US5040920A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Disposal of waste ash
Assignee: Wheelabrator Environmental Systems Inc
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Filing: 1990-04-10
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Granted: 1991-08-20
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Expires: 2010-04-10
Abstract
Abstract Waste ash is controlled and adjusted in its water content to result in a compacted permeability of about 10-5 cm/s or less. With particle size distribution adjustments, the compacted permeability can be made even lower. The impermeable structure is useful as a cover or cap for existing landfills to prevent leaching as a liner in new sites. Processing the ash can result in a volumetric decrease of more than 40% thereby extending the useful life of new or existing landfills.
Inventors
- 👤 Keith E. Forrester
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:14
CPC Classifications
B; B03; B03B; B03B9/00; B03B9/04; B09; B09B; B09B1/00; B09B3/00; B09B3/30; B09B3/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A process for reducing the permeability and increasing the density of compacted nonhazardous waste bottom ash having an adjustable water content, said process comprising: sizing said waste bottom ash to a particle distribution consisting essentially of bottom ash particles with the following particle size distribution about 6-18% smaller than 0.6 mm; about 25-37% smaller than 2 mm; about 62-67% finer than 6 mm; and about 85% or more finer than 10 mm; adjusting the water content of said ash to within a range of about 10 to about 25 wt % to achieve a permeability of about 10 -5 cm/s or less upon compaction; and compacting said ash.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A process for reducing the permeability and increasing the density of compacted nonhazardous waste bottom ash having an adjustable water content, said process comprising: sizing said waste bottom ash to a particle distribution consisting essentially of bottom ash particles with the following particle size distribution about 6-18% smaller than 0.6 mm; about 25-37% smaller than 2 mm; about 62-67% finer than 6 mm; and about 85% or more finer than 10 mm; adjusting the water content of said ash to within a range of about 10 to about 25 wt % to achieve a permeability of about 10 -5 cm/s or less upon compaction; and compacting said ash.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process according to claim 1 further comprising: adjusting the moisture content of said ash to achieve a permeability of about 10 -6 cm/s or less upon compaction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process according to claim 2 further comprising: adjusting the moisture content of said ash to achieve a permeability of about 10 -7 cm/s or less upon compaction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process according to claim 3 further comprising: sizing said waste ash to a particle uniformity coefficient of about 30 or less.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process according to claim 3 further comprising: sizing said waste ash and adjusting said moisture content to achieve a compaction density of about 100 lb./cu. ft. or more on a dry basis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process according to claim 1 further comprising producing said waste ash by incinerating municipal solid waste.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process according to claim 1 wherein the sizing step comprises tumbling, screening, grinding, and combinations thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
The process according to claim 1 wherein the waste ash is located in an existing landfill and the process further comprises: excavating ash from a top layer in said landfill; screening the excavated ash; placing the screened ash back into said landfill; adding Portland cement to the screened ash; and adjusting the moisture content of the screened ash.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process according to claim 8 wherein the adding and adjusting steps are performed simultaneously by tilling.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process according to claim 8 wherein the screening step produces particles having a uniformity coefficient of about 30 or less.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process according to claim 10 wherein the screening step produces particles having a uniformity coefficient of about 20 or less.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process according to claim 11 wherein the screening step produces particles having a uniformity coefficient of about 8 to about 10.
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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) | 1994-08-19 | 1995-02-18 | 1995-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-08-19 | 1999-02-18 | 1999-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-08-19 | 2003-02-18 | 2003-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |