Agricultural waste handling system and related methods

Abstract

A waste handling system for an agricultural slurry includes a sump, a check valve assembly, and a settling volume. The sump receives an agricultural slurry which is pumped to a settling volume through a check valve assembly. The check valve assembly may incorporate a pinch valve. Optionally, a storage volume vented to atmosphere may be used to further prevent flow from the settling volume to the sump. The settling volume has a drain which allows excess water from the slurry to drain to the environment.

Description

Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO AGRICULTURAL WASTE HANDLING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 586608, filed 29 September 2023; 63 / 586619, filed 29 September 2023; 63 / 586630, filed 29 September 2023; 63 / 586638, filed 29 September 2023, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural sampling and analysis, and more particularly to a waste handling system for an agricultural waste slurry resulting from soil and other types of agricultural related sampling and chemical property analysis.

[0003] Periodic soil testing is an important aspect of the agricultural arts. Test results provide valuable information on the chemical makeup of the soil such as plant-available nutrients and other important properties (e.g. levels of nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, pH, etc.) so that various amendments may be added to the soil to maximize the quality and quantity of crop production.

[0004] In some existing soil sampling processes, collected samples are dried, ground, water is added, and then filtered to obtain a soil slurry suitable for analysis. Extractant is added to the slurry to pull out plant available nutrients. The slurry is then filtered to produce a clear solution or supernatant which is mixed with a chemical reagent for further analysis. Waste products generated during these soil sampling processes must be properly handled.

[0005] Improvements in handling waste products from testing soil, vegetation, and manure are desired. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention provides a waste handling system and related methods for handling waste from collecting, processing, and analyzing agricultural samples such as without limitation soil samples in one embodiment. The waste handling system allows for the handling of slurries and other wastes, particularly those prior to addition of reactants and reagents. Advantageously, the system can properly handle waste slurries during power interruptions without risk of backflow, leakage, or other undesired conditions.

[0007] In one implementation, the waste handling system has a sump, a check valve, and a settling volume. The sump has a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidlyAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO coupled to the reservoir. The sump is configured to receive a slurry at the inlet. The check valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump. The check valve assembly is configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry. The settling volume having a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain. The inlet and the drain are fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir. The inlet is fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

[0008] In another implementation, a waste handling system has a sump, a check valve assembly, and a settling volume. The sump has a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are fluidly coupled to the reservoir. The sump is configured to receive a slurry at the inlet. The check valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump. The check valve assembly has a pinch valve configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry through the pinch valve. The settling volume has a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain. The inlet and the drain are fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir. The inlet is fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

[0009] In yet another implementation, a method of handling waste may be implemented. First, a waste slurry is received in a reservoir of a sump. Second, the waste slurry is transferred from the reservoir of the sump to a settling volume. Third, a valve is closed to prevent backflow of the waste slurry from the settling volume to the reservoir.

[0010] Although the systems (e.g. sample collection, preparation, processing, and waste handling) may be described herein with respect to processing soil samples which represents one category of use for the disclosed embodiments, it is to be understood that the same systems including the apparatuses and related processes may further be used for processing other types of agricultural related samples including without limitation vegetation / plant, forage, manure, feed, milk, or other types of samples. The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should therefore be considered broadly as an agricultural sampling system. Accordingly, the present invention is expressly not limited to use with processing and analyzing soil samples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are labeled similarly and in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an agricultural sampling analysis system according to the present disclosure showing high-level functional aspects of each sub-system of the sampling analysis system;Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic system diagram of a programmable processor-based central processing unit (CPU) or system controller for controlling the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a basic schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an agricultural sample analysis system;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a waste handling system, which is a portion of the agricultural sample analysis system of FIG. 3;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a check valve assembly as may be used in the waste handling system of FIG. 4; and

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a waste handling system.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a settling volume as may be used in the waste handling systems of FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0019] All drawings are not necessarily to scale. Components numbered and appearing in one figure but appearing un-numbered in other figures are the same unless expressly noted otherwise. A reference herein to a whole figure number which appears in multiple figures bearing the same whole number but with different alphabetical suffixes shall be construed as a general reference to all of those figures unless expressly noted otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The features and benefits of the invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary (“example”) embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.

[0021] In the description of embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are securedAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0022] As used throughout, any ranges disclosed herein are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an agricultural sampling system 3000 according to the present disclosure. The sub-systems disclosed herein collectively provides complete processing and chemical analysis of agricultural samples from collection in the agricultural field, sample preparation, and final chemical analysis. In one embodiment, the system 3000 may be incorporated onboard a motorized sampling vehicle configured to traverse an agricultural field for collecting and processing soil samples from various zones of the field. This allows a comprehensive nutrient and chemical profile of the field to be accurately generated in order to quickly and conveniently identify the needed soil amendments and application amounts necessary for each zone based on quantification of the plant-available nutrient and / or chemical properties in the sample. The system 3000 advantageously allows multiple samples to be processed and chemically analyzed simultaneously for various chemical constituents or properties, such as for example without limitation plant-available nutrients. In one embodiment, the sampling system may be a soil sampling system configured to determine the nutrients levels in different portions of an agricultural field for crop production. However, the sampling system may be used for various other type agricultural samplings as previously described herein.

[0024] The agricultural sampling system 3000 generally includes a sample probe collection sub-system 3001, a sample preparation sub-system 3002, and a chemical analysis sub-system 3003. The sample collection sub-system 3001 and motorized sampling vehicle are fully described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0124992A1. In the case of soil sampling, sample collection sub-system 3001 generally performs the function of extracting and collecting soil samples from the field. The samples may be in the form of soil plugs or cores. The collected cores are transferred to a holding chamber or vessel for further processing by the sample preparation sub-system 3002. The system for analyzing an agricultural sample disclosed herein is usable with and may form part of an overall agricultural sampling and analysis systems, such as but not limited to those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0124992A1, US20210123836A1, US20210123936A1,Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO US20210131917A1, US20210131929A1, US20210208035A1, US20210208036A1, US20210208037A1, US20210208123A1, US20210268456A1, US20210285869A1, US20210341442A1, US20210341452A1, US20220196628A1, US20230133335A1, US20230144670A1, US20230151810A1, US20230173415A1, US20230243792A1, US20230243801A1, US20230243802A1, US20230243804A1, US20230266289A1, US20230266290A1, US20230273130A1, US20230273171A1, US20230273172A1, US20230273173A1, US20230304987A1, US20230417363A1, US20230417635A1, US20240189743A1, US20240189744A1, US20240192112A1, US20240192708A1, US20240198331A1, US20240200547A1, PCT Publication Nos. WO2021 / 171120, WO2021 / 171121, WO2022 / 243792, WO2022 / 243797, WO2022 / 243806, WO2022 / 243807, WO2022 / 243809, WO2022 / 259071, WO2022 / 259073, WO2022 / 259074, WO2023 / 031725, WO2023 / 031726, WO2023 / 031727, WO2023 / 042032, WO2023 / 042033, WO2023 / 042035, WO2023 / 042036, WO2023 / 042037, WO2023 / 042038, WO2023 / 042039, WO2023 / 161727, WO2023 / 161728, WO2023 / 170480, WO2023 / 170482, WO2023 / 227959, WO2023 / 227960, WO2023 / 248015, WO2023 / 248016, WO2024 / 023728, WO2024 / 023729, WO2024 / 023730, and WO2024 / 023731, PCT Application Nos. PCT / IB2024 / 051283, filed 12-Feb-2024 and PCT / IB2024 / 051820, filed 26-Feb-2024, U.S. Application Nos.63 / 551120, filed 08-Feb-2024, 63 / 552730, filed 13-Feb-2024, 63 / 552739, filed 13-Feb-2024, 63 / 559305, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559308, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559312, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 559316, filed 29-Feb-2024, 63 / 586486, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586489, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586497, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586500, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586504, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586510, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586514, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586524, filed 11-Oct-2023, 63 / 586529, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586545, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586551, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586555, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586562, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586608, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586619, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586630, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586638, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586656, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586672, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586702, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586726, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586955, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586966, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586978, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586984, filed 29-Sep-2023, 63 / 586990, filed 29-Sep-2023, and 63 / 646070, filed 13-May- 2024.

[0025] The sample preparation sub-system 3002 generally performs the functions of receiving the agricultural sample solids or cores in a mixing device, adding a predetermined quantity or volume of filtered water, mixing the soil and water mixture to produce a sample slurry, coarsely filtering the slurry and transferring the filtered slurry to a stirring device, measuring the actual water / soil ratio of the slurry, and diluting the slurry with water to hit a target water / soil ratio.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0026] The chemical analysis sub-system 3003 generally performs the functions of pulling or extracting the slurry though a fine filter unit, adding extractant, mixing the extractant and slurry to pull out the analytes of interest (e.g. plant available nutrients, etc.), processing the extractant- slurry mixture to produce a clear liquid or supernatant, removing or transferring the supernatant, injecting a reagent and holding the supernatant-reagent mixture for a period of hold time to allow complete chemical reaction with reagent, and measuring the analyte such as via absorbance via colorimetric analysis, or another analytical technique.

[0027] The sample preparation and chemical analysis sub-systems 3002, 3003 and their equipment or components will now be described in further detail.

[0028] As already noted herein, the agricultural sampling system, sub-systems, and related processes / methods disclosed herein may be used for processing and testing soil, vegetation / plants, manure, feed, milk, or other agricultural related parameters of interest. Particularly, embodiments of the chemical analysis portion of the system (chemical analysis sub-system 3003) disclosed herein can be used to test for multitude of chemical-related parameters and analytes (e.g. nutrients / chemicals of interest) in other areas beyond soil and plant / vegetation sampling. Some non-limiting examples (including soil and plants) are as follows.

[0029] Soil Analysis: Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Nitrogen, Ammonium, Phosphate, Orthophosphate, Polyphosphate, Total Phosphate, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Cation Exchange Capacity, pH, Percent Base Saturation of Cations, Sulfur, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Boron, Soluble Salts, Organic Matter, Excess Lime, Active Carbon, Aluminum, Amino Sugar Nitrate, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Chloride, C:N Ratio, Electrical Conductivity, Molybdenum, Texture (Sand, Silt, Clay), Cyst nematode egg counts, Mineralizable Nitrogen, and Soil pore space.

[0030] Plants / Vegetation: Nitrogen, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Percent Base Saturation of Cations, Sulfur, Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Copper, Boron, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Carbon, Chloride, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Selenium, Total Nitrogen, and Live plant parasitic nematode.

[0031] Manure: Moisture / Total Solids, Total Nitrogen, Organic Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, pH, Total Carbon, Soluble Salts, C / N Ratio, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Nitrate Nitrogen, Chloride, Organic Matter, Ash, Conductance, Kjeldahl Nitrogen, E.coli, Fecal Coliform, Salmonella, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Total Phosphate, Potash, Nitrate Nitrogen, Water Soluble Nitrogen, Water Insoluble Nitrogen, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Humic Acid, pH, Total Organic Carbon, Bulk DensityAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO (packed), Moisture, Sulfur, Calcium, Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Arsenic, Chloride, Lead, Selenium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Nickel, Sodium, Molybdenum, and Zinc

[0032] Feeds: Alanine, Histidine, Proline, Arginine, Isoleucine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Threonine, Cystine, Lysine, Tryptophan, Glutamic Acid, Methionine, Tyrosine, Glycine, Phenylalanine, Valine (Requires Crude Protein), Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Antimony, Mercury

[0033] Vitamin E (beta-tocopherol), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Vitamin E (delta- tocopherol), Vitamin E (gamma-tocopherol), Vitamin E (total), Moisture, Crude Protein, Calcium, Phosphorus, ADF, Ash, TDN, Energy (Digestible and Metabolizable), Net Energy (Gain, Lactation, Maintenance), Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Manganese, Zinc, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper (not applicable to premixes), Saturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Polyunsaturated Fat, Trans Fatty Acid, Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Requires Crude or Acid Fat), Glucose, Fructose, Sucrose, Maltose, Lactose, Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2), DON, Fumonisin, Ochratoxin, T2-Toxin, Zearalenone, Vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, Calories, Chloride, Crude fiber, Lignin, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Non Protein Nitrogen, Selenium U.S. Patent, Total Iodine, Total Starch, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and Free Fatty Acids.

[0034] Forages: Moisture, Crude Protein, Acid Detergent Fiber ADF, NDF, TDN, Net Energy (Gain, Lactation, Maintenance), Relative Feed Value, Nitrate, Sulfur, Copper, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Calcium, Manganese, Sodium, Phosphorus, Chloride, Fiber, Lignin, Molybdenum, Prussic Acid, and Selenium USP.

[0035] Milk: Butterfat, True Protein, Somatic Cell Count, Lactose, Other Solids, Total Solids, Added Water, Milk Urea Nitrogen, Acidity, pH, Antibiotic tests, and Micro-organisms.

[0036] While described below for testing soil, any extraction, analysis, or measurement system can be used with any of the above materials.

[0037] Control System

[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic system diagram showing the control or processing system 2800 including programmable processor-based central processing unit (CPU) or system controller 2820 as referenced to herein. System controller 2820 may include one or more processors, non-transitory tangible computer readable medium, programmable input / output peripherals, and all other necessary electronic appurtenances normally associated with a fully functional processor-based controller. Control system 2800, including controller 2820, is operably andAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO communicably linked to the different soil sample processing and analysis systems and devices described elsewhere herein via suitable communication links to control operation of those systems and devices in a fully integrated and sequenced manner.

[0039] The control system 2800 including programmable controller 2820 may be mounted on a stationary support in any location or conversely on a translatable self-propelled or pulled machine (e.g., vehicle, tractor, combine harvester, etc.) which may include an agricultural implement (e.g., planter, cultivator, plough, sprayer, spreader, irrigation implement, etc.) in accordance with one embodiment. In one example, the machine performs operations of a tractor or vehicle that is coupled to an implement for agricultural operations. In other embodiments, the controller may be part of a stationary station or facility.

[0040] Control system 2800, whether onboard or off-board a translatable machine, generally includes the controller 2820, non-transitory tangible computer or machine accessible and readable medium such as memory 2805, and a network interface 2815. Computer or machine accessible and readable medium may include any suitable volatile memory and non-volatile memory or devices operably and communicably coupled to the processor(s). Any suitable combination and types of volatile or non-volatile memory may be used including as examples, without limitation, random access memory (RAM) and various types thereof, read-only memory (ROM) and various types thereof, hard disks, solid-state drives, flash memory, or other memory and devices which may be written to and / or read by the processor operably connected to the medium. Both the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory may be used for storing the program instructions or software. In one embodiment, the computer or machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium (e.g., memory 2805) contains executable computer program instructions which when executed by the system controller 2820 cause the system to perform operations or methods of the present disclosure including measuring properties and testing of soil and vegetative samples. While the machine accessible and readable non- transitory medium (e.g., memory 2805) is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of control logic or instructions. The term “machine accessible and readable non- transitory medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The term “machine accessible and readable non-transitory medium” shall accordingly also be taken toAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals.

[0041] Network interface 2815 communicates with the agricultural (e.g. soil or other) sample processing and analysis systems (and their associated devices) described elsewhere (collectively designated 2803 in FIG. 2), and other systems or devices which may include without limitation an implement 2870 having its own controllers and devices.

[0042] The programmable controller 2820 may include one or more microprocessors, processors, a system on a chip (integrated circuit), one or more microcontrollers, or combinations thereof. The processing system includes processing logic 2826 for executing software instructions of one or more programs and a communication module or unit 2828 (e.g., transmitter, transceiver) for transmitting and receiving communications from network interface 2815 and / or agricultural sample processing and analysis system 2803 which includes sample preparation sub-system 3002 and the components described herein. The communication unit 2828 may be integrated with the control system 2800 (e.g. controller 2820) or separate from the programmable processing system.

[0043] Programmable processing logic 2826 of the control system 2800 which directs the operation of system controller 2820 including one or more processors may process the communications received from the communication unit 2828 or network interface 2815 including agricultural data (e.g., test data, testing results, GPS data, liquid application data, flow rates, etc.), and soil sample processing and analysis systems 2803 generated data. The memory 2805 of control system 2800 is configured for preprogrammed variable or setpoint / baseline values, storing collected data, and computer instructions or programs for execution (e.g. software 2806) used to control operation of the controller 2820. The memory 2805 can store, for example, software components such as testing software for analysis of soil and vegetation samples for performing operations of the present disclosure, or any other software application or module, images 2808 (e.g., captured images of crops), alerts, maps, etc. The system 2800 can also include an audio input / output subsystem (not shown) which may include a microphone and a speaker for, for example, receiving and sending voice commands or for user authentication or authorization (e.g., biometrics).

[0044] The system controller 2820 communicates bi-directionally with memory 2805 via communication link 2830, network interface 2815 via communication link 2832, display device 2830 and optionally a second display device 2825 via communication links 2834, 2835, andAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO I / O ports 2829 via communication links 2836. System controller 2820 may further communicate with the soil sample processing and analysis systems 2803 via wired / wireless communication links 5752 either via the network interface 2815 and / or directly as shown.

[0045] Display devices 2825 and 2830 can provide visual user interfaces for a user or operator. The display devices may include display controllers. In one embodiment, the display device 2825 is a portable tablet device or computing device with a touchscreen that displays data (e.g., test results of soil, test results of vegetation, liquid application data, captured images, localized view map layer, high definition field maps of as-applied liquid application data, as-planted or as-harvested data or other agricultural variables or parameters, yield maps, alerts, etc.) and data generated by an agricultural data analysis software application and receives input from the user or operator for an exploded view of a region of a field, monitoring and controlling field operations. The operations may include configuration of the machine or implement, reporting of data, control of the machine or implement including sensors and controllers, and storage of the data generated. The display device 2830 may be a display (e.g., display provided by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM)) that displays images and data for a localized view map layer, as-applied liquid application data, as-planted or as-harvested data, yield data, controlling a machine (e.g., planter, tractor, combine, sprayer, etc.), steering the machine, and monitoring the machine or an implement (e.g., planter, combine, sprayer, etc.) that is connected to the machine with sensors and controllers located on the machine or implement.

[0046] Agricultural Sample Slurry Processing System

[0047] The sections which follow describe various aspects of the foregoing agricultural sample analysis systems and associated devices previously described herein which process and analyze / measure the prepared agricultural sample slurry for analytes of interest (e.g. soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, etc., vegetation, manure, etc.). Specifically, the foregoing relates to the sample preparation sub-system 3002 and chemical analysis sub-system 3003 portions of agricultural (e.g. soil or other) sampling system 3000 shown in FIG. 1. To provide broad context for discussion of the alternative devices and equipment which follows, FIG. 3 is a high-level schematic system diagram summarizing the agricultural sample analysis system process flow sequence. This embodiment illustrates static slurry batch mode density measurement as further described herein.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, an agricultural sample analysis system 7000 includes in flow path sequence agricultural sample preparation sub-system 7001, stir chamber and densityAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO measurement sub-system 7002, fine filtration sub-system 7003, analyte extraction sub-system 7004, ultrafine filtration sub-system 7005, and analyte measurement sub-system 7006. Soil sample preparation sub-system 7001 represents the portion of the system where sample slurry is initially prepared. Accordingly, sub-system 7001 may comprise the mixing device described herein which includes the sample prep chamber 7100 where water is added to the bulk agricultural sample (e.g. soil or other agricultural solids) to prepare the slurry, and a coarse filter 7146 describe herein which removes larger or oversized particles (e.g. small stones, rocks, debris, hardened clumps of agricultural solids, etc.) from the prepared soil slurry. In addition, the coarse filter 7146 is sized to pass the desired maximum particle size in the slurry to ensure uniform flow and density of the slurry for weight / density measurement used in the process, as further described herein. The prepared and coarsely filtered slurry may be transferred from the mixing device to the stir chamber and density measurement sub-system 7002 by gravity. In other implementations, the prepared and coarsely filtered slurry may be transferred to the stir chamber via pumping by slurry pump 7081, or alternatively pneumatically via pressurizing the flow conduit between the sample prep chamber 7100 and density measurement sub-system 7002 with pressurized air provided by a fluid coupling to a pressurized air source 7082 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3).

[0049] Water is added to the sample prep chamber 7100 via a water control valve 7091. Solids to be sampled are also added to the sample prep chamber 7100. The water and solids may be mixed within the sample prep chamber 7100. Excess water and particles filtered out by the coarse filter 7146 exit the sample preparation sub-system 7001 as waste slurry. The stir chamber and density measurement sub-system 7002 may include a stir chamber and density measurement systems which are configured to measure a density of the slurry. During processing within the stir chamber and density measurement sub-system 7002, additional waste slurry is generated. Next, the slurry is passed through a fine filter which is part of the fine filtration sub-system 7003. Excess slurry and water, as well as particles which do not pass through the fine filtration sub-system 7003 are also generated as waste slurry. These waste slurries are directed to a waste handling system 1000.

[0050] The slurry which passes through the fine filtration sub-system 7003 is delivered to the analyte extraction sub-system 7004 via a slurry tubing 7088. Extractants, standards, and water may be added in the analyte extraction sub-system 7004, resulting in the generation of waste containing added chemicals. Slurry plus extractant are then fed to an ultrafine filter of the ultrafine filtration sub-system 7005, with additional waste being generated as a result ofAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO addition of water to flush the ultrafine filter. Finally, the filtrate from the ultrafine filtration sub-system 7005 is fed to the analyte and measurement sub-system 7006. Additional water and indicators may be added at the analyte and measurement sub-system 7006, generating additional waste. Waste from the analyte extraction sub-system 7004, ultrafine filtration sub- system 7005, and analyte and measurement sub-system 7006 may contain added chemical agents, and as such are treated by a separate waste handling system.

[0051] It bears noting that the order of the devices and equipment shown in FIG. 3 (e.g. pump(s), valves, etc.) can be switched and relocated in the systems without affecting the function of the unit. Moreover, additional devices and equipment such as valving, pumps, other flow devices, sensors (e.g. pressure, temperature, etc.) may be added control fluid / slurry flow and transmit additional operating information to the system controller which may control operation of the systems shown. Accordingly, the systems are not limited to the configuration and devices / equipment shown alone.

[0052] Waste Handling Systems

[0053] Waste slurry received by the waste handling system 1000 will be discussed in greater detail below. Still referring to FIG. 3, the waste handling system 1000 receives waste slurry from the sample preparation sub-system 7001, stir chamber and density measurement sub- system 7002, and fine filtration sub-system 7003. Other waste sources may also be directed to the waste handling system 1000 so long as these wastes are suitable for draining to the ambient environment. This waste slurry may be a mixture of solids and liquids such as soil and water as discussed above. The waste slurry may include rocks, vegetable matter, and other debris of various sizes.

[0054] The waste slurry is first directed to a sump 100. The sump 100 stores the waste slurry before transferring it through a check valve assembly 200 to a settling volume 300. Once in the settling volume 300, the solids settle in the settling volume 300 while the excess liquids are allowed to drain to the ambient environment. The ambient environment may be a field or other outdoor location. The solids within the settling volume 300 can be disposed of at a later time by returning them to a field, manure pit, or other safe disposal location. The waste slurry received by the waste handling system 1000 is free of added chemicals, and as such, can be returned to the environment without contamination or pollution risks.

[0055] Fig.4 illustrates one embodiment of the waste handling system 1000 as may be utilized in the system of FIG. 3. Specifically, waste slurry is directed to an inlet 104 of a sump 100.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO Waste slurry is contained within a reservoir 110 within the sump 100. A level sensor 102 may be used to monitor the level of the waste slurry within the reservoir 110 of the sump 100. The level sensor 102 may be a conductivity sensor, a vibratory sensor, a float sensor, or any other means of detecting the level of the waste slurry within the sump 100. The level sensor 102 may be configured to detect when the waste slurry exceeds a particular level or may be configured to monitor a continuous level of the waste slurry, represented as a percentage, an analog value, or any other means of identifying a level with increased granularity than simply empty or full.

[0056] When the waste slurry within the reservoir 110 of the sump 100 exceeds a setpoint, a pump 108 is operated to transfer the waste slurry from an outlet 106 of the sump 100 to a settling volume 300. The waste slurry is transferred past a check valve assembly 200, the check valve assembly 200 preventing backflow of the waste slurry back into the reservoir 110 of the sump 100. Once past the check valve assembly 200, the waste slurry flows into the settling volume 300 via an inlet 302 and is stored within a settling reservoir 310. Within the settling reservoir 310, the waste slurry settles, with solids separating and settling within the settling volume 300. The liquid separates from the solids within the settling volume 300. The liquid portion of the waste slurry is generally less dense than the solids, and tends to remain at the top of the settling reservoir 310. The liquid portion of the waste slurry exits via a drain 304. The settling volume 300 may include a variety of filters, or it may utilize a cyclone style filtration mechanism to allow the solids to separate from the liquid portion of the waste slurry. The settling volume 300 will be described in further detail below.

[0057] The check valve assembly 200 can take numerous forms. In one implementation, the check valve assembly 200 may simply be a conventional check valve. Such check valves may incorporate an aperture and a closure member such as a ball. These check valves may also utilize a moving door as a closure member, or any other known design. The closure members may incorporate a spring or other device to bias the closure member against the aperture to prevent reverse flow. Where a conventional check valve is used in the check valve assembly 200, the check valve must be sized correctly to prevent settling of solids within the check valve, obstructing the operation of the check valve assembly 200 and allowing reverse flow of the waste slurry. This may be achieved by ensuring that the velocity of the waste slurry through the check valve assembly 200 is sufficient to prevent settling. Thus, the check valve is sized such that the velocity through the check valve is greater than through adjacent portions of the flow path both upstream and downstream of the check valve assembly 200. In otherAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO implementations, the check valve and the adjacent lines may be sized such that they are of minimum diameter to achieve the desired flow rate, ensuring maximum flow velocity through the check valve assembly 200.

[0058] The check valve assembly 200 ensures that waste slurry does not reverse flow into the sump 100. The settling volume 300 may be at a higher physical elevation than the sump 100, which can allow a reverse flow condition in the event of a loss of system power to the waste handling system 1000. For instance, if there is a power outage and the sump 100 is filled with waste, it can backflow into one of the upstream sub-systems and negatively impact analysis results or overflow another system, resulting in a leak or other undesirable situation. Thus, a reliable fail-safe system is required to ensure that the sump 100 cannot be flooded by waste slurry from the settling volume 300.

[0059] The check valve assembly 200 can also implemented as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this implementation of the check valve assembly 200, the check valve assembly 200 utilizes a pinch valve 210 to control flow of the waste slurry. Thus, the pinch valve 210 selectively allows passage of the slurry. The pinch valve 210 has an inlet 212 and an outlet 214. The pinch valve 210 is a normally open valve which is pneumatically operated. Thus, when compressed air or another compressed fluid is applied to an operating port 216 of the pinch valve 210, the pinch valve 210 transitions to a closed state. When compressed air or compressed fluid is removed from the operating port 216 and the pressure at the operating port 216 returned to ambient pressure, the pinch valve 210 transitions to an open state. In the open state fluid is permitted to pass the pinch valve 210, while in the closed state fluid is prevented from passing the pinch valve 210.

[0060] The check valve assembly 200 also comprises a pneumatic valve 208, the pneumatic valve 208 being a three port, two-way solenoid valve. The pneumatic valve 208 may selectively apply compressed air or compressed fluid to the operating port 216 of the pinch valve 210 or fluidly couple the operating port 216 to atmosphere via a vent 209. The vent 209 is fluidly coupled to one of the ports of the pneumatic valve 208, the vent 209 in fluid communication with atmosphere to allow equalization of pressure between atmosphere and the operating port 216.

[0061] A reservoir 206 stores compressed fluid such as compressed air, and is fluidly connected to the pneumatic valve 208. An air supply 202 delivers compressed air to the reservoir 206, with compressed air passing through a check valve 204 to the reservoir 206. InAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO alternate implementations, another compressed fluid may be supplied to the reservoir 206. The check valve 204 prevents backflow in the event of a power failure. Thus, in the event of a power failure, the pneumatic valve 208 causes compressed air or another compressed fluid from the reservoir 206 to pressurize the pinch valve 210 via the operating port 216, causing the pinch valve 210 to prevent flow of waste slurry.

[0062] The pneumatic valve 208 is a normally open valve, allowing the reservoir 206 to be fluidly connected to the operating port 216 when the pneumatic valve 208 is in an un-powered state. The pneumatic valve 208 closes when power is applied in a powered state, isolating the reservoir 206 from the operating port 216. The vent 209 of the pneumatic valve 208 is fluidly connected to the operating port 216 when the pneumatic valve 208 is in the powered state. Thus, the check valve assembly 200 functions as a normally closed check valve which is fail safe. Pressure at the operating port 216 is maintained by the reservoir 206 for a sufficient time to restore power, operate the pump 108 (if necessary), and recharge the reservoir 206 before waste slurry drains back into the sump 100. The normally open pinch valve 210 effectively operates as a normally closed valve when combined with the other components described above. Thus, the normally open pinch valve 210 functions as a normally closed check valve during loss of power conditions or during times between operation of the pump 108.

[0063] Thus, the check valve assembly 200 may transition from a first state where the pneumatic valve 208 prevents application of compressed air or compressed fluid from the reservoir 206 to the operating port 216 of the pinch valve 210 to a second state where the pneumatic valve 208 applies compressed air or compressed fluid from the reservoir 206 to the operating port 216 of the pinch valve 210. In the first state, the pinch valve 210 is open, allowing passage of the waste slurry. In the second state, the pinch valve 210 is closed, preventing passage of the waste slurry.

[0064] In one method of handling waste slurry, the waste slurry is received within the reservoir 110 of the sump 100 via the inlet 104. Upon achieving a level setpoint detected by the level sensor 102, the pump 108 is activated to transfer waste slurry from the reservoir 110 via the outlet 106. The check valve assembly 200 may be transitioned into the first state to allow passage of the waste slurry, either by venting compressed air or compressed fluid via the vent 209 of the pneumatic valve 208 to release pressure on the pinch valve 110. In other configurations, the check valve assembly 200 may be transitioned into the first state by the presence of the waste slurry delivered by the pump 108.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0065] The waste slurry passes through the check valve assembly 200 and is delivered to the settling reservoir 310 of the settling volume 300 via the inlet 302. The waste slurry separates into a solid portion and a liquid portion while in the settling reservoir 310 of the settling volume 300. The liquid portion is allowed to exit via the drain 304 when new waste slurry is delivered by the pump 108, displacing the liquid portion of the waste slurry. After transfer of the waste slurry by the pump 108, the check valve assembly 200 is transitioned to the second state from the first state, preventing passage of waste slurry 200. The pump 108 may be operated and halted concurrently with transition of the check valve assembly 200 to and from the first state. In other implementations, the pump 108 may be operated before or after transitioning the check valve assembly 200 to the first state and the pump 108 may be halted before or after transitioning the check valve assembly 200 to the second state. In yet other implementations, the pump 108 may be operated and stopped but the check valve assembly 200 may remain in the first state until power is removed from the waste handling system 1000.

[0066] In the event of power failure where the pump 108 is unexpectedly halted, the check valve assembly 200 is concurrently transitioned to the second state by removal of power from the pneumatic valve 208 as discussed above. This ensures that no waste slurry is allowed to return to the reservoir 110 of the sump 100, even where the settling volume 300 is located at a greater height than the sump 100, avoiding flooding of the sump 100 and potentially allowing waste slurry back into the other sub-systems.

[0067] Turning to FIG. 6, another implementation of the waste handling system 1100 is illustrated. The waste handling system 1100 is identical to the waste handling system 1000 except as noted, and may implement any version of the check valve assembly 200 as discussed above. However, in some implementations, the check valve assembly 200 may be omitted as will be discussed below. The waste handling system 1100 uses the same reference numbering except as noted. Specifically, waste slurry is directed to an inlet 104 of a sump 100. Waste slurry is contained within a reservoir 110 within the sump 100. A level sensor 102 may be used to monitor the level of the waste slurry within the reservoir 110 of the sump 100. The level sensor 102 may be a conductivity sensor, a vibratory sensor, a float sensor, or any other means of detecting the level of the waste slurry within the sump 100. The level sensor 102 may be configured to detect when the waste slurry exceeds a particular level or may be configured to monitor a continuous level of the waste slurry, represented as a percentage, an analog value, or any other means of identifying a level with increased granularity than simply empty or full.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0068] When the waste slurry within the reservoir 110 of the sump 100 exceeds a setpoint, a pump 108 is operated to transfer the waste slurry from an outlet 106 of the sump 100 to a settling volume 300. The waste slurry is transferred past a check valve assembly 200, the check valve assembly 200 preventing backflow of the waste slurry back into the reservoir 110 of the sump 100. Once past the check valve assembly 200, the waste slurry flows into a storage volume 400, the storage volume 400 having an inlet 402 fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly, an outlet 404 fluidly coupled to the settling volume 300. The storage volume 400 also incorporates a vent 406 which is fluidly coupled to atmosphere. The storage volume 400 is sufficient to receive the waste slurry when the pump 108 is operating without leaking any of the waste slurry out of the vent 406. The storage volume 400, in combination with the vent 406, allows an air-break and prevents siphoning of waste slurry from the settling volume 300 back into the sump 100. Preferably, the storage volume 400 is located above the sump 100 and the settling volume 300, with the inlet 402 located about the outlet 404. In other implementations where the line between the sump 100 and the storage volume 400 is sufficiently short, the check valve assembly 200 may be omitted.

[0069] The settling volume 300 receives the waste slurry from the outlet 404 of the storage volume 400 via an inlet 302 and is stored within a settling reservoir 310. Within the settling reservoir 310, the waste slurry settles, with solids separating and settling within the settling volume 300. The liquid separates from the solids within the settling volume 300. The liquid portion of the waste slurry is generally less dense than the solids, and tends to remain at the top of the settling reservoir 310. The liquid portion of the waste slurry exits via a drain 304. The settling volume 300 may include a variety of filters, or it may utilize a cyclone style filtration mechanism to allow the solids to separate from the liquid portion of the waste slurry.

[0070] The check valve assembly 200 can take numerous forms. In one implementation, the check valve assembly 200 may simply be a conventional check valve. Such check valves may incorporate an aperture and a closure member such as a ball. These check valves may also utilize a moving door as a closure member, or any other known design. The closure members may incorporate a spring or other device to bias the closure member against the aperture to prevent reverse flow. Where a conventional check valve is used in the check valve assembly 200, the check valve must be sized correctly to prevent settling of solids within the check valve, obstructing the operation of the check valve assembly 200 and allowing reverse flow of the waste slurry. This may be achieved by ensuring that the velocity of the waste slurry through the check valve assembly 200 is sufficient to prevent settling. Thus, the check valve is sizedAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO such that the velocity through the check valve is greater than through adjacent portions of the flow path both upstream and downstream of the check valve assembly 200.

[0071] The check valve assembly 200 ensures that waste slurry does not reverse flow into the sump 100. The settling volume 300 may be at a higher physical elevation than the sump 100, which can allow a reverse flow condition in the event of a loss of system power to the waste handling system 1000. For instance, if there is a power outage and the sump 100 is filled with waste, it can backflow into one of the upstream sub-systems and negatively impact analysis results. Thus, a reliable fail-safe system is required to ensure that the sump 100 cannot be flooded by waste slurry from the settling volume 300.

[0072] Turning to FIG. 7, the settling volume 300 is illustrated in greater detail. As discussed above, the settling volume 300 has an inlet 302 which is fluidly coupled to a settling reservoir 310. The inlet 302 directs waste slurry downward toward a floor of the settling reservoir 310 to promote settling of solids 105 from a liquid portion 103. The solids 105 accumulate on the floor of the settling reservoir 310 of the settling volume 300. The waste slurry fills the settling reservoir 310, with the drain extending below a water level of the liquid portion 103 to ensure that floating debris is not allowed to exit the settling volume 300. Only the liquid portion 103 is able to exit the drain 304, with the solids 105 and any floating debris remaining within the settling reservoir 310 for later removal. The settling volume 300 as illustrated may be incorporated into either of the waste handling systems 1000, 1100 described above.

[0073] In one optional configuration, the solids 105 may be further separated by using a flocculation agent. This could be done by periodic addition of the flocculation agent to the settling volume 300, the sump 100, or another component within the waste handling system 1000. The flocculation agent may be added manually or automatically, and may be in liquid or solid form, including time-release capsules or other known techniques. In yet other implementations, the flocculation agent may be added to a container downstream of the drain 304 of the settling volume 300 to reduce the quantity of flocculation agent required. In yet other implementations, a silt screen or other filter may be installed on the drain 304 to further filter the liquid portion 103. EXAMPLES

[0074] The following are nonlimiting examples.

[0075] Example 1 - A waste handling system comprising a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configuredAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO to receive a slurry at the inlet; a check valve assembly fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the check valve assembly configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry; and a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

[0076] Example 2 - The waste handling system according to Example 1 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a pinch valve.

[0077] Example 3 - The waste handling system according to Example 2 wherein the pinch valve is a pneumatically operated pinch valve.

[0078] Example 4 - The waste handling system according to Example 2 or Example 3 wherein the pinch valve is normally open.

[0079] Example 5 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a valve and a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the valve of the check valve assembly.

[0080] Example 6 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

[0081] Example 7 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a first valve configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry; a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; and a second valve positioned between the first valve and the reservoir, the second valve configured to open and close the first valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

[0082] Example 8 - The waste handling system according to Example 7 wherein in a first state, the second valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the first valve, causing the first valve to allow passage of the slurry.

[0083] Example 9 - The waste handling system according to Example 7 or Example 8 wherein in a second state, the second valve applies the compressed fluid to the first valve, causing the first valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

[0084] Example 10 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 7 to 9 wherein the second valve is a normally open valve.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0085] Example 11 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 1 to 10 further comprising a storage volume fluidly coupled between the check valve assembly and the settling volume, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere.

[0086] Example 12 The waste handling system of any one of Examples 1 to 11 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

[0087] Example 13 - A waste handling system comprising: a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configured to receive a slurry at the inlet; a check valve assembly fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the check valve assembly comprising a pinch valve configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry through the pinch valve; and a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

[0088] Example 14 - The waste handling system according to Example 13 wherein the pinch valve is a pneumatically operated pinch valve.

[0089] Example 15 - The waste handling system according to Example 13 or Example 14 wherein the pinch valve is normally open.

[0090] Example 16 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 13 to 15 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the pinch valve of the check valve assembly.

[0091] Example 17 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 13 to 16 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

[0092] Example 18 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 13 to 17 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; and a compressed fluid valve positioned between the pinch valve and the reservoir, the compressed fluid valve configured to open and close the pinch valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

[0093] Example 19 - The waste handling system according to Example 18 wherein in a first state, the compressed fluid valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to allow passage of the slurry.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0094] Example 20 - The waste handling system according to Example 18 or Example 19 wherein in a second state, the compressed fluid valve applies the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

[0095] Example 21 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 18 to 20 wherein the compressed fluid valve is a normally open valve.

[0096] Example 22 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 13 to 21 further comprising a storage volume fluidly coupled between the check valve assembly and the settling volume, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere.

[0097] Example 23 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 13 to 22 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

[0098] Example 24 - A method of handling waste comprising: a) receiving a waste slurry in a reservoir of a sump; b) transferring the waste slurry from the reservoir of the sump to a settling volume; and c) closing a valve to prevent backflow of the waste slurry from the settling volume to the reservoir.

[0099] Example 25 - The method of Example 24 wherein step a) further comprises pumping the waste slurry using a pump.

[0100] Example 26 - The method of Example 24 of Example 25 wherein step b) further comprises flowing the waste slurry through the valve.

[0101] Example 27 - The method of any one of Examples 24 to 26 wherein, in step b), the valve is in a first state where the valve allows passage of the waste slurry.

[0102] Example 28 - The method of any one of Examples 24 to 27 wherein, in step c), the valve transitions to a second state where the valve prevents passage of the waste slurry.

[0103] Example 29 - A waste handling system comprising: a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configured to receive a slurry at the inlet; a storage volume fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere; and a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the storage volume.

[0104] Example 30 - The waste handling system according to Example 29 wherein the storage volume is located above the settling volume and the sump.

[0105] Example 31 - The waste handling system according to Example 29 or Example 30 further comprising a check valve assembly fluidly coupled between the sump and the storage volume.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO

[0106] Example 32 - The waste handling system according to Example 31 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the pinch valve of the check valve assembly.

[0107] Example 33 - The waste handling system according to Examples 31 or Example 32 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

[0108] Example 34 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 31 to 33 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; and a compressed fluid valve positioned between the pinch valve and the reservoir, the compressed fluid valve configured to open and close the pinch valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

[0109] Example 35 - The waste handling system according to Example 34 wherein in a first state, the compressed fluid valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to allow passage of the slurry.

[0110] Example 36 - The waste handling system according to Example 34 or Example 35 wherein in a second state, the compressed fluid valve applies the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

[0111] Example 37 - The waste handling system according to any one of Examples 34 to 36 wherein the compressed fluid valve is a normally open valve.

[0112] Example 38 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 29 to 37 wherein the storage volume is located above the sump and the settling volume.

[0113] Example 39 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 29 to 38 wherein an inlet of the storage volume is located above an outlet of the storage volume and the vent of the storage volume is located above the inlet and the outlet of the storage volume.

[0114] Example 40 - The waste handling system of any one of Examples 29 to 39 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

[0115] While the foregoing description and drawings represent some example systems, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essentialAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods / processes described herein may be made. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A waste handling system comprising a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configured to receive a slurry at the inlet; a check valve assembly fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the check valve assembly configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry; and a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

2. The waste handling system according to claim 1 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a pinch valve.

3. The waste handling system according to claim 2 wherein the pinch valve is a pneumatically operated pinch valve.

4. The waste handling system according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the pinch valve is normally open.

5. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a valve and a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the valve of the check valve assembly.

6. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

7. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a first valve configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry; a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; and a second valve positioned between the first valve and the reservoir, the second valve configured to open and close the first valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

8. The waste handling system according to claim 7 wherein in a first state, the second valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the first valve, causing the first valve to allow passage of the slurry.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO 9. The waste handling system according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein in a second state, the second valve applies the compressed fluid to the first valve, causing the first valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

10. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the second valve is a normally open valve.

11. The waste handling system of any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a storage volume fluidly coupled between the check valve assembly and the settling volume, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere.

12. The waste handling system of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

13. A waste handling system comprising: a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configured to receive a slurry at the inlet; a check valve assembly fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the check valve assembly comprising a pinch valve configured to selectively allow passage of the slurry through the pinch valve; and a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the check valve assembly.

14. The waste handling system according to claim 13 wherein the pinch valve is a pneumatically operated pinch valve.

15. The waste handling system according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the pinch valve is normally open.

16. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the pinch valve of the check valve assembly.

17. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

18. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; andAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO a compressed fluid valve positioned between the pinch valve and the reservoir, the compressed fluid valve configured to open and close the pinch valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

19. The waste handling system according to claim 18 wherein in a first state, the compressed fluid valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to allow passage of the slurry.

20. The waste handling system according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein in a second state, the compressed fluid valve applies the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

21. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the compressed fluid valve is a normally open valve.

22. The waste handling system of any one of claims 13 to 21 further comprising a storage volume fluidly coupled between the check valve assembly and the settling volume, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere.

23. The waste handling system of any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

24. A method of handling waste comprising: a) receiving a waste slurry in a reservoir of a sump; b) transferring the waste slurry from the reservoir of the sump to a settling volume; and c) closing a valve to prevent backflow of the waste slurry from the settling volume to the reservoir.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein step a) further comprises pumping the waste slurry using a pump.

26. The method of claim 24 of claim 25 wherein step b) further comprises flowing the waste slurry through the valve.

27. The method of any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein, in step b), the valve is in a first state where the valve allows passage of the waste slurry.

28. The method of any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein, in step c), the valve transitions to a second state where the valve prevents passage of the waste slurry.

29. A waste handling system comprising: a sump comprising a reservoir, an inlet, and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir, the sump configured to receive a slurry at the inlet; a storage volume fluidly coupled to the outlet of the sump, the storage volume comprising a vent fluidly coupled to atmosphere; andAttorney Docket No.23158 / WO a settling volume comprising a settling reservoir, an inlet, and a drain, the inlet and the drain fluidly coupled to the settling reservoir, the inlet fluidly coupled to the storage volume.

30. The waste handling system according to claim 29 wherein the storage volume is located above the settling volume and the sump.

31. The waste handling system according to claim 29 or claim 30 further comprising a check valve assembly fluidly coupled between the sump and the storage volume.

32. The waste handling system according to claim 31 wherein the check valve assembly comprises a reservoir containing a compressed fluid, the compressed fluid in the reservoir configured to close the pinch valve of the check valve assembly.

33. The waste handling system according to claims 31 or claim 32 wherein the check valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state where the check valve assembly allows passage of the slurry to a second state where the check valve assembly prevents passage of the slurry.

34. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein the check valve assembly further comprises: a reservoir operably coupled to the valve, the reservoir containing a compressed fluid; and a compressed fluid valve positioned between the pinch valve and the reservoir, the compressed fluid valve configured to open and close the pinch valve by selective application of the compressed fluid from the reservoir.

35. The waste handling system according to claim 34 wherein in a first state, the compressed fluid valve prevents application of the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to allow passage of the slurry.

36. The waste handling system according to claim 34 or claim 35 wherein in a second state, the compressed fluid valve applies the compressed fluid to the pinch valve, causing the pinch valve to prevent passage of the slurry.

37. The waste handling system according to any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the compressed fluid valve is a normally open valve.

38. The waste handling system of any one of claims 29 to 37 wherein the storage volume is located above the sump and the settling volume.

39. The waste handling system of any one of claims 29 to 38 wherein an inlet of the storage volume is located above an outlet of the storage volume and the vent of the storage volume is located above the inlet and the outlet of the storage volume.Attorney Docket No.23158 / WO 40. The waste handling system of any one of claims 29 to 39 wherein a flocculation agent is dispensed to the settling reservoir.

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