Influence of water content on SVE in a silt loam soil

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Journal of Environmental Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1998)124:11(1047)· OSTI ID:290126

Harper, B M; Stiver, W H; Zytner, R G ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Guelph, Ontario (Canada). School of Engineering

The performance of soil vapor extraction systems in the field commonly is less than optimum and is difficult to predict. The factors that cause deteriorating performance are not well understood or quantified. To gain a better understanding, the venting behavior of a single compound (toluene) and a binary mixture (toluene and m-xylene) from a silt loam soil was investigated in a series of multiple column experiments. The contaminants were present initially as non-aqueous-phase liquids. The venting experiments were conducted at three water contents of air-dry, 16 and 22 wt%. The vapor extraction was influenced strongly by the soil`s water content. Equilibrium conditions predominated for the air-dry and 16% water content experiments. At a water content of 22%, venting became mass transfer limited. This mass transfer limitation developed early in the venting process with the non-aqueous-phase liquid still present.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 290126
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 124; ISSN 0733-9372; ISSN JOEEDU
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
MASS TRANSFER
PERFORMANCE TESTING
REMEDIAL ACTION
SOILS
TOLUENE
XYLENES