John C Corey

US Patent:

52637956, Nov 23, 1993

Filed:

Jun 7, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/711686

Inventors:

John C. Corey - Aiken SC
Dawn S. Kaback - Aiken SC
Brian B. Looney - Aiken SC

International Classification:

B09B 300
E02D 300

US Classification:

405128

Abstract:

A method and system for in-situ remediation of contaminated groundwater and soil where the contaminants, such as toxic metals, are carried in a subsurface plume. The method comprises selection and injection into the soil of a fluid that will cause the contaminants to form stable, non-toxic compounds either directly by combining with the contaminants or indirectly by creating conditions in the soil or changing the conditions of the soil so that the formation of stable, non-toxic compounds between the contaminants and existing substances in the soil are more favorable. In the case of non-toxic metal contaminants, sulfides or sulfates are injected so that metal sulfides or sulfates are formed. Alternatively, an inert gas may be injected to stimulate microorganisms in the soil to produce sulfides which, in turn, react with the metal contaminants. Preferably, two wells are used, one to inject the fluid and one to extract the unused portion of the fluid.

US Patent:

51862557, Feb 16, 1993

Filed:

Jul 16, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/730424

Inventors:

John C. Corey - Aiken SC

International Classification:

E21B 3406
E21B 3416
E21B 4312
E21B 4700

US Classification:

166250

Abstract:

A system for monitoring and controlling the injection rate of fluid by an injection well of an in-situ remediation system for treating a contaminated groundwater plume. The well is fitted with a gated insert, substantially coaxial with the injection well. A plurality of openings, some or all of which are equipped with fluid flow sensors and gates, are spaced along the insert. The gates and sensors are connected to a surface controller. The insert may extend throughout part of, or substantially the entire length of the injection well. Alternatively, the insert may comprise one or more movable modules which can be positioned wherever desired along the well. The gates are opened part-way at the start of treatment. The sensors monitor and display the flow rate of fluid passing through each opening on a controller. As treatment continues, the gates are opened to increase flow in regions of lesser flow, and closed to decrease flow in regions of greater flow, thereby approximately equalizing the amount of fluid reaching each part of the plume.

US Patent:

53450345, Sep 6, 1994

Filed:

Feb 3, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/012864

Inventors:

John C. Corey - Aiken SC

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B09B 300
E02D 300

US Classification:

588249

Abstract:

A barrier for reducing the spread of a plume of subsurface contaminants. The apparatus includes a well system for injecting a fluid, such as air, just outside and below the periphery of the plume. The fluid is injected at a pressure sufficient to lower the hydraulic conductivity of the soil from the point of injection to the surface thus establishing a curtain-like barrier to groundwater movement. The barrier is established upgradient of the plume to divert groundwater away, or preferably completely around the plume to reduce the flow of groundwater into or out of the plume. The barrier enables the remediation of the confined contamination and then, when the injection of the fluid is halted, the barrier quickly dissipates.

US Patent:

48321222, May 23, 1989

Filed:

Aug 25, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/236438

Inventors:

John C. Corey - Aiken SC
Brian B. Looney - Aiken SC
Dawn S. Kaback - Aiken SC

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

E21B 3600
E21B 4300
E21B 4340

US Classification:

166266

Abstract:

A system for removing volatile contaminants from a subsurface plume of contamination comprising two sets of wells, a well for injecting a fluid into a saturated zone on one side of the plume and an extracting well for collecting the fluid together with volatilized contaminants from the plume on the other side of the plume. The fluid enables the volatile contaminants to be volatilized and carried therewith through the ground to the extracting well. Injecting and extracting wells are preferably horizontal wells positioned below the plume in the saturated zone and above the plume in the vadose zone, respectively. The fluid may be air or other gas or a gas and liquid mixture depending on the type of contaminant to be removed and may be preheated to facilitate volatilization. Treatment of the volatilized contamination may be by filtration, incineration, atmospheric dispersion or the like.