Abstract: It concerns the invention of a pressure vessel (VP) which can be assembled from individual parts, and basically comprises: a plurality of wall modules (MP), at least one connection module (MC) for pipes or sensors, and closing modules (MF) that can be chosen from: have equal configuration and have different configurations. All of the modules have bores (105) distributed radially on their flat surfaces (101) and these bores (105) are distributed between a hollow drill (1051) with a seat (1151) and a torque screw bored (1052) (106) inserted therein attach a module to another adjacent module, with a sealing ring (104) therebetween.

Abstract: A system for filling a container with hazardous waste includes a primary confinement chamber that houses a lid handling mechanism and a filling head. The lid handling mechanism may be used to remove and/or recouple the lid to the container as part of the process of filling the container in such a way to ensure the exterior of the container is not contaminated by the hazardous waste. The filling head may be configured to add the hazardous waste to the container, mix the contents of the container, and/or vent air from the container.

Abstract: A device for disposing unused pharmaceuticals including a container having sealing means, a superabsorbent polymer arranged in the container in a loose orientation, a deterrent compound, and optionally a dye. The device is adapted so that after pharmaceuticals and a fluid substance are added to the container, and the container is sealed, the container can be agitated (e.g., shaken) to enable the superabsorbent polymer to absorb the fluid and congeal in order to nearly instantaneously form a gel structure, which completely or nearly completely envelops the pharmaceuticals in the container. The deterrent compound can break down and/or denature the pharmaceuticals enveloped in the gel structure. The container may then be disposed of in a conventional household garbage container. The dye provides a visual warning that the pharmaceuticals should not be consumed and the repellant compound provides an unpleasant flavor and/or smell which deters ingestion of the pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A tamper evident safety seal includes a first band, a second band and first and second arms connecting the first band and the second band. The seal is positioned around a radiopharmaceutical container and further includes a connector assembly having a connector and a break away portion that, when separated, provides visual evidence that the seal has been broken.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for containing a hazardous material according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a container having two compartments. The first compartment is configured to contain the hazardous material within a non-rigid bladder and the second compartment contains a hazard control material within a two-piece container configured to enclose the first compartment. The container may further comprise a wall separating the first compartment from the second compartment that is configured to open upon occurrence of a trigger event to release the hazard control material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for providing additional radiation shielding to a container holding radioactive materials. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus that includes a tubular shell constructed of a gamma radiation absorbing material and having an inner surface that forms a cavity having an axis, the cavity having an open top end and an open bottom end; a plurality of spacers extending from the inner surface of the shell toward the axis of the cavity, the spacers extending a first height from the inner surface of the tubular shell; and one or more flange members located at or near the open top end of the cavity extending from the tubular shell toward the axis of the cavity, the flange member extending a second height from the inner surface of the shell, the second height being greater than the first height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refuse treatment plant (1) with a closed construction, which permits the aerobic degradation of organic material, for example in refuse comprising biodegradable fractions. The refuse treatment plant (1) comprises a bay (5) with an aeration and deaeration installation. At least one refuse treatment chamber (16), which is connected to the bay (5) via an opening (7) in the bay wall, is located on at least one external face of the bay wall (6). The refuse treatment chamber (16) is configured by a cover tarpaulin (30), which is provided with a raising and lowering device (20), is water-and particle-tight but permeable to air and water vapour. The cover tarpaulin (30) comprises an edge (32), which is attached to the bay wall (6) and to the ground (50) in a rigid and airtight manner by means of a fixing device (50). The raising and lowering device (20) can be configured with the aid of a pneumatic support structure (22) consisting of inflatable tubes (23).

Abstract: A hazardous material storage facility is provided that includes an upper floor having openings therethrough, a lower floor that is sloped from an upper end to an elongated basin, at least one vent duct disposed beneath the upper floor and adjacent to the lower floor basin, the vent duct including vent openings structured to allow air and fumes to be introduced into the vent duct and a means for removing the air and fumes in the vent duct therefrom. In this configuration, air is drawn generally downwardly through the facility while hazardous vapors, which typically emanates from spilled hazardous materials on the lower floor, are located close to the vent duct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying the leakproofness of a container used for accommodating preferably liquid media as well as a plastic container that is composed of several segments (22a, 24). The invention further relates to a method for producing a container from several segments and a container comprising a closed barrier layer. The disclosed container is composed of at least two segments (22a, 24) which are joined together circumferentially at the edges of the faces thereof by means of one respective welded connection (16, 17) such that an enclosed space is formed. An inner pressure that is different from the ambient pressure is applied within the enclosed space while a change in pressure is monitored.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for containing a hazardous material according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a container having two compartments. The first compartment is configured to contain the hazardous material, and the second compartment contains a hazard control material. The container may further comprise a wall separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The wall is configured to open upon occurrence of a trigger event.

Abstract: Novel aqueous foamable concentrates are disclosed. When mixed with a non-neutral pH aqueous liquid and foamed, the resulting foam is suitable for blanketing and neutralizing non-neutral pH hazardous material spills.

Abstract: A leaching-stabilized heavy metal-contaminated matrix can be stored in a subsurface saturated zone by contacting the matrix with an amount of an agent for increasing acid-neutralization capacity sufficient to provide the stored matrix a preselected permanence level.

Abstract: A method of collecting, treating, transporting and disposing of hazardous debris which combines the standards of macroencapsulation and microencapsulation and involves the use of a liner to contain hazardous debris together with reagents that reduce leachability of a constituent of the hazardous debris. The liner is supported in a rolloff box or other transportable container on site where the hazardous debris is collected. Prior to placing hazardous debris into the liner, a layer of reagent(s) is provided in the bottom of the liner. Once hazardous debris is loaded in the liner, addition free flowing reagent(s) is/are added to fill void space in and around the hazardous debris, after which the top of the liner is sealed for disposal in a landfill.

Abstract: A zero ground disturbance dike apparatus and method for the secondary containment of harmful chemicals that are stored in primary storage vessels, wherein the dike apparatus does not require the drilling of postholes or the setting of support posts in concrete. Sections of dike walls are attached to bracing assemblies, each bracing assembly being comprised of a brace and a base plate. Braces are configured to support the assembled wall sections and to provide resistance against the outwardly force exerted by material that is released from the primary storage vessel. Base plates attached to the braces assist in resisting bending moments that may be created about the base of the dike apparatus. The brace assembly also preferably includes at least one base support channel for additional base plate stiffness and support cables to further resist the outwardly forces exerted against the dike apparatus by said released materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for reducing the leaching of lead from lead projectile surface. The method includes contacting the lead projectile surface with a lead stabilizing agent or a lead stabilizing agent in the presence of a lead mineral complexing agent. The lead stabilizing agents provides a means to stabilize lead on the bullet/shot surface and thus reduce lead leaching and contact to the environment. This method eliminates the need to remove or re-treat range soils and greatly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with the use of lead as projectiles in the open environment as well as at control trap ranges.

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: Novel aqueous foamable concentrates are disclosed. When mixed with a non-neutral pH aqueous liquid and foamed, the resulting foam is suitable for blanketing and neutralizing non-neutral pH hazardous material spills.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a liquid into a sewer drain comprising a catch basin having a catch basin drain coupled with the sewer drain. In addition, a housing element that is positioned within the catch basin, whereby the housing element is coupled with the catch basin drain in a first fluid-tight manner. The housing element having a porous surface positioned below a predetermined level. A column having a proximal end and a distal end, whereby the column is positioned within the housing element and the proximal end is coupled with the catch basin drain in a second fluid tight manner. The distal end is positioned above the predetermined level and an actuator mechanism is coupled with the column and configured to selectively open and close the column to the flow of the liquid that is entering the catch basin drain.

Abstract: A process of making vitrified waste in a crucible and inserting the crucible and vitrified waste into an outer container after vitrification. The outer container is then sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a bag 14 with removable glove members 20, 22, a removable and replaceable splash shield 17, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14, the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which comprises a portable treatment method and apparatus for treating sediment and other waste material. A preselected solid composition is added to the sediment as it is drawn through a system which mixes the sediment and composition thoroughly to produce a homogenous mixture, which is then in turn deposited in a storage device for eventual removal from the site.

Abstract: A method of restoring wetlands is provided, by separating drill cuttings from drilling fluid, mixing the cuttings with a stabilization medium, and then filling a desired position in the marshland or wetlands with the reconstituted material.

Abstract: In a method for the treatment, in particular stabilization, of materials containing environmentally noxious constituents, especially from the incineration of waste, in which the materials are treated with ferrous compounds and water, the materials are washed and stabilized chemically using a solution containing ferrous ions (Fe++) which allows the formation of stabilizing ferric oxides (Fe+++) on the materials, the ferric oxide formation being carried out by means of an oxidation under controlled conditions with respect to the nature and the amount of oxidizing agent, temperature and pH, whereafter, if desired, the treated materials are subjected to a thermal after-treatment.

Abstract: A metal hazardous material storage facility where the floor is divided into an upper floor, having passages therethrough, and a lower floor, located below said upper floor and which has a sloped surface. A sensor, which is coupled to a leak detection system is located at the lowest point on the lower floor. Containers of hazardous material are stored on the upper floor. As such, regardless of where the container is stored in the facility, any fluid which leaks from a container will pass through the openings in the upper floor and flow down the sloped surface of the lower floor to the sensor.

Abstract: A phosphate mineral based reactive barrier system. Phosphate minerals are known to be sinks for heavy metal contaminants. The reactive barrier prevents the release of contaminants from waste materials, sediments or dredged materials via reaction with the contaminants at the interface between the barrier and the waste material, sediments or dredged material. The barrier is comprised of a phosphate mineral material where the form of the phosphate mineral is variable but primarily insoluble. This barrier is placed below, around, and/or on top of the contaminated materials such that the contaminated materials are completely enveloped, capped, or contained by a grout curtain. The barrier can be in a (i) slurry form, (ii) blended matrix form with other inorganic agents, or (iii) composite form with a geotextile or geofabric. These methods of construction can be used singly or jointly. In some cases, pH control may be used to optimize the chemical reactions within the barrier system.

Abstract: A method for selecting an emulsifier for isolating free hydrocarbons in a given drilling system and a method of using the emulsifiers to treat drill cuttings to isolate free hydrocarbons, including bitumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste disposal system through the use of a flexible bag 14 with glove members 20, 22, a drain line tube 32, and a refill tube 48 in order to service aircraft lavatories. Through the use of the bag 14 the ramp attendant, the aircraft ramp, baggage and other property on the ramp is protected from contamination with human waste and chemical solutions used to deodorize and sanitize aircraft lavatories.

Abstract: A mobile reuse center structure for containment and handling of hazardous materials comprising a base assembly having a containment pan, right side and left side walls, front and rear walls and a roof assembly. The right side wall and the front wall each have a door which allow access to the interior of the structure by its user. The left side wall has a plurality of deflagration vents which burst open when pressure is applied to the deflagration vents. The roof assembly has at each corner thereof a corner fitting which may receive a twistlock stacker. The twistlock stackers when coupled to the roof assembly corner fittings allow a drum rack to be stacked on top of and secured to the roof assembly. A machinery compartment is located in the rear end of the mobile reuse center structure. The machinery compartment includes the electrical control and power distribution system for the mobile reuse center structure.

Abstract: A mobile modular warehouse structure for the storing and handling of conters of hazardous materials comprising a control point modular storage unit and a plurality of warehouse modular storage units. The modular storage units may be configured in a row to form one embodiment of the mobile modular warehouse structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of adjacent modular storage units is provided by a bellows which is connected to and removable from a bellows support frame in a side wall of each modular storage unit. The modular storage units may also be configured in a stacked arrangement to form an alternate embodiment of the modular mobile safety structure. In this configuration access between the interiors of the stacked modular storage units is provided through an opening between the control point modular storage unit and the warehouse modular storage unit stacked thereon. Stairs located in the control point modular storage unit allow the user to gain access to each unit in the stack.

Abstract: A geotechnical structure that includes a first body of soil having a first unsaturated concentration of moisture. There is also a second body of soil, which includes a second unsaturated concentration of moisture that is different from the first concentration. A moisture barrier is interposed between the first body of soil and the second body of soil. The moisture barrier includes an upper and lower layer that draw water laterally. A medial capillary barrier layer prevents traverse moisture migration between the first and second bodies of soil. Moisture migration both upwardly and downwardly is thus prevented, and water in the first and second bodies of unsaturated soil is drained laterally to reduce pore water pressures in the first and second bodies of soil.

Abstract: A method of melting solid materials while controlling melt shape, without the expenditure of energy to melt unwanted quantities of surrounding materials, and an apparatus to effect the method. The method comprises the use of a planar starter path between electrodes so as to initiate melting and/or vitrification in a plane rather than in a discrete linear path between electrodes. Because melting is initiated along a significant portion of the linear dimension of the electrodes, creating a melted zone that is deeper than it is thick, the aspect ratio (depth "Y"/width "Z") of the melted mass is greater than 1.0.

Abstract: An impoundment leak detection, location, and containment system includes a leak detection and location structure positioned below the impoundment with a system of conduit spanning substantially all of the extent under the impoundment. A mobile sensor system can be maneuvered through the conduit and into the leak detection and location structure to identify and locate leaks in the impoundment above. The system also includes a hydrocarbon sealing compound which has a sealing effect when exposed to fluids containing water and/or hydrocarbon liquids.

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 process for the confinement of generally harmful solid materials is disclosed and claimed. The solid materials are immobilized and confined within a solid matrix for an unlimited storage free from pollution risks. The solid materials are mixed with at least one low condensed, liquid phenolic resin and a cross-linking agent which is selected from partly or wholly sulfonated linear and/or cyclic phenolic oligomers, and the cross-linking which forms said solid matrix under hardening is allowed to occur. When a mould is used for the hardening reaction, solid blocks are formed which are resistant to water, heat, and environmental acids and bases. These blocks need not be stored in a safe environment but can further be used for applications such as construction elements.

Abstract: A method of upgrading the area below a dispenser to contain accidental release harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade without repiping, electrical changes, or concrete disruption.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for securing waste landfills so as to prevent seepage of fluids into natural formations. A coating composition containing rubber crumb is sprayed onto polymeric liners enclosing the waste so as to encapsulate the ends or seams.

Abstract: A device for the cooling and intermixing of gas from accidental leaks, such as from a nuclear reaction containment, i.e., accident atmospheres, which device prevents stratification and provides improved cooling capacity. The device includes a housing, having an inlet and an outlet and which predefines a flow path for the accident atmosphere. The device has a fan wheel, which is disposed in the housing downstream from the inlet and which is connected to a shaft. The device also has a cooling device which is disposed between the fan wheel and the outlet. A compressor wheel is connected to the shaft at the end thereof which is opposite to the fan wheel. The compressor wheel is disposed between the cooling device and the outlet.

Abstract: A method for containing potentially infectious devices. The potentially infectious devices are deposited in a container which contains a monomer, a reducing agent and water. An oxidizing agent is later added to cause polymerization of the monomer to immobilize the devices, and to act as a disinfecting agent due in large part to the exothermic nature of the reaction. In an alternate embodiment, the composition contains a monomer, a thickener and water. Before use, this solution is admixed with an oxidizing and reducing agent and the thickened solution is poured into a container having disposed therein potentially infectious devices. Related methods, kits, devices, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new covered landfill or remediated waste containment cell having an excavated bottom surface, lined with a watertight liner and a leak detection system for determining whether or not leakage has occurred, either from the top, or from the bottom. The cover over the landfill containment cell substantially prevents rainwater from coming in the top, and the liner stops water from erupting up from the bottom. This containment cell allows a method of storing waste in an essentially non-contaminating manner, thereby providing an environmentally sound procedure and apparatus for storing toxic wastes. This containment cell is particularly suitable for remediating old leaking landfill sites within a short distance of the old site.

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: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.

Abstract: In a lid support arrangement for a double lid lock for closing the openings of two containments disposed adjacent one another for transferring noxious materials between the containments, a cover lid for sealing the opening between the containments is supported by a pivot arm structure which is pivotally supported at one end and extends over the cover lid and the cover lid is attached to the pivot arm structure by a pivot joint having an axis extending parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot arm structure.

Abstract: This invention involves the solidification of aqueous waste with neutralized cross-linked polyacrylates prior to landfill disposal and to further minimize leachate treatment from landfills through the direct application of a neutralized cross-linked polyacrylate throughout the land filling and disposal process.

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.

Abstract: An environmental control dike system constructed of a plurality of bolted steel sections supported by steel posts set in concrete below average frost depths, the interior area of the steel wall having a synthetic liner cover with mating geotextile pad, joined to the flanged top of the steel wall by a plurality of V-shaped steel clamps sized to securely form the synthetic liner and geotextile pad, compressed gently but firmly, into a 180 degree fold around the flanged top of the steel wall, the V-shaped steel clamp being held securely in place by a plurality of self drilling screws into the top flange of the steel wall.

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 pump containment for enclosing chemical injection pumps mounted on portable chemical tanks used at remote injection sites for collecting leakage generally associated with such pumps and returning such leakage to the tank without contamination. The invention including a lower housing having an adapter for securing the containment to the tank and containing one or more pumps suspended therein. A water tight upper portion is provided and attached to the lower portion by a single fastener for fast removal and service. Leakage from the pumps or connection thereto passes directly though an opening in the adapter and is returned to the tank. The entire containment assembly including its tank adapter may be easily removed when filling the tank with chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely delivering a hazardous fluid substance to a receiving structure includes a supply cylinder containing a hazardous fluid substance and having a supply cylinder release port; a high pressure containment vessel having a vessel wall and a vessel receiving end, for receiving and safely enclosing the supply cylinder; a conduit structure in fluid communication with the supply cylinder and with the receiving structure for delivering the hazardous fluid substance from the supply cylinder into the receiving structure; and a supply cylinder loading structure for loading the supply cylinder into the containment vessel, including a containment vessel pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the containment vessel into a substantially horizontal position and a supply cylinder pivoting assembly having a structure for tilting the supply cylinder into a substantially horizontal position for sliding the supply cylinder into the vessel receiving end.

Abstract: A system for remote vacuum compaction and containment of low-level radioactive or hazardous waste comprising a vacuum source, a sealable first flexible container, and a sealable outer flexible container for receiving one or more first flexible containers. A method for compacting low level radioactive or hazardous waste materials at the point of generation comprising the steps of sealing the waste in a first flexible container, sealing one or more first containers within an outer flexible container, breaching the integrity of the first containers, evacuating the air from the inner and outer containers, and sealing the outer container shut.