System and method for reclaiming and optimizing land

The present invention is a system for treating land, either to reclaim or optimize the land. Embedded subsurface pipes deliver water to the land. The water may be loaded with soil-treating additives. As water streams from the pipes, it treats the land before passing into a drainage ditch around the periphery of the land. The water is removed from the ditch and recycled, removing contaminants (in reclamation operations) or adding more additives (in optimization operations), before returning to the pipes for another round of treatment, if necessary.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for soil remediation, and more specifically to a system and method for soil remediation and optimization making use of pipelines located in the soil.

Arable land is a diminishing and increasingly precious commodity. The world's population is growing 1.1% annually while quality fertile and tillable land is actually decreasing due to pollution, soil nutrient exhaustion, lack of irrigation, poor cultivation techniques, and the expansion of cities and industrial activity. The world is drawing nearer to the point where its population's food requirements exceed the growing capacity of available land using existing technologies. In many areas, contaminated land may be useless for commercial and/or residential redevelopment, requiring further sacrifice of arable farmland to allow urban expansion. Contaminants from untreated land may eventually leach into water tables or adjacent, uncontaminated land, causing illness in local populations, ecological damage, and other hardships.

Soil contamination is generally treated in at least one of three ways. Bioremediation introduces tailored microorganisms to break down contaminants in the soil. Thermal desorption involves heating soil in a rotating dryer to remove or separate contaminants from the soil. Chemical fixation mixes contaminated material with other earthen material, then binds the contaminants in the mixture with chemical additives.

Each of these treatments has flaws. Bioremediation must be adapted to the contaminants and is only effective if microorganisms capable of breaking down the specific contaminants are available. Thermal desorption and chemical fixation require manual removal of a large volume of soil and can be too expensive or complex for developing nations or small farms. These remediation technologies do not take into account the need to enrich the soil and provide irrigation after processing.

A solution is needed that not only optimizes the use of existing arable land available but further cleanses, enriches, and reclaims non-arable land appropriately while putting back into the identified land the required nutrients and organic substances needed to promote environmental regrowth or the production of healthy, contaminant-free foods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The system for treating land includes at least one pipe loop embedded in a plot of land. A wall of the pipe loop has a plurality of pipe apertures extending therethrough. At least one water main pipe is connected to the pipe loop. At least one drainage trench encircles the plot of land and drains to at least one water storage unit. At least one irrigation pump is interposed between the water storage unit and the water main pipe. A stream of water circulates from the pipe loop to the plot of land to the drainage trench to the water storage unit to the irrigation pump to the water main pipe and back to the pipe loop.

The method for using the above system requires that at least one pipe loop is embedded below an upper surface of a plot of land. A beginning of the pipe loop is connected to an outlet pipe branch of at least one water main pipe. An end of the pipe loop is connected to an inlet pipe branch of the water main pipe. At least one drainage trench is dug completely circumscribing the plot of land. The drainage trench is connected to at least one water storage unit. The drainage trench is lined with permeable membrane and non-permeable membrane. At least one irrigation pump is connected between the water main pipe and the water storage unit. A system controller is connected to the irrigation pump. A stream of water is circulated from the pipe loop to the plot of land to the drainage trench to the water storage unit to the irrigation pump to the water main pipe and back to the pipe loop.

It should be understood that for clarity, not every part is labeled in every drawing. Lack of labeling should not be interpreted as a lack of disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be applied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation.

This land reclaiming and optimizing system100is a combination of different technologies that can remediate the soil to a normalized level and/or optimize the soil for environmental regrowth or growing crops by adding organics and other necessary nutrients, water, fertilizers etc. System100can reduce many soil contaminants, such as, but not limited to, heavy metals, carcinogens, hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and other unwanted soil materials to appropriate normalized levels. If desired, the system100can also or instead add the correct water, nutrients, organic fertilizers, and other soil additives to the soil to promote the environmental regrowth or balanced growth of organic crops through existing hydroponics knowledge.

The system100allows environmental remediation and/or growth of healthy crops due to the washing and elimination of contaminants in the soil. The system100is based on the scientific application of multiple different water processing technologies. The application of these processes through system100can provide soil remediation for otherwise blighted areas and change the quality and volumetric output of the world's food supply per acre for generations to come. The further benefit of remediating currently polluted land which has been rendered unusable due to heavy industrial contamination or other environmental factors is creating uncontaminated land that promotes provides a safe environment for living creatures. The system100works in tandem with the earth's normal growing, watering, and fertilization processes to promote healthy, organic crop growth and environmental remediation.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1aand 1b, the system100includes multiple pipe loops10embedded below the frostline and/or maximum plant root depth of the plot of land to be reclaimed and/or optimized. Ideally, pipe loops10are located in topsoil, above a level of slow-draining hardpan to allow the water to flow primarily through the topsoil. Each pipe loop10underlies a particular section of the plot of land to be treated, allowing treatment to be customized for that specific area of land. The pipe loops10may be a semi-rigid or rigid material with pipe apertures11extending through the walls of pipe loop10to allow delivery of water, fertilizer, nutrients, and other fluid soil additives, as can be seen inFIG. 1c. The pipe apertures11do not necessarily extend through the uppermost point of the walls, nor do they necessarily form a regular or linear progression, as can be seen inFIGS. 1cand 1d. The pipe apertures11may also be grouped at intervals, as can be seen inFIG. 1c.

The pipe loops10may extend along the length and/or width of the land to be treated or terminate or curve at a point partially the length and/or width of the land to be treated. The pipe loops10may be straight, curved, or double back one or more times along their length. In other embodiments, pipe loops10may have a crisscrossing and/or multilevel configuration. Pipe loops10may also form a meshed pipe network.

The pipe apertures11may be fitted with aperture non-return valves12to prevent soil, abnormally long roots, and other debris from entering pipe loop10. Emplacement of pipe loops10may be accomplished by horizontal drilling and pipe deployment, and/or by manually or mechanically digging or plowing a trench in the land and laying pipe loops10in place. In certain embodiments using horizontal drilling, the drilling gel used to assist in drilling may be loaded with soil-remediation additives to improve soil-remediation capabilities of system100or soil-improving additives to allow additional soil optimization. In certain embodiments, fluid-resistant membranes13are placed extending from the circumference of pipe loop10to seal pipe loop10to the soil and prevent water from surfacing prematurely. This assures that the soil pressure is maintained and that the water takes an appropriate path through the soil before entering a drainage trench20. Membranes13may be hygroscopic membranes and may be placed where pipe loop10enters or exits the soil and/or enters or exits drainage trench20.

The pipe loops10are connected to at least one water main pipe15through outlet and inlet pipe branches16aand16b, respectively. The outlet pipe branch16aconnects the beginning of pipe loop10to one water main pipe15to receive treated water. The corresponding inlet pipe branch16bconnects the end of pipe loop10to the same water main pipe15to return any remaining treated water. Each water main pipe15may have more than one pair of outlet and inlet pipe branches16aand16b. Both outlet and inlet pipe branches16aand16bmay include one or more branch valves17. The branch valves17may be mechanical or may be actuated by an electronic or manual controller. Such selective actuation permits fluid delivery through specific pipe loops10or precise groups thereof to allow targeted treatment of different areas of the land. One-way branch valves17can also prevent backflow into pipe loop10or water main pipe15.

After water is expelled from pipe loops10, the water travels through the soil, removing or binding contaminants and/or depositing soil additives. Excess water, which may be laden with contaminants and/or surplus additives, travels to the edges of the land, which are completely surrounded along the periphery by drainage trench20. The drainage trench20is lined at the bottom with a liquid-impermeable membrane21to prevent the water from carrying contaminants or excess soil additives to other areas. The sides of drainage trench20may be lined with liquid-impermeable membrane21or a liquid-permeable membrane22, but at least one side is lined with liquid-permeable membrane22to allow liquid to pass from the field to drainage trench20.

In certain embodiments where large areas of land are treated, the land so surrounded may be subdivided by additional drainage trench(es)20into individual fields, each with their own set of pipe loops10, but sharing mutually bordering drainage trenches20and/or certain of the remaining components of system100. As can be seen inFIG. 1b, both sides of drainage trench20between remediated fields are lined with liquid-permeable membrane22to allow both fields to drain into the same trench. Between a remediated field and an unremediated field, the side of drainage trench20next to the remediated field is lined with liquid-permeable membrane22, while the side next to the unremediated field is lined with liquid-impermeable membrane21to prevent liquid from passing between fields.

In certain embodiments, drainage trench20drains to a water storage unit40through a high-volume water processor30, which removes and/or breaks down chemical and/or particulate contaminants, such as, but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, munitions residue, agrochemicals, salts, and human and animal waste. In certain embodiments, water processor30includes or is in line with an ionization unit31to provide ozone- and hydroxide-ionization assisted breakdown of contaminants. The water processor30may be a high-volume water cleaning unit, such as, but not limited to, the water processors used in cleaning fracking water.

The water processor30may utilize water processing methodologies such as, but not limited to, deionization, biological water treatment (with or without media filtration), ozonation, hydroxide (OH−) dosing, water softening, distillation and vapor distillation, ultraviolet radiation, electrostatic water treatment, flocculation, filtration, and any combination thereof. The water processor30may utilize filtration methodologies such as, but not limited to, reverse osmosis filtration, sediment filtration, sand filtration, filtration with commercially available media (such as, but not limited to, Kinetic Degradation Fluxion redox filtration media, Aqua Treatment Services filters, etc.), activated carbon filtration, nanoscale or graphene membrane filtration, electrodialysis, filtration with activated alumina (Al2O3), and any combination thereof. The water processor30may utilize sediment removal methodologies such as, but not limited to, weirs, centrifugal separation, gravity separators, coarse membranes or media with backwashing, Y strainers, spin down strainers, and any combination thereof.

Water processed by water processor30is transferred to water storage unit40. In one embodiment, water storage unit40is a storage pond lined with another liquid-impermeable membrane21. In another embodiment, water storage unit40is a closed, partially open, or open storage tank. In still another embodiment, water storage unit40includes multiple water storage units40connected in series, in parallel, or in any combination thereof. Sediment in the water can settle in water storage unit40to prevent migration to and clogging or damage of other parts of system100. This sediment settling may be in addition to or in place of sediment removal by water processor30. The water storage unit40may also incorporate any of the above-listed sediment removal methodologies.

A filtration pump55can pump water from water storage unit40to a filtration unit32for additional processing. In one embodiment, filtration unit32uses reverse osmosis filtration to further remove contaminants from water. Other embodiments may use additional and/or alternative filtration technologies, such as any of the above-listed filtration methodologies or combinations thereof.

After water passes through filtration unit32, irrigation pump55pressurizes the water for delivery to water main pipe15. Before entering water main pipe15, water may be further treated by various treatment units connected to irrigation pump55or the water lines leading thereto. At least one additive unit33may provide additional soil additives or additives that assist in soil remediation, such as, but not limited to, chemical binders or degraders. Such additives may be added using, by way of non-limiting example, metering pumps, venturi pumps, line injection, various mixing and/or blowing processes, and any combination thereof.

An additional ionization unit31may treat water before it enters the land to allow effective in situ breakdown of contaminants. A heater unit34may increase the water temperature to heat the land, allowing earlier planting and germination. The heater unit34is a liquid heater such as, but not limited to, a thin film heater, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater, a solar heater, a geothermal heat pump, a fossil fuel-based heater, a friction heater, a thermo-electric heater, and any combination thereof. Additional and/or duplicative treatment units in any combination may be added at any stage to utilize any of the above treatment, water processing, sediment removal, and/or filtration methodologies.

The branch valves17, water processor30, ionization unit(s)31, filtration unit32, additive unit33, heater unit34, water storage unit40, filtration pump50, and/or irrigation pump55may be controlled by a system controller60. The system controller60may allow automatic and/or manual monitoring of the land under treatment or any system component through at least one moisture sensor70, chemical sensor71, temperature sensor72, pressure sensor73, flow sensor74, and any combination thereof. Other sensors, such as, but not limited to, pH and light sensors, may also be used. These sensors may be integrated into system components and/or placed throughout the land under treatment.

By way of non-limiting example, in one embodiment pressure sensor73detects abnormal pressure spikes or drops within pipe loop10that may indicate damage to or blockage of pipe loop10. By way of non-limiting example, in another embodiment flow sensor74detects abnormal water flow within pipe loop10that may indicate damage to or blockage of pipe loop10. By way of non-limiting example, in another embodiment chemical sensor71detects the amount of soil additive left in water flowing into inlet pipe branch16bto prevent over-enrichment of the soil.

Data collected from the various system components may be stored on controller data storage66. In one embodiment, controller data storage66is cloud storage. The system controller60may be connected via a wired and/or wireless connection to any of the above components of system100. The system controller60may receive status updates, treatment feedback, sensor data, and user input, transmit control signals and output data to users and controller data storage66, and automatically calculate adjustments required to any part of system100to maintain a given level of operations or follow a course of treatment.

The system controller60may directly control system components or may send commands to sub-controllers regulating individual components or groups of components. Embodiments for very large remediation and/or optimization operations may use multiple controllers60operating independently or slaved to a master controller80, which functions similarly to controller60, but with increased storage and processing power to allow control over a more complex system100. The controller60may completely automate all aspects of regulating system100, require manual input of all controlling factors, or provide limited automation with user setup, manual intervention, and/or user approval required for certain exceptions.

The system controller60may use operational profiles90including differing operational parameters. Operational parameters are the system and/or component commands and/or settings necessary for treatment of a given contaminant or set of contaminants in a given environment, or for optimization of a given area of land in a given environment. Operational profiles90may have completely pre-set parameters, have some customizable parameters, or require user input of all parameters. Parameters may be based on contaminants, intended future crops or other plants, soil types, field configurations, drainage, weather conditions, existing or available system components, any other required or optional variables, and any combinations thereof. Operational profiles90may also differ based on intended end-uses of the land.

By way of non-limiting examples, the operational profile90for remediating chromium contamination from a level field with shallow sandy clay soil in a cold, arid environment may be very different from remediating cyclonite contamination from a sloping field with deep silty loam soil in a warm, humid environment. The operational profile90for optimizing soil for growing barley in a hilly field with nutrient-deficient clay loam in a savanna environment may also be different from optimizing soil for growing early-germinating soybeans in a terraced field with sandy loam soil in an oceanic environment. The operational profile90for remediating contaminated land for use in growing crops may be different from that for remediating contaminated land for use in a commercial development.

Soil scanning via various methods, in advance of remediation, is beneficial in determining the likely success of the remediation. Lack of consistency in the level or speed of water drainage to deeper depths beneath the surface of the earth can create significant issues. By way of non-limiting example, an old well drilled in a field can eliminate or reduce the ability to create the necessary back pressures in the soil to push the contaminated water to the surface and into drainage trench20. In such a case, the decision may be made to use other methods of treatment, modify the subsurface, or only treat part of a field.

The system100may be used in multiple configurations through two different phases: (1) remediation and (2) optimization. It should be understood that the specific arrangement of the elements of system100may be restructured as long as the fundamental function of system100remains unaltered.

In the first phase, at least the pipe loops10, water main pipe15, drainage trench20, water processor30, filtration unit32, water storage unit40, filtration pump50, and irrigation pump55are used to remediate contaminated land. A stream of water circulates from pipe loop10to the land to drainage trench20to water processor30to water storage unit40to filtration pump50to filtration unit32to irrigation pump55to water main pipe15, then back into pipe loop10for another cycle of remediation. With each cycle, contaminants are flushed from the land by the water, which is purified of contaminants and reused.

Once the land is remediated, water processor30, filtration unit32, and filtration pump50may be removed to allow system100to function as a soil treatment system in phase two. Embodiments which also used sensors, ionization unit31, additive unit33, and/or heater unit34may remove some or all of these components. In return, a user may add different or additional sensors, additive unit33, and/or heater unit34to assist in optimizing the land during phase two. In certain embodiments, phase one may be omitted entirely and system components placed only to enable immediate soil treatment.

As shown in the flowchart ofFIGS. 2athrough 2f, the following method200addresses installation and use of system100to remediate contaminated land. It should be understood that the arrangement of the steps of method200may be reordered as long as the fundamental function of method200remains unaltered.

As shown inFIG. 2a, in optional step202, a soil scan is performed to determine the likelihood of success using system100.

In step204, at least one pipe loop10is installed in the soil, embedded below an upper surface of the land and optionally sealed to the soil using membrane13. Embedding may be by horizontal drilling and pipe deployment, and/or by digging or plowing a trench in the land and laying pipe loop10in place.

In optional step206, any trenches or other surface depressions resulting from installation of pipe loop10are filled in with soil. Soil compacting may be required to help ground pressures remain consistent.

In step208, the beginning of pipe loop10is connected to an outlet pipe branch16aof at least one water main pipe15and the end of pipe loop10is connected to a corresponding inlet pipe branch16bof the water main pipe15.

In optional step210, steps202through208are repeated until the entire area to be remediated has sufficient pipe loops10to cover the area for remediation.

In step212, at least one drainage trench20is dug completely circumscribing the area to be remediated and connected to at least one water storage unit40. Additional interconnected drainage trenches20may be dug to subdivide the area and separate various groups of pipe loops10.

In step216, irrigation pump55is connected between water main pipe15and at least one water storage unit40.

In optional step218, ionization unit31is connected to the water line leading to irrigation pump55.

In optional step220, additive unit33is connected to the water line leading to irrigation pump55.

In optional step222, heater unit34is connected to the water line leading to irrigation pump55.

As shown inFIG. 2c, in step224, filtration unit32is connected between irrigation pump55and water storage unit40.

In step226, filtration pump50is connected between filtration unit32and water storage unit40.

In step228, water processor30is connected between water storage unit40and drainage trench20.

In optional step230, ionization unit31is also connected between water storage unit40and drainage trench20.

In optional step232, at least one moisture sensor70, chemical sensor71, temperature sensor72, pressure sensor73, and/or flow sensor74are placed in or on at least one of the above components of system100or the area to be remediated.

As shown inFIG. 2d, in step234, system controller60is connected to all installed system components that require control or provide data.

In optional step236, system controller60receives initial setup data from all connected system components and/or from at least one user.

In optional step238, system controller60performs an initial configuration of all connected system components based on the initial setup data obtained in step236.

In step240, system controller60executes at least one remediation operation in the area to be remediated. This operation at a minimum circulates a stream of water from pipe loop10to the land to drainage trench10to water storage unit40to irrigation pump55to water main pipe15and back to pipe loop10.

In step242, system controller60receives feedback from at least one connected system component.

As shown inFIG. 2e, in optional step244, system controller60alters at least one operational parameter based on the feedback obtained in step242, the time, and/or the cycle number.

In optional step246, system controller60maintains current operational parameters based on the feedback obtained in step242, the time, and/or the cycle number.

In optional step248, system controller60repeats steps240through246until the contamination reaches a preset level, a predetermined time elapses, a predetermined number of cycles pass, and/or another predetermined condition is met.

In optional step250, system controller60repeats steps240through246until the user stops system100from repeating steps240through246.

In optional step254, water storage unit40and drainage trench20are directly connected.

In optional step256, any additional unnecessary system components are removed.

As shown inFIGS. 3aand 3b, the following method300addresses use of system100to optimize land through delivery of water, either as pure water for irrigation or with at least one additional soil additive. Before step302, any of steps202-216,220-226,232, and/or234of method200may be used to install various components of system100if removal of contaminants from the land is unnecessary beforehand. It should be understood that the arrangement of the steps of method300may be reordered as long as the fundamental function of method300remains unaltered.

As shown inFIG. 3a, in optional step302, system controller60receives initial setup data from all connected system components and/or from at least one user.

In optional step304, system controller60performs an initial configuration of all connected system components based on the initial setup data obtained in step302.

In step306, system controller60executes at least one additive operation in the area to be optimized.

In step308, system controller60receives feedback from at least one connected system component.

In optional step310, system controller60alters at least one operational parameter based on the feedback obtained in step308, the time, and/or the cycle number.

In optional step312, system controller60maintains current operational parameters based on the feedback obtained in step308, the time, and/or the cycle number.

As shown inFIG. 3b, in optional step314, system controller60repeats steps306through312until the amount of soil additive in the soil reaches a preset level, a predetermined time elapses, a predetermined number of cycles pass, and/or another predetermined condition is met.

In optional step316, system controller60repeats steps306through312until the user manually halts system100.

FIG. 4depicts an exemplary embodiment of controller60in system100. The controller60is generally an independent processing system that includes a processor61, software62, a communication interface63, a user interface64, a processor storage65, and a controller data storage66. The processor61loads and executes software62from processor storage65, including at least one operational profile90containing commands, data values/ranges, and variables for at least one specific type of operation, as detailed above. When executed by controller60, software62directs the processor61to operate as described in herein in accordance with certain steps of methods200and300.

The controller60includes software62for controlling and modifying the functioning of system100. While the description as provided herein refers to a controller60and a processor61, it is to be recognized that implementations of such controllers can be performed using one or more processors61, which may be communicatively connected, and such implementations are considered to be within the scope of the description. It is also contemplated that these components of controller60may be operating in a number of physical locations.

The processor61can comprise a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software62from controller data storage66. The processor61can be implemented within a single processing device but can also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in existing program instructions. Examples of processors61include general purpose central processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device, combinations of processing devices, or variations thereof.

The controller data storage66can comprise any storage media readable by processor61, and capable of storing software62. The controller data storage66can include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other information. The controller data storage66can be implemented as a single storage device but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems. The controller data storage66can further include additional elements, such a controller capable of communicating with the processor61.

Examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic discs, optical discs, flash memory, virtual memory, and non-virtual memory, magnetic sets, magnetic tape, magnetic disc storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and that may be accessed by an instruction execution system, as well as any combination or variation thereof, or any other type of storage medium. In some implementations, the storage media can be a non-transitory storage media. In some implementations, at least a portion of the storage media may be transitory. Storage media may be internal or external to system100.

As described in further detail herein, controller60receives and transmits data through communication interface63. The data can include data from sensors70through74, data to be recorded by controller data storage66, and/or data received from user interface64. In embodiments, the communication interface63also operates to process data prior to sending and/or after receiving the data. Data processing can include packetization, digitization, format conversion, encryption, and/or the reverse of such processes.

The user interface64can include one or more input devices such as, but not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard or keypad, a voice input device, a touch input device for receiving a gesture from a user, a motion input device for detecting non-touch gestures and other motions by a user, and/or other comparable input devices and associated processing elements capable of receiving user input from a user. Output devices such as a video display or graphical display can display data or current status of system components. Speakers, printers, haptic devices and other types of output devices may also be included in the user interface64. Users can communicate with controller60through the user interface64in order to enter or receive data, set initial parameters, set stop parameters, or any number of other tasks the user may want to complete with controller60.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Any different configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.