Harley M Buettner

Title: Harley M Buettner: Innovator in Soil Heating Technologies

Introduction

Harley M Buettner is a notable inventor based in Livermore, CA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of soil heating technologies, particularly in the context of environmental decontamination. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on innovative methods for heating soils to remove volatile organic compounds.

Latest Patents

Buettner's latest patents include "Electrical heating of soils using high efficiency electrode patterns" and "Powerline-frequency electrical (joule) heating of soils using a high efficiency electrode configuration and power phase arrangement." The electrode configuration consists of several heating or current injection electrodes arranged around the periphery of a volume of soil to be heated. All electrodes are connected to one phase of a multi-phase or a single-phase power system, while a return or extraction electrode is located inside the volume to be heated. This innovative design allows for effective soil heating, which can be applied in various contexts, including the removal of contaminants such as gasoline and trichloroethylene (TCE).

Another significant patent is for "Electrode wells for powerline-frequency electrical heating of soils." This invention describes an electrode well designed for use in powerline-frequency heating of soils, facilitating the decontamination process. The preferred embodiment utilizes a mild steel pipe as the current-carrying conductor, with at least one stainless steel electrode surrounded by conductive backfill material. This design enhances the efficiency of volatile organic compound removal when combined with vacuum extraction methods.

Career Highlights

Buettner is affiliated with the University of California, where she continues to advance her research and innovations in soil heating technologies. Her work has the potential to significantly impact environmental remediation efforts.

Collaborations

Some of her notable coworkers include William D Daily and Roger D Aines, who have collaborated with her on various projects related to soil heating and decontamination technologies.

Conclusion

Harley M Buettner's contributions to soil heating technologies demonstrate her commitment to environmental innovation. Her patents reflect a deep understanding of the challenges associated with soil contamination and offer practical solutions for remediation.