Thixotropic gel for vadose zone remediation
AssigneeSavannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
InventorBrian D. Riha
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.
Claims12
A thixotropic gel for injecting into a subsurface soil comprising:
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of a biodegradable vegetable oil such as soybean oil or mineral oil and combinations thereof;
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of water;
- which may be comprised of additional water soluble carbon sources;
- and,
- fumed silica in an. amount of between about 0.75 percent to about 2.0 percent by weight, wherein said thixotropic gel is substantially devoid of free oxygen.
A thixotropic gel for injecting into a subsurface soil comprising:
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of a biodegradable vegetable oil such as soybean oil or mineral oil and combinations thereof;
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of water;
- and,
- fumed silica in an amount of between about 0.75 percent to about 2.0 percent by weight, wherein said thixotropic gel contains a saturated concentration of nitrogen gas.
A thixotropic gel for injecting into a subsurface soil comprising:
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of a biodegradable vegetable oil such as soybean oil or mineral oil and combinations thereof;
- about 40 percent to about 60 percent by composition volume of water;
- and,
- fumed silica in an amount of between about 0.75 percent to about 2.0 percent by weight;
- wherein said gel further includes a supply of microorganisms adapted for in situ bioremediation in a subsurface environment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.