US4848460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contained recovery of oily waste
Assignee: Western Research Institute Inc
•
Filing: 1988-11-04
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Granted: 1989-07-18
•
Expires: 2008-11-04
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for recovering oily waste from oily waste accumulations underground comprising sweeping the oily waste accumulation with hot water to recover said oily waste, wherein said area treated is isolated from surrounding groundwater hydraulically. The hot water may be reinjected after the hot-water displacement or may be treated to conform to any discharge requirements.
Inventors
- 👤 Lyle A. Johnson, Jr.
- 👤 Bruce C. Sudduth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 09:02
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; B; B09; B09C; B09C1/00; E21B43/30; E21B43/34; E21B43/40; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for recovering oily waste from oily waste accumulations underground comprising: hydraulically isolating an area of oily waste accumulation from ground water by a method selected frm the group consisting of providing production wells around said area, providing a ring of injection wells around said area, and providing a physical ground water barrier; and sweeping said oily accumulation with hot water to recover said oily waste.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for recovering oily waste from oily waste accumulations underground comprising: hydraulically isolating an area of oily waste accumulation from ground water by a method selected frm the group consisting of providing production wells around said area, providing a ring of injection wells around said area, and providing a physical ground water barrier; and sweeping said oily accumulation with hot water to recover said oily waste.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said hot water comprises a mixture of low quality steam and hot water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein a mobility control additive is added to the hot water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein a surfactant is added to the hot water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the oily waste comprises coal derived liquids.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the oily waste comprises petroleum based liquids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein production wells surround and penetrate the oily waste accumulation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein injection wells surround the oily waste accumulation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein water recovered from the oily waste is treated to remove volatiles from the water recovered.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method according to claim 9 wherein the treated water is recycled.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the area is inoculated with microorganisms that remove residual oily waste.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US4730672A
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US4765902A
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-17 | 1993-01-16 | 1993-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-17 | 1997-01-16 | 1997-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-17 | 2001-01-16 | 2001-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |