Dynamic underground stripping: steam and electric heating for in situ decontamination of soils and groundwater

Patent · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:870058

Daily, William D ^[1]; Ramirez, Abelardo L ^[2]; Newmark, Robin L ^[2]; Udell, Kent ^[3]; Buetnner, Harley M ^[1]; Aines, Roger D ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA
2. Pleasanton, CA
3. Berkeley, CA

A dynamic underground stripping process removes localized underground volatile organic compounds from heterogeneous soils and rock in a relatively short time. This method uses steam injection and electrical resistance heating to heat the contaminated underground area to increase the vapor pressure of the contaminants, thus speeding the process of contaminant removal and making the removal more complete. The injected steam passes through the more permeable sediments, distilling the organic contaminants, which are pumped to the surface. Large electrical currents are also applied to the contaminated area, which heat the impermeable subsurface layers that the steam has not penetrated. The condensed and vaporized contaminants are withdrawn by liquid pumping and vacuum extraction. The steam injection and electrical heating steps are repeated as necessary. Geophysical imaging methods can be used to map the boundary between the hot, dry, contamination-free underground zone and the cool, damp surrounding areas to help monitor the dynamic stripping process.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5449251
• OSTI ID: 870058
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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cool
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dynamic
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