US5169263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
In-situ soil decontamination process with sub-surface vapor recovery
Assignee: The University of Texas System
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Filing: 1991-05-23
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Granted: 1992-12-08
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Expires: 2011-05-23
Abstract
Abstract An improved in-situ soil decontamination heating process utilizes a submerged vapor recovery system comprising perforated or slotted pipes buried in the contaminated soil or below the depth of contamination. The pipes may be buried in a manifold arrangement and may contain thermocouples to monitor temperature. A vapor recovery/treatment system is connected to the buried pipe network and includes a method of inducing a vacuum on the buried pipe network (e.g., a vacuum pump or an induced draft fan) and a treatment system for the contaminated vapor (e.g., a cold trap, carbon adsorption, or incineration). Heat is applied to the soil surface by a relatively flat, surface-conforming, resistance heater. When heat is applied to the soil, a vacuum is induced in the buried pipes. The heat causes the contaminants within the soil to vaporize, pyrolyze, decompose, or react with oxygen. The contaminants and their by-products are swept away by the air into the buried pipe network for further treatment or disposal.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul C. Johnson
- 👤 David A. Weingaertner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 03:11
CPC Classifications
F; F23; F23G; F23G7/00; F23G7/14; B; B09; B09C; B09C1/00; B09C1/06; B09C2101/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for the remediation of soil contaminated with organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants comprising: heating means placed on the surface of said contaminated soil; insulation means covering said heating means; vapor collection means, comprising a pipe having openings along its length, said pipe being buried below and essentially parallel to the surface of said contaminated soil, acting in cooperation with pressure reducing means connected to said pipe, for collecting at reduced pressure and under the surface of said contaminated soil the vapors generated by said heating means; and separation means connected to said pressure reducing means for removing from said collected vapors the environmentally undesirable portions thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
An apparatus for the remediation of soil contaminated with organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants comprising: heating means placed on the surface of said contaminated soil; insulation means covering said heating means; vapor collection means, comprising a pipe having openings along its length, said pipe being buried below and essentially parallel to the surface of said contaminated soil, acting in cooperation with pressure reducing means connected to said pipe, for collecting at reduced pressure and under the surface of said contaminated soil the vapors generated by said heating means; and separation means connected to said pressure reducing means for removing from said collected vapors the environmentally undesirable portions thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separation means is an incinerator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separation means is a cold trap.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separation means is a recirculating liquid scrubber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separation means is an adsorber comprising a bed of activated carbon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said separation means is a catalytic degrader.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pipes are filled with a catalyst.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said catalyst is clay.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
102 words
A process for the remediation of soil containing organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants which comprises the steps of: burying a pipe below the contaminated soil and essentially parallel to the surface thereof, said pipe having openings along its length; applying thermal energy to said contaminated soil from above the surface of said soil; collecting the vapors resulting from the application of said thermal energy through said pipe buried below the surface of said contaminated soil, said collecting being performed at reduced pressure; separating the environmentally undesirable portion of the collected vapors; and passing the remainder of the collected vapors to the atmosphere.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
102 words
A process for the remediation of soil containing organic or semi-volatile inorganic contaminants which comprises the steps of: burying a pipe below the contaminated soil and essentially parallel to the surface thereof, said pipe having openings along its length; applying thermal energy to said contaminated soil from above the surface of said soil; collecting the vapors resulting from the application of said thermal energy through said pipe buried below the surface of said contaminated soil, said collecting being performed at reduced pressure; separating the environmentally undesirable portion of the collected vapors; and passing the remainder of the collected vapors to the atmosphere.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said vapors flow in the same general direction as the flow of heat.
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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) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-06-08 | 1996-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-06-08 | 2000-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-08 | 2004-06-08 | 2004-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |