US4611950A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for removing contaminants from soil
Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corp
•
Filing: 1984-09-21
•
Granted: 1986-09-16
•
Expires: 2004-09-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from soil in situ or at a remote location in which removal is accomplished by pumping a supply of uncontaminated water via a distribution conduit system to a series of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are used to flood the surface of the contaminated soil with the supply water, which soaks into soil and mixes with the contaminants. The mixed water and contaminants travel through the soil to a set of vertical inlet risers positioned in the soil and located at a distance from the spray nozzles. The water-contaminant mixture is drawn through the inlet risers via a collection conduit system to a holding tank from when the water is taken for removal of the contaminants. The water is drawn through the inlet risers by producing a high velocity stream of water using a venturi device and passing the stream over the upper end of the removal conduit. The vacuum created by the high velocity stream causes the water in the inlet riser to flow into the removal conduit system.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Russomano
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:52
CPC Classifications
B; B09; B09C; B09C1/00; B09C1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An apparatus for removing contaminants from soil comprising: a source of water, a first and a second conduit system; means connected to said water source for selectively circulating water to said first and second conduit systems; means connected to the first conduit system for discharging water flowing through said first conduit system to said soil to form a mixture of contaminants and water; means connected to the second conduit system for continuously circulating said water through said second conduit system; and venturi means in said second conduit system for creating a reduced pressure in a portion of said second conduit means in response to said continuous circulation for drawing said mixture from said soil into said second conduit system for continuous circulation therethrough.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
An apparatus for removing contaminants from soil comprising: a source of water, a first and a second conduit system; means connected to said water source for selectively circulating water to said first and second conduit systems; means connected to the first conduit system for discharging water flowing through said first conduit system to said soil to form a mixture of contaminants and water; means connected to the second conduit system for continuously circulating said water through said second conduit system; and venturi means in said second conduit system for creating a reduced pressure in a portion of said second conduit means in response to said continuous circulation for drawing said mixture from said soil into said second conduit system for continuous circulation therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said selective circulating means comprises piping means connected to said first and second conduit systems and valve means associated with said piping means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 further comprising means connected to said piping means for removing the contaminants from said mixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said venturi means comprises an eductor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said venturi means further includes a perforated tube positioned in said soil.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said perforations in said tube are on the lower end thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said discharging means comprises at least one spray nozzle.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for removing contaminants from soil comprising the steps of: selectively introducing water from a single source to a first and second conduit system; discharging said water flowing through said first conduit system to said soil to form a mixture of contaminants and water; continuously circulating said water through said second conduit system; and creating a reduced pressure in a portion of said second conduit means in response to said continuous circulation for drawing said mixture from said soil into said second conduit system for continuous circulation therethrough.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
89 words
A method for removing contaminants from soil comprising the steps of: selectively introducing water from a single source to a first and second conduit system; discharging said water flowing through said first conduit system to said soil to form a mixture of contaminants and water; continuously circulating said water through said second conduit system; and creating a reduced pressure in a portion of said second conduit means in response to said continuous circulation for drawing said mixture from said soil into said second conduit system for continuous circulation therethrough.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of treating said mixture during the continuous circulation thereof to remove said contaminates therefrom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3425555A
Cited
US3859799A
Cited
US4362434A
Cited
US4448690A
Cited
FR2524351A1
Cited
US4449849A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-15 | 1990-03-17 | 1990-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-15 | 1994-03-17 | 1994-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-15 | 1998-03-17 | 1998-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |