Patent US5098538A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5098538A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electroacoustic soil decontamination
Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
•
Filing: 1989-11-06
•
Granted: 1992-03-24
•
Expires: 2009-11-06
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for the in-situ removal of soil contaminants by the concurrent application of a D.C. electrical field and an acoustic field.
Inventors
- 👤 Byung C. Kim
- 👤 Satya P. Chauhan
- 👤 Harapanahalli S. Muralidhara
- 👤 Foster B. Stulen
- 👤 Bassam F. Jirjis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 03:18
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401; B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/42; B01D61/56; B09; B09C; B09C1/00; B09C1/08; B09C1/085; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/46; C02F1/461; E21B43/003; C02F1/34; C02F1/36; C02F2103/00; C02F2103/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for the in situ recovery of subsurface soil contaminants from a contaminated zone comprising: a. first electrode means inserted in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. second electrode means inserted in the soil in spaced relationship to the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. acoustic means in proximity of the contaminated zone for generating acoustic waves that penetrate the contaminated zone so as to provide acoustic waves to the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; d. means for withdrawing liquid from the soil; and wherein an annular compartment surrounds the electrode that is functioning as a cathode.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
An apparatus for the in situ recovery of subsurface soil contaminants from a contaminated zone comprising: a. first electrode means inserted in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. second electrode means inserted in the soil in spaced relationship to the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. acoustic means in proximity of the contaminated zone for generating acoustic waves that penetrate the contaminated zone so as to provide acoustic waves to the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; d. means for withdrawing liquid from the soil; and wherein an annular compartment surrounds the electrode that is functioning as a cathode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: e. means for introducing liquids into the contaminated zone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electrode means comprises an anode and the second electrode means comprises a cathode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first electrode means further comprises a metal lining of an injection well and the second electrode means further comprises a metal lining of a pumping well.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the acoustic means comprises an acoustic generator on the surface of soil adapted to transmit acoustic energy below ground.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the acoustic means comprises an acoustic generator and transmittal means inserted in the soil.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the transmittal means is located in the contaminated zone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a plurality of first and second electrodes are inserted in the soil.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. introducing acid around the electrode means that function as a cathode to neutralize the OH - ions generated at the cathode; and f. withdrawing liquid contains contaminants from the soil.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. introducing acid around the electrode means that function as a cathode to neutralize the OH - ions generated at the cathode; and f. withdrawing liquid contains contaminants from the soil.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising: g. introducing liquid into the contaminated zone.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a positive d.c. or pulsating d.c. voltage to the first electrode means and a negative d.c. or pulsating d.c. voltage to the second electrode means so as to provide a current flow from the first to the second electrode means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising injecting a liquid at the electrode means functioning as an anode and removing liquid at the electrode means functioning as a cathode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising generating acoustic energy at the surface of the soil and transmitting the energy below the surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising generating the acoustic energy below the soil surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising placing a plurality of first and second electrodes in the soil so as to provide for a plurality of regions of the contaminated zone to be located between first and second electrode means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 10, further comprising adding surfactants and/or electrolytes to the liquid introduced to the contaminated zone.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. introducing as liquid into the contaminated zone and adding acid to the liquid introduced; and f. withdrawing liquid containing contaminants from the soil.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. introducing as liquid into the contaminated zone and adding acid to the liquid introduced; and f. withdrawing liquid containing contaminants from the soil.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the first and second electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. withdrawing liquid containing contaminants from the soil; and f. removing an annular ring of soil around the electrode means that functions as a cathode after completion of treatment.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for in situ removal of contaminants from a contaminated zone in subsurface soil comprising: a. placing a first electrode means in the soil at least in proximity to the contaminated zone; b. placing a second electrode means in the soil in spaced relationship with the first electrode means whereby at least a portion of the contaminated zone is between the first and second electrode means; c. placing an acoustic means into or in proximity of the contaminated zone; d. applying electrical energy to the electrode means adapted to provide a movement of contaminants toward one electrode means, and concurrently applying acoustic energy that penetrates the portion of the contaminated zone between the electrode means; e. withdrawing liquid containing contaminants from the soil; and f. removing an annular ring of soil around the electrode means that functions as a cathode after completion of treatment.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 18, further comprising: g. introducing liquid into the contaminated zone.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 19, further comprising adding surfactants and/or electrolytes to the liquid introduced to the contaminated zone.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 19, further comprising adding acid to the liquid introduced to the contaminated zone.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising introducing the acid by flushing the cathode.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising providing an annular compartment that surrounds the cathode and adding acid to the annular compartment to neutralize hydroxide ions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
SU865225A1
Cited
US4747920A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-24 | 1995-09-23 | 1996-03-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-24 | 1999-09-23 | 2000-03-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-24 | 2003-09-23 | 2004-03-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |