Method for initiating in-situ vitrification using an impregnated cord
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorJohn G. Carter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In-situ vitrification of soil is initiated by placing a cord of dielectric material impregnated with conductive material in thermally-conductive contact with the soil, and energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.
Claims13
A method for initiating the in-situ vitrification of soil, comprising the following steps:
- impregnating a cord composed of dielectric fibers with a conductive material in finely divided form, whereby the conductive material enters interstices among the fibers of the cord,
- positioning the cord so that it is in thermally-conductive contact with the soil and connecting the cord between a pair of electrode that extend into the soil, and energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.
A method for initiating the in-situ vitrification of soil, comprising the following steps:
- (a) immersing a glass fiber cord in a graphite suspension, whereby particles of graphite enter interstices among the fibers of the cord,
- (b) positioning the cord so that it is in thermally-conductive contact with the soil and connecting the cord between a pair of electrodes that extend into the soil, and
- (c) energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.
A method for initiating the in-situ vitrification of soil, comprising the following steps:
- placing a cord of dielectric material impregnated with conductive material in thermally-conductive contact with the soil, and
- energizing the cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.
An apparatus for performing in-situ vitrification of soil comprising:
- at least two conductive electrodes,
- means for initiating the vitrification of the soil, said means comprising
- at least one dielectric cord impregnated with conductive material and attached between said conductive electrodes, and
- means for energizing said electrodes and said impregnated cord with an electric current.
A method for initiating the in-situ vitrification of soil, comprising the following steps:
- providing a cord of refractory fibers,
- impregnating the cord with conductive material in finely divided form, whereby particles of conductive material enter interstices among the fibers, so that the resistance of the impregnated cord is substantially less than the resistance of the cord alone,
- positioning the impregnated cord so that it is in thermally-conductive contact with the soil and connecting the cord between a pair of electrodes that extend into the soil, and
- energizing the impregnated cord with an electric current for heating the cord and starting the vitrification process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.