Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating drill cuttings, preferably marine cuttings, preferably in situ, so that the cuttings can be discharged into the environment, preferably back into marine waters without causing oxygen depletion of marine sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment emulsifies and then encapsulates free hydrocarbons in the marine cuttings.

Abstract: A liquid CO2 injection system produces a negatively buoyant consolidated stream of liquid CO2, CO2 hydrate, and water that sinks upon release at ocean depths in the range of 700-1500 m. In this approach, seawater at a predetermined ocean depth is mixed with the liquid CO2 stream before release into the ocean. Because mixing is conducted at depths where pressures and temperatures are suitable for CO2 hydrate formation, the consolidated stream issuing from the injector is negatively buoyant, and comprises mixed CO2-hydrate/CO2-liquid/water phases. The “sinking” characteristic of the produced stream will prolong the metastability of CO2 ocean sequestration by reducing the CO2 dissolution rate into water. Furthermore, the deeper the CO2 hydrate stream sinks after injection, the more stable it becomes internally, the deeper it is dissolved, and the more dispersed is the resulting CO2 plume.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising providing a supply of biosolids; selecting an introduction formation below a ground surface, the introduction formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; introducing the biosolids into the introduction formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected introduction formation; and allowing degradation of the introduced biosolids.

Abstract: Methods for in situ formation in soil of a permeable reactive barrier or zone comprising a phosphate precipitate, such as apatite or hydroxyapatite, which is capable of selectively trapping and removing radionuclides and heavy metal contaminants from the soil, while allowing water or other compounds to pass through. A preparation of a phosphate reagent and a chelated calcium reagent is mixed aboveground and injected into the soil. Subsequently, the chelated calcium reagent biodegrades and slowly releases free calcium. The free calcium reacts with the phosphate reagent to form a phosphate precipitate. Under the proper chemical conditions, apatite or hydroxyapatite can form. Radionuclide and heavy metal contaminants, including lead, strontium, lanthanides, and uranium are then selectively sequestered by sorbing them onto the phosphate precipitate. A reducing agent can be added for reduction and selective sequestration of technetium or selenium contaminants.

Abstract: A system for disposing of nuclear waste which essentially includes filling containers with nuclear waste and then dropping the containers into the sea in the path of an undersea volcano which is pouring lava onto the sea bed is disclosed. The containers are driven into the sea bed and will be covered by the lava.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising a) providing a supply of biosolids; creating a slurry of the biosolids suitable for injecting; selecting an injection formation below a ground surface, the injection formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; injecting the biosolids slurry into the injection formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected injection formation; and allowing degradation of the injected biosolids slurry.

Abstract: The present invention describes an improved method for forming fly ash slurry by mixing fly ash and water with an additive containing 0.5-2 wt % ammonium salt of humic acid and 0.03 to 0.05 wt % tannin extract. The product slurry does not require large amount of water for transport to storage space due to its enhanced viscosity and stability.

Abstract: Industrial combustion facilities are integrated with greenhouse gas-solidifying fertilizer production reactions so that CO2, CO, NOx, and SOx emissions can be converted prior to emission into carbonate-containing fertilizers, mainly NH4HCO3 and/or (NH2)2CO, plus a small fraction of NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4. The invention enhances sequestration of CO2 into soil and the earth subsurface, reduces N03− contamination of surface and groundwater, and stimulates photosynthetic fixation of CO2 from the atmosphere. The method for converting CO2, CO, NOx, and SOx emissions into fertilizers includes the step of collecting these materials from the emissions of industrial combustion facilities such as fossil fuel-powered energy sources and transporting the emissions to a reactor. In the reactor, the CO2, CO, N2, SOx, and/or NOx are converted into carbonate-containing fertilizers using H2, CH4, or NH3.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising a) providing a supply of biosolids; creating a slurry of the biosolids suitable for injecting; selecting an injection formation below a ground surface, the injection formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; injecting the biosolids slurry into the injection formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected injection formation; and allowing degradation of the injected biosolids slurry.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, such as municipal sewage waste, comprising injecting the biosolids into a subsurface injection formation. The method can include recovering methane generated from the degradation of the biosolids.

Abstract: A low cost teqhnique is disclosed for dissolving, liquefying and introducing CO2 gas into the deep sea for storage there, which involves low pressure and is simple in structure, easy to operate and maintain, safe, and relatively free of breakdown. The apparatus comprises a pipe for transporting a mixture of the CO2 gas and the seawater or other liquid, extending from above the sea or from the ground into the deep sea, a pump for moving the gas and a pump for moving the liquid, or a single pump for moving both the gas and the liquid, whereby the gas-liquid mixture is formed and introduced into the deep see through the same pipe, the CO2 gas in the mixture being pressurized, agitated, dissolved and liquefied during its transport through the pipe with the result that its bubbles are eliminated and buoyancy decreased, thereby making it possible to release the CO2 into the deep sea with a relatively small pumping force.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, such as municipal sewage waste, comprising injecting the biosolids into a subsurface injection formation. The method can include recovering methane generated from the degradation of the biosolids.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an interconnected underground structure which avoids settling of adjacent soil structure. A plurality of underground support columns is initially formed, with the support columns being spaced apart in a predetermined pattern. Interconnecting holes are thereafter formed between the underground support columns, wherein the interconnecting holes are formed by mechanically cutting the soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the mechanically cut soil with slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or higher while maintaining a positive hydrostatic head in the hole relative to adjacent soil. As the interconnecting holes are being formed, the diameter of each interconnecting hole is extended by positioning a second high velocity slurry nozzle near the outer diameter of the interconnecting hole which injects high velocity into the adjacent soil to hydraulically cut the adjacent soil and mix it with the slurry.

Abstract: A method of disposing nuclear waste in underground rock formations (18). The method includes the steps of selecting an land area having a rock formation (18) positioned therebelow of a depth able to prevent radioactive material placed therein from reaching the surface and must be at least a predetermined distance from active water sources and drilling a vertical wellbore (14) from the surface into the underground rock formation (18). A primary horizontal lateral (20) is drilled from the vertical wellbore (14) with the surface of the primary horizontal lateral (20) defined by the underground rock formation (18). A layer of cement (30) is placed within the primary horizontal lateral (20) and a layer of steel (32) is secured within the layer of cement (30). Nuclear waste to be stored within the lateral is placed in a canister (38) and the encapsulated nuclear waste is positioned within the primary horizontal lateral (20).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating marine cuttings, preferably in situ, so that the cuttings can be discharged back into marine waters without causing oxygen depletion of marine sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment emulsifies and then encapsulates free hydrocarbons in the marine cuttings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and vehicle for the disposal of carbon dioxide. Gaseous carbon dioxide is solidified and allowed to free fall through open water where i at least partially embeds itself in sedimentary formations. Sedimentation ensures that the marine environment is an overall carbon sink through carbonate sequestration.

Abstract: Some ground water sites are capable of achieving risk-based closure without remedial efforts due to the soil's natural intrinsic remediation. However, in many cases this may not be possible due to the magnitude of the contamination. Surfactant enhanced intrinsic remediation is capable of enhancing natural remediation in several ways. First, by introducing the surfactant above its Krafft temperature when the ground water temperature is below the surfactant Krafft temperature, it is possible to install a permeable, sorptive wall that significantly decreases the contaminant migration, thereby improving the opportunity for natural intrinsic remediation to mitigate the contamination. If the contaminant levels are too great for this approach, as may be the case when “source zone” soil contamination is present, the approach is coupled with active extraction/ surfactant enhanced intrinsic remediation of the “source” zone (e.g., surfactant flushing).

Abstract: A reagent comprising a compound of formula (I): R.sub.f --M(X) (Z).sub.n --Y--R, wherein R is a hydrocarbon radical advantageously having at most 10 carbon atoms and being selected from alkyls and aryls; R.sub.f is a radical of formula II: R.sub.1 --(C.XI..sub.2).sub.m --CF.sub.2 --, where R.sub.1 is a fluorine or chlorine atom or a carbon radical, m is 0 or a integer from 0-12, and each .XI., which may be the same or different, is a chlorine or preferably fluorine atom, with the proviso that when m is 0, R.sub.1 is electroattractive, preferably a fluorine atom;n is 0 or 1; M is a non-metal selected from carbon and chalcogens with an atomic number higher than oxygen; and each of X, Y and Z, which are the same or different, is a chalcogen; as well as a generator, for consecutive or simultaneous addition. The reagent is useful for organic synthesis.

Abstract: Acid gas is liquified by compression and cooling, mixed with water under pressure and flowed into a disposal well.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of oil field wastes contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The method includes the steps of: drilling a pair of wells which intersect in a salt formation, providing a slurry containing NORM wastes and a carrier liquid, injecting the slurry through one of the wells into the salt formation wherein the NORM wastes settle, and removing the carrier liquid from the other one of the wells. One carrier liquid, fresh water, dissolves the salt formation to form and enlarge a cavern for receiving the NORM wastes. The quantities of carrier liquid removed from the salt formation are disposed of by injection into permeable formation remote from the salt formation.

Abstract: A waste containment system utilizing a manufactured soil useful for the remediation of waste disposal sites for municipal and industrial waste products. To form the manufactured soil, conditioned clay materials, in particular bentonite clay, are mixed with sand and water to form a colloidal suspension. The mixture can be either placed into trenches, as a slurry, to form vertical barriers or allowed to de-water and then spread and compacted to create surface caps and/or sub-surface liners. Normally, the a containment system includes an imbedded sand drainage layer so as to make the composite system impervious to air and water penetration. The percentage of clay in the manufactured soil is varied depending on installation site characteristics and desired performance standards. Manufactured soil with as little as approximately 1% to 3% clay (dry wt.) can be made to achieve and maintain hydraulic conductivities as low as 1.7.times.10.sup.-9 cm/sec.

Abstract: A building complex for disposing of toxic or otherwise hazardous waste materials. The complex comprises heptagonal shaped center core structure and five rhomboid shaped wing structures dedicated to waste disposal. The walls, floors and ceilings of the wings include a layer or layers of a composite material comprising a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, high modulus carbon fibers or the like and borosilicate glass particulate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120.degree. F. and 140.degree. F. in steady state.

Abstract: Injection of slurried wastes is carried out within deeply buried strata. Appropriate target strata are identified in terms of sufficient porosity and permeability, and overburden that includes permeable and impermeable strata. Slurry is injected at sufficient pressure to establish fracturing within the target strata. The injection pressures and the resulting waste pod are monitored by a suite of monitoring procedures, including bottomhole pressure and surface uplift. The injection is carried out in a series of injection episodes separated by interinjection episodes. Apparatus for preparing and injection the slurry include a mixing chamber, a partly encased well and a bottomhole pressure gauge. Process monitoring apparatus controls the operation of the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for stabilizing a subsurface area such as a buried waste pit for either long term storage, or interim storage and retrieval. A plurality of holes are drilled into the subsurface area with a high pressure drilling system provided with a drill stem having jet grouting nozzles. A grouting material is injected at high pressure through the jet grouting nozzles into a formed hole while the drill stem is withdrawn from the hole at a predetermined rate of rotation and translation. A grout-filled column is thereby formed with minimal grout returns, which when overlapped with other adjacent grout-filled columns encapsulates and binds the entire waste pit area to form a subsurface agglomeration or monolith of grout, soil, and waste. The formed monolith stabilizes the buried waste site against subsidence while simultaneously providing a barrier against contaminate migration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations penetrated by a borehole are disclosed. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and preferably a viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped or flowed "on vacuum" from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to an environmental engineering process for injecting a mixture into the ground to act as a containment barrier for fluids or gases or to act as in situ waste remediation process. The process involves pumping a mixture into the ground so that the mixture penetrates from the injection source(s), to form overlapping and/or intersecting horizontal or vertical planar geometries. Control of the geometry of the propagating fracture is made by the down hole outlet design and by interactively modifying mixture composition, injection pressures and flow rates, according to the sequential calculation of the in situ injected geometry by an inverse or tomographic method from monitored response of detection devices.

Abstract: A system for disposing of hazardous waste, such as nuclear waste, underground which provides the drilling of a wellbore down into a level of a underground bed of salt, for example, and forming a horizontal borehole through the salt bed next, drilling a plurality of radial wells off of the horizontal well to a predetermined length of each radial well extending outward from the horizontal wellbore; lowering a quantity of nuclear wastes contained within a specially designed pre-packed liner at the end of a drill string, into each of the radial wells drilled off of the horizontal wellbore; providing a packer at the entrance to each of the radial wells for packing off the borehole of each of the radial wells to completely isolate the nuclear wastes within the radial wellbore; retrieving the drillstring from the horizontal wellbore; cementing the entire length of the horizontal wellbore so as to further isolate each of the radial wells containing the spent nuclear waste; and capping off the vertical wellbore on the

Abstract: A chemical barrier is formed by injecting a suspension of solid particles or colloids into the subsurface. First, a stable colloid suspension is made including a surfactant and a non-Newtonian fluid. This stable colloid suspension is characterized by colloid concentration, colloid size, colloid material, solution ionic strength, and chemical composition. A second step involves injecting the optimized stable colloid suspension at a sufficiently high flow rate to move the colloids through the subsurface sediment, but not at such a high rate so as to induce resuspending indigenous soil particles in the aquifer. While injecting the stable colloid suspension, a withdrawal well may be used to draw the injected colloids in a direction perpendicular to the flow path of a contaminant plume. The withdrawal well, may then be used as an injection well, and a third well, in line with the first two wells, may then be used as a withdrawal well, thereby increasing the length of the colloid barrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for removing highly concentrated CO.sub.2 from high-pressure natural gas and recovering it in a high-pressure state.This process comprises the absorption step of bringing high-pressure natural gas having a CO.sub.2 partial pressure of 2 kg/cm.sup.2 or greater and a pressure of 30 kg/cm.sup.2 or greater into gas-liquid contact with a regenerated CO.sub.2 -lean absorbing fluid comprising a CO.sub.2 absorbing fluid of which the difference in saturated CO.sub.2 absorption level between 40.degree. C. and 120.degree. C. is not less than 30 Nm.sup.3 per ton of solvent at a CO.sub.2 partial pressure of 2 kg/cm.sup.2, whereby highly concentrated CO.sub.2 present in the high-pressure natural gas is absorbed into the CO.sub.2 -lean absorbing fluid to produce refined natural gas having a reduced CO.sub.2 content and a CO.sub.2 -rich absorbing fluid; and the regeneration step of heating the CO.sub.2 -rich absorbing fluid without depressurizing it, whereby high-pressure CO.sub.

Abstract: The invention provides a range of modified organoclays comprising intercalated moieties to provide an effective mechanism for attracting organic compounds into the interlamellar spaces in close proximity to other intercalated reactants. The intercalated moieties provide three functions, namely (a) pillaring to create adequate interlamellar spacing to provide access for larger molecules, e.g. polychlorinated biphenyls and poly aromatic hydrocarbons, (b) organophilic attraction of like polarity organic compounds, and (c) a reactive environment in which the organic substrates can be permanently bonded to the clay surfaces and pillaring agents. The invention also resides in methods of treating soil or other materials with such modified organoclays in order to remove or bind hazardous organic molecules.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 deep sea throw-away system includes a floating offshore base (2), receiving liquefied CO.sub.2 carried by a liquefied CO.sub.2 carrier (1). The base has a throwing pipe (3) and a throwing pipe outlet (4) to deliver the liquified CO.sub.2 in an enclosing bag (11) in the sea at a depth where a liquid phase state of the liquified CO is maintained. An unmanned submersible working boat (10) is provided and has a plurality of capsules (26) mounted thereon. Each capsule contains an enclosing bag (11) to enclose the liquified CO.sub.2. The boat transports the capsules into the sea at a depth where a liquid phase state of the liquified CO.sub.2 is maintained and operates to enclose the liquified CO.sub.2 in the enclosing bags (11). The liquified CO.sub.2 in the enclosing bag (11) and the capsule (26) are then released so as to fall onto the sea bottom. Also, a control base (9) is provided on the offshore sea to control the unmanned submersible working boat (10).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for sealing off ground sites in particular a waste dump, abandoned dumping grounds, pipelines or the like, or also excavated construction sites, using sealants, wherein a fully course-controlled boring technique is used to drive at least one bore underneath the ground site from the surface outside the ground site and the sealant is injected into the soil surrounding the bore. To implement the process, jets for injecting the sealant into the soil are mounted on the steerable remote-controlled boring head.

Abstract: A piecewise continuous-time dynamic control method and apparatus for optimizing re-mediation of groundwater is disclosed. The piece-wise continuous control process is used to generate efficient designs for remediation systems based on differentiable groundwater models. The remediation strategies generated are characterized by piece-wise continuous functions of time which dictate the operation of remediation devices. The piece-wise continuous functions may change discontinuously at the end of each management period, or, optionally, a finite number of times during each management period. The duration and number of management periods covering a groundwater cleanup may be selected by the user of the invention to maximize the contamination removal efficiency and reflect the mechanical limitations of the specific remediation devices chosen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations penetrated by a borehole are disclosed. The invention includes, but is not limited to, the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and preferably a viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped or flowed "on vacuum" from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity.

Abstract: A hazardous waste containment vessel, and a method for its use, for safe, permanent disposal of hazardous waste in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel is dropped into deep ocean water, descends through the water and penetrates the deep ocean pelagic sediment, thus burying the hazardous waste containment vessel in deep ocean pelagic sediment. The hazardous waste containment vessel has an elongated laminar walled container having first and second ends. The first end tapers to an apex having an angle selected to enhance penetration of the deep ocean pelagic sediment by the hazardous waste containment vessel. A dense filler material is carried within the elongated laminar walled container and isolates at least one hazardous waste containing drum member that is suspended within the dense filler material, from the interior layer of the elongated container member and from additional drum members suspended within the dense filler material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the disposal of solid particulate material in subterranean formations are disclosed. The invention is not limited to the disposal of oil field waste and therefore provides means and methods for the disposal of virtually any type of waste slurry stream. A slurry is formed at the surface of the earth by mixing the solid waste in particulate form with liquid and viscosifier thereby forming a slurry. A borehole is drilled into a selected injection formation and the slurry is pumped from the surface through the borehole and into the injection formation. Some surface pretreating of the slurry may be required including sizing of the particulate solids, adding weighting material, removing excessive amounts of oil and grease and diluting to reduce the level of radioactivity. The injection formation is preferably dipping in angle with respect to the horizontal and highly fractured.

Abstract: A cap for sealing waste in a landfill is prepared by disposing a fill layer atop the waste and applying a fast-curing elastomeric material to the fill layer to provide a monolithic, continuous, elastomeric coating thereupon. The elastomeric material is derived from the reaction of an isocyanate-terminated compound having at least two reactive isocyanate groups and an amine-terminated compound having at least two reactive amine groups. The elastomeric layer is preferably covered with a porous drainage layer which is in turn covered with a layer of soil.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing CO.sub.2 hydrates. In the subject method, CO.sub.2 is first dissolved in water to produce a CO.sub.2 hydrate precursor. The CO.sub.2 hydrate precursor is then mixed with CO.sub.2 gas, resulting in hydrate production. Between the first and second steps, the CO.sub.2 hydrate precursor may optionally be cooled to at least 0.degree. C. and/or CO.sub.2 hydrate nuclei may be introduced into the CO.sub.2 hydrate precursor. The method is carried out in a continuous hydrate production reactor. The subject method finds use in sequestering CO.sub.2 gas emissions in the form of hydrates, where the hydrates are deposited in high pressure, low temperature environments, such as in the ocean at depths greater than 1000 m or in subterranean fresh water aquifers.

Abstract: A liquefied carbonated gas abyssal casting apparatus prevents freezing at an outlet of a casting tube and flotation of cast carbonated gas. The liquefied carbonated gas is fed from a reservoir to a single casting tube and discharged to the abyss through an inner tube of a double casting tube from a lower end of the single casting tube. A heat medium fluid is recirculated between the inner tube and an outer tube of the double casting tube. The liquefied carbonated gas which flows through the inner tube is heated to an abyssal temperature of from -1.degree. to 5.degree. C.

Abstract: Slurried solids waste materials are disposed of into a preselected subterranean disposal zone by generating radially extending hydraulic fractures from a disposal well and filling the primary fractures with disposal material until screenout is observed or it is determined that the fracture is filled with waste material from monitoring fracture growth and measuring the injected volume of material. The fluid flow rate is allowed to decline to provide relaxation and closure of the fracture at a point between the fracture tip and the injection well and secondary fractures are then created by injecting a fracturing fluid followed by further injection of waste material to fill the secondary fractures. The process is repeated to establish a dendritic array of multiple hydraulic fractures in the disposal zone sufficient to hold a predetermined quantity of waste material.

Abstract: Organic waste such as hydrocarbon waste, refinery sludges, tank bottom sludges, certain wastes from paint, solvent and wax manufacturing and active metals and active metal oxide compositions are disposed of by combining such compositions with bentonite and water to adsorb the waste composition into the bentonite followed by injection of the waste, bentonite and water slurry into a subterranean disposal zone to fix the waste material within disaggregated matrix or created fractures.

Abstract: Toxic wastes including naturally occurring radioactive materials are disposed of into subterranean earth formation zones which are bounded both above and below by zones which have higher in situ compressive stresses. The materials are prepared in a slurry of finely ground solids and a carrier liquid and are injected into a fracture created in the disposal zone by a process which includes initiating and extending the fracture with a fracturing fluid having a filter cake building solids material entrained therein to build a sealant layer on the fracture faces, The fracture fluid is followed by injection of the waste material which is followed by injection of more fracture fluid and/or a clear liquid such as fresh water or seawater to remove all toxic material from the injection well and the vicinity thereof. The fracture is then allowed to close to confine the waste material therein.

Abstract: A method for disposing of radioactive material in a disposal area, which is accessible from the surface through a wellbore which contains a wellbore fluid. The method comprises the steps of: encapsulating the radioactive material within a container, placing the container in the wellbore, passing the container through the wellbore to the disposal area, and equalizing the differential pressure between the wellbore pressure and internal pressure within the container as the capsule descends within the wellbore, prior to the differential pressure reaching a magnitude which would exceed a design collapse rating of the container.

Abstract: A process for obtaining decomposition products from a slurry of municipal waste by use of a geothermal reservoir. The process comprises placing the slurry of municipal waste into a geothermal reservoir; sealing the opening of the geothermal reservoir; and retorting the municipal waste slurry in the geothermal reservoir for a time sufficient to liberate methane, ammonia, urea, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates from said slurry. Thereafter, the liberated products are removed from the geothermal reservoir and separated.

Abstract: A method of disposing hazardous industrial solid waste, preferably mill tailings, which comprises treating the waste to form a paste and pumping the paste to an underwater paste deposit site in a water saturated area, said area providing permanent water cover for the paste and means for controlling the rate of release of contaminants from the paste into the environment, the paste being pumpable and not readily mixable with ambient water at the deposit site.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for scrubbing hazardous components from waste or flue gas in depleted or swept regions of a reservoir. In the practice of this invention, a waste gas is coinjected into a depleted or swept region along with an aqueous reactant. The swept or depleted regions serve as a reactor. The gas and an aqueous reactant in an amount sufficient to react with said gas is allowed to remain in the depleted or swept region for a time sufficient to react with said gas and remove harmful or hazardous components from the gas. Thus, harmful or hazardous components are scrubbed from the gas. When the scrubbed gas breaks through at another spaced apart site, a gas substantially devoid of harmful or hazardous components is produced to the surface.

Abstract: Predetermined quantities of slurried solids wastes are injected into earth formation waste disposal zones having a predetermined in situ stress distribution and compaction rate for a predetermined hydraulic injection pressure and wherein the disposal zones are bounded by zones having greater in situ stresses. Unconsolidated or lightly cemented formation zones may be used for waste disposal wherein it is determined that a substantial compaction of the material defining opposed faces of hydraulic fractures may occur. Fracture volume available for retention of solids in the slurry is calculated based on fracture height, fracture length, elastic deflection of the fracture faces, compaction of the fracture faces and the number of fractures based on either unequal or substantially equal horizontal stress distributions.

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.

Abstract: Mine tailings and similar materials are disposed of by replacing the tailings in underground mineworks including the shafts, adits and drifts by forming a slurry of tailings using dredging or similar mixing processes and pumping the slurry to the mineworks. Cementitious materials may be added to selected quantities of the tailings slurries to form cement plugs for placement at selected intervals in the mineworks to minimize connectivity of the mineworks shafting, adits and drifts. The mineworks may be dewatered to provide a source of water for the slurrification process and the water may be reused after separation from the slurry. The disposal process provides a convenient way of replacing mine tailings in a repository of similar mineralogy and at least partially eradicates abandoned mineworks, including shafting, adits and drifts, which otherwise might require continual monitoring and dewatering.