Cost analysis of soil-depressurization techniques for indoor radon reduction
The article discusses a parametric cost analysis to evaluate active soil depressurization (ASD) systems for indoor radon reduction in houses. The analysis determined the relative importance of 14 ASD design variables and 2 operating variables on the installation and operating costs of residential ASD systems in several types of houses. Knowledge of the most important variables would enable EPA's research and development efforts to be more effectively directed at ways to reduce ASD costs and thus to increase utilization of the technology. Parameters offering the greatest potential for reductions in installation costs included three dealing with houses with poor subslab communication: (1) reducing the number of subslab depressurization pipes; (2) eliminating excavation of large subslab pits beneath the suction pipes to improve suction field extension; and (3) improving the effectiveness of premitigation subslab communication diagnostic testing in achieving simpler, less expensive ASD system designs. In addition, determining acceptable conditions for discharging ASD exhaust at grade level would reduce installation costs. Better design guidance for crawl-space submembrane depressurization (SMD) systems could reduce installation costs, if difficult membrane sealing steps and complete coverage of the crawl-space floor by the membrane can be avoided.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (United States). Air and Energy Engineering Research Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 5893460
- Report Number(s):
- PB-92-120443/XAB
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Pub. in Indoor Air, v1 n3 p337-351 Sep 91
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS
DESIGN
RADON
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
COST
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
HOUSES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
INSTALLATION
MITIGATION
OPERATION
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOLS
SOILS
AEROSOLS
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
COLLOIDS
CONTROL
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
ENGINEERING
FLUIDS
GASES
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SOLS
540130* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety