Patent Abstract:
An injection tip assembly 10 and methods for use more reliably provide for delivery of fluid substances, such as materials that promote removal, destruction, or isolation of contaminants, into targeted zones within soil or bedrock. The injection tip assembly  10  permits the application of pressurized fluid  163  so as to erode or cut a desired cavity or eroded volume  164  within the subsurface  14 , allows for timely observation, adjustment, and control of pressure within the cavity, and directs the delivery of a second substance or fluid that may incorporate desired materials. The consequence of managed erosion and pressure control is to nucleate and propagate a hydraulic fracture of desirable form that optimally delivers remedial agents throughout the targeted formation.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    When ground, soil, or any subsurface becomes contaminated, remediation of the area is often considered. Heretofore, many methods of remediation of a contaminated subsurface required drilling a generally vertical bore hole from a surface into the contaminated subsurface, removing the boring device, and encasing the hole with a liner or casing, for example polyvinylchloride (PVC) piping. Thereafter, a remediation agent was delivered to the bottom of the bore hole through the PVC pipe casing. This technique has limited effect because of the small application area provided to the remediation agent at the bottom of the bore hole. 
         [0002]    It was discovered that prior to delivery of the remediation agent through the PVC pipe casing, a jet cutting machine may be lowered into the bottom of the bore hole to cut various patterns in the contaminated subsurface to create a larger application area for the remediation agent. However, this technique has several drawbacks. One drawback is the PVC pipe casing limits the effectiveness and the spray pattern or the expulsion of the pressurized fluid. Another drawback relates to the runoff of the pressurized fluid after exposure to the contaminated subsurface, which must be transferred out of the bore hole in a controlled manner. Further, application of pressurized fluid into the bottom of the bore hole increases pressure inside the contaminated subsurface which leads to hydraulic fracturing of the subsurface in an uncontrolled manner. 
         [0003]    The invention of more powerful direct push machines motivated the integration of injection nozzle orifices into the tip of a probe rod, which eliminates the need for drilling and depositing a PVC casing inside the bore hole. Using modern injection tips connected to probe rods, remediation agents are directed through probe rods and the nozzle orifice to apply the remediation agent to the contaminated substructure. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,067 issued to Hunt et al. is incorporated herein by reference to provide additional background information on problems faced when remediating a contaminated subsurface. Hunt et al. describes a method and system for bioremediation of contaminated soil using inoculated support spheres. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The invention addresses these and other drawbacks associated with the prior art by providing a device for remediating a contaminated subsurface by producing an eroded volume having a desired shape in the contaminated subsurface for use in influencing the orientation and form of resulting hydraulic fractures. According to an embodiment of the invention, the device includes a nozzle head, an inner channel defined by the nozzle head, an outer channel defined by the nozzle head, a plurality of nozzle plugs removably secured to the nozzle head, a nozzle plug channel defined by each nozzle plug, wherein the nozzle plug channel is in fluid communication with the inner channel when the respective nozzle plug is removably secured to the nozzle head, and a plurality of fluid exchange sections defined by the nozzle head, wherein each fluid exchange section is in fluid communication with the outer channel. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for remediating a contaminated subsurface by disposing an injection tip assembly into the contaminated subsurface, delivering a pressurized fluid to a nozzle head of the injection tip, spraying the pressurized fluid out of the nozzle head to erode a volume of the contaminated subsurface, collecting the sprayed pressurized fluid in to the nozzle head and delivering the collected sprayed pressurized fluid to the surface, delivering a remediation agent to the nozzle head, and dispersing the remediation agent out of the nozzle head and into the eroded volume to remediate the contaminated subsurface. 
         [0007]    According to another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for nucleating and propagating hydraulic fractures. The method comprises driving an injection tip into a subsurface, dispensing a first substance through the injection tip to form a cavity in the subsurface, and dispensing a second substance through the injection tip into the cavity. The method also comprises either controlling a pressure in the cavity through the injection tip directly to nucleate a hydraulic fracture from the cavity; or allowing, through the injection tip, a pressure in the cavity to nucleate a hydraulic fracture from the cavity. The allowing is accomplished by fabricating the injection tip such that the dispensing rate of either the first or second substance is correlated to the pressure required to nucleate a hydraulic fracture in the subsurface. 
         [0008]    According to another embodiment of the invention, an injection tip for nucleating and propagating hydraulic fractures is provided. The injection tip extends from a first end to a second end and includes an outer opening defined by the injection tip. The injection tip further includes a first channel defined by the injection tip and extending from the first end to the outer opening, wherein the first channel is configured to selectively transfer substances therethrough. The injection tip further includes a second channel defined by the injection tip and extending from the first end to the outer opening, wherein the second channel is configured to selectively transfer substances therethrough. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment of the invention, an assembly is provided comprising a fluid control system for controlling the substances transferred into or out of an injection tip. The assembly further comprises a probe rod in fluid communication with the fluid control system, whereby the injection tip is coupled to the probe rode and in fluid communication with the fluid control system through the probe rod. The injection tip comprises a nozzle portion, a first channel defined by the nozzle head, wherein the first channel is configured to transfer a first substance from the fluid control system through the nozzle portion and to the exterior of the injection tip, and a second channel defined by the nozzle head, wherein the second channel is configured to transfer a second substance from the fluid control system through the nozzle portion and to the exterior of the injection tip. 
         [0010]    These and other advantages and features, which characterize the invention, are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and forming a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, references should be made to the Drawings and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is described exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the embodiments of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is an elevational view of two exemplary injection tip assemblies of the present invention connected to rods and driven into a contaminated subsurface. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of one of the injection tip assemblies of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view thereof. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view thereof, showing a sleeve, nozzle plug, and drive point exploded from a nozzle head of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention disposed in a contaminated subsurface. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 7  and shown with the nozzle plugs removed. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is an elevational view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention connected to a series of probe rods and with a well head disposed on the outermost probe rod. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention shown spraying a pressurized fluid from an inner channel through the nozzle plugs in a generally horizontal orientation and receiving the sprayed pressurized fluid into an outer channel of the injection tip assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention shown dispersing a remediation agent out through the outer channel and into an eroded volume to induce hydraulic fracturing. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention shown dispersing a concrete material through the center channel and into the bore hole as the injection tip assembly is moved from the bore hole. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is another perspective view thereof. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention with a set of openings shown in phantom. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is another perspective view thereof with threads shown in phantom. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view thereof. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view thereof. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21 a    is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection tip assembly of the present invention shown spraying a pressurized fluid from an angled inner channel of the nozzle plugs in a generally non-horizontal orientation and receiving the sprayed pressurized fluid into an outer channel of the injection tip assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21 b    is a partial cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 21 a   , of an injection tip assembly of the present invention shown spraying a pressurized fluid from an inner channel through angled nozzle plugs in a generally non-horizontal orientation and receiving the sprayed pressurized fluid into an outer channel of the injection tip assembly. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional view of a rod assembly of the present invention shown with a slotted probe rod and purge tubing incorporated therein. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a partial cross-sectional view of a rod assembly of the present invention coupled with a fluid control system through tubing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  illustrates an injection tip assembly  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and shown in an operating environment  12 . Operating environment  12  includes a surface  13 , a subsurface  14  comprised of a first layer  16 , a second layer  18 , and a contaminated region  20  disposed in portions of both first layer  16  and second layer  18 . Injection tip assembly  10  is removably connected to one or more probe rods  22  to form a rod assembly  24  of desired length. Rod assembly  24  is forced into subsurface  14  by way of a ramming machine  26  and thereafter selectively connected to a fluid control system for controlling the substances flowing through rod assembly  24 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , rod assembly  24  is capped with a fluid control system comprising a well head  28  and a fluid device  30 . In this embodiment, one or more substances are supplied to well head  28  or retrieved from well head  28  by way of a fluid device  30 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 2-5  illustrate the injection tip assembly  10 , which extends from a first end  32  to a second end  34  and includes a drive point  36  and a nozzle portion  38 . Drive point  36  is a removable or disposable element optionally positioned within injection tip assembly  10  and configured to penetrate surface  13  and subsurface  14  as rod assembly  24  moves generally vertically downwardly into subsurface  14 . Drive point  36  includes a head  43  connected to a boss  45 . Head  43  includes a smooth conical surface  42  terminating at an apex  44 . Apex  44  and conical surface  42  spread subsurface  14  and cooperate to cam sediments and rocks away from injection tip assembly  10  as rod assembly  24  is driven into subsurface  14 . A smooth annular surface  46  abuts conical surface  42  and extends around the periphery of head  43 . Boss  45  is located proximate annular surface  46  and extends outwardly away from head  43  having generally a smaller cross-sectional profile. Boss  45  defines one or more o-ring grooves  47  extending circumferentially and a corresponding o-ring  49  disposed in the groove so as to establish a fluid seal between the exterior of the drive point  10  and the subsurface  43 . 
         [0038]    Boss  45  is sized to fit within a pocket  50  defined by a first end  54  of nozzle portion  38 . Boss  45  includes a smooth annular surface  48  which abuts a complementary shaped annular surface  52  of nozzle portion  38  when boss  45  is received in pocket  50 . Boss  45  fits within pocket  50  to facilitate a one-way connection or one-way engagement between drive point  36  and nozzle portion  38 . Pursuant to this one-way engagement, boss  45  remains within pocket  50  when rod assembly  24  moves nozzle portion  38  in a first direction, generally vertically downwardly and into subsurface  14 . Conversely, boss  45  slides out of pocket  50  to disengage drive point  36  from nozzle portion  38  when rod assembly  24  moves in a second direction, generally vertically upwardly and out of subsurface  14 . As such, in one embodiment of the invention, drive point  36  is a disposable element engaged with nozzle portion  38  during the positioning and placement of rod assembly  24  in subsurface  14 . As rod assembly  24  is extracted from subsurface  14 , drive point  36  is left behind. In other embodiments of the present invention, drive point  36  is configured to remain with injection tip assembly  10  as rod assembly  24  is extracted from subsurface  14 . In another embodiment, the depth of pocket  50  is configured by either the inclusion or omission of segments of probe rod  22  to be substantially longer than the length of boss  45 . 
         [0039]    Nozzle portion  38  extends from first end  54  to a second end  56  and defines a first channel, referred to hereinafter as an inner channel  58 . In this embodiment, inner channel  58  is coaxially oriented with respect to a second channel, referred to hereinafter as an outer channel  60 . More specifically, proximate second end  34 , inner channel  58  is defined by a cylindrical wall extending outwardly away from a nozzle head  64  to enclose and define inner channel  58 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , inner channel  58  extends from a first end  66  to a second end  68 , whereby second end  68  is defined by nozzle head  64 . A plurality of threads  70  are disposed proximate first end  66  and are sized to receive a set of complementarily shaped threads  71  disposed on a first end  72  of a hose  74  ( FIG. 6 ) by way of a threaded engagement between threads  70  and threads  71 . Hose  74  defines an inner channel  76  which is in fluid communication with inner channel  58  when first end  72  of hose  74  is received by threads  70 . Alternatively, inner channel  58  is separated into separate discrete channels extending to a particular element within injection tip assembly  10 . For example, inner channel  58  may comprise two separate channels, with each channel extending to a nozzle or an outlet disposed proximate second end  56  of nozzle portion  38 . In such an embodiment, separate substances such as liquid or other material is delivered through the separated channels of inner channel  58 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , outer channel  60  is partially defined by a sleeve  78  surrounding cylindrical wall  62 . Sleeve  78  extends from a first end  80  to a second end  82  and in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, sleeve  78  is machined independently and welded to nozzle head  64  proximate second end  82  by a series of welds  84  ( FIG. 4 ). Alternatively, or in conjunction with welds  84 , second end  82  of sleeve  78  includes a threaded, stepped, or shoulder feature, referred to hereinafter as a shoulder  83 , for receiving a complementary feature, referred to hereinafter as a shoulder  85 , disposed on nozzle portion  38 . In an embodiment of the invention, shoulder  83  of sleeve  78  slidingly engages and receives shoulder  85  of nozzle portion  38  therein to couple sleeve  78  with nozzle portion  38 . Welds  84  are thereafter applied, or sleeve  78  and nozzle portion  38  is removably engaged to allow for cleaning or replacement of either portion. First end  80  of sleeve  78  includes a plurality of threads  86  for use in connecting with a first end  88  of probe rod  22 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , both inner channel  58  and outer channel  60  terminate in an outer opening  104  comprising a series of multiple openings defined by nozzle head  64 . First end  66  of inner channel  58  spreads into a set of six channels  90  which are oriented generally orthogonally to inner channel  58  and act to alter the general direction of inner channel  58  by approximately ninety degrees in an embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, the set of six channels  90  is oriented at an angle with respect to inner channel  58  and act to alter the general direction of inner channel  58  by any selected degree. For example, the set of six channels  90  may alter the direction of inner channel  58  by forty-five degrees to present a skirt-like shape of pressurized fluid expelled from injection tip assembly  10 . Each channel  90  is defined by a prong  92  of nozzle head  64 . In an embodiment of the invention, prong  92  is a distinct element. In another embodiment of the invention, prong  92  is machined as an integral part of nozzle head  64 . Prong  92  and each channel  90  terminates at a chamber  94  defined by nozzle head  64 . Chamber  94  is generally comprised of two sections, a threaded section  96  defining a series of threads  98  and a fluid exchange section  100  which extends outwardly away from threaded section  96 . While the area at the distal end of nozzle head  64  is shown comprising channels  90 , prongs  92 , chambers  94 , and fluid exchange sections  100 , any similar orientation or structure for similar or alternative elements is contemplated. For example, rather than distinct channels  90 , nozzle head  64  may combine one or more channels  90  into another a similar opening having a different size and shape. 
         [0042]    Fluid exchange section  100  of chamber  94  is in fluid communication with outer channel  60  by way of a top opening  102  which is defined by nozzle head  64  and allows fluid flow between outer channel  60  and fluid exchange section  100 . Fluid exchange section  100  is also in fluid communication with the exterior of injection tip assembly  10  by way of outer opening  104  which is defined by nozzle head  64 . Further, fluid exchange section  100  is also in fluid communication with pocket  50  by way of a bottom opening  106  which is disposed on one end of a lower channel  108  defined by nozzle head  64 . Lower channel  108  extends from fluid exchange section  100  to pocket  50 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 11  and discussed in greater detail below, fluid flows out of outer channel  60  by passing fluid through top opening  102  and into fluid exchange section  100  and out of nozzle portion  38  by way of outer opening  104  and bottom opening  106 . Conversely, as shown in  FIG. 10  and discussed in greater detail below, fluid is received into outer channel  60  in a reverse process, whereby fluid enters outer opening  104  and/or bottom opening  106  and passes through fluid exchange section  100  and into outer channel  60  to be collected by the fluid control system. 
         [0043]    Each chamber  94  is sized to selectively receive a disposable or removable nozzle plug  109  which facilitates dispersion of fluid into the subsurface. Each nozzle plug  109  includes a threaded portion  110  having a plurality of threads  112  disposed thereon. Threaded portion  110  is configured to be removably secured and threadably received by threaded section  96  of each chamber  94  whereby threads  98  of threaded section  96  threadably engage threads  112  of threaded portion  110  such that post  92  abuts threaded section  110 . Threaded section  110  further defines an inlet  114 . Inlet  114  is formed and oriented within threaded portion  110  to align with channel  90  of post  92  when nozzle plug  109  is disposed in chamber  94 , thereby enabling fluid communication between inlet  114  and channel  90 . Inlet  114  converges into an outlet  116  defined by a plug head  118 , whereby plug head  118  extends from threaded portion  110 . As such, outlet  116  is in fluid communication with inner channel  58  by way of channel  90  and inlet  114 . The convergence of inlet  114  into outlet  116  creates a pressurized spray as the fluid moves from inner channel  58  to channel  90  to inlet  114  and finally exits injection tip assembly  10  by way of outlet  116 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the cross-sectional area of plug head  118  is smaller than the cross-sectional area of fluid exchange section  100  of chamber  94 . The relative size of plug head  118  with respect to fluid exchange section  100  defines a space therebetween for allowing fluid to move around nozzle plug  109  and enter or exit top opening  102  or bottom opening  106 . 
         [0045]    If the user desires a certain spray angle or orientation of the fluid into the subsurface, the user may select and secure nozzle plugs  109  to fit the desired requirements. Nozzle plugs  109  may be selected based on different spray characteristics and are interchangeable and configurable by the user. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , nozzle plugs  109  are selected and configured to spray in a conical or fan-shaped pattern. Alternatively, nozzle plugs  109  are selected and configured to spray generally parallel to its axis. As another example, as shown in  FIG. 21 a   , nozzle plug  109   a  includes an angled channel  116 a that provides a spray characteristic which disperses fluid in a downward lobe orientation while nozzle plug  109   a  is secured to the nozzle head  64  in a generally orthogonal direction. Similarly, nozzle plug  109   b  includes an angled channel  116   b  that provides a spray characteristic which disperses fluid in an upward lobe orientation while nozzle plug  109   b  is secured to nozzle head  64  in a generally orthogonal direction. 
         [0046]    In another example, as shown in  FIG. 21 b   , nozzle plugs  109   a  and  109   b  include a standard non-angled channel  116   a  and  116   b , respectively, but are secured to the nozzle head  64  in an angled orientation to disperse fluid in a downward lobe orientation and an upward lobe orientation, respectively. This allows a user to select standard nozzle plugs  109  and connect the nozzle plugs  109  to the nozzle head  64  in an angled manner, as the nozzle head  64  includes an angled nozzle plug  109  receiving structure. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , after insertion of rod assembly  24  into subsurface  14 , the uppermost probe rod  22  extending out of surface  13  is capped with well head  28 . Well head  28  selectively provides substances to injection tip assembly  10  via probe rods  22 . Well head  28  includes a connector segment  120  which is selectively connected to probe rod  22  at a first end  122  and connected to a splitter  126  at a second end  124 . Splitter  126  receives substances such as fluid from various sources and transfers the fluid as required therethrough. Spliter  126  also admits and coaxially secures a jet fluid inlet  130 , which connects to hose or hoses  74  thereby delivering fluid to passage or passages  58 . Splitter  126  receives fluid from a segment  128  of a seal assembly  134  which supplies fluid from either jet fluid inlet  130  or a purge fluid inlet  132 . Seal assembly  134  mounted on splitter  126  maintains fluid pressure within splitter  126 . Jet fluid inlet  130  and purge fluid inlet  132  are in fluid communication with seal assembly  134  which is operatively connected to a first handle  136  and a second handle  138 . The orientations of first handle  136  and second handle  138  determine whether seal assembly  134  is properly clamped down upon segment  128  to provides fluid through splitter  126  to segment  120 . For example, in a particular orientation of first handle  136  and second handle  138 , seal assembly  134  is fittingly secured to segment  128 . In another orientation of first handle  136  and second handle  138 , allows seal assembly  134  to move about segment  128 . 
         [0048]    Segment  120  is connected to hose  74  by way of splitter  126  and segment  128 . Thus, when fluid is supplied to segment  128  by either jet fluid inlet  130  or purge fluid inlet  132 , the fluid travels through splitter  126  and segment  120  and into hose  74  inside rod assembly  24 . As such, the fluid from either jet fluid inlet  130  or purge fluid inlet  132  is directed into inner channel  58  of injection tip assembly  10  by way of rod assembly  24 . To log data and monitor pressure within inner channel  58 , a data logger device  140  is provided and operatively connected to segment  128  to obtain data, which can be recorded as part of a permanent record and/or displayed remotely or locally, from well head  28  and rod assembly  24 . Similarly, a pressure gauge  142  is operatively connected to segment  128  to provide visual feedback information to a user regarding the pressure within segment  128 . 
         [0049]    Splitter  126  also receives fluid from a segment  144  which is connected to a valve  146  which is operatively opened and closed by actuation of a valve handle  148  connected thereto. Valve  148  receives fluid from a slurry inlet  150 . Slurry inlet  150  provides slurry fluid to valve  148  which allows the slurry fluid to pass into segment  144  when valve handle  148  is in a particular orientation and prevents slurry fluid from passing into segment  144  when in a different orientation. Slurry inlet  150  is connected to outer channel  60  by way of segment  144 , splitter  126 , and segment  128 . Thus, when slurry fluid is supplied to segment  144 , the slurry fluid travels through splitter  126  and segment  120  and into outer channel  60 . As such, the slurry fluid from slurry inlet  150  is directed into outer channel  60  of injection tip assembly  10  by way of rod assembly  24 . To log data and monitor pressure within outer channel  60 , a data logger device  152  is provided and operatively connected to segment  144  to obtain data, which can be recorded as part of a permanent record and/or displayed remotely or locally, from well head  28  and rod assembly  24 . Similarly, a pressure gauge  154  is operatively connected to segment  144  to provide visual feedback information to a user regarding the pressure within segment  144 . 
         [0050]    Inasmuch as waste fluid travels out of injection tip assembly  10  and up through rod assembly  24 , splitter  126  receives waste fluid from outer channel  60  by way of segment  120 . This waste fluid is purged from well head  28  through outlet  156  by way of a segment  158  connected to splitter  126 . A valve  160  is disposed between segment  158  and outlet  156  which opens and closes to allow waste fluid to travel therethrough. A valve handle  162  is operatively connected to valve  160  to allow a user to manually open and close valve  160 . Valve handle  162  adjusts the volume of waste fluid passing through valve  160  to configure and affect the pressure in outer channel  60  and subsurface  14  proximate injection tip assembly  10 . In an embodiment of the invention, outlet  156  passes the waste fluid to a reservoir (not shown) to be collected for disposal or remediation. Alternatively, outlet  156  is selectively coupled back to jet fluid inlet  130 , purge fluid inlet  132 , or both, to allow recirculation of the waste fluid back into the fluid control system, shown in  FIG. 9  as well head  28 , for further use. 
         [0051]    In operation, injection tip assembly  10  is used to deliver remediation materials into contaminated area  20 . Initially, a user attaches injection tip assembly  10  to a probe rod  22  and positions injection tip assembly  10  of probe rod  22  such that drive point  36  is directed toward first layer  16  of subsurface  14  at surface  13 . First end  72  of hose  74  is connected to inner channel  76  and extends entirely into well head  28  or added in segments along with each new segment of probe rod  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , ramming machine  26  thereafter imparts a ramming motion to probe rod  22  to drive probe rod  22  and injection tip assembly  10  into first layer  16  of subsurface  14 . This ramming continues until either the original probe rod  22  is almost entirely within subsurface  14  or injection tip assembly  10  is at the desired depth within subsurface  14 . Probe rods  22  and any accompanying segments of hose  74  are added as needed to each successive end of the previous probe rod  22  to form the overall rod assembly  24  penetrating into subsurface  14 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , after injection tip assembly  10  disposed on rod assembly  24  is at a sufficient depth within subsurface  14 , ramming machine  26  is removed from rod assembly  24  and a fluid control system, such as well head  28  and control device  30 , is attached to the probe rod  22  extending outwardly from subsurface  14  at surface  13 . Well head  28  is then connected to fluid device  30  using various hoses and interconnections as desired by the user. Particularly, jet fluid inlet  130  is connected to a source of a substance, such as a pressurized fluid or pressurized water  163  ( FIG. 10 ). Purge fluid inlet  132  is also connected to a substance supply such as a water supply, having much less pressure applied thereto. As such, purge fluid inlet  132  and the associated fluid is used to flush any debris away from nozzle head  64  which has accumulated during the ramming process in penetration of subsurface  14 . Slurry inlet  150  is connected to a supply of substance such as a slurry fluid which may be a remediation agent  165  for use in remediating contaminated area  20  or may be any other slurry or substance as desired. Outlet  156  is connected to an outlet hose which receives expelled fluid from well head  28  and conveys this fluid to fluid device  30 . 
         [0053]    After injection tip assembly  10  is positioned within contaminated area  20  and well head  28  is connected to the upper most probe rod  22  and all interconnected hoses are sufficiently supplied with fluid by fluid device  30 , a user manually actuates well head  28  to observe and control the delivery process. As such, a user approaches well head  28  and actuates valve handle  162  to open valve  160  and further actuates valve handle  148  to close valve  146 . The user then calls for activation of the supply of purge fluid provided at inlet  132 . The fluid from purge inlet  132  thereby expels any contaminates or debris which may be clogging or plugging any part of nozzle head  64 . Expelled material exits from outlet  156 . The user then calls for the activation of the supply of jet fluid provided at inlet  130 . 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , jet fluid inlet  130  provides pressurized water  163  into inner channel  58  by way of hoses  74  connected in succession along rod assembly  24  and extending from cylindrical wall  62  of injection tip assembly  10  to well head  28 . Thus, jet fluid inlet  130  is in fluid communication with inner channel  58  of nozzle head  64  by way of hoses  74  disposed inside each probe rod  22  along the length of rod assembly  24 . A compass (not shown) or another marking system may be implemented in the injection tip assembly  10  for use in illustrating to the user above the subsurface how the nozzle portion  38  is oriented within the subsurface. For example, a notch or marking may be provided in each probe rod  22  with the upper most final probe rod  22  illustrating to the user how the nozzle portion  38  is oriented in the subsurface. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , as pressurized fluid travels down inner channel  58 , this pressurized fluid enters the various inlets  114  of nozzle plugs  109  and is expelled at high velocity in a spray pattern through the associated outlets  116  of nozzle plugs  109 . The spray of the accelerated fluid erodes subsurface  14  into a cavity having a particular pattern, shape, or volume, as dictated by the shape and orientation of nozzle plug  109 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pressurized fluid sprays outwardly away from nozzle head  64  eroding subsurface  14  and thereafter entering outer channel  60  by way of outer opening  104  and top opening  102 . Thus, the accelerated fluid travels down inner channel  58  and out nozzle plugs  109  and is thereafter collected and received within fluid exchange section  100  and travels back up injection tip assembly  10  by way of outer channel  60 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , once an eroded volume  164  or cavity is sufficiently constructed, the user, by observation of pressure gauge  154 , actuates valve handle  162  to close valve  160  to a degree that restricts returning flow and allows pressure to accumulate to a desired magnitude within outer channel  60 , top opening  102 , fluid exchange section  100 , and outer opening  104 , whereby pressure is exerted upon the faces of eroded volume  164 , causing a hydraulic fracture to nucleate at that moment and no earlier. For example, if a user wishes to maintain the general pressure within outer channel  60  and eroded volume  164  of 50 pounds per square inch (PSI), the user observes pressure gauge  154  and notes that the pressure within outer channel  60  and eroded volume  164  is greater than 50 PSI. In this instance, the user opens valve  160  by way of valve handle  162  slowly to allow fluid to escape through valve  160  into outlet  156  and bring the pressure down toward 50 PSI. Conversely, if a user observes a pressure lower than 50 PSI, the user actuates valve handle  162  to close valve  160  to a certain degree to allow the pressure within outer channel  60  and eroded volume  164  to increase toward the desired 50 PSI. As such, a user has pressure feedback at well head  28  as well as a mechanism for controlling and configuring pressure within outer channel  60  and eroded volume  164 . The ability to control pressure within outer channel  60  and eroded volume  164  allows the user to fine tune the nucleation and propagation of a hydraulic fracture as desired. 
         [0056]    Another method for nucleating and propagating a hydraulic fracture in a controlled manner involves dispensing a substance through the injection tip assembly  10  at a first rate, monitoring the pressure in the cavity or eroded volume  164 , and adjusting the first rate to a second rate to change the pressure in the cavity or eroded volume  164  to nucleate and propagate the fracture. Another method for nucleating and propagating a hydraulic fracture in a controlled manner involves collecting a substance through the injection tip assembly  10  at a first rate, monitoring the pressure in the cavity or eroded volume  164 , and adjusting the first rate to a second rate to change the pressure in the cavity or eroded volume  164  to nucleate and propagate the fracture. Yet another method for nucleating and propagating a hydraulic fracture in a controlled manner involves monitoring the pressure in the cavity or eroded volume  164  and adjusting both the substance dispensing rate and the substance collecting rate to alter the pressure to nucleate and propagate the fracture. In another embodiment of the invention, the nozzle head  64  may be fabricated such that the inherent rate by which a substance is dispensed through the nozzle head  64  generates the corresponding desired pressure in the cavity to nucleate and propagate a hydraulic fracture. In this embodiment, the hydraulic fracture is nucleated with minimal or no direct control of the pressure in the cavity by a user. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , once eroded volume  164  is sufficiently constructed and a fracture has been nucleated, the user calls for activation of the supply of slurry that is provided at inlet  150  and actuates valve handle  148  to open valve  146  and allow remediation agent  165  supplied by slurry inlet  150  to pass thereby. Remediation agent  165  enters outer channel  60  by way of probe rods  22  and travels downwardly through rod assembly  24  and into nozzle head  64  by way of outer channel  60 . Remediation agent  165  is thereafter expelled from nozzle head  64  by way of top opening  102  and outer opening  104  and is expelled from fluid exchange section  100  into eroded volume  164 . The user may also use the dispelling of the remediation agent  165  as the mechanism for nucleating and propagating the fracture in a controlled manner. 
         [0058]    Observing pressure gauge  154  and actuating valve handle  162 , the user may allow the pressure to build within eroded volume  164  such that hydraulic fracturing occurs in a controlled manner. As shown in  FIG. 11 , hydraulic fracturing occurs in a fractured area  166  outwardly away from nozzle head  64  in a generally horizontal manner within subsurface  14 . This allows remediation agent  165  to travel and be applied in a generally horizontal plane within eroded volume  164  and fractured area  166  of contaminated area  20  which may have particularly efficient remediation effects on contaminated area  20 . 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , after remediation agent  165  is applied to eroded volume  164  and hydraulic fracturing has occurred as desired and controlled by the user, rod assembly  24  is pushed inwardly to address targeted intervals at greater depth, or pulled outwardly away from the remediated area once the remediation is completed. If the user wishes to use rod assembly  24  to fill the bore hole created by rod assembly  24 , the user disconnects the hose supplying remediation agent  165  from slurry inlet  150  and connects a new hose supplying a bore hole filling material, for example a cementitious grout  167 . The user opens valve  146  by way of valve handle  148  and closes valve  160  by way of valve handle  162  to allow grout  167  to enter outer channel  60  and to travel down outer channel  60  and out top opening  102  and outer opening  104  into the bore hole as rod assembly  24  is extracted from subsurface  14 . In as much as boss  45  of drive point  36  is seated within pocket  50  of nozzle portion  38 , when rod assembly  24  is extracted from subsurface  14 , drive point  36  remains behind within the bore hole as boss  45  slides out of pocket  50 . With the removal of drive point  36  from nozzle portion  38 , bottom openings  106  are exposed to the bore hole as rod assembly  24  is extracted from subsurface  14 . This allows for cementitious grout  167  to also be expelled from outer channel  60  by way of bottom openings  106  and efficiently fill the bore hole as rod assembly  24  is extracted. Cementitious grout  167  may be applied during the entire extraction of rod assembly  24  to entirely fill the bore hole and seal remediation agent  165  within eroded volume  164  and fractured area  166 . Once the bore hole is filled with cementitious grout  167 , injection tip assembly  10  is removed from probe rods  22  and nozzle plugs  109  are inspected for damage and selectively replaced as desired. 
         [0060]    As shown in  Figures. 1-12 , injection tip assembly  10  further includes an ornamental design. An ornamental design also shown in  FIGS. 13-16 . An ornamental design is also shown in  FIGS. 17-20  with a set of openings and threads shown in phantom. 
         [0061]    Alternative embodiments of this invention may incorporate nozzle plug  109  or another style of nozzle with openings in a vertical plane, which is in contrast to the horizontal plane suggested by  FIGS. 2-12 , or may utilize nozzle plugs  109  mounted at various other angles to the axes of the device, in which cases the resulting hydraulic fractures will nucleate and propagate with dip angles other than horizontal as desired by the user. Furthermore, the device may be assembled from its several parts using methods that either permanently join the parts or removably secure the parts. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 21 a   , nozzle plug  109   a  is provided with an angled or non-horizontal outlet  116 a, whereby the orientation of outlet  116   a  acts to spray water  163  in a downward direction relative to injection tip assembly  10 . In this embodiment, eroded volume  164  is embodied in a downward lobe due to the orientation of outlet  116   a  of nozzle plug  109   a . Similarly, nozzle plug  109   b  is provided with an upwardly angled outlet  116   b , whereby the orientation of outlet  116   b  acts to spray water  163  in an upward direction relative to injection tip assembly  10 . In this embodiment, eroded volume  164  is embodied in an upward lobe due to the orientation of outlet  116   b  of nozzle plug  109   b.    
         [0063]    In another embodiment of nozzle head  64 , as shown in  FIG. 21 b   , each nozzle plug  109   a  and  109   b  includes a non-angled or generally horizontal outlet  116   a  and  116   b , respectively. However, each nozzle plug  109   a  and  109   b  is connected to nozzle head  64  at a non-horizontal angle relative to injection tip assembly  10 , whereby the spray of pressurized fluid is expelled at a downward direction for nozzle plug  109   a  and an upward direction for nozzle plug  109 b. The angling of the nozzle plug receiving area within nozzle head  64  may be accomplished by altering the direction of one or more of the various elements within nozzle had  64  responsible for controlling the flow of the pressurized fluid from inner channel  58  to the exterior of nozzle head  64 . For example, channels  90 , prongs  92 , chambers  94 , threaded section  96 , fluid exchange section  100 , or a combination thereof, may be altered or configured to orient the corresponding nozzle plug  109  in a particular direction and thus alter the direction of the flow of fluid therefrom. In this embodiment of the invention, multiple nozzle heads  64  are available for selection by the user, with each nozzle head  64  having prior an orientation of a nozzle plug receiving area defined by the nozzle head in a different orientation. Thus, prior to connecting the nozzle plug  109  to the nozzle head  64 , the user selects a particular nozzle head  64  based at least in part on an orientation of a nozzle plug receiving area defined by the nozzle head  64 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 22 , an embodiment of the invention includes a slotted probe rod  174  having generally the same shape and configuration as probe rods  22 , including a first end  176  and a spaced apart second end  178 . Intermediate first end  176  and second end  178 , slotted probe rod  174  defines a slot  180  sized to accept a purge tubing  182  therethrough. The purge tubing  182  is connected to inner channel  76  to create fluid communication between the nozzle plugs  109  and the purge tubing  182  and allow fluid to be expelled through plug nozzles  109  as the rod assembly  24  is driven into subsurface  14 . The expelling of fluid through plug nozzles  109  during insertion of rod assembly  24  into subsurface  14  allow the user to clear any debris entering channel  116  of any nozzle plug  109 . Fluid is expelled through plug nozzles  109  periodically in short bursts as needed or desired, or alternatively, fluid is constantly expelled through plug nozzles  109  during the insertion to provide a constant liquid material in channels  116  and prevent the entrance of debris. 
         [0065]    A hammer anvil  184  may be removably disposed on the outer end of slotted probe rod  174  to facilitate improved hammering of the rod assembly  24  into subsurface  14 . To increase the length of rod assembly  24 , after the upper most probe rod  22  is has sufficiently penetrated into subsurface  14 , the user removes the purge tubing  182  from the upper most probe rod  22 , removes the slotted probe rod  174  from the upper most probe rod  22 , and thereafter applies another probe rod  22  into the upper most probe rod  22 . Once an additional probe rod  22  is applied to the rod assembly  24 , the user reattaches purge tubing  182  to the upper most and newly added probe rod  22 , reattaches slotted probe rod  174 , and reapplies anvil  184 . Thereafter, the ramming machine  26  can resume ramming rod assembly  24  into subsurface  14 . 
         [0066]    In an embodiment of the invention, all or part of the structure of the well head  28  is disposed in fluid device  30  or any other suitable location separate and apart from the upper portion of the rod assembly  24 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the structure provided by well head  28  is incorporated into a fluid control system  168  disposed in fluid device  30 . The fluid control system  168  provides similar control over the elements described with respect to rod assembly  24 , such as engaging and disengaging a jet fluid inlet, a slurry inlet, a purge fluid inlet, an outlet, or a combination thereof, or any combination of valves related thereto. A tubing  170  is operatively connected to fluid control system  168  at one end and the top portion of the upper most probe rod  22  of rod assembly  24  by way of an attachment head  172 . Tubing  170  includes internal channels (not shown) configured to pass the various fluids and slurry used by injection tip assembly  10  from fluid device  30  to rod assembly  24 . Further, tubing  170  is configured to collect purge fluid or jet fluid once the fluid has passed through injection tip assembly  10 . The used fluid is captured in order to re-inject the fluid back into the system or collect the fluid for proper disposal. 
         [0067]    While all of the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the Applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4