MXPA96001440A - Inductor of rod for repair of soil contamin - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a discontinuous process for the biotreatment of contaminated soil according to which the material with microbes and water is placed in a container such as a progressive attenuator box with aerators. A recirculation system of the aqueous suspension is used every few days at a point of microbial dominance to pump the material from the water column into the solid phase at elevated pressure through a rod inductor, whose outlet is directed around of the container for shearing and essentially stirring the entire volume of material. The configuration of the vessel, the agitation with the rod inductor and the control of other conditions allow the microbial degradation of the effective cost of the hydrocarbons up to regulatory standards in soils that have large quantities of clay, rocks and residu

Description

ROD INDUCER FOR REPAIR OF CONTAMINATED SOIL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a system for the bioreparation of a contaminated medium. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing contaminants from soil and sludge using a hydraulic system to stimulate the effectiveness of microbial action. 2. Related Matter Numerous problems have been encountered when attempting to remove hydrocarbon-based contaminants from natural soils or man-made media using microbes. It is accepted that a semifluid phase treatment system is required to utilize microbes. It is well known through many industries that the introduction of microbes that digest hydrocarbon into a water / solids mixture can result in complete degradation of the hydrocarbon by microbes. However, the following problems occur when establishing the semifluid or water / solids phase mixture: A. The ratio of solids and water can not exceed the ability of the system to maintain all solids in a smooth, homogeneous aqueous suspension. In the bioreparation industry it is recognized that this proportion is typically about 10% solids, 90% water, and rarely exceeds 30% solids, 70% water. B. A "semi-fluid phase mixture" requires the continuous mixing of the aqueous suspension in order to keep all solids in a uniform suspension. C. A semifluid phase mixture should consist of very small solid particles of uniform size. Without this small and uniform size, a homogeneous aqueous suspension can not be maintained. Too large particles will not remain in the suspension (they are too heavy). The particles of different size will require different mixing speeds in order to remain in suspension. Therefore, a semifluid phase mixture requires all solids to be of uniform size and weight. D. A semi-fluid phase mixture must not contain residues (concrete, asphalt, wood products, steel, gloves, fabrics, plastic, etc.). E. Not all man-made soils and media can be placed in an aqueous mixture, eg, natural and crushed rock, gravel, stone products, oyster shells (whole or crushed), etc. This material is placed in a permitted public landfill. F. It is difficult to obtain a semifluid phase mixture with heavy clay soils. Generally, the clay soils are first dried and then crushed in order to fractionate the clay bond. A general method of the prior art that would attempt to address these problems is as follows. In order to treat a contaminated medium in a semi-fluid phase, the medium must be cleaned of all residues. Then, all particles that can not be reduced to a uniform size must be removed. After the soil is "cleaned", it must then be crushed or ground to a uniform size. The processed medium is then mixed with water. The solid / water mixture is stirred until all the solids are in a uniform suspension. Agitation is maintained and the microbial treatment process begins. These methods are very laborious and of intensive machination. The costs are quite high. This method also results in the creation of additional contaminated material (all that was removed from the original medium) that must be placed in a permitted public landfill. There is an additional method sometimes used to split clay soils and other means. This method can be broadly classified as soil washing. In order to "wash" the soil, a stream of water at high pressure is directed towards the medium to divide it into smaller sizes. If enough water is used at high pressure in this process, one can be sure that the shearing action of the water will fractionate the medium. Of course, the problem then becomes the same volume of polluted medium (ie, a cubic yard of clay is still by volume one cubic yard of clay, but in very small particles) plus, a large amount of contaminated water. Water can be decontaminated using several different methods but at a higher cost factor. It is simply stated that such washing creates a problem greater than the original. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is a process and apparatus that integrates the means of mechanical, chemical and microbial repair. The process and apparatus are able to remove all the target contaminants from the soil and sludge by stimulating the activity of the microbes that appear naturally with a hydraulic pressure system referred to as a rod inducer. The system of the invention has many advantages.

Allows contaminants to remain in place and be contained. It requires little space and prevents volatiles from escaping. The invention can operate with an aqueous solution having initially more than 60% suspended solids, 40% liquid. The invention allows the separation of solids and water within the treatment vessel, where solids that settle out of the liquid are an integral part of the process. Also, according to the invention, the semifluid phase is fractionated into a column of solids and a column of water, the water column having a proportion of suspended solids of about 0-5%. Consequently, no sizing of the solids removal of the waste is required, and a wide range of particle sizes can be treated together. The invention allows the treatment of the particulate contaminated medium, such as soil, in the same condition as it was when it was excavated and placed in the treatment chamber. In addition, the invention allows the complete breaking of all types of soil. This allows each soil particle to be exposed to the microbial process. Therefore, the system is particularly usefor repairing soils packed in clay and media containing waste. The apparatus of the invention includes a container for maintaining an aqueous repair suspension comprising contaminated materials and water; a recirculating system of the aqueous suspension comprising an intake of the aqueous suspension, means for pumping material from the outlet to the outlet, and means for discharging the material directly into the aqueous suspension through the outlet under pressure; and an air discharge system for controlled release of pressurized air in the water column. In one aspect of the invention, the aqueous repair suspension is a column of saturated solids covered with a column of water, the outlet is located in the water column, and the outlet is directed to the column of solids. Generally, the aqueous repair suspension includes microbes, enzymes, nutrients, surfactants, organic acids, and other substances that promote bioreparation of the contaminated medium. In convenient embodiments, the container is a 20-cubic-yard steel progressive attenuator box, the outlet has a mesh filter of approximately 3/8 of an inch, and the outlet is a tube with a diameter of approximately 1/2 of an inch The outlet area of influence is preferably about 6 inches out and about 24 inches down. The outlet pressure is preferably from about 85 to about 130 PSI, between about 95 and up to about 120 PSI, and typically is about 100 PSI. The method of the invention comprises placing the contaminated medium in a container; add water to cover the material and produce a solid phase saturated with an overlying water column; inject air into the water column to maintain the dissolved oxygen level in approximately the biological oxygen demand; add microbes and support products if required, - pump water periodically by using a suction means to remove the material from the water column and a slurry to force the material into the solid phase at elevated pressure; direct the discharge of water around the container to essentially contact the entire volume of material; and controlling the conditions in order to maximize the microbial degradation of the hydrocarbons until they have been completely digested. Preferably, microbes are added, the directed discharge has a pressure large enough to shear the joints of particles together and to rinse the debris inside the container, the discharge means being a half-inch tube with a zone of influence at the exit of approximately 6 inches to approximately 24 inches after the mouth of the tube, and the discharge discharges the sheared clay particles and cleans the waste particles. The displacement or pumping is preferably carried out at the moment when the microbial flowering is at approximately a maximum ratio and the contaminant concentration of the water column is at approximately a minimum ratio. The pumping is repeated periodically until, essentially, no contamination remains in the container, preferably every 2 to 6 days. An approximately neutral pH is maintained, and the dissolved oxygen is maintained in a range between about 6 and about 8 ppm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is better understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying figures. Figure 1 illustrates the configuration of the rod induction system in operation. Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the rod inducer system. Figure 3 shows a hypothetical curve for the treatment of hydrocarbons in a bioreactor having a total aqueous state. Figure 4 illustrates the cycles of microbial flowering in a solid-liquid system correlated with the use of the rod inductor. Figure 5 summarizes the results of treatment with slightly contaminated soil. Figure 6 summarizes the results of treatment with moderately contaminated soil.

Figure 7 summarizes the results of treatment with severely contaminated soil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for purposes of clarity. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terminology thus selected, and it is understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. In figures 1 and 2, one embodiment of the invention is shown. This embodiment of the system of the invention in a box system or an aqueous solution reactor. It includes a container 1 in which contaminated material 2 can be placed and made into a column of saturated solids, or aqueous solution, with. Water. The water column 3 is above the solid phase. The suction hose 4 is periodically used to remove the microbial-activated liquid from the water column 3 and circulate it via the pump 5 through the discharge hose 6 and the output of the rod inductor 7. The suction hose 4 may have a filter, preferably sized to pass 3/8"particles.Preferably, the outlet is smaller than the discharge hose to provide an increased pressure discharge 8. The rod inductor is manipulated and directed upwards and downwards. down through the box by a worker so that the area of influence of the discharge 8 contacts the entire volume of the material in the box.The air is controlled in a controlled manner from the air inlet 9 through the control of air distribution 10 and an air discharge 11 is emitted, preferably in the water column 3. If the outlet is in the solids phase, it becomes clogged more easily. Air discharge can be a T-shaped bar aerator, and there can be as many as four or more of them. The main control 12 monitors and adjusts the air flow. The control can be a computer or a pneumatic or mechanical regulator. The microbes and support chemicals 13 are present in the contaminated medium and in the water column. They feed on hydrocarbon and other pollution, are nourished by oxygen from the air source and are exposed to pollutants by virtue of the periodic use of the rod inducer. As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the inventive process and the devices integrate three separate technologies to obtain the desired mechanical, chemical and microbial effectiveness, l. The mechanical system includes: A. Container - An open container in which the contaminated medium is loaded. The container can be of any size or volume as long as it has capacity for the desired amount of contaminated soil or other material, together with water, and accommodates the circulation of air and water as shown in Figure 1. In a preferred embodiment, the container l is a box sized for 15 cubic yards of contaminated soil along with water and other components, and the necessary equipment. An example is a standard 20 cubic feet steel progressive attenuation box that has dimensions of 46 inches by 8 'by 22'. The container can be on the ground and be movable or be a pit aligned in the ground. B. Pump - A pump 5 with suction and discharge hoses long enough to extend from the position of the pump to the farthest corner of the container under treatment is required. Various designs and styles of different pumps can be used in the process. A double diaphragm pump at high pressure is preferred. The selected pump is preferably designed to produce a discharge pressure of 100 P.S.I. or older. This pressure is generally necessary to carry out the physical treatment of the medium with the rod inducer of the invention. Pressures in the range of about 85 to about 130 PSI are preferred, and it has been found that pressures of about 95 to about 120 PSI are more effective with clay rich soils. The pump must also be capable of pumping a muddy mixture with rocks and organic matter in suspension. Commercially available pumps such as the 3-inch Double Diaphragm Model M15 from Wilden Pump Co. meet this criterion. The discharge hose 6 is aligned with hydrocarbon resistant material. The discharge device 7 is fixed to the discharge hose. This device is referred to as a rod inductor, or agitator, which is an output reducer that will produce an elevation in the pressure of the discharge back pipe when the pump is operated at a constant volume discharge. The dimensions of the rod inductor are preferably approximately 0.5 inches in diameter and produce an increase in pressure of approximately 85%. Various nozzles can be used in consideration of producing an effective discharge 8, they do not clog or clog and the solids found in the contaminated medium can pass. Effective results are obtained with a conventional galvanized plumbing pipe half an inch in length. A length of six feet is suitable in a 20 cubic foot box. The shear action of the rod inductor allows the hidden hydrocarbon receptacles to be led to the surface of the water column. If two hoses and rod applicators are used by two workers, the handling of the aqueous solution is carried out more easily. In typical applications, the rod inducer is used in a mixing reactor for brief intervals every three days or so. Accordingly, the pumping system can be a portable installation that is conducted to each mixing reactor for periodic treatment. C. Air System - A means must be provided to inject air into a column of water. The volume of air injected into the water column must be large enough to raise the level of dissolved oxygen in the water column in order to maintain sufficient Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) to support the growth of the microbial population, taking Consider the related factor of the Chemical Oxygen Demand. It is of little importance how the air injection system is designed as long as the necessary BOD is maintained. The air system must be controlled to the extent that no significant "air release" of the contaminant occurs. Preferably, this is done by flashing the air flow in order to maintain an intact water column at each air inlet point for most of the time. The water acts as a water blanket or water seal. A continuous, high flow of air would allow some release of air, which is disapproved or prohibited by environmental regulatory authorities. Air quality can be checked by continuous monitoring or periodic sampling of air over the water column. If a closed container is used, air monitoring can be facilitated. In a system test with covered boxes used with toxic waste, no significant air emissions were detected. Generally, the range of dissolved oxygen in the water column falls between about 6 ppm and about 8 ppm. The airflow system is optimized to provide a satisfactory microbial deposit without providing excess air, which would expel volatiles. By establishing the appropriate flow rates, a low flow can initially be used, and then increased to the point where the microbial growth is satisfactory and the additional aeration does not improve the microbial growth. In a preferred embodiment, the air discharge means is an installation of four perforated cylinders 11, each 3 feet long, two on each side of the mixing box and located at the bottom of the column of water or sunken inside it. A main control 12 goes through a cycle in 20 second intervals - a solenoid valve is switched open, allowing the air to pass to a second valve 10 that connects an air supply 9 with the discharge of the aerator. The aerators on one side can be operational for 20 seconds, then the air flow is cut off for approximately 80 seconds, then the air flow in the aerators on the other side is turned on for 20 seconds. This cycle is repeated throughout the treatment period. In a preferred embodiment, the air pressure is about 35 PSI at the inlet of the aerator. The aerator has 5/32 inch holes every 2 inches. A single computer regulates up to 16 boxes. 2. The Chemical System can consist of the following components as desired to maintain the effectiveness of the rod-inducing system: A. Surfactants and Stabilizers - surfactants are used in the process to assist in the mechanical breakdown of compact clay soils and diverse forms of media that come together. Surfactants are also used to aid in the release of hydrocarbon bonds into individual particles of the medium being treated. Various types and brands of surfactants from different suppliers are available. The products used in this process are preferably produced organically and therefore are more compatible with the microbial system than the synthetic ones, and help in the important functions of co-metabolism within the system. They are biodegradable to allow the desired repair to occur. However, any compatible and cost effective surfactant could be employed. The examples are RDG 4500 PlusTM and 4570 Catalyst, available from Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A., Inc. In general, the most preferred is RDG 4500 PlusTM. This preparation is an organic emulsifier that helps water enter soil areas with lipophilic hydrocarbons. It is biodegradable and contains 56% humic acid, 40% organic polymer solution, and 4% of an above solution. A soil penetrant such as fulvic acid may also be desirable. In situations with heavy asphalts, it may be desirable to use a surfactant such as RDG 4570 from Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A. instead of the other. The concentration of surfactants is preferably between about 0.5% and about 2.5%, more preferably about 1.5%. A typical application rate for the RDG 4500 is approximately one gallon / 50 cubic yards. If the concentration is too high, undesirable effects may occur, such as foaming and releasing air. A defoamer that is not detrimental to microbes can be used to disperse large bubbles on the surface. A preferred compound is a Varichem water-based defoamer containing a cationic surfactant. Other compounds can be used to stabilize the solution. <; * n aqueous, such as PARA-GOTM, a product of Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A., Inc., which facilitates the separation of hydrocarbons from the soil. Contains ammonia sulfate in a hydrocarbon vehicle. B. Microbial System Support Products - There are many products available that promote the health and growth of microbes. The use of these products is not essential for the process in all cases but they contribute to a microbial response in time and can improve their performance under certain conditions. An acidifier should be used to neutralize the alkaline soil and to maintain a pH of preferably about 5.5 to 7.0, more preferably about 6.5. A preferred preparation is RDG Series 05 Supraci • dTM of Bio-Logi • cal Solutions U.S.A., Inc., typically used at approximately one gallon / 100 cubic yards. This acidulant and chelator contains bio-organic acids derived from fermentation, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids can also be used. A non-toxic mineral acid such as sulfuric acid can be used to help maintain the pH in a desirable range, but the organic product chelates the metals and can help promote their solubilization. RDG Seri • is Poly ExtendTM from Bio-Logical Solutions USA, Inc. is a preparation of five polymerized organic compounds typically used in approximately 1 gallon / 1000 cubic yards to soften clay soils, promote soil flocculation, and protect soil. microorganisms so that they work at a pH and temperature higher or lower than normal (10 to 15 degrees). A nutrient preparation, free of chlorine, high in nitrogen, such as a 20-2-2 N-P-K fertilizer, helps the initial microbial bloom. A preferred source of nutrients is the RDG Series Bi • olatesTM 20-2-2 from Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A., Inc., in approximately 1 gallon / 40 cubic yards. This preparation contains 2% free and complex amino acids, 5% bio-organic acids and co-metabolites, 20% nitrogen (5% ammonia, 5% nitrate, 10% complex), 2% phosphate (as P205), and potassium (as K2). C. Metal Removal In applications where there is a substantial contamination of metals in the medium to be treated, such as lead or chromium, it will be beneficial to add compounds to solubilize and extract the metals from the aqueous solution for precipitation and removal. When the concentration of metals is so high that it is toxic to microbial growth, the aqueous solution must become slightly acidic to solubilize the metals and lead them to the water column. The metals can be removed from the water column, and the aqueous solution is then stirred by the use of the rod inducer. The metals can be removed once more from the water column, and the process is repeated until acceptable levels of metal are reached. At that point, microbes and support products can be introduced for the biorecovery of hydrocarbons. When the metal levels are lower, but still above the levels of regulatory action, it may be preferable to solubilize and remove the metals after or during biotreatment of the organic contaminants. 3. The Microbial System consists of: Microbes - For the rod-inducing system to work effectively, a mixture of microbes is usually required. Species that are effective include in general Pseudomonas vesicularis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Achro obacter xyloxidans, Achromobacter sp. , Areomonas sp. , and many other strains of fungi and bacteria that digest hydrocarbons. Several suppliers of processed microbes that degrade hydrocarbons distribute their products through an extensive global marketing system. Any of these products can be used in the system. Some suppliers' products produce better results than others. The initial proportions are not very important since the populations of the microbial species best adapted to digest the particular contaminants in a treatment box will increase rapidly in the treatment system. A preferred product is the RDG 100 ™ from Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A. Inc., at approximately 1 pound / 5 cubic yards, which contains at least two different chains of bacteria selected for an ability to rapidly degrade hydrocarbons. The following species of microorganisms are generally included: Acinobacter, Cellumonas, Flavobacterium, Arthrobacter, Alcalagines spp. , Tropical Candida is, Cunninghamella elegans, Arthrobacter paraf inneus, H. salinarium, H. cutirubrum, Propionobacterium, Actinomycetes, Eubacterium, Arachnia, Bacterionema, Rothia, Agromyces, P. vesicularis, P. aeruginosa, Achromobacter xyloxidans, Achromobacter sp. , Areomonas sp. , Mycobacterium, Norcardia, Micromonospora corynebacterium, C. sporogenes, Bacillus, Gluconobacter, A. vinelandii, and A. chrome co c cum. In applications where there are high concentrations of particular compounds such as phenols, it may be desirable to use a mixture having microbes adapted for the digestion of such compounds, such as the RDG 300 ™ from Bio-Logical Solutions U.S.A. Inc.

Cryptosporidium is especially effective in the consumption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and creosote. Other microbes such as strains of Alcaláginos isolated by General Electric are effective in the digestion of polychlorinated biphenyls. Natural microbes that digest hydrocarbons, which appear naturally, are usually found in contaminated soils and supplement the added microbes. Natural microbes can also be used without adding microbes in the Rod Inductor system, but this is generally less effective in timely degradation of contamination. For example, the process of microbial degradation is basically an enzymatic process by which enzymes are secreted from or contained within bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that hydrolyze or fractionate petroleum hydrocarbons and other contamination that may be present. I presented. Therefore, microbial degradation could be emulated or stimulated by the addition of an enzyme preparation to the aqueous solution at the beginning of the process, and after each displacement, as an adjunct to our substitute for adding microbes. The process can be carried out at temperatures between about 45 ° F to 110 ° F, preferably in the range of 80 ° to 110 °, and more preferably about 85 ° F. With the stabilizers, degradation can occur at temperatures as low as 40 ° F. At higher and lower temperatures, either the microbes become inactive or are destroyed. Operation of the Rod Inductor System Figures 3 and 4 show hypothetical views of the relationship between the contaminant level and the microbial growth rate and merely attempt to illustrate the operative characteristics of the invention, not the quantitative results. Figure 3 shows a hypothetical view of a fixed film bioreactor that uses a total aqueous state with all contaminants in the solution and without being bound to any solid. In the load (point A), contaminant levels are at maximum, and microbial growth is zero. Microbial growth increases until it exceeds the food source and then overcompensates before it begins to decline. This can be referred to as the point of domination (point B). After this, contaminant levels decrease, as does microbial growth, to the point of completion (C) in which there is not enough food to nourish the microbes. This point is generally accepted by local or state regulators as clean. With contaminated solids, the aforementioned process does not occur. However, by using the apparatus and method of the invention, a similar cycle can be achieved as shown in Figure 4: a portion of the hydrocarbons is conducted to the water column (load, point A), the microbes grow to the domination (B), and contaminants in the water column are reduced to the point of completion (C). The solids are mixed again, to recharge the column of water with pollutants, so the load-domination-consummation cycle can be repeated. This cycle is repeated until the entire preparation is free of contamination. Figure 4 graphically illustrates a generalized course of treatment, which shows a hypothetical curve for a typical treatment of 11 days. At the time of loading, the contaminated medium is placed in the container to a depth of 2 to 6 feet preferably. The contaminants can be any of, for example, the following: alkylamine, aromatic, polynuclear aromatic, benzene, biphenyl, branched hydrocarbons, carbamate, carbofuran, chromates, crude oil, cyanides, cycloparaffins, diethylene glycol, halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons, alkenes long chain, metallo-organic compounds, metals, monoalkylbenzenes, naphthalene, organic pesticides and herbicides, organophosphates, pentachlorophenol, petroleum phenolics, phenoxyacetates, phenylurea, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pulp byproducts, sodium methyl sulfate, secondary alkylbenzene, sulfur, surfactants, thiocyanates, toluene, and trinitrotoluene (TNT). The contaminated medium can be any particulate material capable of forming an aqueous solution from a column of saturated solids and a column of water, such as soil, clay, sand, vegetation, and mixtures of materials. The box is flooded with unscented water until the medium is saturated and a satisfactory amount of water, preferably 6 to 12 inches, covers the medium. An air injection system is installed and air is released under pressure in the water column. The volume of air introduced into the water must be regulated to ensure that the oxygen dissolved in the water is always approximately equal to the Biological Oxygen Demand, and may approach 8 ppm or supersaturation. The air pressure is regulated by computer to ensure that no release of air from the volatile hydrocarbons occurs during the process. Pneumatic or mechanical regulation can be used instead. The regulator controls the flow of compressed air for the air discharger in an intermittent pattern that provides the required oxygen content, without exceeding it in order to release volatiles. A continuous stream of diffused air through a fine bubble diffuser could satisfy this requirement, but the equipment is probably expensive and gets stuck easily by the sludge. The preferred aerator is a T-shaped bar cylinder with holes. The pressure is determined by the hydrostatic head at the point of release, and air emissions can be monitored. The microbes and ancillary products of the microbial system are then added to the column of balanced oxygen water. This provides a low initial level of nutrients, as shown in Figure 4, at point A. Nutrients stimulate an initial microbial bloom. A varying period of time is allowed, depending on the amount of material to be treated, so that the microbes dominate the semifluid aqueous phase. This can be approximately 24 hours after the flood. By dominating, it is unders that microbes have multiplied to a level where their number exceeds the available food supply (contaminants) or their oxygen demand exceeds the capacity of the system to distribute it. At the point of dominance (shown as B in Figure 4), the oily appearance on the surface of the water is replaced by a visible microbial deposit, which is a distinctive foamy cream. The oily aggregates are converted to a lighter aerated material by the microbial deposit. The available nutrient supply in the water column decreases as the microbial bloom reaches its maximum and the growth rate declines. At this point, the box "moves" (point C in Figure 4). The water column dominated by the microbes is recirculated back through the solids phase to capture any remaining nutrients, ie contaminants. A pump is placed with the suction hose of the pump in the water column. Then the pump is started, and it drags the water balanced by oxygen, activated by microbes. The water is discharged through a flexible hose under high pressure. The hose outlet is a greatly reduced rod inducer (ie, a 3 inch hose for a 1/2 inch outlet) causing an increase in hose pressure. The increase in pressure produces a jet of water at high pressure that is directed towards the contaminated medium in the container. The shearing action of the water is used to split all the forms of the medium united together and to rinse the waste. The pressure is large enough and the shearing action is strong enough so that the discharge of the hose can be manipulated through all the contaminated medium to fractionate the aggregates. One or two workers who use one or two rods work through the entire volume of the box, which takes approximately one to two hours, after which the rod is removed. The rod inductor can be fixed and directionally adjustable, or it can be mobile to obtain this complete shear. The water that is removed by the suction of the pump is immediately injected back into the container. The same water is reused several times in the "rinse" action of the Rod Inducer process. In this way, the problem of increasing volumes of wastewater has been eliminated. As the water is drawn through the pumping system, a muddy mixture of uniform thickening is created. This benefits the process in two ways. First, the microbial action is more efficient when a contaminated medium is in an aqueous solution phase. This allows maximum contact of microbes and chemicals even with the smallest particles of the contaminated matrix material. Due to the considerable forces of water produced by the process, essentially all of the medium in the container is placed in the aqueous solution at some point during the treatment. Not all medium is in aqueous solution at the same time. Another benefit derived is the increasing shearing action of the aqueous thickening solution. Since the medium is reduced in size to the individual particles, all the residues are cleaned by injected wind and the hydrocarbon contaminants are released in the semifluid phase. Most hydrocarbons are lighter than water and when they are released they will rise through the semifluid phase until they reach the surface of the water. At this point, the hydrocarbons remain in the water column or on the surface of the water column. Any location places the contaminant within the microbial environment, - a semifluid phase balanced with the BOD, COD, and the food source (the contaminant) required. In the water column, the microbial population and the oxygen levels are reduced by the application of the rod inductor, while the nutrients are increased and the microbes coming from the interior of the column of solids are exposed to the enriched liquid. The pollutant concentration and therefore the food source in the water column rise at the time of the first displacement. The proportion of microbial growth continues to rise, and the concentration of contaminant drops as the contaminant is digested by the microbes until the contaminant in the water column is mostly removed. The decline in contaminant concentration reduces the microbial food source and causes the microbial growth rate to decrease to zero. As shown in the second peak of Figure 4, the proportion of the microbial growth increases rapidly, and the microbial colony continues to be reconstructed within the water column until all the rebound hydrocarbons biodegrade. By reconstruction it is understood that the microbial growth is stimulated until another flowering occurs at the point where the microbial growth begins to exceed the oxygen and nutrients available. Once again, the rod applicator is used. The second deposit may take from about 36 to about 96 hours, typically about 2-3 days or 3 times a week. Although this process of reconstruction occurs in the water column, additional activity is continued throughout the medium. The water that was pumped through the system was not only used as a rinsing and shearing agent, it was also used as a vehicle for dissolved oxygen and microbes that digest hydrocarbons. This allowed the microbes to be driven to the bottom and through the entire solid phase, including the deeper or more difficult-to-reach areas of the medium to digest all the hydrocarbons with which they are in contact. The microbes Injected into the depth will continue to degrade the hydrocarbons until the dissolved oxygen runs out or until the food source is finished. At any point the microbes will die or become inactive. This facilitates the digestion of contaminants throughout the box. Dissolved oxygen decreases in the solid phase as microbial growth does. Some microbes require a colonization point for their reproduction and digestion. In fixed film bioreactors, the plastic substrate provides a matrix. In the semifluid phase treatment according to the invention, the solids provide a virtually unlimited surface area available for microbial colonization. The microbes can colonize a solid particle in the column of water rich in oxygen, and then as the solids settle, the microbe is conducted to the lower portion of the aqueous solution. Eventually, such microbes die from lack of oxygen, but it is understood that the rod treatment of the aqueous suspension increases the amount of oxygen available in the lower portions of the aqueous suspension, while increasing the colonization points. partially responsible for the surprising effectiveness of the invention.

But as the previous microbial bloom is completed, the semifluid phase begins to separate due to the force of gravity. The water column of the surface returns to the original conditions that allowed optimal microbial reproduction. After the microbial colony is rebuilt in the semifluid phase, the system has completed a complete cycle. In each successive cycle, the concentration of pollutants is probably lower than previous cycles. The colony in the water will rebuild by itself and microbes injected deep will continue degradation until the oxygen or food is finished. If the vigor of microbial growth is stimulated before obtaining the desired level of repair, the rate of microbial growth can be stimulated by the addition of nutrients, acid, and support products as needed once more. Water is added to compensate for evaporation. The word cycle refers to the synchronization of the mechanical process in conjunction with microbial flowering. During the cycle, degradation and other biological processes are continuous, although the proportions vary. Preferably, the preparation is "displaced" at a point of maximum microbial flowering. Through each cycle the water in the container will be contaminated with all the agents released by the rinsing action. This problem is overcome because the system uses the water phase to obtain the highest proportion of microbial colonization. Each and every one of the contaminants found in the water column is consumed by microbes. As shown in Figure 4, the cycle is repeated until all food sources (contaminants) are removed from the medium and the desired results are obtained. The process produces a clean, uncontaminated medium and a minimum volume of clean residual water at the end of the process. When the desired level of repair appears (which can be determined by the visible observation of a lack of microbial flowering, and can be confirmed by conventional sampling tests), the air source is removed, the microbial population dies and the water becomes clear. The aerators are removed, the box is emptied and the equipment can be reused on site or removed. Advantageous features of the invention include: 1. The adaptability of the process to any open container. 2. The ability of the system to solve any problem through the reuse of a small volume of water. 3. The simple, unique, cost-effective way in which water volumes and shear pressure are obtained to rinse the waste and fracture the medium. 4. The demonstrated ability to maintain the process while allowing the natural settlement of the solids from the semifluid phase. 5. The demonstrated ability to produce the conditions in a container that allow the process to renew itself after each cycle of the system. 6. A controlled air system that maintains a BOD level sufficient for microbial activity but is not large enough to cause air release of the volatiles in the contaminants. 7. The ability of the process to treat all contaminated media and not produce a secondary source (waste, etc.) that must be deposited in some other way. The fundamental cycle used in this invention is a biological process that is not amenable to an accurate calculation. The relationship between the nutrient and the microbe may be different from that shown, for example, in Figure 4. Actual performance characteristics will depend on factors such as temperature, type and amount of contaminants, physical characteristics of the medium, pH, dissolved oxygen, the presence of additional support products, natural microbes, the dimensions of the container, and the degree of physical treatment with the rod. EXAMPLE 1 A refinery in Texas has extensive areas of soil contaminated with hydrocarbons. The soil was rich in clay and was heavily contaminated with waste. Conventional 20 cubic yard progressive attenuating boxes were brought to the site, built of steel. Fifteen cubic yards of boxed soil were placed to a depth of approximately 2.5 feet, and water was added up to about one foot above the ground. The T-shaped bar aerators were hung on the side of the box by conventional means. Each box received some or all of the following components available from Bio-Logical Solutions USA, Inc., 214, Addicks-Howell Road, Houston, TX 77079. Microbes: 2 to 5 pounds of RDG 100. Microbial Protector: 4 to 32 ounces of RDG Series Poly Extend. Acidifier: 16 to 32 ounces of RDG Series 05 Supracid. Nutrients: 32-48 ounces of RDG Series Biolates 20-2-2. Surfactant: 8-16 ounces of RDG 4500 or 4500 Plus. Up to 5 gallons of Para-Go. 4 ounces of a water based defoamer. The boxes were treated as follows. The air supply went on. After approximately 24 hours, the microbes dominated the water column, and the box was shaken or "displaced". Approximately three to six days later, there was a second microbial bloom, and the box moved again. After a period ranging from about one to about eight weeks, the total content of petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was reduced in all cases to less than 100 ppm. The board I shows the results for a series of treatments. As shown in figure 4, for the ground with an initial TPH that varies from 300 e? 1000 ppm, 17 boxes were treated. The average treatment time was 7.29 days, the initial average TPH was 341 ppm, and the average release rate was 13.6 ppm TPH. As shown in Figure 5, for the soil with an initial TPH ranging from 1000 to 5000 ppm, 31 boxes were treated. The average treatment time was 22 days, the average initial TPH was 2851 ppm, and the average release rate was 42 ppm TPH. As shown in figure 6, for the soil with an initial TPH range above 5000 ppm, 5 boxes were treated. The average treatment time was 44.5 days, the initial average TPH was 34.920 ppm, and the average release rate was 61 ppm TPH. When the TPH is satisfactory, the air, water, and control systems are turned off and the boxes emptied. The soil was allowed to dry and used to fill the land. Table I EXAMPLE 2 The procedure was similar to that of Example 1, except that it was carried out during the winter. 15 cubic yards of rocky, clayey soil with TPH of 48,900 were placed in a box in February 1994, and the following components were added: 1 gallon of Supracid 1 gallon of RDG 4500 plus 2 pounds of RDG 100 l quart of Biolates 20-2-2 l Quart of Polyextend The box moved on days 2, 5, 8, and 13. On day 5, 1 gallon of sulfuric acid was added. On day 8 one pound of RDG 100 was added, and on the 13th a pound of microbes and a quarter of a gallon of nutrients were added. The product was analyzed on day 13 by modified EPA Method 8015, yielding a TPH of 35 mg / kg. The cost of treatment was significantly less than the alternative of placing the soil as a hazardous waste. EXAMPLE 3 14 cubic yards of rocky, clayey soil with TPH of 48,900 were placed in a box in February 1994. On day 2 the following components were added: 1 gallon of Supracid 1 gallon of RDG 4500 plus 2 pounds of RDG 100 1 quarter gallons of Biolates 20-2-2 1 quart of Polyextend The box moved on days 3, 6, 10, and 15.

On day 6, 1 gallon of sulfuric acid was added. On day 8 a pound of RDG 100 was added. The product was analyzed on the day 14 producing a TPH of 65 mg / kg. Modifications and variations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are possible, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, it is understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims (24)

1. 4 NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. An apparatus for repairing contaminated soil, comprising: a container for containing an aqueous repair suspension comprising contaminated materials and water; a recirculating system of the aqueous suspension comprising a tap in the aqueous suspension, means for pumping the material from the outlet to an outlet, and means for discharging the material directly into the aqueous suspension through the outlet under pressure; and an air discharge system for controlled release of pressurized air in the water column. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aqueous repair suspension comprises a column of sated solids covered with a column of water, the outlet is located in the water column and the outlet is directed towards the column of solids. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the aqueous repair suspension further comprises microbes, nutrients, and surfactants. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the container is a progressive attenuation box of 20 cubic yards. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet is a pipe. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet has a filter and the outlet is a pipe with a diameter slightly larger than the size of the filter mesh. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the socket. It has a filter of approximately 3/8 inches of mesh and the outlet is a pipe with a diameter of approximately 1/2 inch. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet pressure is from about 85 to about 130 PSI. 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet pressure is from about 95 to about 120 PSI. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet pressure is approximately 100 PSI. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the zone of influence of the outlet is approximately 6 inches outwards and approximately 24 inches downwards. 12. An apparatus for the repair of contaminated materials according to claim 3, characterized in that the surfactants are present in concentrations of approximately 8 to 64 ounces per 15 cubic yards. 13. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium, comprising: placing the contaminated medium in a container; add water to cover the material and produce a solid phase sated with an overlying water column; Inject air into the water column to maintain the dissolved oxygen level in approximately the biological oxygen demand, - Periodically pump the water by using a suction means to remove the material coming from the water column and a pump to force the material to the solid phase at elevated pressure; direct the discharge of water around the container to essentially contact the entire volume of material; and control the conditions to maximize the degradation of the hydrocarbons until they are completely digested. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the directed discharge has a pressure large enough to shear the joined particles together and to rinse the residues inside the container. 15. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the discharge means is a half-inch pipe with a zone of influence at the outlet of approximately 6 inches approximately 24 inches after the pipe mouth. 16. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the pumping is carried out at the moment when the microbial deposit is at approximately a relative maximum and the pollutant concentration of the water column is at approximately a relative minimum. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the outlet discharge shears the clay particles and cleans the particles of the residues. 18. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the pumping is repeated periodically until essentially no contamination remains in the container. 19. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the pumping takes place approximately every 2 or 3 days. 20. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that an approximately neutral pH is maintained. 21. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that dissolved oxygen is maintained in a range between about 6 and about 8 ppm. 22. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that the container is a 20 cubic feet progressive attenuation container. 23. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that microbes and support products are added. 24. A method for removing contamination from the contaminated medium according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of solubilizing the metals from the contaminated medium and removing the solubilized metals from the container.