Process for in situ decontamination of subsurface soil and groundwater

Patent · Tue May 28 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5038445

Udell, K S; Sitar, N; Hunt, J R; Stewart, Jr, L D

This patent describes a process for in-situ decontamination of a contaminated subsurface area containing volatile contaminants, nonvolatile aqueous soluble contaminants and nonvolatile nonaqueous volatile contaminants. It comprises: constructing an injection well system comprising of injection wells proximate to the periphery of and/or located within the contaminated area; constructing at least one extraction well disposed within the contaminated area and spaced apart from the injection wells; concurrently injecting steam into the injection well system and applying subatmospheric pressure to the extraction well whereby steam is drawn in a substantially horizontal direction through the contaminated subsurface area to thereby heat the area, volatilize, and extract a substantial amount of the volatile contaminants from the area, ceasing injection of the steam into the injection well system and continuing the application of subatmospheric pressure at the extraction well to withdraw residual steam and gases, and residual liquids from the subsurface area, which gases and steam are volatilized by the residual heat in the subsurface area.

• Assignee: The Regents of the Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (USA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5018576; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-394739
• OSTI ID: 5038445
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 16 Aug 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
GROUND WATER
DECONTAMINATION
SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENTS
INJECTION WELLS
RESIDUES
STEAM INJECTION
VOLATILE MATTER
CLEANING
FLUID INJECTION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATTER
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
WATER
WELLS
540220* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
540320 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)