a desired rate of water evaporation to maintain rigidity of the soil; and applying the determined amount of heat to the soil thereby to prevent mud slides. A series of electrical heating units are deployed strategically in the soil, and are energized by controlled amounts of energy in accordance with the level of a feedback signal from respective sensors located in the respective heating units. Mud slides may be prevented by determining a specific pattern in the area subjected to mud slides in which to deploy a series of heating units so as to form a rigid barrier which holds in place compliant soil in proximity to the rigid barrier.

Abstract: A water-containing region at or near the surface of the earth, such as a landfill, that is contaminated with hazardous materials is decontaminated by heating the region with bound radio frequency energy from a bound-wave transmission line excitor array disposed outside the region to a temperature to boil water and thereby increase the permeability of the region. The heating is continued by dielectric heating after water has boiled from at least a portion of the region to heat the portion to elevated temperatures substantially above the boiling point of water. The materials may then be rendered innocuous in situ in a number of ways, as by pyrolysis, thermally assisted decomposition, or reaction with an introduced reagent, such as oxygen. The materials may also be driven from the region, as by distillation or by evaporation and steam drive and then collected and disposed of, as by incineration.

Abstract: An arrangement in building structures (1) having a support mat (2) for creating beneath the support mat (2) an air mass or volume (3'). A fan or like device is provided for supplying air under overpressure to a bed located beneath the support mat. Arranged in the bed (3) beneath the mat (2) are hoses (9) and/or pipes, which are connected to the fan (7).

Abstract: A system for controlling microwave heaters in order to efficiently heat frozen ground. The heaters are energized and deenergized by a control unit in response to the temperature sensed a selected distance from a heater. The control unit also deenergizes the heater in response to a temperature sensed in the vicinity of the applicators of the heater in order to protect the heaters from overheating.

Abstract: A method of vitrifying soil at or below a soil surface location. Two or more conductive electrodes are inserted into the soil for heating of the soil mass between them to a temperature above its melting temperature. Materials in the soil, such as buried waste, can thereby be effectively immobilized.

Abstract: A method for removing frost from a selected area of the ground in accordance with one aspect of the invention involves positioning a plurality of hollow pipes over the area to be thawed, each pipe having an exhaust end and an inlet end. These pipes and the immediately adjacent ground areas, save for the inlet and exhaust ends of the pipes, are then covered with a bed of sand, gravel, or like filler material to a selected depth to provide a heat insulating and heat sink effect. Following this, burning gases are directed for a selected period of time along the length of each such pipe from a plurality of burners, each burner being disposed at the inlet end of a respective one of the pipes. The heated gases are allowed to travel along the length of the pipe and to escape from their exhaust ends whereby to effect heating of and thawing of the selected ground area.

Abstract: Flexible 1/4 inch diameter plastic tubing is buried horizontally below the surface of the ground. Water or air is forced in the tubing to expand the tubing and make the cavities, that the tubing is in, 1/4 inch in diameter. Then the water or air is sucked out of the tubing so that hollow earth-walled cavities 1/4 inch in diameter are left with the plastic tubing occupying only a small fraction of the volume of the cavities. This produces a system of worm holes over the field that will drain excess water after rains. In drouths irrigation water is introduced through the worm holes. Air is blown in the worm holes to aerate the soil at other times, all of which greatly increase plant growth. By guaranteeing that the ground always will be moist the thermal conductivity of the ground will always be near the maximum around the worm holes. Therefore part of the tunes can always be used to pass water through so the water can be cooled or warmed with the ground being used for a source of heat or cooling efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of driving and increasing the load bearing strength of an electrically conductive pile driven into soil having water above the soil. The top of the pile is insulated on the outside, but the bottom is uninsulated. The pile is driven into the water and soil until the insulator is below the bottom of the water thereby insulating the pile from the water. The anode of an electrical circuit having an anode, a d-c power source, and at least one cathode, is connected to the pile with the cathode placed in the soil. Current is directed from the anode to the cathode through the soil drying out the soil about the uninsulated portion of the pile for reducing the water content of the soil adjacent the uninsulated portion and increasing the load bearing strength of the soil. The length of the uninsulated pipe is at least as great as the length of the insulated pipe and the length of the insulator is substantially the same as the length of the pile above the soil.

Abstract: A variable thickness fabric mat for use with railroad track right of way beneath the track structure. The mat has a central portion of predetermined thickness, and lateral shoulder portions of a reduced thickness as compared to said cental portion, with the central portion being of a predetermined width of adequate dimension to generally completely underlie the railroad track structure. The mat provides a method for transmission of force from a train on the railroad track structure to be spread over a greater area of the underlying earth bearing surface, and with the mat possessing the capability of passing water, and aiding in draining water from the soil beneath the mat, as well as from the top and sides of the track support.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the temperature of asphalt and concrete bodies (1) in connection to storing of heat in the ground or in rocks, whereby channels (3) are drilled into the ground or the rock at or underneath the asphalt or concrete body the temperature of which is to be controlled, and in the said drilled channels (3) are inserted adaptor elements comprising two or more inner tubes or channels (6; 17) for supply and removal of a heat transport medium. The inner tubes (6; 17) in the adaptor elements are preferably formed so as to open on different levels of the channel (3) and also preferably the adaptor element is formed with cross partition walls (13) providing severaL zones distributed along the channel whereby heat can be transported between the zones and between a particular zone and the body the temperature of which is to be controlled.

Abstract: A variable thickness fabric mat for use in railroad track structures, and particularly at stress transition zones in the railroad track; the mat is preferably formed of non-woven, multi-layered fabric, with the layers connected together, as for instance by needle punching to form an integral member. The mats are applicable for use with poor load bearing soils, and form a generally stepped, resilient bed for conventional railroad track structure, to help support and progressively spread the stress from the wheeled traffic, over a wider area. The mats provide for effective passing of runoff water, and aid in drainage of water from the soil beneath the mats, to thus improve the track support. The invention also provides a method of forming a railroad track construction so as to spread the stress from wheeled traffic at stress transition zones, over wider areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a hole in a body of ice and for destroying a body of ice. The method comprises the steps of providing a source of reactant gas of a type which will react chemically with ice to form solid compounds which are unstable and which break down rapidly to water and a dissolved gas. The reaction product which is formed is removed quickly in order to avoid a secondary and initially undesirable exothermic reaction of gas dissolution into the water so formed. The reactant gas is directed through a nozzle to generate a stream of reactant gas. The nozzle is located in close proximity to a body of ice, and the stream of reactant gas is directed against a localized area of the surface of said body of ice at a velocity and flow rate to obtain an optimum phase change reaction with the ice and to quickly remove water formed from the ice in the localized area.

Abstract: Open ducts for ground heating of hothouses consist of flattened tubes of flexible material such as plastic. The tubes are slit open lengthwise, folded back over tensioned cords and secured by fasteners so as to form the edges of the ducts, the two ends of which remain tubular and are connected to the inlet and outlet pipes of a warm-water circulation system.

Abstract: A heat or cold storage system utilizing a plurality of channels dug directly into the earth and filled with rocks which are used to absorb heat or cold for storage, a part of such storage being the rocks themselves and a (usually much larger) part being the adjacent earth. Conduit connections are provided for carrying heat or cold to the rocks.

Abstract: Apparatus for establishing a solid, very low permeable rock glass plug to seal access holes through rock to underground storage vaults. The apparatus is designed to supply a filler material having a constituency substantially matching that of the rock formation surrounding the access port to the vault, through a central feeder tube under pressure to the vault. Means are provided for heating the filler material and surrounding rock formation at the point where the filler material exits the feeder tube, to a temperature sufficient to melt both the rock formation and the filler material. The remaining portion of the feeder tube is cooled to preserve the surrounding rock formation spaced from the feeder orifice. The melt at the extremity of the feeder tube is forced through the orifice to a region below the tool by the force of the pressure feed. As the melt is forced below the tool, the tool is retracted until the access hole is completely sealed.

Abstract: A method for forming domes from subterranian diapiric material, especially salt to facilitate the genesis and extraction of oil therefrom, and therearound, characterized by the following process. First, a series of continuous wellbores having vertical first section in the area in which is desired to create the dome, penetrating the overburden layer to near the layer of diapiric material is drilled and a second section thereof contained in the salt formation and a third section thereof rising vertically from the distal end of the second section to the ground surface, is formed. Each of the wellbores is arranged with respect to the others so that the second sections emanate from the desired dome area in a radial-like pattern. Next, a steel well casing sealed at all joints and connections when complete, is inserted into each of the wellbores extending the entire length thereof.