Solar energy in-situ soil desorption apparatus
US5601382A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB09C2101/00
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for, decontaminating in-situ soil by use of solar energy is provided. A targeted area of contaminated in-situ soil is covered with a substantially sunlight-transmitting, nonporous covering that allows solar energy to penetrate said covering. A greenhouse effect subsequently occurs in which trapped solar energy heats the interior air within the covering and in-situ soil below the covering. As the in-situ soil is heated, contaminants found within the in-situ soil are vaporized. The structure comprises first and second side panels with attached first and second end panels. An exhaust vent is provided such that vaporized contaminants and air can escape the interior of the covering. An exhaust means can be utilized to further assist in removal of vaporized contaminants and air within the covering. A fresh air intake slot allows replenishment of air that is exhausted or vented with vaporized contaminants. The targeted area of in-situ soil may be plowed or churned such that the surface area of soil exposed to solar energy is increased. Chemical agents may be added to the in-situ soil to assist in decontamination.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.