Apparatus for passive removal of subsurface contaminants

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871011

Pemberton, Bradley E ^[1]; May, Christopher P ^[2]; Rossabi, Joseph ^[1]

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1. Aiken, SC
2. Fairfax, VA

An apparatus is provided which passively removes contaminated gases from a subsurface. The apparatus includes a riser pipe extending into a subsurface which has an exterior end in fluid communication with a valve. When well pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to release contaminants into the atmosphere, and when well pressure is less than atmospheric pressure, the valve closes to prevent flow of air into the well. The valve assembly of the invention comprises a lightweight ball which is lifted from its valve seat with a slight pressure drop between the well and the atmosphere.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company, Inc. (Aiken, SC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5641245
• OSTI ID: 871011
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
passive
removal
subsurface
contaminants
provided
passively
removes
contaminated
gases
riser
pipe
extending
exterior
fluid
communication
valve
pressure
atmospheric
release
atmosphere
closes
prevent
flow
air
assembly
comprises
lightweight
ball
lifted
seat
slight
drop
valve seat
pressure drop
fluid communication
atmospheric pressure
valve assembly
contaminated gas
subsurface contaminants
contaminated gases
riser pipe
subsurface contaminant
surface contaminants
/405/166/588/