Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    I. The Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for portable wet drilling waste treatment. 
         [0003]    II. Background and Relevant Art 
         [0004]    In drilling operations, a fluid commonly referred to as “mud” is circulated from the surface, downward through a drill pipe and out openings in the drill bit at the bottom of a borehole. The mud may include hydrocarbons, lubricants and other chemicals that assist in the drilling process. After exiting the drill bit at the bottom of the borehole, the mud along with other material from the borehole (often referred to collectively as “cuttings”), are pushed back upward through the borehole to the surface. 
         [0005]    Once at the surface, the cuttings that are extracted from the borehole may be processed in order to separate the mud from the other material. The mud may then be recycled and sent back down the drill pipe, and the material that is separated from the mud may be collected into a separate area. Depending on the depth of the borehole and the location of the drill site, the material that is separated from the mud, which is commonly referred to as “sludge,” may include a mixture of different solids, such as stone, dirt, clay, and salt. Sludge may also include toxic materials like hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and naturally occurring radioactive material. Despite the separating process, it is also common for sludge to include nonsolid components, such as water, oil, mud, and other fluids. Sludge can be very difficult to handle with conventional equipment. 
         [0006]    Untreated sludge should not be introduced directly back into the environment for a variety of reasons. For example, if the discarded sludge contains salt, plant life at or around an area where sludge is dumped may die. Further, if the sludge contains hydrocarbons, heavy metals or other toxic materials, these materials may leach into the ground and contaminate ground water. Many states have regulations that make it illegal to dump untreated sludge from a drill site into the environment. 
         [0007]    Sludge from a drill site can be treated at the drill site. Conventional techniques for treating sludge near a drill site include digging a large pit into the ground near the drill site. The bottom and side walls of the pit may be lined with a thick plastic liner to prevent environmental contamination from the sludge. The sludge may then be deposited into the pit. A chemical that treats the sludge may then be added to the sludge pit and mixed into the sludge. Due to the size of the pits, trackhoe excavators are often used to mix the chemical into the sludge. The chemical mixed into the pool of sludge may convert the mixture into a solid, thereby rendering inert any potentially hazardous materials within the sludge. 
         [0008]    This method for treating sludge is problematic for a number of different reasons. First, the space around a drill site is often limited. Depending on the depth and size of a borehole, there may not be sufficient space available in the immediate vicinity of a drill site to dig a pit large enough to deposit and treat sludge. Second, there is a significant potential for environmental contamination. It is not uncommon for a trackhoe operator to tear the plastic lining within a pit during the mixing process. If the plastic lining within the pit is torn, there is no barrier to keep the sludge from seeping into the ground. Third, mixing the chemical thoroughly into the sludge can be difficult. If not mixed thoroughly, some of the sludge may not be treated and may remain potentially hazardous to the environment. Further, if the sludge is not mixed completely or if an insufficient amount of or ineffective chemical is used to treat the sludge, the treated mixture may not solidify properly. There is a potential that a vehicle traveling over or a person walking across such a sludge pit may sink into the pit. 
         [0009]    Finally, a pit containing untreated sludge can be a danger to birds and other animals that land on or wander into it. As untreated sludge sits in a pit, the solids may separate from the fluids. The solids settle to the bottom of the pit and the fluid collects at the surface. This fluid is often oily, containing hydrocarbons. Any bird or other animal that comes into contact with this fluid is likely to be harmed. Recognizing the significance of this problem, federal regulations exist that impose a fine on operators of drill sites for each animal that dies in a sludge pit. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, sludge may be treated off-site. To treat sludge at an off-site location, the sludge may be collected into transportable containers. Often these containers are then taken by truck to a facility where the sludge is treated. Once treated, the sludge may be used as fill material back at the drill site or it can be discarded at a landfill. 
         [0011]    As with on-site treatment of sludge, transporting sludge to an off-site facility for treatment is problematic for a number of different reasons. First, there is a significant potential for environmental contamination. Sludge can be spilled while being transferred from the drill site to the transportable container. In addition, there is a potential that the sludge can leak from the container while in transit to the treatment facility. Second, transporting sludge to an off-site facility requires significant resources, including fuel, time, and manpower. Sludge must be loaded into a container and unloaded at a treatment facility. Once treated, the material must be reloaded back onto a truck to either be returned to the drill site or taken to a landfill. Because of these dangers, there are federal regulations that limit the weight, volume, and physical condition of sludge that can be transported in one load by a single truck. There are also federal regulations that limit the amount of time that a licensed driver can drive in a single day. Compliance with these regulations often makes the transportation of sludge even more expensive. Finally, because the space around a drill site is limited, it can be difficult to get trucks into and away from the drill site. As the distance between the drill site and the trucks increases, the potential for a spill between the drill site and the truck also increases. 
         [0012]    The aforementioned problems relating to sludge that are encountered in the drilling industry are also encountered in a number of other industries. Indeed, waste material (including sludge) is a common byproduct that exists in many different industries. As in drilling operations, waste material in other industries is often in need of treatment before it can be discarded. Large vacuum trucks are often used to collect waste material. Because vacuum trucks are not generally equipped to treat the waste material, once the vacuum truck is full, the truck must transport the waste material to a specialized facility for treatment. The waste material may be removed from the vacuum truck and treated by the facility. Once the waste material has been treated, it may be loaded into another truck or trailer for final disposal. As explained previously, this method for collecting and treating waste materials is problematic. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    In one example embodiment, a method for portable wet drilling waste treatment may include transporting a transportable frame from a first geographic location to a drilling site at a second geographic location that is distant from the first geographic location, maneuvering an open end of a waste conduit that extends from the transportable frame around the drilling site to multiple positions of wet drilling waste that was produced at the drilling site, vacuuming air and the wet drilling waste, using a motor-driven vacuum that is positioned on the transportable frame, from the multiple positions of the wet drilling waste into the open end of the waste conduit, through the waste conduit, and into a cyclonic separator that is positioned on the transportable frame, separating the wet drilling waste from the air using the cyclonic separator, using a waste auger that is positioned on the transportable frame to transport the wet drilling waste from the cyclonic separator, using a treatment material auger that is positioned on the transportable frame to transport a treatment material, operating the waste auger and the treatment material auger at coordinated rates to transport an effective ratio of the wet drilling waste to the treatment material, using a mixing auger that is positioned on the transportable frame to simultaneously transport the wet drilling waste and the treatment material from the waste auger and the treatment material auger, respectively, and operating the mixing auger at an effective rate to mix the treatment material with the wet drilling waste to yield a solidified treated material. 
         [0014]    Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a flow diagram identifying steps that may be involved in a first method for collecting and treating a waste material according to the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a first exemplary apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram identifying steps that may be involved in a second method for collecting and treating a waste material according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of a second exemplary apparatus according to the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary mobile waste treatment apparatus on a trailer; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a detailed view of a mixing auger of the present invention at a first angle; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a detailed view of a mixing auger of the present invention at a second angle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     I. Introduction and Definitions 
       [0024]    Implementations of the present invention solve one or more of the problems in the art with an apparatus for collecting and treating waste materials. In particular, one implementation of the present invention includes a mobile and integrated apparatus for continuously collecting and treating a waste material with a portable unit that can be stationed at a waste production site. The present invention also provides methods for collecting and treating waste material with a portable apparatus that continuously collects and treats a waste material. 
         [0025]    Waste material, as that term is used herein, can include any material that requires some form of treatment before it can be disposed of at a landfill, used as a construction fill material, or otherwise discarded. A waste material can include a variety of materials in various forms. For example, a waste material can be wet or dry. A waste material may be a liquid, a solid, a slurry, or a gelatinous substance. A waste material may or may not be toxic or include elements that are harmful to the environment. By way of example only, waste materials can include, but are not limited to, sludge from a drilling site, sewage, mud, dirt, dust, ash, and any type of sediment from a pit, pond, lagoon, tank bottom, or other enclosure. 
         [0026]    A waste material can be treated by mixing it with a treating material. The way in which a treating material treats a waste material can vary. For example, a treating material can simply solidify a waste material that is too wet to be discarded at a landfill. A treating material can also bind or render inert any toxic elements in a waste material, such as hydrocarbons or heavy metals. As with the waste material, a treating material can include a variety of materials in various forms. A treating material can be wet or dry. By way of example only, treating materials can include, but are not limited to, saw dust, wood chips, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, ash, sulphuric acid, portland cement slurry, bentonite clay slurry, peat moss or other growing media, absorbent polymers, or any hydroscopic or cementitious material. 
         [0027]    A waste material can be collected from a number of different sites that produce a waste material. These waste production sites include but are not limited to drilling sites, manufacturing plants, mines, paint and other chemical factories, refineries, and power plants. The waste material from these sites can be delivered to a mobile collecting and treating apparatus as described in the present invention in a number of different ways. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a flow diagram identifying steps of a first method that can be implemented in a method for collecting and treating a waste material. In a first step S 1  of first method S 100 , a combination of a waste material and air is delivered to a separator. The waste material can be delivered to the separator through a pipe, conduit, or conveyor system. The waste material can also be delivered to the separator in batches or continuously. For example, a conduit attached at one end to a vacuum source can be used to continuously deliver waste material and air to a separator. 
         [0029]    In a second step S 2 , the waste material is separated from the air. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are a variety of different devices and methods that can be employed to separate a waste material from air. For example, a separator may use cyclonic separation or a filter or another device or method for separating a waste material from air. 
         [0030]    In a third step S 3 , the waste material and a treating material are delivered to a mixing unit. The waste material and treating material can be delivered to the mixing unit in batches or continuously. For example, a metering auger can be used to continuously deliver a waste material to a mixing unit at a desired rate. A metering auger can also be used to continuously deliver a treating material to a mixing unit at a desired rate. 
         [0031]    In a fourth step S 4 , the waste material is mixed with the treating material. In one embodiment, a mixing auger can be used to mix the waste material with the treating material. In a final step S 5 , the treated material is removed from the mixing unit. The treated material can be removed in batches or continuously. 
         [0032]    Each of the steps associated with first method S 100  may advantageously be performed on a mobile, portable and integrated apparatus for collecting and treating a waste material (e.g., a trailer, a barge, a railroad car, etc.). Further, these steps can be performed in a closed system, which can assist in avoiding spills and leaks. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention, which can implement the steps of first method S 100 . Apparatus  10  includes a delivery mechanism, which can be any mechanism that delivers a waste material to a mixing unit. The delivery mechanism in apparatus  10  comprises a motor driven blower  20  and a separator  40 . Blower  20  creates an area of low pressure within conduit portions  30   a  and  30   b . Conduit portion  30   a  delivers a waste material and air to the separator  40 . Conduit portion  30   b  delivers air and a residual amount of waste material to blower  20 . Preferably, conduit portion  30   b  includes one or more additional separators in order to reduce the amount of residual waste to blower  20 . However, additional separators are not necessary. Separator  40  is in fluid communication with a mixing unit  50 . Separator  40  delivers the waste material to the mixing unit  50  through an outlet  42 . Mixing unit  50  receives the waste material through an inlet  54 . Mixing unit  50  can be powered by a motor (not shown). Mixing unit  50  mixes the waste material with a treating material. Once mixed, the treated material can exit mixing unit  50  through an outlet  56 . Each of the devices associated with apparatus  10  can be advantageously positioned on a portable unit  60 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram identifying steps of a second method that can be implemented in a method for collecting and treating a waste material. In a first step S 11 , of second method S 200 , a waste material is delivered to a mixing unit via a pump. The pump may be selectively adjustable to deliver the waste material to the mixing unit at a desired rate. The waste material may be a liquid, slurry, or gelatinous substance. 
         [0035]    In a second step S 12 , a treating material is delivered to the mixing unit. The treating material can be delivered to the mixing unit in batches or continuously. For example, a metering auger can also be used to continuously deliver the treating material to the mixing unit at a desired rate. 
         [0036]    In a third step S 13 , the waste material is mixed with the treating material. In one embodiment, a mixing auger can be used to mix the waste material with the treating material. In a final step S 14 , the treated material is removed from the mixing unit. The treated material can be removed in batches or continuously 
         [0037]    Each of the steps associated with second method S 200  may advantageously be performed on a mobile, portable and integrated apparatus for collecting and treating a waste material (e.g., a trailer, a barge, a railroad car, etc.). Further, these steps can be performed in a closed system, which can assist in avoiding spills and leaks 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention, which can implement the steps of second method S 200 . Apparatus  70  also includes a delivery mechanism, which comprises a pump  80 . Pump  80  forces waste material through conduit portions  72  and  74 . Conduit portion  74  delivers a waste material to a mixing unit  82 . Mixing unit  82  can be powered by a motor (not shown). Mixing unit  82  mixes the waste material with a treating material. Once mixed, the treated material can exit mixing unit  82  through an outlet  84 . Each of the devices associated with apparatus  70  can be advantageously positioned on a portable unit  90 . 
       II. Exemplary Portable, Integrated Apparatus and Methods 
       [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus  100  for collecting and treating a waste material according to the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates a top plan view of the same apparatus  100 . Apparatus  100  continuously collects waste material through a conduit  107 . Conduit  107  is connected at one end to a blower  110 . The other end of conduit  107  is located at or near a waste source or a collection of waste material. Blower  110  is powered by motor  115 . Motor  115  drives blower  110 , which creates a decrease in pressure within conduit  107 . The decrease in pressure within conduit  107  can be sufficiently strong to suction or pull a waste material through conduit  107  and toward blower  110 . For example, a waste material may be pulled through approximately two-hundred or more feet of conduit before arriving at apparatus  100 . An operator at the open end of conduit  107  (not shown) can maneuver the open end of the conduit such that waste material is continuously pulled into the conduit and toward the mobile apparatus. 
         [0040]    Conduit  107  can be made out of any material that is sufficiently strong to hold the decrease in pressure created by the blower without collapsing, and maintain integrity as a result of wear caused by waste materials. For example, conduit  107  can be manufactured from rubber, plastic, or a metal. Conduit  107  can also have a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes. For example, conduit  107  can have a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter of between about 2 inches and about 8 inches. In another embodiment, the conduit can have a cross-sectional diameter of between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. 
         [0041]    Conduit  107  may proceed through one or more separators that are configured to remove waste material from conduit  107  as the waste travels toward blower  110 . Illustrated apparatus  100  includes three separation devices: first separator  120 , second separator  180 , and third separator  185 . Different sections of conduit  107  that interconnect the waste source to the separation devices and the blower are identified. Specifically, conduit section  107   a  identifies the section of conduit  107  that is at a waste source at one end and that is secured to a first separator  120  at another end. Conduit section  107   b  identifies the section of conduit  107  that is secured to the top of first separator  120  at one end and to a second separator  180  at another end. Conduit section  107   c  identifies the section of conduit  107  that is secured to the top of second separator  180  at one end and to a third separator  185  at another end. Conduit section  107   d  identifies the section of conduit  107  that is secured to the bottom of third separator  185  at one end and to the blower  110  at another end. 
         [0042]    A separator, as used herein, can be any device that separates material from air within conduit  107  as the air within conduit  107  proceeds toward blower  110 . A separator, according to the present invention, can further include an integrated bag for dust collection and separation. 
         [0043]    Separator  120  can be a cyclonic separator. Waste material and air enter separator  120  from conduit section  107   a  through an aperture  127  near the top of separator  120 . Waste material collects within separator  120 , falling toward the bottom of separator  120 . Air and a residual amount of waste material are pulled from separator  120  into conduit section  107   b  through an aperture  125  in the top center of separator  120 . 
         [0044]    Separator  180  can also be a cyclonic separator. Air and any residual waste material enter separator  120  from conduit section  107   b.  Any waste material separated by separator  180  can exit separator  180  through an exit aperture  182  at the bottom of separator  180 . Air and any residual waste material exit separator  180  and into conduit section  107   c,  which leads to separator  185 . Separator  185  can be a filter. Conduit section  107   d  receives air and perhaps a small, acceptable amount of waste material, which is returned to blower  110 . The majority of the waste material is removed by the first separator  120 . 
         [0045]    As waste material collects in a separator, it can be periodically or continuously removed. For example, the separator can be connected, either directly or indirectly, to a mixing unit. As waste material collects within a separator, it can exit the separator into the mixing unit. The rate at which waste material exits the separator into the mixing unit can be regulated. In addition to waste material, a treating material can also be introduced into the mixing unit. The rate at which treating material enters the mixing unit can also be regulated. 
         [0046]    There are different ways to regulate the rate at which waste material from a separator enters the mixing unit. For example, electronic sensors and/or mechanical levers or controls can be used to ensure that a waste material exits the separator at a desired rate. Specifically, a metering auger can be used to control the rate at which waste material enters the mixing unit by controlling the rate at which the spiral blades within the auger rotate. 
         [0047]    In alternative embodiments of the present invention, a separator and motor driven blower may not be necessary. Such may be the case when the waste material is pumped directly into a mixing unit. For example, in the event the waste material is in a liquid or gelatinous form, a pump may be used to deliver the material to the mixing unit. Once in the mixing unit, the waste material can be treated in the same way that waste material that is collected using a separator and motor driven blower is treated. 
         [0048]    A mixing unit included within an embodiment of the present invention may be any device configured to mix the treating material with the waste material. Examples of mixing units suitable for use in the present invention include but are not limited to augers, batch paddle mixers, concrete mixing barrels, agitators or other blenders. 
         [0049]    In apparatus  100 , separator  120  has a bottom opening  123  through which waste material can be removed as it collects within first separator  120 . A first metering auger  130  is positioned directly below opening  123  of first separator  120 . The rate at which waste material proceeds through first metering auger  130  is dependent on the rate at which the blades  132  within first metering auger  130  rotate. As the blades  132  rotate faster, the rate at which waste material is extracted from first separator  120  and delivered into mixing auger  150  will also increase. First metering auger  130  may be powered by a hydraulic motor  160 . In  FIG. 5 , an operator  162  controls the rate at which the blades  132  within the first metering auger  130  rotate by manipulating levers, buttons, or other adjustment controls, which are located on a control panel  164 . 
         [0050]    Container  145  of apparatus  100  can hold a treating material. Container  145  can be made from any material suitable for holding a treating material. For example, container  145  may have relatively rigid side walls made from plastic, metal, or another suitable material. Further, container  145  may comprise a bag that is configured to hang from a hook or other device. In such an embodiment, container  145  can be made from canvas, plastic, rubber, or another suitable material (which may be flexible). 
         [0051]    Container  145  includes a bottom opening  147  through which the treating material can flow. A second metering auger  140  is positioned directly below opening  147  of container  145 . The rate at which the treating material proceeds through second metering auger  140  is dependent on the rate at which the blades  142  within second metering auger  140  rotate. As the blades  142  rotate faster, the rate at which the treating material is extracted from container  145  and delivered into mixing auger  150  will also increase. Second metering auger  140  may also be powered by hydraulic motor  160 . As with the first metering auger  130 , operator  162  in  FIG. 5  controls the rate at which blades  142  rotate by manipulating levers, buttons, or other adjustment controls, which are located on control panel  164 . 
         [0052]    Container  145  is not necessary for a treating material to be introduced into the mixing unit. In an alternative embodiment, a treating material can be introduced into the mixing unit through a tube, hose, or pipe. In addition, a treating material can be manually deposited into the mixing unit. 
         [0053]    In apparatus  100 , first metering auger  130  deposits waste materials though spout  134  at a distal end into a mixing auger  150  through a waste material inlet  136  (see  FIGS. 7A, 7B ). Similarly, second metering auger  140  deposits treating material though spout  144  into mixing auger  150  through a treating material inlet  146  (see  FIGS. 7A, 7B ). The inlets for the waste material and treating materials may be the same, or separate and somewhat spaced apart, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . For example, it may be beneficial for the waste material inlet  136  to be positioned before the treating material inlet  146  so that the treating material is introduced into mixing auger  150  on top of the waste material. 
         [0054]    Further, in addition to the waste material and treating material, an accelerator can also be introduced into the mixing auger at either inlet  136 ,  146  or at another point within mixing auger  150 . An accelerator can assist in mixing the waste material with the treating material within the mixing auger. Accelerators include, but are not limited to, sodium silicate, calcium chloride, water, acid, ferric chloride solution, or a lubricant. 
         [0055]    Mixing auger  150  includes internal blades  152  that may be slotted or serrated so as to include holes or discontinuities therein, or have another shape for mixing. As the blades  152  within mixing auger  150  rotate, the waste material is mixed with the treating material. Mixing auger  150  may also be positioned at an inclined angle such that the waste material and the treating material travel uphill as they are mixed within mixing auger  150 . As a result of the incline and slots or serrations, some of the material will tend to fall downward to the next “level” of the auger blades, aiding in providing more thorough mixing. As with the first and second metering augers  130  and  140 , operator  162  can control the rate at which blades  152  within mixing auger  150  rotate by manipulating levers, buttons, or other adjustment controls, which are located on control panel  164 . 
         [0056]    The angle of inclination of mixing auger  150  can also be adjustable. Controlling the angle of inclination of mixing auger  150  may be important to ensure that the waste and treating materials are mixed together thoroughly. For example, the angle of inclination of mixing auger  150  may be a factor in the length of time a waste material is mixed with a treating material. In one embodiment, the angle of inclination of mixing auger  150  can be adjusted using one or more hydraulic actuators  156 . In other embodiments, a motor or another mechanical system can be used to adjust the angle of inclination of mixing auger  150 . Operator  162  can control the angle of incline of mixing auger  150  by manipulating levers, buttons, or other adjustment controls, which are located on control panel  164 . In yet another embodiment, mixing auger  150  can be moved up or down manually to a greater or smaller angle of incline. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate the adjustability of mixing auger  150 . In  FIG. 7A , hydraulic actuator  156  is extended, thereby placing mixing auger  150  at a first angleθ 1  from horizontal. In  FIG. 7B , hydraulic actuator  156  is more compressed, thereby placing mixing auger  150  at a second, smaller angle θ 2  from horizontal. To facilitate the change in incline, hydraulic actuator  156  can be pivotally secured to mixing auger  150  at one end and pivotally secured to a support structure at another end. Mixing auger  150  can also be pivotally secured to a support structure at one end in order to allow the mixing auger  150  to pivot to a desired angle of inclination. Waste material inlet  136  and treating material inlet  146  can also be seen in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         [0058]    Once the mixing unit has mixed the waste material with the treating material, the treated material can be removed from the mixing unit continuously or periodically. There are a variety of ways in which the treated material can be removed from the mixing unit. For example, treated material can be removed by hand or with a machine, such as a conveyor system. Depending on how the waste material is treated, the treated material can exhibit physical characteristics that make the material suitable for a variety of uses that are easily handled with conventional equipment. For example, treated material can be used as fill material near the waste site or elsewhere. Alternatively, the treated material can be taken to a landfill or placed in a designated area for ongoing treatment, such as biodegradation. 
         [0059]    Apparatus  100  includes a conveyor belt  215  positioned directly below an exit aperture  154  in mixing auger  150 . Conveyor belt  215  can extend away from mixing auger  150  such that as the treated material exits mixing auger  150 , it is moved away from mixing auger  150 . The treated material can be deposited into a portable container or directly into a truck bed, trailer, or railroad car. Conveyor belt  215  can also deposit the treated material onto other conventional equipment, into another receptacle for later removal, or onto the ground. 
         [0060]    The apparatus for collecting and treating a waste material can also include a crane. For example, apparatus  100  in  FIGS. 5 and 6  includes a crane  190  with a hook  192 . Crane  190  can be used to transfer the conveyor belt  215  from a storage location where the belt is not in use to a functional location where the belt can be used. A conveyor belt may be stored, for example, on a cradle  210  ( FIG. 6 ). Crane  190  can also be used to move or exchange out individual components of the apparatus for collecting and treating a waste material as described herein. For example, separator devices having different desired characteristics may be exchanged for any of separators  120 ,  180 , or  185 . The crane can be controlled by operator  162  by manipulating levers, buttons, or other adjustment controls, which are also located on control panel  164 . 
         [0061]    The collecting and treating apparatus as described herein can be positioned on a single portable unit so that the apparatus can be stationed at a desired site. There are many different portable units on which the apparatus of the present invention can be positioned. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a portable unit can be a trailer  170 . Trailer  170  in  FIG. 5  has a hitch  172  that enables the trailer to be pulled behind a vehicle. A portable unit, according to the present invention, can also be a truck bed, a boat, a towable barge, a railroad car, or another transportable frame. 
         [0062]    As the distance that a waste material must travel increases, the potential for spills also increases. Thus, decreasing the distance that a waste material travels reduces the potential of an environmentally contaminating spill. To minimize the risk of a spill, the individual components of the apparatus of the present invention can be positioned in close proximity to each other. For example, in one embodiment, the total distance that a waste material travels between the first separator and the mixing unit may be between about 8 feet and about 100 feet. In another exemplary embodiment, the total distance that a waste material travels between the first separator and the mixing unit may be between about 8 feet and about 50 feet, or even between about 10 feet and about 30 feet. 
         [0063]    In addition, one or more of the components positioned on the portable unit may be configured to rotate about an axis in order to reduce the height of the components on the portable unit. For example, the separator may be rotatably attached to the portable unit such that the separator could be selectively positioned at a  90  degree angle. This would reduce the height of the separator thus allowing the portable unit to travel without obstruction with bridges or other structures. 
         [0064]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Category: 8