U.S. patent application number 09/896456 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-28 for method of chemical soil stabilization and dust control.
Invention is credited to Beyersdorff, Leland E., Hawkins, Todd R., Vitale, Robert W..
Application Number | 20020025382 09/896456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24428209 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020025382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkins, Todd R. ; et
al. |
February 28, 2002 |
Method of chemical soil stabilization and dust control
Abstract
A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic
organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical structure
R--COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of
dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization. Alternatively, a
heterogeneous mixture may be produced by blending aliphatic or
cyclic organic compounds with polyolefins of chemical structure
C.sub.nH.sub.2n or R--C.sub.2nH.sub.3n, and applied to soils in a
manner to produce high levels of dust control and soil
stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compounds act as
plasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids or polyolefin
compounds. When applied to soil the carrier provides a mechanism
for the carboxylic acid or polyolefin to penetrate the soil and
also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized
carboxylic acid and/or polyolefin provides a durable, reworkable
binder that associates small particulates while stabilizing soil
and aggregate.
Inventors: |
Hawkins, Todd R.;
(Massillon, OH) ; Beyersdorff, Leland E.; (North
Canton, OH) ; Vitale, Robert W.; (Canton,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
4801 DRESSLER RD., N.W.
SUITE 194
CANTON
OH
44718
US
|
Family ID: |
24428209 |
Appl. No.: |
09/896456 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09896456 |
Jun 29, 2001 |
|
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|
09606497 |
Jun 29, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
427/136 ;
427/256; 427/427.3; 427/427.4; 523/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 106/90 20130101;
C09K 17/14 20130101; C09K 17/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
427/421 ;
523/132 |
International
Class: |
B05D 001/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of stabilizing soil and of controlling dust and erosion
in soil comprising the step of applying to said soil a
heterogeneous mixture or emulsion selected from one or more of the
group consisting of aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds utilized
as plasticizers and carriers that are blended with a material
selected from one or more of the group consisting of carboxylic
acids and polyolefins.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said mixture is uniformly or
nonuniformly dispersed.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said mixture or emulsion comprises
two or more immiscible liquids held in suspension by small
percentages of emulsifiers.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the emulsifier is selected from
the group consisting of any protein, carbohydrate polymers,
long-chained alcohols, fatty acids, or surfactants.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein said mixture is an oil-in-water or
water-in-oil continuous phase mixture.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the aliphatic organic compounds
are selected from the group consisting of saturated and unsaturated
hydrocarbons.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the saturated and unsaturated
hydrocarbons are selected from the group consisting of naturally
occuring or synthetic paraffins, alkanes, olefins, alkenes,
alkadienes, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids,
and carbohydrates.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the cyclic organic compounds are
selected from the group consisting of naturally occurring or
synthetic alicyclic hydrocarbons, cycloparaffins, cycloolefins,
cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclics, and
combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structures.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the combinations of aliphatic and
cyclic structures are selected from the group consisting of
naturally occurring or synthetic terpenes, amino acids, proteins
and nucleic acids.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the material selected from one or
more of the group consisting of carboxylic acids and polyolefins is
a carboxylic acid and said carboxylic acid is selected from the
group consisting of any substantially saturated or unsaturated
fatty acids and their esters derived from animal or vegetable fat
or oil and vegetable derived resins or rosin acids.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the carboxylic acid is
R--COOH.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein said plasticizer comprises an
organic compound added to the carboxylic acid to facilitate
processing and increase the flexibility and durability of a final
product.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein said organic compounds in which
carboxylic acids are miscible or emulsifiable serve as a vehicle to
aid in the dispersion and penetration of plasticized carboxylic
acids into the soil.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein said heterogeneous mixtures and
emulsions are manufactured utilizing manufacturing equipment
including, conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills.
15. The method of claim 6 wherein the aliphatic organic compounds
are present in an amount from about 1% to about 95% by weight.
16. The method of claim 8 wherein the cyclic organic compounds are
present in an amount from about 1% to about 95% by weight.
17. The method of claim 10 wherein the carboxylic acid is present
in an amount from about 5% to about 70% by weight.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the application of the mixture or
emulsion is accomplished by a spray means.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the spray means is gravity
fed.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein the spray means is pump fed.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein the mixture or emulsion is
applied neat.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein the mixture or emulsion is
diluted.
23. The method of claim 1 wherein the material selected from one or
more of the group consisting of carboxylic acids and polyolefins is
a thermoplastic polyolefin compound and said thermoplastic
polyolefin compound is a substance derived from olefins with a
chemical structure C.sub.nH.sub.2n or Rn-C.sub.2nH.sub.3n,
including polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes,
polyisobutylenes, polyisoprene, and their copolymers.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the thermoplastic polyolefin
compound is present in about 70 to about 90% by weight.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein the plasticizer is any organic
compound added to the thermoplastic polyolefin compound to
facilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability
of the final product.
26. The method of claim 23 wherein the carrier is any organic
compound in which the polyolefin compound is miscible or
emulsifiable with and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion
and penetration of plasticized polyolefin compound into the
soil.
27. A dust control and soil stabilizing heterogeneous mixture
comprising: (a) from about 1% to about 95% by weight of a severely
hydrotreated paraffinic hydrocarbon; (b) from about 1% to about 95%
by weight synthetic iso-alkane; and (c) from about 5% to about 70%
by weight of one or more compounds selected from the group
consisting of long chain and tricyclic organic acid and esters of
sterols and fatty acids and thermoplastic polyolefin compounds.
28. A dust control and soil stabilizing emulsion comprising: (a)
from about 1% to about 95% severely hydrotreated paraffinic
hydrocarbons; (b) from about 1% to about 95% by weight of a
synthetic iso-alkane; (c) from about 5% to about 70% by weight of
one or more compounds selected from one or more of the group of
long chain and tricyclic organic acids and esters of sterols and
fatty acids and thermoplastic polyolefin compounds; (d) from about
1% to about 80% by weight water; (e) from about 2% to about 11% by
weight of a material selected from the group of a lignosulfonate
emulsifier and a low hydrophile-lipophile surfactant; and (f) from
about 1% to about 5% by weight polyoxypropylene emulsifier and a
high hydrophile-lipophile surfactant.
29. The dust control and soil stabilizing heterogeneous mixture of
claim 23 wherein: (a) a particle weighting and loading mechanism is
produced by the processes of adsorption, the adherence of molecules
to the surface of particles and absorption, the penetration of the
substance into the inner structure of the particles; and (b) a
binding mechanism is produced by higher polymeric carboxylic acids
or higher polymeric polyolefin compounds that associate small
particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate particles into a
tightly cohesive matrix.
30. The dust control and soil stabilizing heterogeneous mixture of
claim 24 wherein: (a) a particle weighting and loading mechanism is
produced by the processes of adsorption, the adherence of molecules
to the surface of particles and absorption, the penetration of the
substance into the inner structure of the particles; and (b) a
binding mechanism is produced by higher polymeric carboxylic acids
or higher polymeric polyolefin compounds that associate small
particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate particles into a
tightly cohesive matrix.
31. The method of claim 1 wherein a carboxylic acid is used and
there is an increase of soil stiffness and modules by from about
170% to about 180%.
32. The method of claim 1 wherein a polyolefin is used and there is
an increase of soil stiffness and modules by from about 115% to
about 120%.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/606,497, filed Jun. 29, 2000; the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to a method of soil stabilization and
dust control utilizing aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds,
specifically blends of resin acids, fatty acids and their esters
with solvents that act as plasticizers and carriers.
[0004] 2. Background of Invention
[0005] Many methods of chemical dust and erosion control, and soil
stabilization have been utilized over the years, with various
detrimental effects on environment, health, and safety and varying
degrees of success. Traditional products used for dust control and
soil stabilization consist of used or recycled oil, virgin oils,
chlorides, lignins, and emulsifications made with low-grade
petroleum resins, asphalt, oil, and pitch.
[0006] The use of used or recycled petroleum oils has long been
employed as a dust control agent. In recent years legislation by
most states has curtailed the use of these oils for dust control
because of concerns with environment, health, and safety. This
legislation has spawned an interest in virgin oils, some highly
refined and very safe. The highly refined products may contain low
or no aromatics but are generally cost prohibitive for most
applications. In addition, petroleum oils have limited value as
dust suppressants and virtually no value as soil stabilizers. They
act as particle weighting agents by the processes of adsorption or
absorption and do not have any significant cohesive action for soil
stabilization and control of fine dust.
[0007] Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride
used in solution or solid form act as humectants when added to
soil. These products work well in areas of sufficient moisture or
require watering for humectants action. The problems with these
products are their solubility in water and effects on ground water
and plant life. In addition, as strong electrolytes they are highly
corrosive to metal equipment.
[0008] Lignins have been employed as a low-cost means of dust
control for several decades. Recently lignins have come under
considerable attack by environmental, health, and safety
organizations that have identified dioxin and dioxin forming
compounds in lignin. This problem is compounded by lignins
solubility in water and it's ability to contaminate ground water.
Lignins also have a limited working life because they are water
soluble they tend to be washed away with rain, melting snow, or
other moisture.
[0009] Many types of emulsions of tall oil, petroleum resins, and
asphalts and combinations can be prepared and have been exhibited
in prior art. Typically these products are emulsified to reduce
viscosity to sprayable levels and to aid in penetration of the
product into the soil. One of the problems created is the use of
excess liquid, which is sprayed onto the ground and can migrate
into ground water. In addition, emulsions can also be severely
damaged by rain and moisture when the moisture event occurs prior
to the emulsion breaking and the active ingredients curing. When
cured properly these products produce a bound soil layer, which is
effective for dust control for short periods and under conditions
where there is little mechanical disturbance. Examples of tall oil
pitch emulsions that produce these results can be found in prior
art. Doyle U.S. Pat. No. 5,895,347 discloses chemically stabilized
emulsions of tall oil pitch, hydrochloric and stearic acids, and
emulsifiers in water where temperature and pH are controlled during
preparation. Additionally, Burch U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,425 discloses
an emulsion comprising tall oil pitch, rosin, emulsifier, and
water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention
are superior dust control and soil stabilization in areas of
intense use. Improved air and water quality through reduction of
airborne particulates and soil erosion are achieved with use of our
chemical agents formulated from safe aliphatic and cyclic organic
compounds.
[0011] In addition, our invention has several benefits over
traditional chemical dust and erosion control, and soil
stabilization agents, it can be applied neat or undiluted
eliminating the chances of collateral runoff, it remains active
over long periods of time requiring fewer maintenance applications,
is insoluble in water resisting rain and inclement weather,
contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion.
[0012] A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or
cyclic organic compounds with carboxylic acids of chemical
structure R--COOH and applied to soils in a manner to produce high
levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic and
cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the
carboxylic acids. When applied to soil the carrier provides a
mechanism for the carboxylic acid to penetrate the soil and also
acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized
carboxylic acid provides a durable, reworkable binder that
associates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate.
The chemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional
mixing and applied using conventional construction equipment. A
test performed at a continuous caster area in a steel mill produced
176% improvement in soil stiffness and modulus as well demonstrable
improvements in dust control. Untreated test locations are shown in
FIG. 1, untreated (7.3 MN/m) (01), untreated (10.8 MN/m) (02),
untreated (9.9 MN/m) (03), untreated (7.6 MN/m) (04). Treated test
locations are shown in FIG. 1, treated (17.4 MN/m) (05), treated
(21.1 MN/m) (06), treated (18.4 MN/m) (07), treated (31.2 MN/m)
(08), treated (37.2 MN/m) (09), and treated (22.2 MN/m) (10).
[0013] The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous
mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compounds
with polyolefins of chemical structure C.sub.nH.sub.2n or
R--C.sub.2nH.sub.3n, and applied to soils in a manner to produce
high levels of dust control and soil stabilization. The aliphatic
and cyclic compounds act as plasticizers and carriers for the
polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also acts as a dust
suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized polyolefin provides a
durable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates while
stabilizing soil and aggregate. The chemical agent is manufactured
and applied using conventional mixing and applied using
conventional construction equipment. A laboratory test performed on
compacted gravel produced 117% improvement in soil stiffness and
modulus as well as demonstrable improvements in dust control.
[0014] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant contemplated applying the
principles of the invention, is set forth in the following
description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and
distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended Claims.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of a test plot from an application of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention to stabilize soil and
control dust at a steel mill;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a particle size distribution curve from a test
conducted according to a preferred method of this invention;
and
[0018] FIG. 3 is a particle size distribution curve from a test
conducted according to an alternate preferred method of this
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Description of First Embodiment
[0019] The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and
cyclic organic compounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that
are blended with materials composed primarily of carboxylic acids
and applied in a manner to produce improved levels of dust and
erosion control, and soil stabilization.
[0020] A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids
are blended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and
carriers. These blends are processed into either heterogeneous
mixtures or emulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral
provide high levels of long lasting dust control and stabilization.
The invention exhibits tremendous moisture resistance,
reworkability, working life, while being noncorrosive and
nonhazardous.
[0021] Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and
unsaturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic
manufacturing including paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and
alkadienes. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids,
and carbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of
these compounds.
[0022] Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,
cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic
hydrocarbons, heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and
cyclic structures such as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and
nucleic acids. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of these
compounds.
[0023] Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major
constituents are saturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their
esters derived from animal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable
derived resins or rosin acids, all represented chemically R--COOH.
The invention is comprised 5-70% by weight of these substances.
[0024] Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to carboxylic
acids to facilitate processing and increase the flexibility and
durability of the final product.
[0025] Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which carboxylic
acids are miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the
dispersion and penetration of plasticized carboxylic acids into the
soil.
[0026] Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions
comprised of two or more substances, whether or not they are
uniformly dispersed.
[0027] Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible
liquids held in suspension by small percentages of emulsifiers.
Emulsifiers can be protein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained
alcohols and fatty acids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water
or water-in-oil continuous phase mixtures.
Operation of First Embodiment
[0028] The invention is manufactured using conventional
manufacturing equipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or
colloid mills are utilized to blend these components into stable
heterogeneous mixers or emulsions.
[0029] Application of the chemical agent to the soil is also
accomplished by the use of conventional spray equipment. The agent
is gravity fed or pumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed
sprayers and evenly applied to the soil or material to be treated.
Motor-graders, asphalt grinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors,
rollers, and other conventional construction equipment may be
utilized to blend, set grade, and compact stabilized base if
desired.
[0030] Once applied the liquid penetrates into the soil where two
mechanisms for dust control and stabilization contribute to the
effect. The first is a particle weighting and loading mechanism
achieved through the processes of adsorption, adherence of
molecules to the surface of particles and absorption, penetration
of the substance into the inner structure of the particles.
[0031] The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher
polymeric carboxylic acids which act as binders. The fatty acids
and resins bind particles into a tightly cohesive base when
subjected to compactive forces. The plasticized fatty acids and
resins remain active even through severe wet weather and mechanical
disturbances from heavy tracked vehicles and steel-chained tires.
Our invention displays a unique and unexpected ability to be
recompacted into a tightly cohesive base when disturbed,
dramatically extending the working life of the chemical agents.
EXAMPLES OF FIRST EMBODIMENT
Example 1
[0032] This example discloses a formulation for producing a
heterogeneous mixture depicted in our invention.
1 Weight Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer % 1. Severely
hydrotreated 50 Neutral HT Petro-Canada 39% paraffinic hydrocarbons
2. Synthetic iso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 33% 3. Mixture of long
chain Tallex Westvaco 28% and tricyclic organic Chemical acids and
esters of sterols and fatty acids
[0033] The Tallex material is maintained at 45-135 degrees
centigrade and blended into the remaining materials using
conventional blending equipment or agitation.
Example 2
[0034] This example discloses a formulation for producing an
emulsion,
2 Weight Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer % 1. Severely
hydrotreated 50 Neutral HT Petro-Canada 16% paraffinic hydrocarbons
2. Synthetic iso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 13% 3. Mixture of long
chain Tallex Westvaco 11% and tricyclic organic Chemical acids and
esters of sterols and fatty acids 4. Water 48% 5. lignosulfonate
Indulin SAL Westvaco 10% Chemical 6. polyoxypropylene Pluronic F68
BASF 2%
[0035] The Tallex material is maintained at 45-135 degrees
centigrade and blended into the remaining materials using
conventional high shear mixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or
other suitable mixing equipment.
Test of First Embodiment
[0036] A 5,000 square meter test plot was prepared to test the
effectiveness of the invention as a dust control agent and soil
stabilizer. A severe test in an intensely utilized area was
required. A slag reclamation area in the continuous caster process
of a large Cleveland, Ohio steel mill was chosen for the test. The
plot selected operates 24 hours/day, 5-7 days/week and averages
over 100 vehicle passes per day with the majority of vehicles large
pot haulers, front-end loaders with steel-chained tires, and
tractor-trailers.
[0037] Various treatments had been utilized in this area in the
past including watering, chlorides, and asphalt emulsions with
limited success. Applications of these chemical agents were
typically 1-2 times daily for dust control. Historical applications
rates for 60% solids asphalt emulsions ranged between 0.15-0.40
liters/square meter daily.
[0038] Initial observations of the surface prior to testing
revealed a slag covered road comprised of material resembling moon
dust. A particle size analysis performed on the material per ASTM
C136 indicated the material consisted of 25% silt and clay, 62%
sand, and 13% gravel. Graph 1 below shows the particle size
distribution curve for the material tested.
[0039] The test plot was treated with the material disclosed in
Example 1 over a six-week period. Three applications over the six
week period were made using a conventional spray truck with a
computerized spray output at an application rate of 0.39
liters/square meter each application.
[0040] Examination of the area indicated our invention provided a
higher level of dust control using less than 25% of the volume of
active product previously required. In addition to visual
observations, soil stiffness and modulus readings were made using a
Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. Stiffness and Modulus Instrument
(SAMITRON). The SAMITRON measures in-situ soil stiffness by
measuring the stress imparted to the surface and the resulting
surface velocity as a function of time. If a Poisson's ratio is
assumed and knowing the SAMITRON's physical dimensions, shear and
Young's Modulus can be expressed: 1 Young ' s Modulus ( E ) = (
Stiffness ) ( 1 - Poisson ' s Ratio 2 ) 0.1011555 where Poisson ' s
Ratio = 0.35
[0041] Six measurements were made at treated locations within the
test plot with four untreated measurements made just outside the
test plot to provide control data. The untreated locations outside
the test plot were selected in the same general vehicle path to
assume equivalent traffic conditions. The average of three readings
was reported from each site with a 176% increase in stiffness and
modulus when compared to the untreated locations. The averaged data
with locations and drawing references are listed below:
3 DRAWING REFERENCE STIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS (Mpa) Untreated 01 7.3
63.7 Untreated 02 10.8 93.6 Untreated 03 9.9 86.0 Untreated 04 7.6
65.7 Treated 05 17.4 151.1 Treated 06 21.1 182.9 Treated 07 18.4
159.3 Treated 08 31.2 270.4 Treated 09 37.2 323.1 Treated 10 22.2
192.8
Description of Second Embodiment
[0042] The invention described herein consists of aliphatic and
cyclic organic compounds utilized as plasticizers and carriers that
are blended with materials composed primarily of thermoplastic
polyolefin compounds and applied in a manner to produce improved
levels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization.
[0043] A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin
compounds are blended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers
and carriers. These blends are processed into either heterogeneous
mixtures or emulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral
provide high levels of long lasting dust control and stabilization.
The invention exhibits tremendous moisture resistance,
reworkability, working life, while being noncorrosive and
nonhazardous.
[0044] Aliphatic organic compounds refers to saturated and
unsaturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic
manufacturing including paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and
alkadienes. Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids,
and carbohydrates. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of
these compounds.
[0045] Cyclic organic compounds refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,
cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic
hydrocarbons, heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and
cyclic structures such as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and
nucleic acids. The invention is comprised 0-95% by weight of these
compounds.
[0046] Thermoplastic polyolefin compound refers to any substance
derived from olefins with chemical structure C.sub.nH.sub.2n or
R--C.sub.2nH.sub.3n, including polyethylene, polypropylene,
polybutenes, polyisobutylenes, polyisoprene, and their copolymers.
The invention is comprised of 2-90% by weight of these
substances.
[0047] Plasticizer refers to organic compounds added to polyolefin
compounds to facilitate processing and increase the flexibility and
durability of the final product.
[0048] Carrier refers to any organic compounds in which polyolefin
compounds are miscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the
dispersion and penetration of plasticized polyolefin into the
soil.
[0049] Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions
comprised of two or more substances, whether or not they are
uniformly dispersed.
[0050] Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible
liquids held in suspension by small percentages of emulsifiers.
Emulsifiers can be protein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained
alcohols and fatty acids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water
or water-in-oil continuous phase mixtures.
Operation of the Second Embodiment
[0051] The invention is manufactured using conventional
manufacturing equipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or
colloid mills are utilized to blend these components into stable
heterogeneous mixers or emulsions.
[0052] Application of the chemical agent to the soil is also
accomplished by the use of conventional spray equipment. The agent
is gravity fed or pumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed
sprayers and evenly applied to the soil or material to be treated.
Motor-graders, asphalt grinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors,
rollers, and other conventional construction equipment may be
utilized to blend, set grade, and compact stabilized base if
desired.
[0053] Once applied, the liquid penetrates into the soil where two
mechanisms for dust control and stabilization contribute to the
effect. The first is a particle weighting and loading mechanism
achieved through the processes of absorption, adherence of
molecules to the surface of particles and absorption, penetration
of the substance into the inner structure of the particles.
[0054] The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher
polymeric polyolefin compounds which act as binders. The
thermoplastic polyolefin compounds bind particles into a tightly
cohesive base when subjected to compactive forces. The plasticized
polyolefin compounds remain active even through severe wet weather
and mechanical disturbances from heavy tracked vehicles and
steel-chained tires. Our invention displays a unique and unexpected
ability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesive base when
disturbed, dramatically extending the working life of the chemical
agents.
Example 3
[0055] This example discloses a formulation for producing a
heterogeneous mixture as disclosed in our invention.
4 Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic
iso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 67% 2. Polyisobutylene TPC 195
Texas Petro- 33% Chemical
[0056] The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45-135 degrees
centigrade and blended into the remaining materials using
conventional blending equipment or agitation.
Example 4
[0057] This example discloses a formulation for producing an
emulsion.
5 Constituent Trade Name Manufacturer Weight % 1. Synthetic
iso-alkanes DSF-65 Petro-Canada 15% 2. Polyolefin TPC 195 Texas
Petro- 15% Chemical 3. Water 58% 4. Low hydrophile- NP 1.5 Chemax
5% lipophile balance surfactant 5. High hydrophile- Neodal R-91-8
Tomah 7% lipophile balance surfactant
[0058] The TPC 195 material is maintained at 45-135 degrees
centigrade and blended into the remaining materials using
conventional high shear mixers, mixer/emulsifiers, colloid mill, or
other suitable mixing equipment.
Test of Second Embodiment
[0059] Molded samples were constructed using standard CBR
(California Bearing Ratio) molds using gravel taken from an
aircraft runway from the Northwest Territories in Canada. Three
control samples were made and compacted without the use of a
stabilizing agent and tested. Alternatively, three samples were
prepared using the material prepared as specified in Example 1
above.
[0060] A particle size analysis performed on the material per ASTM
C136 indicated the material consisted of 3% silt and clay, 29%
sand, and 68% gravel. FIG. 3 shows the particle size distribution
curve for the material tested.
[0061] The control samples test mold were prepared by compacting 10
kilograms of gravel into the standard 15.24 centimeter diameter CBR
molds using an automatic compactor in three lifts and 56 blows per
lift. The treated samples were constructed in the same manor with
the addition of 100 cubic centimeters of soil stabilizer prepared
as described in Example 1.
[0062] Soil stiffness and modulus readings were made using a
Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. Stiffness and Modulus Instrument
(SAMITRON). The SAMITRON measures in-situ soil stiffness by
measuring the stress imparted to the surface and the resulting
surface velocity as a function of time. If a Poisson's ratio is
assumed and knowing the SAMITRON's physical dimensions, shear and
Young's Modulus can be expressed: 2 Young ' s Modulus ( E ) = (
Stiffness ) ( 1 - Poisson ' s Ratio 2 ) 0.1011555 where Poisson ' s
Ratio = 0.35
[0063] An average was taken from three measurements made on each
sample. The average of three readings was reported from each sample
with a 117% increase in stiffness and modulus when compared to the
untreated locations. The averaged data is listed below:
6 DRAWING REFERENCE STIFFNESS (MN/m) MODULUS (Mpa) Untreated 01 5.6
48.6 Untreated 02 6.1 52.9 Untreated 03 5.8 50.3 Treated 04 12.7
110.2 Treated 05 12.6 109.3 Treated 06 12.7 110.2
[0064] Accordingly, it can be seen that we have provided a unique
and effective means of dust control and stabilization using a
chemical agent that provided unexpected results when tested.
[0065] Although the description above contains much specificity,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other
embodiments and ramifications are possible within it's scope. For
example, several different types of substances rich in polyolefins
are available as drop-in replacements to those tested, as well as
numerous a aliphatic and cyclic organic compounds. The invention
given as a method of soil stabilization and dust control also has
related applications as a soil remediation agent, recycled asphalt
stabilizer, and asphalt rejuvenator, and coal based or other
synthetic fuel additives.
[0066] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
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