This manual provides practical guidance for the design and operation of soil vapor extraction (SVE) and bioventing (BV) systems. It is intended for use by engineers, geologists, hydrogeologists, and soil scientists, chemists, project managers, and others who possess a technical education and some design experience but only the broadest familiarity with SVE or BV systems.
In many cases, the application of in situ technologies evolved as a necessity from a cost perspective. However, the basic understanding of the mechanisms and theory behind these technologies was treated as a "black box." Although we have seen some tremendous successes in the application of remediation technologies over the past several years, we have also seen many cases in which a technology has been incorrectly or inappropriately applied. In most cases, this misapplication has been the result of a poor understanding of the basic concepts and mechanisms behind the technologies. Without proper understanding, the potential for misapplication of technologies remains a serious economic and technical threat.
This report provides an engineering analysis of, and status report on, selected enhancements for soil vapor extraction (SVE) treatment technologies. The report is intended to assist project managers considering an SVE treatment system by providing them with an up-to-date status of enhancement technologies; an evaluation of each technology's applicability to various site conditions; a presentation of cost and performance information; a list of vendors specializing in the technologies; a discussion of relative strengths and limitations of the technologies; recommendations to keep in mind when considering the enhancements; and a compilation of references. The performance of an SVE system depends on properties of both the contaminants and the soil. SVE is generally applicable to compounds with a vapor pressure of greater than 1 millimeter of mercury at 20EC and a Henry s Law constant of greater than 100 atmospheres per mole fraction. SVE is most effective at sites with relatively permeable contaminated soil and with saturated hydraulic conductivities of greater than 1 x 10 or 1 x 10 centimeter per second (cm/s). SVE by itself does not effectively remove contaminants -3 -2 in saturated soil. However, SVE can be used as an integral part of some treatment schemes that treat both groundwater and the overlying vadose zone. Enhancement technologies should be considered when contaminant or soil characteristics limit the effectiveness of SVE or when contaminants are present in saturated soil. The five enhancement technologies covered in this report are as follows and are described in the following subsections: * Air Sparging * Dual-phase Extraction * Directional Drilling * Pneumatic and Hydraulic Fracturing * Thermal Enhancement.
There may be nearly 300,000 waste sites in the United States where ground water and soil are contaminated. Yet recent studies question whether existing technologies can restore contaminated ground water to drinking water standards, which is the goal for most sites and the result expected by the public. How can the nation balance public health, technological realities, and cost when addressing ground water cleanup? This new volume offers specific conclusions, outlines research needs, and recommends policies that are technologically sound while still protecting health and the environment. Authored by the top experts from industry and academia, this volume: Examines how the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the subsurface environment, as well as the properties of contaminants, complicate the cleanup task. Reviews the limitations of widely used conventional pump-and-treat cleanup systems, including detailed case studies. Evaluates a range of innovative cleanup technologies and the barriers to their full implementation. Presents specific recommendations for policies and practices in evaluating contamination sites, in choosing remediation technologies, and in setting appropriate cleanup goals.
