Richard J Richardson

US Patent:

53470702, Sep 13, 1994

Filed:

Nov 13, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/792213

Inventors:

William Heath - Richland WA
Richard Richardson - Richland WA
Steven Goheen - Richland WA

Assignee:

Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs - Richland WA

International Classification:

E02D 300

US Classification:

588253

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method of treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile contaminants. Six electrodes are inserted into a region of earthen material to be treated in a substantially equilateral hexagonal arrangement. Six phases of voltages are applied to corresponding electrodes. The voltages are adjusted within a first range of voltages to create multiple current paths between pairs of the electrodes. The current paths are evenly distributed throughout the region defined by the electrodes and therefore uniformly heat the region. The region of earthen material is heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially remove volatile and semi-volatile contaminants. This temperature is less than a melting temperature of the earthen material. The voltages are then increased to a second range of voltages effective to create dry regions around the electrodes.

US Patent:

53302915, Jul 19, 1994

Filed:

May 13, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/882996

Inventors:

William O. Heath - Richland WA
Richard L. Richardson - West Richland WA
Steven C. Goheen - Richland WA

Assignee:

Battelle Memorial Institute - Richland WA

International Classification:

E02D 311
B09B 300

US Classification:

405128

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method of treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile contaminants. Six electrodes are inserted into a region of earthen material to be treated in a substantially equilateral hexagonal arrangement. Six phases of voltages are applied to corresponding electrodes. The voltages are adjusted within a first range of voltages to create multiple current paths between pairs of the electrodes. The current paths are evenly distributed throughout the region defined by the electrodes and therefore uniformly heat the region. The region of earthen material is heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially remove volatile and semi-volatile contaminants by promoting microbial action. This temperature is less than a melting temperature of the earthen material.

US Patent:

55458033, Aug 13, 1996

Filed:

Jun 30, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/268490

Inventors:

William O. Heath - Richland WA
Phillip A. Gauglitz - Richland WA
Gautam Pillay - Richland WA
Theresa M. Bergsman - Richland WA
Eugene A. Eschbach - Richland WA
Steven C. Goheen - Richland WA
Richard L. Richardson - West Richland WA
Janet S. Roberts - Pasco WA
Ronald Schalla - Kennewick WA

Assignee:

Battelle Memorial Institute - Richland WA

International Classification:

A62D 300

US Classification:

588253

Abstract:

The present invention includes a method of treating solid earthen material having volatile, semi-volatile, and non-volatile contaminants that utilizes electrical energy. A plurality of electrodes are inserted into a region of earthen material to be treated in a selected geometric pattern. Varying phase and voltages configurations are applied to corresponding electrodes to achieve heating, physical phase changes, and the placement of substances within the treatment region. Additionally, treatment mediums can be added to either treat the contamination within the soil or to restrict their mobility.