초록 ▼

A system and method of preventing groundwater contamination by a plume of liquid born toxic contaminants that includes establishing a dry barrier between a plume of liquid contaminants and the water table to immobilize the toxic contaminants. The dry barrier is formed by transporting dry gas into th

A system and method of preventing groundwater contamination by a plume of liquid born toxic contaminants that includes establishing a dry barrier between a plume of liquid contaminants and the water table to immobilize the toxic contaminants. The dry barrier is formed by transporting dry gas into the barrier region, such as with injector wells, and then removing it and any moisture it has absorbed, such as with extraction wells to create a layer or bowl shaped structure that is so dry that liquid borne contaminants cannot pass therethrough. By maintaining the barrier, the contaminants form an immobile crust above the barrier which assists in prevention of liquid transport of contaminants into the groundwater. The system is particularly effective when radioactive contaminants are involved because the contaminants can remain fixed and undisturbed underground.

대표청구항 ▼

A system for preventing the liquid transport of contaminants dissolved in the liquid through an aggregate particulate substrate in the vadose zone, comprising: a drying system for removing about at least 75% of the saturation moisture from the aggregate particulate substrate in a generally horizonta

A system for preventing the liquid transport of contaminants dissolved in the liquid through an aggregate particulate substrate in the vadose zone, comprising: a drying system for removing about at least 75% of the saturation moisture from the aggregate particulate substrate in a generally horizontal drying zone below the contaminants whose liquid transport is to be barred by transporting a drying carrier through the drying zone; and a generally horizontal barrier region of aggregate particulate formed and maintained by said drying system within the drying zone in the aggregate particulate substrate located below the contaminants, which is about less than 25% of saturation moisture so that said barrier region is impermeable to downward liquid transport of the dissolved contaminants therethrough, even if said drying system is temporally inoperative.