Interim solution method for dust control on saline dry lakebeds using minimal water resources

Abstract

A method for controlling dust on a saline dry lakebed or similar environment enriched with sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate is disclosed comprising, the Interim Solution method that achieves resistance to windborne dust release. The Interim Solution is a dilute aqueous solution containing a divalent cation chloride salt and anionic polyacrylamide that can be applied to dust-emission prone lakebed surfaces by spraying or other means that achieves a relatively even application. The chemical reaction that occurs upon contact of the Interim Solution with the salts of the lakebed soil creates stable compounds that are interconnected by the long-chain molecules of the polyacrylamide that binds the molecules derived by the chemical reaction into a surface skin that protects against wind erosion. A salt byproduct, sodium chloride, remains soluble in the near surface soil will tend to seal the surface against evaporation.

Description

[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 13 / 157,240 filed Jun. 9, 2011 that was a continuation-in-part of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12 / 841,971, filed on Jul. 22, 2010, that claimed priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61 / 228,271 entitled “System and Method for Use of Natural Brine To Prevent Fugitive Dust Using Minimal Water,” filed on Jul. 24, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 254,112 entitled “System and Method for Use of Natural Brine to Prevent Fugitive Dust Using Minimal Water,” filed on Oct. 22, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 315,461 entitled “Method for Employing Clay for Construction of Low Cost Pond Liners,” filed on Mar. 19, 2010; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 326,468 entitled “Chloride Salts With Divalent Cations Provide Temporary Surface Stabilization in Saline Systems Dominated by Sodium,” filed on Apr. 21, 20...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes systems and methods for protecting surfaces from releasing dust and consuming minimal water resources for startup and maintenance. The methods work with the natural properties of salt present in the system and one method involves using a different type of salt that stabilizes the surface. Another method, called Springtime Conservation, helps save water by curtailing water delivery to the wetting basin when temperatures are safely forecanged to induce summer crust formation. This method can still save almost one-third of the water used in such wetting basins. Overall, the patent provides methods for protecting surfaces while conserving water resources.

Problems solved by technology

Soils enriched with sodium carbonate and sodium sulfate through agricultural drainage, similar salty beds exposed due to anthropomorphically-changed hydrology (like the Owens Lake), and natural dry lakebeds with shallow groundwater connection are prone to create large sources of airborne dust that can cause health and safety hazards within the surrounding region.

An example of a natural system, Owens Lake, was the historic terminus of the Owens River that was diverted for export by the City of Los Angeles resulting in desiccation of the lake early in the last century.

This process destroys soil cohesion and renders the surface easily lofted by only moderate winds of about 15 miles per hour.

Unfortunately, wetting of the Owens Lake surface uses enormous amounts of water—LADWP has used four feet per year to plan for the required water application for dust control through the dust control season.

Within the critically water-short semi-arid southeastern California region, this annual consumption of water for dust control is not sustainable.

Sodium chloride, the salt that provides the protective mechanism responsible for retaining the non-emissive qualities of the lakebed source deposit, may be present in limited but sufficient quantities, if managed correctly.

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