JP2004518528A - System for managing and containing subsurface objects, components thereof, and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

A system, component, and method associated with an underground containment barrier (500) are provided.
A laterally adjacent tubular casing having a male interlocking structure (402A) and a number of female interlocking structure defining recesses (402B) for receiving the male interlocking structure (402A). Use (400) to form an underground barrier (500) to contain and treat buried waste and its environmental contaminants. Multiple female interlocking structures (402B) allow the barrier (500) to be varied around objects below the surface of the earth and form barrier sidewalls. The barrier (500) can be used to process and monitor the zone in question (100).
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 267,320, filed February 6, 2001, entitled "Subsurface Object Management-Containment System." By reference to this patent, all that is disclosed in this patent is incorporated herein.
[0002]
The present invention relates generally to methods, components, and systems for in-situ inclusion and management of buried waste, contaminated media, and their associated components. These methods and devices can be used for resource recovery. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to improved barriers and their installation and use to ensure the inclusion and control of exudates, gaseous phase contaminants, etc. from the zone in question.
[0003]
[Prior art]
The inclusion, management and disposal of various types of waste has been a long-standing problem. Early waste management-disposal systems were primitive, with little or no standards for disposal or the environment at that time. In countless cases, waste was only buried underground. The volume of buried waste is enormous. Some experts estimate that more than 3 million cubic meters of waste has been landfilled in the United States alone. In addition, most of the buried waste contains heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium, carcinogenic substances such as trichlorethylene, radioactive substances, and other dangerous substances.
[0004]
Although landfilling and other methods can produce aesthetically pleasing results by concealing waste, it was quickly discovered that environmental pollutants from the buried waste could enter the groundwater through the soil. This process is commonly known as leaching. Leaching of groundwater is a major concern, as groundwater is a major source of drinking and agricultural water.
[0005]
However, the pollution caused by buried waste is not limited to groundwater. At least some of the contaminated groundwater enters waterways such as streams, rivers, and lakes, thus polluting these waterways and poisoning plants and animals. Obviously, contaminated waterways pose a threat to humans, especially in the case of waterways used for recreational purposes and / or as a source of drinking water or the water itself.
[0006]
Not all groundwater pollution is due to leaching of chemicals from waste. In some cases, waste is buried in the groundwater pathways, collecting various chemicals and toxics from the waste as the groundwater flows through the waste and transferring these chemicals and toxics to other soils. And transfer to groundwater.
[0007]
While many of the problems associated with buried waste are related to the effects of leaching into groundwater, buried waste also typically involves gas that must be similarly included and managed. Releases phase contaminants. Such gas phase contaminants also contaminate soil and groundwater, generating unsafe pressures that can eventually explode and release gases into the atmosphere.
[0008]
Clean soil and groundwater are important for humans, plants and animals, as well as for the general environment. Accordingly, various methods and devices have been developed in an attempt to solve the problems caused by buried waste. These recovery methods can be broadly divided into recovery categories and inclusion categories. Recovery focuses on contaminated materials or processes designed to change the chemical composition of the contaminants to be better, while inclusion involves removing contaminants and contaminated materials from surrounding areas. Attempts to eliminate contamination problems by removing or isolating.
[0009]
Recovery methods, such as biological, thermal, and chemical processes, are problematic for a variety of reasons. In particular, many of these recovery techniques are expensive and potentially dangerous. In addition, the effectiveness of many treatments is difficult to verify, and remedial methods are not suitable for all types of contaminants. Finally, determining the appropriate recovery technique itself is a complex and time-consuming process, especially in terms of the regulations and methods governing such processing.
[0010]
Similarly, providing an in-situ containment barrier is problematic. One well-known method of inclusion is to simply dig and remove contaminated soil for treatment and / or disposal. This method is expensive and time consuming, and often only moves the problem to another location. Other methods of inclusion include placing vertical and / or horizontal barriers around the buried waste. Theoretically, this method is attractive because it does not involve digging or the like involving the buried waste.
[0011]
However, conventional containment or barrier systems have various disadvantages, including lack of robustness, continuity, and integrity. These disadvantages include exposure to concentrated saline and saturated solutions of calcite and gypsum, exposure to extreme thermal gradients typically experienced in freezing / thawing zones, and exposure to stress caused by soil migration. Is a function of many factors associated with the environment in which the containment or barrier system is located, including but not limited to, etc.
[0012]
Hydraulic conductivity, the rate at which liquids or hazardous materials flow through barriers, is unacceptably high for some barrier systems, and other conventional barrier systems are capable of penetrating various soils such as hard rocks and sand. Not particularly suitable. Another disadvantage is that many barrier systems do not provide a method for assessing barrier integrity during and after installation. This is complicated by the lack of long-term monitoring of contaminated zones and leachates from contaminated zones in many barrier systems. The inability to monitor barrier systems to isolate hazardous waste is unacceptable, as it could pose a hazard to the surrounding environment. The lack of robustness, continuity, and integrity of known containment systems has a very detrimental effect on these systems and requires confirmation and evaluation of the effectiveness of these containment and barrier systems. It cannot be done easily.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Accordingly, there is a need for improved in-situ inclusion systems and methods for installing these systems. An containment system that can contain, collect, and / or treat environmental contaminants that would otherwise escape from the zone in question if not provided is advantageous. Such environmental contaminants include, but are not limited to, leachables, gas phase contaminants, waste, water, and any other material that is desired to be included, collected, and / or treated. Not done.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention includes systems and methods for underground inclusion barriers. A tubular casing with a male interlocking structure and a number of cooperating female interlocking recesses is used to form an underground barrier for containing and treating buried waste and its environmental contaminants. The multiple interlocks allow the barrier to be varied at locations around the subsurface object, forming barrier sidewalls. Barriers can be used to treat and monitor zones of interest containing contaminants.
[0015]
A male interlock structure and a cooperating female interlock recess are used to interlock the casing sections to adjacent sections. A sealant is located in the recess. The sealant is placed before the connection of adjacent casing sections or after the formation of the interlock. Thermoplastic sealants can be used to allow resealing by reheating and reforming the seal if a breach occurs.
[0016]
Barrier formation methods include methods to reduce the ingress of foreign objects into the interlock during formation by the block, and methods of using the barrier structure to collect and contain contaminants. The component can also be used to treat the zone in question by removing contaminants therefrom or by introducing the desired material therein.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The threat to the environment caused by buried waste begins when contaminants from the buried waste enter groundwater. Once groundwater is contaminated, the potential damage is significant. This is because groundwater typically flows into rivers and lakes, which are often sources of drinking and irrigation water. Thus, the contaminants from the originally buried wastes permeate plants, animals and humans.
[0018]
A containment system with a barrier according to the principles of the present invention addresses these and other concerns about buried waste by isolating the containment zone in question, thereby providing several significant advantages. The systems, methods, and devices of the present invention can form continuous barriers of various sizes and configurations. Such barriers can be installed in a variety of geology, from soft soil to hard rock, in both saturated and unsaturated zones. Systems and methods for establishing barriers and demonstrating the structural integrity of the barriers are also within the scope of the invention.
[0019]
As used herein, the term "buried waste" refers to construction waste, such as timber and concrete blocks, valves, ion exchange resins, and laboratory equipment, such as heat exchangers, oil and Concerning but not limited to maintenance equipment such as grease, soil removal materials such as paper, rags, and plastics, hazardous and radioactive materials, and any other type of waste or garbage buried underground Not done. Chemicals and other substances that leave the buried waste and leach into the surrounding soil and groundwater are also included in the term buried waste. The term "zone of interest" relates to the area or volume of soil containing buried waste. Containment systems are typically designed to isolate the zone of interest from the surrounding soil and water so that buried waste and associated leachables are geographically confined to the zone of interest.
[0020]
The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Such use of the accompanying drawings to describe the present invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the accompanying drawings are intended to provide illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Further, the accompanying drawings are not to scale. It will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated and such other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
[0021]
FIG. 1 shows a zone of interest 100 to be isolated by a first embodiment of a barrier 500 according to the principles of the present invention. To include the zone of interest 100, first, a trench 200 (only one of the trenches is shown) is drilled on either side of the zone of interest 100 containing the buried waste 102. Next, the small tunnel excavator 300 is placed in the trench 200. Although the ditch 200 facilitates placement of the small tunnel digging device 300, formation of the ditch 200 may be omitted in some embodiments. When excavating the trench 200, the removed soil, if contaminated, can be disposed of by appropriate and approved methods. In addition, soil excavated by tunneling equipment 300 is collected, carefully examined, and disposed of in a similar manner.
[0022]
One type of small tunnel excavator 300 is known as a small tunnel excavator or micro TBM. In the presently preferred embodiment, the mini-tunneling apparatus 300 includes an auger head 302 or the like for performing rotary excavation of the soil 104. However, it is contemplated that the barrier system of the present invention can be installed on any of a number of different types of soils and rocks, or combinations thereof. Thus, "double-tube down the hole" drills (preferable for hard soils and soft rocks), rotary percussion drills (preferable for hard rocks), multifaceted tunnel excavators, multifaceted Systems encompassed by other drilling equipment, including but not limited to sealed dead tunnel excavators, sealed dead tunnel excavators in combination with horizontal cutting screw augers, pipe propulsion machines, curved pipe propulsion machines, trench cutters, etc. That is, installing a barrier system is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. The digging speed and the installation speed that can be obtained are about 50 m / day when digging soft soil, and about 25 m / day when digging hard soil and soft rock. In case of excavation, it is about 8m / day.
[0023]
In order to include the buried waste in the zone in question, the mini-tunneler 300 sequentially drills a plurality of parallel tunnels below the zone in question. Preferably, each tunnel has a substantially circular cross section. However, the invention contemplates various other different cross-sectional shapes within its scope. Each tunnel in FIG. 1 begins with a bunker 200 and ends with a bunker 200 (not shown) provided on the other side of zone 100 in question. The mini-tunneling apparatus 300 lines each tunnel with a longitudinally adjacent casing section 400 so as to form a tube 401 inside each tunnel as the drill advances. One of the functions of these casing sections 400 installed during tunnel digging is to support already excavated portions behind the auger head 302 or other excavating head. The casing section 400 has an elongated hollow body 409 having a length that defines a longitudinal axis and a perimeter about the longitudinal axis. The body 409 may have any desired cross-sectional shape. Casing section 400 is optimally formed of ropes, ceramics, composites, polymers, and other materials selected according to the desired or required compressive strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance of the resulting barrier. And formed according to methods well known in the art. Different casing materials can be selected and used to provide and protect appropriate protection against various types of waste, to collect or include other materials, or to support other structures It will be understood that. Casings 400 include a corrosion resistant coating, such as epoxy, a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon (Teflon is a registered trademark) polymer), a bonded ceramic or polymer, to extend their useful life. Is good. In one exemplary embodiment, each casing section 400 has a diameter of about 0.5 m and a length in the range of about 50 m to about 150 m.
[0024]
FIG. 1A shows a second embodiment of a barrier 500A used to encompass the zone in question. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, a single trench 200A is excavated on one side of zone 100A in question. This can be done if desired or if the second trench 200A cannot be located due to the subsurface object 201. Barrier 500A is formed by excavating a laterally adjacent tunnel and lining with casing section 400 as described hereinabove, and by casing section 400 extending from ground surface S to a single trench 200A. The only difference is that a barrier is formed.
[0025]
FIG. 1B also shows another embodiment of a barrier 500B that can be used to encompass the zone of interest 100B. Drill a central tunnel 202 below the zone in question. Two trenches 200B are excavated on either side of the zone in question 100B substantially parallel to the central tunnel 202, and a casing 400B is placed in a laterally adjacent tunnel drilled from each trench 200B to the central tunnel 202, and a barrier 500B To form A single section of casing 400 may be used in each of the bunker-to-tunnel spans and barrier 500B may be formed without end-to-end joints between casing sections 400B. The central tunnel 202 can be used to collect leachate from certain embodiments of the barrier 500B, as described in further detail herein below, or for other monitoring and maintenance of the system.
[0026]
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a casing 400 that includes complementary interlocking structures 402A and 402B configured to interlock laterally adjacent casing sections 400. FIG. The structure 402A is a T-shaped (cross-section) male interlocking structure located along the longitudinal axis and located outside the casing section 400. Each structure 402B is an externally disposed female interlock that defines a channel 405 that opens into the access slot 455. In some preferred embodiments, there are three female interlocks 402B and male interlocks 402A spaced 90 ° relative to each other around casing 400. These complementary interlocking structures 402A and 402B provide a number of advantages. For example, laterally adjacent casing sections 400 can be positively interlocked using these structures, and once the first tunnel is pierced and lined with casing section 400, its complementary interlocking structure 402B is laterally interlocked. Helps to accurately and reliably guide the complementary male interlocking structure 402A of the directionally adjacent casing sections 400, thus ensuring that these casing sections 400, and thus the barrier segments 500, as a whole are accurately positioned and oriented It is done. In addition, multiple female interlocks 402B allow for flexible interconnection between casing sections 400. This is discussed in detail in connection with FIGS. Once in place, the space or volume within the female bore structure 402B, into which the central bore 403 of the casing 400 and the interlocking body 402A do not enter, is filled with a sealant such as grout or bentonite, and further described below. As discussed above, the opacity of the barrier 500 is further improved.
[0027]
FIG. 3 illustrates several embodiments of a casing 400 that are interconnected laterally to form a section of a barrier 500 that can be used in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Casing 400A includes a generally T-shaped (cross-sectional) male interlock 402A disposed on the outer surface of casing 400A and extending along its longitudinal axis. Casing 400A further includes one or more female interlocking structures 402C formed as internal channels 404 accessible through access slots 455 from the exterior of casing 400A. Because the barrier 500 is formed by interlocking the laterally adjacent casings 400A, the interlocking space between the outer surfaces of the body of each casing 400A is provided by receiving the interlocking structure 402A in the channel 404. It can be reduced or eliminated, and a more robust barrier 500 can be formed.
[0028]
A number of weep slots 405 are formed in the walls of the inner channel 404. When a sealant, such as grout or bentonite, is injected into the central bore 403, these sealants pass through the weeping slot 405 and into the interlocking space, filling and sealing both the bore 403 and the interlocking volume in one operation. I do. A part of the casing 400A is preferably formed of a semi-permeable material such as a porous ceramic through which air can pass. When the central bore 403 is filled with the sealant, the displaced air exits the casing 400A through the semi-permeable material. The semi-permeable material becomes impermeable because the pores are filled with a sealant. This reduces the problems of void formation and air bubble formation during the injection of sealant such as grout.
[0029]
One potential problem associated with the placement of the casing sections is that external materials, such as mud and debris, can enter the channels of the female interlocking structures 402B and 402C. These mud and debris prevent the male interlocking structure 402A from entering. Techniques for reducing this problem are included in the scope of the present invention. Casing 400B includes a frangible seal 406 disposed over the external opening of female interlocking structure 402C. The frangible seal 406 uses a ceramic, composite, thin profile made of frangible metal, a membrane (such as neoprene), or casing in the treatment of the zone of interest 100 (the channel of the female interlocking structure 402B or 402C). May be formed of any suitable material, such as a selectively permeable material, to assist in the interlocking itself. When the casing 400B is installed, the fragile seal prevents foreign matter from entering the female interlock 402C. When installing adjacent casing 400B, its male interlocking structure 402A is inserted through access slot 455 along the length of female interlocking structure 402B. Frangible seal 406 is broken, disengaged, or cut by the male interlock. This is aided by a pointed or beveled leading edge 411 as shown in FIG.
[0030]
It will be appreciated that the frangible seal 406 includes a seal such as a neoprene film that can be placed over the access slot 455. The seal 406, when cut by the pointed leading edge, remains in place and forms a seal between the female interlocking structure 402B and the inserted male interlocking structure 402A. It can be seen that this seal prevents leakage from the enclosed volume of the bore 403 and the interlock during filling. To determine if voiding or other changes have occurred that reduce the effectiveness of the barrier 500, the volume of sealant injected therein can be measured and appropriate corrective measures can be taken.
[0031]
Another technique for addressing the foreign matter problem is illustrated by casing 400C. The female interlocking structure 402D is filled with a sealant such as soft grout 410. When installing the casing, no foreign matter can enter the pre-filled female interlock 402D. When installing the adjacent casing 400C, the male interlock structure 402A is inserted through the access slot 455 along the length of the female interlock 402D. A sealant, such as soft grout 410, is displaced (this can be aided by the pointed or angled leading edge 411 shown in FIG. 3A), which process includes a ramp provided on the head 462 of the male interlocking structure. Can be further assisted by the leading edge 413). Thus, a seal between adjacent casings 400C is formed by interlocking. The displaced grout 410 at least partially exits female interlock 402D around the male interlock and remains on the male interlock to form an additional seal.
[0032]
FIG. 3B shows many different embodiments of a head 462 and neck 464 that can be used for the male interlocking structure 402A. It will be appreciated that any structure can be used that can be slidably inserted into the channel 404 through the access slot 455 and that stays in the channel and does not come off laterally. An embodiment in which the magnifying head 462 is angled outwardly can be used to achieve an improved seal by contacting B of the channel 404 when a force is applied to the barrier 500B in the lateral separation direction.
[0033]
FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a casing 400D formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Casing 400D includes four female channels 422, three of which are used to form female interlocking structure 402E with access slots 455. A central chamber 420 is formed between the female channels 422, either by their internal walls or as a separate structure. An integral grout injection manifold 424 is formed by the sidewall 427 of the female channel 422 and the outer wall 429 of the casing 400D. To form an impervious seal between adjacent casings 400D, a sealant can be injected into a suitable manifold 424, and the sealant flows through the leaching slots 405 into the interconnected structural volume. If the female channel 422 is pre-filled with a sealant such as soft grout, the sealant can flow out of the channel 422 and into the manifold 424 through the weep slot 405 when displaced by the male interconnect 402A. This allows an impermeable sealant to be formed between adjacent casings 400 without having to fill the entire casing with a sealant or forming a separate grout injection manifold. In another aspect, grout channels 407 located on the outer surface of casing 400D can be used to direct a flow of sealant across the surface of casing 400D to form an additional sealing layer on barrier 500. Of course, it will be appreciated that for this additional sealing layer, a grout flow opening 409 may be formed directly on the outer surface of the casing 400 to allow passage of the sealant injected therein.
[0034]
FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a casing 400E formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Casing 400E houses an inner tube 440, which may be a square tube. As with the other embodiments discussed herein, a male interlock 402A is mounted on the outer surface of casing 400E. A female interlock 402F is formed along the length of the casing 400E by the longitudinal access slot 455, and the space between the inner tube 440 and the outer wall of the casing 400E forms an inner chamber 441.
[0035]
Embodiments of the casing similar to those shown as 400D and 400E are easy to manufacture because they can be formed despite welding performed outside the pipe. For example, inner tube 440 or central chamber 420 and female channel 422 can be formed by welding flat pieces to form a desired shape. The additional pieces are then welded to the internal structure to form the outer surface of casing 400. When using curved pieces, use accurate jigs and maintain proper positioning. This reduces labor costs associated with manufacturing the casing and eliminates the need for special welding tools to work in the interlock. Of course, after forming the internal structure by a suitable method such as welding, it may be slidably inserted into the casing 400, coupled thereto by a method such as welding, and the access slot 455 may be cut into the outer surface of the casing 400. It will be understood that.
[0036]
Embodiments of the casing with a central chamber 420 or inner tube 440 further add another level of flexibility to monitor and correct underground conditions. FIG. 4C shows a casing 400E suitable for such purpose. Inner tube 440 and inner chamber 441B used to interlock with another casing 400 are filled with sealant 442 to form an impermeable barrier. The uppermost inner chamber 441A is left unfilled. The longitudinal access slot 455A is open (either left open or covered with a permeable material) to allow liquid or gaseous environmental contaminants to flow. . Environmental contaminants flow from the zone in question through opening 455A into interior chamber 441A. Environmental contaminants then flow down the casing 400E (which may be inclined) through the inner chamber 441A and are collected for filtration, monitoring, or other purposes. If the barrier 500 includes a central tunnel 202, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the environmental contaminants are collected and treated or flow to the tunnel 202, through which the collection location is collected. Flows up to Lower inner chamber 441C can be used to monitor barrier 500 and casing 400 for integrity, as discussed herein below. The remaining internal chamber 441D (or any other unused chamber) is filled with a sealant to provide additional structural support or protection for the barrier 500.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4D, casing 400E provides a reaction section or component that can extend the life of the barrier, provide maintenance, or pre-treat material that passes through the selectively permeable portion of barrier 500. May be included. The longitudinal access slot 455A allows leachate (shown as arrow 108) or other liquid or gaseous environmental contaminants to flow through this slot to the uppermost internal chamber 441A of the casing 400E of FIG. 4D. Can be. One or more layers of reactive material are contained within inner tube 440. Environmental contaminants may flow through openings or passages 470 into the inner tube 440 and contact the reaction layer 446A within the tube. The reaction layer 446A targets specific contaminants, either by filtration or by reaction with the contaminants. Multiple layers 446A, B, C, etc. can be used to selectively treat a large number of different contaminants sequentially. Layers 446A, B, C, etc., may be formed as reaction trays or barrier slugs that can be removed from the barrier and replaced when the reaction layer 446A is depleted, and are intended for different contaminants in different areas of the barrier. It may be formed as follows.
[0038]
After passing through the reaction layer, the environmental contaminants can exit the casing through the lower longitudinal opening 443C (again through an opening or passageway (not shown)), or through the inner tube 440. Along the floor or lower interior chamber 441C (the lower longitudinal opening 455C is sealed), it can flow to a collection location such as the central tunnel 202 (see FIG. 1B). A number of different reaction layers 446 may be arranged along the axis of casing 400 so that a series of desired treatments are applied to environmental contaminants flowing down the reaction casing. It will be appreciated that the barrier 500 can thus be used to collect collected and processed gas phase contaminants that have passed through or exited the zone in question. Negative pressure may be applied through the selectively permeable wall of casing 400 to extract gas phase contaminants. Conversely, heat, chemicals, or biological agents can be delivered to the zone in question through selectively permeable walls of casing 400. To thoroughly treat the zone in question, active reaction treatments and reaction layers can be used.
[0039]
If seismic activity occurs, the barrier 500 may slip, settle, or otherwise move. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism that absorbs slight movement of the casing 400 without compromising the continuity of the barrier 500, or that facilitates its repair. If the sections of the casing 400 are welded together, any movement will require that the broken seal be rewelded. FIG. 5 shows several methods for sealing the interlocking space that can reduce the need to resort to such measures.
[0040]
Male interlock 402A is at least partially embedded in sealant 460 to form an impermeable seal in interlock space 462. The sealant 460 may be a material having a certain degree of elasticity that allows the male interlock 402A to move to some extent with respect to the interlock space 462. For example, a sealant made of bentonite, wax, rubber, polysiloxane, and polymer can provide a seal that allows some movement of the embedded male interlock 402A without breaking the impermeable seal. . By leaving additional space in the interlock space 462 without sealant, the likelihood of maintaining a seal with these resilient sealants is improved. Some of these sealants 460, such as thermoplastic polymers, also have some "self-healing" properties, flow or move slowly, and re-create a split seal without further interference. .
[0041]
If the sealant 460 is a thermoplastic material, such as a wax or a thermoplastic polymer, the sealant 460 may be located in the interlock space 462 before installing the casing 400 in the barrier 500. The sealant 460 conforms to the periphery or part of the interlocking space 462 so that the male interconnect 462 can be inserted into this space without interference. Heat is then applied to soften the thermoplastic sealant and flow it into place, forming an impermeable seal between adjacent casings 400. If seismic activity or other phenomena cause a later tear in the impervious seal, this will not damage the casing 400 and will reflow by reheating the seal to reform the impervious seal. it can. The heat may be provided by pumping heated air or flow into the central bore 403 or the central tube 440 of the casing 400, or by heating the casing 400 if the casing 400 is formed of a thermally conductive material. Can be added in any suitable way.
[0042]
If a more general sealant 460 such as grout or bentonite clay is used, a special repair device such as a remote-controlled robot that fits inside the casing 400 can be moved to the position of the gap. The restoration can then be performed by filling the void with additional sealant in a manner similar to the process of filling the pulp cavity of a tooth.
[0043]
The multiple female interconnects 402B, 402C, and 402D of the casing of the present invention provide additional flexibility in assembling the barrier 500. For example, a barrier may be an area, such as around a zone of interest containing radioactive material, where the possibility of collecting a damaged auger head, drilling head or drill bit is limited, or an auger head, drilling head or drill bit. When located in an area where recovery costs or replacement of a damaged casing 400 is high, a barrier 500 can be formed by surrounding the damaged section, as shown in FIG. Casing section 400A has suffered a break, such as a broken drill bit. Rather than removing and reinserting the casing 400A, the casing 400C is installed below the previous casing 400B and interlocked with the lowermost interlocking structure. The adjacent casing section 400D is installed and interconnected to the casing 400C just below the damaged casing 400A. Two more casings 400E and 400F are similarly interconnected from casing 400D to complete the surrounding enclosure. Thus, the barrier 500 is completed without the need for wasted time, equipment repair, or recovery of the damaged casing 400A.
[0044]
Because the casing of the present invention has a number of interconnecting directions, the barrier 502 of FIG. 6A and the longitudinal step of FIG. 6A are laterally stepped to accommodate the zone of interest. It can also be used to form barriers such as B barrier 504 and does not require other underground containment structures. The casing of the present invention can be used to form irregularly shaped barriers around underground objects because it can be surrounded and stepped.
[0045]
Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a "smart" casing section 400G provided with various sensors for monitoring the integrity of the zone and / or barrier 500 in question is contemplated. These sensors may be provided internally or externally as desired. Referring first to the external sensors, a contaminant presence / concentration sensor 606 is provided in a recess in the outer surface 608 of the smart casing section 400A, so that both the type and concentration of the contaminants are likely to be present in the leachate 106. Measures to be in the soil. Similarly, a distribution sensor 610 is provided in a recess on the outer surface 608 of the smart casing section 400G to measure the spatial distribution of contaminants 108 and / or leachate 106 in the soil 104. Similarly, a radiation detection and measurement ("RDM") sensor 612 is provided in a recess in the outer surface 608 of the smart casing section 400G to monitor and report radiation activity in the zone 100 in question. In one embodiment, the contaminant presence / concentration sensor 606, distribution sensor 610, and RDM sensor 612 are located in the smart casing section 400G at a location remote from the complementary interlocking structures 402A and 402B (or 402C, 402D, etc.). is set up.
[0046]
In addition to their respective detection functions, the presence / concentration sensor 606, distribution sensor 610, and RDM sensor 612 can be configured to send data to a real-time data management system 614 for processing and analysis. The real-time data management system 614 is a computer system that integrates hardware, software, sensor output, position information, and data analysis functions.
[0047]
A variety of different types of sensors may be suitable for performing the functions of contaminant presence / concentration sensor 606, distribution sensor 610, and RDM sensor 612. In particular, the function of the contaminant presence / concentration sensor 606 is provided by a solid state sensor such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor or a field effect transistor (FET), as well as a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), a time domain electromagnetic device. , Etc. The time domain electromagnetic device measures the presence, location, and concentration of contaminants by measuring the conductivity and permittivity of the medium in which the device is located, and performs the spatial distribution measurement function of the distribution sensor 610. Are suitable. The radiation detection function and measurement function of the RDM sensor 612 can be performed by gamma-ray spectrometry, a plastic scintillator, a scintillating fiber, a micro-chamber detector, or the like. The invention contemplates various other types of sensors that provide the functionality described herein.
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the smart casing section 400G further includes various internal sensors to perform many different functions. These sensors are located inside the smart casing section 400A so that various features of the equipment can be monitored during the installation. The integrity of these joints is particularly problematic in view of the fact that the joints between the longitudinally continuous casing sections 400 provide a potential leak path for leachate 106 and contaminants 108. Accordingly, the joint integrity sensor 618 evaluates the joint integrity between the smart casing section 400G and the longitudinally adjacent casing section 400. That is, the joint integrity sensor 618 determines whether cracks, voids, or other defects that may leak the leachate 106 and / or contaminants 108 are present at the joint between the casings, and The sex sensor 618 also detects the occurrence and growth of cracks and voids at the casing-to-casing junction. Like the presence / concentration sensor 606, distribution sensor 610, and RDM sensor 612, the joint integrity sensor 618 is configured to send data to a real-time data management system 614 for computation and analysis. Is good.
[0049]
The integrity of the joint can be assessed in any desired and appropriate manner. For example, an acoustic / ultrasonic time domain reflectance sensor that detects cracks and large voids in structures such as the smart casing section 400G can be used. In addition, fiber optics principles are used to measure the strain in casing 400, which allows the use of well-known fiber optic sensors that detect the formation and growth of voids and cracks in casing 400. Because joint integrity can be significantly assessed in a variety of different ways, any type of sensor suitable for directly or indirectly measuring to assess joint integrity can be used. Furthermore, sensors of the type described above are equally suitable for assessing the integrity of the smart casing section 400G itself, ie, not limited to joint integrity applications.
[0050]
The smart casing section 400G includes a transition sensor 620 for detecting migration and leakage of the leachate 106 and contaminants 108, in addition to being provided with a sensor for evaluating the integrity of the structure and the joint of the casing 400. In addition. The transition sensor 620 may be, for example, a sensor that includes a fiber optic device with a light wave spectroscopic feature for measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may leak through the smart casing section 400G. . However, other migration sensors suitable for measuring chemical migration, VOCs emission, etc., are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the transition sensor 620 may be configured to send data to a real-time data management system 614 for performing arithmetic processing and analysis.
[0051]
The smart casing section 400G further includes one or more predictive sensors 622 for identifying precursors to failure of the barrier 500 or casing section 400G. One possible predictive sensor 622 measures changes in the dielectric permeability and / or permittivity of the barrier 500. In another aspect, predictive sensor 622 may be a power supply and a corresponding antenna array (not shown) that can be used to measure the change in resistance of barrier 500. A change in resistance from the baseline measured when the barrier 500 was installed indicates failure.
[0052]
The prediction sensor 622 may further be a sacrificial cathode or the like for detecting a conductive path through the casing 400. The presence of a conductive path through casing 400 indicates that failure of casing section 400 has ultimately occurred. Electrochemical action at the sacrificial cathode helps predict such breakage since electrochemical action occurs only in the presence of a conductive path. This provides additional protection against corrosion. In another aspect, an external electrochemical potential difference source can be provided to provide such protection. Like the other sensors, the prediction sensor 622 can send data to a real-time data management system 614 for performing arithmetic processing.
[0053]
To confirm the integrity of the barrier, a number of tests were performed using the barrier 500 with the sensor broadly described above. For example, an interlock void defect can be detected by introducing an ultrasonic or other non-destructive line scan between the wall of casing 400 and male interlock structure 402A, and female interlock structures 402B, 402C. , And the absence of void defects in the interlocking sealant in 402D confirms the integrity of the seal. Multiple scans can be made across different casing contours. Similarly, defects in the interlocking connection can be detected by introducing an ultrasonic or other non-destructive line scan between the wall of the casing 400 and the male interlocking structure 402A, and the wall of the casing 400 or the male interlock can be detected. The integrity of the seal is confirmed by the absence of coupling defects on the surface of the locking structure 402A. Defects in the casing end joints (where the ends of the casing sections are joined) can also be detected by introducing ultrasound or other non-destructive line scans across the casing end joints, The integrity of the seal is confirmed by the absence of voids or bond defects. Multiple scans can be performed for each of these tests.
[0054]
The smart casing 400G can also be used to monitor the zone of interest 100 for criticality. For example, if the zones in question 100 contain fissile isotopes, they may reach a critical state if present in sufficient amounts and concentrations. RDMs and presence / concentration sensors can be used on or in conjunction with barrier 500 to monitor the concentration of such consensus elements in the zone in question to provide a potential alarm before critical conditions are reached.
[0055]
It will be appreciated that a variety of processes can be performed using a barrier formed in accordance with the present invention. For example, by restricting flow through barrier 500, the flow rate of leachate or other environmental contaminants through the zone in question can be controlled. Thereby, the saturation speed of the zone 100 in question (or the saturation speed of the semi-permeable portion on the surface of the barrier 500) can be controlled to optimize the processing speed.
[0056]
Although the invention has been described with respect to buried waste, the systems and methods of the invention have other uses. For example, barrier 500 with a perforated or semi-permeable casing can be used in a mining operation to extract the mineral in question. For example, the barrier 500 is formed in a formation that collects the mineral in question in a casing. When the mined material reaches a predetermined level, it can be easily removed from the collector in the casing. Other uses include perforated barriers 500 used for agricultural purposes. For example, water used for irrigation of agricultural land is typically discharged to specific locations. A contaminant barrier 500 with a perforated casing can be installed in the discharge area and acts like a drain tile that directs the drainage flow as desired. Casing 400 can also be used to stabilize soil or underground formations, or to provide structural support for the construction of constructions, tunnels, or other man-made structures to reduce groundwater. It can be used to deflect or to provide hydrological stabilization during dam construction.
[0057]
It will be understood that the details of the devices and methods described herein may be varied significantly without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Only the claims which are considered herein and which determine the scope of the invention described herein are set forth.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG.
1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a small tunnel boring device according to a first embodiment of the underground barrier according to the invention, in which a casing section is installed under the contaminated zone in question, FIG. FIG. 1B is a side view of a third embodiment of the underground barrier according to the present invention.
FIG. 2
1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a casing section according to the invention.
FIG. 3
FIG. 3 is a front view of several variations of a casing section according to the present invention, shown interlocked with each other; FIG. 3A is a rear view of a portion of a male interlock structure formed in accordance with the present invention; Yes, FIG. 3B is a diagram of several alternative embodiments of a male interlocking structure formed in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4
4A is a front view of another embodiment of a casing section according to the present invention, FIG. 4B is a front view of an additional embodiment of a casing section according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4B is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 4B modified for use in treating the zone of interest, with FIG. 4D being modified for use in treating environmental contaminants from the zone of concern. FIG. 14B is another front view of the embodiment B of FIG.
FIG. 5
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the interlocking recess according to the present invention.
FIG. 6
FIG. 6A is a front view of one section of a barrier formed in accordance with the present invention, FIG. 6A is a front view of another section of a barrier formed in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of yet another section of the barrier that has been opened.
FIG. 7
7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a casing section with associated sensors for monitoring the zone and barrier in question.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 problem zones
102 buried waste
104 Sat
200 bunker
300 Small Tunnel Drilling Equipment
302 Auger Head
500 barrier

Claims (66)

In casing sections for use in barriers,
An elongated hollow body having a longitudinal axis, a length, and a perimeter;
Formed in a substantially co-extrusion forming a recess disposed along the length of the body and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, arranged in a predetermined arrangement around the body. A plurality of female interlocking structures including an access slot into the body and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially extending along the length of the body attached to the body. A casing section including a male interlocking structure formed to extend into an access slot in the recess of the female interlocking slot of another casing section. The casing section of claim 1, wherein the male interlocking structure has a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. 2. The casing section of claim 1, wherein the male interlock includes a leading edge having at least a pointed edge. The casing section according to claim 1, wherein the body is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a ceramic, a composite, and a polymeric material. 2. The casing section according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the casing section is made of an air-permeable semi-permeable porous material. The casing section according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of female interlocking structures includes a female interlocking structure disposed on an outer surface of the body. 2. The casing section of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of female interlocking recesses extends into the recess and extends through the access slot into the recess. A casing section including an interlocking chamber configured to receive and interlock the portion. 8. The casing section of claim 7, wherein the interlock chamber includes a channel inside the body. 9. The casing section of claim 8, further comprising at least one weeping slot in the channel connecting the channel to a bore of the elongated hollow body. 9. The casing section of claim 8, wherein the wall of the channel defines a grout injection manifold in association with an outer wall of the elongated hollow body. The casing section of claim 1, wherein a frangible seal is located on the access slot. The casing section according to claim 1, wherein the female interlocking structure is filled with a sealant. 13. The casing section according to claim 12, wherein the sealant comprises soft grout. The casing section according to claim 1, further comprising a central tube extending parallel to the longitudinal axis inside the elongated hollow body. 15. The casing section according to claim 14, further comprising a first reaction layer disposed within the central tube, the first reaction layer reacting with contaminants exiting the zone in question and entering the opening of the tube. A casing section that is configured to: 16. The casing section according to claim 15, wherein the reaction layer comprises replaceable reactive slag. The casing section according to claim 15, further comprising a second reaction layer disposed adjacent to the first reaction layer, the second reaction layer reacting with contaminants exiting the first reaction layer. The casing section is formed as follows. The casing section of claim 1, further comprising a corrosion resistant coating disposed on the body. 20. The casing section of claim 18, wherein the corrosion resistant coating comprises a polymer or a bonded ceramic. In a system for containing the zone in question,
A plurality of casings collectively defining a continuous barrier, each of the casings including a male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking structures defining a recess; Wherein the male interlock structure of the casing enters the recess of the selected female interlock structure of the laterally adjacent second casing, and is disposed within the recess of the selected female interlock structure; A system that includes a sealant that contacts the male interlocking structure of the at least first casing and forms a seal between the at least first casing and the second casing. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the male interlocking structure has a T-shaped cross-sectional configuration. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the male interlock includes a leading edge having at least a pointed edge. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the casing is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a ceramic, a composite, and a polymeric material. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein at least one of the plurality of female interlocking structures includes an opening in the casing having an interlocking chamber through which the interlocking chamber is accessible. system. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the interlock chamber includes a channel inside the casing. 26. The system of claim 25, further comprising at least one weeping slot in the channel connecting the channel to a bore in the casing. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the wall of the channel defines a grout injection manifold in association with an outer wall of the elongated hollow body. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a central tube inside the at least one elongate hollow body extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. 29. The system of claim 28, further comprising a first reaction layer disposed within the central tube, the first reaction layer reacting with contaminants exiting the zone in question and entering the opening of the tube. The system is formed as follows. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the reaction layer comprises a replaceable reactive slag. 30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a second reaction layer disposed adjacent to the first reaction layer, the second reaction layer reacting with contaminants exiting the first reaction layer. The system is formed in. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a corrosion resistant coating disposed on the at least one casing. 33. The system of claim 32, wherein the corrosion resistant coating comprises a polymer or a bonded ceramic. 21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the sealant comprises a thermoplastic material. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the sealant comprises a material with sufficient resilience to maintain the sealant in the event of a slight movement of a laterally adjacent casing. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor mounted on at least one casing. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the sensor is configured to monitor the integrity of the barrier. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a transition sensor, an acoustic and ultrasonic reflectivity sensor, and a fiber optic sensor. 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the sensor is configured to monitor characteristics of the zone in question. 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a presence sensor, a concentration sensor, a distribution sensor, and a radiation monitor. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a tunnel located below the zone in question, wherein at least some of the plurality of casings are in communication with the tunnel. 42. The system of claim 41, wherein at least some of the plurality of casings are oriented such that fluid collected in at least some of the plurality of casings flows through the tunnel. . 43. The system according to claim 42, wherein the fluid is a liquid. 43. The system of claim 42, wherein the fluid is a gaseous environmental contaminant. In the method of setting the subsurface barrier,
Installing a first casing having at least one male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking structures defining a recess adjacent the zone in question;
A second casing having at least one male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking structures recessed adjacent the zone of interest, wherein the at least one male interlocking structure of the second casing is Installing the at least one female interlocking recess in the first casing to receive it; and forming a seal between the first casing and the second casing to form a continuous subsurface barrier. Including, methods. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the step of forming a seal comprises placing a volume of thermoplastic sealant in the at least one female interlocking recess of the first casing section and the male of the second casing. Prior to receiving the interlock, a method comprising entraining and heating the at least one female interlock recess to flow the thermoplastic sealant and form a seal between the casings. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein entraining a volume of thermoplastic sealant comprises entraining a volume of thermoplastic sealant smaller than the volume of the at least one female interlock recess. . 47. The method of claim 46, wherein in the event of a breach, the at least one female interlock recess is reheated and the thermoplastic sealant is reflowed to reform the seal. Further comprising the step of reforming. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein installing a first casing comprises excavating a trench next to the zone in question, and placing the first casing below the zone in question and adjacent to the zone in question. From the point of infestation to the trench at the surface of the ground. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein installing a first casing comprises: excavating a first trench, adjacent to the zone of interest; excavating a tunnel below the zone of interest; Installing a casing under the zone in question so as to extend from the first trench to the tunnel. 51. The method of claim 50, excavating a second bunker adjacent to the zone in question, and placing a third casing below the zone in question so as to extend from the second bunker to the tunnel. The method further comprising the step of installing. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein a fourth casing having at least one male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking recesses is provided, wherein the at least one male interlock of the fourth casing is the at least one male interlocking structure. Mounting the third casing adjacent to the third casing to be received by at least one female interlocking recess of the third casing; and forming a seal between the third casing and the fourth casing; Forming a damaged subsurface barrier. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the third casing having a mounting male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking recesses is provided when the second casing cannot be sealed. Installing the barrier around the second casing by mounting adjacent to the first casing such that two male interlocks are received by a second female interlock structure recess of the first casing; The method further comprising the step of continuing. 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the fourth casing having at least one male interlocking structure and a plurality of female interlocking recesses comprises the at least one male interlock of the fourth casing. Installing the third casing adjacent to the third casing and adjacent to the second casing to be received by the female interlocking structure recess of the third casing; The method further comprising forming a seal therebetween and forming a continuous subsurface barrier. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the plurality of female interlocking recesses of the first casing receive the male interlocking structure of the second casing to form the barrier into a desired configuration. Further comprising selecting one of the female interlocking structure recesses. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein selecting a female interlock recess comprises selecting a suitable female interlock recess to form a barrier around an object below ground. Method. 56. The method of claim 55, wherein selecting a female interlock recess comprises selecting an appropriate female interlock recess and forming a stepped barrier around the zone in question. Including, methods. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein installing the first casing comprises sealing an access slot in the casing and providing a volume inside at least one female interlocking recess. . 59. The method of claim 58, wherein sealing the first edge comprises attaching a neoprene membrane across the access slot. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein forming the seal comprises filling the at least one female interlocking recess of the first casing with a sealant section prior to installation, and wherein the Receiving the male interlocking structure of the two casings and displacing a portion of the sealant to form a seal between the casings. 61. The method of claim 60, wherein filling the at least one female interlocking recess of the first casing with a sealant comprises removing the at least one female interlocking recess of the first casing. A method comprising the step of filling with soft grout. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein forming the seal comprises filling the at least one female interlocking structure recess with a sealant after inserting the male interlocking structure into the recess. Including, methods. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the step of filling the at least one female interlock structure recess with the sealant includes the step of: placing a sealant in the at least one female interlock structure recess. Filling the chamber of the first casing with a sealant to flow therethrough. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein filling the at least one female interlocking recess with the sealant includes flowing the sealant out of the recess over a top of the second casing; Filling the chamber until a sealant layer is formed thereon. 63. The method of claim 62, further comprising selecting the sealant from the group consisting of grout, wax compound, polymer compound, rubber, bentonite, and polysiloxane. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein filling a chamber of the first casing with a sealant such that the sealant exits a permeable section of the casing until a layer of sealant is formed outside the first casing. The method further comprising: