Fluid Storage In Earthen Cavity Patents (Class 405/53)
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Patent number: 7104727Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space there between. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition tube assembly for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 7080480Abstract: A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Urban Root L.L.C.Inventors: James Urban, Albert L. Key, Charles Julian Ray, Charles Graham Ray, Michael James
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Patent number: 7073976Abstract: A type of under-dispenser containment system that is easier to install, inspect and repair primary and secondary piping connections located underneath an above ground dispensing unit. This shallow type containment chamber has angled sidewalls that permit underground pipeline connections to be made directly to specially designed shear valves without the need for a riser pipe assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Michael C. Webb
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Patent number: 7052208Abstract: A discharge control system for a reservoir having a pressure-communicating valve in a valve chamber with the inlet of the pressure-communicating valve connected the reservoir outlet aperture and the outlet of the pressure-communicating valve connected to a discharge aperture in the containment structure for the valve chamber. An auxiliary reservoir outlet aperture enables water to flow from the reservoir into the valve chamber, submerging the pressure-communicating valve. Water flows from the valve chamber through a valve chamber outlet aperture that is substantially the same as the auxiliary reservoir outlet aperture and is located at substantially the same height as the center of the reservoir outlet aperture. One or more supplemental auxiliary reservoir outlet apertures are located at incrementally greater heights in the containment wall for said reservoir to assure that water will enter and leave the valve chamber at the same rate under all conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Kenneth E. Gardner
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Patent number: 7052206Abstract: This paper proposes an integrated approach to storm water management and storm water treatment. Today's requirements for capturing and treating the first-flush of storm water can be met with a new device that also controls peak flows over a wide range of storms and uses a net storage volume that is substantially lower than the storage computed by traditional reservoir routing methods. The extention basin debuts here as the most efficient method of reducing peak storm water flows—being far more effective than the retention or detention basins in common use today.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Ralph G. Mastromonaco
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Patent number: 7025076Abstract: A system and method for restoring the natural water cycle by reducing stormwater runoff and addressing issues affecting groundwater supply. In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a roof washer component, cistern component, pump, and manufactured dry well. The system is designed to divert polluted rooftop runoff, capture clean rooftop runoff and store this clean water for irrigation purposes and nonpotable uses, while infiltrating excess water to recharge groundwater supplies thereby replicating the natural hydrologic cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Charles River Watershed AssociationInventors: Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr., Joseph Antocci, Nigel Pickering
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Patent number: 6997643Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Sbm-Imodco Inc.Inventors: Hein Wille, Jack Pollack
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Patent number: 6986227Abstract: A stackable riser having a single side wall having a first open end defined by an edge and a second open channel end. A plurality of risers can be stacked on top of one another. The channel end of a riser mates with the first open end of a second riser. The riser includes a plurality of bosses and ribs connected to an interior surface of the sidewall to the edge of the first open end. A channel, on the channel end of one riser is adapted to receive the bosses and ribs of an adjacent riser.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
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Patent number: 6939081Abstract: A modular fuel dispensing and containment assembly for storing fuel in at least one fuel tank and for pumping the fuel to a group of fuel dispensers. The assembly has a reinforced concrete vault located underground which contains a fuel tank within its interior. The fuel tank is separated from the interior walls of the vault. The fuel tank has a turbine corridor on its lid, which corridor has an interior volume which leads from the fuel tank to a series of piping corridors. The turbine corridor and the piping corridors are all underground and the piping corridors lead to dispensing modules which are located under the dispensers or gas pumps. The dispenser modules and piping corridors are all sufficiently large to permit the entry of service personnel to their interiors. The interiors of the various corridors and modules form a single interconnected air volume.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Steven M. Gropp
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Patent number: 6880348Abstract: Stranded natural gas is sometimes liquefied and sent to other countries that can use the gas in a transport ship. Conventional receiving terminals use large cryogenic storage tanks to hold the liquefied natural gas (LNG) after it has been offloaded from the ship. The present invention eliminates the need for the conventional cryogenic storage tanks and instead uses uncompensated salt caverns to store the product. The present invention can use a special heat exchanger, referred to as a Bishop Process heat exchanger, to warm the LNG prior to storage in the salt caverns or the invention can use conventional vaporizing systems some of which may be reinforced and strengthened to accommodate higher operating pressures. In one embodiment, the LNG is pumped to higher pressures and converted to dense phase natural gas prior to being transferred into the heat exchanger and the uncompensated salt caverns.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Conversion Gas Imports, L.P.Inventors: William M. Bishop, Michael M. McCall
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Patent number: 6871707Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The portion may be allowed or forced to cool after mixture production is ended. Carbon dioxide may be stored within the portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: John Michael Karanikas, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, Ilya Emil Berchenko, George Leo Stegemeier, Kevin Albert Maher, Etuan Zhang, Lanny Gene Schoeling, Phillip Temmons Baxley
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Patent number: 6851891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Baumgartner Environics, Inc.Inventors: John W. Baumgartner, Mark K. Kubesh
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Patent number: 6848859Abstract: A lightweight composite pond for supporting a fountain in water includes a shell member having a floor portion and wall portions that are reinforced by a lightweight hardened foam core material, and a reinforcing panel that is bonded under a portion of the floor portion that is to receive the fountain. Water is pumped from the pond into the fountain through a conduit that extends through the reinforcing panel. Also disclosed are a modular mold structure and a method for forming the pond in a variety of shapes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Raymond Carston
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Patent number: 6848860Abstract: The apparatuses for improving the permeability of a fluid containment basin having a plurality of ridges and furrows in the bottom of the basin are configured to disturb sediment that has settled on the ridges so as to place the sediment back into suspension. In one configuration, the apparatus comprises a tool support frame adapted to support one or more ridge cleaning tools on top of the ridges. The tools include dragging, discing and grinding tools. The discing tool is configured with a flexible axle to allow the tool to move in response to changes in the contour of the ridge. In another configuration, a boat or other device is moved across the basin above the ridges to cause wave energy from the boat's propellor to disturb the sediment on the ridges. The tool support frame with one or more ridge cleaning tools can be pulled behind the boat.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventor: Dennis E. Peyton
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Patent number: 6840709Abstract: The present invention revolves around the incorporation and use of existing drilled wells, either dry holes, abandoned or converted producing wells and/or new, to be drilled wells or any other well(s), of any diameter and any depth, located, sited, designed and fabricated to store and cycle compressed natural gas or other gasses or hydrocarbon liquids within the contained cavity of the well-bore casing in any volume and with any degree (high or low) of deliverability.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventors: David Fred Dahlem, Michael Feodorov
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Publication number: 20040234338Abstract: A leak detection and prevention system adapted to continuously monitor the spaces of a double wall hydrocarbon fuel handling system comprising storage tanks, product lines, vapor recovery lines, tank vent lines, etc. The system establishes and monitors a resident gas-pressure within the interstitial space to monitor the integrity of the primary and secondary containment. Change in resident gas-pressure in excess of a calibrated vacuum flow rate or the presence of liquid in any monitored space initiates an alarm. Once an alarm is signaled, the product delivery system is shut down and an audio-visual alarm is activated in close proximity to operating personnel. An onsite service call by qualified personnel is required to return the product handling system back into service. A qualified service technician connects to a communication port on the system control module to evaluate the cause of the failure. The system utilizes vacuum pressure to monitor for containment breaches.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Thomas K. Monroe, Zane A. Miller
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Publication number: 20040208704Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a manhole structure in which a manhole and a pipe are joined together by using a waterproof flexible joint. The joint includes a rigid cylindrical portion and a cylindrical flexible portion that has a covering portion to be fixed around an outer periphery of said pipe, a fixing portion fixed to an outer periphery of said rigid cylindrical portion and to be fixed to the manhole and a connecting portion connecting the covering portion to the fixing portion and made of an elastic material being capable of absorbing a displacement between the manhole and the pipe. The waterproof flexible joint is located around the outer periphery of the pipe, and the covering portion is fixed around the outer periphery of the pipe. Then, a filler for the manhole is poured around an outer periphery of the fixing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Satoshi Suyama, Fumio Monden, Hideo Tanaka, Hideichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6736215Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Pyrolysis products may be produced from the formation. After pyrolysis, the temperature of the portion may be raised to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. After synthesis gas production, the portion may be cooled and used to store carbon dioxide or other fluids.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Kevin Albert Maher, Harold J. Vinegar, Scott Lee Wellington, Eric Pierre de Rouffignac, John Michael Karanikas, Ilya Emil Berchenko, Etuan Zhang, Lanny Gene Schoeling
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Patent number: 6709199Abstract: A fluid containment basin having ridges located in the bottom of the basin and furrows adjacent to the ridges to facilitate maintenance of the basin using the naturally occurring forces of gravity, wave action and fluid currents. The ridges can be formed from material taken from the furrows into shapes that facilitate wave action against the sides of the ridges. While the fluid level is above the ridges, sediment settles on the ridges and furrows, reducing the permeability of the ridges and furrows and, therefore, the drainage from the basin. Wave action against the sides of the ridges as the fluid level is lowered washes the sediments off the ridges into the furrows, thereby restoring the permeability of the ridges. The wave action can be wind generated or induced by a wave mechanism. The furrows can be allowed to become impermeable or be lined to prevent contaminates from migrating.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Inventor: Dennis E. Peyton
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Patent number: 6705800Abstract: A drainage system for delivering fluid from a source of fluid for absorption into the ground, comprises a trench, a pair of perforated drainage conduits extending longitudinally in said trench and laterally spaced from each other to define an open chamber therebetween. The conduits are connected at one end to the source for receiving fluid from the source and delivering fluid to the chamber. A longitudinally extending cover overlies said conduits and prevents soil from falling into the chamber. The cover includes side portions which engage the conduits and a center portion connected to the side portions and maintains the conduits in laterally spaced relationship. The cover also includes reinforcing arches extending between the side portions and the center portion to resist downward deflection of the cover under the weight of the top soil. Vent holes in the cover permit the system to breathe.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Ring Industrial Group, LPInventors: Carl D. Ring, Douglas M. Dygert, Thomas K. Weaver
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Patent number: 6698976Abstract: Grouting equipment and methods suitable for use in underground water wells, which accomplish their goals by better centering the grouting equipment within a bore hole, even in curved bore holes, in an manner that prevents leakage of the grout into the well. Improved grouting is achieved by using corrugated, bendable incasings and expandable tubes which create a seal between the incasing and the well wall for the grout, and which prevent both contaminated surface water and grout from contaminating the groundwater. The disclosed techniques are implementable in such a manner that grouting does not necessarily need to precede the location of a groundwater nappe.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Songdo TechnoparkInventor: Heuy Nam Cho
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Patent number: 6672798Abstract: A system is provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. A lined impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation and means for injecting the sulfur through the borehole are provided. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, through a pipe arrangement provided with means for injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Crescent Technology, Inc.Inventor: Roy Anthony Pickren
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Patent number: 6648549Abstract: An underground infiltration drainage system comprising water storage and/or water formed by a plurality of load bearing box like modules (1, 16 and 19), arranged adjacently and wrapped in water permeable geotextile. The modules have external walls (2) with openings (6) therethrough, such that water can flow into and out of the storage and/or piping through the perforated walls (2). The perforated walls (2) have peripheral edge members (3), with thin web members (4), extending between the peripheral edge members (3), to form support for the geotextile, and to define the openings (6). This arrangement while providing structural strength, also provides a large area of perforations.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Humberto Urriola
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Patent number: 6637976Abstract: A below-grade, modular cast concrete containment vault which contains one or more primary liquid storage tanks. Dispensing pumps and sundry conduits and support equipment are attached to or supported within a cast concrete base cover or a conduit and equipment chase and chase covers. The base cover or chase is supported on the vault base. The pumps can be coupled to a remote control and communications kiosk. A manhole permits access to a ventilated secondary containment and inspection space within a vault base. A remote fill base and a sealed conduit contain liquid and vent piping and couple to the chase. Spill and overflow containment assemblies surround fill and vent pipes in the vault base cover, chase cover and remote base and direct spillage to the secondary storage space. Tertiary and auxiliary containment is also provided for containing leakage and spillage and backup storage for the overflow containment assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Guardian Containment Corp.Inventor: Kelly Stanton
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Patent number: 6637977Abstract: A compressed gas storage tank 10 utilizes a rock-bed cavity 11 in which a bentonite slurry is fed into an underground cavity 11 formed in a rock-bed, a forcibly fed compressed gas is stored in the rock-bed cavity in a state in which the compressed gas is loaded with a pressure load of the bentonite slurry from the underside of the compressed gas, the bentonite slurry in the rock-bed cavity 11 is of a dual layer structure consisting of an upper layer composed of a light bentonite slurry 30 mixed with a filling-up material invading into and filling up a void and a crack formed in an inner wall surface of the rock-bed cavity and a lower layer composed of a heavy bentonite slurry 13 mixed with a high specific gravity fine powder as a load condition material.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignees: Masao Hayashi, Asahi Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Hayashi, Hiroyuki Nishimura
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Patent number: 6626609Abstract: A rain-water storing permeation structure can be applied to facilities, such as architectures like buildings, roads, water channels, parks and play grounds, factory sites and domestic sites, as well as water storing blocks used for such a structure and a connecting member for connecting the water storing blocks to each other. The rain-water storing permeation structure of the present invention is provided with a water-shielding layer placed in a recessed section in the ground, a water-storing layer that is constituted by water-storing blocks made of a hard resin foam member having an inner space, and that is placed inside the water-shielding layer, and a lid layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: ECO-Plan 21 Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuho Kotani, Atsuo Shiode
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Patent number: 6622739Abstract: An oxide and coating removal system includes a mobile gantry or transport system supporting an end effector and high energy waterjet rotating nozzles judiciously located relative to the surface of the vehicle and includes positioning mechanism for locating the nozzle discretely relative to the vehicle. An environmentally safe system serves to re-claim the effluent by removing the contaminated particles and returning the re-claimed water to the pumping system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Advanced Systems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert M. Rice, James Fletcher Burgess, Kirk E. McLauchlin
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Publication number: 20030161686Abstract: A fluid containment basin having ridges located in the bottom of the basin and furrows adjacent to the ridges to facilitate maintenance of the basin using the naturally occurring forces of gravity, wave action and fluid currents. The ridges can be formed from material taken from the furrows into shapes that facilitate wave action against the sides of the ridges. While the fluid level is above the ridges, sediment settles on the ridges and furrows, reducing the permeability of the ridges and furrows and, therefore, the drainage from the basin. Wave action against the sides of the ridges as the fluid level is lowered washes the sediments off the ridges into the furrows, thereby restoring the permeability of the ridges. The wave action can be wind generated or induced by a wave mechanism. The furrows can be allowed to become impermeable or be lined to prevent contaminates from migrating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Dennis E. Peyton
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Publication number: 20030143029Abstract: A three piece concrete culvert system includes a set of horizontally spaced precast side wall sections having inwardly projecting and opposing steps or surfaces which support opposite ends of a precast arched top wall section. The side wall sections include extension portions which project substantially above the ends of the top wall section for increasing the capacity of the side wall sections to resist thrust from the top wall section. Vertically spaced and generally horizontal layers of soil reinforcement members or grids may be positioned within the soil backfilled adjacent the outer surfaces of the side wall sections, and precast concrete anchor members may be attached to the side wall sections above supporting footers for the side wall sections. Shims are used between the footers and the anchor members for temporarily positioning and aligning the side wall sections before receiving the top wall section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Con/Span Bridge Systems Ltd.Inventor: William D. Lockwood
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Publication number: 20030132659Abstract: A system is provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. A lined impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation and means for injecting the sulfur through the borehole are provided. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, through a pipe arrangement provided with means for injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Roy Anthony Pickren
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Patent number: 6582025Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. An impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur is then injected through the borehole. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Crescent Technology, Inc.Inventor: Roy Anthony Pickren
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Patent number: 6551024Abstract: A double walled storage tank includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a plurality of ribs disposed between the inner and outer walls, and a plurality of annular spaces between the ribs. The annular space between each pair of ribs is connected to other annular spaces only at the top of the tank. When a leak occurs in either the outer or inner wall, the annular space corresponding to the leak will at least partially drain while the other annular spaces will remain full. Thus, the leak location can be determined by simply examining the annular spaces between pairs of ribs.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Xerxes CorporationInventors: Robin L. Berg, Sr., John Burwell, Richard J. Kelber
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Publication number: 20030063952Abstract: A gas storage and production system decreases production of formation sand and permits high gas flow rates in storing and producing operations. In a described embodiment, different flowpaths are used for injecting and withdrawing gas from a subterranean formation. In another embodiment, a gravel pack is confined to a set volume, so that it is not expanded when gas flows at a relatively high rate therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Travis Wayne Cavender
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Patent number: 6517284Abstract: A reservoir drainage system drains water away from a soil around a footing foundation of a structure and collects the drained water outside of the same. The system includes a network of drainage tubes externally rounding a perimeter of the footing foundation and connected to a collecting tube. The latter collects the drained water from the network and directs it by gravity into a collecting reservoir member located outside of the structure below a bottom level of the foundation. The drainage network has a first part that is substantially horizontally leveled and longitudinally runs along a first portion of the perimeter and generally against the same. The network also includes a second part that continues the first part, is connected to it at an upper end and longitudinally runs along a complementary second portion of the perimeter. The second part slightly outwardly diverts away and is downwardly inclined from the footing foundation down to a lower end connected to the collecting tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventor: Jean-Claude Gamache
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Patent number: 6517286Abstract: A system for handling liquified natural gas (LNG) wherein (a) the LNG is delivered into a subterranean formation such that the LNG absorbs heat energy from the subterranean formation and is thereby converted to a gas product and (b) the gas is then produced from the subterranean formation. The subterranean formation is preferably a depleted offshore gas formation having an offshore production platform which is modified to receive LNG from marine transport vessels which are unloaded at an offshore receiving station.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Spectrum Energy Services, LLCInventor: Raymond R. Latchem
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Publication number: 20030025381Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the storage and long-term conservation of commercially produced sulfur. An underground cavity is identified and selected from an earth formation such that its permeability and porosity allow sulfur to be retained within the cavity. An impervious borehole that penetrates the cavity from the surface of the earth through the formation is provided, and the sulfur is then injected through the borehole. Solution-mined, salt-enclosed cavities, located at less than about 3,000 feet of depth are preferred. The stored sulfur is withdrawn, when desired, by injecting pressurized hot water, at 280°-320° F., through a first annular space, created within the same borehole, and pressurized air through a second annular space so as to cause the sulfur within the cavity to melt and rise to the surface of the earth through a centric space within the borehole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Roy Anthony Pickren
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Publication number: 20030024700Abstract: A gas storage and production system decreases production of formation sand and permits high gas flow rates in storing and producing operations. In a described embodiment, different flowpaths are used for injecting and withdrawing gas from a subterranean formation. In another embodiment, a gravel pack is confined to a set volume, so that it is not expanded when gas flows at a relatively high rate therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: Travis Wayne Cavender
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Patent number: 6514009Abstract: A storage vessel system for subterranean installation and a method for constructing such a system. The system includes a storage vessel and a support structure for supporting the storage vessel so that the weight of the storage vessel and any upward buoyancy force applied to the storage vessel are both transferred to the support structure. More particularly, the support structure defines a vessel housing and the storage vessel is contained within the vessel housing. The support structure includes a bearing surface adapted for contacting the ground so that the system is supported on the ground, a vessel anchor for anchoring the storage vessel so that the upward buoyancy force applied to the storage vessel is transferred to the support structure, an exterior shell which permits an infiltrating fluid to infiltrate the vessel housing, and a packing material contained within the vessel housing by the exterior shell and substantially surrounding the storage vessel in order to protect and support the storage vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Robert William NorthcottInventors: Robert William Northcott, Grant M. Askin
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Publication number: 20030021630Abstract: Apparatus for receiving run off water in shopping centers and the like includes an underground storage area from which the stored water percolates into the local aquifer or is pumped out, as desired or as required. Several embodiments of perimeter support structures are illustrated. In one embodiment, a retaining wall is used to support structural tee elements, and in another embodiment caissons are spaced apart and receive L-beams which in turn support structural tee elements. Other embodiments show full vertical walls and stepped walls. The tee elements may be used to support a parking area for vehicles or to provide support for other appropriate uses. An appropriate liner is secured to the perimeter support structure for holding the run off water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Jeffrey J. Norman, James A. Mayer
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Publication number: 20020192028Abstract: A lightweight composite pond for supporting a fountain in water includes a shell member having a floor portion and wall portions that are reinforced by a lightweight hardened foam core material, and a reinforcing panel that is bonded under a portion of the floor portion that is to receive the fountain. Water is pumped from the pond into the fountain through a conduit that extends through the reinforcing panel. Also disclosed are a modular mold structure and a method for forming the pond in a variety of shapes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Raymond Carston
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Patent number: 6491100Abstract: A method for disposing of a fluid includes the steps of obtaining a fluid; positioning a well into a saturated soil; and pumping the fluid into the well whereby the fluid displaces saturated soil away from the well so as to form a fluid zone in the saturated soil for storing the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Intevep, S.A.Inventors: Heriberto Echezuria, Pedro Vasquez, Jose De Aguiar, Juan F. Urich
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Publication number: 20020172559Abstract: Abstract of the Invention An underground reservoir for storing water in alluvial deposits utilizes slurry walls keyed to an aquiclude beneath the reservoir to form a substantially impermeable water seal. A plurality of water extraction/recharge means provides for rapid and complete filling and draining of the underground reservoir. Such means include a plurality of wells distributed about the underground reservoir and a series of perforated pipes buried at a predetermined depth within the underground reservoir. A method of mitigating water table fluctuations resulting from the construction of an underground utilizes perforated pipes buried outside of the reservoir to transfer excess water from an uphill land parcel to a downhill land parcel that would otherwise experience a water shortage after construction of the underground reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventors: Stanley R. Peters, Randall R. Beeson, Donald O. Summers
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Publication number: 20020131822Abstract: A method and system for water conservation relies upon the reduction of evaporative losses from water storages having a high ratio of surface area to depth. The system comprises a plurality of buoyant flexible membrane strips interconnected along adjacent edges and anchored by anchor members about the periphery of the water storage. The membrane strips include spaced apertures to prevent accumulation of rain water on upper surfaces thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Warwick Roy Hill
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Patent number: 6443652Abstract: An aggregate chamber for leaching effluent comprises a chamber cavity, at least one panel positioned along a periphery of the chamber cavity, and aggregate for filtering effluent. The chamber unit may include a plurality of foldingly connected panels, and at least one conduit for delivering effluent. A leach line comprises a trench excavated in a leach field, and a plurality of chamber units having a cavity, at least one panel, and aggregate for filtering effluent. A leach field comprises a source of effluent, a plurality of trenches excavated in the soil adjacent the source of effluent, and a plurality of leach lines positioned in the plurality of trenches in fluid connection with the source of effluent, each leach line having at least one chamber unit comprising a cavity, at least one panel, and an aggregate for filtering effluent.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventors: Michael H. Houck, Thomas K. Weaver
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Patent number: 6431793Abstract: A spill containment system for storage tanks, flow devices, and the like, and a containment system for spilled light non-aqueous phase liquid are provided. The spill containment system comprises a liner for receiving and containing liquid that spills, as well as a withdrawal tube that sealingly extends into the liner at a high point thereof. An alternative spill containment system comprises two liner portions, one about a storage tank and another about a flow device leading, for example, to a furnace. A withdrawal tube extends to a low point of the first liner portion. The containment system comprises a trench, filled for example with low capillarity medium, for at least partially surrounding an area where light non-aqueous phase liquid is stored or may migrate to. A liner is disposed over the top of the trench and along at least a portion of one side thereof. At least one withdrawal tube sealingly extends through the liner at a high point thereof and into the trench.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: New Mexico Tech Research FoundationInventors: Thomas M. Whitworth, David W. Love, Jane C. Love
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Patent number: 6412508Abstract: An inexpensive, compact, on-site gas storage facility for the storage of natural gas uses steel pipes affixed end to end in a serpentine arrangement. The facility has a compressor, a decompressor or a pressure reducing regulator, a steel pipe storage system, and components for containing the gas in the system, controlling the delivery of gas to the system and expelling gas from the system for use or delivery of natural gas to end users. The facility includes monitors, filters or strainers, dryers, test stations and cathodic protection systems. The gas storage facility is usable in industrial, commercial, utility and residential applications.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Resource LLCInventor: Philip Lawton Swann, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020064425Abstract: A below-grade, modular cast concrete containment vault which contains one or more primary liquid storage tanks. Dispensing pumps and sundry conduits and support equipment are attached to or supported within a cast concrete base cover or a conduit and equipment chase and chase covers. The base cover or chase is supported on the vault base. The pumps can be coupled to a remote control and communications kiosk. A manhole permits access to a ventilated secondary containment and inspection space within a vault base. A remote fill base and a sealed conduit contain liquid and vent piping and couple to the chase. Spill and overflow containment assemblies surround fill and vent pipes in the vault base cover, chase cover and remote base and direct spillage to the secondary storage space. Tertiary and auxiliary containment is also provided for containing leakage and spillage and backup storage for the overflow containment assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: Kelly Stanton
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Patent number: 6382237Abstract: A wide area water collection type underground water tank compresses: a water tank (11) constituted to be capable of reserving water therein, the water tank (11) being buried underground and having draining structure (14) capable of drawing out the water within the water tank (11) from the aboveground position; an intake pipe (21) having one end communicated with the interior of the water tank (11) from the side portion or upper portion of the water tank (11), and the other end opened into the underground around the water tank (11); a check valve (31) mounted to the intake pipe (21). A water impermeable sheet (19) is buried underground and upwardly and outwardly inclined from the side or bottom of the water tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Totetu Mfg. Co. Ltd.Inventor: Seiichiro Takai
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Patent number: 6372143Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for treating produced water to lower the total dissolved solids of the water for safe discharge to the environment. The produced water is passed through a weak acid cation resin in H+ form to remove cations in the produced water and then preferably through a decarbonator to remove formed CO2 and to provide a first discharge stream. The cation loaded resin is then regenerated using a dilute acid, preferably diluted with produced water, to regenerate the resin to the H+ form. The resultant acid regenerated waste stream is discharged to a reject deep well. The acid regenerated resin is then rinsed, preferably with produced water, to remove residual salts to form a residual salt containing rinse stream. This salt stream is passed into a reverse osmosis unit to form a high salt containing reject stream which is discharged to a waste deep well and a low salt containing product discharge stream which may be safely discharged to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Hydrometrics, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Bradley
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Patent number: 6368018Abstract: An installation for storing of natural gas or some other fluid comprises a lined underground storage space. Inside the rock wall of the storage space, there is a concrete layer for supporting an inner impermeable lining layer. According to the invention, the concrete layer has a crack distribution control reinforcement layer closer to the impermeable lining layer than to the rock wall in order to divide large cracks in to smaller cracks and to distribute the cracks over a larger area of the impermeable lining layer. Also according to the invention, there is provided between the impermeable lining layer and the concrete layer a non-binding sliding layer to facilitate relative movements between the impermeable lining layer and the concrete layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Sydkraft ABInventor: Jan Hugo Johansson