Ionex Limited

Isotron, Inc.

Monolith Technology Incorporated

The Scientific Ecology Group. Inc.

Southern Imperial Coatings Corporation

Isotek Corporation

Henry L Lomasney

Richard A Graves

Michael A Lomasney

Ignatius Metil

Vikram K Sheth

William J Lomasney

John G Grawe

James L McIntyre

Robert R Bridges

Dickens M Lagos

Procedures and apparatuses for determining the integrity of a geophysical barrier are provided. In particular, an electropotential gradient is established across the barrier in an attempt to drive ionic species through the barrier. The resulting ionic transport results in a current which can be measured between the electrodes, and which can be correlated to the integrity of the barrier. The location of a leak in the barrier can be determined by the use of an electromagnetic sensor which detects an anomaly in the flux field associated with the current.

Barrier leak detection using electrokinetic ION transport

Remediation of soil and groundwater using electropotential gradient induced migration of a target ion and immobilization and/or confinement of the target ion by a host receptor matrix (HRM). In addition to immobilizing and/or confining the target ion, the HRM can comprise a buffer or an ionizable species which releases an exchange ion during application of the electropotential gradient. The exchange ion, when less mobile than a (H.sup.+) ion or hydroxyl (OH.sup.-) ion, increases the efficiency of energy usage during decontamination. The exchange ion can also perform other tasks in the vicinity of the electrodes which improve the decontamination process. The host receptor matrix also can comprise a material which is water impermeable and which has a low surface energy, such as a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene film. When such a material is used, the host receptor matrix can comprise a receptacle in which there is a liquid and/or solid composition which immobilizes and/or contains the target ion.

Removal of ions from a bulk source by electropotential ion transport

Processes and apparatuses for separating ions from an aqueous solution are provided which utilize a first separation by an ion exchange medium in combination with second separation by a D.C. electropotential gradient. The first separation separates the target ion by ion exchange and the second separation effects migration of the ions from the ion exchange medium, through a ion permeable, hydrophobic membrane into a second zone, which may contain a buffer. The hydrophobic membrane substantially resists fouling.

Extracting a target ion from an aqueous solution by ion exchange and

Processes and devices are disclosed for converting an aqueous waste solution, such as a radioactive waste stream, into a highly concentrated sludge having substantially little or no water. In turn, the sludge may be converted into a solid polymeric form suitable for storage. The processes utilize a carrier liquid which has a boiling point higher than that of water, and which facilitates the transfer of heat to the water to vaporize the water into steam. A subsequent separation of the dewatered solution yields the highly concentrated sludge.

Process for treating an aqueous waste solution

Methods for the encapsulation and solidification of waste material, particularly radioactive ion exchange resin bead media, are provided along with the apparatus to accomplish the methods, and the final encapsulated storage article. The ion exchange resin is solidified within a containment vessel by the addition of a thermosettable polymeric binder without the need for a pre-mixing vessel. The resulting exothermic conditions occasioned by the curing of the polymer are controlled by the sequential delivery of the polymeric binder, preferably through an injection lance.

Method and apparatus for the solidification of radioactive wastes and

Remediation of soil, concrete and groundwater using electropotential gradient induced migration of a target ion and immobilization and/or confinement of the target ion by a host receptor matrix (HRM). In addition to immobilizing and/or confining the target ion, the HRM can comprise a buffer or an ionizable species which releases an exchange ion during application of the electropotential gradient. The exchange ion, when less mobile than a (H.sup.+) ion or hydroxyl (OH.sup.-) ion, increases the efficiency of energy usage during decontamination. The exchange ion can also perform other tasks in the vicinity of the electrodes which improve the decontamination process. The host receptor matrix can comprise a material which is water impermeable and which has a low surface energy, such as a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene film. When such a material is used, the host receptor matrix can comprise a receptacle in which there is a liquid and/or solid composition. The liquid or solid composition can supply a predetermined ionic species to the bulk matrix and/or immobilize or isolate a target ion.

Remediation of a bulk source by electropotential ion transport using a

Applying a desorbing wave energy to a soil matrix can effect desorption of ionic species which are associated with the matrix. This method is especially applicable to decontamination of soils to which metals and/or radioactive isotopes are adsorbed. The desorbing energy may be microwave energy, sonic or ultrasonic energy, etc., or combinations thereof. An electromagnetic potential also can be applied to the matrix to enhance desorption and or migration of the species. An electrolyte also may be added to the matrix to enhance desorption and or migration of the species.

Method for effecting the desorption of ionic species from a soil matrix

A device for applying a substantially uniform thickness of a spreadable coating on a substantially planar surface has a handle, a roller attached to the handle, and a spacer on the outer peripheral surface of the roller for engaging the surface to be coated. The spacer defines an arc of at least about 360.degree. around the outer peripheral surface of the roller for maintaining the outer peripheral surface of the roller both in communication with and spaced from the surface to be coated at a distance corresponding to the radial thickness of the spacer means during travel of the roller over the surface to be coated. In one embodiment, the spacer is a filament helically wound about the outer peripheral surface of the roller. The filament is releasably mounted to the roller and has a substantially uniform radial thickness. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device of this invention.

Device for applying spreadable coatings

A method and composition for providing a polymeric membrane in situ for isolating vessels which hold hazardous liquid materials. A liquid polymer composition is applied to at least one of the surfaces defining the area which is to hold the liquid hazardous material. Upon cure, a seamless bladder-like membrane is formed which adheres to the surface, and which can be removed by physically peeling from the surface to which it has been applied. The membrane possesses a unique combination of properties which are substantially maintained while in contact with the hazardous material. The polymeric membrane provides, for an extended period of time, an impermeable barrier which acts as a secondary sealant and prevents the spread, deposition, or migration of contaminants.

In-situ polymeric membrane for cavity sealing and mitigating transport

A method and composition for providing, in situ, a polymeric membrane for isolating hazardous materials within an area such as, for example, an asbestos removal job site. The polymer is applied in liquid form to surfaces which are to be protected. Upon cure, a seamless bladder-like membrane is formed which isolates the work area and prevents the spread of airborne, or water-carried particulate. The membrane can then be peeled from the surface and compacted for disposal.

In situ polymeric membrane for isolating hazardous materials

There is disclosed a method for the rapid curing of a partially hydrolyzed silicate film via the application of an aqueous coating. The aqueous coating composition comprises an epoxy resin and a curing agent, one of which is in an emulsion, and a hydraulic cement. Anions contained in the coating function as an alkaline catalyst causing a rapid polymerization of condensed silicates.

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New Orleans, LA, United States of America

Henry L Lomasney