Cavity Construction Patents (Class 405/55)
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Patent number: 11195631Abstract: A nuclear reactor is positioned on a barge which floats on the water of a water tank. The water tank includes a bottom wall, first and second end walls and first and second side walls. The bottom wall includes a lower layer of concrete, an intermediate layer of water impervious material positioned on the lower layer of concrete, and an upper layer of concrete positioned on the intermediate layer of water impervious material. Each of the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls includes an outer layer of concrete, an intermediate layer of water impervious material positioned at the inner side of the outer layer of concrete, and an inner layer of concrete material positioned at the inner side of the intermediate layer of water impervious material.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Inventor: Palvannanathan Ganesan
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Patent number: 11041297Abstract: Water management systems and methods of constructing water management systems comprising two-dimensional arrays of cells. Each cell has a base and a cell top module stacked on the base, the cell top module having a top flange and at least one top leg, a lower end of which engages the base. A base of one system has a bottom leg with an upper end cavity configured for a lateral clearance fit of a lower end portion of the top leg. The cavity holds at least one stacked spacer and is filled with a flowable substance after the top leg is inserted and positioned on the spacer. The flowable substance hardens to fully seat the lower end portion of the upper leg. Another system series of the cell top flanges being held together by tension cables extending therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: PRE-CON PRODUCTSInventor: David Zarraonandia
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Patent number: 10859207Abstract: A compressed gas energy storage system may include an accumulator for containing a layer of compressed gas atop a layer of liquid. A gas conduit may have an upper end in communication with a gas compressor/expander subsystem and a lower end in communication with accumulator interior for conveying compressed gas into the compressed gas layer of the accumulator when in use. A shaft may have an interior for containing a quantity of a liquid and may be fluidly connectable to a liquid source/sink via a liquid supply conduit. A partition may cover may separate the accumulator interior from the shaft interior. An internal accumulator force may act on the inner surface of the partition and the liquid within the shaft may exert an external counter force on the outer surface of the partition, whereby a net force acting on the partition is less than the accumulator force.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Hydrostor Inc.Inventors: Cameron Lewis, Andrew McGillis, Davin Young, Curtis Vanwalleghem
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Patent number: 10760739Abstract: A compressed gas energy storage system may include an accumulator for containing a layer of compressed gas atop a layer of liquid. A gas conduit may have an upper end in communication with a gas compressor/expander subsystem and a lower end in communication with accumulator interior for conveying compressed gas into the compressed gas layer of the accumulator when in use. A shaft may have an interior for containing a quantity of a liquid and may be fluidly connectable to a liquid source/sink via a liquid supply conduit. A partition may cover may separate the accumulator interior from the shaft interior. An internal accumulator force may act on the inner surface of the partition and the liquid within the shaft may exert an external counter force on the outer surface of the partition, whereby a net force acting on the partition is less than the accumulator force.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Hydrostor Inc.Inventors: Cameron Lewis, Andrew McGillis, Davin Young, Curtis Vanwalleghem
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Patent number: 9109751Abstract: An apparatus for storing and collecting compressed gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas vessel for the storage of gas and further includes a sheath surrounding the gas vessel for collecting any gas that escapes from the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Compress Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Christopher E. Schimp
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Patent number: 9079712Abstract: A method of maintaining structural integrity of a subsiding earthen fluid containment structure is disclosed and comprises forming a lined containment infrastructure (100) including a convex bulged crown portion (120), floor portion (110) and sidewall portions (115) which enclose a comminuted earthen material (126) within an enclosed volume (125) such that fluid flow from the lined containment compound is restricted. The bulged crown flattens, thickens and diminishes in surface area during subsidence of the comminuted earthen material as fluid is removed. The bulged crown is shaped to avoid tensile stresses which may otherwise result in breach or failure of lined containment during subsidence. Further, the lined containment structure can include an inner insulative layer and an outer impermeable seal layer having unique contributions as described in more detail herein.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc.Inventor: James W. Patten
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Publication number: 20150125210Abstract: An underground fluid storage structures formed by mechanical excavation of a subsurface formation in a controlled fashion. The structure comprises vertical holes (260, 270) and transversal caverns (256) of circular section and preferably in spiral arrangement. Storage caverns as described herein may further employ hydraulic pressure compensation to prevent wide pressure variations in the storage caverns, and to provide relatively constant injection and discharge pressures when introducing or releasing stored fluids. The preferred application is compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems for storing energy in the form of compressed air in order to generate electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Preston Carter
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Publication number: 20150125209Abstract: Disclosed is a method for distributed storage and use of mine groundwater. The method comprises the following steps: A. prospecting an area of an underground space to be mined, and acquiring data on the bedrock geology of the strata; B. observing the mine groundwater, and acquiring the conditions of the flow distribution, water quality data and water pressure data for the mine groundwater; C. designating one or more goaf spaces through which mine groundwater cannot permeate as a water storage space of a distributed underground reservoir according to the data on the bedrock geology of the strata acquired in step A and the conditions of the follow distribution, water quality data and water pressure data for the mine groundwater acquired in step B; and D. after the designated water storage space is formed, mine groundwater generated when mining a mining face adjacent thereto naturally seeping into the water storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Dazhao Gu, Kai Zhang, Shushe Chen, Wenyu Wei, Feng Yang
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Patent number: 8985897Abstract: A precast concrete storm water assembly comprised of a plurality of modular precast concrete components is provided. More specifically, a fluid collection and containment system is provided that comprises a plurality of underground modules and permeable devices, such as ground level pavers, to allow the ingress of fluid at a predetermined rate. Various permeable and non-permeable conduits are also contemplated for conveying fluid within the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.Inventors: J. Brad Boulton, Steve Kingsland
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Publication number: 20150007960Abstract: A system for storing thermal energy includes an opening into the earth, a liner positioned within and surrounding an interior periphery of the opening, a liquid provided within the liner, a first conduit fluidly associated with an upper portion of the opening, a second conduit fluidly associated with a lower portion of the opening, a fluid movement device and a heat transfer device. The fluid movement device is fluidly connected between the first and second conduits and configured to transport liquid between the first and second conduits. The heat transfer device is fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit and configured to transfer heat to or from the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventor: Kegan Nobuyshi Kawano
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Publication number: 20140318530Abstract: The present disclosure includes a mining system which comprises ore, waste, and a reservoir which comprises a portion of said waste through which air can flow with low resistance for storing thermal energy from a tempered air source and supplying it to a tempered air consumer, and connections for tempered air flow between said tempered air source and said reservoir and between said tempered air consumer and said reservoir. Note: As used herein, “tempered air” means air of a temperature sufficiently high to heat, or low to cool, an object to a desired temperature. For example, in a house, the furnace is a source of tempered air for heating in winter, the air conditioner a source of tempered air for cooling in summer, and the house is a consumer of tempered air.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventor: George GERPHEIDE
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Patent number: 8834066Abstract: A retention basin includes interlocking concrete vertical wall segments engaged with adjacent segments. Each segment has a vertical wall and a top edge that defines a lifting bore that is complimentary in shape to a removable lifting bolt that is configured to provide a lifting attachment point for a lifting cable and an internal bore in alignment with the internal bore of an adjacent segment. A pin is disposed in the internal bores to maintain the segments in alignment. An eyebolt includes an eye portion disposed around the pin. A plate is bolted to the eyebolt and against the vertical walls of two adjacent segments to maintain the two segments in a spatial relationship. An earth anchor is buried in the soil to provide lateral support to the segments. A post-installation attachment is affixed to the lifting bore of at least one segment.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: HOK Product Design, LLCInventors: Paul Wilhelms, Matt Snelling, Jim Fetterman, Robert Race, David Mudd
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Publication number: 20140241803Abstract: Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string that is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventor: Bruce Tunget
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Publication number: 20140161218Abstract: A system and a method for capturing gaseous, particulate and liquid radioactive material released from primary containment of a Light Water Reactor (LWR) during severe accident conditions. The system includes a below-grade media area, connected to a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and portions of primary containment, providing varying levels of adsorption/absorption of the radioactive material. The media area is located on-site to offer a passive, self-regulating structure for stabilizing a nuclear reactor. The capture system provides for liquid drainage and gaseous venting of the radioactive material, and a treatment capable of treating the media following stabilization of the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Eric P. LOEWEN, Jose Maria CARO, Derek BASS
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Publication number: 20140161533Abstract: A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a substantially impermeable permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the substantially impermeable permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventor: Rommel M. Oates
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Patent number: 8714874Abstract: Apparatus for solution mining and gas storage in a salt cavern formed by solution mining comprises a flow diverting conduit string is provided in fluid communication with two or more concentric conduits within the single main bore, with at least one lateral opening from an internal passageway with an outer annular passageway communicating with the surface under a single valve tree. Flow control devices, flow diverters and/or isolation conduits can be inserted into the flow diverting conduit string, enabling a dissolution zone in the salt cavern to be varied to control the shape of the cavern. Furthermore the flow diverting conduit string used to form the cavern can also be used for dewatering and gas storage.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
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Publication number: 20140010594Abstract: In various embodiments, lined underground reservoirs and/or insulated pipeline vessels are utilized for storage of compressed fluid in conjunction with energy storage and recovery systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Jan Johansson, David Perkins, Dax Kepshire, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Adam Rauwerdink, Richard Brody
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Publication number: 20130336721Abstract: In various embodiments, lined underground reservoirs and/or insulated pipeline vessels are utilized for storage of compressed fluid in conjunction with energy storage and recovery systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Jan Johansson, David Perkins, Dax Kepshire, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Adam Rauwerdink, Richard Brody, Arne LaVen, Jon Bessette
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Patent number: 8596909Abstract: A retention basin enclosure includes a plurality of prefabricated concrete vertical wall segments, a baffle unit and at least one steel connecting dowel. Each wall segment includes a horizontal top end that defines a notch and two vertical edges that define at least one cylindrical bore. The baffle segment includes a vertical edge surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores and a horizontal planar member from which a plurality of protrusions extend upwardly therefrom so that the baffle segment reduces water flow velocity. Two baffle vertical wall members each have a planar vertical surface that defines a plurality of cylindrical bores disposed so that at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by concrete baffle segment can be placed in alignment with at least one of the cylindrical bores defined by the planar vertical surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: HOK Product Design, LLCInventors: Paul Wilhelms, Matt Snelling, Jim Fetterman
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Publication number: 20130315669Abstract: A novel method and system for storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern is provided. Particularly, the storage process involves storing high purity hydrogen into a salt cavern without seepage or leakage of the stored hydrogen through the salt cavern walls, by creating a permeation barrier along the salt cavern walls. The cavern pressure is monitored and controlled to ensure formation and maintenance of the permeation barrier. Optional temperature treatments may also be incorporated as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventor: Rommel M. Oates
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Patent number: 8561633Abstract: The steel-reinforced HDPE rain harvesting system collects, stores, and pumps harvested rain water for a variety of non-portable uses. The rain harvesting system includes either a horizontally disposed or vertically disposed steel-reinforced plastic cylindrical wetwell connected to an inlet pipe. The inlet pipe discharges rain water into a rain filter made from a pervious concrete manhole lined with a replaceable 20-micron filter cloth. The rain filter allows rain water into the storage section of the wetwell. A high water alarm is disposed in the rain filter and alerts maintenance personnel to clean the filter when needed. A submersible pump is housed in an HDPE pump sleeve outside the wetwell and conveys effluent from a forcemain at the wetwell's bottom portion to a target area. A level monitoring system disposed inside the wetwell selectively activates the pumping system. Maintenance hatches atop the unit are included.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Inventors: Daniel M. Early, Scott F. Easter
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Patent number: 8459354Abstract: A method of sealing a leak of fluid from a container comprises introducing a solute to a body of fluid within the container. The solute is selected so as to be soluble in the fluid at the expected conditions prevailing inside the container, and insoluble when the pressure experienced by the fluid is reduced at the site of a leak.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Heriot-Watt UniversityInventors: Mehran Sohrabi Sedeh, Mahmoud Jamiolahmady
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Publication number: 20130056171Abstract: Methods are described for using heated fluids from enhanced geothermal systems projects that recover geothermal heat from hot dry rock resources, and then injecting the heated pressurized fluids into a suitable rock formation to create an artificial geothermal energy reservoir. The artificial geothermal reservoir can then be used to store thermal energy by boosting the enthalpy of injected fluids by exchanging against heated fluids from other sources including a solar thermal power plant. Recovered heated fluids are utilized in a geothermal power plant and the spent geothermal fluids can be injected to recover additional thermal energy from hot dry rock resources. One embodiment is a geosolar electric power generation project to provide a steady and flexible source of renewable energy from a hot dry rock geothermal source integrated with a concentrating solar power project.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Skibo Systems LLCInventor: Paul M. Klemencic
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Patent number: 8256991Abstract: An engineered, scalable underground containment system and method for storing compressed gases or liquids in permeable rock formations using conventional drilling techniques. The porosity and permeability of the formation may be enhanced to maximize reservoir capacity and increase the rate at which gases and liquids can be introduced into and removed from the reservoir. In some embodiments, layers of cap rock in the formation are utilized as containment barriers, and in some, containment barriers are constructed around the storage zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: SEQEnergy, LLCInventors: Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Robert Wayne Dickinson, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout, Lawrence Joseph Musetti, Porter James Underwood, Ali Daneshy
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Publication number: 20120201603Abstract: A precast concrete storm water assembly comprised of a plurality of modular precast concrete components is provided. More specifically, a fluid collection and containment system is provided that comprises a plurality of underground modules and permeable devices, such as ground level pavers, to allow the ingress of fluid at a predetermined rate. Various permeable and non-permeable conduits are also contemplated for conveying fluid within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: OLDCASTLE PRECAST, INC.Inventors: J. Brad Boulton, Steve Kingsland
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Patent number: 8123436Abstract: An underground infiltration tank module comprising a four-sided periphery formed of a top periphery wall, a bottom periphery wall, and two side periphery walls, a plurality of channels running from the top periphery wall to the bottom periphery wall, holes formed in the channels, strut members running between the channels, and stud members located on the periphery walls. Any two of the plurality of channels are separate from each other such that any part of one channel is not in contact with any part of another channel. The channels alternately face in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Oscar Larach
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Publication number: 20120027516Abstract: Disclosed are methods for solution mining of evaporite minerals, such as trona, comprising drilling an access well and at least two lateral boreholes; injecting a fluid; circulating the fluid through the lateral boreholes with a controlled fluid flow; and collecting a pregnant solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity at a temperature sufficient to maintain at least a portion of the solution in the cavity in the Wegscheiderite solid phase region; removing aqueous solution from the cavity; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution. Also disclosed are methods of solution mining that include injecting an aqueous solution into an underground trona cavity; removing aqueous solution from the cavity, wherein the temperature of the removed aqueous solution is at about the TWA point temperature; and recovering alkaline values from the removed aqueous solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: SESQUI MINING, LLCInventors: Roger L. Day, James A. Herickhoff
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Patent number: 8074670Abstract: An underground porosity reservoir includes substantially impermeable barriers and an aquiclude surrounding a volume of alluvial materials for storing water within the pore spaces of the alluvial materials. Upstream and downstream ends of the reservoir define both a static storage portion (extending below an elevation of the downstream end of the reservoir) and an elevated wedge-shaped portion that extends above the static portion. Once the static portion of the reservoir is filled, additional amounts of water are dynamically stored within the wedge portion by removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir. Water may be recirculated within the wedge portion, or external water may be added to the upstream end of the reservoir at a first flow rate while water is removed from the downstream end of the reservoir at a similar flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: PS Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stanley R. Peters, Donald O. Summers
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Publication number: 20110286796Abstract: A method of maintaining structural integrity of a subsiding earthen fluid containment structure is disclosed and comprises forming a lined containment infrastructure (100) including a convex bulged crown portion (120), floor portion (110) and sidewall portions (115) which enclose a comminuted earthen material (126) within an enclosed volume (125) such that fluid flow from the lined containment compound is restricted. The bulged crown flattens, thickens and diminishes in surface area during subsidence of the comminuted earthen material as fluid is removed. The bulged crown is shaped to avoid tensile stresses which may otherwise result in breach or failure of lined containment during subsidence. Further, the lined containment structure can include an inner insulative layer and an outer impermeable seal layer having unique contributions as described in more detail herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: James W. Patten
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Patent number: 8028484Abstract: A building material anchor including a resilient pad. A resilient, openwork tube is affixed to the top of the pad. An adhesive layer coats the bottom of the pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: Mark E. Jessen
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Publication number: 20110206460Abstract: Natural soils and underlying bedrock typical of channel banks near a river and floodplain system are utilized to improve the economics and efficiency of constructing an underground porosity storage reservoir. A man-made barrier, typically a slurry wall, is keyed into these banks and forms a first portion of a closed boundary for the reservoir. The channel banks between the two ends of the slurry wall form a substantially impermeable natural barrier defining a second portion of the closed boundary for the reservoir, thereby reducing the construction costs on sites appropriate for such a design. Locating the bank-sided porosity storage reservoir over naturally occurring scour regions in the bedrock can greatly increase the storage capacity. By building an embankment and extending the slurry walls higher, an open water storage area can be created on top of the reservoir that is bounded by the elevated slurry wall and the channel bank.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: PS Systems Inc.Inventors: Donald O. Summers, Stanley R. Peters
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Patent number: 7972080Abstract: Natural soils and underlying bedrock typical of channel banks near a river and floodplain system are utilized to improve the economics and efficiency of constructing an underground porosity storage reservoir. A man-made barrier, typically a slurry wall, is keyed into these banks and forms a first portion of a closed boundary for the reservoir. The channel banks between the two ends of the slurry wall form a substantially impermeable natural barrier defining a second portion of the closed boundary for the reservoir, thereby reducing the construction costs on sites appropriate for such a design. Locating the bank-sided porosity storage reservoir over naturally occurring scour regions in the bedrock can greatly increase the storage capacity. By building an embankment and extending the slurry walls higher, an open water storage area can be created on top of the reservoir that is bounded by the elevated slurry wall and the channel bank.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: PS Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald O. Summers, Stanley R. Peters
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Patent number: 7955026Abstract: To line an inner circumferential surface of side walls of a manhole, a rehabilitating sheet made of a sheet material resistant to water and corrosion is provided in the form of a bag having a shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. The rehabilitating sheet is inserted into the manhole to be lined. Block and plate frames are coupled inside the bag of the rehabilitating sheet to support it so as to have the shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. A gap between the rehabilitating sheet and the inner circumferential surface of the side walls of the manhole is filled with a filler, which is then hardened to line the side walls of the manhole. Pairs of plate frames having different diameters are coupled to each other to provide ring plates having different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Shonan Gosei-Jushi Seisakusho K.K.Inventors: Takao Kamiyama, Koji Kaneta, Kenji Fujii, Katsuyori Miura
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Publication number: 20110116868Abstract: A method for the construction of a gallery or a shaft leading to an underground facility intended for the medium- or long-term storage of hazardous wastes, including an excavation of at least one determined length of the gallery carried out by using a method of prior preparation by protection or reinforcement of the materials prior to the excavation, in a part of the gallery intended to subsequently receive a plug that is sealed to liquids or gasses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: Pierre Habib
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Publication number: 20100307147Abstract: Energy can be stored by directing fluid into an expandable receptacle that has a relatively heavy mass above it. The fluid fills the receptacle such that it expands and lifts up the heavy mass above it. At a time when energy is needed, the fluid can be allowed to flow out of the receptacle and through a turbine or hydraulic motor to generate power or electricity. Intermittent or unreliable sources of power can be used to fill the receptacle, or power from a power grid can be used to fill the receptacle at times that are off-peak. During peak-load times, the potential energy of the fluid in the receptacle can be converted to power. The receptacle can also be used to control water flows and can provide a source of power and potable water to a community.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Steven Thomas Ivy, Guy Carl Eastwood
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Publication number: 20100272514Abstract: A water detention system comprises a sub-base of crushed rock or stone overlying an impermeable layer which may be naturally-occurring, as in an impermeable sub-grade, or may be formed by an impermeable membrane laid over the sub-grade prior to the sub-base layer. Over the sub-base layer is an incompletely impermeable layer the impermeability of which is compromised by openings in the form of slits or by spacing between adjacent strips forming the layer. These openings allow water to percolate downwardly through the layer into the sub-base, but substantially inhibit the escape of moisture by evaporation thereby serving to retain the collected water. Above the incompletely impermeable layer may be a laying course of finer particulate material such as pea gravel over which may be laid a wear surface of slabs or blocks to form an area for traffic, such as a roadway or parking area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Peter Hart, Stephen Richard Spikes
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Publication number: 20100272515Abstract: A method of drilling, completing and producing a deep geothermal reservoir to allow the economical extraction of thermal energy from geologic strata, which may be termed as Hot Dry Rock (HDR).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Harry B. Curlett
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Publication number: 20100232881Abstract: A method for forming a barrier in a subterranean formation is described comprising connecting two pipes to each other by a tensile member, cutting a continuous path through the subterranean formation with the pipes and tensile member, and providing grout into the path. An apparatus for forming such a barrier is described comprising a tensile member, at least two pipes wherein the pipes are connected to the tensile member wherein the pipes are configured to deliver grout to the subterranean formation, and at least one drilling apparatus wherein the drilling apparatus, pipes, and cable are configured to cut a path through the subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Ernest E. Carter, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100189509Abstract: The apparatuses, compositions and methods described herein generally relate to a new application for and formulation of composite-polymer composition. This composition is a nanocomposite, comprising a polymer and a clay, preferably a recycled polymer and a nanoclay. The nanocomposite composition has improved performance characteristics, such as lower creep values and lower coefficients of linear thermal expansion, and can reduce the dependency of plastic product manufacturing on virgin (unrecycled) polymers. Moreover, the nanocomposite is formed into geosynthetic materials, e.g., geomembranes, and storm water retention/detention systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: AMCOL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventors: Archibald S. Filshill, Jianbo Di, Jason M. Logsdon, Michael Donovan
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Publication number: 20100140262Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure. The coated pieces are delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second pieces together.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventor: Michael Whitener
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Publication number: 20100021236Abstract: A simple, modular, straight forward approach to the assembly of a water retention/detention structure or system to retain or detain, for example, storm water runoff and/or grey water is provided. In one embodiment, the system can include six or more panels of the present disclosure arranged adjacent to each other to form an assembly, the assembly having a hollow interior and in which each panel has an opposite panel across the hollow interior. Panels are provided for the assembly that have a first surface, for example a planar surface, four sides of which define outer edges of each panel, one or more tabs extending laterally from each of the outer edges of each panel in substantially identical spacing on each of the sides of each panel, and one or more recesses formed in substantially identical spacing on each of the sides of each panel, the one or more recesses corresponding in location along the sides of the panels to the one or more tabs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: John E. Kreikemeier
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Patent number: 7637064Abstract: A building material anchor including a resilient pad. A resilient, openwork tube is affixed to the top of the pad. An adhesive layer coats the bottom of the pad.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Mark E. Jessen
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Publication number: 20090226260Abstract: A precast concrete storm water vault comprised of modular precast concrete components is provided. More specifically, a vault is provided that consists of a perimeter of footings with integral vertical walls extending therefrom that supports precast concrete roof panels that comprise the top horizontal structural for the placement of pavers, a fill, base, or a driving surface. The storm water vault disclosed may be combined with a filtration system and has easily removable roof panels that facilitates maintenance and cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.Inventors: J. Brad Boulton, Steve Kingsland
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Publication number: 20090220303Abstract: Underground sequestration system and method in which a liquid or gas is stored in a sequestration zone of enhanced porosity in an underground geological formation, with a containment barrier around the sequestration zone. Conditions within the formation are monitored to verify the integrity of the sequestered substance, and any necessary repair or maintenance is done through wells that extend into the formation. In some disclosed embodiments, the porosity of the formation in the sequestration zone is enhanced by boreholes and laterals that are drilled with high velocity hydraulic cutting jets, and the sequestered liquid or gas is injected into the sequestration zone through the boreholes and laterals. Additional boreholes and laterals are employed in the containment barrier, and the barrier is formed of a thixotropic material that is injected into the formation through the additional boreholes and laterals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Ben Wade Oakes Dickinson, III, Robert Wayne Dickinson, Lawrence Joseph Musetti, Oliver Douglas Ousterhout
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Publication number: 20090154997Abstract: An underwater oil storage method, which includes the steps of: a) excavating a cellar in the ground earth and constructing a wall structure in the cellar to form a water pool, b) setting an oil tank in the water pool, c) supplying a predetermined amount of water to the water pool, and d) filling the oil to be stored into the oil tank and regulating the amount of water in the water pool subject to the amount of storage oil stored in the oil tank for enabling water in the water pool to support the oil tank and storage oil in the oil tank and to keep the oil tank in balance by means of the physical characteristic that the specific gravity of the storage oil is lower than water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventor: Zuei-Ling Lin
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Patent number: 7434620Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing formation of sludge in a subsurface cavity having particulate laden fluid disposed therein. The method includes positioning a downhole device having a fluid agitator into the fluid of the subsurface cavity and agitating the fluid using the fluid agitator.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: CDX Gas, LLCInventor: Joseph A. Zupanick
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Publication number: 20080226395Abstract: Natural soils and underlying bedrock typical of channel banks near a river and floodplain system are utilized to improve the economics and efficiency of constructing an underground porosity storage reservoir. A man-made barrier, typically a slurry wall, is keyed into these banks and forms a first portion of a closed boundary for the reservoir. The channel banks between the two ends of the slurry wall form a substantially impermeable natural barrier defining a second portion of the closed boundary for the reservoir, thereby reducing the construction costs on sites appropriate for such a design. Locating the bank-sided porosity storage reservoir over naturally occurring scour regions in the bedrock can greatly increase the storage capacity. By building an embankment and extending the slurry walls higher, an open water storage area can be created on top of the reservoir that is bounded by the elevated slurry wall and the channel bank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: PS Systems Inc.Inventors: Donald O. Summers, Stanley R. Peters
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Publication number: 20080166183Abstract: An underwater oil storage method, which includes the steps of: a) excavating a cellar in the ground earth and constructing a wall structure in the cellar to form a water pool, b) setting an oil tank in the water pool, c) supplying a predetermined amount of water to the water pool, and d) filling the oil to be stored into the oil tank and regulating the amount of water in the water pool subject to the amount of storage oil stored in the oil tank for enabling water in the water pool to support the oil tank and storage oil in the oil tank and to keep the oil tank in balance by means of the physical characteristic that the specific gravity of the storage oil is lower than water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Zuei-Ling Lin
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Publication number: 20080112760Abstract: A system and method for storage of Greenhouse Gasses, in particular CO2 gasses, in an underground reservoir of rock at the shallowest depth necessary to achieve a combination of temperature and pressure sufficient to ensure that the reservoir is hydraulically sealed and isolated. Particle Jet Drilling is utilized to afford an economical process of drilling the necessary deep well bores to reach the deep rock formations. The underground reservoirs are formed through hydraulic dilation of existing joints in the rock formations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: Harry B. Curlett
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Publication number: 20080072968Abstract: An underground porosity reservoir includes substantially impermeable barriers and an aquiclude surrounding a volume of alluvial materials for storing water within the pore spaces of the alluvial materials. Upstream and downstream ends of the reservoir define both a static storage portion (extending below an elevation of the downstream end of the reservoir) and an elevated wedge-shaped portion that extends above the static portion. Once the static portion of the reservoir is filled, additional amounts of water are dynamically stored within the wedge portion by removing water from the downstream end of the reservoir and adding water to the upstream end of the reservoir. Water may be recirculated within the wedge portion, or external water may be added to the upstream end of the reservoir at a first flow rate while water is removed from the downstream end of the reservoir at a similar flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: PS Systems Inc.Inventors: Stanley R. Peters, Donald O. Summers