Containment Patents (Class 588/249)
  • Patent number: 5651821
    Abstract: The battery disposal and collection apparatus includes a terminal connection having a terminal electrode pressed by a pressing structure on an upper cover, a battery guide case having a battery container to which the terminal electrode is inserted when the upper cover is closed, and which contains batteries, a rotary plate having an electrode terminal and a battery dropping hole on the plane of a rotary plate under the battery guide case. The electrode terminal contacts the terminal of a battery at the side opposite to the one at the terminal electrode when the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container contacts the terminal electrode. A battery discharger discharges current flowing between the terminal electrode contacting the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container and the electrode terminal. A battery receiver stores the battery which is discharged by the battery discharger and dropped through the battery dropping hole of the rotary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shirou Uchida
  • Patent number: 5649785
    Abstract: A three phase method of treating solid waste to eliminate hazards and preserve the resource value of the constituent materials, separating and recovering the constituent materials, and productively using those constituent materials, includes, in the first phase, steps to separate ferrous metal constituents from the waste stream, shred and grind the solid wastes to generally uniform small particles, dry the waste material to remove essentially all free moisture and render the wastes biologically inert, compact the dried waste materials into uniform high density blocks, and encapsulate the compacted blocks; includes, in the second phase, steps to return the compacted blocks to uniform particles and separate the combined constituent materials on the basis of density, with primary processing utilizing a series of fluidized bed and cyclonic separator assemblies and with secondary processing utilizing combinations of vibratory conveyors, melt separation assemblies, and the like; and includes, in the third phase, st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Tobin Djerf, Gwen Damico
  • Patent number: 5645374
    Abstract: A method for dehalogenating contaminated ground water and/or soil where the contaminated area is contacted with a titanium carboxylic acid derivative such as titanium oxalate, titanium citrate or titanium nitriloacetate and a corrin or porphyrin catalyst preferably vitamin B12 compound. The result of contact with the contaminated source is that the compounds reductively dehalogenate the contaminates thereby making it less toxic. This is achieved by making use of the non-toxic reagents, namely the corrin or porphyrin catalyst such as vitamin B12 and the titanium carboxylic acid derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of the Environment
    Inventors: Suzanne Lesage, Susan Jean Brown, Kelly Rose Millar
  • Patent number: 5645378
    Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leech when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 5642834
    Abstract: A secondary containment reservoir device having a bottom and side walls forming a reservoir, and communicating with the reservoir an expandable retention bladder which automatically expands to receive liquid from the reservoir, allowing the total capacity of the device to greatly exceed the capacity of the reservoir alone. The device can be adapted to receive or support any type of primary liquid container above the reservoir, including drums, barrels, tanks, IBC's, tanker vehicles, tanker trailers or railroad tankers. In one embodiment, the reservoir is formed within a pallet having a support deck to receive drums or barrels of liquid. A single bladder or multiple bladders may be used, and the bladders may be mounted internally or externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Jesse Ehredt
  • Patent number: 5641245
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which passively removes contaminated gases from a subsurface. The apparatus includes a riser pipe extending into a subsurface which has an exterior end in fluid communication with a valve. When well pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to release contaminants into the atmosphere, and when well pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, the valve closes to prevent flow of air into the well. The valve assembly of the invention comprises a lightweight ball which is lifted from its valve seat with a slight pressure drop between the well and the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Pemberton, Christopher P. May, Joseph Rossabi
  • Patent number: 5613805
    Abstract: In an apparatus for aspirating gases, in particular from topsoil, an effective explosion protection can be attained by having a negative-pressure fan or negative-pressure generator formed as a water-ring pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Filter-und Wassertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen T. Schmid
  • Patent number: 5608137
    Abstract: A method of containing and remediating contaminants within the soil includes the step of placing a gel barrier into the soil for containing the contaminants. The gel barrier and the soil contained therein define the containment zone. Microorganisms capable of remediating the contaminants in the soil are added to the containment zone. The gel barrier is produced by preparing an aqueous solution of a gel precursor, injecting the aqueous solution into the soil at a desired location, and crosslinking in situ the gel precursor to form the gel barrier at the desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: University of New Mexico
    Inventor: Ebtisam Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5599137
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for treating contaminated soil is disclosed. The apparatus consists of three interconnected subunits, namely a fluidized bed reactor for segregating an aqueous soil slurry based on particle size; a metals extraction unit for removing heavy metals and other contaminants from the contaminated soil fraction; and a water treatment system utilizing a high density sludge process to remove metals from the contaminated aqueous phase. The fluidized bed reactor includes a relatively small mixing chamber and a relatively large settling chamber which are partially separated by a baffle. Pressurized gas and foaming agent are dispersed into the mixing chamber to segregate the soil particles into a first fraction containing relatively small, contaminated soil particles and a second fraction containing relatively large, uncontaminated soil particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Chemtech Analysis Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, John C. Nelson, Choom J. Lim, Kok-Seng Lim
  • Patent number: 5599139
    Abstract: A method of constructing a liner system for a waste containment facility having substantially vertical sidewalls utilizing a plurality of vertical expansion boxes for holding a flexible membrane liner against a rock face or any other approximately vertical face without penetration of liner, liner "creep", slippage or impairment of the integrity of the liner A vertical expansion box provides lateral and vertical pressure onto portions of the flexible membrane liner to hold it firmly in place. The vertical expansion box is constructed such that when, filled with soil or other aggregate material, lateral pressure of the fill will flex the sidewalls of the box, which in turn applies pressure against the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Tensar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Chewning, Peter C. Brown, Jesse R. Whittemore
  • Patent number: 5591115
    Abstract: A system and method of preventing groundwater contamination by a plume of liquid born toxic contaminants that includes establishing a dry barrier between a plume of liquid contaminants and the water table to immobilize the toxic contaminants. The dry barrier is formed by transporting dry gas into the barrier region, such as with injector wells, and then removing it and any moisture it has absorbed, such as with extraction wells to create a layer or bowl shaped structure that is so dry that liquid borne contaminants cannot pass therethrough. By maintaining the barrier, the contaminants form an immobile crust above the barrier which assists in prevention of liquid transport of contaminants into the groundwater. The system is particularly effective when radioactive contaminants are involved because the contaminants can remain fixed and undisturbed underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignees: K & M Engineering & Consulting Corp., BDM Federal, Inc.
    Inventors: Pietro Raimondi, Willard P. Acheson, William K. Overbey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5591118
    Abstract: A low permeability waste containment structure includes a clay-containing component such as bentonite in combination with an effective amount of granular activated carbon to retard the migration of organic and inorganic contaminants through the waste material containment construction. The granular activated carbon can be added in amounts up to 20% or more without degrading the physical characteristics of the waste material containment structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Barnes R. Bierck
  • Patent number: 5588785
    Abstract: A device for collection and containment of spilled or leaked liquid hydrocarbons absorbs pollutants that come in contact. The absorbed material is solidified within the pillow into a rubber-like mass. An impermeable layer of material may be utilized in forming the bottom layer of the outer envelope of the device to retain accumulated hydrocarbons within the pillow while further allowing the contaminants to disperse throughout the device for absorption and solidification. The impermeable layer prevents spilled or leaked hydrocarbons from contaminating the surface below the device. The consolidated mass is easily retrieved and handled for disposal. A variety of options may be utilized in disposing of the spent device, including recycling the rubber-like mass as a component of tar-like materials, such as asphalt. The solidified hydrocarbons will not leach when exposed to pressure limits used to determine landfill suitability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 5573349
    Abstract: Apparatus for decontamination of a liquid which includes an outer envelope, apparatus for directing a liquid into the outer envelope, and apparatus for directing a liquid out of the envelope. The apparatus for directing the liquid out of the envelope includes an axial section of perforate duct and apparatus for absorbing contaminants disposed around the axial section of perforate duct, the apparatus for absorbing and the axial section of perforate duct are disposed within the outer envelope. In some forms of the invention the apparatus for absorbing contaminants is a particulate material which may be disposed within a sleeve shaped member. The apparatus for absorbing may include a central perforate tube disposed in generally concentric relationship to the sleeve shaped member and the central perforate tube may be in fluid communication with the exterior of the outer envelope. In many embodiments the outer envelope is substantially fluid impervious and may be an elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: John A. Paoluccio
  • Patent number: 5569151
    Abstract: Method and apparatus to contain dangerous gases venting or leaking from a primary containment vessel. An outer containment vessel holds the primary containment vessel in fluid tight relationship to the outer vessel. The outer vessel has an internal volume large enough to contain the entire contents of the inner vessel and includes means to absorb or scrub gas leaking from the inner vessel. Removal of gas from the inner vessel to a point of use is controlled by valves and conduits contained in the outer vessel, the valves being controlled from outside the vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene J. Karwacki, Arron D. Varn, Howard P. Withers, Jr., Andrew J. Woytek
  • Patent number: 5562591
    Abstract: A receptacle (59) is provided which includes a flask (22) surrounded by a casing (23) able to slide into a pipe by pneumatic means. A composite element (33, 40) formed of all of one piece is used to close both the openings of the flask and casing by means of screwing. These improvements and others render the receptacle extremely suitable for a large number of measurements carried out in shielded analysis boxes for dangerous samples, especially radioactive ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Robert Marchand, Michel Herbreteau, Joseph Besnier
  • Patent number: 5562585
    Abstract: In a process for disposal of asbestos or substances containing it, the initial material is converted by very fine grinding together with at least one material OH.sup.- -ions in water in aqueous suspension into a material having non-fibrous stable mineral phases. In a non-hazardous manner therefore, asbestos is eliminated from the end product to be disposed of or otherwise used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Karl-Heinrich Lemmerbrock
    Inventor: Rolf Godesberg
  • Patent number: 5563066
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediating contaminated soil containing organic compounds, wherein, a sectional, portable, and sealable container is assembled at a site for remediation. Contaminated soil for remediation is disposed within the container and covered by a pool of recirculating water carrying selected biological elements and chemicals to effect the remediation process. Hydrocarbon elements released from the contaminated soil rise to the surface of the pool and are collected by skimming for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Alan B. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5562592
    Abstract: The hazardous or toxic waste material storage apparatus includes a flexible inner container for receiving the hazardous waste material or toxic waste material with the inner container having at least one zone of expansion which is substantially more expandable than other portions of the inner container. The inner container which holds the hazardous or toxic waste material is sealed and disposed within an outer container which is preferably composed of a flexible material. The zones of expansion may preferably be provided in the inner container by a plurality of vertically extending pleats or horizontally extending pleats, or both. The inner container preferably occupies less than the full volume of the outer container so as to permit relative movement therebetween. A sealing disc may function as a closure for the outer container and may be mechanically engaged with portions of the outer container to retain the same in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 5562593
    Abstract: A containment attachment device 10 for operatively connecting a glovebag 200 to plastic sheeting 100 covering hazardous material. The device 10 includes an inner split ring member 20 connected on one end 22 to a middle ring member 30 wherein the free end 21 of the split ring member 20 is inserted through a slit 101 in the plastic sheeting 100 to captively engage a generally circular portion of the plastic sheeting 100. A collar potion 41 having an outer ring portion 42 is provided with fastening means 51 for securing the device 10 together wherein the glovebag 200 is operatively connected to the collar portion 41.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Alfred G. Sammel
  • Patent number: 5558845
    Abstract: A device for applying an evaporation-inhibiting film to an exposed liquid surface of a liquid body, which includes an impeller disposed below and coplanar with the exposed liquid surface; means for rotating said impeller; means for delivering the evaporation-inhibiting film to the exposed liquid surface at a location immediately above said impeller; and means for bringing liquid from beneath the exposed surface of the liquid body to above said impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corp.
    Inventors: Michael T. Pauken, Sheldon M. Jeter, Said I. Abdel-Khalik
  • Patent number: 5551799
    Abstract: An advancing freeze front is established in a porous region adjacent to or within contaminated earth. A flow of contaminated liquid phase water migrates toward the freeze front and a concentration of impurities is established in front of the advancing freeze front. When the freeze front reaches a collection zone, at least a portion is melted and the resultant water bearing concentrated impurities is collected and removed. This process may be repetitively performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventor: J. Gregory Dash
  • Patent number: 5545801
    Abstract: The invention is a batch process for biotreatment of contaminated soil according to which the material is placed with microbes and water in a vessel such as a roll-off box with aerators. A slurry recirculating system is used every few days at a point of microbial domination to pump material from the water column into the solid phase at high pressure through a wand inductor, whose outlet is directed around the vessel to shear and agitate essentially the entire volume of material. The configuration of the vessel, agitation with the wand inductor and control of other conditions allows cost-effective microbial degradation of hydrocarbons to regulatory standards in soils having large amounts of clay, rocks, and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Bio-Logical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Carl Fulton
  • Patent number: 5545802
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method of treating a container holding a contaminated substance. The invention includes puncturing the container at different positions to allow the introduction of a disenfecting agent and a drainage of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Yves Narbonne
  • Patent number: 5536898
    Abstract: The organic chemical waste content of contaminated materials such as soils and debris is immobilized by mixing such wastes with an agent consisting of a mixture of particulate rubber and biogenic amorphous silica. Where the semi-volatile content of the waste is known to predominate a greater portion of particulate rubber is advantageous and where such waste is known to be entirely semi-volatile organic material such agent advantageously consists essentially or comprises particulate rubber. Conversely, where the organic content of such wastes is predominately volatile organic material a greater portion of biogenic amorphous silica should be employed and where such organic waste is known to be entirely volatile organic such additive is advantageously biogenic amorphous silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Environmental Technologies Alternatives, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse R. Conner, Fernley G. Smith
  • Patent number: 5523519
    Abstract: A sealed system for facilitating the safe transfer of hazardous material through a port in the floor of a containment enclosure to an open topped storage container positionable in precise axial alignment below the port and supported on a lift cart for vertical movement toward and away from the port. The port is defined by a vertically depending flange or enclosure ring in the floor of the containment enclosure and is closeable by a seal cover within said containment enclosure positionable for sealing engagement with the periphery of the port. The port is also closed alternately by a sturdy plastic bag supported from a seal ring engageable in leak-proof sealed relation with the port and partially contained within the storage container supported on the lift cart. A succession of bags are positioned under the port, elevated into sealed relation with the port, filled, sealed shut, severed from the sealed port and lowered and removed for permanent storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Weber, Carleton E. Jennrich, Rudolph O. Marohl
  • Patent number: 5518797
    Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert W. Holland
  • Patent number: 5516974
    Abstract: The present invention provides an immobilizing agent for making harmless the detrimental metals contained in fly ash formed from an urban dust incinerating plant and a method for immobilizing the fly ash. The treating agent according to the present invention contains .alpha. starch and/or dextrin (component A), sodium silicate and/or a hydrogen phosphate compound (component B) and an allophane having a molecular ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 of not lower than 2 (component C). It may also further contain cement, bentonite, calcined gypsum and fly ash formed from a coal thermoelectric power plant. The mixing ratio of the components A, B and C is preferably 100 parts by weight: 20 to 160 parts by weight: 40 to 180 parts by weight respectively. The treating agent is mixed with the above-mentioned fly ash and water is added to it and the mixture is milled and then used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Polution Sciences Laboratory Incorporated
    Inventors: Taiichiro Sasae, Tomio Nishida, Kazuya Katayama, Masanori Oshima
  • Patent number: 5502268
    Abstract: A new method for sealing off a mass of waste which comprises surrounding the mass of waste, stabilized waste or its placement side with a least one substantially continuous layer of porous material, the layer defining a substantially continuous, waste-encompassing interface, and providing a sufficient amount of an interactive reagent on either side of the interface for the reagent upon placement to diffuse towards each other and to form a precipitate filling the pores of the porous material substantially along the interface thereby forming a waste-encompassing layer of reduced permeability. The special benefit of this method is that after a rupture of the seal the interactive reagents form a new seal, thus preventing loss of noxious substances through the rupture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of the Environment
    Inventors: Pierre L. Co/ te/, Hans A. Van der Sloot
  • Patent number: 5498285
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the synthesis of a layered, clay-like material starting from a silicon oxide containing material in a finely divided state by reacting a glass phase containing material at a pH from 5 to 8, in the presence of water, with a source of layer-forming metal ions and an activator for the formation of clay under atmospheric conditions to obtain a material with a stable structure. Preferably aluminium and/or magnesium ions are employed as layer-forming metal ions. Furthermore, according to a suitable embodiment, boron glass or cullet is employed as a material containing silicon oxide. The conversion of the mixture of materials into a substance having an ordered structure takes place preferably at a pH of approximately 7 and a temperature of 30.degree.-45.degree. C., in which the starting materials appropriately have a particle size of approximately 100 microns. An activator for the formation of clay is added to accelerate the process of conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Pelt & Hooykaas B.V.
    Inventor: Carel W. J. Hooykaas
  • Patent number: 5489738
    Abstract: This invention provides a method or process for separating an organic chlorinated contaminant such as polychlorobiphenyl from an inert porous material which comprises admixing the material with an effective amount of a volatilizable organic liquid in which the contaminant is soluble, heating the admixture under vacuum to a temperature above the boiling point of the organic liquid but below the decomposition temperature of the organic liquid and the contaminant, while maintaining a flow of an inert sweep gas through the porous material, and collecting the vapors for further treatment which includes recovery of the organic liquid for reuse in the decontamination of soil and other porous materials. Recovery of the organic liquid is achieved by passing the vapors from the separation step through a bed of activated carbon at a temperature above the vaporization temperature of the organic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Abramowicz, Youssef El-Shoubary, Bang M. Kim, Andrew P. Shapiro, Norman Z. Shillling
  • Patent number: 5487622
    Abstract: Contaminated groundwater is treated in-situ, by funnelling the water through a gate or gates (23) in a watertight in-ground wall (18). Treatment material in the gate (23) breaks down the contaminant, or otherwise removes the contaminant from the flowing water. A removable caisson is first driven into the ground, excavated, and then a receptacle, for the treatment material, is lowered into the hollow interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: John A. Cherry, Enoch S. Vales, Robert W. Gillham
  • Patent number: 5478604
    Abstract: A coating which contains polyethylene imine, a calcium compound and/or a silicate is applied to a surface which carries a coating of a lead based paint. This reduces the digestion and absorption of lead from the intestinal tract in case the lead based paint is accidentally ingested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Actinic, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Leeper
  • Patent number: 5476993
    Abstract: There is provided a process for reversibly solidifying hydrocarbons for transportation or storage to prevent spillage of the hydrocarbon. The process involves mixing the hydrocarbons with a sufficient quantity of a hydrocarbon wax, such as paraffin, heated to the liquid state, and cooling the resulting mixture until it solidifies into a firm, united mass. The minimum amount of hydrocarbon wax required to solidify the oil will depend on the type of crude oil, the type of wax being used and the temperature that the solidified mass is being maintained at during shipping. In the case of crude oil shipment by ocean tanker the crude may be pre-treated with the hydrocarbon wax in the storage compartments and the mixture transported in solid form. The solidified, united mixture effectively prevents spillage of the crude in the event of the hull being ruptured and is not displaced by sea water. The buoyant solidified mixture prevents the ship from sinking in the event of a hole being formed in the hull of the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: 1002599 Ontario Limited
    Inventor: Therezia L. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5476994
    Abstract: The process for removal of metal-contaminated sediment includes dredging the sediment and removing large objects from the sediment, then removing smaller objects such as shell fragments with a first course screen. The remaining sediment slurry is processed through at least two screens covering a range of mesh sizes to separate the solids into three size/mesh fractions. Water extracted during the separation is processed through a series of hydrocyclones to separate any remaining solids and to allow the water to be recycled. The largest fraction of solids, the "sand fraction" has a low concentration of the metal and requires no further processing. The smallest fraction, which has passed through a mesh corresponding to the size of the most basic form of the metal ore, enters a screw classifier for dewatering after which it is appropriate for direct smelter recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Greenfield Environmental
    Inventor: George J. Trezek
  • Patent number: 5465536
    Abstract: A system for containment of heavy vapor cloud and aerosol from a potential source of hazardous vapor comprising walled surfaces surrounding the vapor source and a roof above the vapor source and forming with the walled surfaces an enclosure for the vapor source. The roof is porous with openings therethrough dimensioned for minimizing wind shear and extending over at least about 20% of the surface area of the roof, and a device is located within the enclosure for absorbing the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Buchanan, Frederick J. Krambeck, Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 5462655
    Abstract: A fluid recapture system collects residual waste fluids generated during airplane washing or de-icing procedures and separates and recycles these fluids to prevent contamination of storm water drainage and sewer systems and ground water supplies. The fluid recapture system includes a containment mat, a triangular berm with a resilient foam center surrounding the containment mat, a vacuum system located on the containment mat and recycling apparatus connected to the vacuum system. The recycling apparatus includes a pump for withdrawing fluid from the containment mat through the vacuum system and into the recycling apparatus. The pump withdraws the water from the containment mat and sends it to an effluent storage tank. From the effluent storage tank, the water is cycled through a hydro cycle machine, a reverse osmosis tank and finally into a clean water storage tank. The clean water can be reused in the airplane washing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Michael Ladd, June E. Ladd, Larry Hinebaugh, Jack E. Hennessy, Susan C. Hennessy
  • Patent number: 5463163
    Abstract: A process for absorbing liquid and solid toxic waste in an agglomerate using asbestos, rock wool and the like as a sponge material. The toxic waste is mixed with the sponge material in a dehydration tank. The dehydration tank is used to remove any residual vapor from the mixed material in order to provide a dry textured mixture. The dry mixture of the sponge material with absorbed toxic waste is than introduced to a resin adhesive mixing tank. The resin adhesive mixing tank is used for coating the exterior surface of the sponge material to prevent seepage and migration of the toxic waste from the sponge material. The coated sponge material with toxic waste is removed from the resin adhesive mixing tank and individual portions of the coated mixture are compacted under high pressure into a stackable solid waste cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: SOL-CAP, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent P. Young, Trent P. Young, Jr., Paul R. Ingram, Steven J. Ingram
  • Patent number: 5461186
    Abstract: A process is provided for treating soil contaminated with oils, tars and light hydrocarbons. A slurry is formed with coal, water and the contaminated soil and agitated at elevated temperature, resulting in the transfer of the oil from the soil to the coal. The coal and soil mixture is then dewatered for disposal by burning or burial in a landfill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Lebowitz, Conrad J. Kulik
  • Patent number: 5457271
    Abstract: A treatment system for the safe disposal and containment of lead base painted wood comprising a mobile chipper arranged in a housing with an articulable conduit arranged to direct the chips to a container and further to a filtration unit. The chipper unit generates its own vacuum to pressurize the chips down the conduit and keep hazardous debris from escaping into the envirinment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Alan P. Aulson
  • Patent number: 5457270
    Abstract: A chemical control system for controlling volatile hydrocarbons adjacent a dry cleaning machine is providing having a first framework of air distribution pipes positioned adjacent the upper portion of a dry cleaning machine for discharging low pressure air in a predetermined pattern therefrom. A second framework of fluid intake pipes are positioned adjacent to the lower portion of a dry cleaning machine for drawing in air and volatile liquid fumes and filtering the air being drawn thereinto. Sensors are provided for sensing fluids, air pressure, and temperature for controlling the operation of the system. A liquid catch basin is provided under and around the dry cleaning machine for capturing liquids for removal from the liquid catch basin. The system also provides a plurality of fluid discharge pipes placed in the earth below the dry cleaning machine along with pipes for drawing in fluid so that the earth below the dry cleaning machine is cleansed of volatile fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventors: Philip B. Hildebrand, Joseph P. Parent
  • Patent number: 5457272
    Abstract: A method is described for capturing ecologically harmful substances, both of organic and inorganic nature, by absorbing these substances on a zeolite or on a swellable, layered clay which has been modified with hydroxyaluminium to form an aluminium-rich zeolite or a pillared clay containing pillars of aluminium hydroxide complexes, the aluminium-rich zeolite or aluminium-pillared cationic or anionic clay having been treated, prior to the absorption, with a salt of an inorganic acid, preferably with a phosphate. If the treatment is carried out with a salt of a rare earth element, superpillars are formed in the clay, as a result of which a clay having a great absorbency in addition to a large rate of flow is obtained. By treating the pillared clay with a quaternary ammonium compound, a doubly modified clay is formed which is exceedingly suitable for treating material which has been polluted with a combination of organic and inorganic ecologically harmful substances, and in particular polluted with heavy metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Pelt & Hooykaas B.V.
    Inventor: Carel W. J. Hooykaas
  • Patent number: 5456550
    Abstract: A permeable wall (4) is located in the material of an aquifer (2), in the path of an approaching plume (3) of a contaminant (eg a chlorinated solvent). The wall comprises a body (7) of permeable filler material, eg sand and gravel, which is placed in a trench (5) that has been cut down into the aquifer material. Biologically-aided breakdown of the contaminant is aided by the presence of nutrients in the groundwater, and injection ports (18) are provided in the wall, through which the nutrients are injected periodically. The permeability of the wall helps the injected nutrients to spread laterally through the plume. The injected substances are contained in a volume of water; this water may be water which has been extracted from the trench, draw-off wells (9) being provided in the trench for that purpose. A second permeable wall (29) may be provided downstream for injection of eg air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventor: John F. Devlin
  • Patent number: 5441365
    Abstract: Apparatus for extracting contaminants from a stream comprising a contaminant-containing mixture of liquids and gases which comprises: (a) a contaminant-containing mixture input; (b) a vapor-liquid separator receiving the contaminant-containing mixture from the input and producing a liquid component stream at a first outlet and a gaseous component at a second outlet; (c) an optional first contaminant removal system receiving the liquid component stream from the vapor-liquid separator and producing a contaminant-free liquid stream; (d) a vacuum inducing device in fluid communication with the contaminant-containing mixture input and the vapor-liquid separator and receiving said gaseous component from the vapor-liquid separator; (e) a cooling element receiving the gaseous component at a first temperature from the vacuum inducing device and producing the gaseous component at a second temperature from a first outlet and a condensed liquid component from a second outlet, said second temperature being lower than said
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Eliott N. Duffney, Paul M. Tornatore, Scott M. Huber, Ronald E. Hess
  • Patent number: 5436385
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means for secondary containment of airbo releases from underground storage tanks, trenches, cribs, and vaults. Airborne releases of nuclear waste from previously operated nuclear weapons plants is a particular problem which this invention addresses. The dome structure is fabricated by large inflatable fabric forms that are insulated and hardened by specialized shotcrete processes for either spherical or elliptical type dome structure. This dome structure is designed to be reused and thus made mobile by having at least three large capacity crawler/transporters or a crane link-up and lift the dome structure for transport to a desired HTRW location. The dome structure is made of layered materials comprising a thin flexible membrane of urethane foam and conventional shotcrete placed on steel reinforcing bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Richard A. Kaden
  • Patent number: 5434339
    Abstract: A fluid absorption mat is applied to the floor of a surgery room during medical procedures. Patient body fluids drip onto the mat while medical personnel stand on the mat. The fluids are absorbed by the mat through an upper and lower non-woven non-cellulose fibrous material and into a copolymer intermediate layer. The upper and lower layer dry while the intermediate layer retains any fluids absorbed by the mat. The mat is then disposed into a waste container. Medical personnel are thereby exposed to minimal patient body fluids and the clean up of the surgery room is more efficient and cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventors: Dennis K. La Motte, Anthony J. Senzamici, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5430235
    Abstract: A toxic waste fixant for detoxification of a contaminated material includes a mixture of ferric sulfate, manganese sulfate, organophilic clays, an oxidizer and aluminium sulfate. The respective amounts are preferably about 15-19% b.w. of ferric sulfate, about 15-19% b.w. of manganese sulfate, about 37-46% b.w. of organophilic clay, about 16-19% b.w. of an oxidizer and about 0-12,5% b.w. of alumimium sulfate. All or part of the ingredients in said fixant may be added as a pretreatment into contaminated materials such as soils, sediments, or sludges. This pretreatment can range from 0 to 100% b.w. to said material. The fixant is blended with various amounts of Portland cement, and/or blast furnace slag, or lime, or gypsum, or coal fly ash, or cement kiln dust as a means to derive a chemical fixation treatment for contaminated soils, sediments, and sludges to prevent the leaching of organic and inorganic compounds and elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Pelt & Hooykaas B.V.
    Inventors: Carel W. J. Hooykaas, Jeffrey P. Newton
  • Patent number: 5425598
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for sparging ground water by developing density driven convection and promoting the physical removal and biodegradation of contaminants. The method includes providing a well casing having two fluid permeable sidewalls separated by a fluid impermeable sidewall, and inserting the well casing into a generally vertical borehole so that the fluid permeable sidewalls are positioned below the water table. An injector tube is provided in the well casing so that a lower end thereof is located at the lower end of the well casing and below the level of ground water collected in the well casing. Gas under pressure is forced out the lower end of the injector tube and into the ground water collected in the well casing to cause the gas to carry water upwardly within the well casing and out the well casing through the uppermost fluid permeable sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Leslie H. Pennington
  • Patent number: 5416252
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the treatment of incineration residues of urban or industrial wastes comprising the following steps;a first step of chemical analysis of the incineration residues of urban or industrial wastes in order to determine:their water-soluble sulfate content,the overall retarding or accelerating action of the water-soluble ions which are liable to hinder the setting or hardening of a Portland cement,a second step in which the urban or industrial waste incineration residues are mixed or crushed, with a hydraulic binder and additives, followed by granulation with water of the mixture obtained with the granules then left to harden, the nature and proportion of said hydraulic binder and said additives having been selected in order to allow both the physical and/or chemical neutralization of the harmful elements for setting or hardening of a Portland cement present in the wastes, as well as the production of granules with low porosity and low permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Ciments LaFarge
    Inventors: Francois Sorrentino, Michel Rollet, Benoit Kessler, Bernard Robin, Bernard Jesus
  • Patent number: 5416248
    Abstract: A method of removing volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon base materials contained in soil is provided wherein an inorganic compound that is an oxide of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal or a sulfate of an alkaline earth metal, which undergoes an exothermic reaction with water, is mixed in powder or granular form with soil containing a water content of 10% to 30% by weight and volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon base material having a normal boiling point in the range of about 60.degree. to about 120.degree. C., the inorganic compound being mixed with the soil in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5 times the weight of the water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Katayama Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mamoru Matsumoto, Yutaka Morita, Junji Hayashi, Takashi Syouji, Hideo Kawamoto