&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
The Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation
Program
Technology Profiles
Eleventh Edition
SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
NOTICE ii
FOREWORD iii
ABSTRACT iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS x
SITE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 1
SITE PROGRAM CONTACTS 6
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM 7
Completed Demonstration Program Projects
Active Environmental, Inc.
(TECHXTRACT® Process) 20
American Combustion, Inc. (PYRETRON® Thermal Destruction) 22
ARS Technologies, Inc. (Pneumatic Fracturing Extraction3" and Catalytic Oxidation) 24
Bergmann, A Division of Linatex, Inc. (Soil and Sediment Washing) 26
Berkeley Environmental Restoration Center
(In Situ Steam Enhanced Extraction Process) 28
Billings and Associates, Inc.
(Subsurface Volatilization and Ventilation System [SVVS®]) 30
BioGenesisSM Enterprises, Inc.
(BioGenesisSM Soil and Sediment Washing Process) 32
Bio-Rem, Inc. (Augmented In Situ Subsurface Bioremediation Process) 34
Biotherm, LCC (Biotherm Process™) 36
BioTrol® (Biological Aqueous Treatment System) 38
BioTrol® (Soil Washing System) 40
Brice Environmental Services Corporation (Soil Washing Process) 42
BWX Technologies, Inc. (affiliated with Babock & Wilcox Co.)
(Cyclone Furnace) 44
Calgon Carbon Advanced Oxidation Technologies
(perox-pure™ Chemical Oxidation Technology) 46
CF Systems Corporation
(Liquified Gas Solvent Extraction [LG-SX] Technology) 48
Chemfix Technologies, Inc. (Solidification and Stabilization) 50
COGNIS, Inc. (TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System) 52
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(Constructed Wetlands-Based Treatment) 54
Commodore Applied Technologies, Inc.
(Solvated Electron Technology, SET™ Remediation System) 56
Cure International, Inc. (CURE®-Electrocoagulation Wastewater Treatment System) .... 58
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Section Page
Completed Demonstration Program Projects (continued)
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, and
Oberlin Filter Company (Membrane Microfiltration) 60
Dynaphore, Inc. (FORAGER® Sponge) 62
ECOVA Corporation (Bioslurry Reactor) 64
Electrokinetics, Inc. (Electrokinetic Soil Processing) 66
ELI Eco Logic Inc. (Gas-Phase Chemical Reduction Process) 68
ELI Eco Logic International Inc. (Thermal Desorption Unit) 70
EnviroMetal Technologies Inc. (In Situ and Ex Situ Metal-Enhanced Abiotic
Degradation of Dissolved Halogenated Organic Compounds in Groundwater) 72
EPOC Water, Inc. (Precipitation, Microfiltration, and Sludge Dewatering) 74
Filter Flow Technology, Inc. (Colloid Polishing Filter Method®) 76
Funderburk & Associates (Dechlorination and Immobilization) 78
General Atomics (Circulating Bed Combustor) 80
Geo-Con, Inc. (In Situ Solidification and Stabilization Process) 82
Geosafe Corporation (GeoMelt Vitrification) 84
Geotech Development Corporation
(Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification of Chromium-Contaminated Soils) 86
GISYSolutions, Inc. (GIS\Key™ Environmental Data Management System) 88
GRACE Bioremediation Technologies (DARAMEND™ Bioremediation Technology) ... 90
Gruppo Italimpresse (Infrared Thermal Destruction) 92
High Voltage Environmental Applications, Inc. (High-Energy Electron Irradiation) 94
Horsehead Resource Development Co., Inc. (Flame Reactor) 96
Hrubetz Environmental Services, Inc. (HRUBOUT® Process) 98
Hughes Environmental Systems, Inc. (Steam Enhanced Recovery Process) 100
IIT Research Institute/Brown and Root Environmental (Radio Frequency Heating) ... 102
Ionics RCC (B.E.S.T. Solvent Extraction Technology) 104
KAI Technologies, Inc./Brown and Root Environmental (Radio Frequency Heating) ... 106
Magnum Water Technology (CAV-OX® Process) 108
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. (Photocatalytic Water Treatment) 110
Maxymillian Technologies, Inc. (Thermal Desorption System) 112
Morrison Knudsen Corporation/Spetstamponazhgeologia Enterprises
(Clay-Base Grouting Technology) 114
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
(Base-Catalyzed Decomposition Process) 116
National Risk Management Research Laboratory (Volume Reduction Unit) 118
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
and INTECH 180 Corporation (Fungal Treatment Technology) 120
National Risk Management Research Laboratory
and IT Corporation (Debris Washing System) 122
VI
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Section Page
Completed Demonstration Program Projects (continued)
National Risk Management Research Laboratory, University of Cincinnati,
and FRX, Inc. (Hydraulic Fracturing) 124
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/
ENSR Consulting and Engineering and Larsen Engineers (Ex Situ Biovault) . . 126
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/
SBP Technologies, Inc. (Vacuum-Vaporized Well System) 128
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation/
R.E. Wright Environmental, Inc. (In Situ Bioventing Treatment System) 130
North American Technologies Group, Inc.
(Oleophilic Amine-Coated Ceramic Chip) 132
NOVATERRA Associates (In Situ Soil Treatment [Steam and Air Stripping]) 134
OHM Remediation Services Corp. (X*TRAX™ Thermal Desorption) 136
Radian International LCC
(Integrated AquaDetox Steam Vacuum Stripping and Soil Vapor Extraction/ReinjectidSJS
Remediation Technologies, Inc. (Liquid and Solids Biological Treatment) 140
Rochem Separation Systems, Inc. (Rochem Disc Tube™ Module System) 142
SBP Technologies, Inc. (Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation) 144
J.R. Simplot Company (The SABRE™ Process) 146
Smith Environmental Technologies Corporation
(Low Temperature Thermal Aeration [LTTA®]) 148
SoilTech ATP Systems, Inc. (Anaerobic Thermal Processor) 150
Soliditech, Inc. (Solidification and Stabilization) 152
Sonotech, Inc. (Frequency-Tunable Pulse Combustion System) 154
STC Remediation, A Division of Omega Environmental, Inc.
(Organic Stabilization and Chemical Fixation/Solidification) 156
Terra-Kleen Response Group, Inc. (Solvent Extraction Treatment System) 158
Terra Vac (In Situ and Ex Situ Vacuum Extraction) 160
Texaco Inc. (Texaco Gasification Process) 162
Toronto Harbour Commission (Soil Recycling) 164
U.S. Filter/WTS Ultrox (Ultraviolet Radiation and Oxidation) 166
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(Excavation Techniques and Foam Suppression Methods) 168
University of Nebraska - Lincoln (Center Pivot Spray Irrigation System) 170
WASTECH, Inc. (Solidification and Stabilization) 172
Roy F. Weston, Inc. (Low Temperature Thermal Treatment System) 174
Roy F. Weston, Inc./IEG Technologies (UVB - Vacuum Vaporizing Well) 176
Wheelabrator Clean Air Systems, Inc. (PO*WW*ER™ Technology) 178
Xerox Corporation (2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION Process) 180
vn
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Section Page
Completed Demonstration Program Projects (continued)
ZENON Environmental Inc. (Cross-Flow Pervaporation System) 182
ZENON Environmental Inc. (ZenoGem™ Process) 184
Ongoing Demonstration Program Projects
Arctic Foundations Inc. (Cyrogenic Barrier) 190
Duke Engineering
(Surfactant Enhanced Aquifer Remediation of Nonaqueous Phase Liquids) 192
Envirometal Technologies, Inc. (Reactive Barrier) 194
Geokinetics International, Inc.
(Electroheat-EnhancedNonaqueous-Phase Liquids Removal) 196
ITT Night Vision (In situ Enhanced Bioremediation of Groundwater) 198
KSE, Inc. (Adsorption-Integrated-Reaction Process) 200
Lasagna Public-Private Partnership (Lasagna In Situ Soil Remediation) 202
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. (Photocatalytic Air Treatment) 206
National Risk Management Research Laboratory (Bioventing) 208
Phytokinetics, Inc. (Phytoremediation Process) 210
Phytotech (Phytoremediation Technology) 212
Pintail Systems Incorporated (Spent Ore Bioremediation Process) 214
Praxis Environmental Technologies, Inc. (In Situ Thermal Extraction Process) 216
Process Technologies, Inc. (Photolytic Destruction of Vapor-Phase Halogens) 218
Recycling Sciences International, Inc. (Desorption and Vapor Extraction System) 220
Rocky Mountain Remediation Services, L.L.C. (Envirobond™ Solutions) 222
Sandia National Laboratories (In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction System) 224
Selentec Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Selentec MAG*SEPSMTechnology) 226
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc. (MAECTITE® Chemical Treatment Process) . . . 228
SIVE Services (Steam Injection and Vacuum Extraction) 230
Star Organics, L.L.C. (Soil Rescue Remediation Fluid) 232
U.S. Air Force (Phytoremediation of TCE-Contaminated Shallow Groundwater) 234
Vortec Corporation (Oxidation and Vitrification Process) 236
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM THE U.S. EPA
NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT RESEARCH LABORATORY,
SUPERFUND TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION DIVISION 239
VIDEO REQUEST FORM 251
TRADE NAME INDEX 255
APPLICABILITY INDEX 265
Vlll
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figute Page
1 DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES 2
2 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEMONSTRATION
PROGRAM 3
3 INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAM 4
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1 COMPLETED SITE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM PROJECTS
AS OF OCTOBER 1998 8
2 ONGOING SITE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM PROJECTS
AS OF OCTOBER 1998 186
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ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly EET, Inc.)
(TechXtract® Decontamination Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The TechXtract® process employs proprietary
chemical formulations in successive steps to
remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB),
toxic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and
radionuclides from the subsurface of porous
materials such as concrete, brick, steel, and
wood. Each formulation consists of chemicals
from up to 14 separate chemical groups, and
formulation can be specifically tailored to
individual site.
The process is performed in multiple cycles.
Each cycle consists of three stages: surface
preparation, extraction, and rinsing. Each
stage employs a specific chemical mix.
The surface preparation step uses a solution
that contains buffered organic and inorganic
acids, sequestering agents, wetting agents, and
special hydrotrope chemicals. The extraction
formula includes macro- and microemulsifiers
in addition to electrolyte, flotation, wetting,
and sequestering agents. The rinsing formula
is pH-balanced and contains wetting and
complexing agents. Emulsifiers in all the
formulations help eliminate fugitive releases
of volatile organic compounds or other
vapors.
The chemical formulation in each stage is
sprayed on the contaminated surface as a fine
mist and worked into the surface with a stiff
bristle brush or floor scrubber. The chemicals
are allowed to penetrate into the subsurface
and are then rinsed or vacuumed from the
surface with a wet/dry, barrel-vacuum. No
major capital equipment is required.
Contaminant levels can be reduced from 60 to
90 percent per cycle. The total number of
cycles is determined from initial contaminant
concentrations and final remedial action
objectives.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TechXtract® process is designed to treat
porous solid materials contaminated with
PCBs; toxic hydrocarbons; heavy metals,
including lead and arsenic; and radionuclides.
Because the contaminants are extracted from
the surface, the materials can be left in place,
reused, or recycled. After treatment, the
contaminants are concentrated in a small
1. EET's proprietary
TECH\TRACTT'
blends are applied
in sequence.
Concrete
Metal
Brick
Asphalt
2. Chemicals
penetrate
through pores
and capillaries.
Contaminants
entrained in spent
solution are
vacuumed and
drumed for disposal.
3. Electrochemical bonds holding
contaminants to substrate are
attacked and broken.
4. Contaminants
are released
from substrate
and drawn to
surface.
Process Flow Diagram of the TECHXTRACT® Process
-------
volume of liquid waste. The liquid can be
disposed as is, incinerated, or solidified for
landfill. It will carry the waste characteristics
of the contaminant.
In commercial applications, the process has
reduced PCB concentrations from 1,000,000
micrograms per 100 square centimeters
(jig/100 cm2) to concentrations less than 0.2
jig/100 cm2. The TechXtract® process has
been used on concrete floors, walls, and
ceilings, tools and machine parts, internal
piping, values, and lead shielding. The
TechXxtract® process has removed lead,
arsenic, technetium, uranium, cesium, tritium,
andthroium, chrome (+3,+6), gallium, copper,
mercury, plutonium, and strontium.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994.
EAT Demonstrated the TechXtract®
technology from February 26, 1997 to March
6, 1997. During the demonstration, AET
competed 20 TechXtract® 100 cycles and 12
300/200 cycles. Post-treatment samples were
collected on March 6, 1997. In April 1997 a
demonstration project was completed at the
Pearl Harbor Naval Complex.
The technology has been used in over 200
successful decontamination projects for the
U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department
of Defense; the electric, heavy manufacturing,
steel, and aluminum industries; and other
applications. Further research is underway to
apply the technology to soil, gravel, and other
loose material. AET also plans to study
methods for removing or concentrating metals
in the extracted liquids.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Dennis Timberlake
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7547
Fax: 513-569-7676
E-mail: timberlake.dennis@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Scott Fay
Active Environmental Technologies, Inc.
40 High Street,
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-702-1500
Fax: 609-702-0265
E-mail: scottf@pics.com
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ADVANCED REMEDIATION MIXING, INC.
(formerly Chemfix Technologies, Inc.)
(Solidification and Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In this solidification and stabilization process,
pozzolanic materials react with polyvalent
metal ions and other waste components to
produce a chemically and physically stable
solid material. Optional binders and reagents
may include soluble silicates, carbonates,
phosphates, and borates. The end product
may be similar to a clay-like soil, depending
on the characteristics of the raw waste and the
properties desired in the end product.
The figure below illustrates the Chemfix
Technologies, Inc. (Chemfix), process.
Typically, the waste is first blended in a
reaction vessel with pozzolanic materials that
contain calcium hydroxide. This blend is then
dispersed throughout an aqueous phase. The
reagents react with one another and with toxic
metal ions, forming both anionic and cationic
metal complexes. Pozzolanics that accelerate
and other reagents that precipitate metals can
be added before or after the dry binder is
initially mixed with the waste.
When a water soluble silicate reacts with the
waste and the pozzolanic binder system,
colloidal silicate gel strengths are increased
within the binder-waste matrix, helping to
bind polyvalent metal cations. A large
percentage of the heavy metals become part of
the calcium silicate and aluminate colloidal
structures formed by the pozzolans and
calcium hydroxide. Some of the metals, such
as lead, adsorb to the surface of the
pozzolanic structures. The entire pozzolanic
matrix, when physically cured, decreases
toxic metal mobility by reducing the incursion
of leaching liquids into and out of the
stabilized matrices.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process is suitable for contaminated
soils, sludges, ashes, and other solid wastes.
The process is particularly applicable to
REAGENT TRUCK.
UNLOADING }
REAGENT TRUCK
UNLOADING
WASTE INPUT
WATER SUPPLY)
REAGENT TRUCKx
UNLOADING /
TO CONTAINMENT AREA
TRANSFER PUMP
Process Flow Diagram
-------
electroplating sludges, electric arc furnace
dust, heavy metal contaminated soils, oil field
drilling muds and cuttings, municipal sewage
sludges, and residuals from other treatment
processes. This process effectively treats
heavy metals, such as antimony, arsenic, lead,
cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury,
copper, and zinc. In addition, when combined
with specialized binders and additives, this
process can stabilize low-level nuclear wastes.
With modifications, the system may be
applied to wastes containing between 10 to
100 percent solids.
STATUS:
The solidification and stabilization process
was accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1988. The process was
demonstrated in March 1989 at the Portable
Equipment Salvage Company site in
Clackamas, Oregon. The Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-89/01 la) and
the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-89/011) are available from
EPA.
,
®
In addition, several full-scale remediation
projects have been completed since 1977
including a 1991 high solids CHEMSET
reagent protocol designed by Chemfix to treat
30,000 cubic yards of hexavalent
chromium-contaminated, high solids waste.
The average chromium level after treatment
was less than 0.15 milligram per liter and met
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) criteria. The final product
permeability was less than 1 x 10"6
centimeters per second (cm/sec).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration yielded the following
results:
• The technology effectively reduced
copper and lead concentrations in the
wastes. The concentrations in the TCLP
extracts from the treated wastes were
94 to 99 percent less than those from the
untreated wastes. Total lead
concentrations in the untreated waste
approached 14 percent.
• The volume of excavated waste material
increased between 20 and 50 percent after
treatment.
• During the durability tests, the treated
wastes showed little or no weight loss
after 12 cycles of wetting and drying or
freezing and thawing.
• The unconfined compressive strength of
the wastes varied between 27 and
307 pounds per square inch after 28 days.
Hydraulic conductivity of the treated
material ranged between 1 x 10"6 cm/sec
and 6.4 x 10"7 cm/sec.
• Air monitoring data suggest there was no
significant volatilization of
polychlorinated biphenyls during the
treatment process.
• Treatment costs were approximately $73
per ton, including mobilization, labor,
reagents, and demobilization, but not
disposal.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Edwin Barm
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7869
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: barth.ed@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Sam Pizzitola
Advanced Remediation Mixing, Inc.
711 Oxley Street
Kenner, LA 70062
504-461-0466
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AMEC EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL
(formerly GeoSafe Corporation)
(GeoMelt Vitrification, previously In Situ Vitrification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
AMEC Earth and Environmental's GeoMelt
vitrification process uses electricity to melt
soil or other earthen materials at temperatures
of 1,600 to 2,000°C, destroying organic
pollutants by pyrolysis. Inorganic pollutants
are immobilized within the vitrified glass and
monolith. Water vapor and organic pyrolysis
products are captured in a hood, which draws
the off-gases into a treatment system that
removes particulates, acid gases and other
pollutants.
The process can be applied to materials in
situ, or where staged below grade or ex situ.
By the addition of feeding and melt
withdrawal fewtures, the process can be
operated semi-continuosly. To begin the
vitrification process, an array of large
electrode pairs is inserted into contaminated
zones containing enough soil for melting to
occur (see photograph below). A graphite
starter path is used to melt the adjacent soil,
which then becomes the primary current-
carrying medium for further processing. As
power is applied, the melting continues
downward and outward at an average rate of
4
to 6 tons per hour, or 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The electrode array is lowered progressively,
as the melt grows to the desired treatment
depth. After cooling, a vitrified monolith with
a glass and microcrystalline structure remains.
This monolith possesses high strength and
excellent weathering and leaching properties.
The melting process is performed under a
hood through which air flow is controlled to
maintain a negative pressure. Excess oxygen
is supplied for combustion of any organic
pyrolysis products. Off-gases are treated by
quenching, pH-controlled scrubbing,
dewatering (mist elimination), heating (for
dew point control), particulate filtration, and
either activated carbon adsorption or thermal
oxidation as a final off-gas polishing step.
Individual melt settings may encompass a
total melt mass of up to 1,400 tons, a
maximum width of 40 feet, and depths as
great as 22 feet. Special settings to reach
deeper contamination are also possible. Void
volume and volatile material removal results
in a 30 to 50 percent volume reduction for
typical soils.
-
* x'l^w>V*
W^ j*r *ar •v^»3jfe.'-
In Situ Vitrification Process Equipment
-------
The mobile GeoMelt system is mounted on
three semi-trailers. Electric power may be
provided by local utility or on-site diesel
generator. Typical power consumption ranges
from 600 to 800 kilowatt-hours per ton of soil.
The electrical supply system has an isolated
ground circuit to provide safety.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The GeoMelt vitrification process can destroy
or remove organics and immobilize most
inorganics in contaminated soils, sediments,
sludges, or other earthen materials. The
process has been tested on a broad range of
volatile and semivolatile organic compounds,
other organics including dioxins and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and on most
priority pollutant metals and heavy metal
radio-nuclides. The process can also treat
large amounts of debris and waste materials
present in soil. In addition to soils
applications, the process has been used to treat
mixed- transuranic (TRU) buried waste and
underground tanks containing waste.
Underground tank treatment employs a new
method of vertically planar melting which
enable sidewards melting rather than top-
down melting. Tanks to 4,500 gallons have
been treated to date.
STATUS:
The SITE demonstration of the process
occurred during March and April 1994 at the
former Parsons Chemical (Parsons) site in
Grand Ledge, Michigan. The soil at Parsons
was contaminated with pesticides, metals, and
low levels of dioxins. The Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-
94/520) and the Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-94/520) are available from
EPA.
In October 1995, Geosafe was issued a
National Toxic Substances Control Act permit
for the treatment of soils contaminated with
up to 17,860 parts per million PCBs.
In December 1995, Geosafe completed the
remediation of the Wasatch Chemical
Superfund Site in Salt Lake City, Utah. This
site contained about 6,000 tons of dioxin,
pentachlorophenol, herbicide, pesticide, and
other organic contaminants in soil containing
up to 30 percent debris by weight. In 1996,
Geosafe completed remediation of the
Apparatus Service Shop Site in Spokane,
Washington. A total of 6,500 tons of PCB-
contaminated soil was treated at the site.
GeoMelt vitirification is currently being
employed for the in situ treatment of mixed-
TRU buried waste at the Maralinga Test
Range in South Australia. Twenty-one pits
containing Plutonium, Uranium, Lead,
Barium, and Beryllium are being treated there.
That project was to be completed in 1999.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, about 330
cubic yards of a saturated clayey soil was
vitrified in 10 days. This is the equivalent to
a production rate of 53 tons per day. The
technology met cleanup levels specified by
EPA Region 5 for chlordane, 4,4-
dichlorodiphe-nyltrichloroethane, dieldrin,
and mercury. Pesticide concentrations were
nondetectible in the vitrified soil. Results also
indicated that teachable mercury was below
the regulatory guidelines (40 CFR Part
261.64), and no target pesticides were
detected in the leachate. No target pesticides
were detected in the stack gas samples, and
metal emissions were below regulatory
requirements. Continuous emission
monitoring showed that total hydrocarbon and
carbon monoxide emissions were within EPA
Region 5 limits.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research Lab.
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949 Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
James Hansen or Matthew Haass
AMEC Earth & Environmental
2952 George Washington Way
Richland, WA 99352-1615
509-942-1292
Fax: 509-942-1293
E-Mail: geosafe@oneworld.out.com
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AMERICAN COMBUSTION, INC.
(PYRETRON® Thermal Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PYRETRON® thermal destruction
technology controls the heat input during
incineration by controlling excess oxygen
available to oxidize hazardous waste (see
figure below). The PYRETRON® combustor
relies on a new technique for mixing auxiliary
oxygen, air, and fuel to (1) provide the flame
envelope with enhanced stability, luminosity,
and flame core temperature, and (2) increase
the rate of heat released.
The technology is computer-controlled to
automatically adjust the temperatures of the
primary and secondary combustion chambers
and the amount of excess oxygen. The system
adjusts the amount of excess oxygen in
response to sudden changes in contaminant
volatilization rates in the waste.
The technology fits any conventional
incineration unit and can burn liquids, solids,
and sludges.
Solids and sludges can also be coincinerated
when the burner is used with a rotary kiln or
similar equipment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The PYRETRON® technology treats high-
and low-British thermal unit solid wastes
contaminated with rapidly volatilized
hazardous organics. In general, the
technology treats any waste that can be
incinerated. It is not suitable for processing
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
heavy metal wastes or inorganic wastes.
STATUS:
The PYRETRON® technology was
demonstrated at EPA's Incineration Research
Facility in Jefferson, Arkansas, using a
mixture of 40 percent contaminated soil from
the Stringfellow Acid Pit Superfund site in
Glen Avon, California and 60 percent
decanter tank tar sludge (K087)
Measured
Process
Parameters
Valve Train
(gas, oxygen, air)
I Gas, air, and oxygen
flow to the burners
T = Temperature
Ash Pit
PYRETRON® Thermal Destruction System
-------
from coking operations. The demonstration
began in November 1987 and was completed
at the end of January 1988.
Both the Innovative Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-89/008) and Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/A5-89/008) are
available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
naphthalene, acenaphthylene, fluorene,
phenanthrene, anthracene, and fluoranthene
were selected as the principal organic
hazardous constituents (POHC) for the
demonstration. The PYRETRON®
technology achieved greater than 99.99
percent destruction and removal efficiencies
for all six POHCs in all test runs. Other
results are listed below:
• The PYRETRON® technology with
oxygen enhancement doubled the waste
throughput possible with conventional
incineration.
• All particulate emission levels from the
scrubber system discharge were
significantly below the hazardous waste
incinerator performance standard of 180
milligrams per dry standard cubic meter at
7 percent oxygen. This standard was in
place until May 1993.
• Solid residues were contaminant-free.
• There were no significant differences in
transient emissions of carbon monoxide
between air-only incineration and
PYRETRON® oxygen-enhanced
operation with doubled throughput rate.
• Cost savings increase when operating and
fuel costs are high and oxygen costs are
relatively low.
• The system can double the capacity of a
conventional rotary kiln incinerator. This
increase is more significant for wastes
with low heating values.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: staley.laurel2epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Gregory Gitman
American Combustion, Inc.
4476 Park Drive
Norcross, GA 30093
770-564-4180
Fax: 770-564-4192
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ARCTIC FOUNDATIONS, INC.
(Cryogenic Barrier)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Long-term containment and immobilization of
hazardous wastes using ground freezing
technology is a relatively new field, even
though ground freezing has been used as a
temporary construction aid for several years.
Ground freezing is ideally suited to control
waterborne pollutants, since changing water
from a liquid to a solid has an obvious
immobilizing effect. The challenge for
conventional ground freezing technologies is
to be technically and economically viable in
the long-term. Arctic Foundations, Inc. (API),
has developed a ground freezing technology
that can be used as a temporary or permanent,
long-term solution for containing and
immobilizing hazardous wastes. Buried
hazardous waste may be totally confined by
Membrane Boot
New Spray-Applied Membrane
surrounding it with a frozen barrier. A frozen
barrier is created by reducing the ground
temperature around the waste to the
appropriate freezing temperature and
subsequently freezing the intervening waste.
Artificial injection of water is usually
unnecessary since moisture is present in
sufficient quantities in most soils. The ground
freezing process is naturally suited to
controlling hazardous waste because in-
ground moisture is transformed from serving
as a potential waste mobilizing agent to
serving as a protective agent.
A typical containment system consists of
multiple thermoprobes, an active (powered)
condenser, an interconnecting piping system,
a two-phase working fluid, and a control
system. The thermoprobes (API's heat
Refrigeration Supply and
Return Manifolds
Cryogenic Barrier Insulation Plan
-------
removal devices) and piping are inserted into
the soil at strategic locations around and
sometimes underneath the waste source
depending on the presence or absence of a
confining layer. Two-phase working fluid
circulates through the piping and reduces the
temperature of the surrounding soil, creating
a frozen barrier around the waste source. The
thermoprobes may be installed in any position
and spacing to create a frozen barrier wall of
almost any required shape and size. The
selection of working fluids depends on the
specific waste application, site conditions, and
desired soil temperatures, and may consist of
freon, butane, propane, carbon dioxide, or
ammonia.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The cryogenic barrier can provide subsurface
containment for a variety of sites and wastes,
including the following: underground storage
tanks; nuclear waste sites; plume control;
burial trenches, pits, and ponds; in situ waste
treatment areas; chemically contaminated
sites; and spent fuel storage ponds. The
barrier is adaptable to any geometry; drilling
technology presents the only constraint.
STATUS:
The API cryogenic barrier system was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1996. The demonstration was
conducted over a 5-month period at the U.S.
Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National
Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
in 1998. The demonstration was conducted to
evaluate the barrier's ability to contain
radionuclides from the ORNL Waste Area
Grouping 9 Homogeneous Reactor
Experiment pond. The evaluation of the
technology under the SITE Program was
completed in July 1998. The barrier
continued in operation after the demonstration
to maintain containment of the contaminants.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Phloxine B dye injected in the center of the
impoundment showed no movement over an
initial two-week time period. A Phloxine B
"hit" was then detected outside the barrier, but
upgradient of the injection point. This was
inconsistent with other data. After further
investigation, it was determined that this
anomaly was due to transport through an
abandoned, subsurface inlet pipeline to the
pond. A temporary, artificial reverse-gradient
condition was created by "chasing" the
Phloxine B dye with deionized water, pushing
the dye through the pipe, which was at least
partially void of soil/water during initial
freezing. This was a site anomaly considered
unrelated to performance of Frozen Soil
Barrier technology, although it serves as a
"lesson learned" for further deployments.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ed Yarmak
Arctic Foundations, Inc.
5621 Arctic Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-562-2741
Fax: 907-562-0153
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ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY
(Development Of Phytoremediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The 317/319 areas at Argonne National
Laboratory-East (ANL-E) are contaminated
by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil
and groundwater and low levels of tritium in
the groundwater from past waste disposal
practices. As part of a nationwide effort to
find more cost-effective and environmentally
friendly remediation technologies, the U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE), through the
Accelerated Site Technology Development
(ASTD) program, funded the deployment of a
phytoremediation system in the 317/319 area.
The 317 and 319 areas are located on the
extreme southern end of the ANL-E site,
immediately adjacent to the DuPage County
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The main
objective of this deployment, which was
selected in place of the baseline approach of
an asphalt cap and extraction wells, are to
hydraulically contain groundwater migration
and to remove the VOCs and tritium within
and downgradient of the source area.
Phytoremediation is a technique using plants
to take in contaminants along with water and
nutrients from the soil. It is defined as the
engineered use of natural processes by which
woody and herbaceous plants extract pore
water, and entrained chemical substances
from subsurface soils degrade, sequester, and
transpire them (along with water vapor) into
the atmosphere. The process has several
advantages over the traditional and often
invasive cleanup techniques in which the soil
is sometimes dug up and incinerated in a kiln
to break down the compounds. Not only is
phytoremediation all natural, but the plants
can address a range of contaminants at one
time. It is also low cost and low maintenance,
because the trees do the bulk of the work.
Additional advantages of the phyto-
remediation system are (1) the ability of trees
to actively promote and assist in the
degradation of the contaminants at the source
area, which the baseline asphalt cap would not
do, and (2) the optimal fit of vegetation with
the planned future land use of the
contaminated site and adjacent areas, as the
phytoremediation plantation will contribute to
increased soil fertility to host subsequent
prairie species.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is designed to treat soils and
groundwater contaminated by volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and tritium.
STATUS:
Approximately 800 trees were planted in the
summer of 1999. These trees are expected to
provide full, year-round hydraulic control by
the year 2003 and be self-sustaining for the
expected life of the engineering plantation.
The use of the trees to remediate and contain
contaminated groundwater has been
successfully demonstrated in treating
contaminated groundwater. Applied Natural
Sciences, Inc. (ANS) demonstrated the use of
phreatophytic trees (i.e., plants such as
poplars and willows that do not rely on
precipitation but seek water deep in the soils)
with its TreeMediation™ and TreeWell™
systems, that use a unique and patented
process to enhance the aggressive rooting
ability of selected trees to clean up soil and
groundwater up to 50 ft deep.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
A rapid method was optimized to measure
chlorinated solvents and their degradation
products in plant tissues. Trichloroacetic acid
(TCAA), a known intermediate of the
compound of TCE and PCE, was analyzed
throughout the vegetative season in addition
to the parent compounds as an indicator of
their degradation. Both parent compounds and
TCAA were found in the plant samples (an
indication that the trees are taking up
contaminants), with a prevalence of TCAA in
the leaf tissue and the parent compounds in
the branches. TCAA showed a trend toward
accumulation in the leaf tissue as the
-------
vegetative season progressed. The levels of
TCAA in the leaf samples were quite constant
within a single tree but varied significantly as
a function of the location of the tree within the
contaminated area.
Samples of the air immediately surrounding
the leafed branch were compared to air at the
contaminated area and from other,
uncontaminated areas within Argonne. While
the air at the French Drain contained higher
concentrations of VOCs than other clean areas
on site, the presence of the leafed branches
did not induce a measurable increase in the
VOC concentration in the air, suggesting that
most of the VOCs detected in the air come
from direct venting off the soil. Tritium
levels in the leaves and transpirate of hybrid
poplars planted in the hydraulic control area
showed levels comparable to background,
indicating that the trees have not yet reached
the contaminated aquifer.
Preliminary evaluations put the cost savings
over the lifetime of deployment at 50 percent
of the baseline approach. A significant cost
savings over the avoidance of secondary
waste (pumped groundwater) and related
treatment.
Because the phytoremediation system will
reach its optimal growth stage and steady
performance state in 2003, future plans are to
evaluate the performance of the remediation
system. Some of the questions raised by this
objective cannot be answered by
conventional, compliance-related monitoring,
so a more hypothesis-driven approach will be
adopted to find mechanistic evidence of the
effects of the plants on the removal of the
contaminants.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT
Cristina Negri
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 S. Cass Avenue
ES-Bldg 362
Argonne, IL 60439
630-252-9662
Fax:630-252-92811
e-mail: negri@anl.gov
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ARS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly Accutech Remedial Systems, Inc.)
(Pneumatic Fracturing ExtractionSM and Catalytic Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Accutech Remedial Systems, Inc. (Accutech),
and the Hazardous Substance Management
Research Center at the New Jersey Institute of
Technology in Newark, New Jersey have
jointly developed an integrated treatment
system that combines Pneumatic Fracturing
ExtractionSM (PFESM) with catalytic
oxidation. According to Accutech, the system
provides a cost-effective, accelerated
approach for remediating less permeable
formations contaminated with halogenated
and nonhalogenated volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC).
The Accutech system forces compressed gas
into a geologic formation at pressures that
exceed the natural in situ stresses, creating
a fracture network. These fractures allow
subsurface air to circulate faster and more
efficiently throughout the formation, which
can greatly improve contaminant mass
removal rates. PFESM also increases the
effective area that can be influenced by each
extraction well, while intersecting new
pockets of contamination that were previously
trapped in the formation. Thus, VOCs and
SVOCs can be removed faster and from a
larger section of the formation.
PFESM can be combined with a catalytic
oxidation unit equipped with special catalysts
to destroy halogenated organics (see
photograph below). The heat from the cata-
lytic oxidation unit can be recycled to the
formation, significantly raising the vapor
pressure of the contaminants. Thus, VOCs
and SVOCs volatilize faster, making cleanup
I
-------
more efficient. PFESM can also be combined
with hot gas injection (HGI), an in situ
thermal process, to further enhance VOC and
SVOC removal rates. HGI returns to the
ground the energy generated during catalytic
oxidation of the VOCs.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Accutech system can remove halogenated
and nonhalogenated VOCs and SVOCs from
both the vadose and saturated zones. The
integrated treatment system is cost-effective
for treating soil and rock when less permeable
geologic formations limit the effectiveness of
conventional in situ technologies.
According to Accutech, the PFESM-HGI
integrated treatment system is cost-effective
for treating less permeable soil and rock
formations where conventional in situ
technologies have limited effectiveness.
Activated carbon is used when contaminant
concentrations decrease to levels where
catalytic oxidation is no longer cost-effective.
STATUS:
The Accutech technology was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in
December 1990. The demonstration was
conducted in summer 1992 at a New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection and
Energy Environmental Cleanup
Responsibility Act site in Hillsborough, New
Jersey. During the demonstration,
trichloroethene and other VOCs were
removed from a siltstone formation. Results
of this demonstration were published in the
following documents available from EPA:
• Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-93/509)
• Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-93/509)
• Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-93/509)
• Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-93/509)
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration results indicate that PFESM
increased the effective vacuum radius of influ-
ence nearly threefold. PFESM also increased
the rate of mass removal up to 25 times over
the rates measured using conventional
extraction technology.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Liskowitz
ARS Technologies, Inc.
271 Cleveland Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904
908-739-6444
e-mail: jjl@arstechnologies.com
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AWD TECHNOLOGIES, INC
(AquaDetox®/SVE System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology integrates two processes: (1)
AquaDetox®, a moderate vacuum steam
stripping tower (tower pressure no less than
50 mm Hg) that treats contaminated
groundwater and (2) a soil vapor extraction
(SVE) system that removes contaminated
soil-gas for subsequent treatment with
granular activated carbon (GAC). The two
technologies are integrated into a closed-loop
system, providing simultaneous remediation
of contaminated groundwater and soil-gas
with no air emissions. The integrated
AquaDetox® is a high-efficiency,
countercurrent stripping technology
developed by the Dow Chemical Company.
Stripping is commonly defined as a process
that removes dissolved volatile compounds
from water. A carrier gas, such as air or
steam, is purged through the contaminated
water, with the volatile components being
transferred from the water into the gas phase.
SVE is commonly used for the in-situ removal
of VOCs from soil. A vacuum is applied to
vadose zone extraction wells to induce airflow
within the soil toward the wells. The air acts
as a stripping medium that volatilizes the
VOCs in the soil. Soil-gas from the extraction
wells is typically treated in GAC beds before
release to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the
treated soilgas is reinjected into the soil to
control the direction of airflow in the soil.
The AquaDetox® and SVE systems are
connected in a closed loop. Noncondensable
vapors from the AquaDetox® system are
combined with vapors from the SVE
compressor and treated using the GAC beds.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
AWD technology simultaneously treats
groundwater and soil-gas contaminated with
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as
trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetra-
chloroethylene (PCE). According to the
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Integrated AquaDetox®/SVE Schematic
-------
developer, the AquaDetox® technology can
be used to remove a wide variety of volatile
compounds and many compounds that are
normally considered "nonstrippable" (i.e..
those with boiling points in excess of 200°C).
STATUS:
The SITE demonstration was conducted at the
Lockheed site in Burbank, California. The
treatment system at this site is a full-size unit
capable of treating 1,200 gallons per minute
(gpm) of groundwater and 300 standard cubic
feet per minute (scDm) of soil-gas. The
system began operation in September 1988.
The demonstration was completed in
September 1990.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, the system treated
groundwater and soil-gas contaminated with
VOCs. The primary contaminants present at
the Lockheed site were trichloroethylene
(TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in soil
and groundwater. The effectiveness of the
technology was evaluated by analyzing the
soil-gas and groundwater samples. The
analytical results indicate that the technology
effectively reduced the concentration of
VOCs in the treated groundwater and soil-gas.
Groundwater removal efficiencies of 99.92
percent or better were observed for TCE and
PCE. In addition, the effluent groundwater
concentrations of TCE and PCE were below
the regulatory discharge limit of 5 |ig/L. Soil-
gas removal efficiencies ranged from 98.0 to
99.9 percent for total VOCs.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Gordon Evans
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7684
Fax: 513-569-7571
E-mail: evan.gordon@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Ken Solcher
Radian International LLC
1990 North California Boulevard
Suite 500
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
713-914-6607
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BERGMANN, A DIVISION OF LINATEX, INC.
(Soil and Sediment Washing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The soil and sediment washing technology
developed by Bergmann, A Division of
Linatex, Inc.'s, (Bergman), separates
contaminated particles by density and grain
size (see photograph below). The technology
operates on the hypothesis that most
contamination is concentrated in the fine
particle fraction (less than 45 microns [|im])
and that contamination of larger particles is
generally not extensive.
After contaminated soil is screened to remove
coarse rock and debris, water and chemical
additives such as surfactants, acids, bases, and
chelators are added to the medium to produce
a slurry feed. The slurry feed flows to an
attrition scrubbing machine. A rotary
trommel screen, dense media separators,
cyclone separators, and other equipment
create mechanical and fluid shear stress,
removing contaminated silts and clays from
granular soil particles.
Different separation processes create the
following four output streams: (1) coarse
clean fraction; (2) enriched fine fraction; (3)
separated contaminated humic materials; and
(4) process wash water. The coarse clean
fraction particles, which measure greater than
45 |im (greater than 325 mesh) each, can be
used as backfill or recycled for concrete,
masonry, or asphalt sand application. The
enriched fine fraction particles, measuring less
than 45 jim each are prepared for subsequent
treatment, immobilization, destruction, or
regulated disposal. Separated contaminated
humic materials (leaves, twigs, roots, grasses,
wood chips) are dewatered and require
subsequent treatment or disposal. Upflow
classification and separation, also known as
elutriation, separates light contaminated
materials such as leaves, twigs, roots, or wood
chips. The process wash water is treated by
flocculation and sedimentation, oil-water
separation, or dissolved air flotation to
remove solubilized heavy metal and
emulsified organic fractions. The treated
process wash water is then returned to the
plant for reuse
Bergmann Soil and Sediment Washing
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for treating soils
and sediment contaminated with organics,
including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB),
creosote, fuel residues, and heavy petroleum;
and heavy metals, including cadmium,
chromium, lead, arsenic, copper, cyanides,
mercury, nickel, radionuclides, and zinc.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in Winter 1991. It
was demonstrated in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada in April 1992 as part of the Toronto
Harbour Commission (THC) soil recycling
process. For further information on the THC
process, including demonstration results, refer
to the THC profile in the Demonstration
Program section (completed projects). The
technology was also demonstrated in May
1992 at the Saginaw Bay Confined Disposal
Facility in Saginaw, Michigan. The
Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
AR-92/075) and the Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-92/075) are available from
EPA. Since 1981, Bergmann has provided 31
commercial systems, treating up to 350 tons
per hour, at contaminated waste sites.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Demonstration results indicate that the soil
and sediment washing system can effectively
isolate and concentrate PCB contamination
into the organic fractions and the fines.
Levels of metals contamination were also
beneficially altered from the feed stream to
the output streams. The effectiveness of the
soil and sediment washing system on the
inorganic compounds met or exceeded its
performance for PCB contamination. During
a 5-day test in May 1992, the Bergmann soil
and sediment washing system experienced no
downtime as it operated for 8 hours per day to
treat dredged sediments from the Saginaw
River.
The demonstration provided the following
results:
the input sediment was appor-
tioned to the enriched fine stream.
• Less than 20 percent of the
particles smaller than 45-|im in the
input sediment was apportioned to
the coarse clean fraction.
• The distribution of the
concentrations of PCBs in the
input and output streams were as
follows:
Input sediment = 1.6
milligrams per kilogram
(mg/kg)
Output coarse clean fraction
= 0.20 mg/kg
Output humic materials =
11 mg/kg
Output enriched fines =
4.4 mg/kg
• The heavy metals were
concentrated in the same manner
as the PCBs.
• The coarse clean sand consisted of
approximately 82 percent of the
input sediment.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697 Fax: 513-569-7620
E-mail: gatchett.annett@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Best
Bergmann, A Division of Linatex, Inc.
1550 Airport Road
Gallatin, TN 37066-3739
615-230-2100 Fax: 615-452-5525
Approximately 71 percent of the
particles smaller than 45-|im in
-------
BERKELEY ENVIRONMENTAL
RESTORATION CENTER
(In Situ Steam Enhanced Extraction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The in situ steam enhanced extraction (ISEE)
process removes volatile organic compounds
(VOC) and semivolatile organic compounds
(SVOC) from contaminated water and soils
above and below the water table (see figure
below). Pressurized steam is introduced
through inj ection wells to force steam through
the soil to thermally enhance the vapor and
liquid extraction processes.
The extraction wells have two purposes: (1)
to pump groundwater for ex situ treatment;
and (2) to transport steam and vaporized
contaminants under vacuum to the surface.
Recovered contaminants are condensed and
recycled, processed with the contaminated
groundwater, or treated in the gas phase. The
ISEE process uses readily available
components such as injection, extraction, and
monitoring wells; manifold piping; vapor and
liquid separators; vacuum pumps; and gas
emission control equipment.
The ISEE process extracts VOCs and SVOCs
from contaminated soils and groundwater.
The primary compounds suitable for treatment
include hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel,
and jet fuel; solvents such as trichloroethene,
1,1,1-trichloroethane, and dichlorobenzene; or
a mixture of these compounds. The process
may be applied to contaminants above or
below the water table. After treatment is
complete, subsurface conditions are amenable
to biodegradation of residual contaminants, if
necessary. The process can be applied to
contaminated soil very near the surface with a
cap. Compounds denser than water may be
treated only in low concentrations, unless a
barrier exists or can be created to prevent
downward percolation of a separate phase.
STATUS:
In August 1988, a successful pilot-scale
demonstration of the ISEE process was
completed at a site contaminated with a
mixture of solvents. Contaminants amounting
to 764 pounds were removed from the 10-
foot-diameter, 12-foot-deep test region. After
5 days of steam injection, soil contaminant
Water
Fuel
• Air
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Contaminant
k. Water
Liquid Flow
^—^ Vapor Flow
-Steam Flow
Water-*1—1
In Situ Steam Enhanced Extraction Process
-------
concentrations dropped by a factor of 10.
In December 1993, a full-scale demonstration
was completed at a gasoline spill site at
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
(LLNL) in Altamont Hills, California.
Gasoline was dispersed both above and below
the water table due to a 25-foot rise in the
water table since the spill occurred. The
lateral distribution of liquid-phase gasoline
was within a region 150 feet in diameter and
up to 125 feet deep. Appendix A of the
Hughes Environmental Systems Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-
94/510) contains detailed results from the
LLNL SITE demonstration. This report is
available from EPA.
A pilot-scale test of the ISEE process was
conducted in 1994 at Naval Air Station (NAS)
Lemoore in California. During 3 months of
operation, over 98,000 gallons of JP-5 jet fuel
was recovered from medium permeability,
partially saturated sand to a depth of 20 feet.
Preliminary soil sampling showed reductions
of JP-5 jet fuel concentrations from several
thousand parts per million (ppm) above the
water table to values less than 25 ppm.
During Fall 1998, Berkeley was scheduled to
use the ISEE process to remediate a
groundwater contaminant plume at Alameda
Naval Air Station in California. The
contaminant plume contained halogenated
organic compounds, including
trichlolorethene, 1,1,1-trichlorethane, and
perchl oroethy 1 ene.
For more information about similar
technologies, see the following profiles in the
Demonstration Program section: Hughes
Environmental Systems, Inc., (completed
projects) and Praxis Environmental
Technologies, Inc. (ongoing projects).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration at LLNL, over
7,600 gallons of gasoline were recovered from
above and below the water table in 26 weeks
of operation. Recovery rates were about 50
times greater than those achieved by vacuum
extraction and groundwater pumping alone.
The rates were highest during cyclic steam
injection, after subsurface soils reached steam
temperatures. The majority of the recovered
gasoline came from the condenser as a
separate phase liquid or in the effluent air
stream.
Without further pumping, 1,2-dichloroethene,
benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene
concentrations in sampled groundwater were
decreased to below maximum contaminant
levels after 6 months. Post-process soil
sampling indicated that a thriving
hydrocarbon-degrading microbial population
existed in soils experiencing prolonged steam
contact.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Kent Udell
Berkeley Environmental Restoration Center
6147EtcheverryHall
Berkeley, CA 94720-1740
510-642-2928
Fax: 510-642-6163
Steve Collins
Berkeley Environmental Restoration Center
461 Evans Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720-1706
510-643-1900
Fax: 510-643-2076
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BILLINGS AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
(Subsurface Volatilization and Ventilation System [SWS®])
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Subsurface Volatilization and Ventilation
System (SWS®), developed by Billings and
Associates, Inc. (BAI), and operated by
several other firms under a licensing
agreement, uses a network of injection and
extraction wells (collectively called a reactor
nest) to treat subsurface organic
contamination through soil vacuum extraction
combined with in situ biodegradation. Each
system is designed to meet site-specific
conditions. The SWS® technology has three
U.S. patents.
The SWS® is shown in the figure below. A
series of injection and extraction wells is
installed at a site. One or more vacuum
pumps create negative pressure to extract
contaminant vapors, while an air compressor
simultaneously creates positive pressure,
sparging the subsurface treatment area.
Control is maintained at a vapor control unit
that houses pumps, control valves, gauges,
and other process control hardware.
At most sites with subsurface organic
contamination, extraction wells are placed
above the water table and injection wells are
placed below the groundwater. This
placement allows the groundwater to be used
as a diffusion device.
The number and spacing of the wells depends
on the modeling results of a design parameter
matrix, as well as the physical, chemical, and
biological characteristics of the site. The
exact depth of the injection wells and
screened intervals are additional design
considerations.
To enhance vaporization, solar panels are
occasionally used to heat the injected air.
Additional valves for limiting or increasing air
flow and pressure are placed on individual
reactor nest lines (radials) or, at some sites, on
individual well points. Depending on ground-
water depths and fluctuations, horizontal
vacuum screens, "stubbed" screens, or
multiple-depth completions can be applied.
Positive and negative air flow can be shifted
Subsurface Volatilization and Ventilation System (SWS®)
-------
to different locations at the site to emphasize
remediation on the most contaminated areas.
Negative pressure is maintained at a suitable
level to prevent escape of vapors.
Because it provides oxygen to the subsurface,
the SVVS® can enhance in situbioremediation
at a site, thereby decreasing remediation time.
These processes are normally monitored by
measuring dissolved oxygen levels in the
aquifer, recording carbon dioxide levels in
transmission lines and at the emission point,
and periodically sampling microbial
populations. When required by air quality
permits, volatile organic compound emissions
can be treated by a patent-pending biological
filter that uses indigenous microbes from the
site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SVVS® is applicable to soils, sludges, and
groundwater contaminated with gasoline,
diesel fuels, and other hydrocarbons,
including halogenated compounds. The
technology is effective on benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, and xylene contamination. It
can also contain contaminant plumes through
its unique vacuum and air injection
techniques.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in winter 1991. A
site in Buchanan, Michigan was selected for
the demonstration, and initial drilling and
construction began in July 1992. The
demonstration began in March 1993 and was
completed in May 1994. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-94/529), Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/R-94/529a), and
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-94/529) are available from EPA.
The SVVS® has also been implemented at
95 underground storage tank sites in New
Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Florida, and Oklahoma.
BAI is researching ways to increase the
microbiological effectiveness of the
technology and is testing a mobile unit. The
mobile unit will allow rapid field pilot tests to
support the design process. This unit will also
permit actual remediation of small sites and of
small, recalcitrant areas on large sites.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the SVVS® demonstration are as
follows:
• Data indicated that the overall
reductions for several target analytes,
as determined from individual
boreholes, ranged from 71 percent to
over 99 percent, over a 1-year period.
• The early phase of the remediation
was characterized by higher
concentrations of volatile organics in
the extracted vapor stream.
• The shutdown tests indicate that the
technology stimulated biodegradative
processes at the site.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Brad Billings
Billings and Associates, Inc.
6808 Academy Parkway E. N.E.
Suite A-4
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-345-1116
Fax: 505-345-1756
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BIOGENESIS ENTERPRISES, INC.
(BioGenesisSM Soil and Sediment Washing Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioGenesisSM soil and sediment washing
process uses specialized, patent-pending
equipment, complex surfactants, and water to
clean soil, sediment, and sludge contaminated
with organic and inorganic constituents. Two
types of mobile equipment wash different
sizes of particles. A truck-mounted batch unit
processes 20 yards per hour, and washes soil
particles 10 mesh and larger. A full-scale,
mobile, continuous flow unit cleans sand, silt,
clay, and sludge particles smaller than 10
mesh at a rate of 20 to 40 yards per hour.
Auxiliary equipment includes tanks,
dewatering and water treatment equipment,
and a bioreactor. Extraction efficiencies per
wash cycle range from 85 to 99 percent. High
contaminant levels require multiple washes.
The principal components of the process
consist of pretreatment equipment for particle
sizing, a truck-mounted soil washer for larger
particles, a sediment washing unit(s) for fine
particles, and water treatment and
reconditioning equipment. The BioGenesisSM
soil washing system for larger particles
consists of a trailer-mounted gondola plumbed
for air mixing, water and chemical addition,
oil skimming, and liquid drainage (see figure
below). Water, BioGenesisSM cleaning
chemicals, and soil are loaded into the
gondola. Aeration nozzles feed compressed
air to create a fluidized bed. The resulting
slurry is agitated to release organic and
inorganic contaminants from the soil particles.
After mixing, a short settling period allows
the soil particles to sink and the removed oil
to rise to the water surface, where it is
skimmed for reclamation or disposal.
Following drainage of the wash water, the
treated soil is evacuated by raising the
gondola's dump mechanism. Processed soil
contains a moisture level of 10 to 20 percent
depending on the soil matrix.
A prototype BioGenesisSM sediment washing
machine was tested in Environment Canada's
Contaminated Sediment Treatment
Technology Program. The sediment washing
machine is a continuous flow unit. Capacities
of up to 80 to 100 cubic yards per hour are
possible using full-scale, parallel processing
equipment.
In the sediment washing machine, sediment is
pretreated to form a slurry. The slurry passes
to a shaker screen separator that sizes particles
into two streams. Material greater than 1
millimeter (mm) in diameter is diverted to the
large particle soil washer. Material 1 mm and
smaller continues to the sediment washer's
feed hopper.
Effluent from
Wash Unit ToWastewater
Treatment Plant
Makeup
Water
+ 10 mesh particles.
Soil Washing Process
Sediment Washing Process
-------
From there, the slurry is injected to the
sediment cleaning chamber to loosen the
bonds between the pollutant and the particle.
After the cleaning chamber, the slurry flows
to the scrubber to further weaken the bonds
between contaminants and particles. After the
scrubber, the slurry passes through a buffer
tank, where large particles separate by gravity.
The slurry then flows through hydrocyclone
banks to separate solids down to 3 to 5
microns in size. The free liquid routes to a
centrifuge for final solid-liquid separation.
All solids go to the treated soil pile; all liquid
is routed to wastewater treatment to remove
organic and inorganic contaminants.
Decontaminated wastewater is recycled back
through the process. Equipment configuration
varies depending on the soil matrix.
The BioGenesisSM cleaning chemical is a light
alkaline mixture of ionic and nonionic
surfactants and bioremediating agents that act
similarly to a biosurfactant. The proprietary
cleaner contains no hazardous ingredients.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology extracts many inorganics,
volatile and nonvolatile hydrocarbons,
chlorinated hydrocarbons, pesticides,
polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCB), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons, and most organics
from nearly every soil and sediment type,
including clay.
STATUS:
The BioGenesisSM soil washing technology
was accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in June 1990. The process was
demonstrated in November 1992 on
weathered crude oil at a refinery site in
Minnesota. Results from the demonstration
have been published in the Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-93/510) and the SITE
Technology Capsule (EPA/540/SR-93/510).
The reports are available from EPA.
BioGenesis Enterprises, Inc., is planning a
future demonstration of the BioGenesisSM
sediment washing process using PCB-
contaminated sediment.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results of the SITE demonstration are
presented below:
• Soil washing and biodegradation with
BioGenesisSM removed about
85 percent of the total recoverable
petroleum hydrocarbon (TRPH)-
related contaminants in the soil.
• Treatment system performance was
reproducible at constant operating
conditions.
• At the end of 90 days, TRPH
concentrations decreased an additional
50 percent compared to washing
alone.
• The prototype equipment operated
within design parameters. New
production equipment is expected to
streamline overall operating
efficiency.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
E-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Charles Wilde
BioGenesis Enterprises, Inc.
7420 Alban Station Boulevard, Suite B 208
Springfield, VA 22150
703-913-9700
Fax: 703-913-9704
-------
BIO-REM, INC.
(Augmented In Situ Subsurface Bioremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Bio-Rem, Inc., Augmented In Situ
Subsurface Bioremediation Process uses a
proprietary blend (H-10) of microaerophilic
bacteria and micronutrients for subsurface
bioremediation of hydrocarbon contamination
in soil and water (see figure below). The
insertion methodology is adaptable to site-
specific situations. The bacteria are hardy and
can treat contaminants in a wide temperature
range. The process does not require
additional oxygen or oxygen-producing
compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide.
Degradation products include carbon dioxide
and water.
The bioremediation process consists of four
steps: (1) defining and characterizing the con-
taminationplume; (2) selecting a site-specific
application methodology; (3) initiating and
propagating the bacterial culture; and
(4) monitoring and reporting cleanup.
This technology treats soil and water con-
taminated with hydrocarbons, including
halogenated hydrocarbons. Use of the
augmented bioremediation process is site-
specific, and therefore engineered for each
individual site. The success of the process is
dependent on a complete and accurate site
characterization study. This data is necessary
to determine the treatment magnitude and
duration.
Microaerophilic
Bacteria
Water
Contaminated
Soil
H-10
Clean
Soil
Micronutrients
Augmented In Situ Subsurface Bioremediation Process
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in winter 1991. The
technology was successfully demonstrated at
Williams Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona
from May 1992 through June 1993. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/
MR-93/527) is available from EPA.
Bio-Rem, Inc., has remediated sites
throughout the U.S., and in Canada and
Central Europe.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the Demonstration indicate that
the BIO-REM process was unsuccessful in
reducing target contaminants in the soil to the
project clean-up levels.
Baseline sampling indicated that a majority of
the soil samples were significantly higher than
the cleanup levels of 130 ppb for benzene and
100 ppm for TRPH. Furthermore, soil
samples analyzed one and three months after
inoculation did not show significant
reductions in benzene or TRPH contamination
(Table 1). The lack of progress in the
remediation prompted concerns regarding the
effectiveness of the technology. It was j ointly
decided between the SITE Program and BIO-
REM to collect sixteen samples (four
boreholes) at six months to determine the
progress of the remediation at the predicted
end of the proj ect. Results from the six month
sampling event also indicated a lack of
significant reduction in contaminant
concentrations.
Based on these results, BIO-REM submitted
a request to the Air Force to re-inoculate the
site based on their assessment that sub-surface
lithological conditions inhibited the remedial
process. In March of 1993 BIO-REM re-
inoculated the site by injecting approximately
35,000 gallons of H-10 slurry into 104
boreholes deepened to a depth of 23 feet
below land surface. The inoculation to deeper
depths was implemented to overcome the sub-
surface lithological conditions identified by
BIO_REM. In June of 1993 a confirmatory
sampling event initiated by the Air Force. In
conjunction with the SITE Program, indicated
that significant contamination existed at the
site, and that the re-inoculation was
unsuccessful in reducing the target
contaminants to the project specific clean-up
levels. Based on these results, these site
activities were concluded.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
E.mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
David O. Mann
BIO-REM, Inc.
P.O.Box 116
Butler, IN 46721
800-428-4626
-------
BIOTHERM, LLC
(formerly Dehydro-Tech Corporation)
(Biotherm Process™)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Biotherm Process™ combines
dehydration and solvent extraction
technologies to separate wet, oily wastes into
their constituent solid, water, and oil phases
(see figure below).
Waste is first mixed with a low-cost
hydrocarbon solvent. The resultant slurry
mixture is fed to an evaporator system that
vaporizes water and initiates solvent
extraction of the indigenous oil extraction
unit, where solids contact recycled solvent
until the target amount of indigenous oil is
removed. Depending on the water content of
the feed, single-effect or energy-saving multi-
effect evaporators may be used. Next, the
slurry of dried solids is treated in a multistage
solvent. Finally, solids are centrifuged away
from the solvent, followed by
"desolventizing," an operation that evaporates
residual solvent. The final solids product
typically contains less than 2 percent water
and less than 1 percent solvent. The spent
solvent, which contains the extracted
indigenous oil, is distilled to separate the
solvent for reuse, and the oil for recovery or
disposal.
The Biotherm Process™ yields (1) a clean,
dry solid; (2) a water product virtually free of
solids, indigenous oil, and solvent; and (3) the
extracted indigenous oil, which contains the
FEED
OIL/SOIL/
SLUDGE
EVAPORATION AN(T
1ST SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
MAKEUP
SOLVENT
MAKEUP
NITROGEN
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED OIL
SOLIDS
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED OIL
2ND SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED Oil
SOLIDS;
EVAPORATED
SOLVENT WATER
RECOVERED
OIL
3RD SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
M
* VENTED GA
> TT-
t
3
SOLVEN
k
T
\
SOLIDS
t
DESOLVENTIZII
JG i
TREA1
SOLIDS
Biotherm Process™ Schematic Diagram
-------
hazardous hydrocarbon-soluble feed
components. The Biotherm Process™
combination of dehydration and solvent
extraction has the following advantages: (1)
any emulsions initially present are broken and
potential emulsion formation is prevented; (2)
solvent extraction is more efficient because
water is not present; and (3) the dry solids
product is stabilized more readily if required
(for example, if metals contamination is a
concern).
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Biotherm Process™ can treat sludges,
soils, sediments, and other water-bearing
wastes containing hydrocarbon-soluble
hazardous compounds, including
polychlorinated biphenyls, polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins. The
process has been commercially applied to
municipal wastewater sludge, paper mill
sludge, rendering waste, pharmaceutical plant
sludge, and other wastes.
STATUS:
The Biotherm Process™ was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in 1990.
The pilot-scale SITE demonstration of this
technology was completed in August 1991 at
EPA's research facility in Edison, New Jersey.
Spent petroleum drilling fluids from the PAB
oil site in Abbeville, Louisiana, were used as
process feed. The Applications Analysis
Report (EPA/540/AR-92/002), Technology
Demonstration Summary (EPA/540/SR-92/
002), and Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-92/002) are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration of the Biotherm
Process™ yielded the following results:
• The process successfully separated the
petroleum-contaminated sludge into its
solid, indigenous oil, and water phases.
No detectable levels of indigenous total
petroleum hydrocarbons were present in
the final solid product.
comprised the bulk of the residual
hydrocarbons in the solid.
• Values for all metals and organics were
well below the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure limits for
characteristic hazardous wastes.
• The resulting water product required
treatment due to the presence of small
amounts of light organics and solvent.
Normally, it may be disposed of at a local
publicly owned treatment works.
• A full-scale Biotherm Process™ can treat
drilling fluid wastes at technology-specific
costs of $100 to $220 per ton of wet feed,
exclusive of disposal costs for the
residuals. Site-specific costs, which
include the cost of residual disposal,
depend on site characteristics and
treatment objectives.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
The final solid product was a dry powder
similar to bentonite. A food-grade solvent
-------
BIOTROL®
(Biological Aqueous Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioTrol biological aqueous treatment
system (BATS) is a patented biological
system that treats contaminated groundwater
and process water. The system uses naturally
occurring microbes; in some instances,
however, a specific microorganism may be
added. This technique, known as microbial
amendment, is important if a highly toxic or
recalcitrant target compound is present. The
amended microbial system removes both the
target contaminant and the background
organic carbon.
The figure below is a schematic of the BATS.
Contaminated water enters a mix tank, where
the pH is adjusted and inorganic nutrients are
added. If necessary, the water is heated to an
optimum temperature with a heater and a heat
exchanger, to minimize energy costs. The
water then flows to the bioreactor, where the
contaminants are biodegraded.
The microorganisms that degrade the
contaminants are immobilized in a multiple-
cell, submerged, fixed-film bioreactor. Each
cell is filled with a highly porous packing
material to which the microbes adhere. For
aerobic conditions, air is supplied by fine
bubble membrane diffusers mounted at the
bottom of each cell. The system may also run
under anaerobic conditions.
As water flows through the bioreactor, the
contaminants are degraded to biological end-
products, predominantly carbon dioxide and
water. The resulting effluent may be
discharged to a publicly owned treatment
works or reused on site. In some cases,
discharge with aNational Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit may be possible.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The BATS may be applied to a wide variety
of wastewaters, including groundwater,
lagoons, and process water. Contaminants
INFLUENT
MIX
TANK
BATS
INLET
BLOWERS
IFFUSER
AIR
CONTROLS
DISCHARGE
RECIRCULATION
LINE
BioTrol Biological Aqueous Treatment System (BATS)
-------
amenable to treatment include penta-
chlorophenol (PCP), creosote components,
gasoline and fuel oil components, chlorinated
hydrocarbons, phenolics, and solvents. Other
potential target waste streams include coal tar
residues and organic pesticides. The BATS
may also be effective for treating certain
inorganic compounds such as nitrates;
however, this application has not yet been
demonstrated. The system does not treat
metals.
STATUS:
The BATS was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. The system
was demonstrated under the SITE Program
from July to September 1989 attheMacGillis
and Gibbs Superfund site in New Brighton,
Minnesota. The system operated continuously
for 6 weeks at three different flow rates. The
Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
A5-91/001), the Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-91/001), and the
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/M5-91/
001) are available from EPA.
During 1986 and 1987, BioTrol performed a
successful 9-month pilot-scale field test of the
BATS at a wood preserving facility. Since
that time, the firm has installed more than 20
full-scale systems and has performed several
pilot-scale demonstrations. These systems
have successfully treated waters contaminated
with gasoline, mineral spirit solvents, phenol,
and creosote.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
For the SITE demonstration, the BATS
yielded the following results:
• Reduced PCP concentrations from about
45 parts per million (ppm) to 1 ppm or
less in a single pass
• Produced minimal sludge and no PCP air
emissions
• Mineralized chlorinated phenolics
• Eliminated groundwater biotoxicity
• Appeared to be unaffected by low
concentrations of oil and grease (about
50 ppm) and heavy metals in groundwater
• Required minimal operator attention
The treatment cost per 1,000 gallons was
$3.45 for a 5-gallon-per-minute (gpm) pilot-
scale system and $2.43 for a 30-gpm system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Mary Stinson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732)321-6683
Fax:(732)321-6640
e-mail: stinson.mary@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Durell Dobbins
BioTrol
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3456
612-942-8032
Fax:612-942-8526
-------
BIOTROL®
(Soil Washing System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioTrol Soil Washing System is a
patented, water-based volume reduction
process used to treat excavated soil. The
system may be applied to contaminants
concentrated in the fine-sized soil fraction
(silt, clay, and soil organic matter) or in the
coarse soil fraction (sand and gravel).
In the first part of the process, debris is
removed from the soil. The soil is then mixed
with water and subjected to various unit
operations common to the mineral processing
industry (see figure below). The equipment
used in these operations can include mixing
trommels, pug mills, vibrating screens, froth
flotation cells, attrition scrubbing machines,
hydrocyclones, screw classifiers, and various
dewatering apparatus.
The core of the process is a multistage,
countercurrent, intensive scrubbing circuit
with interstage classification. The scrubbing
action disintegrates soil aggregates, freeing
contaminated fine particles from the coarser
material. In addition, surficial contamination
is removed from the coarse fraction by the
abrasive scouring action of the particles
themselves. Contaminants may also be
solubilized, as dictated by solubility
characteristics or partition coefficients.
Contaminated residual products can be treated
by other methods. Process water is normally
recycled after biological or physical treatment.
Contaminated fines may be disposed of off
site, incinerated, stabilized, or biologically
treated.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This system was initially developed to clean
soils contaminated with wood preserving
wastes, such as polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pentachlorophenol
(PCP). The system may also apply to soils
contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons,
pesticides, polychlorinatedbiphenyls, various
industrial chemicals, and metals.
>
Contaminated
Silt/Clay
1
BioTrol Soil Washing System Process Diagram
-------
STATUS:
The BioTrol Soil Washing System was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1989. The system was
demonstrated under the SITE Program
between September and October 1989 at the
MacGillis and Gibbs Superfund site in New
Brighton, Minnesota. A pilot-scale unit with
a treatment capacity of 500 pounds per hour
operated 24 hours per day during the
demonstration. Feed for the first phase of the
demonstration (2 days) consisted of soil
contaminated with 130 parts per million
(ppm) PCP and 247 ppm total PAHs; feed for
the second phase (7 days) consisted of soil
containing 680 ppm PCP and 404 ppm total
PAHs.
Contaminated process water was treated
biologically in a fixed-film reactor and
recycled. A portion of the contaminated soil
fines was treated biologically in a three-stage,
pilot-scale EIMCO Biolift™ reactor system
supplied by the EIMCO Process Equipment
Company. The Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-91/003) and the Technology
Evaluation Report Volume I
(EPA/540/5-91/003 a) and Volume II
(EPA/540/5-91/003bandEPA/540/5-91/003c)
are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Key findings from the BioTrol demonstration
are summarized below:
• Feed soil (dry weight basis) was
successfully separated into 83 percent
washed soil, 10 percent woody residues,
and 7 percent fines. The washed soil
retained about 10 percent of the feed soil
contamination; 90 percent of this
contamination was contained within the
woody residues, fines, and process wastes.
• The multistage scrubbing circuit removed
up to 89 percent PCP and 88 percent total
PAHs, based on the difference between
concentration levels in the contaminated
(wet) feed soil and the washed soil.
• The scrubbing circuit degraded up to
94 percent PCP in the process water
during soil washing. PAH removal could
not be determined because of low influent
concentrations.
• The cost of a commercial-scale soil
washing system, assuming use of all three
technologies (soil washing, water
treatment, and fines treatment), was
estimatedtobe$168perton. Incineration
of woody material accounts for 76 percent
of the cost.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Mary Stinson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
(732)321-6683
Fax:(732)321-6640
e-mail: stinson.mary@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dennis Chilcote
BioTrol
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3456
612-942-8032
Fax:612-942-8526
-------
BRICE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
CORPORATION
(Soil Washing Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Brice Environmental Services Corporation
(Brice) developed a soil washing process that
removes particulate metal contamination from
soil. The process has been successfully
coupled with acid leaching processes
developed by Brice and others for the removal
of ionic metal salts and metal coatings from
soil. The Brice soil washing process is
modular and uses components specifically
suited to site soil conditions and cleanup
standards. Component requirements and
anticipated cleanup levels attainable with the
process are determined during treatability
testing at Brice's Fairbanks, Alaska facility
laboratory. The process is designed to
recirculate wash water and leachate solutions.
Particulate metal contaminants removed from
soil, and metals recovered from the leaching
system (if used), are recycled at a smelting
facility. Instead of stabilizing the metals in
place or placing the materials in a landfill, the
Brice technology removes metal contaminants
from the soil, thereby eliminating the health
hazard associated with heavy metal
contamination.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Brice soil washing process treats soils
contaminated with heavy metals. Typical
materials suited for treatment with the
technology include soils at small arm ranges,
ammunition manufacturing and testing
facilities, foundry sites, and sites used for
lead-acid battery recycling.
STATUS:
The Brice soil washing process was accepted
into the SITE Demonstration Program in
winter 1991. Under the program, the
technology was demonstrated in late summer
Brice soil Washing Plant
-------
1992 on lead-contaminated soil at the Alaskan
Battery Enterprises (ABE) Superfund site in
Fairbanks, Alaska. The Demonstration Bulle-
tin (EPA/540/MR-93/503) and the
Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
A5-93/503) are available from EPA.
A Brice soil washing plant was operated in
New Brighton, Minnesota for 9 months at
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCAAP - see photograph) to process 20,000
tons of contaminated soil. The wash plant
was used in conjunction with a leaching plant
(operated by a separate developer) that
removed ionic lead following particulate
metal removal.
During Fall 1996, Brice performed a soil
washing/soil leaching technology
demonstration at a small arms range at Fort
Polk, Louisiana. The process implemented
physical separation of bullet and bullet
fragments from soil particles, and included a
leaching step for removing residual ionic lead.
A total of 835 tons of soil were processed
during this demonstration, and all
demonstration goals were met with no soil
requiring reprocessing.
In August 1998, Brice completed a full-scale
soil washing operation at the Marine Corps
Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine
Palms, California. This operation involved
processing about 12,000 tons of soil at a small
arms firing range.
Several successful demonstrations of the
pilot- scale unit have been conducted. The
results from the SITE demonstration have
been published in a Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-91/006a), entitled "Design
and Development of a Pilot-Scale Debris
Decontamination System" and in a
Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/S5-91/006).
EPA developed a full-scale unit with ancillary
equipment mounted on three 48-foot flatbed
semi-trailers. EPA was expected to formalize
a nonexclusive licensing agreement for the
equipment in late 1998 to increase the
technology's use in treating contaminated
debris.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration at the ABE site consisted
of three test runs of five hours each, with 48
tons of soil processed. Feed soils averaged
4,500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and
the separated soil fines fraction averaged
13,00 mg/kg. On-line reliability was 92
percent, and all processed gravel passed
TCLP testing. Battery casing removal
efficiencies during the three runs were 94
percent, 100 percent and 90 percent.
The results for the demonstration at the
TCAAP site indicated that the Brice
technology reduced the lead load to the
leaching process from 39 percent to 53
percent. Soil was continuously processed at a
rate of 12 to 15 tons per hour.
Results of the Fort Polk demonstration
indicate that the technology reduced lead from
firing range soils by 97 percent. All soil
processed was below the demonstration goals
of 500 mg/kg total lead and 5 milligrams per
liter (mg/L) TCLP lead. Average results for
all processed soil were 156 mg/kg total lead
and 2.1 mg/L TCLP lead. Processing rates
ranged from 6 to 12 tons per our hour.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
(513)569-7758
e-mail: martin.john@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Craig Jones
Brice Environmental Services Corporation
3200 Shell Street
P.O. Box 73520
Fairbanks, AK 99707
907-456-1955
Fax: 907-452-5018
-------
BWX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(an affiliate of BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.)
(Cyclone Furnace)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BWX Technologies, Inc cyclone furnace
is designed to combust coal with high
inorganic content (high-ash). Through
cofiring, the cyclone furnace can also
accommodate highly contaminated wastes
containing heavy metals and organics in soil
or sludge. High heat-release rates of 45,000
British Thermal Units (Btu) per cubic foot of
coal and high turbulence in cyclones ensures
the high temperatures required for melting the
high-ash fuels and combusting the organics.
The inert ash exits the cyclone furnace as a
vitrified slag.
The pilot-scale cyclone furnace, shown in the
figure below, is a water cooled, scaled-down
version of a commercial coal-fired cyclone
with a restricted exit (throat). The furnace
geometry is a horizontal cylinder (barrel).
Natural gas and preheated combustion air are
heated to 820°F and enter tangentially into the
cyclone burner. For dry soil processing, the
soil matrix and natural gas enter tangentially
along the cyclone furnace barrel. For wet soil
processing, an atomizer uses compressed air
to spray the soil slurry directly into the
furnace. The soil or sludge and inorganics are
captured and melted, and organics are
destroyed in the gas phase or in the molten
slag layer. This slag layer is formed and
retained on the furnace barrel wall by
centrifugal action.
The soil melts, exits the cyclone furnace from
the tap at the cyclone throat, and drops into a
water-filled slag tank where it solidifies. A
small quantity of soil also exits as fly ash with
the flue gas from the furnace and is collected
in a baghouse. In principle, this fly ash can be
recycled to the furnace to increase metal
capture and to minimize the volume of the
potentially hazardous waste stream.
COMBUSTION
AIR
INSIDE FUR
NATURAL GAS
INJECTORS
NATURAL GAS
SOIL INJECTOR
V
CYCLONE
BARREL
Cyclone Furnace
-------
The energy requirements for vitrification are
15,000 Btu per pound of soil treated. The
cyclone furnace can be operated with gas, oil,
or coal as the supplemental fuel. If the waste
is high in organic content, it may also supply
a significant portion of the required fuel heat
input.
Particulates are captured by a baghouse. To
maximize the capture of particulate metals, a
heat exchanger is used to cool the stack gases
to approximately 200°F before they enter the
baghouse.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The cyclone furnace can treat highly
contaminated hazardous wastes, sludges, and
soils that contain heavy metals and organic
constituents. The wastes may be solid, a soil
slurry (wet soil), or liquids. To be treated in
the cyclone furnace, the ash or solid matrix
must melt (with or without additives) and
flow at cyclone furnace temperatures (2,400
to 3,000°F). Because the furnace captures
heavy metals in the slag and renders them
nonleachable, it is particularly suited to soils
that contain lower-volatility radionuclides
such as strontium and transuranics.
STATUS:
Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, the cyclone furnace
technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in August 1991. A
demonstration occurred in November 1991 at
the developer's facility in Alliance, Ohio. The
process was demonstrated using an EPA-
supplied, wet synthetic soil matrix (SSM)
spiked with heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and
chromium), organics (anthracene and
dimethylphthalate), and simulated
radionuclides (bismuth, strontium, and
zirconium). Results from the demonstrations
have been published in the Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/520/AR-92/017) and
Technology Evaluation Report, Volumes 1
and 2 (EPA/504/R-92/017A and EPA/540/
R-92/017B); these documents are available
from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Vitrified slag teachabilities for the heavy
metals met EPA toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure (TCLP) limits. TCLP
teachabilities were 0.29 milligram per liter
(mg/L) for lead, 0.12 mg/L for cadmium, and
0.30 mg/L for chromium. Almost 95 % of
the noncombustible SSM was incorporated
into the slag. Greater than 75% of the
chromium, 88% of the strontium, and 97 % of
the zirconium were captured in the slag. Dry
weight volume was reduced 28%.
Destruction and removal efficiencies for
anthracene and dimethylphthalate were
greater than 99.997% and 99.998%, respect-
ively. StackparticulateswereO.OOl grain per
dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf) at 7%
oxygen, which was below the Resource
Conservation Recovery Act limit of
0.08 gr/dscf effective until May 1993.
Carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons in
the flue gas were 6.0 parts per million (ppm)
and 8.3 ppm, respectively.
An independent cost analysis was performed
as part of the SITE demonstration. The cost
to remediate 20,000 tons of contaminated soil
using a 3.3-ton-per-hour unit was estimated at
$465 per ton if the unit is on line 80 percent
of the time, and $529 per ton if the unit is on
line 60 percent of the time.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA/NRMRL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863 Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: staley.larel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jerry Maringo
BWX Technologies, Inc., an affiliate of
Babcock & Wilcox Co.
20 South Van Buren Avenue
P.O. Box 351
Barberton, OH 44203
330-860-6321
-------
CALGON CARBON ADVANCED OXIDATION
TECHNOLOGIES
(formerly Vulcan Peroxidation Systems, Inc.)
(perox-pure™ Chemical Oxidation Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The perox-pure™ treatment system is
designed to destroy dissolved organic
contaminants in groundwater or wastewater
with an advanced chemical oxidation process
that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation and
hydrogen peroxide.
In the process, proprietary high-powered,
medium-pressure lamps emit high-energy UV
radiation through a quartz sleeve into the
contaminated water. Hydrogen peroxide is
added to the contaminated water and is
activated by the UV light to form oxidizing
species called hydroxyl radicals. The
hydroxyl radical then reacts with the dissolved
contaminants, initiating a rapid cascade of
oxidation reactions that ultimately fully
oxidize (mineralize) the contaminants. The
success of the process is based on the fact that
the rate constants for the reaction of hydroxyl
radicals with most organic pollutants are very
high. The hydroxyl radical typically reacts a
million to a billion times faster than chemical
oxidants such as ozone and hydrogen
peroxide. In addition, many organic
contaminants (e.g., PCE) undergo a change in
their chemical structure by the direct
absorption of UV light in the UV-C spectral
range emitted by Calgon Carbon
Corporation's proprietary medium-pressure
UV lamps.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The perox-pure™ technology treats
groundwater and wastewater contaminated
with chlorinated solvents, pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls, phenolics, ethers,
fuel hydrocarbons, and other organic
compounds. It is effective on concentrations
ranging from low parts per billion to several
hundred parts per million (ppm). In certain
instances, when used in conjunction with
photocatalysts, it can be competitive for
contaminated waters at concentrations of
several thousand parts per million (ppm). In
I '^"SBMW' lipppWlSi*.
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perox-pure™ Model SSB-30
-------
some cases, the combination of the perox-
pure™ technology with activated carbon, air
stripping, or biological treatment will provide
a more economical approach than would be
obtained by using only one technology.
STATUS:
The perox-pure™ technology was accepted
into the SITE Demonstration Program in April
1991. A Model SSB-30 (see photograph on
previous page) was demonstrated in
September 1992 at the Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory Superfund site in
Altamont Hills, California. The purpose of
this demonstration was to measure how well
the perox-pure™ technology removed
volatile organic compounds from
contaminated groundwater at the site. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
93/501), Technology Demonstration
Summary (EP A/540/SR-93/50 1),
Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-93/501), and Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R- 93/501) are
available from EPA.
This technology has been successfully applied
to over 250 sites throughout the United States,
Canada, the Far East, and Europe. The treat-
ment units at these sites have treated
contaminated groundwater, industrial
wastewater, contaminated drinking water,
landfill leachates, and industrial reuse streams
(process waters). Equipment treatment rates
range from several gallons to several thousand
gallons per minute.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Operating parameters for the treatment system
were varied during the demonstration. Three
reproducibility tests were performed at the
optimum operating conditions, which were
selected from the initial test runs.
In most cases, the perox-pure™ technology
reduced trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene,
chloroform, trichloroethane, and
dichloroethane to below analytical detection
limits. For each organic contaminant, the
perox-pure™ technology complied with
California action levels and federal drinking
water maximum contaminant levels at the 95
percent confidence level. The quartz sleeve
wipers effectively cleaned the sleeves and
eliminated the interference caused by tube
scaling.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7665
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: lewis.norma@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bertrand Dussert
Calgon Carbon Advanced Oxidation
Technologies
500 Calgon Carbon Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
412-787-6681
Fax: 412-787-6682
E-mail: Dussert@calgcarb.com
-------
CF SYSTEMS CORPORATION
(Liquified Gas Solvent Extraction [LG-SX] Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The CF Systems Corporation (CF Systems)
liquified gas solvent extraction (LG-SX)
technology uses liquified gas solvents to
extract organics from soils, sludges,
sediments, and wastewaters. Gases, when
liquified under pressure, have unique physical
properties that enhance their use as solvents.
The low viscosities, densities, and surface
tensions of these gases result in significantly
higher rates of extraction compared to
conventional liquid solvents. These enhanced
physical properties also accelerate treated
water's gravity settling rate following
extraction. Due to their high volatility, gases
are also easily recovered from the suspended
solids matrix, minimizing solvent losses.
Liquified propane solvent is typically used to
treat soils, sludges, and sediments, while
liquified carbon dioxide is typically used to
treat wastewater. The extraction system uses
a batch extractor-decanter design for solids
and sludges and a continuous trayed tower
design for waste-waters and low-solids
wastes.
Contaminated solids, slurries, or wastewaters
are fed into the extraction system along with
solvent (see figure below). After the solvent
and organics are separated from the treated
feed, the solvent and organic mixture passes
to the solvent recovery system. Once in the
solvent recovery system, the solvent is
vaporized and recycled as fresh solvent. The
organics are drawn off and either reused or
disposed of. Treated feed is discharged from
the extraction system as a slurry. The slurry is
filtered and dewatered. The reclaimed water
is recycled to the extraction system and the
filter cake is sent for disposal or reused.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The LG-SX technology can be applied to soils
and sludges containing volatile and
semivolatile organic compounds and other
higher boiling point complex organics, such
as polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
dioxins, and pentachlorophenol (PCP). This
process can also treat refinery wastes and
wastewater contaminated with organics.
RECOVERED
ORGANICS
TREATED CAKE
TO DISPOSAL
Liquified Gas Solvent Extraction (LG-SX) Technology
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1988. Under the
SITE Program, a pilot-scale mobile
demonstration unit was tested in September
1988 on PCB-laden sediments from the New
Bedford Harbor Superfund site in
Massachusetts. PCB concentrations in the
harbor sediment ranged from 300 parts per
million (ppm) to 2,500 ppm. The Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-90/002) and
the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-90/002) are available from
EPA.
A pilot-scale treatability study was completed
on PCB-contaminated soil from a Michigan
Superfund site. Analytical data showed that
the treatment reduced PCB levels to below 5
parts per million (ppm), representing a 98
percent removal efficiency for this waste. A
Project Summary (EPA/540/SR-95/505),
which details results from this work, is
available from EPA.
CF Systems completed the first commercial
on-site treatment operation at Star Enterprise
in Port Arthur, Texas. The propane-based
solvent extraction unit processed listed
refinery K- and F-wastes, producing Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act treated solids
that met EPA land-ban requirements. The
unit operated continuously from March 1991
to March 1992 and was on-line more than 90
percent of the time. Following heavy metals
fixation, the treated solids were disposed of in
a Class I landfill.
Effective mid-1998, Morrison Knudsen
Corporation, owner of CF Environmental
Corporation, has terminated research and
development of the LG-SX program, and no
longer actively markets the technology.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
This technology was demonstrated
concurrently with dredging studies managed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Contaminated sediments were treated by the
LG-SX technology, using a liquified
propane and butane mixture as the extraction
solvent. The demonstration at the New
Bedford site yielded the following results:
• Extraction efficiencies were 90 to
98 percent for sediments containing PCBs
between 360 and 2,575 ppm. PCB
concentrations were as low as 8 ppm in
the treated sediment.
• Volatile and semivolatile organics in
aqueous and semisolid wastes were
extracted with 99.9 percent efficiency.
• Operating problems included solids
retention in the system hardware and
foaming in receiving tanks. The problems
were corrected in the full-scale operations
at Star Enterprise.
• Projected costs for PCB cleanup were
estimated at $150 to $450 per ton,
including material handling and pre- and
posttreatment costs. These costs are
highly dependent on the utilization factor
and job size, which may result in lower
costs for large cleanups.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7328
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
V.M. Poxleitner
Morrison Knudsen Corporation
P.O. Box 73
Boise, ID 83729
208-386-5361
-------
COGNIS, INC.
(TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The COGNIS, Inc. (COGNIS), TERRAMET®
soil remediation system leaches and recovers
lead and other metals from contaminated soil,
dust, sludge, or sediment. The system uses a
patented aqueous leachant that is optimized
through treatability tests for the soil and the
target contaminant. The TERRAMET® system
can treat most types of lead contamination,
including metallic lead and lead salts and
oxides. The lead compounds are often tightly
bound by fine soil constituents such as clay,
manganese and iron oxides, and humus.
The figure below illustrates the process. A
pretreatment, physical separation stage may
involve dry screening to remove gross
oversized material. The soil can be separated
into oversized (gravel), sand, and fine (silt,
clay, and humus) fractions. Soil, including
the oversized fraction, is first washed. Most
lead contamination is typically associated
with fines fraction, and this fraction is
subjected to countercurrent leaching to
dissolve the adsorbed lead and other heavy
metal species. The sand fraction may also
contain significant lead, especially if the
contamination is due to particulate lead, such
as that found in battery recycling, ammunition
burning, and scrap yard activities. In this
case, the sand fraction is pretreated to remove
dense metallic or magnetic materials before
subjecting the sand fraction to countercurrent
leaching. Sand and fines can be treated in
separate parallel streams.
After dissolution of the lead and other heavy
metal contaminants, the metal ions are
recovered from the aqueous leachate by a
metal recovery process such as reduction,
liquid ion exchange, resin ion exchange, or
precipitation. The metal recovery technique
depends on the metals to be recovered and the
leachant employed. In most cases, a patented
reduction process is used so that the metals
are recovered in a compact form suitable for
recycling. After the metals are recovered, the
leachant can be reused within the TERRAMET®
system for continued leaching.
Important characteristics of the TERRAMET®
leaching/recovery combination are as follows:
(1) the leachant is tailored to the substrate and
the contaminant; (2) the leachant is fully
Physical Separation Stage
Teeder
TERRAMET® Chemical Leaching Stage
Soil Fines From
Separation Stage
Soil Fines to
Leaching Circuit
*• Organic Material
Sand to
Leaching Circuit
Clean, Dewatered
Neutralized Soil
Sand From-
Separation Stage
Make-up
Chemicals
Lime
Lead Concentrate
to Recycler
TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System
-------
recycled within the treatment plant; (3) treated
soil can be returned on site; (4) all soil
fractions can be treated; (5) end products
include treated soil and recycled metal; and
(6) no waste is generated during processing.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The COGNIS TERRAMET® soil remediation
system can treat soil, sediment, and sludge
contaminated by lead and other heavy metals
or metal mixtures. Appropriate sites include
contaminated ammunition testing areas, firing
ranges, battery recycling centers, scrap yards,
metal plating shops, and chemical
manufacturers. Certain lead compounds, such
as lead sulfide, are not amenable to treatment
because of their exceedingly low solubilities.
The system can be modified to leach and
recover other metals, such as cadmium, zinc,
copper, and mercury, from soils.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in August
1992. Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, the technology was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1994. The demonstration took
place at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition
Plant (TCAAP) Site F during August 1994.
The TERRAMET® system was evaluated during
a full-scale remediation conducted by
COGNIS at TCAAP. The full-scale system
was linked with a soil washing process
developed by Brice Environmental Services
Corporation (BESCORP). The system treated
soil at a rate of 12 to 15 tons per hour. A
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-93/03)
and Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
AR-93-93/503) are available from the EPA.
The TERRAMET® system is now available
through Doe Run, Inc. (see contact
information below). For further information
about the development of the system, contact
the Dr. William Fristad (see contact
information below).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Lead levels in untreated and treated fines
ranged from 210 to 780 mg/kg and from 50 to
190 mg/kg, respectively. Average removal
efficiencies for lead were about 75 percent.
The TERRAMET® and BESCORP processes
operated smoothly at a feed rate of 12 to 15
tons per hour. Size separation using the
BESCORP process proved to be effective and
reduced the lead load to the TERRAMET®
leaching process by 39 to 63 percent.
Leaching solution was recycled, and lead
concentrates were delivered to a lead smelting
facility. The cost of treating contaminated
soil at the TCAAP site using the COGNIS and
BESCORP processes is about $200 per ton of
treated soil, based on treatment of 10,000 tons
of soil. This cost includes the cost of
removing ordnance from the soil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michael Royer
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue, MS-104
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
908-321-6633
Fax: 908-321-6640
e-mail: royer.michael@epa.gov
System Developer
William E. Fristad
Parker Amchem
32100 Stephenson Hwy
Madison Heights, MI 48071
248-588-4719
Fax: 248-583-2976
Technology Contact
Lou Magdits, TERRAMET® Manager
Doe Run, Inc.
Buick Resource Recycling Facility
HwyKK
HC 1 Box 1395
Boss, MO 65440
573-626-3476
Fax: 573-626-3405
E-mail: lmagdits@misn.com
Lead levels in the feed soil ranged from 380
to 1,800 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
-------
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
(Developed by Colorado School of Mines)
(Constructed Wetlands-Based Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The constructed wetlands-based treatment
technology uses natural geochemical and
microbiological processes inherent in an
artificial wetland ecosystem to accumulate
and remove metals from influent waters. The
treatment system incorporates principal
ecosystem components found in wetlands,
such as organic materials (substrate),
microbial fauna, and algae.
Influent waters with high metal concentrations
flow through the aerobic and anaerobic zones
of the wetland ecosystem. Metals are
removed by ion exchange, adsorption,
absorption, and precipitation through
geochemical and microbial oxidation and
reduction. Ion Exchange occurs as metals in
the water contact humic or other organic
substances in the soil medium. Oxidation and
reduction reactions that occur in the aerobic
and anaerobic zones, respectively, precipitate
metals as hydroxides and sulfides.
Precipitated and absorbed metals settle in
quiescent ponds or are filtered out as the water
percolates through the soil or substrate.
The constructed wetlands-based treatment
process is suitable for acid mine drainage
from metal or coal mining activities. These
wastes typically contain high concentrations
of metals and low pH. Wetlands treatment
has been applied with some success to
wastewater in the eastern United States. The
process may have to be adjusted to account
for differences in geology, terrain, trace metal
composition, and climate in the metal mining
regions of the western United States.
7 oz. GEOFABRIC
GEOGRID
7 oz. GEOFABRI
PERF. EFFLUENT
PIPING TIE TO
GEOGRID
PERF. INFLUENT
PIPING
7 oz. GEOFABRIC
SUBSTRATE
GEONET
HOPE LINER
GEOSYNTHETIC
CLAY LINER
16 oz. GEOFABRIC
—SAND
SUBGRADE
Schematic Cross Section of Pilot-Scale Upflow Cell
-------
STATUS:
Based on the results of test conducted during
the SITE Emerging Technology Program
(ETP), the constructed wetlands-based
treatment process was selected for the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1991. Results
from the ETP test indicated an average
removal rate of 50 percent for metals. For
further information on the ETP evaluation,
refer to the Emerging Technology Summary
(EPA/540/R-93/523), or the Emerging
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-92/001),
which are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Studies under the Demonstration Program
evaluated process effectiveness, toxicity
reduction, and biogeochemical processes at
the Burleigh Tunnel, near Silver Plume,
Colorado. Treatment of mine discharge from
the Burleigh Tunnel is part of the remedy for
the Clear Creek/Central City Superfund site.
Construction of a pilots-scale treatment
system began in summer 1993 and was
completed in November 1993. The pilot-scale
treatment system covered about 4,200 square
feet and consisted of an upflow cell (see
figure on previous page) and a downflow cell.
Each cell treats about 7 gallons per minute of
flow. Preliminary results indicated high
removal efficiency (between 80 to 90 percent)
for zinc, the primary contaminant in the
discharge during summer operation. Zinc
removal during the first winter of operation
ranged from 60 to 80 percent.
Removal efficiency of dissolved zinc for the
upflow cell between March and September
remained above 90 percent; however, the
removal efficiency between September and
December 1994 declined to 84 percent due to
the reduction in microbial activity in the
winter months. The removal efficiency in the
downflow cell dropped to 68 percent in the
winter months and was between 70 to 80
percent during the summer months. The 1995
removal efficiency of dissolved zinc for the
upflow cell declined from 84 percent to below
50 percent due to substrate hydrologic
problems originating from attempts to insulate
this unit during the summer months. A
dramatic upset event in the spring of 1995
sent about four times the design flow through
the upflow cell, along with a heavy zinc load.
The heavy zinc load was toxic to the upflow
cell and it never recovered to previous
performance levels. Since the upset event,
removal efficiency remained at or near 50
percent.
The 1995 removal efficiency of the downflow
cell declined from 80 percent during the
summer months to 63 percent during winter,
again a result of reduced microbial activity.
The 1996 removal efficiency of dissolved zinc
calculated for the downflow cell increased
from a January low of 63 percent to over 95
percent from May through August. The
increase in the downflow removal efficiency
is related to reduced flow rates through the
downflow substrate, translating to increased
residence time.
The SITE demonstration was completed in
mid-1998, and the cells were decommissioned
in August 1998. An Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report for the demonstration was
to be available in 1999. Information on the
technology can be obtained through below-
listed sources.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Edward Bates
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7774
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
James Lewis
Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
HMWMD-RP-B2
Denver, CO 80220-1530
303-692-3390
Fax: 303-759-5355
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COMMODORE ADVANCED SCIENCES, INC.
(Solvated Electron Technology, SET™ Remediation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Commmodore Applied Technologies, Inc.'s
(Commodore), solvated electron technology
(SET™) remediation system chemically
reduces toxic contaminants such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), pesticides,
and other halogenated compounds into benign
substances. The solvating system uses a
solution of ammonia and an "active" metal to
create a powerful reducing agent that can
clean up contaminated soils, sediments, and
liquids.
A solvated electron solution is a liquid
homogeneous mixture that produces a large
supply of free electrons. It can be created by
combining liquid ammonia with a metal such
as sodium, calcium, lithium, or potassium.
When a solvated electron solution is mixed
with a contaminated material, the free
electrons in the solution chemically convert
the contaminant to relatively harmless
substances and salts.
The SET™ process consists of components to
move and recover the ammonia (such as
piping, pumps, and tanks), along with reactor
vessels which hold the contaminated medium
and the solvating solution. The system can be
transported to different field sites, but the
process is performed ex situ, meaning that the
contaminated medium must be introduced into
the reactor vessels.
The treatment process begins by placing the
contaminated medium into the reactor vessels,
where the medium is then mixed with
ammonia.
Metal
Dirty Soil
Reactor
Ammonia
Ammonia/Soil
Separator
Compressor
Clean Soil
Ammonia/Water
Separator
Water
Schematic Diagram of the Solvated Electron Remediation System
-------
One of the reactive metals (usually sodium) is
then added to the contaminated medium-
ammonia mixture, and a chemical reaction
ensues. After the chemical reaction is
complete (about 1 minute), the ammonia is
removed to a discharge tank for reuse. The
treated medium is then removed from the
reactor vessels, tested for contamination, and
returned to the site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Commodore claims that its solvating electron
remediation system can effectively
decontaminate soils, sludges, sediments, oils,
hand tools, and personal protective clothing.
The technology chemically transforms PCBs,
pesticides, and other halogenated compounds
into relatively benign salts. Commodore also
believes that the technology is effective in
treating chemical warfare agents and
radionuclides.
STATUS:
Commodore was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1995 and is also
participating in the Rapid Commercialization
Initiative (RCI). RCI was created by the
Department of Commerce, Department of
Defense, Department of Energy, and EPA to
assist in the integration of innovative
technologies into the marketplace.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Commodore demonstrated the solvating
system at the Construction Battalion Supply
Center in Port Hueneme, California in
September 1996. The demonstration was
designed to evaluate the system's
performance capability, costs, and design
parameters. Results from the demonstration
will be presented in an Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report, which is available from
EPA.
In October 1997, Commodore was awarded a
contract to remediate mixed waste material at
the U. S. Department of Energy site at Weldon
Spring, Missouri using the SET™ technology.
A nationwide permit for the destruction of
PCBs and metals in soils was issued for the
SET™ process by the EPA in March, 1997.
This permit was amended in May 1998 to
include the destruction of PCBs in oil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
O.M. Jones
Commodore Solution Technologies, Inc.
2340 Menaul Boulevard, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-872-3508
Fax: 505-872-6827
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CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS
(Six-Phase Heating™ of TCE)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Six-Phase Heating™(SPH) is a thermally
enhanced soil vapor extraction (SVE) technique
that targets both contaminated soil and
groundwater. The technology splits conventional
three-phase electricity into six phases and delivers
the electricity to the subsurface through metal
electrodes. Once in the subsurface, the electrical
energy resistively heats the soil and groundwater
to generate steam. Direct volatilization and in situ
steam stripping mobilize the contaminants present
in the soil and groundwater. The volatilized
contaminants are recovered by SVE, and treated
before venting to the atmosphere. Contaminants
are also destroyed in situ by means of hydrolysis,
hydrous pyrolysis oxidation, and thermally
accelerated biodegradation.
The ability of SPH™ to produce steam in situ in
low permeability formations represents a
significant advantage over other thermal
technologies that are limited by hydraulic
transport and conductive transfer to deliver heat to
the subsurface. Instead, SPH™ creates steam
within the soil pore structure itself, driving the
contaminants towards the surface for collection
and treatment.
This is important at heterogeneous sites like Cape
Canaveral, where contaminants are trapped in the
low-permeability clay and silt stringers in fine
gain units. As these stringers are heated, internal
steam formation drives contaminants into
overlying permeable sands, overcoming diffusion-
limited mass transfer and enabling rapid cleanup.
When the required voltage was applied to the
subsurface soils and groundwater, operating
conditions were monitored and maintained within
acceptable design limits. After startup, the system
was monitored and controlled remotely. Routine
visits were performed to collect data and perform
system maintenance as required. Four to five
weeks were required to heat the test plot to the
boiling point of water. An additional seven to
eight weeks were required to accomplish cleanup
goals.
MFGU
Conceptual Illustration of
Resistive Heating Technology
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is designed to treat DNAPL
(dense nonaqueous phase liquid) contaminated
soils and groundwater. At Cape Canaveral,
trichloroethylene (TCE), cis-DCE, trans-DCE, and
vinyl chloride in soil and groundwater were
treated with SPH™.
STATUS:
Scientists and engineers at the Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory (PNNL) developed and
demonstrated the SPH technology in the early
1990s. In July 1997, Battelle Memorial Institute
and Terra Vac Corporation formed a joint venture
called Current Environmental Solutions, LLC
(CES) to commercialize the SPH™ technology.
SPH™ has been demonstrated on six occasions at
government sites owned by the Department of
Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE)
during the past four years. SPH™ is now being
commercially applied on a full-scale basis at a site
-------
impacted by chlorinated DNAPL underneath a
building.
The Interagency DNAPL Consortium (IDC),
recently formed by the DoD DOE and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is
tasked with identifying successful technologies for
DNAPL remediation, in soils and groundwater, at
corresponding government sites. In July of 1998,
the IDC selected four in situ technologies for
demonstration at an Air Force site in Cape
Canaveral, Florida, that was impacted with
chlorinated DNAPL. One of the selected
technologies included SPH™. The demonstration
was completed in 2001 and the Application
Analysis Report is available from the EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SPH™ technology, provided commercially by
Current Environmental Solutions, was
demonstrated at Launch Complex 34 at Cape
Canaveral, Florida, as part of a multiple
technology demonstration for the in situ
remediation of DNAPL. The contaminant of
concern was TCE, primarily residing as a separate
phase along the surface of a clay aquitard at a
depth of 45 ft. The demonstration was successful
in that 97% of the DNAPL mass was removed,
based on analysis of soil cores taken before and
after the demonstration. However, the effect of
SPH™ on dissolved-phase fractions of the
contaminant could not be quantified because of
large influxes of contaminated groundwater
caused by tropical storms, and the nearby injection
of nearly 2.7 pore volumes of an oxidant solution
directly upgradient of the test area. Attempts to
perform a total mass balance on the contaminants
were similarly confounded.
Based on the production of elevated levels of
chloride ion and other degradation by-products
throughout the demonstration, decontamination
took place as follows:
• 44 % was removed via the primary route, an
in situ degradation pathway
• 19% was removed in the vapor phase by
steam stripping
• Approximately 2% was mobilized to the
surrounding aquifer during a single flooding
event, caused by a tropical storm that occurred
early in the demonstration
• The remaining 33% could not be accounted
for, but is likely to have been degraded in situ
• Sampling wells and soil borings beyond the
perimeter of the treatment area revealed a net
decrease in contaminant levels, indicating that
treatment extended beyond the boundaries of
the test cell.
The total cost of the SPH™ deployment was
$569K, including all costs for electricity,
reporting, secondary waste treatment, equipment
mobilization, and significant system modifications
and repairs prompted by severe weather. Based on
a treatment volume of 6,250 yd3 (4,780 m3), this
corresponds to a total unit cost of $9I/yd3
($70/m3). Of this, the net cost for SPH™
implementation (design, installation, operations,
demobilization) was $65/yd3 ($50/m3), and the
cost of electricity was $12/yd3 ($9/m3).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER
Tom Holdsworth
U.S. EPA/NRMRL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675 Fax:513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT
Bill Heath
CES Richland
Applied Process Engineering Laboratory
350 Hills Street
Richland, WA 99352
509-727-4276 Fax: 509-371-0634
e-mail: bill@cesiweb.com
www.cesiweb.com
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DUKE ENGINEERING AND SERVICES, INC.
(Surfactant Enhanced Aquifer Remediation of Nonaqueous Phase Liquids)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation
(SEAR) technology greatly enhances the
removal of residual nonaqueous phase liquids
(NAPL) from the subsurface by increasing the
solubility of the NAPL and lowering the
interfacial tension between the NAPL and
aqueous surfactant solution. Increasing the
solubility of the NAPL with surfactants
substantially enhances the removal of the
NAPL mass through pumping. Lowering the
interfacial tension between the NAPL and the
aqueous surfactant solution reduces the
capillary forces that trap the NAPL in the pore
spaces of the aquifer. Under certain
conditions, the interfacial tension can be
lowered sufficiently to drain NAPL from the
pore spaces thereby forming an oil bank in the
subsurface, which is then recovered at
extraction wells.
Before SEAR technology can be
implemented, site specific characteristics must
be determined. Normal aquifer properties
such as stratigraphy, grain size distribution,
mineralogy, hydraulic conductivity, vertical
and horizontal gradients, depth to ground
water, etc., are determined. In addition, a
fundamental understanding of the NAPL
composition, distribution, and quantity in the
subsurface is required. Knowledge of the
quantity of NAPL present prior to using
SEAR prevents either under- or over-
designing the surfactant flood. Laboratory
experiments using soil core, contaminant,
groundwater, and source water from the site
are conducted to determine the optimum
surfactant solution mix. A geosystem model
is then developed which incorporates all the
data gathered. Simulations are run to
determine optimum injection and extraction
well placement, percent recoveries of the
Oil and
Water
Separator
Water/
Surfactant
NAPL
Recovery/
weii ;
', Surfactant Flowy
Injection',
Well ;
; CONTAMINATED SOIK/
SEAR Technology
-------
compounds injected, contaminant
concentration levels in the effluent, percent
removal of the contaminant mass, and all
other pertinent results of the surfactant flood.
Once the surfactant flood has been fully
designed, the surfactant solution is injected
into the contaminated zone in the subsurface
through one or more wells. The surfactant is
drawn through the subsurface by pumping at
surrounding extraction wells. As the
surfactant moves through the subsurface it
solubilizes or, if the design calls for it,
mobilizes the NAPL for recovery at the
extraction wells. The recovered groundwater
and NAPL are then typically sent to a phase
separator. The recovered NAPL is either
disposed of or recycled, and the groundwater
and surfactant is treated. For large scale
projects, recovery and reuse of the surfactant
from the effluent stream is economical.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
SEAR technology is applicable for the rapid
removal of residual phase NAPL in the
subsurface. Although it does not directly
remediate the dissolved phase plume, removal
of the source zone contamination can greatly
reduce long term liability and risk. SEAR
technology can be effective for the removal of
a broad range of organic contaminants. This
technology may not be suitable for sites with
low hydraulic permeabilities (10"5 cm/sec or
less).
STATUS:
SEAR technology was accepted into the
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
(SITE) Demonstration program in 1997.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
A demonstration of SEAR to remove a high
viscosity hydrocarbon (Navy Special Fuel Oil
[NSFO]) was completed at Mullican Field,
Pearl Harbor, HI. The hydrocarbon was
successfully mobilized using a custom-
designed surfactant and heating. The
surfactant solution to 60°C.
SEAR technology has been successfully
demonstrated with three separate surfactant
floods at a U.S. Air Force base containing
chlorinated solvent contamination in an
alluvial aquifer.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dick Jackson or John Londergan
Duke Engineering and Services, Inc.
9111 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78758
512-425-2000
Fax: 512-425-2199
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DYNAPHORE, INC.
(FORAGER® Sponge)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The FORAGER® Sponge (Sponge) is an
open-celled cellulose sponge containing a
polymer with selective affinity for dissolved
heavy metals in both cationic and anionic
states. The polymer contains iminodiacetic
acid groups which enter into chelation
bonding with transition-group heavy metal
cations. The polymer's affinity for particular
cations is influenced by solution parameters
such as pH, temperature, and total ionic
content. In general, the following affinity
sequence for several representative ions
prevails:
Cd++>Cu++>Hg++>Pb++>Au+++>Zn++>
Fe+++>Ni++>Co++»Al+++>Ca++>Mg++»Na+
During absorption, a cation is displaced from
the polymer. The displaced cation may be FT
or a cation below the absorbed cation in the
affinity sequence.
The polymer also contains tertiary amine salt
groups which exhibit selective bonding for
anion species such as the following:
HgCV,
Cr
-------
treated aboveground in a packed column
configuration.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Sponge can scavenge metals in
concentration levels of parts per million and
parts per billion from industrial discharges,
municipal sewage, process streams, and acid
mine drainage. The Sponge is particularly
useful when treating water with low
contaminant levels, especially in polishing or
end-of-pipe treatments. Because of the low
capital investment required, the Sponge is
well-suited for use in short-term remediation
projects and for sporadic flow conditions.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in June 1991. The
Sponge was demonstrated in April 1994 at the
National Lead Industry site in Pedricktown,
New Jersey. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-94/522), Technology Capsule
(EPA/540/R-94/522a), and Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/
R-94/522) are available from EPA.
According to the developer, the Sponge has
also effectively removed trace heavy metals
from acid mine drainage at three locations in
Colorado. In bench-scale tests, the Sponge
reduced mercury, lead, nickel, cadmium, and
chromium in groundwater from various
Superfund sites to below detectable levels.
The Sponge was also demonstrated in a field-
scale installation at a photoprocessing
operation. The process reduced chromate and
X|IV'
WATER ^,fi''_
silver by 75 percent at a cost of $1,100 per
month. In bench-scale tests, the Sponge has
removed lead, mercury, and copper from
pourable sludges such as simulated municipal
sewage, and from soils slurried with water.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Treatment performance from the SITE
demonstration was as follows:
Analyte
Cadmium
Copper
Lead
Chromium111
Average Influence Percent
Concentration (ug/L) Removal
917 97
578 97
426 32
In 1996, the Sponge, configured in a column,
was employed in a pump-and-treat
remediation of 360,000 gallons of water that
had accumulated as a result of a fuel handling
operation. The water, containing 0.2 parts per
million (ppm) arsenic, was treated at 12
gallons per minute (0.1 bed volume per
minute) to produce an effluent having a
nondetect level of arsenic.
According to the developer, a newly
developed modification of the Sponge
(designated Grade 0) has proven effective in
removing methyl-fert-butyl ether (MTBE)
from groundwater and in removing dense non-
aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) from
stormwater. The sponge is currently being
used in passive, end-of-pipe installations to
remove nickel from electroplating effluents.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager:
Carolyn Esposito, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, New Jersey 08837-3679
732-906-6895
e-mail: esposito.carolyn@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Norman Rainer, Dynaphore, Inc.
2709 Willard Road
Richmond, VA 23294
804-672-3464
Fishnet Bags Placed Horizontally in a Trench
-------
E&C Williams, Inc.
(Calcium Sulfide and Calcium Polysulfide Technologies)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Enthrall® (CaS) is an inorganic, nonhazardous
sulfide compound developed by E&C
Williams, Inc., for the treatment of metals and
cyanide compounds in various media.
Enthrall® is manufactured as powder, liquid,
and granulated solid to provide the widest
range of applications and uses.
The primary active ingredient in Enthrall® is
calcium sulfide which reacts with metals to
form a metal sulfide. This form of a metal is
insoluble under the test conditions imposed by
the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP; which simulates the acidic
conditions found in most landfills), the
Multiple Extraction Procedure (MEP; which
simulates approximately 1,000 years of acidic
leaching), and the Synthetic Products
Leaching Procedure (SPLP; more aggressive
than the TCLP). Enthrall® has an inherently
high reaction efficiency, requiring much less
product than others.
The powder and liquid forms present
enormous potential for soil remediation
products for both in situ and ex situ. Enthrall®
is effective over entire range of regulated
metals. Its reaction time is nearly
instantaneous, allowing for immediate
sampling and testing. Stabilized waste is truly
stable - it is not subject to leaching at a later
date under acidic conditions.
Calcium polysulfide (CaSx), while derived
from different raw materials, shares many
characteristics with calcium sulfide. It is
effective over the entire range of regulated
metals and reacts with metals to form metal
sulfides as quickly as contact is achieved.
Both are single-phase additives requiring no
other compound to completely stabilize
metals.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Both technologies are suitable for stabilizing
metals in a wide variety of media and physical
states. Upon exposure to acidic conditions,
some hydrogen sulfide gas may be generated.
Both sulfide technologies can be formulated to
a high alkalinity range to offset the effects of
gassing.
STATUS:
The calcium sulfide technology was accepted
into the SITE Demonstration Program in
November 2000. Enthrall® was used as the
-------
active ingredient on a SITE demonstration at
treating mine tailings containing mercury. The
setup consisted of treating columns of material
from a site mining facility in Butte, Montana.
Enthrall® was used to treat the assigned
column(s) and the columns were then
subjected to a twelve-week leaching
procedure. The results of this study are in the
process of final evaluation and will be
published in 2002.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER
Ed Bates
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7774
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT
Robert McManus
E&C Williams, Inc.
P.O. Box 3287
Summerville, SC 29484
843-821-4200
Fax: 843-821-4262
e-mail: rmcmanus(5)sc.rr.com
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EARTHSOFT
(EQuIS Software)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The EQuIS software is designed as an
advanced environmental data management
and analysis platform for monitoring and
remediation projects. The EQuIS applications
provide a data warehouse where
environmental data can be entered and
reviewed, and then exported to a variety of
industry standard tools.
The EQuIS system contains the following
components:
EQuIS Chemistry:
Electronic Lab Data Checker
EQuIS Cross Tab Report Writer
EQuIS Data Verification Module
CARStat
EQuIS Geology:
LogPlot, RockWorks, GMS, EVS
EQuISArcView GIS Interface
EVS, GMS, & ESRI's 3D Analyst
A brief description of each software module is
presented in the following paragraphs.
EQuIS Chemistry manages sampling
information and analytical data generated in
the field or by commercial laboratories.
EQuIS Chemistry offers an interface and
relational database to organize chemical field
and lab data, as well as interfaces to numerous
statistical analyses, reporting and visualization
packages. Chemistry QA/QC data is also
managed to support advanced remediation
projects. Referential and relational integrity
is enforced resulting in high quality data.
Electronic Lab Data Checker (ELDC) allows
users to check electronic deliverables for
format accuracy using default or user-defined
formats. The ELDC can trap out many errors
of consistency and completeness. EQuIS
CrossTab Report Writer allows users to create
complex cross tab reports using data from
existing EQuIS Chemistry project databases.
EQuIS Data Verification Module (DVM)
provides data and review and validation in
accordance with EPA programs, as well as
analytical program requirements from other
agencies. The DVM produces extensive
validation reports and provides a suggested
qualifying flag that can be written back to the
database. CARStat eliminates unnecessary
site assessments and remediation due to
misapplication of statistical methods or simple
comparison of measurements to regulatory
standards. Site-wide false positive and
negative rates are directly computed via
Monte Carlo simulations.
EQuIS Geology manages geological and
geotechnical information. EQuIS Geology
facilitates rapid modeling, calibration and
analysis using any of several standard
commercial borehole logging, groundwater
modeling and solid contouring and reporting
techniques. EQuIS Arc View GIS Interface
encapsulates EQuIS and allows users to query
and view EQuIS Chemistry and Geology data
inside of ArcView GIS. Many basic and even
advanced operations such as creating borehole
logs, CrossTab reports, and solid models can
be done in only a few keystrokes.
STATUS:
The objective of the SITE Demonstration
Program is to develop reliable engineering
performance and cost data innovative
alternative technologies so that potential users
can evaluate the applicability of each
technology for a specific site. This
demonstration is being performed on
environmental data management software and
-------
is carried out with data from hazardous waste
sites in New Jersey.
In a software evaluation, select data set(s) will
be utilized to evaluate capabilities of the
software. The procedures used to evaluate the
software performance and to document
project activities will be critical to this
analysis.
In consultation with the EQuIS vendor, seven
primary modules will be tested in this
evaluation. These are: EQuIS Chemistry,
ELDC, EQuIS CrossTab Report Writer,
DVM, CARStat, EQuIS Geology, and the
EQuIS Arc View GIS Interface. The EPA will
publish the technology evaluation results in
Summer 2002.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
EPANRMRL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati OH, 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
Mitch Beard
EarthSoft
4141 Pine Forest Road
Cantonment, FL 32533
800-649-8855
Fax: 850-478-6904
www.earthsoft.com
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EARTH TECH/WESTINGHOUSE
SAVANNAH RIVER COMPANY
(Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation of
Chlorinated Compounds in Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ITT Night Vision is conducting in situ
enhanced aerobic bioremediation of
contaminated groundwater in fractured
bedrock utilizing technologies developed at
the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah
River Site and licensed to Earth Tech, Inc.
This project currently involves remediation of
groundwater in the vicinity of one
contaminant source area as a pilot-scale
operation, with the possibility of applying the
technology elsewhere on site. Contaminants
of concern in on-site groundwater include
chlorinated solvents and their daughter
products, plus acetone and isopropanol. To
accelerate the intrinsic (natural)
biodegradation observed at the site, the
selected remedy involves the subsurface
injection of air, gaseous-phase nutrients
(triethyl phosphate and nitrous oxide), and
methane. The amendments are being added to
stimulate existing microbial populations
(particularly methanotrophs) so that they can
more aggressively break down the
contaminants of concern. Amendment
delivery to the is accomplished through an
injection well, and the injection zone of
influence is confirmed using surrounding
groundwater monitoring wells and soil vapor
monitoring points.
The patented PHOSter™ process for inj ection
of triethyl phosphate in a gaseous phase was
licensed for use at this site as an integral
element of the enhanced bioremediation
operation. This technology maximizes the
subsurface zone of influence of nutrient
injection as compared to technologies
injecting nutrients in liquid or slurry form.
Monitoring of contaminant (and breakdown
product) concentrations in groundwater and
soil vapor, measurement of microbiological
population density and diversity, and
Ambient
Air ~
COMPRESSOI
LEGEND
^ Air Flow Check Valve
fjj Air Flow Meter and Valve
^•T Pressure Gauge/Switch
\LEL / Explosimeter
Inject Gas to
Subsurface vii
Injection Wells
Purge
-------
monitoring of nutrient concentrations and
groundwater geochemical parameters
provides feedback on system effectiveness.
This in turn allows adjustments to be made in
the sequencing and rate of delivery of air,
nutrients, and methane in response to
changing subsurface conditions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This enhanced bioremediation technology
breaks down volatile organic compounds in
groundwater. Compounds which are
amenable to intrinsic (natural) biodegradation
can be degraded more rapidly when the
subsurface microbial populations are
stimulated through the injection of air,
gaseous-phase nutrients, and methane. By
providing an aerobic environment for
contaminant degradation, harmless breakdown
products are produced and toxic daughter
products of anaerobic degradation of
chlorinated solvents (such as vinyl chloride)
can be broken down completely. This in-situ
technology is especially applicable in
situation where subsurface infrastructure (for
example, networks of utilities) limit or
preclude excavation or extraction
technologies.
STATUS:
The enhanced bioremediation system,
currently being used in the ongoing RCRA
corrective action interim measure at the ITT
Night Vision facility, was accepted into the
SITE program in 1997, with system start up
occurring in March of 1998. The technology
had previously been approved by EPA Region
3 as an Interim Measure part of the facility's
ongoing RCRA Corrective Action program.
SITE program participants collected
groundwater quality and microbiological data
prior to system start up (baseline monitoring),
between the air and nutrient injection
campaigns (interim monitoring), and after 16
months of operation (final monitoring).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Baseline monitoring established a statistical
reference point for contaminants of concern in
groundwater. Interim monitoring suggests
that the initial injection campaigns have
successfully stimulated the growth of native
microbial populations based upon the results
of phospholipid fatty acid assays and
methanotroph most probable number plate
counts. Corresponding decreases in
concentrations of contaminants of concern
have also been discernible.
Final monitoring indicated that the average
percent reduction, based on 28 baseline and
28 final samples were as follows:
• Chloroethane - 36%
• 1,1 -Dichloroethane - 80%
• c/5-l,2-Dichloroethene - 97%
• Vinyl chloride - 96%
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
US EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
ITT NIGHT VISION PROJECT
MANAGER:
Rosann Kryczkowski
Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety
ITT Night Vision
763 5 Plantation Road
Roanoke, VA 24019-3257
540-362-7356
Fax: 540-362-7370
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian B. Looney, Ph.D.
Westinghouse Savannah River Company
Savannah River Technology Center
Aiken, SC 29808
803-725-3692
Fax: 803-725-7673
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EcoMat, Inc.
(Biological Denitrification Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
EcoMat has developed and patented a
continuously circulating reactor that contains
fixed film biocarriers that are retained within
the system, thereby minimizing solids
carryover. Fixed film treatment allows rapid
and compact treatment of nitrate with minimal
by-products. Methanol is added as a source of
carbon for the metabolic processes that
remove free oxygen, to encourage the bacteria
to consume nitrate instead, and as a source of
carbon for cell growth.
The EcoLink membrane media consists of a
polyurethane-based sponge that is cut into 1-
cm cubes. The media last for a long time - up
to several years. The size of the interstitial
spaces within the sponge is designed to permit
passage of gas, as well as passage of water
into these spaces. The surface area involved
is sufficiently great to provide for high
bacteria concentrations and high interaction
efficiency.
The mechanism for anoxic biodegradation of
nitrate consists of initial removal of dissolved
oxygen followed by the total removal of
oxygen from the nitrate. In the first step,
available oxygen must be consumed to a
dissolved oxygen concentration of <1 mg/L so
that the bacteria are forced to substitute the
nitrate as the electron acceptor. The nitrate is
first reduced to nitrite and then further
reduced to nitrogen gas.
The effluent from the denitrification system
will contain small amounts of bacteria and
suspended solids, which must be removed by
a posttreatment system. EcoMat can
incorporate an oxidation component
(ozonation and/or ultraviolet disinfection) into
its posttreatment system to accomplish some
degree of chlorinated hydrocarbon destruction
as well as oxidation of any residual nitrite to
nitrate, oxidation of any residual methanol,
and destruction of bacterial matter. A
filtration component can also be incorporated
into the posttreatment system to remove
suspended solids.
Design of the treatment process/system for a
particular site requires the characterization of
the water source that will be fed to the system
in terms of contaminants present, variability
in waste characteristics.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for any water-
based contaminant remediation which permits
the proliferation of the lives of the various
hardy bacteria which consume the oxygen and
methanol.
The technology has been applied to nitrate
within seawater (in commercial aquariums).
It has also been applied to industrial waste.
Another potential application is for
remediation of sites subject to eutrophi cation.
The system has been demonstrated to
remediate perchlorate, after the dissolved
oxygen and nitrate have been removed. A
relatively minor modification of the reactor
permits remediation of both MTBE and
ethylene glycol.
STATUS:
The technology evaluation under the SITE
program was conducted between May and
December of 1999, and the results have been
analyzed (see Technology Evaluation Report,
May 2001 draft).
-------
1 '
R1
RC-4
—M-
EcoMat Perchlorate Removal System
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
The demonstration site was the location of a
former public water supply well in Bendena,
Kansas. The well water is contaminated with
high levels of nitrate, with concentrations
ranging from 20 to 130 ppm of nitrate (N).
The results of the testing program showed that
EcoMat successfully removed the nitrate,
although the posttreatment systems applied
were not always successful in reducing the
nitrite sufficiently or in filtering the exiting
bacteria and suspended solids. This relatively
straightforward work remains to be done
before the system is approved for drinking
water application.
EPA CONTACT
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Peter J. Hall
EcoMat, Inc.
26206 Industrial Boulevard
Hayward, CA 94545
510-783-5885
Fax: 510-783-7932
e-mail: pete@ecomatinc.com
-------
ECOVA CORPORATION
(Bioslurry Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The ECOVA Corporation (ECOVA)
slurry-phase bioremediation (bioslurry)
technology aerobically biodegrades creosote-
contaminated materials. The technology uses
batch and continuous flow bioreactors to
process polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
(PAH)-contaminated soils, sediments, and
sludges. The bioreactors are supplemented
with oxygen, nutrients, and a specific
inoculum of enriched indigenous
microorganisms to enhance the degradation
process.
Because site-specific environments influence
biological treatment, all chemical, physical,
and microbial factors are designed into the
treatment process. The ultimate goal is to
convert organic wastes into relatively
harmless by-products of microbial
metabolism, such as carbon dioxide, water,
and inorganic salts. Biological reaction
rates are accelerated in a slurry system
because of the increased contact efficiency
between contaminants and microorganisms.
The photograph below shows the bioslurry
reactor.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The bioslurry reactor is designed to treat
highly contaminated creosote wastes. It can
also treat other concentrated contaminants that
can be aerobically biodegraded, such as
petroleum wastes. The bioslurry reactor
system must be engineered to maintain
parameters such as pH, temperature, and
dissolved oxygen within ranges conducive to
the desired microbial activity.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in spring 1991. From
May through September 1991, EPA
Bioslurry Reactor
-------
conducted a SITE demonstration using six
bioslurry reactors at EPA's Test and
Evaluation Facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ECOVA conducted bench- and pilot-scale
studies to evaluate bioremediation of PAHs in
creosote-contaminated soil from the
Burlington Northern Superfund site in
Brainerd, Minnesota. Bench-scale studies
were conducted before pilot-scale evaluations
to determine optimal treatment protocols.
EIMCO Biolift™ slurry reactors were used
for the pilot-scale processing. Data from the
optimized pilot-scale program were used to
establish treatment standards for K001 wastes
as part of EPA's Best Demonstrated Available
Technology program.
This technology is no longer available through
ECOVA. However, the technology is being
implemented by Walsh Environmental
Scientists & Engineers. For further
information on the technology, contact the
EPA Project Manager.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the SITE demonstration
indicated that slurry-phase biological
treatment significantly improved
biodegradation rates of carcinogenic 4- to
6-ring PAHs. The pilot-scale bioslurry
reactor reduced 82 ±15 percent of the total
soil-bound PAHs in the first week. After
14 days, total PAHs had been biodegraded by
96 ±2 percent. An overall reduction of
97 ±2 percent was observed over a 12-week
treatment period, indicating that almost all
biodegradation occurred within the first 2
weeks of treatment. Carcinogenic PAHs were
biodegraded by 90 ±3.2 percent to
501 ±103 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
from levels of 5,081 ±1,530 mg/kg.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
-------
EDENSPACE, INC.
(formerly Phytotech)
(Phytoremediation Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Phytotech is an environmental biotechnology
company that uses specially selected and
engineered plants to treat soil and water
contaminated with toxic metals such as lead
and cadmium, as well as radionuclides. The
treatment of soils or sediments with this
technology is referred to as phytoextraction
(see figure below).
Phytoextraction offers an efficient,
cost-effective, and environmentally friendly
way to clean up heavy metal contamination.
Plants are grown in situ on contaminated soil
and harvested after toxic metals accumulate in
the plant tissues. The degree of accumulation
varies with several factors, but can be as high
as 2 percent of the plants' aboveground dry
weight, leaving clean soil in place with metal
concentrations that equal or are less than
regulatory cleanup levels. After accumulation
in the plant tissues, the contaminant metal
must be disposed of, but the amount of
disposable biomass is a small fraction of the
amount of soil treated. For example,
excavating and landfilling a 10-acre site
contaminated with 400 parts per million
(ppm) lead to a depth of 1 foot requires
handling roughly 20,000 tons of lead-
contaminated soil. Phytoextraction of a 10-
acre site to remove 400 ppm of lead from the
top 1 foot would require disposal of around
500 tons of biomass - about 1/40 of the soil
cleaned. In the example cited, six to eight
crops would typically be needed, with three or
four crops per growing season.
Compared to traditional remedial
technologies, phytoextraction offers the
following benefits:
Phytoextraction
-------
• Lower cost
• Applicability to a broad range of
metals
• Potential for recycling the metal-rich
biomass
• Minimal environmental disturbance
• Minimization of secondary air- and
water-borne wastes
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Phytotech's phytoextraction technology can be
used to clean soil or sediments contaminated
with lead, cadmium, chromium,
cesium/strontium and uranium.
Phytoremediation of other metals such as
arsenic, zinc, copper, and thorium is in the
research stage.
STATUS:
Phytotech was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1997. Under the
SITE Program, Phytotech is demonstrating its
phytoremediation technology at a former
battery manufacturing facility in Trenton,
New Jersey, where soil is contaminated with
lead. The site has been prepared and
characterized, two crops of Indian Mustard
were grown and harvested over the Spring and
Summer of 1997, and one crop of sunflowers
was grown and harvested in 1998.
Phytotech has also conducted several
successful field trials of its phytoextraction
technology at other contaminated sites in the
U.S. and abroad.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results show that treatment increased the
portion of the treatment area with lead
concentrations below 400 mg/Kg from 31% to
57%. The average lead concentrations
accumulated in the above-ground plant tissue
samples from the two Brassica crops were
830 mg/Kg and 2,300 mg/Kg. Differences in
lead uptake between the two Brassica crops
are attributed to amendment optimization.
Lead in the above-ground plant tissues of the
sunflowers was measured at an average
concentration of 400 mg/Kg. All three of
these average values exceeded the minimum
project objective of 200 mg/Kg (dry weight).
This demonstration confirmed earlier findings
that the use of Indian Mustard plants to extract
metals is most applicable to intermediate
levels of lead contamination (less than 1,500
mg/Kg), soil pH levels of 4.3-8.3, and
moderate climates.
Phytotech has conducted several field
demonstrations of its rhizofiltration
technology for the removal of (1)
cesium/strontium at Chernobyl, and (2)
uranium from contaminated groundwater at a
DOE site in Ashtabula, Ohio. At Chernobyl,
sunflowers were shown to extract 95 percent
of the radionuclides from a small pond within
10 days. At the Ashtabula site, Phytotech ran
a 9-month pilot demonstration during which
incoming water containing as much as 450
parts per billion (ppb) uranium was treated to
5 ppb or less of uranium.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Michael B lay lock
Edenspace, Inc.
15100 Enterprise CT
Suite 100
Dolles, VA20151
703-961-8700
Fax: 703-961-8939
-------
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, and
OBERLIN FILTER COMPANY
(Membrane Microfiltration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This membrane microfiltration system is de-
signed to remove solid particles from liquid
wastes, forming filter cakes typically ranging
from 40 to 60 percent solids. The system can
be manufactured as an enclosed unit, requires
little or no attention during operation, is
mobile, and can be trailer-mounted.
The membrane microfiltration system uses an
automatic pressure filter (developed by
Oberlin Filter Company), combined with a
special Tyvek® filter material (Tyvek® T-980)
made of spun-bonded olefm (invented by E.I.
DuPont de Nemours and Company) (see
figure below). The filter material is a thin,
durable plastic fabric with tiny openings about
1 ten-millionth of a meter in diameter. These
openings allow water or other liquids and
solid particles smaller than the openings to
flow through. Solids in the liquid stream that
are too large to pass through the openings
accumulate on the filter and can be easily
collected for disposal.
Air Cylinder^
The automatic pressure filter has two
chambers: an upper chamber for feeding
waste through the filter, and a lower chamber
for collecting the filtered liquid (filtrate). At
the start of a filter cycle, the upper chamber is
lowered to form a liquid-tight seal against the
filter. The waste feed is then pumped into the
upper chamber and through the filter. Filtered
solids accumulate on the Tyvek® surface,
forming a filter cake, while filtrate collects in
the lower chamber. Following filtration, air is
fed into the upper chamber at a pressure of
about 45 pounds per square inch. Air
removes any liquid remaining in the upper
chamber and further dries the filter cake.
When the filter cake is dry, the upper chamber
is lifted, and the filter cake is automatically
discharged. Clean filter material is then
drawn from a roll into the system for the next
cycle. Both the filter cake and the filtrate can
be collected and treated further before
disposal, if necessary.
Pressurized
Air
Waste
Used Tyvek®--
Filtrate Chamber
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Membrane Microfiltration System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This membrane microfiltration system may be
applied to (1) hazardous waste suspensions,
particularly liquid heavy metal- and cyanide
bearing wastes (such as electroplating
rinsewaters), (2) groundwater contaminated
with heavy metals, (3) constituents in landfill
leachate, and (4) process wastewaters
containing uranium. The technology is best
suited for treating wastes with solids
concentrations of less than 5,000 parts per
million; otherwise, the cake capacity and han-
dling become limiting factors. The system
can treat any type of solids, including
inorganics, organics, and oily wastes, with a
wide variety of particle sizes. Moreover,
because the system is enclosed, it can treat
liquid wastes that contain volatile organics.
STATUS:
The membrane microfiltration system,
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1988, was demonstrated at the
Palmerton Zinc Superfund site in Palmerton,
Pennsylvania. The demonstration was
conducted over a 4-week period in April and
May 1990. Groundwater from the shallow
aquifer at the site was contaminated with
dissolved heavy metals, including cadmium,
lead, and zinc. This contaminated
groundwater served as the feed waste for the
demonstration. The system treated waste at a
rate of about 1 to 2 gallons per minute.
The Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
A5-90/007), the Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-90/007), and a videotape
of the demonstration are available from EPA.
Since 1991, about 12 commercial installations
of the technology have been operational.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration at the Palmerton
Zinc Superfund site, the membrane
microfiltration system achieved the following
results:
• Removal efficiencies for zinc and total
suspended solids ranged from 99.75 to
99.99 percent (averaging 99.95 percent).
• Solids in the filter cake ranged from 30.5
to 47.1 percent.
• Dry filter cake in all test runs passed the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
paint filter liquids test.
• Filtrate met the applicable National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
standards for cadmium, lead, zinc, and
total suspended solids.
• A composite filter cake sample passed the
extraction procedure toxicity and toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure tests for
metals.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7758
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: martin.john@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ernest Mayer
E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company
Nemours 6528
1007 Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19898
302-774-2277
Fax:302-368-1474
-------
ELI ECO LOGIC, INC.
(Thermal Gas Phase Reduction Process and Thermal Desorption Unit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The ELI Eco Logic International Inc. (Eco
Logic), thermal desorption unit (TDU) is
specially designed for use with Eco Logic's
gas-phase chemical reduction process. The
TDU, shown in the figure below, consists of
an externally heated bath of molten tin metal
(heated with propane) in a hydrogen gas
atmosphere. Tin is used for several reasons:
tin and hydrogen are nonreactive; tin's density
allows soils to float on the molten bath;
molten tin is a good fluid for heat transfer; tin
is nontoxic in soil; and tin is used as a bath
medium in the manufacture of plate glass.
Contaminated soil is conveyed into the TDU
feed hopper, where an auger feeds the soil
into the TDU. A screw feeder provides a gas
seal between the outside air and the hydrogen
atmosphere inside the TDU. The auger's
variable speed drive provides feed rate
control. Soil inside the TDU floats on top of
the molten tin and is heated to 600 °C,
vaporizing the water and organic material.
Decontaminated soil is removed from the tin
bath into a water-filled quench tank. The
water in the quench tank provides a gas seal
between the TDU's hydrogen atmosphere and
H2
SITE SOILS
Jl
DESORBEDGAS
MOLTEN BATH
TREATED SOILS
THERMAL DESORPTION
UNIT
the outside air. A scraper mechanism
removes decontaminated soil from the quench
tank into drums.
After desorption from the soil, the organic
contaminants are carried from the TDU to Eco
Logic's proprietary gas-phase reduction
reactor. In the reactor, the organic con-
taminants undergo gas-phase chemical
reduction reactions with hydrogen at elevated
temperatures and ambient pressure. This
reaction converts organic and chlorinated
organic contaminants into a hydrocarbon-rich
gas product. After passing through a
scrubber, the gas product's primary
components are hydrogen, nitrogen, methane,
carbon monoxide, water vapor, and other
lighter hydrocarbons. Most of this gas
product recirculates into the process, while
excess gas can be compressed for later
analysis and reuse as supplemental fuel. For
further information on the Eco Logic gas-
phase chemical reduction process, see the
profile in the Demonstration Program section
(completed projects).
RECIRCULATED GAS
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STACK GAS
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BOILER
REACTOR SYSTEM
Thermal Desorption Unit
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Eco Logic TDU, when used with the gas-
phase chemical reduction reactor, is designed
to desorb soils and sludges contaminated with
hazardous organic contaminants such as
polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCB), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated dioxins
and dibenzofurans, chlorinated solvents,
chlorobenzenes, and chlorophenols. The
combined technologies are suited for wastes
with high water content since water is a good
source of hydrogen.
STATUS:
In October and November 1992, the Eco
Logic process, including the TDU, was
demonstrated at the Middleground Landfill in
Bay City, Michigan, under a Toxic Substances
Control Act research and development permit.
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
94/504) and the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-94/504) are available from
EPA.
Further research and development since the
demonstration has focused on optimizing the
process for commercial operations and
improving the design of the soil and sediment
processing unit. According to Eco Logic, the
TDU design currently in commercial
operation has achieved excellent results, with
contaminants in soils and sediments desorbed
from high parts per million (ppm) levels to
low parts per billion levels.
Two commercial-scale SE25 treatment units
are currently in operation: one in Perth,
Western Australia, and the other at a General
Motors of Canada Ltd (GMCL) facility in
Ontario. Both are currently treating a variety
of waste matrices including DDT residues and
PCBs in soils, oils, electrical equipment,
concrete, and other solids. Following the
GMCL project, the unit will be relocated to
Toronto, Ontario where General Electric (GE)
and Eco Logic have a contract to destroy
PCB-impacted materials stored aboveground
at GE's Lansdowne and Davenport facilities.
Eco Logic also has teamed with Westinghouse
Electric to treat chemical warfare agents using
the process. Eco Logic has been awarded a
contract through the Department of Energy's
Morgantown Energy Technology Center for
treatment of hazardous wastes, radioactive
mixed low-level wastes, and energetics-
explosives.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration in Bay City,
Michigan, the Eco Logic TDU achieved the
following:
• Desorption efficiencies for PCBs from the
soil of 93.5 percent in run one and 98.8
percent in run two
• Desorption efficiency for
hexachlorobenzene (a tracer compound)
from the soil of 72.13 percent in run one
and 99.99 percent in run two
• PCB destruction and removal efficiencies
of 99.99 percent for the combined TDU
and reduction reactor
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Gordon Evans
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7684
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: evans.gordon@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Beth Kummling
Vice President, Business Development
ELI Eco Logic International Inc.
143 Dennis Street
Rockwood, Ontario, Canada NOB 2KO
519-856-9591
Fax: 519-856-9235
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EMTECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
(formerly HAZCON, INC.)
(Dechlorination and Immobilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology mixes hazardous wastes with
cement (or fly ash), water, and one of 18
patented reagents, commonly known as
Chloranan, to immobilize heavy metals. The
developers also claim that certain chlorinated
organics are dechlorinated by the treatment
reagents.
Soils, sludges, and sediments can be treated in
situ or excavated and treated ex situ.
Sediments can be treated under water. In the
finished product, immobilized metals have a
very low solubility. Ex situ treatment occurs
in batches, with volumetric throughput rated
at 120 tons per hour. The treatment process
begins by adding Chloranan and water to the
blending unit (see figure below). Waste is
then added and mixed for 2 minutes. Cement
or fly ash is added and mixed for a similar
time. After 12 hours, the treated material
hardens into a concrete-like mass that exhibits
unconfmed compressive strengths (UCS)
ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds per
square inch (psi), with permeabilities of 10"9
centimeters per second (cm/sec). The
hardened concrete-like mass can withstand
several hundred freeze and thaw cycles.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to solid wastes
containing heavy metals and organics. The
developer claims that, since the 1987 SITE
demonstration, the technology has been
refined to dechlorinate certain chlorinated
organics and to immobilize other wastes,
including those with high levels of metals.
Wastes with organic and inorganic
contaminants can be treated together. The
process can treat contaminated material with
high concentrations (up to 25 percent) of oil.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1987. The process
was demonstrated in October 1987 at a former
oil processing plant in Douglassville,
Pennsylvania.
CHLORANAN
CEMENT OR
FLYASH
T Y T
FIELD BLENDING UNIT
Dechlorination and Immobilization Treatment Process
-------
The site soil contained high levels of oil and
grease (250,000 parts per million [ppm]) and
heavy metals (22,000 ppm lead), and low
levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
(100 ppm) and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) (75 ppm). The Applications Analysis
Report (EP A/540/A5-89/001) and Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-89/00la) are
available from EPA. A report on long-term
monitoring may be also obtained from EPA.
The technology has also been used to
remediate a California Superfund site with
zinc contamination as high as 220,000 ppm.
Since the demonstration in 1987, 17
additional reagent formulations have been
developed. These reagents supposedly
dechlorinate many chlorinated organics,
including PCBs, ethylene dichloride,
trichloroethene, and pentachlorophenol.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
For the SITE demonstration, samples were
taken after treatment at intervals of 7 days, 28
days, 9 months, and 22 months. Analytical
results from these samples were generally
favorable. The physical test results indicated
a UCS between 220 and 1,570 psi. Low
permeabilities (10"9 cm/sec) were recorded,
and the porosity of the treated wastes was
moderate. Durability test results showed no
change in physical strength after the wet and
dry and freeze and thaw cycles. The waste
volume increased by about 120 percent.
However, technology refinements now restrict
volumetric increases to 15 to 25 percent.
Using a smaller volume of additives reduces
physical strength, buttoxicity reduction is not
affected.
The results of the leaching tests were mixed.
Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) results for the stabilized wastes
showed that concentrations of metals, VOCs,
and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC)
were below 1 ppm. Lead concentrations in
leachate decreased by a factor of 200 to below
100 parts per billion. VOC and SVOC
concentrations in the TCLP leachate were not
affected by treatment. Oil and grease
concentrations were greater in the treated
waste TCLP leachate (4 ppm) than in the
untreated waste TCLP leachate (less than 2
ppm).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ray Funderburk
Funderburk & Associates
3312 llth Street
Gulfport, MS 35901
228-868-9915
Fax: 228-868-7637
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ENVIROMETAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(In Situ and Ex Situ Metal-Enhanced Abiotic Degradation of
Dissolved Halogenated Organic Compounds in Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This remedial technology, developed by the
University of Waterloo and EnviroMetal
Technologies Inc., degrades dissolved
halogenated organic compounds in
groundwater with an in situ permeable wall
containing reactive metal (usually iron) (see
photograph below). The technology may also
be used in an aboveground reactor for ex situ
treatment.
The technology employs an abiotic
electrochemical process. Contaminated
groundwater passes through the specially
prepared granular reactive iron, which
oxidizes, inducing reductive dehalogenation
of contaminants. Halogenated organics are
degraded to nonhazardous substances,
preventing contaminants from migrating
further downstream. Observed degradation
rates are several times higher than those
reported for natural abiotic degradation
processes.
In most in situ applications of this technology,
groundwater moves naturally through the
permeable subsurface wall or is directed by
flanking impermeable sections such as sheet
piles or slurry walls. This passive remediation
method is a cost-effective alternative to
conventional pump-and-treat methods.
Aboveground reactor vessels employing this
technology may replace or add to treatment
units in conventional pump-and-treat systems.
Process residuals may include dissolved
ethane, ethene, methane, hydrogen gas,
chloride, and ferrous iron. Because
contaminants are degraded to nonhazardous
substances and not transferred to another
medium, this process eliminates the need for
waste treatment or disposal.
-
Installation of Pilot-Scale In Situ Treatment System
at an Industrial Facility in Northeast United States
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process was developed to treat dissolved
halogenated organic compounds in
groundwater.
The technology has degraded a wide variety
of chlorinated alkanes and alkenes, including
trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene
(PCE), vinyl chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane,
and 1,2-dichloroethene (DCE). The
technology also degrades other organic
contaminants, including Freon-113, ethylene
dibromide, certain nitroaromatics, and N-
nitrosodimethylamine.
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in spring 1993. A
pilot-scale demonstration of the aboveground
reactor (ex situ) technology took place from
November 1994 to February 1995 at an
industrial facility in New Jersey.
Groundwater at the facility contained
dissolved TCE and PCE.
A second SITE demonstration was performed
in New York from May through December
1995. A pilot-scale in situ permeable wall
was installed in a shallow sand and gravel
aquifer containing TCE, DCE, vinyl chloride,
and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. This project may
eventually be expanded to full-scale.
A successful permeable in situ wall was
installed at the Canadian Forces Base Borden
test site in June 1991. The technology
removed about 90 percent of the TCE and
PCE from groundwater passing through the
reactive iron wall. The wall has performed
consistently for 5 years. More than 400 sites
have been identified where the technology
could be applied. Over 75 successful bench-
scale feasibility tests have been completed
using groundwater from industrial and
government facilities in the United States and
Canada.
The first full-scale commercial in situ
installation of this technology was completed
at an industrial facility in California in
December 1994. Since that time, twelve
additional full-scale in situ systems and ten
pilot-scale systems have been installed in
locations including Colorado, Kansas, North
Carolina and Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Aboveground treatment systems have been
proposed at sites in the U.S. and Germany.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the New Jersey (ex situ)
demonstration, about 60,833 gallons of
groundwater was treated during 13 weeks of
sampling. Conversion efficiency of PCE
during the demonstration period exceeded
99.9 percent. Vinyl chloride and cis-1,2-
dichloroethene occasionally exceeded the
New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection limits. This exceedance may have
been caused by a reduction in the iron's
reactive capacity due to precipitate formation.
Complete demonstration results are published
in the Technology Capsule and Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (ITER), which
is available from EPA.
For the New York (in situ) demonstration,
preliminary data indicate a significant
reduction in all critical contaminants present,
and no apparent decrease in removal
efficiency over the seven month
demonstration period. Results of the in situ
demonstration of the process are published in
an ITER that is available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Vogan/Stephanie O'Hannesin
EnviroMetal Technologies Inc.
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario, Canada NIK 1S6
519-824-0432
Fax: 519-763-2378
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ENVIROMETAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(In Situ Reactive Barrier)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Reactive Barrier technology is an
innovative treatment system that uses the
oxidation capacity of zero-valent iron to
induce reduction of oxidized metals, reductive
dechlorination of chlorinated volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), and immobilization of
some metals such as uranium by a
combination of reduction and sorbtion.
Granular zero-valent iron oxidizes within the
reactor vessel or reactive wall. As
groundwater containing VOCs flows through
the reactor and around these granules,
electrons released by oxidation of the iron
create a highly reducing environment in
solution.
The hydrocarbon-chloride bonds in the
chlorinated contaminants become unstable
and break down sequentially, forming less
chlorinated compounds and releasing nontoxic
chloride ions to the groundwater. The
completely hydrolyzed hydrocarbon
compounds are nontoxic and degrade
naturally. The rate of reaction depends
primarily on the surface area of the iron or its
abundance in the permeable reactive media.
The dechlorination reaction is typically
accompanied by an increase in groundwater
pH and a decrease in oxidation/reduction
potential. Inorganic constituents such as
calcium, magnesium, and iron combine with
carbonate or hydroxide ions in the treated
water to form compounds such as metal
carbonates and metal hydroxides that
precipitate from solution as groundwater
moves through the iron. Due to the
precipitation of these metallic compounds
from solution, the reaction is also typically
accompanied by a decrease in total dissolved
solids in the groundwater.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Reactive Barrier technology is applicable
to subsurface or above-ground treatment of
VOCs and metals in groundwater or
wastewater. The technology is adaptable to a
variety of sites when used in combination
with funnel and gate systems. Depth of the
contaminated groundwater is the only
constraint on the applicability of the
technology.
GROUND
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Schematic of the Reactive Barrier Technology
-------
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1996. The
demonstration of the technology was
completed at the Rocky Flats Environmental
Technology Site in Golden, Colorado. The
technology's effectiveness was evaluated
through sampling and analysis of untreated
and treated groundwater that is collected by a
french drain system and transferred to two
subsurface reactor tanks through gravity flow.
Project reports will be available in September
2001.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Groundwater contamination in this area-
known as the mound site plume-originated
from a former waste drum storage area used
by DOE in the 1950s. Consisting of shallow
groundwater with a flowrate of 0.5 to 2.0
gallons per minute, the plume horizontally
extends approximately 220 feet. Its primary
contaminants are uranium and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), including carbon
tetrachloride, tetrachloroethene,
thrichloroethene, and vinyl chloride.
This barrier system begins with the
downgrade-side collection of groundwater in
subsurface hydraulic barrier (French drain)
lined with high-density polyethylene. The
drain is located in the unconfined aquifer at
depths ranging from 8 to 15 feet below ground
surface. Groundwater is diverted through the
drain to piping that transfers it by gravity to
the reactive media treatment system
containing granular, zero-valent iron.
VOCs are dechlorinated to nonchlorinated
hydrocarbons and uranium in the oxidized
state (U6+) is converted to uranium in the
reduced state (U4+) and precipitated.
Following treatment, groundwater exits the
barrier system directly through surface water
that flows to retention ponds.
Treatment reduced carbon tetrachloride,
tetrachloroethene, trichloroethane, and
uranium concentrations by >95%. Vinyl
chloride concentration was reduced by 70%
(2.0 ng/L to 0.6 ng/L). The treated effluent
was below the Colorado Water Quality
Standards for each of the contaminants.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Thomas Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY CONTACT
John Vogan
EnviroMetal Technologies Inc.
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
N1K1S6
519-824-0423
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EPOC WATER, INC.
(Precipitation, Microfiltration, and Sludge Dewatering)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The precipitation, microfiltration, and sludge
dewatering treatment uses a combination of
processes to treat a variety of wastes. In the
first step of the process, heavy metals are
chemically precipitated. Precipitates and all
particles larger than 0.2 micron are filtered
through a unique tubular textile crossflow
microfilter (EXXFLOW). The concentrate
stream is then dewatered in a filter press of
the same material.
EXXFLOW microfilter modules are
fabricated from a proprietary tubular woven
polyester. Wastes pumped into the polyester
tubes form a dynamic membrane, which
produces a high quality filtrate and removes
all particle sizes larger than 0.2 micron. The
flow velocity continually maintains the
membrane, maximizing treatment efficiency.
Metals are removed through precipitation by
adjusting the pH in the EXXFLOW feed tank.
Metal hydroxides or oxides form a dynamic
membrane with any other suspended solids.
The EXXFLOW concentrate stream, which
contains up to 5 percent solids, is then
dewatered. A semidry cake, up to 0.25 inch
thick, is formed inside the tubular filter.
When the discharge valve is opened, rollers
on the outside of the tubes move to form a
venturi within the tubes. The venturi creates
an area of high velocity within the tubes,
which aggressively cleans the cloth and
discharges the cake in chip form onto a wedge
wire screen. Discharge water is recycled to
the feed tank. Filter cakes are typically 40 to
60 percent solids by weight.
Constituents other than metals can be
removed using seeded slurry methods in
EXXFLOW. Hardness can be removed by
using lime. Oil and grease can be removed by
adding adsorbents. Nonvolatile organics and
solvents can be removed using adsorbents,
activated carbon, or powdered ion-exchange
resins. The EXXFLOW demonstration unit
(see photograph below) is transportable and
-------
is mounted on skids. The unit is designed to
process approximately 30 pounds of solids per
hour and 10 gallons of wastewater per minute.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
When flocculation and precipitation
techniques are used at close to stoichiometric
dosing rates, the EXXFLOW technology
removes mixed metals, oil and grease, and
suspended solids sized at 0.10 micron.
When the EXXFLOW technology operates
with finely divided adsorbent powders, it
removes contaminants such as isophthalic
acid, acetic acid, methyl ethyl ketone,
fluorides, and phos-phates from effluents
generated by semiconductor manufacture.
Treated effluents can then be reclaimed for
reuse.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. Bench-scale
tests were conducted in 1990. The SITE
demonstration was conducted during May and
June 1992 on highly acidic mine drainage
from the Old Number 8 mine seep at the Iron
Mountain Superfund site in Redding,
California. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-93/513) and the Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/AR-93/513) are
available from EPA.
This technology was commercialized in 1988.
Treatment systems have since been installed
at over 45 sites worldwide. System capacities
range from 1 gallon per minute to over 2
million gallons per day.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, developer
claims for metal removal efficiencies on acid
mine drainage, when neutralizing with sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide
[Ca(OH)2], were generally met or exceeded
except for aluminum. This was most likely
due to excessive alkalinity (high pH)
produced by the added NaOH and Ca(OH)2,
which redissolved the aluminum. The claims
for all metals, including aluminum, were
exceeded when magnesium oxide (MgO) was
used as the neutralizing agent. In most cases,
no detectable concentrations of heavy metals
were present in the permeate samples.
Filter cake produced from the demonstration
test contained approximately 12 percent, 31
percent, and 30 percent solids when NaOH,
Ca(OH)2, and MgO, respectively, were used
as the treatment chemicals. Toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) tests
performed on the filter cake showed that
teachable levels of TCLP metals were below
regulatory limits for each treatment chemical
tested.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Rodney Squires
EPOC Water, Inc.
3065 North Sunny side
Fresno, CA 93727
559-291-8144
Fax: 559-291-4926
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FILTER FLOW TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Colloid Polishing Filter Method®)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Colloid Polishing Filter Method®
(CPFM®) uses inorganic, oxide-based sorption
particles (FF-1000®) and optimized fluidics
control to remove ionic, colloidal heavy
metals and nontritium radionuclides from
water. Beta- and alpha-emitting radionuclides
can be treated selectively by modifying the
bed formulation. The methodology efficiently
removes inorganics from groundwater, pond
water, or wastewater based on sorption,
chemical and physical properties of the
pollutant species, and filtration. The CPFM®
is also an efficient heavy metals and
radionuclide polishing filter for groundwater
and wastewater. Excess solids and total
dissolved solids must be removed first, since
they overload the beds, resulting in frequent
bed backwashing and regeneration cycles and
shorter bed lifetimes.
Three different types of CPFM® equipment
have been designed and successfully tested:
(1) vertical plate design beds with FF-
1000®sorption bed particles packaged in
polymesh bags or filter packs for field
applications; (2) small, filter-housing units for
processing less than 1,000 gallons of
contaminated water; and (3) deep-bed, epoxy-
coated, stainless steel and carbon steel tanks
equipped with special fluidics controls and
bed sluicing ports for continuous processing.
The photograph below shows a mobile
CPFM® unit.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CPFM® has proved to be effective in
removing heavy metals and nontritium
radionuclides from water to parts per million
or parts per billion levels. The ion
exchange/sorption method can be used
separately to treat water with low total
suspended solids; in a treatment train
downstream from other technologies (such as
soil washing, organics oxidation; or
conventional wastewater treatment).
The CPFM®'s major advantages are its high
performance; alpha and beta emitter
Mobile CPFM® Unit, Including Mixing Tanks, Pumps, Filter Apparatus, and Other
Equipment
-------
efficiency; and its application to monovalent,
divalent, multivalent, and high valence forms
existing as colloids, and ionic, chelated, and
complexed forms. The same equipment can
treat water at different sites, but the
preconditioning chemistry and pH must be
optimized for each site through bench-scale
and field testing.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in July 1991. EPA
and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
cosponsored the technology evaluation. The
SITE demonstration occurred in September
1993 at DOE's Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) in
Denver, Colorado. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-94/501), Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/R-94/501a), and
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-94/501) are available from EPA.
The CPFM® has been demonstrated
independent of the SITE Program at two
locations at DOE's Hanford facility, where it
removed Strontium-90, Cesium-137,
Plutonium-239, and Americium-241 from
water at K-Basin and Strontium-90 from
groundwater at Site ICON Area (N-Spring). It
also has proven to be effective at several other
individual sites. A report detailing the results
is available from DOE (DOE/RL-95-110).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, the CPFM®
treated about 10,000 gallons of water that
contained about 100 micrograms per liter of
uranium and 100 picoCuries per liter of gross
alpha contamination. The demonstration
consisted of three tests. The first test
consisted of three 4-hour runs, at a flow rate
of about 5 gallons per minute (gpm). For the
second test, also run for 4 hours at 5 gpm, the
influent water was pretreated with sodium
sulfide. The third test was a 15-hour run
designed to determine the amount of
contamination each filter pack could treat.
The CPFM® system removed up to 95 percent
uranium and 94 percent gross alpha
contamination. However, due to the
significant variation in removal efficiencies
between runs, average removal efficiencies
were significantly less: 80 percent for
uranium and 72 percent for gross alpha.
Though removal is largely attributable to the
colloid filter pack, uranium was significantly
removed in runs one and four before colloid
filter treatment. Significant gross alpha was
also removed before colloid filter treatment in
runs one and three. At less than the maximum
removal efficiency, effluent from the CPFM®
system did not meet the Colorado Water
Quality Control Commission standards for
discharge of waters from RFP.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tod Johnson
Filter Flow Technology, Inc.
122 Texas Avenue
League City, TX 77573
281-332-3438
Fax: 281-332-3644
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GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
(formerly Institute of Gas Technology)
(Cement-Lock Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Gas Technology Institute (GTI) has
developed the Cement-Lock™ Technology,
which is a versatile, cost-effective, and
environmentally friendly manufacturing
technology. This method produces
construction-grade cements from a variety of
contaminated waste materials such as
sediments, concrete and building debris, town
gas site soils, Superfund site soils, sludges,
chemical wastes, petroleum refinery wastes,
and incinerator residues. Organic and
inorganic contaminants are present in these
wastes across a broad range of concentrations.
In the Cement-Lock™ process, contaminated
materials and proprietary modifiers are fed to
a reactive melter operating under oxidizing
conditions where all the organic compounds
are completely destroyed and converted to
innocuous carbon dioxide and water.
Chlorine and sulfur compounds are
sequestered and heavy metals are locked
within the molten matrix to completely
immobilize them.
During processing, the melt (Ecomelt™) is
imparted with latent cementitious properties
that allow it to be transformed into
construction-grade cement. The Cement-Lock
Technology is unique because it not only
decontaminates the sediment but also converts
it into a beneficial commercial commodity,
namely, construction-grade cement. The
effectiveness of the technology for
remediating contaminated sediments has
already been verified in bench- and pilot-scale
test programs.
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Schematic Diagram of the Cement-Lock™ Process
For Treating Dredged Sediments
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for soils and
sediments that are contaminated with
petroleum hydrocarbons, PCBs, heavy metals
and most other organic and inorganic
contaminants.
STATUS:
This successful project has been transferred
from Exploratory Research to the Industrial
Program. GRI and Endesco Clean Harbors
LLC have entered into a contract to further
develop and commercialize this technology.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Several bench-scale tests were conducted by
IGT in which aged siliceous (silica-based
aggregate) concrete was mixed with different
amounts of inexpensive modifiers and melted
at about 2,300°F. The melt was then rapidly
quenched to retain the desired amorphous,
glassy phase. In one test, the concrete was
contaminated with 5,000 ppm of oil and 500
ppm of chromium. The amorphous, glassy
material produced was then converted to
blended cement per ASTM procedures. The
results of the analyses and tests made on the
product showed that organic destruction in
excess of 99.9% was achieved in the ground
melt. An analysis using the EPA TCLP
(Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure)
procedure indicated the chromium teachability
of the blended cement was only 0.097 mg/L in
the leachate (the regulatory teachability limit
is 5 mg/L). The 3, 7, and 28-day compressive
strengths of the blended cement were 2530,
3370, and 5475 psi, respectively. These
strengths significantly exceed ASTM C 595
and ASTM C 1157 requirements. Two
bench-scale tests using a calcareous
(limestone-based) concrete were also
conducted. The melts produced were glassy
in nature and suitable for producing blended
cement.
A large-scale technology demonstration is on
hold pending the decision of disposition of
dredged sediments from the Detroit River.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA CONTACT
Edward Barm
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7669
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: barth.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Anil Goyal
GTI
1700 S. Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018
847-768-0605
Fax: 847-768-0534
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GENERAL ATOMICS
(formerly Ogden Environmental)
(Circulating Bed Combustor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
General Atomies' circulating bed combustor
(CBC) uses high velocity air to entrain
circulating solids and create a highly turbulent
combustion zone that destroys toxic
hydrocarbons. The commercial-scale, 3-foot
combustion chamber can treat up to 150 tons
of contaminated soil daily, depending on the
heating value of the feed material.
The CBC operates at lower temperatures than
conventional incinerators (1,450 to 1,600°F).
The CBC's high turbulence produces a
uniform temperature around the combustion
chamber and hot cyclone. The CBC also
completely mixes the waste material during
combustion. Effective mixing and low
combustion temperature reduce operating
costs and potential emissions of such gases as
nitrogen oxide (NOX) and carbon monoxide
(CO). Natural gas, fuel oil, or diesel can be
used as auxiliary fuel. No auxiliary fuel is
needed for waste streams with a net heating
value greater than 2,900 British thermal units
per pound.
As shown in the figure below, waste material
and limestone are fed into the combustion
chamber along with the recirculating bed
material. The limestone neutralizes acid gases.
A conveyor transports the treated ash out of the
system for proper disposal. Hot combustion
gases pass through a convective gas cooler and
baghouse before they are released to the
atmosphere.
The CBC process can treat liquids, slurries,
solids, and sludges contaminated with
corrosives, cyanides, dioxins and furans,
inorganics, metals, organics, oxidizers,
pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB),
phenols, and volatile organic compounds. The
CBC is permitted under the Toxic Substances
Control Act to burn PCBs in all 10 EPA
regions, having demonstrated a 99.99 percent
destruction removal efficiency (DRE).
Applications of the CBC include a variety of
industrial wastes and contaminated site
materials. Waste feed for the CBC must be
sized to less than 1 inch. Metals in the waste
do not inhibit performance and become less
teachable after incineration. Treated residual
ash can be replaced on site or stabilized for
(2)
COMBUSTION
CHAMBER
LIMESTONE
FEED
STACK
Circulating Bed Combustor (CBC)
-------
landfill disposal if metals exceed regulatory
limits.
STATUS:
The CBC (formerly owned by Ogden
Environmental Services) was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in 1986. A
treatability study on wastes from the McColl
Superfund site in California was conducted
under the guidance of the SITE Program, EPA
Region 9, and the California Department of
Health Services in March 1989. A pilot-scale
demonstration was conducted at the General
Atomics research facility in San Diego,
California using a 16-inch-diameter CBC.
The demonstration was conducted on soil
from the McColl Superfund Site in Fullerton,
California.
Several 3-foot-diameterCBCs have been built
and successfully operated. At the Swanson
River project in Alaska, over 100,000 tons of
PCB-contaminated soil was successfully
treated to limits of detection that were far
below allowable limits. The process took just
over 3 years, from mobilization of the
transportable unit to demobilization. The unit
operated at over 85 percent availability all
year, including winter, when temperatures
were below -50°F. The soil was delisted and
returned to the original site. The unit has
subsequently been moved to a Canadian site.
Another unit of similar size treated soils
contaminated with #6 fuel oil. Over 14,000
tons of soil was successfully treated and
delisted.
Upon completion, the site was upgraded to
permit operation as a merchant facility
treating a wide range of materials from
leaking underground fuel tanks at other sites.
Two other units of the same size have been
constructed in Germany for treatment of
munitions wastes consisting of slurried
explosives and propellant. These units have
been operational since early 1995 and have
been permitted under stringent German
regulations.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, the CBC
performed as follows:
• Achieved DRE values of 99.99 percent or
greater for principal organic hazardous
constituents
• Minimized formation of products of
incomplete combustion
• Met research facility permit conditions and
California South Coast Basin emission
standards
• Controlled sulfur oxide emissions by adding
limestone and residual materials (fly ash and
bed ash); these emissions were
nonhazardous. No significant levels of
hazardous organic compounds were found
in the system, the stack gas, or the bed and
fly ash.
• Minimized emissions of sulfur oxide, NOX,
and particulates. Other regulated pollutants
were controlled to well below permit levels.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Douglas Grosse, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7844
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: grosse.douglas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dan Jensen
General Atomics
P.O. Box 85608
3550 General Atomics Court
San Diego, CA 92186-9784
858-445-4158
Fax: 858-455-4111
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GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
(formerly Hydrologies, Inc./Cure International, Inc.)
(CURE®-Electrocoagulation Wastewater Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The CURE® - Electrocoagulation (CURE®)
system is designed to remove ionic metal
species and other charged particles from water
(see figure below). Because many toxic metal
ions such as nickel, lead, and chromates are
held in solution by electrical charges, they
will precipitate out of solution if they are
neutralized with oppositely charged ions. The
CURE® system is effective at breaking oily
emulsions and removing suspended solids.
The system improves on previous
electrocoagulation methods through a unique
geometrical configuration.
The CURE® system's patented geometry
maximizes liquid surface contact between the
anode and concentric cathode
electrocoagulation tubes, thus minimizing the
power requirements for efficient operation.
The CURE® system allows the contaminated
water to flow continuously through the
cathode tube, enabling a direct current to pass
uniformly through a water stream. The
contaminated water then passes through the
annular space between the cathode and anode
tubes and is exposed to sequential positive
and negative electrical fields. Typical
retention time is less than 20 seconds. Water
characteristics such as pH, oxidation-
reduction potential, and conductivity can be
adjusted to achieve maximum removal
efficiencies for specific contaminants.
After the treated water exits the
electrocoagulation tubes, the destabilized
colloids are allowed to flocculate and are then
separated with an integrated clarifier system.
Polymers can be added to enhance
flocculation, but in most cases they are not
required. The sludge produced by this process
is usually very stable and acid-resistant. Tests
have shown that sludges produced by the
CURE® system pass the toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure (TCLP) and are often
disposed of as nonhazardous waste.
INFLUENT
EFFLUENT
DEWATERED
SLUDGE
CURE®-Electrocoagulation System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The CURE® system can treat a broad range of
dissolved metals, including aluminum,
arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium,
cyanide, iron, lead, nickel, uranium, and zinc.
The system can also treat contaminants such
as emulsified oils, suspended solids, paints,
and dyes. Radionuclides were removed by the
system at the Rocky Flats Environmental
Technology Site (RFETS).
Because this system treats a wide range of
contaminants, it is suited for industries and
utilities such as plating, mining, electronics,
industrial wastewater, as well as remediation
projects.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1993. A bench-
scale test of the technology was conducted in
April 1995 to determine the ability of the
system to remove radionuclides from solar
evaporation water at RFETS. The system
removed over 90 percent of uranium and
plutonium from the test water. The
technology was demonstrated during August
and September 1995 at RFETS under a joint
agreement between the Department of Energy,
the State of Colorado, and EPA.
The technology has proven to be very
effective in a diverse number of industrial
applications including metal refinishing, oil
treatment plants, acid mine drainage and
cooling towers in the U. S. and internationally.
Full or pilot scale units are available from
CURE® International, Inc.
During the SITE demonstration, four 3-hour
test runs were conducted at RFETS over a 2-
week period. Prior to the demonstration,
operating parameters were adjusted during
several optimization runs.
The demonstration showed that the system
removed 30 to 50 percent of uranium and 60
to 99 percent of plutonium from the solar
pond water at RFETS. The radionuclide and
metal content of the dewatered sludge
indicated that these contaminants were highly
concentrated in the sludge. Uranium and
plutonium were only slightly teachable by
TCLP and no metals were teachable by TCLP.
These results suggest that the sludge is very
stable and resistant to breakdown.
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
96/502), Technology Capsule (EPA/540/R-
92/502a), and Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-96/502) are
available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
-------
GEOKINETICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Electroheat-Enhanced Nonaqueous-Phase Liquids Removal)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Geokinetics has developed and fully
commercialized a novel in-situ process for the
extraction and/or destruction of organic
materials (nonaqueous phase liquids [NAPL])
from ground and groundwater. The process
combines a novel direct electrical heating
process with established soil vapor, dual
phase and other extraction approaches. Heat
is produced directly in the treatment zone by
the passage of an AC current through the soil
matrix. In effect, the ground and groundwater
become the electrical resistor in a
conventional resistive heating circuit.
Multi-phase electrical current is supplied to
the soil matrix using proprietary high surface
area electrodes inserted directly into the
ground. Electrical current, heat-up rate, and
other operating parameters are regulated by a
proprietary computer-based (impedance
matching) control system. This system
incorporates automated data logging, fault
tolerance, and remote operation to minimize
field labor requirements.
The process works by gradually and
uniformly heating the treatment zone to 60 to
80°C. This produces the following effects:
• NAPL viscosity is significantly reduced.
• A density inversion of many dense
nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL)
components will occur causing it to float
to the top of the saturated zone.
• The smear zone will greatly reduce or
even collapse.
• Nascent biological activity will typically
increase dramatically (provided the heat-
up rate is managed carefully). This
greatly increases natural biodegradation.
Hen the treatment zone has reached its
operating temperature, a combination of
established extraction techniques are
applied as appropriate to remove most or
all of the NAPL.
• Treatment times typically include:
- 1 month for heat-up
— 4 to 8 months for primary extraction
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is broadly applicable for
enhancing the removal of NAPLs and
DNAPLs from a broad range of ground types.
Recovered and destroyed contaminants
include fuel oil, diesel, kerosene, PAHs, coal
tar, hydraulic fluid, TCE, and other
chlorinated solvents, ground types treated
include clays, silty clays, shale beds, gravel
deposits, etc. The technology has been
deployed alongside, inside, and underneath
existing buildings and structures.
STATUS:
Geokinetics first developed and
commercialized the technology in Europe and
had more than 40 projects completed or in
progress. In the United States, Geokinetics'
technology was accepted in the Superfund
Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE)
program in 1997. The technology was
demonstrated at the Pearl Harbor
demonstration site in Oahu, Hawaii.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The heating process was able to reach the
required operating temperature. However, the
test well was not installed in an aquifer that
communicated with the contaminated zone, so
no DNAPL was removed.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Tom Holdsworth
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dr. Stephen R. Clarke
Geokinetics International, Inc.
829 Heinz Street
Berkeley, CA 94563
510-704-2941
Fax: 510-848-1581
Website: www.geokinetics.com
-------
GEOKINETICS INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Electrokinetics for Lead Recovery)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology mobilizes lead in soil by
introducing a lead chelating agent, ethylene
diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), into the
soil mass. The chelating agent desorbs lead
from the soil and forms an ionic complex
with lead in solution. EDTA is a weak
organic acid that is nonhazardous and
environmentally safe which naturally
biodegrades. EDTA was chosen after two
treatability studies on site soil demonstrated
that it was a successful chelating agent due
to its ability to absorb lead from the highly
buffered soil at the site.
A 4-cubic-yard batch ex situ treatment
process is used to mobilize and remove lead
from the site soil. Soil treatment involves
flushing with an EDTA electrolyte solution.
The electrolyte solution is introduced into
the treatment tank containing the volume of
soil to be treated through a manifold of
microjets distributed across the top of the
tank. The solution migrates through the soil
column while the EDTA desorbs the lead
from the soil, thus forming the Pb-EDTA2"
complex. The electrolyte solution
(containing the Pb-EDTA2" complex) is then
allowed to drain through a port at the bottom
of the tank. Once the electrolyte solution
has been removed from the tank, it is then
delivered to a holding tank prior to being
cycled through a proprietary electrochemical
processing unit. Here the lead is
electroplated out of solution and recovered
as metallic lead. Afterward, the electrolyte
solution is delivered to a holding tank where
it will be regenerated (pH adjusted) before
being reintroduced to the soil undergoing
treatment. Lead removed from the
electrolyte solution is accumulated and
delivered off-site for disposal or recycling.
The entire system is a batch, closed-loop
process. During operation, sensors monitor
the concentration of lead in the electrolyte
solution extracted from the soil.
Electrolyte Solution
Management Systei
EDTA Delivery Line
Reconditioned EDTA
Electrolyte Solution
EDTA Electrolyte Solution
Influent Stream Containini
Soluble Lead (Pb-EDTA
EDTA Extraction
Pipe.
Screen and Fitter Fabric
•EDTA Injection
Points
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for any soils or
sediments containing lead. EDTA has a
strong affinity for lead and can effectively
sequester lead in solution. However, the
electrolyte solution containing the EDTA
must be at a pH of 5 to 6 to be effective.
STATUS:
The Electrokinetics for Lead Recovery
technology is due to undergo demonstration
during the summer of 2002.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Thomas Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
26 West Martin Luther King Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. Stephen R. Clark
Geokinetics International, Inc.
829 Heinz Street
Berkeley, CA 94563
510-701-2941
Fax: 510-848-1581
www.geokinetics.com
-------
GEOTECH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
(Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification of Chromium-Contaminated Soils)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Geotech Cold Top technology is an ex-
situ vitrification process designed to transform
metal-contaminated soils into a nonleachable
product. The primary component of the
technology is a water-cooled, double-walled,
steel vessel or furnace with submerged-
electrode resistance heating. The furnace and
associated equipment are capable of attaining
a melting temperature of up to 5,200°F.
The furnace is initially charged with a mixture
of sand and alumina/silica clay. Through
electrical resistance heating, a molten pool
forms; the voltage to the furnace is properly
adjusted; and, finally, contaminated soil is fed
into the furnace by a screw conveyor. When
the desired soil melt temperature is achieved,
the furnace plug from below the molten
product tap is removed. As the soil melts, the
outflow is poured into refractory-lined and
insulated molds for slow cooling, and
additional soil is added to the furnace to
maintain a "cold top." Excess material can be
discharged to a water sluice for immediate
cooling and collection before off-site disposal.
Geotech Development Corporation (Geotech)
claims that the Cold Top Vitrification process
converts quantities of contaminated soil from
a large number of particles into an essentially
monolithic, vitrified mass. According to
Geotech, vitrification transforms the physical
state of contaminated soil from assorted
crystalline matrices to a glassy, amorphous
solid state comprised of interlaced polymeric
chains. These chains typically consist of
alternating oxygen and silicon atoms. It is
expected that chromium can readily substitute
for silicon in the chains. According to
Geotech, such chromium should be immobile
to leaching by aqueous solvents and,
therefore, biologically unavailable and
nontoxic.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
According to Geotech, the Cold Top
Vitrification process has been used to treat
soils contaminated with hazardous heavy
metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium;
asbestos and asbestos-containing materials;
and municipal solid waste combustor ash
residue. Geotech claims that radioactive
wastes can also be treated by this technology.
TO AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL SYSTEM
PRETREATED
CONTAMINATED
SOIL
SAND
MOLTEN PRODUCT TAP
MOLD CONTAINING
VITRIFIED PRODUCT
Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification Technology
-------
All waste material must be reduced in size to
less than 0.25 inches in diameter. The Cold
Top Vitrification process is most efficient
when feed materials have been dewatered to
less than 5 percent water and organic
chemical concentrations have been
minimized. Some wastes may require the
addition of carbon and sand to ensure that the
vitrification process produces a glass-like
product. Geotech claims that the vitrified
product can have many uses, including shore
erosion blocks, decorative tiles, road-bed fill,
and cement or blacktop aggregate.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in December 1994.
In February and March, 1997, this process
was demonstrated at Geotech's pilot plant in
Niagara Falls, New York. Approximately
10,000 pounds of chromium-contaminated
soil from two New Jersey-Superfund sites in
the Jersey City area were collected crushed,
sieved, dried, mixed with carbon and sand,
and shipped to the Geotech plant. The SITE
demonstration consisted of one vitrification
test run on soil from each site.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration results indicate that the
Cold Top Vitrification process reduced the
concentration of teachable chromium to meet
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) toxicity characteristic leaching
procedure (TCLP) total chromium standard.
For example, concentrations of 29 and 58
mg/L of TCLP chromium in feed soils were
reduced to 1.0 and 0.31 mg/L, respectively, in
vitrified products. Field observations and
measurements made during the demonstration
indicate that several operational issues must
be addressed during technology scale-up.
First, a consistent and controlled feed system
needs to be developed that spreads the waste
uniformly over the surface of the molten soil.
This feed system must also minimize dust
generation. Second, an emission control
system needs to be configured to control
particulate and gaseous emissions from the
furnace and feed system.
The SITE Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/HR-97/506) and Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/R-97/506a) are available
from EPA. Geotech owns a 50-ton-per-day
Cold Top Vitrification pilot plant in Niagara
Falls, New York. This facility has been used
for over 38 research and customer
demonstrations, including the SITE
demonstration. Geotech has built or assisted
with the construction or upgrading of more
than five operating vitrification plants.
Geotech has tentative plans to build a
commercial Colt Top Vitrification facility
within 50 miles of the New Jersey sites. The
planned capacity of this facility is 300 tons
per day. The facility will be designed to
receive, dry, vitrify, and dispose of vitrified
product from the chromium sites and
municipal solid waste incinerators, as well as
other producers of hazardous and
nonhazardous waste.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Thomas Tate, President
Geotech Development Corporation
1150 First Avenue, Suite 630
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-337-8515
Fax:610-768-5244
William Librizzi
Hazardous Substance Management
Research Center
New Jersey Institute of Technology
138 Warren Street Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-5846
Fax: 973-802-1946
-------
GIS\SOLUTIONS, INC.
(GISYKey™ Environmental Data Management System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
GISVKey™ v.3.0 is a comprehensive
environmental database management system
that integrates site data and graphics, enabling
the user to create geologic cross-sections,
boring logs, potentiometric maps, isopleth
maps, structure maps, summary tables,
hydrographs, chemical time series graphs, and
numerous other maps and line graphs (see
table below). The software is networkable,
multi-user, 32 bit and year 2000 compliant. It
is menu-driven, making it relatively simple to
use. All system outputs meet Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
reporting requirements and are consistent with
current industry practices.
In addition to complete integration between
data and graphics, GISVKey™ v.3.0 integrates
different data types, allowing swift production
of complex graphics such as geo-chemical
cross sections and flux graphics.
GISVKey™ v.3.0 stores and independently
manages metadata (such as maps, graphs,
reports, boring logs and sections) from
multiple sites. Metadata is geocoded, stored
separately from a facility's source data and
retrieved by performance of a spatial query.
Metadata from a facility may be retrieved,
viewed and studied independently or
combined with metadata from other facilities
for multi-site management.
The GISVKey™ software can directly export
data into the leading three-dimensional
visualization systems. These systems produce
three-dimensional contaminant plume models
and groundwater flow models as well as fence
diagrams. GISVKey™ includes audit or
transaction logging capabilities for source
data as well as metadata.
The GISVKey™ v3.0 also employs two new
proj ect management and data navigation tools
called Scout™ and Smart Query™. Scout™
helps users find and access existing projects,
start new projects, browse data and initiate
queries that result in reports, maps, and other
graphics.
Scout™ also manages data security and multi-
user network installations of GISVKey™
v.3.0. Smart Query™ is a data "drill down"
tool which helps users set conditions on
CHEMISTRY
• Isopleth maps of soil or water
quality (plan or section view)
• Graphs
Time series graphs
Chemical versus
chemical and inter-well
and intra-well
Concentration versus
position
Summary of statistics
• Trilinear Piper & Stiff diagrams
• User alerts
When QA/QC results
fall outside data quality
objectives
When sample results
fall outside historical
ranges
When sample results
exceed applicable regu-
latory standards
• Sample Tracking; Electronic Lab
Interface
• Presentation-quality data tables
GEOLOGY
• Completely customizable boring
logs
Geologic cross-section maps
Isopach maps
Structure maps
Presentation-quality data tables
ALL MODULES:
GIS\Key Scout™ Interface
Independent management of
metadata
Multi-site management capability
Integration between data types
Smart Query™ Data Retrieval
3D Modeling, Statistics, GIS
Integration
HYDROLOGY
• Density-corrected water level,
floating product, hydraulic
conductivity, and contour maps
• Water elevation and floating product
thickness versus time graphs
• Flow versus time and chemical flux
graphs
• Presentation-quality data tables
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
• Hardware: Pentium Class PC
32 MB RAM
• Operating System: Windows 95/98
or Windows NT
GISVKey™ Environmental Data Management System Outputs
-------
project data, displays data meeting those
conditions, then creates desired output.
GISVKey™ v3.0 also has new modules for
radiological chemistry and RCRA Statistics.
Site data related to ecological assessment and
air emissions are not managed by this system.
The GISVKey™ software can be used at any
Superfund site to facilitate the collection,
reporting, and analysis of site data. The
software is designed with numerous checks to
assure the quality of the data, including
comprehensive quality assurance/quality
control protocols. System outputs, listed in
the table below, are presentation-quality and
meet RCRA and CERCLA reporting
requirements. GISVKey™ software provides
a three level data validation system which
includes 1) sample tracking by custody,
sample ID and/or date and time, 2) an
electronic laboratory import program that
immediately finds, and helps the user fix,
quality control (QC) problems with the
laboratory data delivery and 3) a series of
"User Alert" reports which find data that falls
outside of project QC objectives, historical
data ranges, or above federal, state, and local
or project specific action levels.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1992. The
demonstration was held in August 1993 in
San Francisco, California, and December
1993 in Washington, DC. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-94/505), Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/SR-94/505), Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-94/505), and project videotape
are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The GISVKey™ software is in use at several
Superfund sites including the Crazyhorse site
near Salinas, California, and the Moffett Field
site near San Jose, California. The U.S. Air
Force's Environmental Data Management and
Decision Support working group has
successfully tested the effectiveness of the
GISVKey technology at Norton Air Force
Base in California. The technology is also
being used by consultants at over 30 other
U.S. Air Force and Department of Energy
facilities.
Results from the SITE demonstration
indicated that the GISVKey™ software
generated the four types of contour maps
necessary to assist in groundwater mapping:
hydrogeologic maps, chemical concentration
isopleths, geologic structure maps, and
geologic structure thickness isopach maps.
Several advanced chemistry reports and
construction and borehole summary tables
were also automatically prepared using
customized GISVKey™ menu commands. The
system automated well and borehole logs
based on the information contained in the
database. GIS\Key™ provided several
editable reference lists, including a list of
regulatory thresholds, test methods, and a list
of chemical names, aliases, and registry
numbers. The GISVKey™ database menu
provided commands for electronic database
import and export. Any of the database files
used by GISVKey™ can be used with the
general import and export commands
available in the database menu.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Lawrence S. Eytel
GIS\Solutions, Inc.
1800 Sutler Street
Suite 830
Concord, CA 94520
925-944-3720x211
Fax: 925-827-5467
e-mail: sales@giskey.com
Internet: http ://www.giskey.com
-------
GRACE BIOREMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES
(DARAMEND™ Bioremediation Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The GRACE Bioremediation Technologies
organic amendment-enhanced bioremediation
technology (DARAMEND™) is designed to
degrade many organic contaminants in
industrial soils and sediments, including
pentachlorophenol (PCP), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and
petroleum hydrocarbons. The technology has
been applied both in situ and ex situ. In either
case, soil may be treated in lifts up to 2 feet
deep using available mixing equipment. The
technology may also be applied ex situ, as a
biopile.
The technology treats batches of soil using
DARAMEND™ soil amendments. These
amendments are introduced using
conventional agricultural equipment (see
photograph below), followed by regular tilling
and irrigation. DARAMEND™ soil
amendments are solid-phase products
prepared from natural organic materials to
have soil-specific particle size distribution,
nutrient content, and nutrient releases kinetics.
Soil amendments sharply increase the ability
of the soil matrix to supply water and
nutrients to the microorganisms that degrade
the hazardous compounds. The amendments
can also transiently bind contaminants,
reducing the acute toxicity of the soil aqueous
phase. This reduction allows microorganisms
to survive in soils containing very high
concentrations of toxic compounds.
DARAMEND™ treatment involves three
fundamental steps. First, the treatment area is
prepared. For the ex situ application, a lined
treatment cell is constructed. In situ
application requires the treatment area to be
cleared and ripped to reduce soil compaction.
Second, the soil is pretreated; this includes
removing debris larger than 4 inches, such as
metal or rocks, that may damage the tilling
equipment. Sediments under-going treatment
must be dewatered. And third, the
DARAMEND™ soil amendment is
incorporated, usually at 1 percent to 5 percent
by weight, followed by regular tilling and
irrigating.
Soil is tilled with a rotary tiller to reduce
variation in soil properties and contaminant
concentrations. Tilling also incorporates the
required soil amendments and helps deliver
oxygen to contaminant-degrading
microorganisms.
An irrigation system is used to maintain soil
moisture in the desired range. If the treatment
area is not covered, leachate or surface runoff
DARAMEND™ Bioremediation Technology
-------
caused by heavy precipitation is collected and
reapplied to the soil as needed.
Equipment needed to implement this
technology includes a rotary tiller, irrigation
equipment, and excavation and screening
equipment. Depending on site-specific factors
such as contaminant type and initial
concentration, and project schedule and
climate, a waterproof cover may be
constructed over the treatment area.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The DARAMEND™ technology can treat
soil, sediment, and other solid wastes such as
lagoon sludge. These matrices may be
contaminated by a wide range of organic
compounds including, but not limited to,
PAHs, PCP, petroleum hydrocarbons, and
phthalates. Matrices of lead, manganese, and
zinc have been effectively treated with the
DARAMEND™ technology.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in spring 1993. The
ex situ application of the technology was
demonstrated from fall 1993 to summer 1994
at the Domtar Wood Preserving facility in
Trenton, Ontario, Canada. The demonstration
was one component of a 5,000-ton
remediation project underway at the site.
Currently, the DARAMEND™ technology
has received regulatory approval, and has
been applied at field-scale at five sites in the
United States. These sites include the full-
scale treatment of PCP impacted soil in
Montana, Washington, and Wisconsin, the
full-scale treatment of phthalate impacted soil
in New Jersey and a pilot-scale demonstration
of toxaphene impacted soil in South Carolina.
In addition, the technology has been applied at
a number of Canadian sites including a 2,500
tonne biopile in New Brunswick, and two
pilot-scale projects targeting pesticides and
herbicides in Ontario. The first full-scale
application to soil containing organic
explosives was scheduled for late 1998.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
In the ex situ demonstration area, the
DARAMEND™ technology achieved the
following overall reductions: PAHs, 94
percent (1,710 milligram/kilogram [mg/kg] to
98 mg/kg); chlorophenols, 96 percent (352
mg/kg to 13.6 mg/kg); and total petroleum
hydrocarbons (TPH), 87 percent. These
reductions were achieved in 254 days of
treatment, including winter days when no
activity occurred because of low soil
temperatures. The control area showed a
reduction of 41 percent in PAH
concentrations; no reduction was seen in the
concentration of either chlorinated phenols or
TPH during the treatment time. Results from
the toxicity analysis (earthworm mortality and
seed germination) showed that the toxicity
was eliminated or greatly reduced in the
treated soil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Alan Seech or David Raymond
GRACE Bioremediation Technologies
3465 Semenyk Court, 2nd floor
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada L5C 4PG
905-273-5374
Fax: 905-273-4367
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GRUPPO ITALIMPRESSE
(Developed by Shirco Infrared Systems, Inc.)
(formerly Ecova Europa)
(Infrared Thermal Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The infrared thermal destruction technology is
a mobile thermal processing system that uses
electrically powered silicon carbide rods to
heat organic wastes to combustion
temperatures. Any remaining combustibles
are incinerated in an afterburner. One
configuration for this mobile system (see
figure below) consists of four components:
(1) an electric-powered infrared primary
chamber; (2) a gas-fired secondary
combustion chamber; (3) an emissions control
system; and (4) a control center.
Waste is fed into the primary chamber and
exposed to infrared radiant heat (up to
1,850°F) provided by silicon carbide rods
above the conveyor belt. A blower delivers
air to selected locations along the belt to
control the oxidation rate of the waste feed.
The ash material in the primary chamber is
quenched with scrubber water effluent. The
ash is then conveyed to an ash hopper, where
it is removed to a holding area and analyzed
for organic contaminants such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Volatile gases from the primary chamber flow
into the secondary chamber, which uses
higher temperatures, greater residence time,
turbulence, and supplemental energy (if
required) to destroy these gases. Gases from
the secondary chamber are ducted through the
emissions control system. In the emissions
control system, the particulates are removed
in a venturi scrubber. Acid vapor is
neutralized in a packed tower scrubber. An
induced draft blower draws the cleaned gases
from the scrubber into the free-standing
exhaust stack. The scrubber liquid effluent
flows into a clarifier, where scrubber sludge
settles and is removed for disposal. The
liquid then flows through an activated carbon
filter for reuse or to a publicly owned
treatment works for disposal.
This technology is suitable for soils or
sediments with organic contaminants. Liquid
organic wastes can be treated after mixing
with sand or soil. Optimal waste
characteristics are as follows:
• Particle size, 5 microns to 2 inches
• Moisture content, up to 50 percent by
weight
• Density, 30 to 130 pounds per cubic foot
• Heating value, up to 10,000 British
thermal units per pound
Chlorine content, up to 5 percent by
weight
Sulfur content, up to 5 percent by weight
• Phosphorus, 0 to 300 parts per million
(ppm)
• pH, 5 to 9
• Alkali metals, up to 1 percent by weight
Mobile Thermal Processing System
-------
STATUS:
EPA conducted two evaluations of the
infrared thermal destruction technology. A
full-scale unit was evaluated during
August 1987 at the Peak Oil Superfund site in
Brandon, Florida. The system treated nearly
7,000 cubic yards of waste oil sludge
containing PCBs and lead. A pilot-scale
demonstration took place at the Rose
Township-Demode Road Superfund site in
Michigan during November 1987. Organics,
PCBs, and metals in soil were the target waste
compounds. Two Applications Analysis
Reports (EPA/540/A5-89/010 and EPA/540/
A5-89/007) and two Technology Evaluation
Reports (EPA/540/5-88/002a and EPA/540/
5-89/007a) are available from EPA. In
addition, the technology has been used to
remediate PCB contamination at the Florida
Steel Corporation and the LaSalle Electric
Superfund sites.
This technology is no longer available through
vendors in the United States. For further
information about the technology, contact the
EPA Project Manager.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The results from the two SITE demonstrations
are summarized below.
• PCBs were reduced to less than 1 ppm in
the ash, with a destruction removal
efficiency (DRE) for air emissions greater
than 99.99 percent (based on detection
limits).
• In the pilot-scale demonstration, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
standard for particulate emissions (0.08
gram per dry standard cubic foot) was
achieved. In the full-scale demonstration,
however, this standard was not met in all
runs because of scrubber inefficiencies.
• Lead was not immobilized; however, it
remained in the ash. Significant amounts
were not transferred to the scrubber water
or emitted to the atmosphere.
• The pilot-scale unit demonstrated
satisfactory performance with high feed
rate and reduced power consumption
when fuel oil was added to the waste feed
and the primary chamber temperature was
reduced.
• Economic analysis suggests an overall
waste remediation cost of less than $800
per ton.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Grupo Italimpresse
John Goffi
206-883-1900
-------
HIGH VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL
APPLICATIONS, INC.
(formerly Electron Beam Research Facility, Florida
International University, and University of Miami)
(High-Energy Electron Irradiation)
High-voltage electron irradiation of water
produces a large number of reactive chemical
species, including the aqueous electron, the
hydrogen radical, and the hydroxyl radical.
These short-lived intermediates break down
organic contaminants in aqueous wastes.
In the principal reaction, the aqueous electron
transfers to halogen-containing compounds,
breaking the halogen-carbon bond and
liberating halogen anions such as chloride
(Cl") or bromide (Br"). The hydroxyl radical
can undergo addition or hydrogen abstraction
reactions, producing organic free radicals that
decompose in the presence of other hydroxyl
radicals and water. In most cases, organics
are converted to carbon dioxide, water, and
salts. Lower molecular weight aldehydes,
haloacetic acids, and carboxylic acids form at
low concentrations in some cases.
During the high-voltage electron irradiation
process, electricity generates high energy
electrons. The electrons are accelerated by
the voltage to approximately 95 percent of the
speed of light. They are then directed into a
thin stream of water or sludge. All reactions
are complete in less than 0.1 second. The
electron beam and waste flow are adjusted to
deliver the necessary dose of electrons.
Although this is a form of ionizing radiation,
there is no residual radioactivity.
High Voltage Environmental Applications,
Inc. (High Voltage), has developed a mobile
facility to demonstrate the treatment process
(see photograph below).
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This treatment process can effectively treat
more than 100 common organic compounds.
These compounds include the following:
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'jjjgjiKse®!!?-1*-.-*.-**? _.,rg;... _ _ 3—,-. -;"=v"»«
!|iiilSyi^iv?-;«i' 'Ti;'v'*'*:-'^S'.- -,',',':
;|58i?;x 'S-Sl ^-' sl^Wlf :^ * -'5!-'" •," .••'•:
The Mobile Electron Beam Hazardous Waste Treatment System
-------
• Trihalomethanes (such as chloroform),
which are found in chlorinated drinking
water
• Chlorinated solvents, including carbon
tetrachloride, trichloroethane,
tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene
(TCE), ethylene dibromide, dibromo-
chloropropane, hexachlorobutadiene, and
hexachl oroethane
• Aromatics found in gasoline, including
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylene (BTEX)
• Chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzenes
• Phenol
• Dieldrin, a persistent pesticide
• Polychlorinated biphenyls
• A variety of other organic compounds
The treatment process is appropriate for
removing various hazardous organic
compounds from aqueous waste streams and
sludges. The high-energy electron irradiation
process was accepted into the SITE Emerging
Technology Program (ETP) in June 1990. For
further information on the pilot-scale facility
evaluated under the ETP, refer to the
Emerging Technology Bulletins (EPA/540/F-
93/502, EPA/540/F-92/009, and EPA/540/F-
93/509), which are available from EPA.
Based on results from ETP, the process was
invited to participate in the Demonstration
Program.
The ability of the technology to treat
contaminated soils, sediments, or sludges is
also being evaluated under the ETP. For
further information on this evaluation, refer to
the the High Voltage profile in the ETP
section (ongoing projects).
The treatment process was demonstrated at
the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah
River site in Aiken, South Carolina during
two different periods totaling 3 weeks in
September and November 1994. A trailer-
mounted treatment system was demonstrated
on a portion of the Savannah River site known
as M-Area.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, the system treated
about 70,000 gallons of M-Area groundwater
contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOC). The principal
groundwater contaminants were TCE and
PCE, which were present at concentrations of
about 27,000 and 11,000 micrograms per liter
(|ig/L), respectively. The groundwater also
contained low levels of cis-l,2-dichloroethene
(40 |ig/L). The following compounds were
also spiked into the influent stream at
approximately 500 |ig/L: 1,2-dichloroethane,
carb on tetrachl ori de, 1,1,1 -tri chl oroethane,
chloroform, and BTEX.
The highest VOC removal efficiencies were
observed for TCE (99.5 percent), PCE
(99.0 percent), and dichloroethene (greater
than 99 percent). Removal efficiencies for
chlorinated spiking compounds ranged from
68 to 98 percent, and removal efficiencies for
BTEX ranged from 88 to 99.5 percent.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Franklin Alvarez
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7631
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: alvarez.franklin@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
William Cooper
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Department of Chemistry
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-3297
910-962-3450
Fax:910-962-3013
-------
HORSEHEAD RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CO., INC.
(Flame Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Horsehead Resource Development Co.,
Inc. (HRD), flame reactor system is a
patented, hydrocarbon-fueled, flash-smelting
system that treats residues and wastes
contaminated with metals (see figure below).
The reactor processes wastes with hot (greater
than 2,000°C) reducing gases produced by
combusting solid or gaseous hydrocarbon
fuels in oxygen-enriched air.
In a compact, low-capital cost, water-cooled
reactor, the feed materials react rapidly,
allowing a high waste throughput. The end
products are glass-like slag; a potentially
recyclable, heavy metal-enriched oxide; and
in some cases, a metal alloy. The glass-like
slag is not toxicity characteristic leaching
procedure (TCLP) teachable. The volatile
metals are fumed and captured in a baghouse;
nonvolatile metals partition to the slag or may
be separated as a molten alloy. Organic
compounds should be destroyed at the
elevated temperature of the flame reactor
technology. Volume reduction (of waste to
slag plus oxide) depends on the chemical and
physical properties of the waste.
In general, the system requires that wastes be
dry enough (less than 5 percent total moisture)
to be pneumatically fed and fine enough (less
than 200 mesh) to react rapidly. HRD claims
larger particles (up to 20 mesh) can be
processed; however, the efficiency of metals
recovery is decreased. The prototype system
has a capacity of 1 to 3 tons per hour.
According to HRD, individual units can be
scaled to a capacity of 7 tons per hour.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The flame reactor system can be applied to
granular solids, soil, flue dusts, slags, and
sludges that contain heavy metals. HRD
claims that the flame reactor technology has
successfully treated the following wastes:
(1) electric arc furnace dust, (2) lead blast
furnace slag, (3) soil, (4) iron residues,
(5) primary copper flue dust, (6) lead smelter
Natural Gas
Oxygen + Air
FLAME
REACTOR
Solid-Waste Feed
Air
Off-Gas
SLAG
SEPARATOR
BAGHOUSE
Effluent Slag
Oxide Product
HRD Flame Reactor Process Flow
-------
nickel matte, (7) zinc plant leach residues and
purification residues, (8) brass mill dusts and
fumes, and (9) electroplating sludges.
The system has treated wastes with the
following metal species and concentrations:
zinc (up to 40 percent); lead (up to 10
percent); chromium (up to 4 percent);
cadmium (up to 3 percent); arsenic (up to 1
percent); copper (up to 8 percent); cobalt; and
nickel. According to HRD, the system can
also treat soils that are contaminated with a
variety of toxic organics.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1990. Currently,
the prototype flame reactor system operates as
a stationary unit at HRD's facility in Monaca,
Pennsylvania. EPA and HRD believe that a
mobile system could be designed and
constructed for on-site treatment of hazardous
waste.
The SITE demonstration was conducted in
March 1991 using secondary lead smelter
soda slag from the National Smelting and
Refining Company (NSR) Superfund site in
Atlanta, Georgia. The demonstration was
conducted at the Monaca, Pennsylvania
facility under a Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act research, development, and
demonstration permit. This permit allows
treatment of wastes containing high
concentrations of metals, but only negligible
concentrations of organics.
The major objectives of the SITE technology
demonstration were to investigate the reuse
potential of the recovered metal oxides,
evaluate the levels of contaminants in the
residual slag and their leaching potential,
and determine the efficiency and economics
of processing.
A 30,000-standard-tons-per-year commercial
flame reactor system processes steel mill
baghouse dust (K061) at the North Star Steel
Mini Mill near Beaumont, Texas. The plant
was activated June 1, 1993, and is reported to
be performing as designed.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Approximately 72 tons of NSR waste material
were processed during the demonstration.
Partial test results are shown in the table
below.
Metal Concentration Ranges in Influent and Effluent
Waste Effluent Oxide
Feed Slag Product
(mg/kg)' (mg/kg) (mg/kg)
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Iron
Lead
Zinc
428-1,040
356-512
1,460-2,590
95,600-130,000
48,200-61,700
3,210-6,810
92.1-1,340
<2.3-13.5
2,730-3,890
167,000-228,000
1,560-11,400
709-1,680
1,010-1,170
1,080-1,380
1,380-1,780
29,100-35,600
159,000-184,000
10,000-16,200
milligrams per kilogram
All effluent slag passed toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure criteria. The oxide was
recycled to recover lead. The Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-91/005) and
the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-91/005) are available from
EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Regis Zagrocki
Horsehead Resource Development Co., Inc.
Field Station - East Plant
Delaware Avenue
Palmerton, PA 18071
724-773-9037
-------
HRUBETZ ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
(HRUBOUT® Hot Air Injection Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The HRUBOUT® process is a thermal, in situ
and ex situ treatment process designed to
remove volatile organic compounds (VOC)
and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC)
from contaminated soils. The in situ process
is shown in the figure below. Heated air is
injected into the soil below the contamination
zone, evaporating soil moisture and removing
volatile and semivolatile hydrocarbons. As
the water evaporates, soil porosity and
permeability increase, further facilitating the
air flow at higher temperatures. As the soil
temperature increases, the less volatile
constituents volatilize or are thermally
oxidized.
Injection wells are drilled in a predetermined
distribution pattern to depths below the
contamination zone. The wells are equipped
with steel casings, perforated at the bottom,
and cemented into the hole above the
perforations. Heated, compressed air is
introduced at temperatures of up to 1,200 °F,
and the pressure is slowly increased. As the
air progresses upward through the soil, the
moisture is evaporated, removing the VOCs
and SVOCs. A surface collection system
captures the exhaust gases under negative
pressure. These gases are transferred to a
thermal oxidizer, where the hydrocarbons are
thermally destroyed in an incinerator at a
temperature of 1,SOOT.
The air is heated in an adiabatic burner at
2.9 million British thermal units per hour
(MMBtu/hr). The incinerator has a rating of
3.1 MMBtu/hr. The air blower can deliver up
to 8,500 pounds per hour. The units employ
a fully modulating fuel train that is fueled by
natural gas or propane. All equipment is
mounted on custom-designed mobile units and
can operate 24 hours per day.
TO ATMOSPHERE
HOT COMPRESSED AIR BURNER/BLOWER
(250°-1200°F)
INCINERATOR
VENT GAS
VENT GAS
COLLECTION
CHANNELS^x
\ —A
T=72°F
psig=0
HOT AIR INJECTION WELLS
T=250°-1200°F
psig=5-22
WATER TABLE"
HRUBOUT® Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The HRUBOUT® process can remediate soils
contaminated with halogenated or
nonhalogenated organic volatiles and
semivolatiles, such as gasoline, diesel oil, jet
fuel, heating oil, chemical solvents, or other
hydrocarbon compounds.
STATUS:
The HRUBOUT® process was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in July
1992. The technology was demonstrated at
Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas
from January through February 1993. A 30-
foot by 40-foot area of an 80,000-gallon JP-4
jet fuel spill site was chosen as the treatment
area. Six heated air injection wells, spaced on
a 3-by-2 grid 10 feet apart, were drilled to a
depth of approximately 20 feet. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
93/524) is available from EPA.
In September 1993, an in situ project was
completed at the Canadian Forces military
base in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Levels up
to 1,900 parts per million (ppm) of total
petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were
encountered over a 17-foot by 17-foot area on
the base. Five injection wells were drilled to
a depth of 30 feet. After 12 days of treatment,
borehole samples ranged from nondetect to
215 ppm TPH, meeting closure requirements
of 450 ppm TPH.
The containerized version of the HRUBOUT®
process was tested in July 1993 at a west
Texas site contaminated with Varsol, or
naphtha. The soil was excavated for treatment
in Hrubetz's insulated container. Analysis of
untreated soil revealed TPH at 1,550 ppm.
Three loads were treated for about 60 to 65
hours each. Post- treatment samples ranged
from nondetect to 7 ppm TPH, meeting the
Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission's background target level of 37
ppm. Large-scale mobile container units,
holding up to 40 cubic yards and capable of
ex situ treatment of a load in 8 hours, are
under development.
The ex situ version of the technology was
selected to remediate a site in Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, which consisted of about
1,500 cubic yards (yd3) of soil contaminated
with gasoline and diesel. Soil contamination
was measured at 200 ppm TPH. Following
treatment, seven soil samples were collected.
Two samples had detectable concentrations of
TPH (25 and 37 ppm) and the remaining five
samples had nondetectable levels of TPH,
achieving the 100 ppm TPH cleanup goal.
About 100 yd3 of toluene-contaminated soil
was remediated in Orlando, Florida using the
soil pile process with a smaller 5-ton unit. A
composite analysis of the excavated soil found
toluene at concentrations of up to 1,470 parts
per billion; nondetect levels were required for
closure. A composite soil sample collected
after 96 hours of operation met the closure
criteria.
Four patents have been granted, and
additional patents are pending. The process
was approved by the Texas Natural Resources
Conservation Commission in 1991.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Gordon Evans
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7684
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: evans.gordon@epa.gov
-------
HUGHES ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Steam Enhanced Recovery Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Steam Enhanced Recovery Process
(SERF) removes most volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC) from perched
groundwater and contaminated soils both
above and below the water table (see figure
below). The technology is applicable to the in
situ remediation of contaminated soils below
ground surface and below or around
permanent structures. The process accelerates
contaminant removal rates and can be
effective in all soil types.
Steam is forced through the soil by injection
wells to thermally enhance the recovery of
VOCs and SVOCs. Extraction wells are used
for two purposes: to pump and treat
groundwater, and to transport steam and
vaporized contaminants to the surface.
Recovered nonaqueous liquids are separated
by gravity separation. Hydrocarbons are
collected for recycling, and water is treated
before being discharged to a storm drain
orsewer. Vapors can be condensed and
treated by any of several vapor treatment
techniques (for example, thermal oxidation
and catalytic oxidation). The technology uses
readily available components such as
extraction and monitoring wells, manifold
piping, vapor and liquid separators, vacuum
pumps, and gas emission control equipment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SERF can extract VOCs and SVOCs
from contaminated soils and perched
groundwater. Compounds suitable for
treatment are petroleum hydrocarbons such as
gasoline and diesel and jet fuel; solvents such
as trichloroethene, trichloroethane, and
dichlorobenzene; or a mixture of these
compounds. After application of the process,
subsurface conditions are excellent for
biodegradation of residual contaminants. The
process cannot be applied to contaminated soil
very near the ground surface unless a cap
exists.
HYDROCARBON
LIQUID
LIQUIDS
(HYDROCARBONS/
WATER)
" STEAM
HYDROCARBON *
1JQUID STEAM
SOIL CONTAMINATED
BY HYDROCARBONS
Steam Enhanced Recovery Process
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1991. The
demonstration of the technology began in
August 1991 and was completed in September
1993. The demonstration took place in
Huntington Beach, California, at a site
contaminated by a large diesel fuel spill. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR
-94/510), Technology Capsule (EPA/540/R-
94/510a), and Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-94/510) are
available from EPA.
For more information regarding this
technology, see the profiles for Berkeley
Environmental Restoration Center (completed
projects) or Praxis Environmental
Technologies, Inc., in the Demonstration
Program section (ongoing profiles).
This technology is no longer available through
a vendor. For further information on the
technology, contact the EPA Proj ect Manager.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Evaluation of the posttreatment data suggests
the following conclusions:
• The geostatistical weighted average for
total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH)
concentrations in the treated soils was
2,290 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
The 90 percent confidence interval for this
average concentration is 996 mg/kg to
3,570 mg/kg, indicating a high probability
that the technology did not meet the
cleanup criterion. Seven percent of soil
samples had TPH concentrations in excess
of 10,000 mg/kg.
• The geostatistical weighted average for
total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbon
(TRPH) concentrations was 1,680 mg/kg,
with a 90 percent confidence interval of
676 mg/kg to 2,680 mg/kg. Levels of
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylenes (BTEX) were below the detection
limit (6 micrograms per kilogram) in
treated soil samples; BTEX was detected
at low mg/kg levels in a few pretreatment
soil samples.
• Analysis of triplicate treated soil samples
showed marked variability in soil
contaminant concentrations over short
distances. Analogous results for TPH and
TRPH triplicate samples suggest that the
contaminant concentration variability
exists within the site soil matrix and is not
the result of analytical techniques. This
variability is the reason that confidence
intervals for the average concentrations
are so large.
• The data suggest that lateral or downward
migration of contaminants did not occur
during treatment.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
-------
IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Radio Frequency Heating)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Radio frequency heating (RFH) is an in situ
process that uses electromagnetic energy to
heat soil and enhance soil vapor extraction
(SVE). Developed by IIT Research Institute,
the patented RFH technique heats a discrete
volume of soil using rows of vertical
electrodes embedded in soil (or other media).
Heated soil volumes are bounded by two rows
of ground electrodes with energy applied to a
third row midway between the ground rows.
The three rows act as a buried triplate
capacitor. When energy is applied to the
electrode array, heating begins at the top
center and proceeds vertically downward and
laterally outward through the soil volume.
The technique can heat soils to over 300°C.
RFH enhances SVE in two ways: (1)
contaminant vapor pressures are increased by
heating, and (2) the soil permeability is
increased by drying. Extracted vapor
can then be treated by a variety of existing
technologies, such as granular activated
carbon or incineration.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
RFH can treat petroleum hydrocarbons,
volatile organic compounds, semivolatile
organic compounds, and pesticides in soils.
The technology is most efficient in subsurface
areas with low groundwater recharge. In
theory, the technology should be applicable to
any polar compound in any nonmetallic
media.
STATUS:
The RFH technique was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration Program in summer
1992. The technique was demonstrated in
August 1993 at Kelly Air Force Base (AFB),
Texas, as part of a joint project with the U.S.
Air Force. Brown and Root Environmental
was the prime contractor evaluating and
Adjusted in the
Field to Match
Contaminated Aluminum
RF Shield
Vapor from
Surface
Expanded Metal
RF Shield
8'
Vapor from
Ground Row
Electrodes
Vapor Barrier and
RF Shield on Surface
Shielding Electrode
Rows
In Situ Radio Frequency Heating System
-------
implementing RFH forthe U.S. Air Force. A
field demonstration of the KAI Technologies,
Inc. (KAI), RFH technology was completed in
June 1994 at the same site for comparison.
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
94/527), Technology Capsule (EPA/540/ R-
94/527a), and the Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-94-527) are
available from EPA. For further information
on the KAI technology, see the profile in the
Demonstration Program section (completed
projects).
In 1995, the RFH technique was tested at the
former chemical waste landfill at Sandia
National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Approximately 800 cubic yards of
silty soil was heated. Preliminary results
indicate that the contaminant concentration in
the extracted vapors increased by a factor of
10 compared to in situ venting.
Two previous field tests were completed using
in situ RFH. The first test was completed at a
fire training pit, located at the Volk Air
National Guard Base in Camp Douglas,
Wisconsin. The sandy soil in the pit was
contaminated with jet fuel. The second test
was completed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in
Colorado, where clayey soil was contaminated
by organochlorine pesticides.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Under the SITE demonstration, statistical
analyses for the design treatment zone
indicate that total recoverable petroleum
hydrocarbons, pyrene, and bis(2-
ethylhexyl)phthalate exhibited statistically
significant decreases (at the 95 and 97.5
percent confidence levels). Chlorobenzene
concentrations appeared to increase during
treatment, possibly due to volatilization of
chlorobenzene present in the groundwater.
Significant concentrations of 2-hexanone,
4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetone, and methyl
ethyl ketone were found in the treated soils,
although
virtually no ketones were found before
treatment. Soil temperatures as high as
1,000°C during the demonstration may have
caused partial oxidation of petroleum
hydrocarbons. Alternatively, the ketones may
have been volatilized from groundwater. At
this time, insufficient data are available to
determine the source of ketones found in
treated soils.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Harsh Dev
IIT Research Institute
10 West 3 5th Street
Chicago, IL 60616-3799
312-567-4257
Fax:312-567-4286
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INTERNATIONAL WASTE TECHNOLOGIES
AND GEO-CON, INC.
(In Situ Solidification and Stabilization Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The in situ solidification and stabilization
process immobilizes organic and inorganic
compounds in wet or dry soils, using reagents
(additives) to produce a cement-like mass.
The basic components of this technology are
(1) Geo-Con, Inc.'s (Geo-Con), deep soil
mixing (DSM) system, to deliver and mix the
chemicals with the soil in situ; and (2) a batch
mixing plant to supply proprietary additives
(see figure below).
The proprietary additives generate a complex,
crystalline, connective network of inorganic
polymers in a two-phase reaction. In the first
phase, contaminants are complexed in a fast-
acting reaction. In the second phase,
macromolecules build over a long period of
time in a slow-acting reaction.
The DSM system involves mechanical mixing
and injection. The system consists of one set
of cutting blades and two sets of mixing
blades attached to a vertical drive auger,
which rotates at approximately 15 revolutions
per minute. Two conduits in the auger inject
the additive slurry and supplemental water.
Additives are injected on the downstroke; the
slurry is further mixed upon auger
withdrawal. The treated soil columns are 36
inches in diameter and are positioned in an
overlapping pattern of alternating primary and
secondary soil columns.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process treats soils, sediments, and
sludge-pond bottoms contaminated with
organic compounds and metals. The process
has been laboratory-tested on soils containing
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
pentachlorophenol, refinery wastes, and
chlorinated and nitrated hydrocarbons.
STATUS:
A SITE demonstration was conducted as a
joint effort between International Waste
Technologies (IWT) and Geo-Con. The
demonstration was conducted at the General
Electric Service Shop site in Hialeah, Florida
in April 1988. IWT provided the treatment
reagent, specifically the proprietary additive
(HWT-20), and Geo-Con provided both
engineering and hardware for the in situ soil
treatment. Two 10-by-20-foot areas were
treated — one to a depth of 18 feet, and the
other to a depth of 14 feet. Ten months after
the demonstration, long-term monitoring tests
Air
Controlled
Valves —|
Flow
Meter
Machine
Magnetic
Flow
Meter
Flow
Control
Box
Pump
Sodium
Silicate
Bin
Air
Controlled
Valves -1
Silo
Flow
Meter
Meter
Water
Pump
In Situ Solidification and Stabilization Process Flow Diagram
-------
were performed on the treated sectors. A
four-auger process was later used to remediate
the PCB-contaminated Hialeah site during the
winter and spring of 1990. Cooperative
efforts between Geo-Con and IWT ended with
the remediation of the Hialeah site.
Presently, Geo-Con offers the entire in situ
stabilization package, including the treatment
chemicals. Geo-Con has used the process to
complete over 40 in situ stabilization projects
throughout the United States. Significant
projects completed to date include the
following:
• Construction of a 110,000-square-foot,
60-foot-deep, soil-bentonite DSM wall to
contain contaminated groundwater from a
former waste pond. All DSM
permeabilities were less than 10"7
centimeters per second (cm/s).
• Shallow soil mixing and stabilization of
82,000 cubic yards of contaminated soils
at a former manufactured gas plant site.
The site was declared clean and ultimately
converted to a city park.
The DSM system augers have been scaled up
to diameters as large as 12 feet. To date, Geo-
Con has used this process to treat over 1
million cubic yards of contaminated soils and
sludges.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration yielded the
following results:
• PCB immobilization appeared likely, but
could not be confirmed because of low
PCB concentrations in the untreated soil.
Leachate tests on treated and untreated
soil samples showed mostly undetectable
PCB levels. Leachate tests performed 1
year later on treated soil samples showed
no increase in PCB concentrations,
indicating immobilization.
• Data were insufficient to evaluate the
system's performance on other organic
compounds and metals.
• Each test sample showed high unconfined
compressive strength (UCS), low
permeability, and low porosity. These
physical properties improved in samples
retested 1 year later, indicating the
potential for long-term durability.
• Bulk density of the soil increased 21
percent after treatment. This treatment
increased the treated soil volume by 8.5
percent and caused a small ground rise of
1 inch per foot of treated soil.
• The UCS of treated soil was satisfactory,
with values up to 1,500 pounds per square
inch.
• The permeability of the treated soil was
satisfactory, decreasing to 10"6 and
10"7 cm/s compared to 10"2 cm/s for
untreated soil.
• Data were insufficient to confirm
immobilization of volatile and
semivolatile organics. This may be due to
organophilic clays present in the reagent.
• Process costs were $ 194 per ton for the 1 -
auger machine used in the demonstration,
and $111 per ton for a commercial four-
auger operation. More recent experience
with larger scale equipment reduced
process costs to about $ 15 per ton plus the
cost of reagents. The Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-89/004a)
and the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-89/004) are available from
EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mary Stinson
US EPA/NRMRL
2890 Woodbridge Ave.
Editon, NJ 0887-3679
732-321-6683
Fax: 732-321-6640
e-mail: stinson.mary@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Stephen McCann
Geo-Con, Inc.
4075 Monroeville Boulevard
Corporate One, Building II, Suite 400
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-856-7700
Fax: 412-373-3357
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IT CORPORATION
KMnO4 (Potassium Permanganate) Oxidation of TCE
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In situ chemical oxidation using potassium
permanganate is a potentially fast and low
cost solution for the destruction of a broad
range of organic compounds, including
chlorinated ethylenes and poly cyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons. This oxidation technology
involves injecting a potassium permanganate
solution that reacts with volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) to form nontoxic by-
products such as carbon dioxide, manganese
dioxide, and chloride ions. The chemical
reaction is as follows:
2KMnO4 + C2HC13
+2K+ + H+ + 3C1-
2CO2 + 2MnO2 (s)
Oxidation using potassium permanganate
involves cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds
often facilitated by free-radical oxidation
mechanisms. The impact of organic matter
that will consume the oxidant can be
significant and must be considered during the
technology selection process at each specific
site. In the absence of organic matter, the
reaction is second ordered and the rate is
governed by the concentration of both TCE
and MnO4- ions.
Several inj ection points spread throughout the
plot will be used to deliver the KMnO4 to the
subsurface. A few centrally located
groundwater recovery wells, each screened in
different lithologic units, will facilitate flow
and extract the injected fluids and
groundwater.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Potassium permanganate reacts effectively
with the double bonds in chlorinated ethylenes
such as trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene,
Stirrer
A_
KMnO.
Solution
Extracted
Fluids
Storage
E*ff,«1 oil ¥J«II
Conceptual Illustration of In Situ Oxidation Technology
-------
dichloroethylene isomers, and vinyl chloride.
It is effective for remediation of DNAPL,
adsorbed phase and dissolved phase
contaminants, and produces innocuous
breakdown products, such as carbon dioxide,
chloride ions and manganese dioxide.
STATUS:
IT Corporation injected potassium
permanganate from 20 points across 15 two-
foot intervals to a depth of 45 feet in a 50- x
75-foot test cell. These injection intervals
encompass three lithologic zones, consisting
of a layered mix of sand, shell hash, silts,
sandy clays and clay lenses. Permanganate
solution, at concentrations of one to three
percent, was prepared in an automated feed
system and pumped under pressure to each
point. This solution is easily handled, mixed
and injected, and is nonhazardous.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration treatment effectiveness
was evaluated by EPA as part of the
Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation
(SITE) Program. The total reduction in TCE
mass within the oxidation cell was calculated
through collection and analysis of soil cores
from 12 soil borings with over 192 discrete
sample intervals analyzed for TCE. Sampling
was performed before treatment and one
month after treatment. The results show that
the mass of TCE in the oxidation cell was
reduced by 82%. DNAPL concentrations
(defined as any TCE soil concentration greater
than 300 mg/kg) were reduced by as much as
84%. The TCE concentrations were reduced
to nondetectable levels at 85 of the 192
sample intervals from initial soil
concentrations as high as 10,500 mg/kg. As
permanganate was still present throughout the
cell during the posttreatment sampling effort,
additional TCE reductions may occur. The
test results clearly show that the technology
was effective in the reduction of TCE
(dissolved, absorbed phase and DNAPL).
The posttreatment soil data could be used to
target an additional application of
permanganate to the remaining TCE areas for
full cell reductions to nondetectable levels. A
cost model for prediction of the project costs
for application of permanganate at other
facilities has been prepared and is available
for use at other sites.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER
Tom Holdsworth
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT
Ernest Mott-Smith
725 U.S. Highway 301 South
Tampa FL 33619
813-612-3677
Fax: 813-626-1662
e-mail: emott-smith@theitgroup.com
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IT CORPORATION
(formerly OHM Remediation Services Corp.,
formerly Chemical Waste Management, Inc.)
(X*TRAX™ Thermal Desorption)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The X*TRAX™ technology is a patented
thermal desorption process that removes
organic contaminants from soils, sludges, and
other solid media (see photograph below).
X*TRAX™ is not, however, an incinerator or
a pyrolysis system. Chemical oxidation and
reactions are discouraged by maintaining an
inert environment and low treatment
temperatures. Combustion by-products are
not formed in X*TRAX™, as neither a flame
nor combustion gases are present in the
desorption chamber.
The organic contaminants are removed as a
condensed liquid, which is characterized by a
high heat rating. This liquid may then be
destroyed in a permitted incinerator or used as
a supplemental fuel. Low operating
temperatures of 400 to 1,200°F and low gas
flow rates optimize treatment of contaminated
media.
An externally fired rotary dryer volatilizes the
water and organic contaminants from the
contaminated media into an inert carrier gas
stream. The inert nitrogen carrier gas
transports the organic contaminants and water
vapor out of the dryer. The carrier gas flows
through a duct to the gas treatment system,
where organic vapors, water vapors, and dust
particles are removed and recovered. The gas
first passes through a high-energy scrubber,
which removes dust particles and 10 to 30
percent of the organic contaminants. The gas
then passes through two condensers in series,
where it is cooled to less than 40°F.
Most of the carrier gas is reheated and
recycled to the dryer. About 5 to 10 percent
of the gas is separated from the main stream,
passed through a particulate filter and a
carbon adsorption system, and then
discharged to the atmosphere. This discharge
allows addition of make-up nitrogen to the
system to keep oxygen concentrations below
4 percent (typically below 1 percent). The
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discharge
-------
also helps maintain a small negative pressure
within the system and prevents potentially
contaminated gases from leaking. The
volume of gas released from this process vent
is approximately 700 times less than from an
equivalent capacity incinerator.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The X*TRAX™ process has been used to
treat solids contaminated with the following
wastes: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB);
halogenated and nonhalogenated solvents;
semivolatile organic compounds, including
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,
pesticides, and herbicides; fuel oils; benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene; and
mercury.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. The
demonstration was conducted in May 1992 at
the Re-Solve, Inc., Superfund site in
Massachusetts. After the demonstration, the
full-scale X*TRAX™ system, Model 200,
remediated 50,000 tons of PCB-contaminated
soil at the site. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-93/502), which details results
from the demonstration, is available from
EPA.
The full-scale system, Model 200, is presently
operating at the Sangamo-Weston Superfund
site in South Carolina. More than 45,000 tons
of PCB-contaminated soil, clay, and sludge
have been thermally treated at this site. Feed
material with PCB concentrations of more
than 8,800 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg)
has been successfully treated to produce
(discharge) PCB levels of less than 2 mg/kg.
PCB removal efficiency was demonstrated to
be greater than 99.97 percent.
Laboratory-, pilot-, and full-scale X*TRAX™
systems are available. Two laboratory-scale,
continuous pilot systems are available for
treatability studies. More than 108 tests have
been completed since January 1988.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, X*TRAX™
removed PCBs from feed soil and met the
site-specific treatment standard of 25 mg/kg
for treated soils. PCB concentrations in all
treated soil samples were less than 1.0 mg/kg
and were reduced from an average of 247
mg/kg in feed soil to an average of 0.13
mg/kg in treated soil. The average PCB
removal efficiency was 99.95 percent.
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and
polychlorinated dibenzofurans were not
formed within the X*TRAX™ system.
Organic air emissions from the X*TRAX™
process vent were negligible (less than 1 gram
per day). PCBs were not detected in vent
gases.
X*TRAX™ removed other organic
contaminants from feed soil. Concentrations
of tetrachloroethene, total recoverable
petroleum hydrocarbons, and oil and grease
were reduced to below detectable levels in
treated soil. Metals concentrations and soil
physical properties were not altered by the
X*TRAX™ system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Robert Biolchini
IT Corporation
16406 U.S. Route 224 East
Findlay, OH45840
419-423-3526
Fax: 419-424-4991
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KAI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
(Radio Frequency Heating)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Radio frequency heating (RFH) is an in situ
process that uses electromagnetic energy to
heat soil and enhance bioventing and soil
vapor extraction (SVE). The patented RFH
technique, developed by KAI Technologies,
Inc. (KAI), uses an antenna-like applicator
inserted in a single borehole to heat a volume
of soil. Large volumes of soil can be treated
by RFH employing a control system and an
array of applicators. When energy is applied
by the applicator to the soil, heating begins
near the borehole and proceeds radially
outward. This technique can achieve soil
temperatures from just above ambient to over
250°C.
RFH enhances SVE in two ways: (1)
contaminant vapor pressures are increased by
heating; and (2) soil permeability is increased
by drying. Extracted vapor can then be
treated by a variety of existing technologies.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The RFH technique has been tested using
pilot-scale vertical and horizontal antenna
orientations to remove petroleum
hydrocarbons and volatile and semivolatile
organics from soils. The technology is most
efficient in subsurface areas with low
groundwater recharge. In theory, the
technology should be applicable to any polar
compound in any nonmetallic medium. The
flexible design permits easy access for in situ
treatment of organics and pesticides under
buildings or fuel storage tanks.
STATUS:
The KAI RFH technique was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in summer
1992. The technique was demonstrated
between January and July 1994 at Kelly Air
Force Base, Texas as part of a joint project
with the U.S. Air Force Armstrong
Laboratory. Brown and Root Environmental
was the prime contractor evaluating and
implementing RFH for the U.S. Air Force. A
TD1 & TD2Q
^ = antenna
Q = pressure transducer
£ = extraction well
• = infrared temperature and
electric field profiling wells
• = thermowell
x = thermocouple string
• • = vapor collection lines
TD6 & TD3
ox o
TC3 TD5 & TD2
O
TD4
I*
OTD7&TD8
KAI Antenna System
-------
field demonstration of the IIT Research
Institute RFH technology was completed in
summer 1993 at the same site for comparison.
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
94/528), Technology Capsule (EPA/540/R-
94/528a), and Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-94/528) are
available from EPA. For further information
on the IIT Research Institute technology, see
the profile in the Demonstration Program
section (completed projects). KAI is now
leasing commercial units to engineering
companies around the U.S.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
For this demonstration, the original treatment
zone was 10 feet wide, 15 feet long, and 20
feet deep. This treatment zone was based on
RFH operation at 13.56 megahertz (MHz);
however, RFH was applied at 27.12 MHz to
the top 10 feet of the original treatment zone
to reduce the time on site by half.
Demonstration results were as follows:
• Uniform heating within the revised
heating zone: significant regions had
soil temperatures in excess of 100 °C
with soil temperatures within a 3-foot
radius of the antenna exceeding 120
°C.
• Significant amounts of liquid were
heated to around 240 °C as strongly
suggested by a measurement of 233.9
°C on the outside wall of the heating
well liner.
• Soil permeability increased by a factor
of 20 within the revised treatment
zone.
• In the original treatment zone, the
mean removal for total recoverable
petroleum hydrocarbons (TRPH) was
30 percent at the 90 percent
confidence level. Concentrations in
the pretreatment samples varied from
less than 169 to 105,000 parts per
million (ppm); posttreatment
concentrations varied from less than
33 to 69,200 ppm.
• In the revised treatment zone, the
mean removal for TRPH was
49 percent at the 95 percent
confidence level. Concentrations in
the pretreatment samples varied from
less than 169 ppm to 6,910 ppm;
posttreatment concentrations varied
from less than 33 ppm to 4,510 ppm.
• Benzo(o)fluoranthene,
benzo(a)pyrene, and bis(2-
ethylhexyl)phthalate exhibited
statistically significant removals
within the original treatment zone.
Benzo(o)-fluoranthene,
benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, pyrene, and
fluoranthene exhibited statistically
significant removals within the revised
treatment zone.
• Contaminants may have migrated into
and out of the revised treatment zone
due to the design and operation of the
SVE system. The design of the heated
vapor recovery system is an essential
component of the efficiency of the
overall system.
• Cleanup costs are estimated to range
from less than $80 per ton for large
scale to between $100 to $250 per ton
for small-scale (hot spot) treatments.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Raymond Kasevich or Michael Marley
KAI Technologies, LLC.
94 West Avenue
Great Barrington, MS
413-528-4651
Fax: 413-528-6634
e-mail: raykase@taconic.net
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KSE, INC.
(Adsorption-Integrated-Reaction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Adsorption-Integrated-Reaction (AIR
2000) process combines two unit operations,
adsorption and chemical reaction, to treat air
streams containing dilute concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (see
photograph below).
The contaminated air stream containing dilute
concentrations of VOCs flows into a
photocatalytic reactor, where chlorinated and
nonchlorinated VOCs are destroyed. The
VOCs are trapped on the surface of a
proprietary catalytic adsorbent. This catalytic
adsorbent is continuously illuminated with
ultraviolet light, destroying the trapped,
concentrated VOCs through enhanced
photocatalytic oxidation. This system design
simultaneously destroys VOCs and
continuously regenerates the catalytic
adsorbent. Only oxygen in the air is needed
as a reactant.
The treated effluent air contains carbon
dioxide and water, which are carried out in the
air stream exiting the reactor. For chlorinated
VOCs, the chlorine atoms are converted to
hydrogen chloride with some chlorine gas. If
needed, these gases can be removed from the
air stream with conventional scrubbers and
adsorbents. The AIR 2000 process offers
advantages over other photocatalytic
technologies because of the high activity,
stability, and selectivity of the photocatalyst.
The photocatalyst, which is not primarily
titanium dioxide, contains a number of
different semiconductors, which allows for
rapid and economical treatment of VOCs in
air. Previous results indicate that the
photocatalyst is highly resistant to
deactivation, even after thousands of hours of
operation in the field.
The particulate-based photocatalyst allows for
more freedom in reactor design and more
economical scale-up than reactors with a
catalyst film coated on a support medium.
Packed beds, radial flow reactors, and
monolithic reactors are all feasible reactor
designs. Because the catalytic adsorbent is
continuously regenerated, it does not require
disposal or removal for regeneration, as
traditional carbon adsorption typically does.
The AIR 2000 process produces no residual
wastes or by-products needing further
treatment or disposal as hazardous waste. The
treatment system is self-contained and mobile,
AIR2000
-------
requires a small amount of space, and requires
less energy than thermal incineration or
catalytic oxidation. In addition, it has lower
total system costs than these traditional
technologies, and can be constructed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) due to the
low operating temperatures.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AIR 2000 process is designed to treat a
wide range of VOCs in air, ranging in
concentration from less than 1 to as many as
thousands of parts per million. The process
can destroy the following VOCs: chlorinated
hydrocarbons, aromatic and aliphatic
hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and
aldehydes.
The AIR 2000 process can be integrated with
existing technologies, such as thermal
desorption, air stripping, or soil vapor
extraction, to treat additional media, including
soils, sludges, and groundwater.
STATUS:
The AIR 2000 process was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in 1995.
Studies under the Emerging Technology
Program are focusing on (1) developing
photocatalysts for abroad range of chlorinated
and nonchlorinated VOCs, and (2) designing
advanced and cost-effective photocatalytic
reactors for remediation and industrial service.
The AIR 2000 Process was initially evaluated
at full-scale operation for treatment of soil
vapor extraction off-gas at Loring Air Force
Base (AFB). Destruction efficiency of
tetrachloroethene exceeded 99.8 percent. The
performance results were presented at the
1996 World Environmental Congress.
The AIR-I process, an earlier version of the
technology, was demonstrated as part of a
groundwater remediation demonstration
project at Dover AFB in Dover, Delaware,
treating effluent air from a groundwater
stripper. Test results showed more than 99
percent removal of dichloroethane (DCA)
from air initially containing about 1 ppm DCA
and saturated with water vapor.
The AIR 2000 Process was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration program in 1998. A
demonstration was completed at a Superfund
site in Rhode Island. A project bulletin was to
be completed in 2001 and other project
reports are still in preparation.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
A 700 SCFM commercial unit is now
operating at a Superfund Site in Rhode Island,
destroying TCE, DCE and vinyl chloride in
the combined off-gas from a SVE system and
a groundwater stripper. Results collected
during August to October 1999 show that the
system is operating at 99.6% destruction
efficiency. The AIR 2000 unit is operating
unattended, with the number of UV lamps
being illuminated changing automatically in
response to changing flow conditions for
maximum performance at minimum cost.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
J.R. Kittrell
KSE, Inc.
P.O. Box 368
Amherst, MA 01004
413-549-5506
Fax: 413-549-5788
e-mail: kseinc@aol.com
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MACTEC-SBP TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY, L.L.C.
(formerly EG&G Environmental, Inc.)
(NoVOCs™ In-Well Stripping Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
MACTEC-SBP provides the patented
NoVOCs™ in-well stripping technology for
the in situ removal of volatile organic
compounds (VOC) from groundwater (see
figure below). NoVOCs™ combines air-lift
pumping with in-well vapor stripping to
remove VOCs from groundwater without the
need to remove, treat, and discharge a
wastewater stream. The process also can be
adapted to remove both VOCs and soluble
metals from groundwater. NoVOCs™
consists of a well screened both beneath the
water table and in the vadose zone. An air
line within the well runs from an aboveground
blower and extends below the water table.
Pressurized air injected below the water table
aerates the water within the well, creating a
density gradient between the aerated water
and the more dense water in the surrounding
aquifer. As a result, groundwater flows
through the lower well screen and forces the
aerated water upward within the well, and is
in turn accelerated. The result is arising
column of aerated water within the well,
essentially acting as an air-lift pump.
As the aerated groundwater column rises
within the well, VOC mass transfer occurs
from the dissolved phase to the vapor phase.
Above the water table, a packer is installed at
the upper screen to prevent the passage of
rising water or bubbles. The rising water
injection
Blower
Vapor
Vacuum ._ y
Blower if iH
Lower
Screen
Groyndwater
Circulation
Zon«
VOC-Contaminated
Water
Schematic Diagram of the NoVOCs Technology
-------
column hits the packer, the bubbles burst, and
the entrained VOC vapor is stripped off
laterally through the screen by an upper
vacuum casing. The VOC-rich vapor is
brought to the surface for treatment while the
laterally deflected water circulates back into
the aquifer. Reinfiltrating water creates a
toroidal circulation pattern around the well,
enabling the groundwater to undergo multiple
treatment cycles before flowing
downgradient. The VOC-rich vapor is treated
using commercially available techniques
chosen according to the vapor stream
characteristics.
NoVOCs™ also can be used to remove
readily reduced metals from groundwater and
stabilize them in the vadose zone. Solubilized
metals in their oxidized states enter the lower
screen by the same route as dissolved VOCs
in the groundwater. The nonvolatile metals
remain in solution as the VOCs are stripped at
the upper screen and the water circulates out
of the well. The groundwater and soluble
metals then pass through an infiltration and
treatment gallery surrounding the upper well
screen. This treatment gallery is impregnated
with a reducing agent that reduces the soluble
metals to an insoluble valence state. The
insoluble metals accumulate in the infiltration
gallery high above the water table and can be
either capped or excavated at the conclusion
of remedial action.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process treats groundwater contaminated
with volatile petroleum hydrocarbons
including benzene, ethylbenzene, and toluene,
as well as chlorinated solvents such as
tetrachloroethene andtrichloroethene. Highly
soluble organics like alcohols and ketones are
not easily air-stripped from water but are
readily biodegraded in the oxygen-rich
environment produced by NoVOCs™.
STATUS:
The NoVOCs™ technology was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in 1995.
The demonstration at Installation Restoration
Program Site 9 of Naval Air Station North
Island in San Diego, California, was
completed in June 1998.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
VOC results for groundwater samples
collected from the influent and effluent of the
NoVOCs™ system indicated that 1,1-
dichloroethene (1,1-DCE), cis-1,2-
dichloroethene (c/s-l,2-DCE), and
trichloroethene (TCE) concentrations were
reduced by greater than 98, 95, and 93%
respectively. The mean concentrations of 1,1 -
DCE, cw-l,2,-DCE, and TCE in the untreated
water were approximately 3,530, 45,000 and
1,650 micrograms per litter (|ig/L),
respectively, and the mean concentrations of
1,1 -DCE, cis-1,2-DCE, and TCE in the treated
water discharged from the NoVOCs™ system
were 27, 1,400, and 32 |ig/L, respectively.
The average total VOC mass removed by the
NoVOCs™ system ranged from 0.01 to 0.14
pound per hour and averaged 0.10 pound per
hour. Accounting for the intermittent
operation of the NoVOCs™ system, the mass
of total VOCs removed during the entire
operation period from 4/20-6/19/98 was
estimated to be approximately 92.5 pounds.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mark McGlathery
MACTEC-SBP Technologies Company,
L.L.C.
1819 Denver West Drive, Suite 400
Golden, CO 80401
303-278-3100
Fax:303-273-5000
-------
MAGNUM WATER TECHNOLOGY
(CAV-OX® Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CAV-OX® process uses a combination of
hydrodynamic cavitation and ultraviolet (UV)
radiation to oxidize contaminants in water.
The process (see figure below) is designed to
remove organic contaminants from
wastewater and groundwater without releasing
volatile organic compounds into the
atmosphere.
The process generates free radicals to degrade
organic contaminants. The cavitation process
alone has been demonstrated to achieve
trichloroethene (TCE) reductions of up to
65 percent. UV excitation and, where
necessary, addition of hydrogen peroxide and
metal catalysts, provide synergism to achieve
overall reductions of over 99 percent. Neither
the cavitation chamber nor the UV lamp or
hydrogen peroxide reaction generates toxic
by-products or air emissions.
Magnum Water Technology (Magnum)
estimates the cost of using the CAV-OX
process to be about half the cost of other
advanced UV oxidation systems and
substantially less than carbon adsorption.
Because the process equipment has one
moving part, maintenance costs are minimal.
According to Magnum, the CAV-OX® process
does not exhibit the quartz tube scaling
common with other UV equipment.
The process is designed to treat groundwater
or wastewater contaminated with organic
compounds. Contaminants such as
halogenated solvents; phenol;
pentachlorophenol (PCP); pesticides;
polychlorinated biphenyls; explosives;
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes;
methyl tertiary butyl ether; other organic
compounds; and cyanide are suitable for this
treatment process. Bacteria and virus strains
are also eliminated.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1992 and
was demonstrated for 4 weeks in March 1993
at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) Site 16 in
California. The Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-93/520), Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-93/520), and
a videotape are available from EPA.
Magnum reports that improvements in UV
lamp and reactor technologies have improved
the efficiency of the CAV-OX® process three-
to five-fold, compared with the pilot-scale
unit tested at Edwards AFB under the SITE
Program. CAV-OX® recently (1996) has
proven very effective in potentiating ozone
concentrations in water reclamation
GROUND WATER
HOLDING TANK
INFLUENT
P
FLOW
METER TO
_DISCHARGE
_?* OR
REUSE
CAV-OX®II I
ortv-wyviy ii .
H.E. UV REACTOR 1
(OPTIONAL)
CAV-OX® I
L.E. UV REACTOR
CAV-OX® CAV-OX®
PUMP CHAMBER
The CAV-OX® Process
-------
applications. Ozone gas (O3) is relatively
insoluble in water. However, hydrodynamic
cavitation used in the CAV-OX® process
continuously develops micro bubbles which
enhances the dispersion of ozone in water.
Three O3 techniques are available to Magnum:
corona discharge with air feed,
electrochemical 'water splitting' method, and
electrochemical anodic oxidation.
The CAV-OX® process has been tested at
several public and private sites, including the
San Bernadino and Orange County Water
Department in California. At a Superfund
site, the process treated leachate containing 15
different contaminants. PCP, one of the maj or
contaminants, was reduced by 96 percent in
one test series. The process has also been
used to remediate former gasoline station sites
and successfully reduced contaminants in
process streams at chemical and
pharmaceutical plants.
The CAV-OX® unit was part of an ongoing
evaluation at the U.S. Army Aberdeen
Proving Ground (Aberdeen). Special features
of the unit tested include remote monitoring
and control systems for pH, flow rates, H2O2
flow rate, storage level and pump rate, UV
lamp, main power, pump function, and remote
system shutdown control. The 15-gallon-per-
minute CAV-OX® I Low Energy unit was
operated by Army contractors for 9 months.
Upon completion of testing at Aberdeen,
further CAV-OX® II High Energy Tests were
conducted at El Segundo. The CAV-OX®
process achieved contaminant concentrations
of greater than 95
percent. During 1997 tests of CAV-OX®
equipment and/or Pilot Tests were made in
Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia. Also, a
continuing series of tests for major U.S.
corporations are on-going. The CAV-OX®
process achieved removal efficiencies of
greater than 99.9 percent for TCE, benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. SITE
demonstration results for the CAV-OX®
process are shown in the table below. Results
are presented for both the CAV-OX® I
(cavitation chamber by itself) and CAV-OX®
II (cavitation chamber combined with UV)
demonstrations.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Dale Cox or Jack Simser
Magnum Water Technology
600 Lairport Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
310-322-4143 or 310-640-7000
Fax:310-640-7005
fe'
trations . Flow _„_
(mg/L)? (gprnP TCE
D
Removal
Benzene
,,, ,
ficiencies (% ,/ ,
Toluene Xylene
. Flow
(gpmT
5-kW4 TCfb-kW
pAy-oxe.ii
arETficiencie.s
5-k
33.1
23.4
4.9
48.3
6.0
4.9
5.9
5.9
6.1
0
0
0.5
0.6
1.5
0.6
0.7
1.5
0.5
0.7
1.5
:
99.9
99.9
71.4
99.7
87.8
61.7
96.4
87.1
60.6
:
>99.9
>99.9
88.6
>99.9
96.9
81.6
99.4
96.5
86.1
:
99.4
>99.9
87.4
>99.9
94.5
83.8
99.8
97.6
87.3
:
92.9 | 1.5
>99.9 j 2.0
65.6
4.0
>99.9 j 1.4
92.1
80.2
98.9
98.1
1.9
3.9
1.4
1.9
>99.9 | 4.0
1.6
: i M
99.6
99.7
87.7
99.8
98.4
85.1
99.6
97.8
86.3
94.1
80.6
99.2
99.7
98.1
99.7
99.3
97.1
99.4
99.2
98.9
99.2
97.6
99.4
99.5
89.7
99.8
98.8
89.5
99.6
99.4
93.5
49.1
38.5
98.8
99.6
98.7
99.8
99.3
97.8
99.6
99.5
99.5
68.1
60.5
>99.9
>99.9
88.8
>99.9
96.9
91.8
99.8
99.5
94.5
20.7
48.6
98.6
>99.9
97.1
>99.9
98.6
97.9
99.8
99.7
99.6
54.7
75.2
>99.9
>99.9
78.7
98.7
93.6
90.4
99.5
99.2
95.4
43.3
56.9
>99.9
>99.9
87.2
>99.9
97.0
96.0
99.5
99.7
>99.9
46.7
83.8
7 hydrogen peroxide 2 milligrams per liter 3 gallons per minute 4 kilowatts
CAV-OX® Process Demonstration Results
-------
MATRIX PHOTOCATALYTIC INC.
(Photocatalytic Aqueous Phase Organic Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. (Matrix)
photocatalytic oxidation system, shown in the
photograph below, removes dissolved organic
contaminants from water and destroys them in
a continuous flow process at ambient
temperatures. When excited by light, the
titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor
catalyst generates hydroxyl radicals that
oxidatively break the carbon bonds of
hazardous organic compounds.
The Matrix system converts organics such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB); phenols;
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene
(BTEX); and others to carbon dioxide,
halides, and water. Efficient destruction
typically occurs between 30 seconds and 2
minutes actual exposure time. Total organic
carbon removal takes longer, depending on
the other organic molecules and their
molecular weights. The Matrix system was
initially designed to destroy organic pollutants
or to remove total organic carbon from
drinking water, groundwater, and plant
process water. The Matrix system also
destroys organic pollutants such as PCBs,
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins,
polychlorinated dibenzofurans, chlorinated
alkenes, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated
benzenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and
amines. Inorganic pollutants such as cyanide,
sulphite, and nitrite ions can be oxidized to
cyanate ion, sulphate ion, and nitrate ion,
respectively.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Matrix system can treat a wide range of
concentrations of organic pollutants in
industrial wastewater and can be applied to
the ultrapure water industry and the drinking
water industry. The Matrix system can also
remediate groundwater.
10-Gallon-Per-Minute TiO2 Photocatalytic System Treating BTEX in Water
-------
STATUS:
The system was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program (ETP) in May
1991. Results from the ETP evaluation were
published in a journal article (EPA/540/F-
94/503) available from EPA. Based on results
from the ETP, Matrix was invited to
participate in the Demonstration Program.
During August and September 1995, the
Matrix system was demonstrated at the K-25
site at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge
Reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Reports detailing the results from the
demonstration are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the demonstration are detailed
below:
• In general, high percent removals (up to
99.9 percent) were observed for both
aromatic volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) andunsaturated VOCs. However,
the percent removals for saturated VOCs
were low (between 21 and 40 percent).
• The percent removals for all VOCs
increased with increasing number of path
lengths and oxidant doses. At equivalent
contact times, changing the flow rate did
not appear to impact the treatment system
performance for all aromatic VOCs and
most unsaturated VOCs (except 1,1-
dichloroethene [DCE]). Changing the
flow rate appeared to impact the system
performance for saturated VOCs.
• The effluent met the Safe Drinking Water
Act maximum contaminant levels (MCL)
for benzene; cis-l,2-DCE; and 1,1-DCE at
a significant level of 0.05. However, the
effluent did not meet the MCLs for
tetrachloroethene (PCE); trichloroethene
(TCE); 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA); and
1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) at a
significant level of 0.05. The influent
concentrations for toluene and total
xylenes were below the MCLs.
• In tests performed to evaluate the
effluent's acute toxicity to water fleas and
fathead minnows, more than 50 percent of
the organisms died. Treatment by the
Matrix system did not reduce the
groundwater toxicity for the test
organisms at a significant level of 0.05.
• In general, the percent removals were
reproducible for aromatic and unsaturated
VOCs when the Matrix system was
operated under identical conditions.
However, the percent removals were not
reproducible for saturated VOCs. The
Matrix system's performance was
generally reproducible in (1) meeting the
target effluent levels for benzene; cis-1,2-
DCE; and 1,1-DCE; and (2) not meeting
the target effluent levels for PCE; TCE;
1,1-DCA; and 1,1,1-TCA.
• Purgable organic compounds and total
organic halides results indicated that some
VOCs were mineralized in the Matrix
system. However, formulation of
aldehydes, haloacetic acids, and several
tentatively identified compounds indicated
that not all VOCs were completely
mineralized.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809 Fax:513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada
N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669 Fax: 519-660-8525
-------
MAXYMILLIAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly Clean Berkshires, Inc.)
(Thermal Desorption System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Maxymillian Technologies, Inc., mobile
Thermal Desorption System (TDS) uses rotary
kiln technology to remove contaminants from
soils. The TDS can remediate soils
contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOC), semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC), and polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The TDS is
fully transportable, requires a footprint of
100-by-140 feet, and can be set up on site in 4
to 6 weeks. The system combines high
throughput with the ability to remediate mixed
consistency soil, including sands, silts, clays,
and tars.
The TDS consists of the following
components (see figure below):
• Waste feed system
• Rotary kiln drum desorber
Cyclone
• Afterburner
Quench tower
• Baghouse
• Fan and exhaust stack
• Multistage dust suppression system
• Process control room
Soil is first shredded, crushed, and screened to
achieve a uniform particle size of less than
0.75 inch. Feed soils are also mixed to
achieve uniform moisture content and heating
value.
The thermal treatment process involves two
steps: contaminant volatilization followed by
gas treatment. During the volatilization step,
contaminated materials are exposed to
temperatures ranging from 600 to 1,000°F in
a co-current flow rotary kiln drum desorber
where contaminants volatilize to the gas
phase. Clean soils are then discharged
through a multistage dust suppression system
for remoisturization and are stockpiled for
testing.
The gas and particulate stream passes from
the kiln to the cyclone, where coarse particles
are removed. The stream then enters the
afterburner, which destroys airborne
contaminants at temperatures ranging from
1,600 to 2,000°F. The gas stream is cooled by
quenching before passing through a high-
efficiency baghouse, where fine particles are
removed. The clean gas is then released to the
atmosphere through a 60-foot stack.
Processed soil, after discharge from the dust
5
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Monitoring Points
1. Soil Feed Rate S. Quench Water Flow
2. Kiln Entry Pressure 7. Quench Exit
3. Kiln Gas Exit Temperature
Temperature 8.
4. Soil Discharge
Temperature
J *
-[Water]
I Tank |
Make Up Water
5. AB Gas Exit
Temperature
Differential Pressure
9. ID Fan Differential
Pressure
10. Stack Gas Flow Rate
11. GEM (CO, CO2, Oj,
THC)
Mobile Thermal Desorption System
-------
suppression system, is stockpiled and allowed
to cool prior to sampling.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TDS is designed to remove a wide variety
of contaminants from soil, including VOCs,
SVOCs, PAHs, coal tars, and cyanide.
STATUS:
The TDS was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1993. The
demonstration was conducted in November
and December 1993 at the Niagara Mohawk
Power Corporation Harbor Point site, a former
gas plant in Utica, New York. During the
demonstration, the TDS processed three
replicate runs of four separate waste streams.
Stack emissions and processed soil were
measured to determine achievement of
cleanup levels. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-94/507) and Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/R-94/507a) are available
from EPA.
Following the SITE demonstration, the TDS
was chosen to remediate approximately
17,000 tons of VOC-contaminated soil at the
Fulton Terminals Superfund site in Fulton,
New York. This project was completed in
1995. The system has since been moved to a
location in North Adams, Massachusetts.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the SITE Demonstration are
summarized below:
• The TDS achieved destruction
removal efficiencies (DRE) of 99.99
percent or better in all 12 runs using
total xylenes as a volatile principal
organic hazardous constituent
(POHC).
• DREs of 99.99 percent or better were
achieved in 11 of 12 runs using
naphthalene as a semivolatile POHC.
• Average concentrations for critical
pollutants in treated soils were
0.066 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg)
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylene (BTEX); 12.4 mg/kg PAHs;
and 5.4 mg/kg total cyanide.
• Comparison of the dry weight basis
concentration of pollutants in the feed
and treated soil showed the following
average removal efficiencies:
99.9 percent for BTEX; 98.6 percent
for PAHs; and 97.4 percent for total
cyanide.
• The TDS showed good operating
stability during the demonstration with
only a minor amount of downtime.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Neal Maxymillian
Maxymillian Technologies, Inc.
84 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-557-6077
Fax:617-557-6088
-------
MICRO-BAC® INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Bioaugmentation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The M-1000PCB™ is a biological product
specifically designed and formulated for the
degradation of chlorinated compounds and
complex aromatic compounds found in
contaminated and/or hazardous wastes. The
M-1000PCB™ product consists of live,
specially selected, naturally occurring
microorganisms, along with a supply of
balanced nutrients in a ready-to-use liquid
medium. The microorganisms work either
anaerobically or aerobically and the system
requires no expensive machinery.
The product is nonpathogenic and free of
slime-forming and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
The live cultures contained in the product do
not need to be activated or require an
acclimation period prior to use. In a
proprietary selection process, MBI isolates
and sustains specific strains of bacteria that
work together to degrade specific organic
compounds. Reportedly, these
microorganisms have the ability to thrive in a
variety of site conditions characterized by
diverse soils and water chemistries, and are
capable of using hazardous waste substances
as a carbon source.
For soil applications, the product is typically
applied via a spray, as shown in the
photograph below. M-1000™ product and
nutrient application rates for soil are based on
specific site characteristics. Information such
as soil type, nutrient availability, soil moisture
content, and contaminant type and
concentration are considered before applying
the technology at a site. The general
application rate for the M-1000™ products in
soil is one quart of bacteria per one cubic yard
of soil. This treatment provides a bacterial
concentration of approximately 1,250 ppm.
The bacteria is typically applied first,
followed by the nutrient formulation.
At a number of sites, the addition of nutrients
is used to augment the activity of the product
in conditions where macronutrients such as
carbon, nitrogen, or phosphate are limited.
MBI produces its own nutrient mixtures that
are specifically formulated for use with MBI
bacteria. The nutrient mixtures are shipped as
a dry powder and packaged in single packets
or in four packet containers. A single packet
of nutrients is typically mixed on-site with 55
gallons of water. This mixture is used to
amend approximately 10,000 gallons or 50
cubic yards of the bacteria mix.
-------
Depending upon the duration of treatment, it
is often necessary for multiple applications of
microbe and nutrient mixtures. The treated
soil is then routinely mixed with a roto-tiller.
The frequency of this mixing may vary over
the duration of a project, but will generally
not be more frequent than once a week.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MBI bioremediation products are
specifically targeted for the contaminant
groups most frequently encountered;
including products for total petroleum
hydrocarbons (TPH), polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), other aromatic and
chlorinated hydrocarbons, gasolines, crude
oils, and jet fuels. The M-1000™ products
have been applied in a number of different
ways. The product has been used successfully
in a variety of in situ and ex situ applications,
but has also been applied as part of a
bioreactor process, in land farms, in biopiles,
and in pump-and-treat scenarios. According to
the MBI, it apparently works well as an
augmentation to other methods or as a stand-
alone solution.
STATUS:
The MBI bioaugmentation technology was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1999. A demonstration is
currently in progress at the Lower Colorado
River Authority (LCRA) Goldthwaite, Texas,
substation. At this site PCB-contaminated
soil is being treated with M-1000PCB™
product in an approximate 16- x 8- x 2-ft
treatment cell. The overall goal of the project
is to reduce PCB concentrations in the soil to
a levels of 50 mg/kg or less, on a dry weight
basis of the original soil, thus enabling the
LCRA to dispose of their soils in a less costly
in-state landfill (as opposed to a TSCA
landfill).
The SITE Program is conducting soil
sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of the
MBI technology for treating the PCBs in the
soil. The LCRA is performing periodic
rototilling of the soil within the treatment cell
(see photograph below). As of August 2001,
a total of four sampling events have been
completed. These included a baseline
sampling event conducted in August 2000 to
establish pretreatment PCB levels, and three
Intermediate sampling events for tracking
treatment progress. These intermediate events
were conducted in October and December of
2000, and in June of 2001. A final sampling
event is scheduled for October 2001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ronald Herrmann
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
(513)569-7741
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: herrmann.ronald@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Todd Kenney
Micro-Bac® International, Inc.
3200N. IH-35
Round Rock, Texas 78681
(512)310-9000
FAX: (512) 310-8800
-------
MINERGY CORP.
(Glass Furnace Technology for Dredged Sediments)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Glass Furnace Technology is an
adaptation of systems that have been used for
decades in glass manufacturing. Because a
glass furnace has temperatures high enough to
melt minerals into glass, there is a corollary
benefit of destruction of organic contaminants
such as PCBs, and permanent stabilization of
trace metals in the resultant glass product
matrix.
A glass furnace is a refractory-lined,
rectangular melter. Refractory is brick or
concrete, which has been specially treated to
resist chemical and physical abrasion, has a
high melting point, and provides a high degree
of insulating value to the process. Current
glass furnaces use oxy-fuel burners,
combining natural gas and oxygen for a bright
flame above the glass. These burners raise the
internal temperature of the melter to 2,900
degrees Fahrenheit. At these high
temperatures, PCB contaminants are
destroyed, and the sediment melts and flows
out of the processing system as molten glass.
The molten glass is water quenched to
produce an inert aggregate that is marketed to
construction companies.
Process Description
Sediment (A) is fed to the hopper above the
screw feeder (B). The feeder conveys the
sediment continuously into the main section
of the melter (C). The extremely high
temperatures in the melter cause the sediment
to become molten, liquid glass (D). The
molten glass flows under a skimmer block
(E), into the forehearth (F), where the material
continues to form a stable glass. At the end of
the melter, the glass flows out (G) into a water
quenching tank. A removable block is
included at the end of the forehearth (H) to
stop the flow of glass if desired. Exhaust
gases (I) flow out from the furnace up the
square flue, to the air sampling equipment.
A - "|
H
B
Figure 1. Internal View of Melter (Sediment Feeding and Melting)
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The target applicable waste for the technology
is sediments or soils that have PCB and metals
contamination. The process design of a glass
furnace is focused on melting low energy
feedstock materials (that is, those with low
Btu values). Silica is one of the primary
constituents of sediments, making it a
perfectly suited material for processing.
Because a glass furnace has temperatures high
enough to melt minerals into glass, it has a
high destruction efficient of organic
contaminants such as PCBs, and permanent
stabilization of trace metals in the resultant
glass product matrix. Exhaust gas volumes
from a glass furnace are very low, thus
enabling downstream carbon filtering to
capture contamination by mercury or other
light metals.
STATUS:
In August 2001, the Glass Furnace
Technology (GFT) was demonstrated in
Minergy's pilot glass furnace, located in
Winneconne, Wisconsin. The pilot
demonstration was performed using 60 tons of
sediment dredged from the Lower Fox River,
Wisconsin, from which 30 tons of glass were
made. EPA SITE was on-site for the two-
week demonstration. The SITE report was
not yet complete at the time of this writing.
The objectives of the SITE analysis are:
• To determine the treatment efficiency
(TE) of PCBs in dredged-and-dewatered
river sediment when processed in the
Minergy GFT.
• To determine whether the GFT glass
aggregate product meets the criteria for
beneficial reuse under relevant federal and
state regulations.
• Determine the unit cost of operating the
GFT on dewatered dredged river
sediment.
• Quantify the organic and inorganic
contaminant losses resulting from the
existing or alternative drying process used
for the dredged-and-dewatered river
sediment.
Characterize organic and inorganic
constituents in all GFT process input and
output streams. Of principal concern is the
formation of dioxin and furan during the
vitrification step.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA/NRMRL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Terrence W. Carroll, P.E.
Regional Manager
Minergy Corporation
1512 S. Commercial Street
Neenah, WI 54956
920-727-1411
e-mail: rcarroll@minergy.com
-------
MORRISON KNUDSEN CORPORATION/
SPETSTAMPONAZHGEOLOGIA ENTERPRISES
(Clay-Based Grouting Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Morrison Knudsen Corporation (MK) is
working under a joint venture agreement with
Spetstamponazhgeologia Enterprises (STG) of
Ukraine to demonstrate the effectiveness of a
clay-based grouting technology. This
technology uses clay slurries as a base for
grout solutions, which are injected into
bedrock fracture systems to inhibit or eliminate
groundwater flow in these pathways. The clay
slurries may also be used as a base for slurry
wall construction.
The MK/STG clay-based grouting technology
is an integrated method involving three
primary phases: obtaining detailed site
characteristics; developing a site-specific grout
formulation; and grout mixing and injection.
The first phase, site characterization, includes
obtaining geophysical, geochemical,
mineralogical, and hydrogeological
information about the target area.
The second phase, a site-specific grout
formulation, is developed in the laboratory.
The overall properties of clay-based grout
depend on the physical and mechanical
properties of the clay, cement, and other
additives. Formulated clay-based grouts are
viscoplastic systems composed primarily of
clay mineral mortar and structure-forming
cement. The clay is normally a kaolin/illite
obtained from a local source; other additives
may be required. The formulation is
laboratory-tested to determine suitability for
the desired application.
The third phase is grout mixing and
placement. The process for preparing and
injecting the clay-based grout is shown in the
diagram below. Boreholes drilled during the
site characterization phase may be used for
grout placement. Additional boreholes may
be drilled to complete the injection program.
A quality assurance program ensures that
placement and project objectives are met.
After inj ection, the clay-based grout retains its
plasticity and does not crystallize, providing
DRY-PULVERIZED
CLAY SUPPLY
ADDITIVE(S)
SUPPLY
ADDITIVE(S)
BIN
CLAY STORAGE
& SLURRY
PREPARATION
WATER SUPPLY
SYSTEM
CEMENT STORAGE
& SLURRY
PREPARATION
. WATER
SUPPLY
CEMENT
' SUPPLY
MK/STG
CLAY-CEMENT
BASED GROUT
Process Flow Diagram of the Clay-Based Grouting Technology
-------
permanent underground protection.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for providing a
flow barrier to groundwater contaminated with
both heavy metals and organics. The clay-
based grout can be formulated to withstand
detrimental conditions such as low pH. The
technology can be used at inactive mine sites
that produce acid mine drainage. Other
potential applications include liquid effluent
control from landfills, containment of
groundwater contaminated with chemicals or
radionuclides, and reduction of brine inflows.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in winter 1993. It was
partially installed in fall 1994 at the abandoned
Mike Horse Mine site in Montana; operations
were suspended due to winter weather
conditions. The third phase, to complete
installation of the grout, was canceled due to
EPA budget constraints. The demonstration
was completed in 1996, but the technology
was not fully evaluated due to loss of
accessibility to the site.
Over 200 projects using this technology have
been completed during the last 20 years in the
former Soviet Union and Eastern block
countries, as well as in China and Australia.
The technology has not been applied in the
United States or western hemisphere other than
at the Mike Horse Mine site.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Rick Raymondi
Morrison Knudsen Corporation/STG
P.O. Box 73
Boise, ID 83729
208-386-5000
Fax: 208-386-6669
-------
NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.
(Oleophilic Amine-Coated Ceramic Chip)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This hydrocarbon recovery technology is
based on an oleophilic, amine-coated ceramic
chip that separates suspended and dissolved
hydrocarbons, as well as most mechanical and
some chemical emulsions, from aqueous
solutions. The oleophilic chip is
manufactured by grafting a hydrophobic
amine to a mineral support, in this case a
ceramic substrate. Each granule is 0.6 to
1 millimeter in diameter, but is very porous
and thus has a large surface area. The
hydrophobic property of the amine coating
makes each granule more effective for
microfiltration of hydrocarbons in an unstable
emulsion.
The figure below illustrates the process; the
separator, filter, and coalescer unit is shown
on the next page. The pressure-sensitive
filtering bed is regenerated by automatic
backflushing. This automatic regeneration
eliminates the expense associated with
regeneration of carbon and similar filtration
media. Recovered hydrocarbons coalesce and
can thus be removed by simple gravity
separation.
This technology provides cost-effective oil
and water separation, removes free and
emulsified hydrocarbon contaminants, and
significantly reduces hydrocarbon loading to
air strippers and carbon systems. The
technology can achieve a concentration of less
than 7 parts per million oil and grease in the
treated effluent.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The amine-coated granules have proven
effective on a wide variety of hydrocarbons,
including gasoline; crude oil; diesel fuel;
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene
mixtures; and polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons. The unit also removes
hydrophobic chlorinated hydrocarbons such as
pentachlorophenol, poly chlorinated biphenyls,
and trichloroethene, as well as vegetable and
animal oils.
Treatment systems incorporating this
technology have been designed for various
applications, including (1) contaminated
groundwater pump-and-treat systems; (2) in-
process oil and water separation; (3) filtration
systems; (4) combined oil and water
/ \ / \ /feackwashX / \ / \ / \
Oleofilter
Pressurized
Feed
Pressurized
Clean Water
Out
and Partial
Draw
Recycled
Upstream of
Primary
Senarator
Backwash
Air In
Backwash
Water in
Heat When
Viscous
Hydrocarbons
Handled
Control
Cabinet
Schematic Diagram of the Oleofilter Technology
-------
separator-filter-coalescer systems for on-site
waste reduction and material recovery; and (5)
treatment of marine wastes (bilge and ballast
waters).
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in December 1992.
The SITE demonstration was completed in
June 1994 at the Petroleum Products
Corporation site in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The site is a former oil recycling facility
where groundwater has been contaminated
with a variety of organic and inorganic
constituents. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-94/525) and Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/
R-94/525) are available from EPA.
The technology has been used for several full-
scale projects. Several separator-filter-
coalescers (see figure below) are in use
treating industrial process waters and oily
wash waters.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
For the demonstration, five separate
evaluation periods (runs) were initiated. Each
run used the same feed oil, except run four.
The oil for run four was a 3:1 mixture of oil
to kerosene. The average total recoverable
petroleum hydrocarbon (TRPH)
concentrations for the feed streams ranged
from 422 to 2,267 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Preliminary data indicate that the system
removed at least 90 percent of the TRPH from
the emulsified oil and water feed stream.
For the runs where the system operated within
normal design parameters, TRPH
concentrations in the treated water effluent
were reduced to 15 mg/L or less. The
oleophilic granules achieved a 95 percent
reduction of TRPH concentration for the runs
with similar feed oil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tim Torrillion
North American Technologies Group, Inc.
4710 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite 301
Bellaire, TX 77401
713-662-2699
Fax: 713-662-3728
Separator, Filter, and Coalescer
-------
NOVATERRA ASSOCIATES
(formerly Toxic Treatment, Inc.)
(In Situ Soil Treatment [Steam and Air Stripping])
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology treats contaminated soils and
contained groundwater by the simultaneous in
situ injection of treatment agents below
ground during active mixing by augers or
drilling blades (see figure below). The in situ
injection of steam and air during mixing strips
the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs)
from the soil and contained groundwater. The
removed organics are captured at the surface
and disposed of in an environmentally safe
manner.
The technology is implemented by a drill unit
that can consist of a single or double blade or
auger mounted on a large crane or backhoe.
The diameter of the drill or auger can vary
from 5 to 8 feet, and it is mounted on a kelly
that reaches depths of 60 feet.
The steam and air are carried down the center
of the kelly(s) and injected into the ground
through jets located on the blade or auger
arms. The steam is supplied by an oil- or
natural gas-fired boiler at 450°F and 500
pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The air
heated by the compressor is injected at 250 °F
and 200 psig. The steam heats the
contaminants in the soil and contained water,
Air
Compressor
Containment
Device
/Kelly Bar
increasing the vapor pressure of the VOCs
and SVOCs and increasing their removal
rates. The direct application of the steam on
the soil thermally desorbs the VOCs and
SVOCs, increasing their removal percentage.
Almost all the VOCs and SVOCs of interest
form azeotropes with steam that boil below
212 °F and contain low concentrations (such
as a few percent) of contaminants. These
azeotropes significantly increase contaminant
removal rates, especially for the higher-
boiling-point SVOCs.
The VOC- and SVOC-laden air and steam
vapor stream removes the contamination to
the surface where it can be captured, if
necessary, in a metal container. The
container, which makes a tight seal to the
ground surface, is connected to a process
stream by piping. A suction blower draws the
waste stream to the process stream where it is
collected or destroyed. The blower creates a
slight vacuum in the container and piping as
well as a positive displacement inward to the
collection or destruction system, thus
protecting the outside environment from
contamination.
The simplest form of the process system uses
a catalytic oxidizer or thermal oxidizer to
destroy the contamination before exhausting
Steam
Generator
Atmosphere
Offgas Process
Treatment System
TT n n n
In Situ Soil Treatment Process Schematic
-------
to the atmosphere. When treating chlorinated
VOCs and SVOCs, an acid scrubber can be
added if required by the amount of material
being processed. Another simple process uses
activated carbon to recover the contamination.
For the carbon to work efficiently, a cooling
system must precede the carbon bed, so the
process must also treat contaminated water. If
recovery and reuse of the contamination is
important or economically desirable, a process
system that condenses the gas stream can be
used.
The in situ soil treatment technology has also
treated contaminated soil by injecting and
mixing other agents. Chemical injection
processes include the stabilization and
solidification of heavy metals, neutralization
of acids and bases, and oxidation. The
technology has been successfully used to
perform bioremediation. The equipment is
capable of injecting cement into the soil and
making slurry walls. The technology has the
unique feature of being able to inject two
materials simultaneously or sequentially.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can treat solid materials
which do not contain obstructions, including
soils, sludges, lagoons, and the liquids
contained within, such as water and dense and
light nonaqueous-phase liquids. The
technology is applicable to most VOCs and
SVOCs, including pesticides. It is particularly
applicable to free product and removal of
highly concentrated contamination. It is most
effective for removals of 95 to 99 percent of
the contamination as a result of the low
temperature thermal desorption. After
treatment is completed, the soil can meet
construction engineering requirements by
compacting or injecting small amounts of
cement.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. A SITE
demonstration was performed in September
1989 at the Annex Terminal, San Pedro,
California. Twelve soil blocks were treated
for VOCs and SVOCs. Liquid samples were
collected during the demonstration, and the
operating procedures were closely monitored
and recorded. In January 1990, six blocks that
had been previously treated in the saturated
zone were analyzed by EPA methods 8240
and 8270.
The Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-90/008) was published in June
1991. The technology remediated 30,000
cubic yards at the Annex Terminal after
completion of the SITE demonstration and has
been used at five other contaminated sites.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE technology demonstration yielded
the following results:
• Removal efficiencies were greater than 85
percent for VOCs present in the soil.
• Removal efficiencies were greater than 5 5
percent for SVOCs present in the soil.
• Fugitive air emissions from the process
were low.
• No downward migration of contaminants
resulted from the soil treatment.
• The process treated 3 cubic yards of soil
per hour.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Phil La Mori
NOVATERRA Associates
2419 Outpost Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068-2644
310-328-9433
E-mail: NOVATERRA@aol.com
-------
U.S. EPA NRMRL
(Alternative Cover Assessment Program)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The goal of the Alternative Cover Assessment
Program (ACAP) is the development of field-
scale performance data for landfill final cover
systems. Both prescriptive (RCRA) and
innovative alternative cover designs are
currently being tested in the project. The
ACAP demonstration has four phases:
• Phase 1 - Initial review of current data
collection efforts and numerical modeling
capabilities relative to landfill cover
design
• Phase 2 - Design, construction, and
operation (for 5 years) of a network of
alternative cover testing facilities
• Phase 3 - Analysis of field results with
improved numerical models to predict
long-term performance of alternative
cover systems at the selected testing sites
• Phase 4 - Development of a
comprehensive guidance document on
alternative cover systems
A primary function of a landfill final cover
system is to minimize deep percolation to
prevent surface and groundwater
contamination. Landfill and waste site covers
are constructed to meet the requirements of
current regulatory guidance, and typically rely
on a combination of layers of specified
thickness to limit percolation through the
cover.
The large costs associated with the
construction of the landfill and waste site
covers and the desire for constant innovation
and performance improvement have resulted
in a growing interest for alternative designs.
It is ACAP's goal to evaluate the various
proposed alternative cover systems. ACAP is
currently focusing on evapotranspiration (ET)
type covers. ET covers utilize plants to cycle
water from the soil profile to the atmosphere
during the growing season thus minimizing
year-round drainage from the cover system.
20 meters
Geosynthetic
Root Barrier Cover (thickness
.Site Specific)
Site Interim
Cover Soil
Thickness Varies)
„ ,
Geomembrane
iJjf/tilJ/Ul£ / W*J;kl i'JLliJU'^kijij
fir-ffffy-fOT
Earthen
Berm
"Drainage
Pipe
Drainage
Composite
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
ACAPs are generally constructed for landfills
and waste sites of all scales. In theory,
ACAPs can be installed at any location where
environmental contaminants must be
contained.
STATUS:
Test sections have been installed at landfills in
Sacramento County, California; Lake County,
Montana; Lewis & Clark County, Montana;
Monticello, Utah; Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
Omaha, Nebraska; Boardman, Oregon;
Altamont, California; Monterey, California;
and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in
Albany, Georgia. In addition, retrofit
monitoring (to study existing alternative
covers constructed prior to ACAP) has been
established in Cincinnati and Logan, Ohio.
The basic components of the alternative
covers for these sites are vegetation and soil.
Different communities of trees, shrubs, and
grasses are incorporated depending on local
soil and climatological conditions. The cover
soil is generally local soil, with depth
differing in accordance with soil water
holding capacity, precipitation patterns, and
vegetation selected. Several of the sites
include a prescriptive RCRA cover test
section. Such side-by-side comparisons will
allow direct evaluation of the performance of
an alternative to meet or exceed that of the
conventional, prescriptive cover.
Each site will contain at least one test section
(10 meters x 20 meters) that consists of a
large-scale, pan-type lysimeter to monitor
percolation through tested covers over a
period of five years.
During the five years, EPA will monitor and
record the climatological conditions (rainfall,
snowfall, air temperature, solar radiation, and
humidity), and soil parameters (moisture
content, moisture potential, and temperature)
of each test section. Data will be recorded on
a data logger connected to a telemetry unit.
The telemetry unit allows remote
communication with the data logger and
enables data to be downloaded, stored, and
analyzed for performance and system status.
Annually during the five years of this project,
EPA will release performance reports for each
site. EPA predicts that the data collected
through ACAP will lead to the development
of new computer models for designing and
evaluating future landfill covers, new designs,
and new methods to regulate such systems.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA Project Manager
Steve Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory (NRMRL)
26 W. Martin Luther King Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
(Base-Catalyzed Decomposition Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The base-catalyzed decomposition (BCD)
process is a chemical dehalogenation
technology developed by the National Risk
Management Research Laboratory in
Cincinnati, Ohio. The process is initiated in a
medium-temperature thermal desorber
(MTTD) at temperatures ranging from 600 to
950°F. Sodium bicarbonate is added to
contaminated soils, sediments, or sludge
matrices containing hazardous chlorinated
organics including polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) and polychlorinated dioxins and furans.
Chlorinated contaminants that are thermally
desorbed from the matrix are condensed and
treated by the BCD process. The BCD
process chemically detoxifies the condensed
chlorinated organic contaminants by removing
chlorine from the contaminants and replacing
it with hydrogen.
ETG Environmental, Inc. (ETG), and
Separation and Recovery Systems, Inc. (SRS),
developed the THERM-O-DETOX® and
SAREX® systems and combined them with
the BCD process chemistry. The combined
process begins by initiating solid-phase
dechlorination in the MTTD step (see figure
below). In addition to the dechlorination that
occurs in the MTTD, organics are thermally
desorbed from the matrix, and are condensed
and sent to the BCD liquid tank reactor
(LTR).
Reagents are then added and heated to 600 to
650°F for 3 to 6 hours to dechlorinate the
remaining organics. The treated residuals are
recycled or disposed of using standard,
commercially available methods. Treated,
clean soil can be recycled as on-site backfill.
ETG has continued to develop the THERM-
O-DETOX® system and now offers
continuous systems and batch vacuum
systems. The batch vacuum system offers
greater operational flexibility for removal and
destruction of high hazard, high boiling point
contaminants to ensure that treatment
standards are met. The vapor recovery system
can be set up to use noncontact condensers or
chillers and additional final polishing steps to
meet the most stringent air emission
standards.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The BCD process can treat soils, sediments,
and sludges contaminated with the following
chlorinated compounds: halogenated
semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC),
including herbicides and pesticides; PCBs;
VAPOR RECOVERY
*1
Dechkx
nation
THERMAL DESORPTION
On-stte backfill
Off-site Disposal
LIQUID DECOMPOSITION
Base-Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD) Process
-------
pentachlorophenol (PCP) and other
chlorinated phenols; and polychlorinated
dioxins and furans.
STATUS:
The combined BCD process was
demonstrated under the SITE Program at the
Koppers Company Superfund site in
Morrisville, North Carolina, from August
through September 1993. The process
removed PCP from clay soils to levels below
those specified in the Record of Decision.
The process also removed dioxins and furans
from contaminated soil to 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalent
concentrations less than the concentration
specified in the Record of Decision.
ETG is also currently operating the batch
vacuum system at a New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation
cleanup site in Binghamton, New York.
Approximately 1,500 cubic yards of soil
contaminated with herbicides pesticides,
dioxins, and furans (F027 waste) are being
treated. The Michigan Department of Natural
Resources has also approved BCD for a
proj ect involving treatment of about 200 cubic
yards of F027 soils. At another site, multiple
systems will treat soils contaminated with
chlorinated volatile organic compounds and
high boiling point (800-1150 °F) organic
lubricants. The batch vacuum system has also
been used to treat sludges at an operating
refinery in Puerto Rico and a chemical
company in Texas.
For information on the SAREX® system, see
the profile for SRS in the Demonstration
Program section (ongoing projects).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration consisted of four test
runs in the MTTD and two test runs in the
LTR. Feed soil consisted of a dry, clayey silt
and had a residence time of 1 to 2 hours in the
MTTD, which was heated to 790 °F to 850 °F.
The MTTD off-gases were treated by passing
through an oil scrubber, water scrubbers, and
carbon filters. The oil from the oil scrubber
was transferred to the LTR for BCD
treatment. The oil in each LTR test run was
batch-processed for 3 to 4 hours at 600 to
63 Oof.
Key findings from the SITE demonstration are
summarized as follows:
• The MTTD achieved removal efficiencies
of 99.97 percent or better for PCP and
99.56 percent or better for total dioxins
and total furans.
• The treated soils were well below toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure limits
for SVOCs.
• Treated soil met the cleanup goal of
95 parts per million PCP in all test runs.
Treated soil also met a cleanup goal of 7
micrograms per kilogram 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents in
all test runs.
• The LTR batch tests reduced PCP
concentrations by 96.89 percent or better,
and total dioxin and total furan
concentrations by 99.97 percent or better.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Terrence Lyons
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7589
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: lyons.terrence@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
George Huffman
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive, MS-445
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7431
Fax: 513-569-7549
Yei-Shong Shieh
Environmental, Inc.
Blue Bell, PA
213-832-0700
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
(Bioventing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Lack of oxygen in contaminated soil often
limits aerobic microbial growth. The
bioventing biological system treats
contaminated soil in situ by injecting
atmospheric air. This air provides a
continuous oxygen source, which enhances
the growth of microorganisms naturally
present in the soil. Additives such as ozone or
nutrients may be introduced to stimulate
microbial growth.
Bioventing technology uses an air pump at-
tached to one of a series of air injection
probes (see figure below). The air pump
operates at extremely low pressures, providing
inflow of oxygen without significantly
volatilizing soil contaminants. The treatment
capacity depends on the number of injection
probes, the size of the air pump, and site
characteristics such as soil porosity.
Pressure Gauge
Air Pump ( ^
Flow
Control
Rotameter
Pressure Gauge
3-Way Ball
Valve
Bentonlte Seal
Stainless Steel Air Injection Probe
1 cm ID
2cmOD
. Screened
Section
Bioventing System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Bioventing is typically used to treat soil
contaminated by industrial processes and can
treat any contamination subject to aerobic
microbial degradation. Bioventing treats
contaminants and combinations of
contaminants with varying degrees of success.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in July 1991. The
demonstration began in November 1992 at the
Reilly Tar site in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Soil at this site is contaminated with
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Between 1917 and 1972, the 80-acre Reilly
Tar site was used for coal tar distillation and
wood preserving operations. Wood
preserving solutions were estimated to consist
of 60-70 percent creosote oil and petroleum
oils. Soils at this site consist of approximately
0.6 meters of a topsoil cover underlain by an
asphaltic layer, below which coarse sand
extends to the water table at approximately 3
meters below ground surface. Sandy soils
within the demonstration area were
contaminated with PAHs in concentrations as
high as 873 mg/Kg.
Respiration tests conducted after two years of
system operation suggested that initial oxygen
utilization correlated to concentration
reductions in the more readily degradable
carrier oils (23 percent for naphthalene).
Concentrations of the three- and higher-ring
PAHs, however, remained unchanged. Final
soil data collected in 1997 after five years of
treatment showed that bioventing significantly
treated the higher-ring PAHs as well. Data
analysis indicated concentration reductions of
62 percent, 50 percent, 31 percent, 20 percent,
and 24 percent for the 2, 3,4, 4, 5, and 6-ring
PAHs, respectively.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER AND
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Paul McCauley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7444
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: mccauley.paul@epa.gov
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
and IT CORPORATION
(Debris Washing System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology was developed by EPA's
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory and IT Corporation (IT) for on-site
decontamination of metallic and masonry
debris at Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
sites. The entire system is mounted on three
48-foot flatbed semi-trailers and can be
readily transported from site to site.
The full-scale debris washing system (DWS)
is shown in the figure below. The DWS
consists of dual 4,000-gallon spray-wash
chambers that are connected to a detergent
solution holding tank and rinse water holding
tank. Debris is placed into one of two 1,200-
pound baskets, which in turn is placed into
one of the spray-wash chambers using a 5-ton
crane integral to the DWS. If debris is large
enough, the crane places it directly into one of
the two chambers. Process water is heated to
160°F using a diesel-fired, 2,000,000-British-
thermal-unit-per-hour (Btu/hr) water heater.
The water is continuously reconditioned using
particulate filters, an oil-water separator, and
other devices such as charcoal columns or
ion-exchange columns. About 8,000 to
10,000 gallons of water is required for the
decontamination process. The system is
controlled by an operator stationed in a trailer-
mounted control room.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The DWS can be applied on site to various
types of debris (scrap metal, masonry, or other
solid debris such as stones) contaminated with
hazardous chemicals such as pesticides,
dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), or
hazardous metals.
Basket
Pilot-Scale Debris Washing System
-------
STATUS:
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The first pilot-scale tests were performed in
September 1988 at the Carter Industrial
Superfund site in Detroit, Michigan. An
upgraded pilot-scale DWS was tested at a
PCB-contaminated Superfund site in
Hopkinsville, Kentucky in December 1989.
The DWS was also field tested in August
1990 at the Shaver's Farm Superfund site in
Walker County, Georgia. The contaminants
of concern were benzonitrile and Dicamba.
After being cut into sections, 55-gallon drums
were decontaminated in the DWS.
Results from the SITE demonstration have
been published in a Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-9l/006a), entitled "Design
and Development of a Pilot-Scale Debris
Decontamination System" and in a
Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/S5-91/006).
In 1993, a manual version of the full-scale
DWS was used to treat PCB-contaminated
scrap metal at the Summit Scrap Yard in
Akron, Ohio. During the 4-month site
remediation, 3,000 tons of PCB-contaminated
scrap metal (motors, cast iron blocks) was
cleaned on site. The target level of 7.7 jig/100
cm2 was met, in most cases, after a single
treatment with the DWS. The cleaned scrap
was purchased by a scrap smelter for $52 per
ton. The net costs for the on-site debris
decontamination ranged from $50 to $75 per
ton. The National Risk Management
Research Laboratory and IT estimate that the
system can decontaminate 50 to 120 tons of
typical debris per day.
At the Carter Industrial Superfund site, PCB
reductions averaged 58 percent in batch 1 and
81 percent in batch 2. Design changes based
on these tests were made to the DWS before
additional field testing.
At the Hopkinsville, Kentucky site, PCB
levels on the surfaces of metallic transformer
casings were reduced to less than or equal to
10 micrograms PCB per 100 square
centimeters (|ig/cm2). All 75 contaminated
transformer casings on site were decontami-
nated to EPA cleanup criteria and sold to a
scrap metal dealer.
At the Shaver's Farm Superfund site,
benzonitrile and Dicamba levels on the drum
surfaces were reduced from the average
pretreatment concentrations of 4,556 and
23 jig/100 cm2 to average concentrations of
10 and 1 jig/100 cm2, respectively.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7758
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: martin.john@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Majid Dosani
IT Corporation
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4012
513-782-4700
Fax: 513-782-4807
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
and INTECH 180 CORPORATION
(Fungal Treatment Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This biological treatment system uses lignin-
degrading fungi to treat excavated soils.
These fungi have been shown to biodegrade a
wide catalogue of organic contaminants.
The contaminated soil is inoculated with an
organic carrier infested with the selected
fungal strain. The fungi break down soil
contaminants, using enzymes normally
produced for wood degradation as well as
other enzyme systems.
This technology has the greatest degree of
success when optimal growing conditions for
the fungi are used. These conditions include
moisture control (at 90 percent of field
capacity), and temperature and aeration
control. Organic nutrients such as peat may
be added to soils deficient in organic carbon.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This biological treatment system was initially
applied to soil contaminated with organic
chemicals found in the wood-preserving
industry. These contaminants are composed
of chlorinated organics and polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The treatment
system may remediate different contaminants
and combinations of contaminants with
varying degrees of success. In particular, the
SITE Demonstration Program evaluated how
well white rot fungi degrade
pentachlorophenol (PCP) in combination with
creosote PAHs.
STATUS:
This biological treatment system was accepted
into the SITE Demonstration Program in April
1991. In September 1991, a treatability study
was conducted at the Brookhaven Wood
Preserving site in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Site soils were contaminated with 200 to
5,200 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) PCP
and up to 4,000 mg/kg PAHs.
A full-scale demonstration of this fungal
treatment technology was completed in
November 1992 to obtain economic data. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
93/505) is available from EPA.
The extent of treatment in the full-scale
demonstration was disappointing for the time
of treatment. The full-scale demonstration
was hampered by excessive rainfall which did
not permit the treatment beds to be
sufficiently tilled. Without this processing,
oxygen-depleted conditions developed,
leading to loss of fungal biomass and activity.
Soil bed applications of this technology may
not be suitable in climates of high rainfall.
In Situ White Rot Fungal Treatment of Contaminated Soil
-------
Current costs of fungal treatment operation
are estimated at $150 to $200 per ton. Lower
costs may be achieved with new inoculum
formulations which permit reduction in the
amount of inoculum mass required for
treatment.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The full-scale project involved a 0.25-acre
plot of contaminated soil and two smaller
control plots. The soil was inoculated with
Phanaerochaete sordida, a species of lignin-
degrading fungus. No other amendments
were added to the prepared soil. Field
activities included tilling and watering all
plots. No nutrients were added. The study
was conducted for 20 weeks.
Some key findings from the demonstration
were:
• Levels of PCP and the target PAHs found
in the underlying sand layer and the
leachate from each of the plots were
insignificant, indicating low teachability
and loss of these contaminants due to
periodic irrigation of the soil and heavy
rainfall.
• Levels of PCP, the target PAHs, and
dioxins in the active air samples collected
during the soil tilling events were
insignificant, indicating a very low
potential for airborne contaminant
transport.
• Air emissions data showed that soil
tilling activities did not pose
significant hazards to field
technicians. Contaminated soil,
underlying sand, and leachate had no
significant contamination.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
John Glaser
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7568
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: glaser.john@epa.gov
Richard Lamar
INTECH 180 Corporation
1770N. Research Parkway, Suite 100
North Logan, UT 84341
801-753-2111
Fax: 801-753-8321
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY,
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, and FRX, INC.
(Hydraulic Fracturing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Hydraulic fracturing is a physical process that
creates fractures in soils to enhance fluid or
vapor flow in the subsurface. The technology
places fractures at discrete depths with
hydraulic pressurization at the base of a
borehole. These fractures are placed at
specific locations and depths to increase the
effectiveness of treatment technologies such
as soil vapor extraction, in situ
bioremediation, and pump-and-treat systems.
The technology is designed to enhance
remediation in less permeable geologic
formations.
The fracturing process begins by injecting
water into a sealed borehole until the water
pressure exceeds a critical value and a fracture
is nucleated (see photograph below). A slurry
composed of a coarse-grained sand, or other
granular material, and guar gum gel is then
injected as the fracture grows away from the
well. After pumping, the grains hold the
fracture open while an enzyme additive
breaks down the viscous fluid. The thinned
fluid is pumped from the fracture, forming a
permeable subsurface channel suitable for
delivering or recovering a vapor or liquid.
These fractures function as pathways for fluid
movement, potentially increasing the effective
area available for remediation.
The hydraulic fracturing process is used in
conjunction with soil vapor extraction
technology to enhance recovery of
contaminated soil vapors. Hydraulic fractures
have recently been used to improve recovery
of light nonaqueous phase liquids by
increasing recovery of free product and
controlling the influence of underlying water.
Hydraulically induced fractures are used as
channels for fluids and nutrients during in situ
bioremediation. The technology has the
potential to deliver nutrients and other
materials to the subsurface solids useful in
bioremediation. Solid nutrients or oxygen-
releasing granules can be injected into the
fractures.
'"''f^T''T'V'-.-"-*=^^|
__ .___- »::jffi^%^iv:..-^s.^4i,l=i
- - •••••••- . — =/'B c • ". "i
w*vKT: -.^- • .r^'jAifeifc^-* -' "" ' """ •-""'•"•** '
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Hydraulic Fracturing Process (Well is at center of photograph)
-------
Real-time techniques for measuring ground
surface deformation have been developed to
monitor the fracture positions in the
subsurface.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Hydraulic fracturing is appropriate for
enhancing soil and groundwater remediation.
The technology can channel contaminants or
wastes for soil vapor extraction,
bioremediation, or pump-and-treat systems.
STATUS:
The hydraulic fracturing technology was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in July 1991. Demonstrations have
been conducted in Oak Brook, Illinois and
Dayton, Ohio. The hydraulic fracturing
process was integrated with soil vapor
extraction at the Illinois site and with in situ
bioremediation at the Ohio site. The project
was completed in September 1992. The
Technology Evaluation and Applications
Analysis Reports, which were published under
one cover (EPA/540/R-93/505), and the
Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-93/505) are available from
EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The first demonstration was conducted at a
Xerox Corporation site in Oak Brook, Illinois,
where a vapor extraction system has been
operating since early 1991. The site is
contaminated with ethylbenzene, 1,1-
dichloroethane, trichloro-ethene,
tetrachloroethene, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane,
toluene, and xylene. In July 1991, hydraulic
fractures were created in two of the four
wells, at depths of 6, 10, and 15 feet below
ground surface. The vapor flow rate, soil
vacuum, and contaminant yields from the
fractured and unfractured wells were
monitored regularly. Results from this
demonstration are as follows:
• Over a 1 -year period, the vapor yield from
hydraulically fractured wells was one
order of magnitude greater than from
unfractured wells.
• The hydraulically fractured wells
enhanced remediation over an area 30
times greater than the unfractured wells.
• The presence of pore water decreased the
vapor yield from wells; therefore, water
must be prevented from infiltrating areas
where vapor extraction is underway.
The technology was also demonstrated at a
site near Dayton, Ohio, which is contaminated
with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylene (BTEX), and other petroleum
hydrocarbons. In August 1991, hydraulic
fractures were created in one of two wells at
4, 6, 8, and 10 feet below ground surface.
Sampling was conducted before the
demonstration and twice during the
demonstration at locations 5, 10, and 15 feet
north of the fractured and unfractured wells.
Results from this demonstration are as
follows:
• The flow of water into the fractured well
was two orders of magnitude greater than
in the unfractured well.
• The bioremediation rate near the fractured
well was 75 percent higher for BTEX and
77 percent higher for total petroleum
hydrocarbons compared to the rates near
the unfractured well.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michael Roulier
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7796
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: roulier.michael@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
William Slack
FRX Inc.
P.O. Box 498292
Cincinnati, OH 45249
513-469-6040
Fax: 513-469-6041
-------
U.S. EPA NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
(Mobile Volume Reduction Unit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The volume reduction unit (VRU) is a pilot-
scale, mobile soil washing system designed to
remove organic contaminants and metals from
soil through particle size separation and
solubilization. The VRU can process 100
pounds of soil (dry weight) per hour.
The process subsystems consist of soil
handling and conveying, soil washing and
coarse screening, fine particle separation,
flocculation-clarification, water treatment, and
utilities. The VRU is controlled and
monitored with conventional industrial
process instrumentation and hardware.
The VRU can treat soils that contain organics
such as creosote, pentachlorophenol (PCP),
pesticides, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH), volatile organic compounds, and
semivolatile organic compounds. The VRU
also removes metals.
Decon Trailer
Steam Boiler
Filter Package
Typical VRU Operational Setup
-------
STATUS:
The VRU was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1992.
The demonstration was conducted in
November 1992 at the former Escambia
Treating Company in Pensacola, Florida. The
facility used PCP and creosote PAHs to treat
wood products from 1943 to 1982. The
Applications Analysis Report (EPA/540/
AR-93/508) is available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, the VRU operated
at a feed rate of approximately 100 pounds per
hour and a wash water-to-feed ratio of about
six to one. The following physical wash
water conditions were created by varying the
surfactant, pH, and temperature:
• Condition 1 - no surfactant, no pH
adjustment, no temperature adjustment
• Condition 2 - surfactant addition, no pH
adjustment, no temperature adjustment
• Condition 3 - surfactant addition, pH
adjustment, and temperature adjustment
The table below summarizes the analytical
data.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Richard Griffiths
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
Center Hill Facility
5595 Center Hill Road
Cincinnati, OH 45224
513-569-7832
Fax: 513-569-7879
e-mail: griffiths.richard@epa.gov
Average PCP
Average PAH
1
removal 80
removal 79
Feed soil returned as washed soil 96
Mass balance
Mass balance
Mass balance
of total mass 104
ofPCPs 108
of PAHs 87
Condition (%)
2 3
93 97
84 96
96 81
113 98
60 24
60 17
Demonstration Data
-------
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION/ENSR
CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING and LARSEN
ENGINEERS
(Ex Situ Biovault)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Ex Situ Biovault, developed by ENSR
Consulting and Engineering (ENSR) and
Larsen Engineers (Larsen), is a specially
designed, aboveground soil pile designed to
treat soils contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC). Thebiovaultis enclosed
by a double liner system; the bottom half of
the liner contains a leak detection system.
The bottom half of the liner is supported by
soil berms that serve as side walls.
To construct a biopile, a layer of gravel
containing an air distribution system is placed
on the bottom liner. The soil to be treated is
then placed over the gravel. After placing the
soil, a layer of sand containing a second air
distribution system is placed on top of the
soil. Soaker hoses are also placed on top of
the pile. Finally, the top liner is placed on the
pile and sealed at all seams. The air
distribution systems are designed to control
gas flows throughout the pile while the soaker
hoses add water and nutrients. A sump is
located in the lowest corner of the biovault
with a pump that removes the liquids that
drain through the soil pile. This liquid is
amended with nutrients as needed and
recirculated through the soaker hoses.
Together, the sump and soaker hoses form the
liquid management system (LMS).
One of the control parameters for biovault
operation is the rate of air supply. For the
SITE demonstration, two identical vaults were
constructed. One vault was operated with a
continuous supply of air throughout the course
of treatment. In the other biovault, air was
supplied intermittently in an effort to cycle the
biovault between aerobic and anaerobic
conditions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ex situ biovault is intended to treat soil
contaminated with chlorinated and
nonchlorinated VOCs, as well as SVOCs.
Soil contaminated with VOCs was treated
during the demonstration.
Water Piping
(Top)
Toe Wall
Around Pad
30'-0"
Nutrient Addition-
Contaminated
Soil
Gravel
Cross Section of the
Ex Situ Biovault System
Schematic of the Ex Situ Biovault System
-------
STATUS:
ENSR's and Larsen's ex situ biovault was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in June 1994. The pilot-scale,
multivendor treatability demonstration
(MVTD) was jointly sponsored by the New
York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC), the New York State
Center for Hazardous Waste Management,
and the SITE Program. The objectives of the
MVTD were to (1) generate field data for
biological processes, and (2) evaluate the
performance of each biological process in
meeting NYSDEC clean-up goals.
The demonstration was conducted from July
to December 1994 at the Sweden 3-Chapman
site in Sweden, New York. The soil at the site
was contaminated with elevated levels of
acetone, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene,
cis-l,2-dichloroethene, 2-butanone, 4-methyl-
2-pentanone, and toluene. The final report is
available from the vendor.
In addition to the ENSR and Larsen process,
the following systems also were
demonstrated:
• SBP Technologies, Inc., Vacuum-
Vaporized Well System
• R.E. Wright Environmental, Inc., In Situ
Bioventing Treatment System
For information on these technologies, refer to
the NYSDEC profiles in the Demonstration
Program section (completed projects).
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
95/524) is available from EPA. The
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report,
which provides more detailed demonstration
results, is being prepared.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The primary objective of the SITE
demonstration was to determine the
effectiveness of the biovaults in reducing the
concentrations of six target VOCs. The
results of the ex situ biovault technology
demonstration were as follows:
• Soil concentrations of six target VOCs
were significantly reduced over the 5-
month demonstration period, but the
treatment did not meet NYSDEC criteria.
• Analytical results and field measurements
indicated that both biovaults supported
biological processes.
• The aerobic and aerobic/anaerobic
biovaults performed similarly.
The biovault process is sensitive to ambient
temperatures, and cool temperatures during
the operating period may have negatively
impacted microbial activity. The developers
suggest initiating biovault operation in the
spring and discontinuing operation when
weather conditions become too cold to sustain
microbial activity.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA CONTACT:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697 Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
NEW YORK STATE CONTACTS:
Jim Harrington
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road, Room 268
Albany, NY 12233-7010
518-457-0337 Fax: 518-457-9639
e-mail: harrington.jim@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
David Ramsden, Ph.D.
ENSR Consulting and Engineering
3000 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77098
713-520-9900 Fax: 713-520-6802
N. Sathiyakumar, Ph.D., P.E.
Larsen Engineers
700 West Metro Park
Rochester, NY 14623-2678
716-272-7310 Fax:716-272-0159
-------
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION/SCIENCE
APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORP.
(In Situ Bioventing Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The In Situ Bioventing Treatment System,
process uses bioventing technology to induce
aerobic biological degradation of chlorinated
compounds. A series of extraction and
injection wells is used to amend the soil
environment, creating optimum growth
conditions for the indigenous bacteria.
Anhydrous ammonia and methane are injected
into the subsurface to stimulate the growth of
methanotrophic microorganisms.
Methanotrophs have the enzymatic
capabilities to degrade chlorinated solvents
through a cometabolic process.
The treatment system consists of an injection
and extraction well field and a soil gas
extraction-amendment injection blower unit
(see photograph below). The blower unit is
operated in the vacuum mode long enough to
adequately aerate the subsoil and provide
oxygen for the aerobic bacteria. Injection
wells are located between the extraction wells
and are manifolded to the pressure port of the
blower unit. Anhydrous ammonia is
periodically injected into the subsoil to
provide a source of nitrogen for the aerobic
bacteria. In addition, methane gas is
periodically injected to stimulate the growth
of methanotrophs. The positive displacement
blower unit is equipped with a moisture
knockout tank, an automatic water discharge
pump, and a control panel that allows remote
operation of the system. Air and water
discharges are typically treated with granular
activated carbon prior to final discharge.
Normal system monitoring consists of
periodic soil sampling and analysis and soil
gas monitoring. Soil samples are collected
and analyzed for volatile organic compounds
(VOC), soil fertility parameters, and
microbiological parameters such as
In Situ Bioventing Treatment System
-------
trichloroethene (TCE) degraders and
methanotrophs. In situ respiration tests are
conducted to determine the relative activity of
the bacteria in the soil.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology can treat both chlorinated and
non chlorinated VOCs and semivolatile
organic compounds that are biodegradable.
The in situ bioventing system process was
developed to treat volatile chlorinated
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the
unsaturated soil zone.
STATUS:
The in situ bioventing system process was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in June 1994. The in situ bioventing
system process was part of a pilot-scale,
multivendor treatability demonstration
(MVTD) that was jointly sponsored by the
New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC), the New York State
Center for Hazardous Waste Management,
and the SITE Program. The objectives of the
MVTD were to (1) generate field data for
three biological processes, and (2) evaluate
the performance of each biological process in
meeting NYSDEC cleanup goals.
The demonstration took place from July to
December 1994 at the Sweden 3-Chapman
site in Sweden, New York and coincided with
the ongoing remediation of the site. Soil at
the site contained elevated levels of TCE,
acetone, tetrachloroethene, dichloroethene,
and toluene. The Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-95/525) is available from EPA.
The Innovative Technology Evaluation
Report, which provides more detailed
demonstration results, is being prepared.
In addition to the in situ bioventing process,
the following technologies were also
demonstrated:
• SBP Technologies, Inc., Vacuum-
Vaporized Well system
• ENSR Consulting and Engineering
and Larsen Engineers Ex Situ
Biovault
For information on these technologies, refer to
the NYSDEC profiles in the Demonstration
Program section (completed projects).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration results indicated that
the REWEI process reduced contaminants in
the soil. The initial mass of TCE in the soil
was reduced by 92 percent with 80 percent
removal attributed to biodegradation and 12
percent removed by vapor extraction. Results
of the microbiological analyses indicate that
the number of total heterotrophic, TCE-
degrading, and methane-degrading
microorganisms increased during treatment.
The inorganic soil nitrogen content increased
due to the subsurface injection of anhydrous
ammonia.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Jim Harrington
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road, Room 268
Albany, NY 12233-7010
518-457-3337
Fax: 518-457-9639
e-mail: harrington.jim@epa.gov
Richard Cronce
Science Applications International Corp.
6310 Allentown Blvd.
Harrisburg, PA17112
717-901-8100
Fax:717-901-8105
-------
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION/SBP
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Groundwater Circulation Biological Treatment Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The SBP Technologies, Inc. (SBP),
remediation program uses an in situ
Unterdruck-Verdampfer-Brunnen (UVB)
vertical groundwater circulation well
technology, which has been enhanced with an
in situ bioreactor to treat soil and groundwater
contaminated with chlorinated and non-
chlorinated volatile organic compounds
(VOC). This process consists of a specially
adapted groundwater circulation well,
reduced-pressure stripping reactor, an in situ
bioreactor, and an aboveground vapor-phase
bioreactor.
The UVB technology was developed by IEG
mbH in Germany and is distributed in the U.S.
by IEG Technologies Corporation. SBP
obtained the rights to implement this
technology and enhanced it to create a more
effective in situ bioremediation technology.
The microbiologically enhanced vertical
circulation well technology simultaneously
treats the vadose zone, capillary fringe, and
Vacuum-Vaporized Well (UVB)
System Standard Circulation
saturated zones. During the demonstration, a
groundwater convection (circulation) cell was
created radially within the aquifer around the
16-inch UVB well. The UVB well consisted
of upper and lower screens separated by a
solid riser casing (see the figure below). The
lower screen was isolated from the upper
screen by a packer, creating two separate
screened zones. Contaminated groundwater
flowed into the lower screen of the UVB well
and was pumped to the upper section. The
water rose through the in situ fixed film
bioreactor, initially reducing the contaminant
load. Groundwater then flowed to the in situ
aerator/stripping reactor, where fresh ambient
air was mixed with the contaminated
groundwater.
The convection cell was developed by
allowing the treated groundwater to exit into
the upper aquifer. The untreated VOCs
exiting the in situ bioreactor system were
stripped before the groundwater flowed out of
the upper screen into the aquifer as clean
water. Oxygenated groundwater from the
shallow aquifer circulated to the deep aquifer
zone and through the fixed film bioreactor to
provide for aerobic degradation. This
circulation created a remediation circulation
cell in a glacial till geologic formation.
In conjunction with the groundwater
remediation, the upper double-cased screen in
the well allowed for a one-way soil air flow
from the vadose zone to the UVB. This one-
way soil venting, created by the reduced-
pressure developed in the well by the blower,
simultaneously remediated the contaminated
unsaturated and capillary fringe zones.
The off-gases from the in situ
aerator/stripping reactor passed through an ex
situ gas-phase bioreactor for further
biotreatment followed by granular activated
carbon treatment before they were vented.
This bioreactor consisted of spirally wound,
-------
microporous, polyvinyl chloride-silica sheets
that served as a biosupport for Pseudomonas
cepacia (strain 17616), a known
trichloroethene (TCE) degrader. VOCs in the
off-gases, such as toluene, benzene, xylene,
TCE, and others, were also biologically
treated rough a cometabolic process in the
gas-phase bioreactor.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology treats soil and groundwater
contaminated with chlorinated and
nonchlorinated VOCs.
STATUS:
The UVB system was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in June 1994. The
pilot-scale, multivendor treatability
demonstration (MVTD) was jointly sponsored
by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the
New York State Center for Hazardous Waste
Management, and the SITE Program. The
objectives of the MVTD were to (1) generate
field data for three biological processes, and
(2) evaluate the performance of each
biological process in meeting NYSDEC
cleanup goals.
The demonstration took place at the Sweden
3-Chapman site in Sweden, New York.
Field work began in July 1994 and was
completed in fall 1995. Final reports from the
demonstration are available from EPA.
The UVB demonstration coincided with the
remediation of the site. Soil at the site
contained elevated levels of TCE, acetone,
tetrachloroethene, dichloroethene, and
toluene. The contaminants of concern (COC)
were monitored at 15 groundwater monitoring
wells, across the in situ bioreactor, the vadose
zone soils, and the ex situ bioreactor, to
evaluate the system's performance. A dye
tracer test was conducted to determine the
extent of the groundwater circulation cell.
In addition to the SBP process, the following
technologies were also demonstrated:
• R.E. Wright Environmental, Inc., In Situ
Bioventing Treatment System
• ENSR Consulting and Engineering and
Larsen Engineers Ex Situ Biovault
For information on these technologies, refer to
the NYSDEC profiles in the Demonstration
Program section (completed projects).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, an in situ vertical
groundwater circulation cell was established
with an effective radius of 40 feet. The UVB
system reduced the concentration of COCs in
groundwater. The in situ bioreactor provided
biotreatment of the COCs in the dissolved
phase; removal of COCs from soils was also
demonstrated. An ex situ bioreactor was
effective in treating off-gas vapors from the
UVB system prior to final polishing. Mass
balance calculations determined that at least
75 percent of the target COCs in soil and
groundwater, within the UVB's radius of
influence, were removed during the
demonstration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469 Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Jim Harrington
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road, Room 268
Albany, NY 12233-7010
518-457-0337 Fax:518-457-9639
e-mail: harrington.jim@epa.gov
Richard Desrosiers
SBP Technologies, Inc.
106 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, NY 10604
914-694-2280 Fax: 914-694-2286
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PHARMACIA CORPORATION
(formerly Monsanto/DuPont)
(Lasagna™ In Situ Soil Remediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Lasagna™ process, so named because of
its treatment layers, combines electroosmosis
with treatment layers which are installed
directly into the contaminated soil to form an
integrated, in-situ remedial process. The
layers may be configured vertically or
horizontally (see figures below). The process
is designed to treat soil and groundwater
contaminants completely in situ, without the
use of injection or extraction wells.
The outer layers consist of either positively or
negatively charged electrodes which create an
electrical potential field. The electrodes
create an electric field which moves
contaminants in soil pore fluids into or
through treatment layers. In the vertical
configuration, rods that are steel or granular
graphite and iron filings can be used as
electrodes. In the horizontal configuration,
the electrodes and treatment zones are
installed by hydraulic fracturing. Granular
graphite is used for the electrodes and the
treatment zones are granular iron (for zero-
A. Horizontal Configuration
electrode wells
;round surface
Electrode
Electroosmotic
and Gravitational
Liquid Flow
valent, metal-enhanced, reductive
dechloronation) or granular activated carbon
(for biodegradation by methanotropic
mi croorgani sms).
The orientation of the electrodes and
treatment zones depends on the characteristics
of the site and the contaminants. In general,
the vertical configuration is probably more
applicable to more shallow contamination,
within 50 feet of the ground surface. The
horizontal configuration, using hydraulic
fracturing or related methods, is uniquely
capable of treating much deeper
contamination.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process is designed for use in fine-
grained soils (clays and silts) where water
movement is slow and it is difficult to move
contaminants to extraction wells. The process
induces water movement to transport
contaminants to the treatment zones so the
contaminants must have a high solubility or
miscibility in water. Solvents
B. Vertical Configuration
ground surface I
Electrode
Treatment Zones
-------
such as trichloroethylene and soluble metal
salts can be treated successfully while low-
solubility compounds such as polychlorinated
biphenyls and polyaromatic hydrocarbons
cannot.
STATUS:
The Lasagna™ process (vertical
configuration) was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1995. Two patents
covering the technology have been granted to
Monsanto, and the term Lasagna™ has also
been trademarked by Monsanto. Developing
the technology so that it can be used with
assurance for site remediation is the overall
objective of the sponsoring consortium.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The vertical configuration demonstration by
Pharmacia at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in
Paducah, Kentucky, has been completed. The
analysis of trends in TCE contamination of
soil before and after Lasagna™ treatment
indicated that substantial decreases did occur
and the technology can be used to meet action
levels.
The horizontal configuration demonstration
by the University of Cincinnati and EPA at
Rickenbacker ANGB (Columbus, OH) has
been completed and both cells
decommissioned. The cells were installed in
soil containing TCE. The work demonstrated
that horizontal Lasagna™ installations are
feasible and that the installation results in
some treatment of contaminants. The extent
of treatment of the TCE-contaminated soil
was not clear because of the small size of the
cells and transport of TCE into the cells from
adjacent contaminated areas.
In cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, EPA
installed two horizontal configuration
Lasagna™ cells in TCE-contaminated soil at
Offutt AFB (Omaha, ME) in November 1998.
The cells have been in operation since
September 2000. An interim sampling in
December 2000 at the four locations with
highest concentrations in each cell showed
slight decreases in organic chloride in one
cell, but these were not statistically different
from initial (pretreatment) concentrations. A
second interim sampling will be conducted in
June 2001 and the final (posttreatment)
sampling in September 2001.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Wendy Davis-Hoover
Michael Roulier, Ph.D.
EPA Research Team
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7206 (Davis-Hoover)
513-569-7796 (Roulier)
Fax: 513-569-7879
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER:
Sa V. Ho, Ph.D.
Monsanto Company
800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63167
314-694-5179
Fax:314-694-1531
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PHYTOKINETICS, INC.
(Phytoremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Phytoremediation is the treatment of
contaminated soils, sediments, and
groundwater with higher plants. Several
biological mechanisms are involved in
phytoremediation. The plant's ability to
enhance bacterial and fungal degradative
processes is important in the treatment of
soils. Plant-root exudates, which contain
nutrients, metabolites, and enzymes,
contribute to the stimulation of microbial
activity. In the zone of soil closely associated
with the plant root (rhizosphere), expanded
populations of metabolically active microbes
can biodegrade organic soil contaminants.
The application of phytoremediation involves
characterizing the site and determining the
proper planting strategy to maximize the
interception and degradation of organic
contaminants. Site monitoring ensures that
the planting strategy is proceeding as planned.
The following text discusses (1) using grasses
-."!««..
to remediate surface soils contaminated with
organic chemical wastes (Figure 1), and (2)
planting dense rows of poplar trees to treat
organic contaminants in the saturated
groundwater zone (Figure 2).
Soil Remediation - Phytoremediation is best
suited for surface soils contaminated with
intermediate levels of organic contaminants.
Preliminary soil phytotoxicity tests are
conducted at a range of contaminant
concentrations to select plants which are
tolerant. The contaminants should be
relatively nonleachable, and must be within
the reach of plant roots. Greenhouse-scale
treatability studies are often used to select
appropriate plant species.
Grasses are frequently used because of their
dense fibrous root systems. The selected
species are planted, soil nutrients are added,
and the plots are intensively cultivated. Plant
shoots are cut during the growing season to
maintain vegetative, as opposed to
Phytoremediation of Surface Soil
Phytoremediation of the Saturated Zone
-------
reproductive, growth. Based on the types and
concentrations of contaminants, several
growing seasons may be required to meet the
site's remedial goals.
Groundwater Remediation - The use of poplar
trees for the treatment of groundwater relies in
part on the tree's high rate of water use to
create a hydraulic barrier. This technology
requires the establishment of deep roots that
use water from the saturated zone.
Phytokinetics uses deep-rooted, water-loving
trees such as poplars to intercept groundwater
plumes and reduce contaminant levels.
Poplars are often used because they are
phreatophytic; that is, they have the ability to
use water directly from the saturated zone.
A dense double or triple row of rapidly
growing poplars is planted downgradient from
the plume, perpendicular to the direction of
groundwater flow. Special cultivation
practices are use to induce deep root systems.
The trees can create a zone of depression in
the groundwater during the summer months
because of their high rate of water use.
Groundwater contaminants may tend to be
stopped by the zone of depression, becoming
adsorbed to soil particles in the aerobic
rhizosphere of the trees. Reduced
contaminant levels in the downgradient
groundwater plume would result from the
degradative processes described above.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Phytoremediation is used for soils, sediments,
and groundwater containing intermediate
levels of organic contaminants.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1995. The
demonstration occurred at the former Chevron
Terminal #129-0350 site in Ogden, Utah. A
total of 40 hybrid poplar trees were planted
using a deep rooting techniques in 1996 and
data were collected through 1999 growing
season.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Water removal rates estimated using a water
use multiplier and leaf area index to adjust a
reference evapo-ranspiration rate was 5
gallons per day per tree in 1998 and 113
gallons per day per tree in 1999. Water
removal rates determined using SAP velocity
measurements done in September and October
of 1998 agreed closely with the estimated
values. Although the trees transpired a
volume of water equivalent to a 10-ft
thickness of the saturated zone, water table
elevation data collected in 1999 did not
indicate a depression in the water table.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ari Ferro
Phytokinetics, Inc.
1770 North Research Parkway
Suite 110
North Logan, UT 84341-1941
435-750-0985
Fax: 435-750-6296
-------
PINTAIL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Spent Ore Bioremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses microbial detoxification
of cyanide in heap leach processes to reduce
cyanide levels in spent ore and process
solutions. The biotreatment populations of
natural soil bacteria are grown to elevated
concentrations, which are applied to spent ore
by drip or spray irrigation. Process solutions
are treated with bacteria concentrates in
continuous or batch applications. This
method may also enhance metal
remineralization, reducing acid rock drainage
and enhancing precious metal recovery to
offset treatment costs.
Biotreatment of cyanide in spent ore and ore
processing solutions begins by identifying
bacteria that will grow in the waste source and
that use the cyanide for normal cell building
reactions. Native isolates are ideally adapted
to the spent ore environment, the available
nutrient pool, and potential toxic components
of the heap environment. The cyanide-
detoxifying bacteria are typically a small
fraction of the overall population of cyanide-
tolerant species.
For this reason, native bacteria isolates are
extracted from the ore and tested for cyanide
detoxification potential as individual species.
Cyanide-leached spent ore
Carbon circuit
(metal stripping)
Any natural detoxification potentials
demonstrated in flask cyanide decomposition
tests are preserved and submitted for
bioaugmentation. Bioaugmentation of the
cyanide detoxification population eliminates
nonworking species of bacteria and enhances
the natural detoxification potential by growth
in waste infusions and chemically defined
media. Pintail Systems, Inc. (PSI) maintains
a bacterial library of some 2,500 strains of
microorganisms and a database of their
characteristics.
The working population of treatment bacteria
is grown in spent ore infusion broths and
process solutions to adapt to field operating
conditions. The cyanide in the spent ore
serves as the primary carbon or nitrogen
source for bacteria nutrition. Other required
trace nutrients are provided in the chemically
defined broths. The bacterial consortium is
then tested on spent ore in a 6-inch-by-l 0-foot
column in the field or in the laboratory. The
column simulates leach pile conditions, so
that detoxification rates, process completion,
and effluent quality can be verified.
Following column tests, a field test may be
conducted to verify column results.
The spent ore is remediated by first setting up
a stage culturing system to establish working
TCN, WAD CN,
metals
Au, Ag
Spent Ore Bioremediation Process
-------
populations of cyanide-degrading bacteria at
the mine site. Bacterial solutions are then
applied directly to the heap using the same
system originally designed to deliver cyanide
solutions to the heap leach pads (see figure on
previous page). Cyanide concentrations and
teachable metals are then measured in heap
leach solutions. This method of cyanide
degradation in spent ore leach pads degrades
cyanide more quickly than methods which
treat only rinse solutions from the pad. In
addition to cyanide degradation, biological
treatment of heap leach pads has also shown
significantbiomineralization and reduction of
teachable metals in heap leachate solutions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The spent ore bioremediation process can be
applied to treat cyanide contamination, spent
ore heaps, waste rock dumps, mine tailings,
and process water from gold and silver mining
operations.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in May 1994. The
field treatability study was conducted, at the
Echo Bay/McCoy Cover mine site near Battle
Mountain, Nevada, between June 11, 1997
and August 26, 1997.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the study are summarized below:
• The average % WAD CN reduction
attributable to the Biocyanide process was
89.3 during the period from July 23 to
August 26. The mean concentration of the
feed over this period was 233 ppm, while
the treated effluent from the bioreactors
was 25 ppm. A control train, used to
detect abiotic loss of cyanide, revealed no
destruction of cyanide (average control
affluent = 242 ppm).
• Metals that were monitored as part of this
study were As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg,
Ni, Se, Ag, andZn. Significant reductions
were noted fro all metals except Fe and
Mn. Average reduction in metals
concentration after July 23 for all other
metals were 92.7% for As 91.6% for Cd,
61.6% for Co, 81,4% for Cu, 95.6% for
Hg, 65.0% for Ni, 76.3% for Se, 94.6%
for Ag, and 94.6% for Zn. Reductions for
As, Cd, Co, and Se are probably greater
than calculated due to non-detect levels in
some effluent samples. A
biomineralization mechanism is proposed
for the removal of metals for solution.
Biomineralization is a process in which
microbes mediate biochemical reactions
forming novel mineral assemblages on
solid matrices.
• The Aqueous Biocyanide Process was
operated fro two and one-half months.
During the first 42 days (June 11 to July
22) system performance was variable, and
occasional downtimes were encountered.
This was due to greatly higher cyanide
and metals concentration in the feed than
was encountered during benchscale and
design phases of the project. Once
optimized for the more concentrated feed,
the system performed well with
continuous operation for 35 days (July 23
to August 26). The ability to "re-
engineer" the system in the field to
accommodate the new waste stream is a
positive attribute of the system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Patrick Clark
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7561
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: clark.patrick@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Leslie Thompson
Pintail Systems, Inc.
4701 Ironton Street
Denver, CO 80239
303-367-8443
Fax:303-364-2120
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PRAXIS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(In Situ Thermally Enhanced Extraction (TEE) Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PRAXIS TEE in situ thermal extraction
process heats soil with steam injection,
enhancing pump-and-treat and soil vapor
extraction processes used to treat volatile
organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile
organic compounds (SVOC). This process is
an effective and relatively inexpensive tech-
nique to raise a target soil volume to a nearly
uniform temperature.
As illustrated in the figure below, steam is
introduced to the soil through injection wells
screened in contaminated intervals. The
vacuum applied to the extraction wells, during
and after steam/hot air injection, forms a
pneumatic barrier at the treatment
boundaries. This barrier limits lateral
migration of steam and contaminants while air
sweeping the steam zone boundaries carries
contaminants to extraction wells.
Groundwater and liquid contaminants are
pumped from the extraction wells; steam, air,
and vaporized contaminants are extracted
under vacuum. After the soil is heated by
steam injection, the injection wells can
introduce additional agents to facilitate the
cleanup.
Recovered vapors pass through a condenser.
The resulting condensate is combined with
pumped liquids for processing in separation
equipment. Separated nonaqueous phase
liquids (NAPL) can be recycled or disposed
of, and the water is treated prior to discharge.
The noncondensible gases are directed to a
vapor treatment system consisting of (1)
catalytic oxidation equipment, (2) activated
carbon filters, or (3) other applicable vapor
technologies. The in situ thermal extraction
process uses conventional injection, extraction
and monitoring wells, off-the-shelf piping,
steam generators, condensers, heat
exchangers, separation equipment, vacuum
pumps, and vapor emission control
equipment.
VACUUM PUMP
WATER
FUEL
AIR
WATER
NAPL
i~ STEAM TO
INJECTION
WELLS
CLAY
CLAY
In Situ Thermal Extraction Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The in situ thermal extraction process
removes VOCs and SVOCs from
contaminated soils and groundwater. The
process primarily treats chlorinated solvents
such as trichloroethene (TCE),
tetrachloroethene (PCE), and dichloro-
benzene; hydrocarbons such as gasoline,
diesel, and jet fuel; and mixtures of these
compounds.
The process can be applied to rapid cleanup of
source areas such as dense NAPL pools below
the water table surface, light NAPL pools
floating on the water table surface, and NAPL
contamination remaining after using
conventional pumping techniques.
Subsurface conditions are amenable to
biodegradation of residual contaminants, if
necessary, after application of the thermal
process. A cap is required for implementation
of the process near the soil surface. For dense
NAPL compounds in high concentrations, a
barrier must be present or created to prevent
downward percolation of the NAPLs. The
process is applicable in less permeable soils
with the use of novel delivery systems such as
horizontal wells or fracturing.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in August 1993. The
demonstration occurred at a former waste
management area located at Operable Unit 2
at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, during
June and July 1997. The demonstration site
was the location of two former unlined
trenches that received unknown quantities of
various chlorinated solvent wastes from 1967
to 1975.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration focused primarily on
assessing and recovering dense NAPL from
the trough area and reducing TCE and PCE
levels in the lower saturated zone so as to
meet or exceed the Record of Decision (ROD)
cleanup goals and the Preliminary Remedial
Goals (PRG) established for the site's soils.
Soil PRGs for TCE and PCE were 58
milligrams per kilogram (mg/Kg) and 12
mg/Kg respectively. A total of 41 post-
characterization soil samples were collected to
determine if these goals were met by the
technology. Thirty-five of the 41 samples had
PCE concentrations below the PRG. Thirty-
five of the 41 samples also had TCE
concentrations below the PRG. There were
33 samples that had both TCE and PCE
concentrations below the specified PRGs.
Detailed reports on the demonstration are in
preparation and will be available from EPA in
2001. The developer is presently seeking
patents on various aspects of the system,
while continuing to seek opportunities at other
U.S. Department of Defense facilities.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Dr. Lloyd Stewart
Praxis Environmental Technologies, Inc.
1440 Rollins Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-548-9288
Fax: 650-548-9287
e-mail: LDS@praxis-enviro.com
Major Paul B. Devane
U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory,
Environics Directorate
139 Barnes Drive, Suite 2
Tyndall AFB, FL 32403-5319
850-283-6288
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REGENESIS
(Time Release Electron Acceptors and Donors
for Accelerated Natural Attenuation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Regenesis technology is defined as the
use of time-released electron acceptors and
electron donors for the passive, long-term and
cost effective acceleration of the
bioremediation component of natural
attenuation. The specific products are 1)
Oxygen Release Compound (ORC®), which
provides the electron acceptor oxygen to
enhance the aerobic bioremediation of
compounds such as petroleum hydrocarbons
and 2) Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC®),
which provides the electron donor hydrogen
to enhance the anaerobic bioremediation of
compounds such as chlorinated solvents.
ORC® is a proprietary formulation of
magnesium peroxide that only releases
oxygen when hydrated and can provide a
continuous source of oxygen (electron
acceptor) for up to 12 months. HRC® is a
polylactate ester and also requires hydration
before it releases lactic acid, a fermentable
substrate, which generates hydrogen (electron
donor) for up to 18 months. Treatment is
typically in situ and both products are applied
to the subsurface via direct-push injection or
borehole delivery methods. If needed, both
products can be applied directly to open
excavations via broadcast application
techniques. These methods, as illustrated in
Figure 1, can be used to emplace barriers to
plume migration or be used directly in the
plume to treat dissolved and residual
contaminant mass.
The bioremediation component of natural
attenuation describes a process by which
contaminants are reduced in concentration
over time by biological action. The process is
facilitated by microbes that can be aerobic or
anaerobic, requiring either oxygen or
hydrogen respectively, to help carry out the
degradation of target contaminants. At most
sites the subsurface is lacking in these key
substrates, which prevents the natural
microbial population from facilitating
bioremediation. The use of time-released
substrates such as ORC® and HRC® typically
accelerates natural attenuation 10 to 100 times
faster than unassisted natural attenuation.
1
Source
Plume
Treatment
Barrier
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
ORC® and HRC® can be applied to
chlorinated solvents and hydrocarbon-
contaminated groundwater plumes and soils.
STATUS:
Regenesis was invited to participate in the
SITE Demonstration Program in 2000-2001 at
two specific sites, Fisherville Mill and the
Rocky Mountain Arsenal.
Fisherville Mill -Grafton, Massachusetts
Currently a pilot scale study is being
conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of
using HRC® to reduce the concentration of
trichloroethylene (TCE) in groundwater at the
Fisherville Mill site in Grafton, MA. This site
is considered a Brownfield site and has a
sandy gravel aquifer impacted with the
chlorinated solvent. The Pilot test consists of
an array of 15 2-inch-diameter injection wells
constructed to deliver the HRC® to the
subsurface. The wells were constructed of
PVC with a 10-foot screened interval. The
HRC® injection well array was installed
downgradient of an existing monitoring well.
Ten new monitoring wells were constructed
downgradient of the HRC injection array to
track the progress of the accelerated reductive
dechlorination. Hundred pounds of HRC®
were injected into each injection well for a
total of 1,500 Ibs. of HRC®. This activity
began in July 2000 and monitoring was
scheduled to continue through October 2001.
A report was scheduled to be released in
December 2001.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal- Denver,
Colorado
Another HRC® field pilot scale study is being
carried out at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal.
The field demonstration is designed to treat a
plume in the northern portion of Basin F that
is contaminated by several organic
compounds including PCE, TCE, chloroform,
methylene chloride, dieldrin and di-
isopropylmethyl phosphonate (DIMP). Based
on a 60-day bench-scale study completed in
March 2000, HRC® was shown to be very
effective in dramatically reducing the entire
range of contaminants, which prompted the
Rocky Mountain Arsenal Water Team to
arrange a field pilot test at the site. The
recently installed pilot consists of a permeable
reactive barrier utilizing 41 HRC® injection
points at depths of 42 ft to 54 ft below the
ground surface. Thirty-three pounds of HRC®
were injected into each injection point for a
total of 1,353 Ibs of HRC® using direct-push
technology and high-pressure injection
techniques. This activity began in May 2001
and monitoring is scheduled to continue
through October 2001. A report is scheduled
to be released for December 2001.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA/NRMRL
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Stephen Koenigsberg, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and
Development Regenesis Bioremediation
Products
1011 CalleSombra
San Clemente, CA 92673
949-366-8000/Fax: 949-366-8090
e-mail: steve@regenesis.com
www .regenesis.com
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REGION 8 AND STATE OF COLORADO
(Multiple Innovative Passive Mine Drainage Technologies)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
These technologies include a successive
alkalinity producing system (SAPS) and a
lime addition approach known as the Aquafix
system for removing high concentrations of
metals (aluminum, copper, iron, manganese,
and zinc) from acid mine drainage (AMD). A
third treatment technology, an ion exchange
system using a mixture of zeolites, was slated
for evaluation as well, but construction delays
precluded the collection of sufficient data
from that system.
The SAPS technology has been developed in
public domain over the past 10 years for the
remediation of AMD. A SAPS is a pond that
contains a combination of limestone and
compost overlain by several feet of water (see
figure). Mine drainage enters at the top of the
pond; flows down through the compost, where
the drainage gains alkalinity and the
oxidation-reduction potential decreases; then
flows into the limestone below. Dissolution
of the limestone increases the alkalinity of the
water, resulting in the precipitation of metals.
The Aquafix system, a proprietary technology
of the Aquafix Corporation, uses lime to
increase the pH of the AMD. In this system,
a portion of the influent AMD is channeled to
turn a water wheel on the Aquafix unit,
driving an auger that drops lime from a
hopper into the rest of the AMD that is
flowing below (see figure). After the lime is
added, the AMD is routed through a rock
drain to promote mixing and dissolution of the
lime and to aerate the AMD. The more
alkaline and aerobic conditions cause metals
to precipitate from solution.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
These technologies are suitable for any acidic
water containing high concentrations of
metals. Treatment at very low concentrations
is likely not achievable.
q»ftefs Flo»
-------
STATUS:
The SAPS technology is in the public domain
and has been used in several locations in the
midwestern and eastern United States. The
Aquafix system is commercially available and
has been used at several mine sites in the
United States and Canada.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration site was the Summitville
Mine Superfund Site in the San Juan
Mountains in southwestern Colorado. The
drainage water at the site is highly acidic and
contains high concentrations of metals. The
results of the demonstration program indicate
that both the SAPS and Aquafix systems
removed significant percentages of aluminum,
copper, iron, manganese, and zinc from the
AMD. Removal efficiencies for the SAPS
ranged from 11 percent (manganese) to 97
percent (aluminum) for metals while the
removal rate for the Aquafix system was 97
(aluminum and manganese) to 99 percent
(copper, iron, and zinc).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Edward Bates
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
26 West Martin Luther King Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
SAPS
George Watzlaf
U.S. Department of Energy
Federal Energy Technology Center
626 Cochrans Mill Road
P.O. Box 10940
Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
412-386-6754
e-mail: watlaf@fetc.doe.gov
Aquafix
Mike Jenkins
Aquafix Corporation
301 Maple Lane
Kingwood, WV 26537
304-329-1056
www.aquafix.com
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REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly MoTech, Inc.)
(Liquid and Solids Biological Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Liquid and solids biological treatment (LSI)
is a process that remediates soils and sludges
contaminated with biodegradable organics
(see figure below). The process is similar to
activated sludge treatment of municipal and
industrial wastewaters, but it treats suspended
solids concentrations greater than 20 percent.
First, an aqueous slurry of the waste material
is prepared, and environmental conditions
such as nutrient concentrations, temperature,
and pH are optimized for biodegradation. The
slurry is then mixed and aerated for a
sufficient time to degrade the target waste
constituents.
Several physical process configurations are
possible, depending on site- and
waste-specific conditions. Waste can be
treated continuously or in batches in
impoundment-based reactors. This
configuration is sometimes the only practical
option for projects greater than 10,000 cubic
yards. Alternatively, tank-based systems may
be constructed. Constituent losses due to
volatilization must be controlled during LST
operations. The potential for emissions is
greatest in batch treatment systems and lowest
in continuously stirred tank reactor systems,
particularly those with long residence times.
Technologies such as carbon adsorption and
biofiltration can control emissions.
LST may require pre- and posttreatment
operations. However, in situ applications that
store treated sludge residues do not require
multiple unit operations.
Overall bioremediation in a hybrid system
consisting of LST and land treatment systems
can provide an alternative to landfilling
treated solids. This combination rapidly
degrades volatile constituents in a contained
system, rendering the waste suitable for
landfilling.
Contaminated
Soil
Water
Nutrients
Microbes
Cleaned
Soil
Dewatering
Return Soils
to Site
Air
Liquid and Solids Biological Treatment
-------
Remediation Technologies, Inc. (ReTeC), has
constructed a mobile LST pilot system for
field demonstrations. The system consists of
two reactors, two 2,000-gallon holding tanks,
and aassociated process equipment. The
reactors are aerated using coarse bubble
diffusers and mixed using axial flow turbine
mixers. The reactors can operate separately,
or as batch or continuous systems. Oxygen
and pH are continuously monitored and
recorded. Additional features include
antifoaming and temperature control systems.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology treats sludges, sediments, and
soils containing biodegradable organic
materials. To date, the process has mainly
treated sludges containing petroleum and
wood preservative organics such as creosote
and pentachlorophenol (PCP). LST has
treated polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAH), PCP, and a broad range of petroleum
hydrocarbons in the laboratory and the field.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1987. The
technology was demonstrated under SITE at
the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
facility at Harbor Point in Utica, New York
from June through August 1995. The
following equipment was used for the
demonstration: (l)a 10,000-gallon cylindrical
tank (12-foot diameter) with bottom-mounted
air diffusers that provided aeration and
assisted in suspending solids; (2) a tank cover
outfitted with exhaust piping that contained
and channeled air discharge; and (3) a spray
system that recircultated liquid from within
the tank to disperse foam buildup.
ReTeC has applied the technology in the field
over a dozen times to treat wood preservative
sludges with impoundment-type LST systems.
In addition, LST has treated petroleum
refinery impoundment sludges in two
field-based pilot demonstrations and several
laboratory treatability studies.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Analytical results from the SITE
demonstration showed a reduction in oil and
grease concentrations from 14,500 to 3,100
milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), or 79
percent; total PAH concentrations were
reduced from 137 to 51 mg/kg, or 63 percent;
and total benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylene concentrations were reduced from
0.083 to 0.030 mg/kg, or 64 percent. PAH
teachability in the solids was reduced to
nondetect levels after treatment. Toxicity of
the solids to earthworms was also decreased
by the treatment. Only 24 percent of the
earthworms survived when added to untreated
contaminated soil, while earthworms placed in
treated soil showed no toxic effects.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Merv Cooper
Remediation Technologies, Inc.
1011 S.W. Klickitat Way, Suite 207
Seattle, WA 98134
206-624-9349
Fax: 206-624-2839
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RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMPANY
(B.E.S.T. Solvent Extraction Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Solvent extraction treats sludges, sediments,
and soils contaminated with a wide range of
hazardous contaminants including
polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCB), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), pesticides, and
herbicides. The waste matrix is separated into
three fractions: oil, water, and solids.
Organic contaminants, such as PCBs, are
concentrated in the oil fraction, while metals
are separated into the solids fraction. The
volume and toxicity of the original waste is
thereby reduced, and the concentrated waste
streams can be efficiently treated for disposal.
The B.E.S.T. technology is a mobile solvent
extraction system that uses secondary or
tertiary amine solvents to separate organics
from soils, sediments, and sludges. The
B.E.S.T. solvents are hydrophobic above
20°C and hydrophilic below 20 °C. This
property allows the process to extract both
aqueous and nonaqueous compounds by
changing the solvent temperature.
Pretreatment includes screening the waste to
remove particles larger than 1 inch in
diameter, which are treated separately.
The B.E.S.T. process begins by mixing and
agitating the solvent and waste in a
mixer/settler. Solids from the mixer/settler
are then transferred to the extractor/dryer
vessel. (In most cases, waste materials may be
added directly to the extractor/dryer and the
mixer/settler is not required.) Hydrocarbons
and water in the waste simultaneously
solubilize with the solvent, creating a
homogeneous mixture. As the solvent breaks
the oil-water-solid emulsions in the waste, the
solids are released and settle by gravity. The
solvent mixture is decanted from the solids
and centrifuged to remove fine particles.
The solvent-oil-water mixture is then heated.
As the mixture's temperature increases, the
water separates from the organics and solvent.
The organics- solvent fraction is decanted and
sent to a solvent evaporator, where the solvent
is recycled. The organics are discharged for
PRIMARY SECONDARY
EXTRACTION/ I EXTRACTION/
DEWATERING ' SOLIDS
DRYING
Spent Fines Centrate
Solvent Tank Tank
B.E.S.T. Solvent Extraction Technology
-------
recycling, disposal, or treatment. The water
passes to a steam stripping column where
residual solvent is recovered for recycling.
The water is typically discharged to a local
wastewater treatment plant.
The B.E.S.T. technology is modular, allowing
for on-site treatment. The process
significantly reduces the organic
contamination concentration in the solids.
B.E.S.T. also concentrates the contaminants
into a smaller volume, allowing for efficient
final treatment and disposal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The B.E.S.T. technology can remove
hydrocarbon contaminants such as PCBs,
PAHs, pesticides, and herbicides from
sediments, sludges, or soils. System
performance can be influenced by the
presence of detergents and emulsifiers.
STATUS:
The B.E.S.T. technology was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in 1987.
The SITE demonstration was completed in
July 1992 at the Grand Calumet River site in
Gary, Indiana. The following reports are
available from EPA:
• Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-92/079)
• Technology Evaluation Report -
Volume I (EPA/540/R-92/079a)
• Technology Evaluation Report -
Volume II, Part 1 (EPA/540/R-92/079b)
• Technology Evaluation Report -
Volume II, Part 2 (EPA/540/R-92/079c)
• Technology Evaluation Report -
Volume II, Part 3 (EPA/540/R-92/079d)
The first full-scale B.E.S.T. unit was used at
the General Refining Superfund site in
Garden City, Georgia. A 75-ton-per-day
B.E.S.T. unit is being installed at Idaho
National Engineering Laboratory to extract
organic contaminants from mixed wastes.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration showed that the
B.E.S.T. process removed greater than 99
percent of the PCBs found in river
sediments without using mechanical
dewatering equipment. Treated solids
contained less than 2 milligrams per
kilogram PCBs. Comparable removal
efficiencies were noted for PAHs.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mark Meckes
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7348
Fax: 513-569-7328
e-mail: meckes.mark@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
William Heins
Ionics RCC
3006 Northup Way, Suite 200
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-828-2400 ext. 1330
Fax: 425-828-0526
Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-92/079)
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RETECH M4 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INC.
(Plasma Arc Vitrification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Plasma arc vitrification occurs in a plasma arc
centrifugal treatment (PACT) system, where
heat from a transferred plasma arc torch
creates a molten bath that detoxifies the feed
material (see figure below). Solids are melted
into the molten bath while organics are
evaporated and destroyed. Metallic feed
material can either form a separate liquid
phase underneath the metal oxide slag layer or
can be oxidized and become part of the slag
layer.
Waste material is fed into a sealed centrifuge,
where a plasma torch heats solids to
approximately 3,200°F and gas headspace to
a minimum of 1,800°F. Organic material is
evaporated and destroyed. Off-gases travel
through a gas-slag separation chamber to a
secondary chamber, where the temperature is
maintained at over 2,000°F for at least
2 seconds. The off-gases then flow through
an off-gas treatment system.
Inorganic material is reduced to a molten
phase that is uniformly heated and mixed by
the centrifuge and the plasma arc. Material
can be added in-process to control slag
quality. When the centrifuge slows, the
molten material is discharged as a
homogeneous, nonleachable, glassy slag into
a mold or drum in the slag collection chamber.
When cooled, the resulting product is a
nonleachable, glassy residue which meets
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) criteria.
The off-gas treatment system removes
particulates, acid gases, and volatilized
metals. Off-gas monitoring verifies that all
applicable environmental regulations are met.
The design of the off-gas treatment system
depends on the waste material.
The entire system is hermetically sealed and
operated below atmospheric pressure to
prevent leakage of process gases. Pressure
relief valves connected to a closed surge tank
provide relief if gas pressures in the system
exceed safe levels. Vented gas is held in the
tank, then recycled through the PACT system.
Loose Material
or Drum Feeder
Plasma Arc Centrifugal Treatment (PACT) System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology can process organic and
inorganic solid and liquid wastes. It is most
appropriate for mixed, transuranic, and
chemical plant wastes; soil containing both
heavy metals and organics; incinerator ash;
and munitions, sludge, and hospital waste.
Waste may be loose (shredded or flotation
process) or contained in 55-gallon drums. It
can be in almost any physical form: liquid,
sludge, metal, rock, or sand. Volatile metals
in the waste, such as mercury, are recovered
by the off-gas treatment system.
STATUS:
The PACT-6 System, formerly PCF-6, was
demonstrated under the SITE Program in July
1991 at the Component Development and
Integration Facility of the U. S. Department of
Energy in Butte, Montana. During the
demonstration, about 4,000 pounds of waste
was processed. The waste consisted of heavy
metal-bearing soil from Silver Bow Creek
Superfund site spiked with 28,000 parts per
million (ppm) of zinc oxide, 1,000 ppm of
hexachlorobenzene, and a 90-to-10 weight
ratio of No. 2 diesel oil. All feed and effluent
streams were sampled. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/M5-91/007), Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/A5-91/007), and
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/
5-91/007b) are available from EPA.
During subsequent testing at the Component
Development and Integration Facility, the
PACT-6 system achieved the following
results:
• Hexachlorobenzene was at or below
detection limits in all off-gas samples.
The minimum destruction removal
efficiency ranged from 99.9968 percent to
greater than 99.9999 percent.
• The treated material met TCLP standards
for organic and inorganic constituents.
• Particulates in the off-gas exceeded the
regulatory standard. The off-gas
treatment system is being modified
accordingly. Particulate emissions from
another PACT-8 system in Switzerland
were measured at l/200th of the U.S.
regulatory limit.
• Nitrous oxide (NOX) levels were very high
during the demonstration, but can meet
stricter standards. While NOX
concentrations during the demonstration
exceeded 5,000 ppm, the NOX
concentrations in the off-gas from the
PACT-8 furnace in Switzerland was
reduced to 19 ppm.
Subsequent PACT-6 applications include
military pyrotechnics.
Two PACT-2 systems are in use in Europe,
and another one is at Retech for research and
development, while five Japanese PACT-8
systems are under construction for European
and domestic nuclear and commercial
applications. Two PACT-1 bench-scale
systems are also in domestic use for nuclear
and shipboard testing.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: staley.laurel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Ronald Womack or Leroy Leland
Retech, Lockheed martin Advanced
Environmental Systems
P.O. Box 997
301 S. State Street
Ukiah, CA 65842
707-467-1721
Fax: 707-462-4103
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ROCHEM SEPARATION SYSTEMS, INC.
(Reverse Osmosis: Disc Tube™ Module Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Rochem Disc Tube™ Module System
uses membrane separation to treat aqueous
solutions ranging from seawater to leachate
contaminated with organic solvents. The
system uses osmosis through a semipermeable
membrane to separate pure water from
contaminated liquids.
Osmotic theory implies that a saline solution
may be separated from pure water by a
semipermeable membrane. The higher
osmotic pressure of the salt solution causes
the water (and other compounds having high
diffusion rates through the selected
membrane) to diffuse through the membrane
into the salt water. Water will continue to
permeate the salt solution until the osmotic
pressure of the salt solution equals the
osmotic pressure of the pure water. At this
point, the salt concentrations of the two
solutions are equal, eliminating any additional
driving force for mass transfer across the
membrane.
However, if external pressure is exerted on the
salt solution, water will flow in the reverse
direction from the salt solution into the pure
water.
This phenomenon, known as reverse osmosis
(RO), can separate pure water from
contaminated matrices. RO can treat
hazardous wastes by concentrating the
hazardous chemical constituents in an
aqueous brine, while recovering pure water on
the other side of the membrane.
Fluid dynamics and system construction result
in an open-channel, fully turbulent feed and
water-flow system. This configuration
prevents accumulation of suspended solids on
the separation membranes, ensuring high
efficiency filtration for water and
contaminants. Also, the design of the disc
tubes allows easy cleaning of the filtration
medium, providing a long service life for the
membranes.
LEGEND
Indicates Permeate
Flow Path
BRINE
TANK
Three-Stage, Reverse Osmosis Flow Path
-------
A general flow path for the Rochem Disc
Tube™ Module System as applied at the SITE
demonstration is shown on the previous page.
Waste feed, process permeate, and rinse water
are potential feed materials to the RO
modules. The modules are skid-mounted and
consist of a tank and a high-pressure feed
system. The high-pressure feed system
consists of a centrifugal feed pump, a prefilter
cartridge housing, and a triplex plunger pump
to feed the RO modules. The processing units
are self-contained and require electrical and
interconnection process piping before
operation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Many types of waste material can be treated
with this system, including sanitary and
hazardous landfill leachate containing both
organic and inorganic chemical species.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in July 1991. The
demonstration was conducted in August 1994
at the Central Landfill Superfund site in
Johnston, Rhode Island. The system was used
to treat landfill leachate from a hazardous
waste landfill. During the demonstration,
approximately 4 gallons per minute of
contaminated waste was processed over a 3-
week period. All feed and residual effluent
streams were sampled to evaluate the
performance of this technology. The
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-96/507), the Technology Capsule
(EPA/540/R-96/507a), and the Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-96/507) are available
from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Preliminary results from the demonstration
suggest the following:
• Over 99 percent of total dissolved
solids, over 96 percent of total organic
carbon, and 99 percent of all target
metals were removed. In addition, the
average percent rejection for volatile
organic compounds was greater than
the test criteria of 90 percent.
The average water recovery rate for
the Rochem Disc Tube™ Module
System during the demonstration was
approximately 75 percent. The test
criterion was 75 percent treated water
recovery rate.
The Rochem Disc Tube™ Module
System operated for 19 days at up to 8
hours per day. Daily operation hours
were not as long as planned due to
weather and field operational
difficulties. However, the system
operated long enough to evaluate the
technology's performance.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Douglas Grosse
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7844
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: grosse.douglas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
David LaMonica
Pall Rochem
3904 Del Amo Boulevard, Suite 801
Torrance, CA 90503
310-370-3160
Fax:310-370-4988
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN REMEDIATION SERVICES, L.L.C.
(ENVIROBOND™ Solution)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ENVIROBOND™ is a proprietary solution
that binds with metals in contaminated soils
and other wastes to form a virtually
impenetrable chemical bond. Rocky
Mountain Remediation Services, L.L.C.,
claims that the treatment process effectively
prevents metals leaching and can be used with
mechanical compaction to reduce the overall
volume of contaminated media by 30 to 50
percent. The process generates no secondary
wastes and requires minimal handling,
transportation, and disposal costs. In addition,
unlike some pozzolanic-based reagents, the
ENVIROBOND™ liquid is safe to handle and
does not generate any emissions.
ENVIROBOND™ consists of a mixture of
additives containing oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen,
and phosphorous; each additive has an affinity
for a specific class of metals.
ENVIROBOND™ converts metal
contaminants from their teachable form to an
insoluble, stable, nonhazardous metallic
complex. ENVIROBOND™ is essentially a
ligand that acts as a chelating agent. In the
chelation reaction, coordinate bonds attach the
metal ion to least two ligand nonmetal ions to
form a heterocyclic ring. The resulting ring
structure is inherently more stable than
simpler structures formed in other binding
processes. By effectively binding the metals,
the process reduces the waste stream's RCRA
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) test results to less than the RCRA-
regulated levels, subsequently reducing the
risks posed to human health and the
environment.
The stabilized waste can then be placed in a
pit or compacted into the earth using
traditional field compaction equipment, or it
can be mechanically compacted to produce a
solid, compressed form called
ENVIROBRIC™. The machine used to form
the ENVIROBRIC™ is designed for mass
production of sand-clay "rammed earth"
bricks. Unlike conventional construction
bricks, rammed earth bricks are produced
under extremely high compaction forces and
are not heated or fired. As a result, the bricks
posses very high compressive strength and a
correspondingly low porosity, making them
ideal for on-site treatment by
solidification/stabilization at industrial sites.
The size of the individual bricks can be
adjusted depending on specific site
requirements, and the bricks have successfully
passed various tests designed to measure their
long-term durability.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ENVIROBOND™ process doe not
reduce the overall concentration of metal
contaminants; instead it converts them to
metal-ligand compounds, rendering them
insoluble and stable in the media. The
developer claims that the process can be
applied to contaminated soils and other media
in both industrial and residential use
scenarios. At residential sites, contaminated
soils and other media in both industrial and
residential use scenarios. At residential sites,
contaminated soil can be mixed with
ENVIROBOND™ and stabilized before being
disposed of off site. At industrial sites,
ENVIROBOND™ can be mixed with
contaminated waste streams or soils and then
compacted in the ENVIROBRIC™ process
and backfilled on site to reduce the overall
volume of contaminated media.
Bench-scale and field tests indicate that
ENVIROBOND™ can be added to waste
streams containing more than four metal
contaminants at concentrations ranging from
200 to more than 5,000 parts per million
(ppm). TCLP tests have shown that metals
concentrations in leachate frm treated media
doe not exceed RCRA regulatory levels.
Metals that can be stabilized with
ENVIROBOND™ include arsenic, barium,
cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel,
selenium, silver, and zinc. However, the
process is less effective in media containing
more than 3 percent by weight of meals such
-------
as aluminum, magnesium, calcium, and
manganese. These metals my reduce the
number of chelating sites available by
preferentially binding with the
ENVIROBOND™ agent.
The ENVIROBOND™ process is capable of
achieving high processing rates of 20 to 40
tones per hour and can be used with
contaminated media containing as much as 10
percent debris and other matter. For acidic
wastes with a pH of 3 or less, buffering
compounds can be added to the contaminated
media before it is media with
ENVIROBOND™. Volatile organic
compounds such as benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, and xylenes do not affect the
process.
STATUS:
Under a cooperative agreement with the Ohio
EPA, the ENVIROBOND™ process with
demonstrated in September 1998 at two
separate areas of the Crooksville/Roseville
Pottery site in Ohio. Soil at the site, some of
it adjacent to residential areas, is
contaminated with lead from waste disposal
practices associated with pottery production
operations. Soil at the demonstration areas
contains lead in concentrations ranging from
100 ppm to 80,000 ppm.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Soil treatment with ENVIROBOND™
reduced the bioavilablility of lead by at least
25%, as determined by the Physiological-
Based Extracted Test (PBET), and reduced
teachable lead concentrations form 247 to 563
mg/L to <0.50 to 2.1 |ig/L, as determined by
the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ed Earth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7669
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: barth.ed@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bob McPherson
Rocky Mountain Remediation
Services, L.L. C.
10808 Highway 93, Unit B
Building T-124A
Golden, CO 80403-8200
303-966-5414
Fax: 303-966-4542
-------
SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES
(In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetic remediation has been used suc-
cessfully to treat saturated soils contaminated
with heavy metals. At some sites, however, it
may not be desirable to add the quantities of
water needed to saturate a contamination
plume in the vadose zone. Sandia National
Laboratories (SNL) has developed an
electrokinetic remediation technology that can
be used in unsaturated soils without adding
significant amounts of water.
The SNL electrokinetic extraction system,
shown in the figure below, consists of three
main units: the electrode assembly (electrode
casing and internal assemblies), the vacuum
system, and the power supply. The electrode
casing consists of a porous ceramic end that is
Pressure
Regulator
5 to 7 feet long and has an outer diameter of
3.5 inches. During field installation, the
casing is attached to the required length of 3-
inch polyvinyl chloride pipe. The electrode
internal assembly consists of the drive
electrode, a water level control system, and a
pump system. The vacuum system consists of
a venturi vacuum pump and vacuum regulator
that together supply a constant vacuum for the
electrode. Up to four 10,000-watt power
supplies can operate in either constant voltage
or constant current mode.
When the drive electrode is energized,
contaminants and other ions are attracted into
the electrode casing. The water level control
system adds water to, and extracts water from,
the electrodes. Water is supplied to the
electrode from a supply solution tank at the
Pressure
Relief
Valve
Drive
^Electrode
Schematic Diagram of the In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction System
-------
ground surface. This solution is either drawn
into the electrode by the vacuum maintained
in the electrode or by a supply pump. At the
same time, water is continuously pumped out
from the electrode casing at a constant rate.
Part of the contaminated water is sent to an
effluent waste tank at the ground surface; the
remainder is returned to the electrode to main-
tain circulation of the fluid surrounding the
electrode. A metering pump controlled by in-
line pH meters regulates the introduction of
neutralization chemicals to each electrode.
Process control and monitoring equipment is
contained in a 10-foot- by-40-foot instrument
trailer.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
electrokinetic
anionic heavy
SNL has developed its
extraction system to treat
metals such as chromate in unsaturated soil.
There is no lower limit to the contaminant
concentration that can be treated; however,
there may be a lower limit on the ratio of
contaminant ions to other ions in the soil.
The technology can be expanded to treat
saturated soils. Soil that is highly conductive
because of a high salinity content is not
suitable for this technology. In addition, sites
with buried metal debris, such as pipelines,
are not appropriate.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994. The
SITE demonstration began May 1996, at an
unlined chromic acid pit within a SNL RCRA
regulated landfill. The operation was
completed in November 1996 and site closure
was completed in April 1997, with a closure
report submitted to New Mexico state
regulators in September 1997.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration verified the technology's
capability of removing anionic contaminants
from vadose zone soil through passive
operation. Approximately 520 grams (g) of
hexavalent chromium was remove d during
the demonstration. Overall hexavalent
chromium removal rates varied from 0.074
gram per hour (g/hour) during Test 1 to 0.338
g/hour during Test 5. Overall hexavalent
chromium removal efficiencies varied from
0.0359 gram per kilowatt-hour (g/kW-h)
during Test 7 to 0.136 g/kW-h during Test 13.
More than 50 percent of the
postdemonstration soil samples exceeded the
toxicity characteristic leach procedure TCLP)
limit of 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for total
chromium. The soil TCLP leachate
concentrations that were above the TCLP
limit ranged from 6 to 67 mg/L.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Eric Lindgren
Sandia National Laboratories
Mail Stop 0719
P.O. Box 5800
Albuquerque, NM 87185-0719
505-844-3820
Fax: 505-844-0543
e-mail: erlindg@sandia.gov
Earl D. Mattson
Sat-UnSat Inc.
12004 Del Rey NE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
505-856-3311
-------
SBP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
SBP Technologies, Inc. (SBP), has developed
a hazardous waste treatment system consisting
of (1) a membrane filtration system that
extracts and concentrates contaminants from
groundwater, surface water, wash water, or
slurries; and (2) a bioremediation system that
treats concentrated groundwater, wash water,
and soil slurries (see photograph below).
These two systems treat a wide range of waste
materials separately or as parts of an
integrated waste handling system.
The membrane filtration system removes and
concentrates contaminants by pumping
contaminated liquids through porous stainless
steel tubes coated with specifically formulated
membranes. Contaminants are collected
inside the tube membrane, while "clean" water
permeates the membrane and tubes.
Depending on local requirements and
regulations, the clean permeate can be
discharged to the sanitary sewer for further
treatment at a publicly owned treatment works
(POTW). The concentrated contaminants are
collected in a holding tank and fed to the
bioremediation system.
Contaminated water or slurry can also flow
directly into the bioremediation system and be
polished in the membrane filtration system.
The bioremediation system consists of one or
more bioreactors that are inoculated with
specially selected, usually indigenous
microorganisms to produce effluent with low
to nondetectable contaminant levels. In-
tegrating the two systems allows removal and
destruction of many contaminants.
St., .?• '•% ,-•-;*.•<;. • JLl
Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The membrane filtration system concentrates
contaminants and reduces the volume of
contaminated materials from a number of
waste streams, including contaminated
groundwater, surface water, storm water,
landfill leachates, and industrial process
wastewater.
The bioremediation system can treat a wide
range of organic contamination, especially
wood-preserving wastes and solvents. A
modified version can also treat polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as
creosote and coal tar; pentachlorophenol;
petroleum hydrocarbons; and chlorinated
aliphatics, such as trichloroethene.
The two technologies can be used separately
or combined, depending on site characteristics
and waste treatment needs. For example, for
wastewaters or slurries contaminated with
inorganics or materials not easily
bioremediated, the membrane filtration system
can separate the material for treatment by
another process. Both the membrane filtration
system and the bioremediation system can be
used as part of a soil cleaning system to
handle residuals and contaminated liquids.
STATUS:
The membrane filtration system, accepted into
the SITE Program in 1990, was demonstrated
in October 1991 at the American Creosote
Works in Pensacola, Florida. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
92/014) and Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-92/014) are available from
EPA. A full-scale SITE Program
demonstration of the bioremediation system
was canceled. However, a smaller-scale field
study was conducted at the site; results are
available through the developer. SBP is
marketing its bioremediation and membrane
filtration systems to industrial and
governmental clients for on-site treatment of
contaminated soil, sludge, and water.
Results from the SITE demonstration are
summarized as follows:
• The system effectively concentrated the
PAHs into a smaller volume.
• The process removed 95 percent of the
PAHs found in creosote from the feed and
produced a permeate stream that was
acceptable for discharge to a POTW.
• The membrane removed 25 to 35 percent
of smaller phenolic compounds.
• The system removed an average of about
80 percent of the total concentrations of
creosote constituents (phenolics and
PAHs) in the feedwater and permeate.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7758
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: martin.john@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
SBP Technologies Inc.
Baton Rouge, LA
504-755-7711
-------
SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
(formerly Mae Corp, Inc.)
(MAECTITE® Chemical Treatment Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The patented MAECTITE® chemical
treatment process for lead and other heavy
metals uses reagents and processing
equipment to render soils, waste, and other
materials nonhazardous when tested by the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP). The MAECTITE® process reduces
teachable lead, hexavalent chromium, and
other heavy metals to below treatment
standards required by land-ban regulations.
Lead in treated material, as determined by
approved EPA methods (such as the TCLP,
extraction procedure toxicity test, and the
multiple extraction procedure), complies with
limits established by EPA. The photograph
below shows a 500-ton-per-day ex situ unit.
500-Ton-Per-Day MAECTITE®
Processing System
Chemical treatment by the MAECTITE®
process converts teachable lead into insoluble
minerals and mixed mineral forms within the
material or waste matrix. MAECTITE®
reagents stimulate the nucleation of crystals
by chemical bonding to yield mineral
compounds in molecular forms. These forms
are resistant to leaching and physical
degradation from environmental forces. The
durability of traditional monolithic
solidification-stabilization process end-
products is often measured by geotechnical
tests such as wet-dry, freeze-thaw,
permeability, and unconfmed compressive
strength. The MAECTITE® process does not
use physical binders, is not pozzolanic or
siliceous, and does not rely on the formation
of metallic hydroxides using hydration
mechanisms. Therefore, these tests are not
relevant to MAECTITE® product chemical
stability, although engineered properties are
readily obtained, if required. MAECTITE® is
not pH dependent and does not use
adsorption, absorption, entrapment, lattice
containment, encapsulation, or other physical
binding principles. The technology is a true
chemical reaction process that alters the
structure and properties of the waste, yielding
stable compounds.
The MAECTITE® process uses water to assist
in dispersing reagents. However, the
dehydration characteristic of the process
liberates water present in waste prior to
treatment (absorbed and hydrated forms) to a
free state where it can be removed from the
waste matrix by evaporation and capillary
drying principles. The ability of treated
material to readily lose water, the formation of
dense mineral crystals, and the restructuring
of the material as a result of MAECTITE
treatment (where interstitial space is
minimized), all contribute to reduced waste
volume and weight.
Ex situ MAECTITE® processing equipment
generally consists of material screening and
sizing components, liquid and solid reagent
-------
storage delivery subsystems, and a mixing
unit such as a pug mill. Equipment is mobile
but can be modified for fixed system
operations. In situ MAECTITE® processing
equipment is also available; system selection
is largely dictated by contaminant plume
configuration, soil characteristics, and site
space limitations.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Materials that have been rendered
nonhazardous include soils; sludges;
sediments; battery contents, including casings;
foundry sands; and firing range soil.
Oversized material can be treated with the
process as debris, but size reduction often
makes processing more efficient. Even
sludges with free liquids (as determined by
the paint filter test) have been treated to TCLP
compliance when excess fluids are present.
The range of lead levels effectively treated
has not been fully determined; however, soils
with total lead as high as 30 percent by weight
and TCLP values over 15,000 milligrams per
liter (mg/L) were not problematic. Common
lead levels encountered have averaged from
200 milligrams per kilogram to 6,500 with
TCLP concentrations averaging 20 to
400 mg/L. Material geochemistry most often
dictates final MAECTITE® treatment designs.
Furthermore, correlations between total lead
and regulated teachable lead levels are
inconsistent, with treatment efforts more
strongly related to the geochemical
characteristics of the waste material.
STATUS:
The chemical treatment technology was
initially accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in March 1992. EPA
is seeking a suitable demonstration site.
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc.
(Sevenson), acquired the MAECTITE®
technology in 1993 and was issued second,
third and fourth patents in 1995, 1996, and
1997 respectively. Combining ex situ and in
situ quantities, over 650,000 tons of material
has been successfully processed. Treatability
studies have been conducted on over 100
different materials in over 40 states, Canada,
Italy, and Mexico. The technology has been
applied at full-scale demonstration and
remedial projects in over 25 states and in all
10 EPA regions.
The MAECTITE® process has been formally
accepted into the EPA PQOPS program for
the fixation-stabilization of inorganic species.
Proprietary technology modifications have
shown promise in rendering radionuclides
nonleachable using gamma spectral counting
methods on TCLP extract.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Charles McPheeters
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc.
8270 Whitcomb Street
Merrillville, IN 46410
219-756-4686
Fax: 219-756-4687
-------
SMITH ENVIRONMENTAL
TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(formerly Canonic Environmental Services Corporation)
(Low Temperature Thermal Aeration [LTTA®])
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Low Temperature Thermal Aeration
(LTTA®) technology is a low-temperature
desorption process (see figure below). The
technology removes organic contaminants
from contaminated soils into a contained air
stream, which is extensively treated to collect
or thermally destroy the contaminants.
A direct-fired rotary dryer heats an air stream
which, by direct contact, desorbs water and
organic contaminants from the soil. Soil can
be heated to up to 800°F. The processed soil
is quenched to reduce temperatures and
mitigate dust problems. The processed soil is
then discharged into a stockpile. The hot air
stream that contains vaporized water and
organics is treated by one of two air pollution
control systems. One system removes the
organic contaminants from the air stream by
adsorption on granular activated carbon
(GAC) and includes the following units in
series: (1) cyclones and baghouse for
particulate removal; (2) wet scrubber for acid
gas and some organic vapor removal; and
(3) GAC adsorption beds for organic removal.
The second air pollution control system can
treat soils containing high concentrations of
petroleum hydrocarbons. The system includes
the following units in series: (1) cyclones for
particle removal; (2) thermal oxidizer-
afterburner for destruction of organics;
(3) quench tower for cooling of air stream;
(4) baghouse for additional particle removal;
and (5) wet scrubber for acid gas removal.
The LTTA® technology generates no
wastewater or waste soils. Cyclone fines and
baghouse dust are combined with treated soil
and quenched with treated scrubber water.
The treated soil, once verified to meet the
treatment criteria, is backfilled on site without
restrictions. GAC beds used for air pollution
control are regenerated or incinerated when
spent.
GENERATOR
TRAILER
TREATED MATERIAL
IMPACTED MATERIAL
Low Temperature Thermal Aeration (LTTA®) Technology
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
LTTA® can remove volatile organic
compounds (VOC), semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC), organochlorine
pesticides (OCP), organophosphorus
pesticides (OPP), and total petroleum
hydrocarbons (TPH) from soils, sediments,
and some sludges. LTTA® has been used at
full scale to remove VOCs such as benzene,
toluene, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene,
and dichloroethene; SVOCs such as
acenaphthene, chrysene, naphthalene, and
pyrene; OCPs such as DDT, DDT
metabolites, and toxaphene; OPPs such as
ethyl parathion, methyl parathion, merphos,
and mevinphos; and TPHs.
STATUS:
The LTTA® technology was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration Program in summer
1992. LTTA® was demonstrated in
September 1992 on soils contaminated with
OCPs during a full-scale remediation at a
pesticide site in Arizona. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-93/504) and
Applications Analysis Report (EP A/540/AR-
93/504) are available from EPA.
The full-scale LTTA® system has remediated
contaminated soils at six sites, including three
Superfund sites. The system has treated more
than 117,000 tons of soil.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Key findings from the demonstration are
summarized below:
• The LTTA® system achieved the specified
cleanup criteria for the site, a sliding scale
correlating the concentrations of DDT
family compounds (DDT, DDE, and
DDD) with concentrations of toxaphene.
The maximum allowable pesticide
concentrations in the treated soil were
3.52 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of
DDT family compounds and 1.09 mg/kg
oftoxaphene.
Residual levels of all the pesticides in the
treated soil were generally below or close
to the laboratory detection limit, with the
exception of 4,4'-DDE, which was found
at residual concentrations of 0.1 to 1.5
mg/kg. Removal efficiencies for
pesticides found in the feed soil at
quantifiable concentrations are
summarized below:
Compound
4,4'-DDD
4,4'-DDE
44'-DDT
Endrin
Toxaphene
Efficiency
>99.97%
90.26%
99.97%
>99.85%
>99.83%
• The LTTA® process did not generate
dioxins or furans as products of
incomplete combustion or thermal
transformation.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joseph Hutton
Smith Environmental Technologies
Corporation
304 Inverness Way South, Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
219-926-8651
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SOILTECH ATP SYSTEMS, INC.
(Anaerobic Thermal Processor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The SoilTech ATP Systems, Inc. (SoilTech),
anaerobic thermal processor (ATP) uses a
rotary kiln to desorb, collect, and recondense
contaminants or recyclable hydrocarbons from
a wide variety of feed material (see figure
below).
The proprietary kiln contains four separate
internal thermal zones: preheat, retort,
combustion, and cooling. In the preheat zone,
water and volatile organic compounds (VOC)
are vaporized. The hot solids and heavy
hydrocarbons then pass through a proprietary
sand seal to the retort zone. The sand seal
allows solids to pass and inhibits gas and
contaminant movement from one zone to the
other. Concurrently, hot treated soil from the
combustion zone enters the retort zone
through a second sand seal. This hot treated
soil provides the thermal energy necessary to
desorb the heavy organic contaminants. The
vaporized contaminants are removed under
slight vacuum to the gas handling system.
After cyclones remove dust from the gases,
the gases are cooled, and condensed oil and
water are separated into their various
fractions.
The coked soil passes through a third sand
seal from the retort zone to the combustion
zone. Some of the hot treated soil is recycled
to the retort zone through the second sand seal
as previously described. The remainder of the
soil enters the cooling zone. As the hot
combusted soil enters the cooling zone, it is
cooled in the annular space between the
outside of the preheat zone and the kiln shell.
Here, the heat from the combusted soils is
transferred indirectly to the soils in the
preheat zone. The cooled, treated soil exiting
the cooling zone is quenched with water and
conveyed to a storage pile.
Flue gases from the combustion zone pass
through the cooling zone to an emission
control system. The system consists of a
cyclone and baghouse to remove particulates,
a wet scrubber to remove acid gases, and a
carbon adsorption bed to remove trace organic
compounds.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The system treats soils, sediments, and
sludges contaminated with compounds that
vaporize at temperatures up to 1,100 °F.
Treated solids are free of organics and suited
for backfill on site. Applicable contaminants
include the following:
• Petroleum hydrocarbons: fuel, oil, lube
oil, semivolatile organic compounds
(SVOC), VOCs
• Halogenated hydrocarbons:
polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCB), dioxins,
furans, pesticides, herbicides
Clean Stack Gas
Discharge To Atmosphere
ATP
Processor
Hydrocarbons ^
^
^Noncondensable
Condensation
Separation
water
On-Site
Treatment
Fuel
Gas
r i
Recovered organic
to off-site
treatment or recycle
Treated Water
reused as
process water
Anaerobic Thermal Processor (ATP)
-------
• Aromatic hydrocarbons: coal tar residues
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
• Volatile metals: mercury
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1991. The ATP
has been demonstrated at two sites. At the
first demonstration, in May 1991, a full-scale
unit dechlorinated PCB-contaminated soil at
the Wide Beach Development Superfund site
in Brant, New York. At the second
demonstration, completed in June 1992, a full-
scale unit remediated soils and sediments at
the Waukegan Harbor Superfund site in
Waukegan, Illinois. Two additional
Superfund sites in Ohio and Kentucky have
since been remediated by the ATP. Soils at
these sites were contaminated with PCBs,
PAHs, and pesticides.
The ATP has been used to treat more than
100,000 tons of waste on four separate sites.
The system has operated in compliance with
state and federal regulations in New York,
Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky. SoilTech is
currently negotiating with a confidential client
to remediate 25,000 cubic yards of
trichloroethene- (TCE) and PCB-
contaminated soil at a site located in
Pennsylvania.
ZzSoilTech is continuing its research into
more diverse organic remediation applications
and bitumen recovery.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Test results from both SITE demonstrations
indicate the following:
• The SoilTech ATP removed over
99 percent of the PCBs in the
contaminated soil, resulting in PCB levels
below 0.1 part per million (ppm) at the
Wide Beach Development site and
averaging 2 ppm at the Waukegan Harbor
site.
• Dioxin and furan stack gas emissions were
below the site-specific standards.
• PCB stack gas emissions were equivalent
to 99.99 percent destruction and removal
efficiency at the Waukegan Harbor site.
• No volatile or semivolatile organic
degradation products were detected in the
treated soil. Also, no teachable metals,
VOCs, or SVOCs were detected in the
treated soil.
• For the Wide Beach Development and
Waukegan Harbor remediation projects,
soil treatment costs were approximately
$265 and $155 per ton, respectively. The
regulatory support, mobilization, startup,
and demobilization costs totaled about
$1,400,000 for each site.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Joseph Hutton
Smith Environmental Technologies
Corporation
304 Inverness Way South, Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
219-926-8651
-------
SOLIDITECH, INC.
(Solidification and Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This solidification and stabilization process
immobilizes contaminants in soils and sludges
by binding them in a concrete-like,
leach-resistant matrix. Contaminated waste
materials are collected, screened to remove
oversized material, and introduced to the
batch mixer (see figure below). The waste
material is then mixed with water; Urrichem,
a proprietary chemical reagent; proprietary
additives; and pozzolanic material (fly ash),
kiln dust, or cement. After it is thoroughly
mixed, the treated waste is discharged from
the mixer. Treated waste is a solidified mass
with significant unconfmed compressive
strength (UCS), high stability, and a rigid
texture similar to that of concrete.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process treats soils and sludges
contaminated with organic compounds,
metals, inorganic compounds, and oil and
grease. Batch mixers of various capacities
can treat different volumes of waste.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1988. The
solidification and stabilization process was
demonstrated in December 1988 at the
Imperial Oil Company/Champion Chemical
Company Superfund site in Morganville, New
Jersey. This site formerly contained both
chemical processing and oil reclamation
facilities. Soils, filter cakes, and oily wastes
from an old storage tank were treated during
the demonstration. These wastes were
contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), other
organic chemicals, and heavy metals. The
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/
5-89/005a), Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-89/005), and Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/M5- 89/005) are available
from EPA. This technology is no longer
available through a vendor. Contact the EPA
Project Manager for further information.
INTERNAL VIEW OF
"OZiOLAN STORAGE
ONTBCl PANEL ^NX/fT
xlj
TRfArso wsrt
Soliditech Processing Equipment
-------
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Key findings from the Soliditech
demonstration are summarized below:
• Extract and leachate analyses showed that
heavy metals in the untreated waste were
immobilized.
• The process solidified both solid and
liquid wastes with high organic content
(up to 17 percent), as well as oil and
grease.
• Volatile organic compounds in the
original waste were not detected in the
treated waste.
• Physical test results of the solidified waste
showed (1) UCS ranging from 390 to 860
pounds per square inch (psi); (2) very
little weight loss after 12 cycles of wet
and dry and freeze and thaw durability
tests; (3) low permeability of the treated
waste; and (4) increased density after
treatment.
• The solidified waste increased in volume
by an average of 22 percent. Because of
solidification, the bulk density of the
waste material increased by about
35 percent.
• Semivolatile organic compounds
(phenols) were detected in the treated
waste and the toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure (TCLP) extracts from
the treated waste, but not in the untreated
waste or its TCLP extracts. The presence
of these compounds is believed to result
from chemical reactions in the waste
treatment mixture.
• The oil and grease content of the untreated
waste ranged from 2.8 to 17.3 percent
(28,000 to 173,000 parts per million
[ppm]). The oil and grease content of the
TCLP extracts from the solidified waste
ranged from 2.4 to 12 ppm.
• The pH of the solidified waste ranged
from 11.7 to 12.0. The pH of the
untreated waste ranged from 3.4 to 7.9.
• PCBs were not detected in any extracts or
leachates from the treated waste.
• Visual observation of solidified waste
revealed bulk oily material about 1
millimeter in diameter.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bill Stallworth
Soliditech, Inc.
Houston, TX
713-497-8558
-------
SOLUCORP INDUSTRIES
(Molecular Bonding System®)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Molecular Bonding System® (MBS) is a
process developed for the stabilization of a
variety of media, such as soil, sludge, slag,
and ash, that is contaminated with heavy
metals. The process employs a proprietary
mixture of nonhazardous chemicals to convert
the heavy metal contaminants from their
existing reactive and teachable forms (usually
oxides) into insoluble, stable, nonhazardous,
metallic-sulfide compounds that will achieve
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) levels far below regulatory limits.
The MBS process maintains the pH levels in
the media within the range where the
insolubility of the heavy metal sulfides is
assured. The system also provides buffer
capacity to ensure that the pH is not
significantly altered by the addition of acids
or caustics to the media.
As depicted in the diagram below, the MBS
treatment process is completely mobile and
easily transportable (to allow for on-site
treatment). Waste material is screened and
crushed as required to reduce particle sizes to
an average 1-inch diameter (particle size
reduction increases surface area, which
maximizes contact with the reagents). The
waste media is then mixed with powdered
reagents in a closed-hopper pug mill (the
reagent mixture is established through
treatability studies for the site-specific
conditions). Water is then added to catalyze
the reaction and to ensure homogeneous
mixing. There is no curing time and the
resulting increase in volume is between 2 to
3 percent. The treated media is then conveyed
to a stockpile where it can then be either
returned to the original site or disposed in a
landfill as cover, fill, or contour material.
MBS can also be applied with traditional in
situ mixing techniques such as tillers,
eliminating the need for excavating and
preparing the soil.
The MBS process can also be used to stabilize
waste "in line" during the manufacturing
process, preventing the waste from being
classified as hazardous. Commercial
applications on slag from a secondary smelter
are underway.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MBS process stabilizes heavy metals in
soil, sludges, baghouse dust, ash, slag, and
sediment. Heavy metals rendered inert by the
process include arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
copper, lead, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc.
The process can simultaneously stabilize
multiple heavy metal contaminants. The
presence of organics does not affect treatment
by MBS.
Silo
Process Flow Diagram of the Molecular Bonding System
-------
STATUS:
The MBS technology was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration Program in early 1995.
A SITE demonstration was conducted at the
Midvale Slag Superfund Site in Midvale, Utah
in 1997. Three waste streams contaminated
with As, Cd, and Pb were treated, including
soil/fill material, slag, and miscellaneous
smelter waste without brick. Approximately
500 tons of each waste stream was treated.
The treated wastes and soils passed EPA's
Multiple Extraction Procedure. The MBS
process has undergone extensive bench-scale
and pilot-scale testing prior to its successful
full-scale commercialization. The same
reductions in the TCLP levels of hazardous
contaminants achieved in the laboratory were
achieved at five manufacturing sites in five
different states.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Thomas Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Robert Kuhn
SOLUCORP Industries
250 West Nyack Road
West Nyack, NY 10994
914-623-2333
Fax: 914-623-4987
-------
SONOTECH, INC.
(Frequency-Tunable Pulse Combustion System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Sonotech, Inc., frequency-tunable pulse
combustion system (Sonotech system) is
designed to significantly improve batch- and
continuous-mode combustion or thermal
processes (such as incineration) by creating
large-amplitude, resonant pulsations inside the
combustion chamber. This technology can be
applied to new or existing combustion
systems. The technology is used in fossil fuel
combustion devices, residential natural gas
furnaces, and industrial combustion systems.
It should prove similarly beneficial to
hazardous waste incineration and soil
remediation applications.
The Sonotech system (see photograph below)
consists of an air inlet, a combustor section, a
tailpipe, a control panel, and safety features.
This system is designed to improve an
incinerator's performance by (1) increasing
mixing rates between the fuel and air, (2)
increasing mixing rates between reactive gas
pockets and ignition sources, and (3)
increasing rates of heat and mass transfer
between the gas and the burning waste. These
improvements should (1) reduce the amount
of excess air required to completely burn the
waste, (2) increase destruction and removal
efficiencies (DRE) of principal organic
hazardous constituents, (3) minimize the
formation of products of incomplete
combustion, and (4) eliminate or minimize
detrimental emissions or "puffs."
The Sonotech system has achieved sound
amplitudes as high as 170 decibels and
frequencies of 100 to 500 hertz within the
combustion chamber. The high frequencies
Frequency-Tunable Pulse Combustion System Installed at
EPA's Research Facility
-------
and velocities of these gas oscillations help
mix the gases in the chamber and thus reduce
or eliminate stratification effects.
The Sonotech system can function alone or as
a supplemental retrofit to an existing
combustion system. In the latter application,
the frequency-tunable pulse combustion
system can supply as little as 2 to 10 percent
of the total energy requirements. The total
fuel supplied to the main burner and the
Sonotech system should be less than the
amount of fuel supplied to the main burner
before retrofitting.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be used with any material
that can be treated in a conventional
incinerator. Sonotech, Inc., believes that the
technology is ready for incineration of
hazardous, municipal, and medical wastes.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1992. The 6-week
demonstration evaluated whether the
technology improved the performance of a
larger scale incineration system. To meet this
goal, the pilot-scale rotary kiln incinerator at
EPA's Incineration Research Facility in
Jefferson, Arkansas was retrofit with a
Sonotech system. The demonstration took
place from September to October 1994. The
retrofit incinerator was used to treat coal- and
oil-gasification wastes, traditionally
incinerated with conventional technology.
The Technology Capsule (EPA/540/R-
95/502a) is available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The Sonotech system increased the incinerator
waste feed rate capacity by 13 to 21 percent
compared to conventional combustion. As the
demonstration waste had significant heat
content, the capacity increase was equivalent
to a reduction in the auxiliary fuel needed to
treat a unit mass of waste from 21,100 British
thermal unit/pound (Btu/lb) for conventional
combustion to 18,000 Btu/lb for the Sonotech
system. Visual observations indicated
improved mixing in the incinerator cavity
with the Sonotech system operating.
Benzene and naphthalene DREs were greater
than 99.99%. The average concentration of
carbon monoxide exiting the afterburner,
corrected to 7 percent oxygen, decreased from
20 parts per million (ppm) with conventional
combustion to 14 ppm with the Sonotech
system. The average concentration of
nitrogen oxides exiting the after burner,
corrected to 7 percent oxygen, decreased from
82 ppm with conventional combustion to 77
ppm with the Sonotech system. Average soot
emissions exiting the afterburner, corrected to
7 percent oxygen, were reduced from 1.9
milligrams per dry standard cubic meter
(mg/dscm) for conventional combustion to
less than 1.0 mg/dscm with the Sonotech
system. Total air requirements for system
combustion, determined from stoichiometric
calculations, were lower with the Sonotech
system in operation.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ben Zinn
Sonotech, Inc.
3656 Paces Valley Road
Atlanta, GA 30327
404-894-3033
Fax: 404-894-2760
-------
STAR ORGANICS, L.L.C.
(Soil Rescue Remediation Fluid)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Tart Organics, L.L.C., has developed a liquid
remediation solution that binds heavy metal
contaminants in soils, sludges, and aqueous
solutions. The liquid, called Soil Rescue,
consists of organic acids that occur naturally
in trace concentrations in soil. The liquid is
typically sprayed onto and then tilled into the
contaminated media; the application process
can be repeated until the metals concentration
in the media are reduced to below the
applicable cleanup standards. Laboratory and
pilot-scale tests have shown that metals
concentrations can be reduced to below
Research Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) regulatory levels.
The Soil Rescue solution does not destroy or
remove toxic concentrations of metals.
Instead, organic acids in the solution bond
with the metals to form more complex
metallic compounds in a process known as
chelation. Soil Rescue is essentially a ligand
that acts as a chelating agent. In te chelation
reaction, coordinate bonds attach the metal
ion to least two ligand organic compounds to
form a heterocyclic ring. The resulting ring
structure is inherently more stable than
simpler structures formed in other binding
processes.
By effectively binding the metals, the process
reduces the waste stream's toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test
results to less than the RCRA-regulated
levels, subsequently reducing the risks posed
to human health and the environment. Once
the toxic metals are bound to the ligand, the
bond appears to be irreversible. The
permanence of the bond has been tested using
all recognized EPA test procedures for such
determinations, including exposure to boiling
acids.
The Soil Rescue process offers the following
advantages over some treatment options: (1)
it minimized the handling and transports costs
associated with treatment and disposal, (2) it
requires no air monitoring because it release
no emissions, (3) its liquid application
procedure minimized fugitive dust emissions,
(4) it generates no effluent, (5) it requires no
stockpiling of contaminated soil, and (6) it
minimizes exposure risks for workers because
it is sprayed directly onto the contaminated
media.
The Soil Rescue solution has been shown to
be effective in reducing concentrations of
barium, cadmium chromium, cooper, lead,
mercury, selenium, and zinc. In situ
remediation of heavy metal contaminated soil
may be possible in moderately permeable
soils. In dense or heavily compacted soils, the
remediation procedure may require soil
excavation and application of the Soil Rescue
solution to moisten the media, followed by
mixing in a rotating cylinder. This procedure
can be repeated until the metals
concentrations in the soil are sufficiently
reduced to allo the soil to be replaced as
backfill in its original location. At a soil pH
of 5.0, a single application can reduce lead
concentrations of 1,000 parts per million
(ppm) to below the EPA maximum
permissible level; with a second application of
the remediation fluid, lead concentrations can
be reduced to below the RCRA regulatory
limit of 5 ppm.
STATUS:
Under a cooperative agreement with the Ohio
EPA, the Soil Rescue technology was
demonstrated in September 1998 at two
separate areas of the Crooksville/Roseville
Pottery site in Ohio. Soil at the site, some of
it adjacent to residential areas, is
contaminated with lead from waste disposal
practices associated with pottery production
operations. Soil at the demonstration areas
contain lead in concentrations ranging from
100 ppm to 80,000 ppm.
-------
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Soil treatment reduced leachable lead
concentrations from 364 to 453 mg/L to 2.7 to
3.6 mg/L, as determined by the Toxicity
Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ed Earth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7669
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: barth.ed@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Phil G. Clarke, President
Star Organics, L.L.C.
3141 Hood Street, Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75219
214-522-0742
Fax: 214-522-0616
-------
STC REMEDIATION, INC.
(formerly Silicate Technology Corporation)
(Organic Stabilization and Chemical Fixation/Solidification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
STC Remediation, Inc. (STC Remediation),
has developed both chemical organic
stabilization and chemical fixation/
solidification technologies that treat inorganic
and organic solid hazardous wastes (see
photograph below). Leachable organic
contaminant concentrations are reduced to
well below regulatory limits. The chemical
fixation/solidification technology forms
insoluble chemical compounds, reducing
teachable inorganic contaminant
concentrations in soils and sludges.
STC Remediation's technology has been
successfully implemented on numerous full-
scale hazardous waste remediation projects,
successfully stabilizing more than 750,000
tons of hazardous soils, sediments, and
sludges. These sites include Superfund sites
and industrial sites across the United States
and in Italy.
STC Remediation has evaluated various
materials handling and mixing systems for use
on full-scale remediation projects. Materials
handling processes consist of pretreatment
processes for screening and crushing
contaminated soils, and placement and
conveying systems for handling treated
material. Mixing systems consist of various
batching plants, pug mills, and high-shear
batch mixing systems to properly meter and
mix reagents with contaminated soils. STC
Remediation provides complete treatability
study services during proj ect development and
on site technical services and/or contracting
services during full scale remediation to
ensure effective application of the treatment
-*-,•
Treatment of Contaminated Soil
-------
technologies, documentation, and quality
assurance/quality control procedures during
the treatment process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
STC Remediation's technology can treat a
wide variety of hazardous soils, sludges, and
wastewaters, including the following:
• Soils and sludges contaminated with
inorganics, including most metals,
cyanides, fluorides, arsenates, chromates,
and selenium
• Soils and sludges contaminated with
organics, including halogenated
aromatics, polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons, and aliphatic compounds
• Wastewaters contaminated with heavy
metals and emulsified and dissolved
organic compounds, excluding low-
molecular-weight organic contaminants
such as alcohols, ketones, and glycols
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1988, and the
demonstration was completed in November
1990 at the Selma Pressure Treating (SPT)
Superfund site in Selma, California. STC
Remediation was subsequently selected for
the full-scale remediation of the SPT site,
which is contaminated with organics, mainly
pentachlorophenol (PCP), and inorganics,
mainly arsenic, chromium, and copper. The
Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-92/010) is available through
the National Technology Information Service
(Order No. PB93-172948). The Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-92/010) and
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
92/010) are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE demonstration yielded the
following results:
• The organic stabilization technology
reduced total extractable PCP
concentrations up to 97 percent.
• The chemical fixation/stabilization
technology stabilized the residual PCP
concentrations to very low teachable
levels (from 5 to less than 0.3 milligrams
per liter).
• STC Remediation's technology
immobilized arsenic and copper, while
chromium remained well within
regulatory limits.
• Long-term monitoring at 18 and
32 months following the
demonstration project provided
comparable results for PCP, arsenic,
and copper, while chromium remained
well within regulatory limits.
• The treated wastes had moderately high
unconfined compressive strength,
averaging 300 pounds per square inch
(psi) after 28 days, increasing to more
than 700 psi after 18 months.
• Permeability of the treated waste was less
than 1.7 x 10"7 centimeters per second).
The relative cumulative weight loss after
12 wet/dry and 12 freeze/thaw cycles was
negligible (less than 1 percent).
• Treatment costs depend on specific waste
characteristics.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Edward Bates
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7774
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Scott Larsen or Stephen Pegler
STC Remediation, Inc.
7650 East Redfield Road, Suite D-5
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-948-7100
Fax: 480-941-0814
www.stecremediation.com
-------
STEAMTECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
(Steam Enhanced Remediation [SER] at Loring AFB)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Steam Enhanced Remediation - Dynamic
Underground Stripping (SER - DUS) is a
combination of technologies previously used
separately, adapted to the hydrogeology of
typical contaminated sites. Steam is injected
at the periphery of the contaminated area to
heat permeable subsurface areas, vaporize
volatile compounds bound to the soil, and
drive contaminants to centrally located vapor
and liquid extraction wells. Electrical heating
is used for less-permeable clays and fine-
grained sediments to vaporize contaminants
and drive them into the vapor. Since media at
Edwards Air Force Base is fractured bedrock
there will be no electrical heating. Progress is
monitored by underground imaging, primarily
Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) and
temperature monitoring, which delineates the
heated area and tracks the steam fronts daily
to ensure total cleanup and precise process
control.
Contaminated
Liquid Vapors
Steam
Injection
SER - DUS is capable of extracting,
separating and treating effluent vapors,
nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPL), and water
on-site for complete contaminant destruction
or off-site disposal. The dominant removal
mechanisms for volatile contaminants are the
increased volatilization and steam stripping
when the mixture of water and NAPL reaches
the boiling point. Another major removal
mechanism of contaminants is the fast
removal of liquid, dissolved and vapor phase
contaminants by physical transport to
centrally located extraction wells. NAPL is
removed from the extraction wells along with
hot water. Contaminated vapors are extracted
from the wells by aggressive vacuum
extraction. In situ destruction of contaminants
by thermally accelerated oxidation processes
(hydrous pyrolysis, oxidation and biological
mineralization) converts harmful chemicals
into carbon dioxide and water.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Large and small sites contaminated with
petroleum products, creosote and solvents can
be remediated faster and at lower cost via
SER. SER is highly effective for removal of
both volatile and semivolatile compounds.
SER works both above and below the
groundwater table and both LNAPL and
DNAPL contaminants can be removed.
STATUS:
Excellent cleanup results have been achieved
in the laboratory, simulating cleanup using
steam inj ection and Joule heating for gasoline,
oils, creosote, and chlorinated solvent
DNAPL. Field demonstrations include
successful applications to sites containing
chemical mixtures gasoline, jet fuel wood-
treating chemicals, and chlorinated solvents
such as TCE.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
There has not yet been a demonstration at
Loring Air Force Base, so there are no results
up to this point. The demonstrations are
planned for the summer of 2002.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGERS:
Paul De Percin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
Eva Davis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research
Center
P.O.Box 1198
Ada, OK 84821
580-436-8548
Fax: 580-436-8703
e-mail: davis.eva@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Hank Sowers
SteamTech Environmental Services
4750 Burr Street
Bakersfield, CA 93308
661-322-6478
Fax: 661-322-6552
e-mail: sowers@steamtech.com
-------
STEAMTECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
(Steam Enhanced Remediation [SER] at Ridgefield, WA)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Steam Enhanced Remediation - Dynamic
Underground Stripping (SER - DUS) is a
combination of technologies previously used
separately, adapted to the hydrogeology of
typical contaminated sites. Steam is injected
at the periphery of the contaminated area to
heat permeable subsurface areas, vaporize
volatile compounds bound to the soil, and
drive contaminants to centrally located vapor
and liquid extraction wells. Electrical heating
is used for less-permeable clays and fine-
grained sediments to vaporize contaminants
and drive them into the vapor. Since media at
Edwards Air Force Base is fractured bedrock
there will be no electrical heating. Progress is
monitored by underground imaging, primarily
Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) and
temperature monitoring, which delineates the
heated area and tracks the steam fronts daily
to ensure total cleanup and precise process
control.
Contaminated
Liquid Vapors
Steam
Injection
SER - DUS is capable of extracting,
separating and treating effluent vapors, non-
aqueous phase liquids (NAPL), and water on-
site for complete contaminant destruction or
off-site disposal. The dominant removal
mechanisms for volatile contaminants are the
increased volatilization and steam stripping
when the mixture of water and NAPL reaches
the boiling point. Another major removal
mechanism of contaminants is the fast
removal of liquid, dissolved- and vapor-phase
contaminants by physical transport to
centrally located extraction wells. NAPL is
removed from the extraction wells along with
hot water. Contaminated vapors are extracted
from the wells by aggressive vacuum
extraction. In situ destruction of contaminants
by thermally accelerated oxidation processes
(hydrous pyrolysis, oxidation and biological
mineralization) converts harmful chemicals
into carbon dioxide and water.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Large and small sites contaminated with
petroleum products, creosote and solvents can
be remediated faster and at lower cost via
SER. SER is highly effective for removal of
both volatile and semivolatile compounds.
SER works both above and below the
groundwater table and both LNAPL and
DNAPL contaminants can be removed.
STATUS:
Excellent cleanup results have been achieved
in the laboratory, simulating cleanup using
steam inj ection and Joule heating for gasoline,
oils, creosote, and chlorinated solvent
DNAPL. Field demonstrations include
successful applications to sites containing
chemical mixtures gasoline, jet fuel wood-
treating chemicals, and chlorinated solvents
such as TCE.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
There has not yet been a demonstration in
Ridgefield, WA, so there are no results up to
this point. The demonstrations are planned
for the spring of 2002.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Hank Sowers
SteamTech Environmental Services
4750 Burr Street
Bakersfield, CA 93308
661-322-6478
Fax: 661-322-6552
e-mail: sowers(S)steamtech.com
-------
TERRA-KLEEN RESPONSE GROUP, INC.
(Solvent Extraction Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Terra-Kleen Response Group, Inc. (Terra-
Kleen), developed the solvent extraction
treatment system to remove semivolatile and
nonvolatile organic contaminants from soil.
This batch process system uses a proprietary
solvent blend to separate hazardous
constituents from soils, sediments, sludge, and
debris.
A flow diagram of the Terra-Kleen treatment
system is shown below. Treatment begins
after excavated soil is loaded into the solvent
extraction tanks. Clean solvent from the
solvent storage tank is pumped into the
extraction tanks. The soil and solvent mixture
is held in the extraction tanks long enough to
solubilize organic contaminants into the
solvent, separating them from the soil. The
contaminant-laden solvent is then removed
from the extraction tanks and pumped into the
sedimentation tank. Suspended solids settle
or are flocculated in the sedimentation tank,
and are then removed.
Following solvent extraction of the organic
contaminants, any residual solvent in the soil
is removed using soil vapor extraction and
biological treatment. Soil vapor extraction
removes the majority of the residual solvent,
while biological treatment reduces residual
solvent to trace levels. The treated soils are
then removed from the extraction tanks.
Contaminant-laden solvents are cleaned for
reuse by Terra-Kleen's solvent regeneration
process. The solvent regeneration process
begins by pumping contaminant-laden solvent
from the sedimentation tank through a
microfiltration unit and a proprietary solvent
purification station. The microfiltration unit
first removes any fines remaining in the
solvent. The solvent purification station
separates organic contaminants from the
solvent and concentrates them, reducing the
amount of hazardous waste for off-site
disposal. The solvent is pumped into the
solvent storage tank for use in treating
additional soil.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Terra-Kleen solvent extraction treatment
system is a waste minimization process
designed to remove the following organic
contaminants from soils: polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB), chlorinated pesticides,
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
pentachlorophenol, creosote, polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), chlorinated
pesticides, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans
(PCDF). The system is transportable and can
be configured to treat small quantities of soil
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-------
(1 to 1,000 cubic yards) as well as large
volumes generated at remedial sites.
STATUS:
The solvent extraction treatment system was
demonstrated during May and June 1994 at
Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Site
4 in San Diego, California. Soils at Site 4 are
contaminated with heavy metals, volatile
organic compounds (VOC), PCBs (Aroclor
1260), and furans. The Technology Capsule
(EPA/540/R-94/521a) and Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-94/521) are available
from EPA. The Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report is available from EPA.
Several full-scale solvent extraction units are
in operation at this time. Terra-Kleen has
removed PCBs from 10,000 tons of soil at
three sites within NASNI, and completed
cleanup of a remote Air Force Base PCB site
in Alaska. A full-scale system has also
removed DDT, DDD, and DDE from clay soil
at the Naval Communication Station in
Stockton, California.
Terra-Kleen has been selected to participate in
the Rapid Commercialization Initiative (RCI).
RCI was created by the Department of
Commerce, Department of Defense,
Department of Energy (DOE), and EPA to
assist in the integration of innovative
technologies into the marketplace. Under
RCI, Terra-Kleen is expanding its capabilities
to process PCBs and VOCs in low-level
radioactive wastes. The pilot project for this
effort was completed in 1997 at DOE's
Fernald Plant near Cincinnati, Ohio.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Findings from the SITE demonstration are
summarized as follows:
• PCB Aroclor 1260 concentrations were
reduced from an average of 144
milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to less
than 1.71 mg/kg, an overall removal
efficiency of 98.8 percent.
• NASNI untreated soil contained a
moisture content of 0.83 percent; a
particle size distribution of 80 percent
sand, 15 percent gravel, and 5 percent
clay; and an overall oil and grease
concentration of 780 mg/kg.
• Hexachlorodibenzofuran and
pentachlorodibenzofuran concentrations
were reduced by 92.7 percent and 84.0
percent, respectively. Oil and grease
concentrations were reduced by 65.9
percent.
Additional data were collected at the Naval
Communication Station in Stockton,
California. The system treated soil
contaminated with chlorinated pesticides at
concentrations up to 600 mg/kg. Samples
taken during system operation indicated that
soil contaminated with DDD, DDE, and DDT
was reduced below 1 mg/kg, an overall
removal efficiency of 98.8 to 99.8 percent.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mark Meckes or Terrence Lyons
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7348 or 513-569-7589
Fax: 513-569-7328 or 513-569-7676
e-mail: meckes.mark@epa.gov or
lyons.terrence@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Alan Cash
Terra-Kleen Response Group, Inc.
3970 B Sorrento Valley, Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
858-558-8762
Fax: 858-558-8759
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TERRATHERM, INC.
(In Situ Thermal Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
TerraTherm, Inc.'s patented In Situ Thermal
Destruction (ISTD) process utilizes
conductive heating and vacuum to remediate
soil contaminated with a wide range of
organic compounds. Heat and vacuum are
applied simultaneously to subsurface soil,
either with an array of vertically or
horizontally positioned heaters under imposed
vacuum. The electrically powered heating
elements are operated at temperatures of up to
800°C. In a typical installation for soils
contaminated with organochlorine pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), or
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),
the heater wells are installed at 6 ft to 7.5 ft
spacing, with an impermeable liner installed
at the soil surface. More volatile compounds
can be treated with more widely spaced wells.
Heat flows through the soil from the heating
elements primarily by thermal conduction,
which results in uniform heat distribution
because unlike other soil physical properties
such as permeability that tend to vary over
orders of magnitude, thermal conductivity is
nearly invariant over a wide range of soil
types (e.g., clay to sand).
As the soil is heated, volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOCs) are vaporized and/or
destroyed by a number of mechanisms,
including evaporation, boiling of water/steam
distillation, boiling of the contaminants,
oxidation and pyrolysis. The vaporized water
and contaminants are drawn counter-current
to the heat flow into the heater-vacuum wells.
In practice, most (e.g., 95-99 percent) of the
contaminants are destroyed within the soil as
they arrive in the superheated soil in
proximity of the heated extraction wells. The
small fraction of the contaminant mass that
has not been destroyed in situ is removed
from the vapor stream at the surface with an
air pollution control system.
THERMAL
WELLS
Reprint with permission from Stegemeier, G.L. and Vinegar, H.J., 2001, Thermal
Conduction Heating
The vapor treatment train usually consists of
a thermal oxidizer, heat exchanger, dry
scrubber, carbon adsorbers, and vacuum
blowers. Destruction and removal efficiencies
of 99.9 percent have been achieved in the
stack effluent with this system for PCBs.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Based on the results of completed ISTD
remediation projects conducted at seven
contaminated sites and numerous treatability
studies, the ISTD technology has been proven
to be highly effective in removing a wide
variety of organic contaminants from soil and
buried waste, including pesticides, PCBs,
dioxins, chlorinated solvents, PAHs, coal tar,
-------
wood-treatment wastes, explosives residues,
and heavy and light petroleum hydrocarbons.
Achievement of non detect levels throughout
the treatment zone is a typical result of
approximately two to three months of heating.
Soil, waste and sediment can be treated both
above and below the water table, although in
the case of treatment of SVOCs below the
water table, recharge of groundwater into the
heated zone must be controlled.
STATUS:
Since 1995, ISTD has been applied at seven
field sites, including three demonstrations and
four full-scale proj ects. Of these, four were at
CERCLA and/or Department of Defense sites.
Currently, TerraTherm, Inc. is engaged in
design and implementation of ISTD at four
additional project sites. In particular,
remediation of the Hex Pit at the Rocky
Mountain Arsenal, Commerce City, Colorado,
by ISTD is a U.S. EPA Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation (SITE) demonstration
project.
A total of 266 thermal wells, including 210
heater-only and 56 heater-vacuum wells, will
be installed during the fall of 2001 in a
hexagonal pattern at 6.0-ft spacing and to a
depth of 12 feet to treat 2,500 cubic yards of
soil. Heating of the Hex Pit is scheduled to
begin in January 2002. The treatment zone
will be heated over an approximately 75-day
period to interwell temperatures of >325°C.
Subsurface monitoring will track the progress
of heating. SITE will carry out isokinetic
stack testing as well as pre- and posttreatment
soil sampling both within and just outside the
boundaries of the thermal treatment zone to
evaluate the degradation efficiency, degree of
in-situ destruction, effects on fringe areas, and
discharge concentrations.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER:
Ralph S. Baker, Ph.D.
TerraTherm, Inc.
356-B Broad St.
Fitchburg, MA01420
978-343-0300
Fax: 978-343-2727
e-mail: rbaker@terratherm.com
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TERRA VAC
(In Situ and Ex Situ Vacuum Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In situ or ex situ vacuum extraction is a
process that removes volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and many semivolatile
organic compounds (S VOC) from the vadose,
or unsaturated, soil zone. These compounds
can often be removed from the vadose zone
before they contaminate groundwater. Soil
piles also may be cleaned by ex situ vacuum
extraction. The in situ vacuum extraction
process has been patented by others and
licensed to Terra Vac and others in the United
States.
The extraction process uses readily available
equipment, including extraction and
monitoring wells, manifold piping, air-liquid
separators, and vacuum pumps. Vacuum
extraction systems may vent directly to the
atmosphere or through an emission control
device. After the contaminated area is
generally characterized, extraction wells are
installed and connected by piping to the
vacuum extraction and vapor treatment
systems.
First, a vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the
soil causing in situ volatilization and draws air
through the subsurface. Contaminants are
removed from the extraction wells and pass to
the air-liquid separator. The vapor-phase
contaminants may be treated with an activated
carbon adsorption filter, a catalytic oxidizer,
or another emission control system before the
gases are discharged to the atmosphere.
Subsurface vacuum and soil vapor
concentrations are monitored with vadose
zone monitoring wells.
The technology can be used in most
hydrogeological settings and may reduce soil
contaminant levels from saturated conditions
to nondetectable. The process also works in
fractured bedrock and less permeable soils
(clays) with sufficient permeability. The
process may be used to enhance
bioremediation (bioventing). It also may be
used in conjunction with dual vacuum
extraction, soil heating, pneumatic fracturing,
and chemical oxidation to recover a wide
range of contaminants. The figure below
illustrates one possible configuration of the
process.
Typical contaminant recovery rates range
from 20 to 2,500 pounds (10 to 1,000
kilograms) per day, depending on the degree
of site contamination and the design of the
vacuum extraction system.
VAPOR PHASE ATMOSPHERE
CARBON CANISTERS ATMOSPHERE
PRIMARYSECONDARY
CARBON CARBON VACUUM
EXTRACTION
UNIT
DUAL VACUUM
EXTRACTION WELLS
In Situ Dual Vacuum Extraction Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The vacuum extraction technology may treat
soils containing virtually any VOC. It has
removed over 40 types of chemicals from
soils and groundwater, including solvents and
gasoline- and diesel-range hydrocarbons.
STATUS:
The process was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1987. The process
was demonstrated under the SITE
Demonstration Program at the Groveland
Wells Superfund site in Groveland,
Massachusetts, from December 1987 through
April 1988. The technology remediated soils
contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE).
The Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/5-89/003a) and Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/A5-89/003) are
available from EPA.
The vacuum extraction process was first
demonstrated at a Superfund site in Puerto
Rico in 1984. Terra Vac has since applied the
technology at more than 20 additional
Superfund sites and at more than 700 other
waste sites throughout the United States,
Europe, and Japan.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the Groveland Wells SITE
demonstration, four extraction wells pumped
contaminants to the process system. During a
56-day period, 1,3 00 pounds of VOC s, mainly
TCE, were extracted from both highly
permeable strata and less permeable (10"7
centimeters per second) clays. The vacuum
extraction process achieved nondetectable
VOC levels at some locations and reduced the
VOC concentration in soil gas by 95 percent.
Average reductions of soil
concentrations during the demonstration
program were 92 percent for sandy soils and
90 percent for clays. Field evaluations
yielded the following conclusions:
• Permeability of soils is an important
consideration when applying this
technology.
• Pilot demonstrations are necessary at sites
with complex geology or contaminant
distributions.
• Treatment costs are typically $40 per ton
of soil but can range from less than $10 to
$80 per ton of soil, depending on the size
of the site and the requirements for gas
effluent or wastewater treatment.
• Contaminants should have a Henry's
constant of 0.001 or higher.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mary Stinson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Ave
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
732-321-6683
Fax: 732-321-6640
e-mail: stinson.mary@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Joseph A. Pezzullo
Vice President
Terra Vac
Windsor Industrial Park, Building 15
92 N. Main Street
P.O. Box 468
Windsor, NJ 08561-0468
609-371-0070
Fax: 609-371-9446
e-mail: jpezzullO@aol.com
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TEXACO INC.
(Texaco Gasification Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Texaco Gasification Process (TOP) is an
entrained-bed, noncatalytic, partial oxidation
process in which carbonaceous substances
react at elevated temperatures and pressures,
producing a gas containing mainly carbon
monoxide and hydrogen (see figure below).
This product, called synthesis gas, can be used
to produce other chemicals or can be burned
as fuel. Inorganic materials in the feed melt
are removed as a glass-like slag.
This technology has operated commercially
for over 40 years with feedstocks such as
natural gas, heavy oil, coal, and petroleum
coke. The TOP processes waste feedstocks at
pressures above 20 atmospheres and
temperatures between 2,200 and 2,800°F.
Slurried wastes are pumped to a specially
designed injector mounted at the top of the
refractory lined gasifier. The waste feed,
oxygen, and an auxiliary fuel such as coal
react and flow downward through the gasifier
to a quench chamber that collects the slag.
The slag is eventually removed through a
lockhopper. A scrubber further cools and
cleans the synthesis gas. Fine particulate
matter removed by the scrubber may be
recycled to the gasifier; a sulfur recovery
system may also be added.
After the TGP converts organic materials into
synthesis gas, the cooled, water-scrubbed
product gas, consisting mainly of hydrogen
and carbon monoxide, essentially contains no
hydrocarbons heavier than methane. Metals
and other ash constituents become part of the
glassy slag.
Oxidant
Water
Feed
Solids-Free
Recycle
Purge Water
to Treatment
or Recycle
Texaco Gasification Process
-------
The TGP can be configured as a transportable
system capable of processing about 100 tons
of hazardous waste per day. This system
would produce about 6 million standard cubic
feet of usable synthesis gas per day with a
heating value of approximately 250 British
thermal units per standard cubic foot.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TGP can treat the following wastes:
• Contaminated soils, sludges, and
sediments that contain both organic and
inorganic constituents
• Chemical wastes
• Petroleum residues
Solids in the feed are ground and pumped in a
slurry containing 40 to 70 percent solids by
weight and 30 to 60 percent liquid, usually
water.
Texaco has demonstrated gasification of coal
liquefaction residues, petroleum production
tank bottoms, municipal sewage sludge, and
surrogate contaminated soil. Texaco is
operating a gasification facility at its El
Dorado, Kansas refinery that will convert up
to 170 tons per day of petroleum coke and
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act-
listed refinery wastes into usable synthesis
gas.
STATUS:
The TGP was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in July 1991. A
demonstration was conducted in January 1994
at Texaco's Montebello Research Laboratory
in California using a mixture of clean soil,
coal, and contaminated soil from the Purity
Oil Sales Superfund site, located in Fresno,
California. The mixture was slurried and
spiked with lead, barium, and chlorobenzene.
Forty tons of slurry was gasified during three
demonstration runs. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-95/514), Technology
Capsule (EPA/540/R-94/514a), and
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-94/514) are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Findings from the SITE demonstration are
summarized below:
• The average composition of the dry
synthesis gas product from the TGP
consisted of 37 percent hydrogen,
36 percent carbon monoxide, and
21 percent carbon dioxide. The only
remaining organic contaminant greater
than 0.1 part per million (ppm) was
methane at 55 ppm.
• The destruction and removal efficiency
for the volatile organic spike
(chlorobenzene) was greater than the
99.99 percent goal.
• Samples of the primary TGP solid
product, coarse slag, averaged below the
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) limits for lead (5
milligrams per liter [mg/L]) and barium
(100 mg/L). Volatile heavy metals tended
to partition to and concentrate in the
secondary TGP solid products, fine slag
and clarifier solids. These secondary
products were above the TCLP limit for
lead.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tom Leininger
Montebello Technology Center
Texaco Global Gas & Power
329 N. Durfee Avenue
S. El Monte, CA 91733
562-699-0948
Fax: 562-699-7408
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TORONTO HARBOR COMMISSION
(Soil Recycling)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Toronto Harbor Commission's (THC) soil
recycling process removes inorganic and
organic contaminants from soil to produce a
reusable fill material (see photograph below).
The process consists of three technologies
operating in series: a soil washing
technology; a technology that removes
inorganic contamination by chelation; and a
technology that uses chemical and biological
treatment to reduce organic contaminants.
The process uses an attrition soil wash plant to
remove relatively uncontaminated coarse soil
fractions using mineral processing equipment
while concentrating the contaminants in a fine
slurry which is routed to the appropriate
process for further treatment. The wash
process includes a trommel washer to remove
clean gravel, hydrocyclones to separate the
contaminated fines, an attrition scrubber to
free fines from sand particles, and a density
separator to remove coal and peat from the
sand fraction.
If only inorganic contaminants are present, the
slurry can be treated in the inorganic chelator
unit. This process uses an acid leach to free
the inorganic contaminant from the fine slurry
and then removes the metal using solid
chelating agent pellets in a patented
countercurrent contactor. The metals are
recovered by electrowinning from the
chelation agent regenerating liquid.
Organic removal is accomplished by first
chemically pretreating the slurry from the
wash plant or the metal removal process.
Next, biological treatment is applied in
upflow slurry reactors using the bacteria
which have developed naturally in the soils.
The treated soil is dewatered using
hydrocyclones and returned to the site from
which it was excavated.
Soil Washing Plant (Metal Extraction Screwtubes in Foreground
and Bioslurry Reactors in Background)
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is designed to reduce organic
and inorganic contaminants in soils. The
process train approach is most useful when
sites have been contaminated as a result of
multiple uses over a period of time. Typical
sites where the process train might be used
include refinery and petroleum storage
facilities, sites with metal processing and
metal recycling histories, and manufactured
gas and coal or coke processing and storage
sites. The process is less suited to soils with
undesirable high inorganic constituents which
result from the inherent mineralogy of the
soils.
STATUS:
The THC soil recycling process was accepted
into the SITE Demonstration Program in
1991. The soil recycling process was
demonstrated at a site within the Toronto Port
Industrial District that had been used for
metals finishing and refinery products and
petroleum storage. Demonstration sampling
took place in April and May 1992.
Results have been published in the
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/520-MR
-92/015), the Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540-AR-93/517), the Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-93/517), and
the Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-93/517). These reports are
available from EPA.
This technology is no longer available through
a vendor. For further information on the
technology, contact the EPA Proj ect Manager.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration results showed that soil
washing produced clean coarse soil fractions
and concentrated the contaminants in the fine
slurry.
The chemical treatment process and biological
slurry reactors, when operated on a batch
basis with a nominal 35-day retention time,
achieved at least a 90 percent reduction in
simple polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds
such as naphthalene, but did not meet the
approximately 75 percent reduction in
benzo(a)pyrene required to achieve the
cleanup criteria.
The biological process discharge did not meet
the cleanup criteria for oil and grease, and the
process exhibited virtually no removal of this
parameter. THC believes that the high outlet
oil and grease values are the result of the
analytical extraction of the biomass developed
during the process.
The hydrocyclone dewatering device did not
achieve significant dewatering. Final process
slurries were returned to the excavation site in
liquid form.
The metals removal process achieved a
removal efficiency for toxic heavy metals
such as copper, lead, mercury, and nickel of
approximately 70 percent.
The metals removal process equipment and
chelating agent were fouled by free oil and
grease contamination, forcing sampling to end
prematurely. Biological treatment or physical
separation of oil and grease will be required to
avoid such fouling.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richards.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Ken Lundy
Toronto Harbor Commission
62 Villiers St.
Toronto, Ontario MSA 1B1
CANADA
416-462-1261 ext. 11: Fax: 416-462-3511
-------
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO RESEARCH FOUNDATION
(formerly licensed to J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY)
(The SABRE™ Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The patented Simplot Anaerobic Biological
Remediation (SABRE™) process reduces
contamination through on-site bioremediation of
soils contaminated with the herbicide dinoseb
(2-5ec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) or nitroaromatic
explosives. The biodegradation process begins
when contaminated soil is placed in a bioreactor
and flooded with buffered water. A source of
carbon and a nitroaromatic-degrading
consortium of anaerobic bacteria are then added
to the bioreactor. Anaerobic conditions are
quickly established, allowing the bacteria to
degrade the target compounds while preventing
polymerization of intermediate breakdown
products. A photograph of the technology in
operation is shown below.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Soil can be treated in above- or in-ground
containment ponds. Temperature, pH, and
redox potential in the bioreactor are monitored
during treatment. A hydromixing system has
been engineered to efficiently solubilize the
target compound from the soil while maint-
aining anaerobic conditions. Frequency of
mixing depends upon the contaminants present,
concentration, soil heterogeneity, and soil type.
This technology is designed to treat soils
contaminated with nitroaromatic pesticides and
explosives. This contamination most often
occurs at rural crop dusting aircraft sites and at
ordnance handling and manufacturing
facilities.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in January
1990. Based on bench- and pilot-scale results
from the Emerging Technology Program, this
technology was accepted in the SITE
Demonstration Program in winter 1992.
Demonstrations for dinoseb and the explosive
TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) were performed at
Bowers Field in Ellensberg, Washington and at
Weldon Spring Ordnance Works in Weldon
™ - j& -3 - :?V-:-.
~
,*_
:::& ? fe*' "-SUKf^:^ i^
Bioreactors and Soil Mixing System at a TNT-Contaminated Site in Washington
-------
Spring, Missouri, respectively. A Technology
Capsule describing the dinoseb project
(EPA/540/R-94/508a) and an Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report describing the
TNT project (EPA/540/R-95/529) are available
from EPA.
Since then, the process has been evaluated at
several other sites. During the winters of 1994
and 1995, two 10-cubic-yard (yd3) batches of
soils from Bangor Naval Submarine Base,
Washington were treated using the SABRE™
Process. One batch contained TNT, while the
other was contaminated with TNT and RDX.
Cost savings were realized by using in-ground
ponds for bioreactors and efficient mixing.
Heaters were also installed to maintain optimum
biological activity during the sub-freezing
temperatures. Treatment goals were met or
surpassed in the 90 days allowed for the project.
A full-scale remediation of 321 yd3 of dinoseb-
contaminated soils was completed in October
1995. The site was a former herb-icide
distributor located near Reedley, CA. The
treatment was performed in an above-ground
containment already existing on site.
Concentrations ranging from 40 to 100
milligrams per kilogram were reduced to
nondetect after 28 days of treatment. The soil
was mixed three times during treatment using a
full-scale, expandable hydromixing system.
A larger evaluation was conducted in fall 1996
at Naval Weapons Station - Yorktown. About
500 yd3 of soil were contained in an in-ground
pond measuring 86 ft by 150 ft deep. A full-
scale hydromixing system was used to
periodically slurry the soil and water mixture.
Process optimization work is ongoing.
Collaborative projects with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment
Station and the U.S. Army Environmental
Center are underway.
During the Wei don Spring demonstration, TNT
was reduced from average concentrations of
1,500 parts per million (ppm) to an average of
8.7 ppm, for an average removal rate of 99.4%.
Toxicity testing, which included early seedling
growth, root elongation, and earthworm
reproduction tests, showed that soil toxicity
was signifi-cantly reduced. The Weldon
Spring demon-stration showed the
effectiveness of this process even in
unfavorable conditions. The treatment time
was lengthened by unsea-sonably cool ambient
temperatures. Temperatures in the bioreactor
were as low as 4°C; ideal temperatures for the
SABRE™ process are 35 to 37 °C.
During the Ellensburg demonstration, dinoseb
was reduced from 27.3 ppm to below the
detection limit, a greater than 99.8% removal.
Other pesticides were also degraded in this
process, highlighting the effectiveness of the
process even in the presence of co-
contaminants. The process was completed in
just 23 days, despite 18°C temperatures.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Wendy Davis-Hoover
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7206 Fax: 513-569-7879
e-mail: davis-hoover.wendy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Ron Satterfield
Director of Technology Marketing
Research Foundation, Inc.University of Idaho
P.O. Box 443003
Moscow, ID 83844-3003
208-885-4550 Fax: 208-882-0105
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
-------
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA - LINCOLN
(Center Pivot Spray Irrigation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Spray irrigation technology with "center
pivots" and "linear" systems can be used to
remediate groundwater contaminated with
volatile organic compounds (VOC). The
technology is commonly used to apply
irrigation water to vegetable and row crops.
While the systems were introduced to irrigate
hilly terrain and excessively well-drained
soils, the technology has been adapted in both
groundwater quality and quantity management
areas as a best management practice. This
technology severely reduces water application
rates and leaching relative to flood irrigation
techniques.
The systems consist of an elevated pipeline
with nozzles placed at close intervals.
Groundwater is pumped through the pipeline
and sprayed uniformly over a field as the
pipeline pivots or linearly passes over the
cropped area. The typical pump rate is
between 800 and 2,000 gallons per minute
(gpm). These self-propelled systems are
highly mechanized and have low labor and
operating requirements. The systems do not
require level ground, and start-up costs are
low.
The sprinkler method applies water over the
irrigated area with a fine spray (see the
photograph below). Water coverage over the
irrigated area is controlled by the speed with
which the "pivot" or "linear" system travels
across the field. The heart of the sprinkler
irrigation system is the nozzle, which has a
small opening through which a high-velocity
stream of water is emitted. As the high-
velocity water stream leaves the nozzle, it
strikes an impact pad and forms a thin film of
water. The thin film of water produced by
these pads breaks up into small droplets as it
leaves the impact pad. Droplet size depends
on the stream pressure and design of the
impact pad.
The system used in the SITE demonstration
program was a center pivot and was located
on a seed-corn field in Hastings, Nebraska.
The system was equipped with off-the-shelf,
fog-producing impact pads for improved
volatilization efficiency.
Center Pivot spray Irrigation System
-------
A stratified water droplet collector (SWDC)
simultaneously collected spray at four fall
heights above ground level, and was
specifically contracted for this project by the
Dutton-Lainson Company in Hastings,
Nebraska. With this device, droplets were
collected at heights of 1.5, 4.5, 7.5, and 10.5
feet above the ground surface. Twelve
SWDCs were installed parallel to the pivot
arm to determine average volatilization
efficiencies from the 340 nozzles on the pivot
arm.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The sprinkler irrigation system is capable of
remediating VOC-contaminated groundwater.
Removal rates in excess of 95 percent have
been demonstrated for groundwater
containing ethylene dibromide (EDB),
trichloroethene (TCE), 1,1,1-trichloroethane
(TCA), and carbon tetrachloride (CT). The
method will efficiently volatilize all common
volatiles in groundwater that may originate
from landfills, degreasers, dry cleaners,
electrical industries, gas stations, or refineries.
The residuals are transferred to the
atmosphere where they are dispersed and most
are rapidly degraded in ultraviolet light.
The technique may be limited to individual
groundwater VOC concentrations that are less
than 1 part per million if residual
concentrations of VOCs are mandated to be
near or below the maximum contaminant level
prior to reaching the ground surface.
Otherwise, the technique can be used in any
agricultural setting where sufficient
groundwater and irrigatable land are available.
The Center Pivot Spray Irrigation system was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in late 1995. Under a University of
Nebraska project funded by the Cooperative
State Research Service of the Department of
Agriculture, field tests were completed in the
summers of 1994 and 1995 in a seed-corn
field in Hastings, Nebraska. The technology
was demonstrated under the SITE Program in
July 1996 at the North Landfill/FAR-MAR-
CO Sub site in Hastings, Nebraska. The 50-
acre site is a furrow-irrigated corn field
underlain by commingled plumes of
groundwater containing EDB, TCE, TCA, CT,
1,1-dichloroethene, and chloroform. The
primary goal of the demonstration was to
determine the efficiency of the system to
remediate VOCs in groundwater to
concentrations below the maximum
contaminant levels. The results of this
demonstration are available in an Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-
98/502).
Clients involved in large pump-and-treat
projects at several military bases are
investigating the suitability of the system to
their specific site situations. Potential clients
include the U.S. Navy, the Army Corps of
Engineers, and several state agencies. The
technology is currently being used at the
Lindsey Manufacturing site in Nebraska and
near some grain elevators being remediated by
Argonne Laboratory.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The results of this demonstration, combined
with previous results obtained by UNL,
provide significant performance data and
serves as the foundation for conclusions about
the system's effectiveness and applicability to
similar remediation projects.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Roy Spalding
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Water Center/Environmental Programs
103 Natural Resources Hall
P.O. Box 830844
Lincoln, NE 68583-0844
402-472-7558
Fax: 402-472-9599
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US EPA REGION 9
(Excavation Techniques and Foam Suppression Methods)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Excavation techniques and foam suppression
methods have been developed through a joint
EPA effort involving the National Risk
Management Research Laboratory
(Cincinnati, Ohio), Air and Energy
Engineering Research Laboratory (Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina), and EPA
Region 9 to evaluate control technologies
during excavation operations.
In general, excavating soil contaminated with
volatile organic compounds (VOC) results in
fugitive air emissions. When using this
technology, the area to be excavated is
surrounded by a temporary enclosure (see
photograph below). Air from the enclosure is
vented through an emission control system
before being released to the atmosphere. For
example, in the case of hydrocarbon and
sulfur dioxide emissions, a scrubber and a
carbon adsorption unit would be used to treat
emissions. As an additional emission control
method, a vapor suppressant foam can be
applied to the soil before and after excavation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for controlling
VOC and sulfur dioxide emissions during
excavation of contaminated soil.
STATUS:
This technology was demonstrated at the
McColl Superfund site in Fullerton,
California, in June and July 1990. An
enclosure 60 feet wide, 160 feet long, and 26
feet high was erected over an area
contaminated with VOCs and sulfur dioxide.
A backhoe removed the overburden and
Excavation Area Enclosure
-------
excavated underlying waste. Three distinct
types of waste were encountered during
excavation: oily mud, tar, and hard coal-like
char.
The following documents, which contain
results from the demonstration, are available
from EPA:
• Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/AR-92/015)
• Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-93/015)
• Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-92/015)
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During excavation, the 5-minute average air
concentrations within the enclosed area were
up to 1,000 parts per million (ppm) for sulfur
dioxide and up to 492 ppm for total
hydrocarbons (THC). The air pollution
control system removed up to 99 percent of
the sulfur dioxide and up to 70 percent of the
THCs.
The concentrations of air contaminants inside
the enclosure were higher than expected.
These high concentrations were due in part to
the inability of the vapor suppressant foams to
form an impermeable membrane over the
exposed wastes. The foam reacted with the
highly acidic waste, causing the foam to
degrade. Furthermore, purge water from
foaming activities made surfaces slippery for
workers and equipment. A total of 101 cubic
yards of overburden and 137 cubic yards of
contaminated waste was excavated. The tar
waste was solidified and stabilized by mixing
with fly ash, cement, and water in a pug mill.
The char wastes did not require further
processing.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Blevins
U.S. EPA Region 9
San Francisco, CA
415-744-2400
e-mail: blevins.john@epa.gov
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U.S. FILTER
(formerly Ultrox International, Inc.)
(Ultraviolet Radiation and Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation
technology uses UV radiation, ozone, and
hydrogen peroxide to destroy toxic organic
compounds, particularly chlorinated
hydrocarbons, in water. The technology
oxidizes compounds that are toxic or
refractory (resistanttobiological oxidation) to
parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion
(ppb) levels.
The UV radiation and oxidation system
consists of the UV-oxidation reactor, an air
compressor and ozone generator module, and
a hydrogen peroxide feed system (see figure
below). The system is skid-mounted and
portable, and permits on-site treatment of a
wide variety of liquid wastes. Reactor size is
determined by the expected wastewater flow
rate and the necessary hydraulic retention time
needed to treat the contaminated water. The
approximate UV intensity, and ozone and
hydrogen peroxide doses, are determined from
pilot-scale studies.
Reactor influent is simultaneously exposed to
UV radiation, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide
to oxidize the organic compounds. Off-gas
from the reactor passes through a catalytic
ozone destruction Decompozon™ unit, which
reduces ozone levels before air venting. The
Treated Off-Gas
Decompozon™
Unit -
Reactor
Off-Gas
Ozone
Generator
Compressed^
Air
Treated
Effluent
ULTROX®
UV/Oxidation Reactor
Hydrogen Peroxide
from Feed Tank
Dryer
UV Radiation and Oxidation System (Isometric View)
-------
Decompozon™ unit also destroys volatile
organic compounds (VOC) stripped off in the
reactor.
Effluent from the reactor is tested and
analyzed before disposal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The UV radiation and oxidation system treats
contaminated groundwater, industrial
wastewaters, and leachates containing
halogenated solvents, phenol, penta-
chlorophenol, pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls, explosives, benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, xylene, methyl tertiary butyl
ether, and other organic compounds. The
system also treats low-level total organic
carbon and reduces chemical oxygen demand
and biological oxygen demand.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1989. A field-
scale demonstration of the system was
completed in March 1989 at the Lorentz
Barrel and Drum Company site in San Jose,
California. The testing program was designed
to evaluate system performance while varying
five operating parameters: (1) influent pH,
(2) retention time, (3) ozone dose,
(4) hydrogen peroxide dose, and (5) UV
radiation intensity. The Demonstration
Bulletin (EPA/540/M5-89/012), Technology
Demonstration Summary (EPA/540/S5-89/
012), Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-89/012), and Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/5-89/012) are
available from EPA.
The technology is fully commercial, with over
30 systems installed. Units with flow rates
ranging from 5 gallons per minute (gpm) to
1,050 gpm are in use at various industries and
site remediations, including aerospace, U.S.
Department of Energy, U.S. Department of
Defense, petroleum, pharmaceutical,
automotive, woodtreating, and municipal
facilities. UV radiation and oxidation
technology has been
included in records of decision for several
Superfund sites where groundwater pump-
and-treat remediation methods will be used.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Contaminated groundwater treated by the
system during the SITE demonstration met
regulatory standards at the appropriate
parameter levels. Out of 44 VOCs in the
wastewater, tri chl or oethene,
1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,1,1-tri chl oroethane
were chosen as indicator parameters. All
three are relatively refractory to conventional
oxidation.
The Decompozon™ unit reduced ozone to
less than 0.1 ppm, with efficiencies greater
than 99.99 percent. VOCs present in the air
within the treatment system were not detected
after passing through the Decompozon™ unit.
The system produced no harmful air
emissions. Total organic carbon removal was
low, implying partial oxidation of organics
without complete conversion to carbon
dioxide and water.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7665
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: lewis.norma@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. Richard Woodling
U.S. Filter
12 lOElko Drive
Sunnyville, CA 94089
408-752-1690
Fax: 408-752-7720
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WASTECH, INC.
(Solidification and Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology solidifies and stabilizes
organic and inorganic contaminants in soils,
sludge, and liquid wastes. First, a proprietary
reagent chemically bonds with contaminants
in wastes. The waste and reagent mixture is
then mixed with pozzolanic, cementitious
materials, which combine to form a stabilized
matrix. Reagents are selected based on target
waste characteristics. Treated material is a
nonleaching, high-strength, stabilized end-
product.
The WASTECH, Inc. (WASTECH),
technology uses standard engineering and
construction equipment. Because the type and
dose of reagents depend on waste
characteristics, treatability studies and site
investigations must be conducted to determine
the proper treatment formula.
Treatment usually begins with waste
excavation. Large pieces of debris in the
waste must be screened and removed. The
waste is then placed into a high shear mixer,
along with premeasured quantities of water
and SuperSet®, WASTECHs proprietary
reagent (see figure below).
Next, pozzolanic, cementitious materials are
added to the waste-reagent mixture,
stabilizing the waste and completing the
treatment process. The WASTECH
technology does not generate by-products.
The process may also be applied in situ.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The WASTECH technology can treat a wide
variety of waste streams consisting of soils,
sludges, and raw organic streams, including
lubricating oil, evaporator bottoms, chelating
agents, and ion-exchange resins, with
contaminant concentrations ranging from
parts per million levels to 40 percent by
volume. The technology can also treat wastes
generated by the petroleum, chemical,
pesticide, and wood-preserving industries, as
well as wastes generated by many other
chemical manufacturing and industrial
processes. The WASTECH technology can
also be applied to mixed wastes containing
organic, inorganic, and radioactive
contaminants.
PUMP PROCESSED PROCESSED
MATERIAL TO MATERIALS
EXCAVATION PLACED TO
SPECIFICATIONS
WASTECH Solidification and Stabilization Process
-------
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in spring 1989. A
field demonstration at Robins Air Force Base
in Warner Robins, Georgia was completed in
August 1991. WASTECH subsequently
conducted a bench-scale study in 1992 under
glovebox conditions to develop a detailed
mass balance of volatile organic compounds.
This technology is no longer available from
the vendor. For further information about the
process, contact the EPA Project Manager.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Terrence Lyons
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7589
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: lyons.terrence@epa.gov
-------
WEISS ASSOCIATES
(Electrochemical Remediation Technologies [ECRTs])
TECHNOLOGY DESRIPTION:
Electrochemical Remediation Technologies
(ECRTs) utilize an AC/DC current passed
between an electrode pair (one anode and one
cathode) in soil, sediment, or groundwater to
either mineralize organic contaminants
through the ElectroChemicalGeoOxidation
(ECGO) process, or complex, mobilize, and
remove metal contaminants through the
Induced Complexation (1C) process, either in
situ or ex situ. Field remediation data suggest
that ECRTs-IC cause electrochemical
reactions in soil, sediment, and groundwater
to generate metallic ion complexes from the
target contaminant metals. Electric power is
passed through a proprietary direct current
(DC)/alternating current (AC) converter that
produces a low-voltage and low-amperage
DC/AC current. When this modified
electrical current is passed through the
sediment via the electrodes, the sediment
particles become polarized and are purported
to develop electrical properties similar to a
capacitor. These complexes subsequently
migrate to the electrodes down the
electrokinetic gradient and are deposited onto
the electrodes, which can be removed and
recycled. ECRTs-IC operates at electrical
power levels below those of conventional
electrokinetic methods. A unique feature of
ECRTs-IC, in marked contrast to
electrokinetics, is that metals migrate to both
the anode and cathode. According to the
technology developer, when the polarized
particles discharge electricity in the ECGO,
the energy given off induces chemical
reactions (redox reactions), which decompose
organic contaminants.
Typically, ECRTs are preferred to be
implemented in situ. As such, site activities
are only minimally disturbed in contrast to
excavation and off-site disposal. ECRTs are
powered by the existing site electrical grid or
through a power generator.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
ECRT is capable of remediating mercury,
phenolic compounds, metal, and organic
contaminants in sediments, soil, and
groundwater.
STATUS:
The Washington Department of Ecology
(Ecology) is proposing to amend an existing
legal agreement (Agreed Order for Interim
Action) with Georgia-Pacific (G-P) to provide
Ecology access to the Georgia-Pacific Log
Pond (Log Pond) to conduct a sediment
treatment pilot study. The Log Pond is
located in Bellingham Bay adj acent to the G-P
facility at 300 W. Laurel Street, Bellingham.
Under the amendment, Ecology and other
partners will conduct a sediment treatment
pilot study on a small area of the Log Pond.
The Log Pond is a subunit of the Whatcom
Waterway Site and consists of intertidal and
subtidal aquatic lands adjacent to the
Whatcom Waterway Federal Navigation
Channel in Bellingham.
The Log Pond is part of the Whatcom
Waterway contaminated sediment site and
was capped with clean sediments from other
Puget Sound Corps of Engineers maintenance
dredging projects in February 2001. This
capping was conducted under an Agreed
Order for Interim Action with Ecology. The
ECRT apparatus will be installed in 2002.
Installation of the pilot study infrastructure
will generally involve placing two pairs of
sheet pile electrodes into the sediment (four
sheet piles: two positive and two negative
electrodes). The sheet piles will be placed in
parallel at a distance of 30 to 50 feet. The
sheet piles will be placed into the sediment by
vibratory hammer equipment in such a
manner as to minimize any disturbance of
contaminated sediments and the sediment cap.
-------
Operation of the ECRT apparatus, along with
monitoring activities outlined above, will
continue until the objectives of the pilot study
have been met, whichever is earlier.
An in-progress U.S. bench-scale test strongly
suggests migration of total mercury to the
anode. These results show that ECRTs-IC are
rapid and effective.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joe lovenitti
5801 Christie Ave.
Suite 600
Emeryville, CA 94608
510-450-6141
Fax: 510-547-5043
e-mail: jli@weiss.com
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ROY F. WESTON, INC./IEG TECHNOLOGIES
(UVB - Vacuum Vaporizing Well)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Unterdruck-Verdampfer-Brunnen (UVB)
system is an in situ system for remediating
contaminated aquifers. The basic system is
simple in design and operation, consisting of
a well, a groundwater extraction pump, a
negative pressure stripping reactor, and an
electric blower. While in operation, the water
level rises inside the UVB well casing due to
reduced atmospheric pressure generated by
the blower, increasing the total hydraulic head
in the well. Atmospheric air enters the well
through a fresh air pipe connected to the
stripping reactor. The incoming fresh air
forms bubbles as it jets through the pinhole
plate of the stripping reactor and mixes with
the influent groundwater in the well casing,
creating an "air lift" effect as the bubbles rise
and expand to the stripping reactor. After
treatment, the movement of water out of
the well develops a groundwater circulation
cell around a remediation well. The
circulating groundwater transports
contaminants from the adjacent soils and
groundwater to the well, where these
contaminants are removed using a
combination of physical, chemical and
biological treatment processes. The
technology is capable of mobilizing and
treating contaminants that are water soluble
(dissolved phase) or are present as dense non
aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL) or light non
aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL). The
technology also can extract and treat soil gas
from the unsaturated zone.
Due to the presence of a natural groundwater
flow, the total amount of water circulating
around the UVB well at any given time
consists of (1) a portion of up gradient
groundwater captured by the influent screen
Ambient Air
Activated Carbon Filter
Monitoring Wells
Off Air
Working GW Level ^Resting GW Level
Saturated
Zone
UVB Standard Circulation
-------
section, and (2) recirculated groundwater.
This ratio is typically 15 to 85 percent
respectively. Groundwater leaving the
circulation cell exits through the downstream
release zone in a rate equal to the up gradient
groundwater being captured. These flow
dynamics and the dimensions of the capture
zone, circulation cell, and release zone can be
calculated using design aids based on
numerical simulations of the groundwater
hydraulics and can be validated by monitoring
the actual performance results of the system.
The advantage of the UVB technology over
external pump-and-treat technologies is its
ability to treat contaminants while
maintaining a net equilibrium flow in the
aquifer, eliminating adverse effects associated
with excessive mounding or draw-down of
groundwater due to continuous extraction and
replacement of equal volumes of water.
Additionally, the circulation well serves as a
mechanism for flushing contaminants from
the soils and aquifer to the well casing for
treatment on a continuous basis. As a
secondary benefit, because the primary
treatment process is physical removal through
air stripping, the dissolved oxygen levels in
the groundwater passing through the well can
theoretically increase up to 10 milligrams per
liter within the aquifer, enhancing
bioremediation by indigenous micro-
organisms.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be used to assist in
treating a variety of soil and groundwater
pollutants ranging from chlorinated solvents
to gasoline constituents, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and nitrates.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1993, and a
demonstration was completed at March Air
Force Base, California, in May 1994. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
95/500), Technology Capsule (EPA/540/R-
95/500a), and Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-95/500) are
available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Demonstration results indicate that the UVB
system reduced trichloroethene (TCE) in
groundwater by an average of 94 percent.
The average TCE concentration from the
outlet of the UVB system in the treated
groundwater was approximately 3 micrograms
per liter (|ig/L), with only one event above
5 |ig/L. The inlet TCE concentration
averaged 40 |ig/L. Results of a dye tracer
study indicated that the radius of the
circulation cell was at least 40 feet. Modeling
of the study indicated a circulation cell radius
of 60 feet. In general, TCE in the shallow and
intermediate screened wells showed a
concentration reduction both vertically and
horizontally during the demonstration. TCE
concentrations in these wells appeared to
homogenize as indicated by their convergence
and stabilization. Variations in TCE
concentrations were noted in the deep
screened wells.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Mike Cosmos, Roy F. Weston, Inc.
One Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380
610-701-7423
Fax:610-701-5035
e-mail: cosmosm@mail.rfweston.com
Mike Corbin
One Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380
610-701-3723
Fax: 610-701-7597
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ROY F. WESTON, INC.
(Low Temperature Thermal Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Roy F. Weston, Inc. (Weston), low
temperature thermal treatment (LT3®) system
thermally desorbs organic compounds from
contaminated soil without heating the soil to
combustion temperatures. The transportable
system (see photograph below) is assembled
on three flat-bed trailers and requires an area
of about 5,000 square feet, including ancillary
and support equipment. The LT3® system
consists of three segments: soil treatment,
emissions control, and water treatment.
The LT3® thermal processor consists of two
jacketed troughs, one above the other. Each
trough houses four intermeshed, hollow screw
conveyors. A front-end loader feeds soil or
sludge onto a conveyor that discharges into a
surge hopper above the thermal processor.
Hot oil circulating through the troughs and
screws heats the soil to 400 to 500°F,
removing contaminants. A second stage
indirect heater is available to achieve 1,000°F
discharge temperatures. Soil is discharged
from the thermal processor into a conditioner,
where a water spray cools the soil and
minimizes dust emissions.
A fan draws desorbed organics from the
thermal processor through a fabric filter
baghouse. Depending on contaminant
characteristics, dust collected on the fabric
filter may be retreated, combined with treated
material, or drummed separately for off-site
disposal. Exhaust gas from the fabric filter is
drawn into an air-cooled condenser to remove
most of the water vapor and organics. The
gas is then passed through a second,
refrigerated condenser and treated by carbon
adsorption.
Condensate streams are typically treated in a
three-phase, oil-water separator to remove
light and heavy organic phases from the water
phase. The water phase is then treated in a
carbon adsorption system to remove residual
organic contaminants. Treated condensate is
often used for soil conditioning, and only the
organic phases are disposed of off site.
Low Temperature Thermal Treatment (LT3®) System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This system treats soils and sludges
contaminated with volatile and semivolatile
organic compounds (VOC and SVOC).
Bench-, pilot-, and full-scale LT3® systems
have treated soil contaminated with the
following wastes: coal tar, drill cuttings (oil-
based mud), No. 2 diesel fuel, JP-4 jet fuel,
leaded and unleaded gasoline, petroleum
hydrocarbons, halogenated and
nonhalogenated solvents, VOCs, SVOCs,
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,
polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides,
herbicides, dioxins, and furans.
STATUS:
The LT3® system was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in September 1991.
In November and December 1991, the LT3®
system was demonstrated under the SITE
Program as part of a proof-of-process test for
full-scale remediation of the Anderson
Development Company (ADC) Superfund site
in Adrian, Michigan. The system was tested
on lagoon sludge from the ADC site. This
sludge was contaminated with VOCs and
SVOCs, including 4,4-methylene
bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA).
The Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/
MR-92/019) and Applications Analysis
Report (EPA/540/AR-92/019) are available
from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, the system
throughput was approximately 2.1 tons per
hour. Six replicate tests were conducted, each
lasting approximately 6 hours. The SITE
demonstration yielded the following results:
• The LT3® system removed VOCs to below
method detection limits (less than 0.060
milligram per kilogram [mg/kg] for most
compounds).
• The LT3® system achieved MBOCA
removal efficiencies greater than
88 percent; MBOCA concentrations in the
treated sludge ranged from 3.0 to
9.6 mg/kg.
• The LT3® system decreased the
concentrations of all SVOCs in the sludge,
with the exception of phenol, which
increased possibly due to chlorobenzene.
• Dioxins and furans were formed in the
system, but the 2,3,7,8-tetra-
chlorodibenzo-p-dioxin isomer was
not detected in treated sludges.
• Stack emissions of nonmethane total
hydrocarbons increased from 6.7 to
11 parts per million by volume during the
demonstration; the maximum emission
rate was 0.2 pound per day (ppd). The
maximum particulates emission rate was
0.02 ppd, and no chlorides were measured
in stack gases.
The economic analysis of the LT3® system's
performance compared the costs associated
with treating soils containing 20, 45, and 75
percent moisture. The treatment costs per ton
of material were estimated to be $37, $537,
and $725, respectively.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mike Cosmos
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
1400WestonWay
West Chester, PA 19380-1499
610-701-7423
Fax:610-701-5035
e-mail: cosmosm@mail.rfweston.com
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WHEELABRATOR CLEAN AIR SYSTEMS, INC.
(formerly Chemical Waste Management, Inc.)
(PO*WW*ER™ Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PO*WW*ER™ technology is used to
treat and reduce complex industrial and
hazardous wastewaters containing mixtures of
inorganic salts, metals, volatile and
nonvolatile organics, volatile inorganics, and
radionuclides. The proprietary technology
combines evaporation with catalytic oxidation
to concentrate and destroy contaminants,
producing a high-quality product condensate.
Wastewater is first pumped into an
evaporator, where most of the water and
contaminants are vaporized and removed,
concentrating the contaminants into a small
volume for further treatment or disposal. The
contaminant vapors then pass over a bed of
proprietary robust catalyst, where the
pollutants are oxidized and destroyed.
Depending on the contaminant vapor
composition, effluent vapors from the oxidizer
may be treated in a scrubber. The vapors are
then condensed to produce water (condensate)
that can be used as either boiler or cooling
tower makeup water, if appropriate.
Hazardous wastewater can thus be separated
into a small contaminant stream (brine) and a
large clean water stream without using
expensive reagents or increasing the volume
of the total stream. The photograph below
illustrates a PO*WW*ER™ -based
wastewater treatment plant.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The PO*WW*ER™ technology can treat
wastewaters containing a mixture of the
following contaminants:
Organic
• Halogenated volatiles
• Halogenated semivolatiles
• Nonhalogenated volatiles
• Nonhalogenated semi-
volatiles
• Organic pesticides/
herbicides
• Solvents
• Benzene, toluene, ethyl-
benzene, and xylene
• Organic cyanides
• Nonvolatile organics
Inorganic
Heavy metals
Nonmetallic
toxic elements
Cyanides
Ammonia
Nitrates
Salts
Radioactive
Plutonium
Americium
Uranium
Technetium
Thorium
Radium
Barium
PO*WW*ER™-Based Wastewater Treatment Plant
-------
Suitable wastewaters for treatment by the
PO*WW*ER™ technology include landfill
leachates, contaminated groundwaters,
process wastewaters, and low-level
radioactive mixed wastes.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1991. The
demonstration took place in September 1992
at the Chemical Waste Management, Inc.,
Lake Charles, Louisiana, facility. Landfill
leachate, an F039 hazardous waste, was
treated in a pilot-scale unit. The Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/AR-93/506) and
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-
93/506) are available from EPA.
A commercial system with a capacity of
50 gallons per minute is in operation at Ysing
Yi Island, Hong Kong. A pilot-scale unit,
with a capacity of 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute,
is available and can treat radioactive,
hazardous, and mixed waste streams.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The ability of the PO*WW*ER™ system to
concentrate aqueous wastes was evaluated by
measuring the volume reduction and
concentration ratio achieved. The volume of
brine produced during each 9-hour test period
was about 5 percent of the feed waste volume
processed in the same period. The
concentration ratio, defined as the ratio of
total solids (TS) concentration in the brine to
the TS concentration in the feed waste, was
about 32 to 1.
The feed waste contained concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOC) ranging
from 320 to 110,000 micrograms per liter
(|ig/L); semivolatile organic compounds
(SVOC) ranging from 5,300 to 24,000 |ig/L;
ammonia ranging from 140 to 160 milligrams
per liter (mg/L); and cyanide ranging from 24
to 36 mg/L. No VOCs, SVOCs, ammonia, or
cyanide were detected in the product
condensate.
The PO*WW*ER™ system removed sources
of feed waste toxicity. The feed waste was
acutely toxic with median lethal
concentrations (LC50) consistently below 10
percent. The product condensate was
nontoxic with LC50 values consistently greater
than 100 percent, but only after the product
condensate was cooled and its pH, dissolved
oxygen level, and hardness or salinity were
increased.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Myron Reicher
Wheelabrator Clean Air Systems, Inc.
1501 East Woodfield Road,
Suite 200 West
Schaumberg, IL 60173
847-706-6900
Fax: 847-706-6996
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WILDER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
(MatCon™ Modified Asphalt Cap)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
MatCon™ is an asphalt mixture produced by
using a proprietary binder and a specified
aggregate gradation in a conventional hot mix
asphalt plant. A MatCon™ cover can be
constructed within a few days using
conventional asphalt paving equipment.
Maintenance of the cover is relatively easy,
using conventional asphalt paving repair
equipment and materials. According to the
manufacturer, MatCon™ asphalt is much less
permeable and possesses superior flexural
strength compared to conventional asphalt.
MatCon™ asphalt has a permeability of 1.0 x
10"8 cm/sec or less, which far exceeds the
requirement of less than 1.0 x 10"5 cm/sec
established for landfill covers that do not have
a geomembrane liner.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MatCon™ technology is applicable as a
final cover at many hazardous waste sites.
The potential for hazardous waste site reuse is
a major advantage of this technology. Uses
being planned for the MatCon™ cover include
the following: staging area for heavy
equipment and vehicles; light industrial
manufacturing; and sports facilities, such as
tennis courts and tracks.
STATUS:
Wilder Construction Company installed a
pilot-scale cover system at the Dover Air
Force Base site in April 1999 for purposes of
evaluating the MatCon™ technology. The
evaluation cover measures approximately 126
by 220 feet and consists of three sections:
(1) 12-inch-thick MatCon™ asphalt with a
drainage layer (Section I), (2) 4-inch-thick
MatCon™ asphalt (Section II), and (3) 4-inch-
thick conventional asphalt (Section III). The
drainage layer in Section I was constructed as
a 4-inch-thick channel of open-graded asphalt
between two 4-inch-thick MatCon™ layers.
The purpose of this drainage layer was to
collect and allow measurement of the water
that infiltrated through the top 4 inches of the
cover. The purpose of constructing both
conventional asphalt and MatCon™ sections
was to allow a direct comparison of the
physical properties of each type of asphalt
based on laboratory testing of cover samples.
To monitor surface runoff, a lined ditch was
constructed downgradient from the cover, and
berms were constructed to direct the runoff
from Section I of the cover into the drainage
ditch. Surface runoff was measured
continuously with a flowmeter, which
recorded both instantaneous and cumulative
flow.
The two primary objectives of the SITE
Program evaluation of the MatCon™
technology were to: (1) compare the in-field
permeability of the MatCon cover to the
RCRA requirement of less than 1.0 x 10~5
cm/sec, and (2) compare the permeability and
flexural properties of MatCon™ asphalt to
those of conventional hot mix asphalt.
Secondary objectives of the evaluation were
to: (1) compare various laboratory-measured
physical characteristics (including load
apacity/deformation, shear strength, joint
permeability, and aging and degradation
characteristics) of MatCon™ asphalt with
those of conventional asphalt covers; (2)
assess the field performance of the MatCon
cover under extreme weather conditions and
vehicle loads; (3) estimate a cumulative
hydrologic balance for the MatCon™ cover at
the DAFB site; and (4) estimate the costs of
MatCon™ cover installation.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Preliminary laboratory testing results indicate
that the permeability of the MatCon™ cover
at the DAFB site is less than 1.0 x icr8
cm/sec, whereas the permeability of the
adjacent conventional asphalt cover is
between 2.70 x lO'4 cm/sec and 1.0 x lO'5
cm/sec. Flexural tests of samples of the
MatCon™ and the conventional asphalt
covers indicate that the MatCon™ cover
-------
tolerates three times more deflection without
cracking compared to the conventional asphalt
cover. Field hydrologic data obtained to date
at the DAFB site indicates an average field
permeability of about 2.3 x 10"8 cm/sec,
respectively. Complete data from the field
permeability testing are available in the EPA
Technology Evaluation Report.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER
David Carson
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ORD/NRMRL
5995 Center Hill Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45224
513-569-7527
Fax: 513-569-7879
e-mail: carson.david@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Karl Yost
Wilder Construction Company
1525 E. Marine View Drive
Everett, WA 98201
425-551-3100
Fax:425-551-3116
e-mail: karlyost@wilderconstruction.com
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ASC/EMR WPAFB
(U.S. Air Force)
(Phytoremediation of TCE in Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The phytoremediation system is a low-cost,
low-maintenance system that is consistent
with a long-term contaminant reduction
strategy. Trees were planted in trenches as a
short rotation woody crop employing standard
techniques developed by the U. S. Department
of Energy (DOE). The phytoremediation
system was designed to intercept and
remediate a chlorinated ethene contaminant
plume. The system relies on two mechanisms
to achieve this goal: (1) hydraulic removal of
contaminated groundwater through tree
transpiration and (2) biologically mediated in
situ reductive dechlorination of the
contaminant. The tree root systems introduce
organic matter to the aquifer system, which
drives the microbial communities in the
aquifer from aerobic to anaerobic
communities that support the reductive
dechlorination.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is suitable for any
groundwater contaminated with dense non-
aqueous phase liquid contaminants such as
TCE.
STATUS:
The U. S. Air Force Plant 4 and adj acent Naval
Air Station, Fort Worth, Texas, has sustained
contamination in an alluvial aquifer through
the use of chlorinated solvents in the
manufacture and assembly of military aircraft.
Dispersion and transport of TCE and its
degradation products have occurred, creating
a plume of contaminated groundwater.
Planting and cultivating of Eastern
Cottonwood (Populus deltoids) trees above
the dissolved TCE plume in a shallow (under
12 feet) aerobic aquifer took place in spring
1996. The trees were planted as a short
Legend
Monitoring Well
Monitoring well
with Recorder
Nested Wells
Piezometer
Schematic EKagram of tne Site
-------
rotation woody crop employing standard
techniques developed by the DOE to grow
biomass for energy and fiber. Data are
being collected to determine the ability of
the trees to perform as a natural pump-and-
treat system.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The first three growing seasons resulted in a
remediation system that reduced the mass of
contaminants moving through the site. The
maximum observed reduction in the mass flux
of TCE across the downgradient end of the
site during the three-year demonstration
period was 11 percent. Increases in the
hydraulic influence and reductive
dechlorination of the dissolved TCE plume
are expected in the future, and may
significantly reduce the mass of contaminants.
Modeling results indicate that hydraulic
influence alone may reduce the volume of
contaminated groundwater that moves off-site
by up to 30 percent. The decrease in mass
flux that can be attributed to in situ reductive
dechlorination has yet to be quantified.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA CONTACT:
Steve Rock
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7716
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Greg Harvey
ASC/EMR WPAFB
1801 10th Street
Bldg 8 Suite 200
AreaB
Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433
937-255-7716x302
Fax: 937-255-4155
e-mail: Gregory.Harvey@wpafb.mil
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X-19 BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS
(Microbial Degradation of PCBs)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
X-19 Biological Products of Santa Clara, CA
(X-19), has developed and marketed a
microbiological polymer that was originally
developed for use in the agricultural and
horticultural industry as a soil conditioner.
The product, which has the appearance and
consistency of fine-grained organic humus,
has been applied to soils to degrade pesticides
and herbicides. Fresh X-19 product may
contain upwards of a half billion colonies of
bacteria per gram.
The X-19 product is applied in a semi dry
state. It is mixed with the contaminated soil at
a 30% mix ratio. During this mixing ("the
primary processing stage") a light application
of moisture is added to activate the
microflora.
The X-19 treatment can be accomplished both
in situ and ex situ. Ex situ techniques using
some type of aboveground enclosure are faster
and easier to control. The product is also able
to absorb moisture, preventing the leaching or
transporting of contaminants to lower levels.
The application of the product is simple,
requires few personnel, and a single
application is normally sufficient to meet any
site-specific remedial goals.
Soil moisture is the primary monitoring
requirement for the technology, and should be
conducted on a biweekly schedule. Should
soil moisture levels drop below 28%, more
water should be added to the soil.
Depending upon a number of site-specific
factors, soil being treated in an aboveground
enclosure might have to be turned once near
the middle of the treatment period, but
generally there is no need for periodic tilling.
The aboveground enclosures used for treating
the soil are simply covered with plastic and
are generally left undisturbed throughout the
treatment period.
According to X-19, the product is nontoxic to
plants and animals, and no permits are
required to ship or apply the product.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The product is successful in bioremediating
soils containing a large variety of chlorinated
hydrocarbon insecticides including toxaphene,
dieldrin, and others. X-19 has applied the
product to soils contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons (motor spirits, diesel fuels, oils)
and has claimed that the product facilitated
the complete degradation of semivolatile
compounds such as polychlorinatedbiphenyls
(PCBs), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The vendor has also claimed complete
degradation of trichloroethene (TCE),
trichloroethane (TCA), and other common
volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
STATUS:
A demonstration of X-19's bioaugmentation
process was conducted at a Lower Colorado
River Authority (LCRA) electrical substation
in Goldthwaite, Texas. At this site PCB-
contaminated soil was treated with the X-19
product in an approximate 16 ft x 8 ft x 2 ft
treatment cell. The overall goal of the study
was to reduce PCB concentrations in the soil
to a level of 50 mg/kg or less, on a dry weight
basis of the original soil. The < 50 mg/kg
threshold would enable the LCRA to dispose
of the soils in a less costly in-state landfill.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The SITE Program conducted a multievent
soil sampling to evaluate the effectiveness of
the X-19 technology for treating the PCBs in
the soil. The LCRA conducted periodic
monitoring of the amended soil mixture
within the treatment cell. A total of five
sampling events were conducted. These
events included a baseline sampling (August
2000) to establish pretreatment PCBs levels;
-------
three intermediate sampling events for FOR FURTHER
tracking treatment progress (conducted in INFORMATION:
October and December of 2000, and in June
of 2001); and a final posttreatment sampling EpA PROJECT MANAGER
event conducted in October 2001. Ronald Herrmann
Preliminary results for the demonstration are ^ § Environmental Protection Agency
not yet available. National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7741
e-mail: herrmann.ronald@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
Paul Gill - President
X-19 Biological Inc.
2005 Dela Cruz Blvd., Ste. 235
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-970-9485
Fax: 408-970-9486
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XEROX CORPORATION
(2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The 2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION Process was
developed as an alternative to conventional
pump-and-treat technology, particularly in
low conductivity formations such as silts and
clays that are impacted by volatile organic
compounds (VOC). 2-PHASE™
EXTRACTION uses a high-vacuum source
applied to an extraction tube within a water
well to increase groundwater removal rates
(consequently the dissolved phase of
contamination) and to volatilize and extract
that portion of contaminant from the sorbed or
free product phases. Vacuum lift of water is
not a limiting factor in the application of the
technology. Since a mixed vapor-liquid
column is extracted from the well, the 2-
PHASE™ EXTRACTION technology allows
a single piece of equipment (a high vacuum
source) to remove contaminants in both the
liquid and vapor phases.
To extract both groundwater and soil vapor
from a single extraction well, the 2-PHASE™
EXTRACTION process uses a vacuum pump
to apply a high vacuum (generally 18 to 29
Contaminated
Groundwater
& Soil Vapor
Ground
Surface.
2-PHASE™
EXTRACTION
Well
inches of mercury) through a central
extraction tube, which extends down the well.
Soil vapor drawn into the well by the vacuum
provides for a high velocity vapor stream at
the bottom tip of the extraction tube, which
entrains the contaminated groundwater and
lifts it to ground surface. As groundwater
moves through the extraction system, as much
as 95 percent of the VOCs in the water phase
are transferred to the vapor phase. The vapor
and water phases are then separated at the
surface in a separator tank. The water phase
requires only carbon polishing prior to
discharge, provided that the compounds are
adsorbable. With some compounds the water
carbon treatment can be eliminated. The
vapor phase is subjected to carbon treatment,
bioremediation, resin regeneration, catalytic
oxidation, or other vapor phase treatment
(based on contaminant characteristics, mass
loadings, and economics) prior to release to
atmosphere.
A kick-start system can induce flow and help
dewater the well. The flow of atmospheric air
can be regulated by adjustment of the gate
valve to: (1) optimize the air-to-water flow
Vapor
Pump
Vapor Phase
Treatment
Groundwater Phase
Treatment
Separator
Tank
Screened
Interval
Groundwater
Pump
Static Water
Level
LEGEND
Groundwater
Phase
Groundwater &
Soil Vapor
Vapor Phase
Schematic of the 2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION Process
-------
ratio to minimize water "slug" production at
startup (the term slug refers to an irregular
pulsation of water through the extraction tube
which indicates irregular water flow); (2)
maximize tube penetration into the saturated
zone; and (3) maximize the groundwater flow
rate by optimizing the applied vacuum to the
well's annular space.
Recent technology improvements include a
well design that allows for contaminant
removal from desired vertical zones within the
subsurface. By providing a means to
manipulate preferential flow, this innovative
well design provides the ability to focus
contaminant extraction at shallow zones and
deep zones within the same well which results
in a thorough removal of contaminants from
the impacted area. Xerox and Licensee
experience with 2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION
typically has shown a reduction in
remediation time by 1 to 2 orders of
magnitude over conventional pump and
treat/soil vapor extraction.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION has been
successfully demonstrated for the removal of
total petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated
hydrocarbons from groundwater and soils.
The Xerox 2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION
process was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994. The
demonstration began in August 1994 at a
contaminated groundwater site at McClellan
Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, and
was completed in February 1995. Reports of
the demonstration are available from EPA.
The Xerox 2-PHASE™ EXTRACTION
received eight patents from 1991-1998 and
several patents are pending. The technology
is available under license and is used
extensively in the United States, Canada,
South America, Great Britain, and Europe.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
• The total contaminant (trichloroethene,
tetrachloroethene, Freon 133™) mass
removal during the 6-month
demonstration was estimated at 1,600
pounds, of which 99.7 percent was
extracted from the vapor phase.
• The system extracted 1.4 million gallons
of groundwater and 24.4 million cubic
feet of soil vapor.
• The radius of capture in the groundwater
extended from 100 to 300 feet from the
extraction well. The radius of influence in
the vadose zone extended 200 feet from
the extraction well.
• The estimated cost of using the process
was $28 per pound compared to an
estimated $1370 per pound for a
conventional pump and treat system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797, Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: depercin.paul@.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ron Hess, Xerox Corporation
800 Phillips Road
Building 304-13 S
Webster, NY 14580
716-422-3694, Fax: 716-265-7088
e-mail: ronald hess@wb.xerox
Web Site: www.xerox.com/ehs/remed.html
TECHNOLOGY USER CONTACT:
Phil Mook, SM-ALC/EMR
5050 Dudley Boulevard, Suite 3
McClellan AFB, CA 95652-1389
916-643-5443, Fax: 916-643-0827
e-mail: mook.phil@smal.mcclellan.af.mil
Results from the demonstration are detailed
below:
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ZENON ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
(Cross-Flow Pervaporation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The ZENON Environmental Inc. (ZENON),
cross-flow pervaporation technology is a
membrane-based process that removes
volatile organic compounds (VOC) from
aqueous matrices. The technology uses an
organophilic membrane made of nonporous
silicone rubber, which is permeable to organic
compounds, and highly resistant to
degradation.
In a typical field application, contaminated
water is pumped from an equalization tank
through a prefilter to remove debris and silt
particles, and then into a heat exchanger that
raises the water temperature to about 165°F
(75°C). The heated water then flows into a
pervaporation module containing the
organophilic membranes. The composition of
the membranes causes organics in solution to
adsorb to them. A vacuum applied to the
system causes the organics to diffuse through
the membranes and move out of the
pervaporation module. This material is then
passed through a condenser generating a
highly concentrated liquid called permeate.
Treated water exits the pervaporation
module and is discharged from the system.
The permeate separates into aqueous and
organic phases. Aqueous phase permeate is
sent back to the pervaporation module for
further treatment, while the organic phase
permeate is discharged to a receiving vessel.
Because emissions are vented from the system
downstream of the condenser, organics are
kept in solution, thus minimizing air releases.
The condensed organic materials represent
only a small fraction of the initial wastewater
volume and may be subsequently disposed of
at significant cost savings. This process may
also treat industrial waste streams and recover
organics for later use.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Pervaporation can be applied to aqueous
waste streams such as groundwater, lagoons,
leachate, and rinse waters that are
contaminated with VOCs such as solvents,
degreasers, and gasoline. The technology is
applicable to the types of aqueous wastes
treated by carbon adsorption, air stripping,
and steam stripping.
ZENON Cross-Flow Pervaporation System
-------
STATUS:
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program (ETP) in
January 1989. The Emerging Technology
Report (EPA/540/F-93/503), which details
results from the ETP evaluation, is available
from EPA. Based on results from the ETP,
ZENON was invited to demonstrate the
technology in the SITE Demonstration
Program. A pilot-scale pervaporation system,
built by ZENON for Environment Canada's
Emergencies Engineering Division, was tested
over a 2-year period (see photograph on
previous page). During the second year,
testing was carried out over several months at
a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site in
Ontario, Canada.
A full-scale SITE demonstration took place in
February 1995 at a former waste disposal area
at Naval Air Station North Island in San
Diego, California. The demonstration was
conducted as a cooperative effort among EPA,
ZENON, the Naval Environmental Leadership
Program, Environment Canada, and the
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Organics were the primary groundwater
contaminant at the site, and trichloroethene
(TCE) was selected as the contaminant of
concern for the demonstration. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
95/511) and Demonstration Capsule
(EPA/540/R-95/511a) are available from
EPA.
Analysis of demonstration samples indicate
that the ZENON pervaporation system was
about 98 percent effective in removing TCE
from groundwater. The system achieved this
removal efficiency with TCE influent
concentrations of up to 250 parts per million
at a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute (gpm)
or less. Treatment efficiency remained fairly
consistent throughout the demonstration;
however, the treatment efficiency decreased at
various times due to mineral scaling
problems.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Lee Vane
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7799
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: vane.lee@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Chris Lipski
ZENON Environmental Inc.
845 Harrington Court
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
L7N 3P3
905-639-6320
Fax: 905-639-1812
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ZENON ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
(ZenoGem™ Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ZENON Environmental Inc.'s, ZenoGem™
Process integrates biological treatment with
membrane-based ultrafiltration (see figure
below). This innovative system treats high
strength wastes at long sludge retention time
but short hydraulic residence time. As a
result, the bioreactor's size is significantly
reduced. Membrane filtration reduces the
turbidity of the treated wastewater to less than
1 nephelometric turbidity unit.
In the ZenoGem™ Process, wastewater
contaminated with organic compounds first
enters the bioreactor, where contaminants are
biologically degraded. Next, the process
pump circulates the biomass through the
ultrafiltration membrane system, orultrafilter.
The ultrafilter separates treated water from
biological solids and soluble materials with
higher molecular weights, including
emulsified oil. The solids and soluble
materials are then recycled to the bioreactor.
The ZenoGem™ Process captures higher
molecular weight materials that would
otherwise pass through conventional clarifiers
and filters. The ZenoGem™ Process pilot-
scale system is mounted on a 48-foot trailer
and consists of the following six major
components:
• Polyethylene equalization/holding tank:
reduces the normal flow concentration
fluctuations in the system
• Polyethylene bioreactor tank: contains the
bacterial culture that degrades organic
contaminants
• Process and feed pumps: ensures proper
flow and pressure for optimum system
performance
• Ultrafiltration module: contains rugged,
clog-free, tubular membranes that remove
solids from treated water.
Clean-in-place tank: includes all the
necessary valves, instrumentation, and
controls to clean the membrane filters
ZenoGem™ Process
-------
• Control panel and computer: monitors
system performance
The treatment capacity of the pilot-scale,
trailer-mounted system is about 500 to 1,000
gallons of wastewater per day; however, a
full-scale system can treat much larger
quantities of wastewater. The trailer is also
equipped with a laboratory that enables field
personnel to conduct tests to evaluate system
performance. The system is computer-
controlled and equipped with alarms to notify
the operator of mechanical and operational
problems.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ZenoGem™ Process is designed to
remove biodegradable materials, including
most organic contaminants, from wastewater
to produce a high quality effluent. The
process consistently nitrifies organics and can
denitrify organics with the addition of an
anoxic bioreactor. The process is limited to
aqueous media and may be used to treat high
strength leachates, contaminated groundwater,
and soil washing effluent.
STATUS:
The ZenoGem™ Process was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in summer
1992. The ZenoGem™ Process was
demonstrated at the Nascolite Superfund site
in Millville, New Jersey, from September
through November 1994. Groundwater at this
17.5-acre site is contaminated with methyl
methacrylate (MMA) and other volatile
organic compounds from manufacturing
polymethyl methacrylate plastic sheets,
commonly known as Plexiglas. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
95/503), and Technology Capsule
(EPA/540/R-95/503a), and Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-
95/503) are available from EPA.
Since the development of the ZenoGem™
technology in 1987, ZENON has performed
pilot tests for government and private clients
on several different types of wastewater,
including oily wastewater, metal finishing
wastes, cleaning solutions containing
detergents, alcohol-based cleaning solutions,
landfill leachate, aqueous paint-stripping
wastes, and deicing fluids. Information about
the two demonstrations conducted in Canada
and the United States is available from
ZENON.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the 3-month demonstration, sampling
results showed that the system achieved
average removal efficiencies of greater than
99.9 percent for MM A and 97.9 percent for
chemical oxygen demand. MMA
concentrations measured in the off-gas
emission stream indicated insignificant
volatilization. The ultrafiltration system
effectively dewatered the process sludge,
which yielded a smaller waste volume for off-
site disposal. Sludge dewatering resulted in
an approximate volume reduction of 60
percent and a solids increase from 1.6 to 3.6
percent. The process effluent was clear and
odorless, and accepted for discharge by the
local publicly owned treatment works.
During the demonstration, the system was left
unattended at night and on weekends,
demonstrating that computer control is
practical for extended operating periods.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Daniel Sullivan
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
908-321-6677
Fax: 908-321-6640
e-mail: sullivan.daniel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Chris Lipski
ZENON Environmental Inc.
845 Harrington Court
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
L7N 3P3
905-639-6320
Fax: 905-639-1812
-------
EARTH TECH, INC.
(formerly ITT Night Vision)
(In Situ Enhanced Bioremediation of Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ITT Night Vision is conducting in situ
enhanced aerobic bioremediation of
contaminated groundwater in fractured
bedrock utilizing technologies developed at
the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah
River Site. The site demonstration involved
remediation of groundwater in the vicinity of
one contaminant source area as a pilot-scale
operation, with the possibility of applying the
technology elsewhere on site. Contaminants
of concern in on-site groundwater included
chlorinated solvents and their products, plus
acetone and isopropanol. To accelerate the
intrinsic (natural) biodegradation observed at
the site, the selected remedy involves the
subsurface injection of air, gaseous-phase
nutrients (triethyl phosphate and nitrous
oxide), and methane. The amendments were
added to stimulate existing microbial
populations (particularly methanotrophs) so
that they could more aggressively break down
the contaminants of concern. Amendment
delivery to the surface was accomplished
through an injection well, and the injection
zone of influence was confirmed using
surrounding groundwater monitoring wells
and soil vapor monitoring points.
The patented PHOSter™ process for injection
of triethyl phosphate in a gaseous phase was
licensed for use at this site as an integral
element of the enhanced bioremediation
operation. This technology maximizes the
subsurface zone of influence of nutrient
injection as compared to technologies
injecting nutrients in liquid or slurry form.
Monitoring of contaminant (and breakdown
product) concentrations in groundwater and
soil vapor, measurement of microbiological
population density and diversity, and
monitoring of nutrient concentrations and
groundwater geochemical parameters
provides feedback on system effectiveness.
This in turn allows adjustments to be made in
the sequencing and rate of delivery of air,
nutrients, and methane in response to
changing subsurface conditions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Enhanced In-Situ Bioremediation process
is applicable for creating volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) in groundwater that can
be naturally biodegraded, including some hard
to degrade chlorinated VOCs. The mixture of
air and gaseous phase nutrients that is inj ected
into the subsurface provides an aerobic
environment for contaminant degradation.
Toxic products resulting from anaerobic
degradation of chlorinated solvents (e.g., vinyl
chloride) may be broken down completely in
this aerobic environment. The in-situ process
is especially applicable for hydrogeologically
complex sites where injected nutrient flow
patterns are uncertain (i.e., in fractured
bedrock gaseous phase nutrient injection is
more likely to affect a larger area than liquid
nutrient injection The process is also
applicable in situations where subsurface
utilities limit or preclude the use of
technologies requiring excavation.
The enhanced bioremediation system,
currently being used in the ongoing RCRA
corrective action interim measure at the ITT
Night Vision facility, was accepted into the
SITE program in 1997, (the demonstration
was conducted March 1998 to August 1999)
with system start up occurring in March of
1998. The technology had previously been
approved by EPA Region 3 as an Interim
Measure part of the facility's ongoing RCRA
Corrective Action program.
Due to the positive performance of the
technology during the SITE Demonstration
project, the remediation system was expanded
to address the entire contamination plume at
the site.
Demonstration results are shown in Table 1.
Results were based on 28 baseline and 28
final samples for the four critical analytes are
-------
presented in Table 1. VOC concentrations
were determined by EPA SW-846 Method
8260. The results indicate that the targeted 75
percent reduction was achieved or exceeded
for two fo the four critical compounds, from
baseline to final events.
Target
Compound
CA
1,1 -DC A
cw-l,2-DCE
VC
Contaminant
Concentration (ug/L)
Baseline
256
960
1,100
1,100
Final
210
190
90
45
Average
Percent
Reduction
36
80
97
96
Statistically
Significance
Present
Reduction
4
71
55
52
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
US EPA M.S. 481
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
ITT NIGHT VISION PROJECT
MANAGER:
Rosann Kryczkowski
Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety
ITT Night Vision
763 5 Plantation Road
Roanoke, VA 24019-3257
540-362-7356
Fax: 540-362-7370
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian B. Looney, Ph.D.
Westinghouse Savannah River Company
Savannah River Technology Center
Aiken, SC 29808
803-725-3692
Fax: 803-725-7673
TECHNOLOGY LICENSEE CONTACT
Greg Carter
Earth Tech Inc.
C/O ITT Night Vision
763 5 Plantation Road
Roanoke, VA 24019
-------
ELECTRO-PETROLEUM, INC.
(Electro-Kinetically Aided Remediation [EKAR])
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetics is a general term describing a
variety of physical changes, electrochemical
reactions and coupled flows, which can occur
when electrical current flows through soils
containing one or more phases of fluids.
El ectrokinetically-Aided Remediation
(EKAR), which utilizes electric fields to
drive fluids and charged particles through a
porus medium, is being developed for in-situ
soil remediation. In this process, an electrical
current or potential difference is applied
across electrodes placed into soil in the
treatment area. The applied electrical current
effectively enlarges the throat diameter of soil
pores, compared to Darcy flow, and changes
the capillary forces allowing NAPL to pass
through. Dissolved organic and non-aqueous
phase liquids (NAPLs) will also accompany
the increased electroosmotic water flux
toward the cathode. Hydrolyzed ionic species
and charged colloidal particles will drift
toward the electrode of opposite polarity.
A typical electrokinetic field deployment is
set up as follows:. A seven-spot pattern
consisting of six anode wells surrounding a
central cathode extraction well is used to
remediate a volume of subsurface material.
NAPL concentrations are extracted at the
electrode wells for further treatment or
disposal. The mobility of the ions and pore
fluids decontaminates the soil mass. EKAR
can supplement or replace conventional pump
and treat technologies.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Electrokinetically aided remediation has
particular applicability to both organic and
inorganic contaminants in low permeability
soils. Electrokinetic mechanisms increase
fluid flow through fine grained porus media.
This mechanism increases the removal of
mobile non-aqueous phase liquid, its residual,
and its aqueous phases. It is equally effective
with both LNAPL and DNAPL. Because of
the electrokinetically imposed electric field's
ability to drive charged particles through a
fluid, the technology can be used to increase
particulate contaminant flux through soil and
transport microbes to contaminated zones for
bioremediation. Electrochemical treatment
may be engineered to extract soluble species
of cations and anions without the need for
water flushing and secondary treatments.
STATUS:
Bench laboratory studies investigating the
metals, organics, andradionuclides, have been
completed. Organics investigated included
acetone, BTEX, and PAHs. Metals removal
investigations focused on arsenic, cadmium,
chromium, lead, nickel and mercury.
Radionuclides investigated included cesium,
cobalt, technicium, strontium, and uranium.
Bench scale treatability tests have shown
significant removal of TCE from core
samples.
The technology is scheduled to be
demonstrated at Offut Air Force Base,
Nebraska in 2003, and evaluated for its ability
to remediate TCE contaminated soils.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy A. Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7143
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. J. Kenneth Whittle, V.P.
Electro-Petroleum, Inc
996 Old Eagle School Rd.
Wayne, PA 19087
610-687-9070
Fax: 610-964-8570
-------
GEOKINETICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Electrokinetic Remediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Electrokinetic Remediation (ER) process
removes metals and organic contaminants
from soil, mud, sludge, and marine dredgings.
ER uses electrochemical and electrokinetic
processes to desorb and remove metals and
polar organics. The technology may be
applied in situ or in the batch mode.
The figure below is a flow diagram of the
batch reactor. Waste material is placed into
the batch reactor, between Ebonex® ceramic
electrodes that are divided into a cathode
array and an anode array. A direct current is
then applied, causing ions and water to move
toward the electrodes. Metal ions, ammonium
ions, and positively charged organic
compounds move toward the cathode. Anions
such as chloride, cyanide, fluoride, nitrate,
and negatively charged organic compounds
move toward the anode. Two primary
mechanisms transport contaminants through
the soil: electromigration and electroosmosis.
In electromigration, charged particles are
transported through the substrate. In contrast,
electroosmosis is the movement of a liquid
containing ions relative to a stationary
charged surface. Of the two, electromigration
is much faster and it is the principle
mechanism for the ER process.
The electrodes are positioned inside
permeable casings that are inserted into the
waste material. After the annulus of each
casing is filled with water, the current is
turned on. The water passes from the anode
casing into the waste and toward the cathode.
This procedure (1) supports electrokinetic
movement of the contaminants through the
soil; (2) helps maintain soil moisture, thereby
sustaining the electric field; and (3) enables
various chemicals that enhance contaminant
removal to be added as required.
As the water accumulates in the annulus of the
cathode casing, it is pumped out for
processing. Processing involves removal of
contaminants by electrochemical means,
producing a concentrated contaminant brine
that can be either further processed or
disposed of as hazardous waste. The water is
then returned to the annulus of the anode
casing.
^. Recovered
Contaminants
Solution
Purification
Cathode
Solution Permeable
Flow Electrode
// Casing \
Contaminated Soil
•Solution Flow I
Anode
Flow Diagram of the Electrokinetic Remediation Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
ER is designed to remove heavy metals,
anions, and polar organics from soil, mud,
sludge, and dredgings. Treatable
concentrations range from a few parts per
million (ppm) to tens of thousands ppm. The
batch technology is most appropriate for sites
with contaminated estuarine and river muds
and dredgings, sewage processing sludges,
and fines remaining after soil washing. The
process can be used with virtually any
substrate. ER's effectiveness is sharply
reduced for wastes with a moisture content of
less than 10 percent.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1994. A
demonstration of the process will be
conducted at the Alameda Naval Air Station
in California.
The ER process has been used successfully at
several European sites on soils contaminated
with metals.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Tom Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7679
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Steven Schwartzkopf
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Co.
Research and Development Divisions
3251 Hanover Street, ORG 93-50/B204
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1191
415-424-3176
Fax: 415-354-5795
-------
HARDING ESE, A MACTEC COMPANY
(formerly ABB Environmental Services, Inc.)
(Two-Zone, Plume Interception, In Situ Treatment Strategy)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy is designed to treat
chlorinated and nonchlorinated organic
compounds in saturated soils and
groundwater using a sequence of anaerobic
and aerobic conditions (see figure below).
The in situ anaerobic and aerobic system
constitutes a treatment train that biodegrades
a wide assortment of chlorinated and
nonchlorinated compounds.
When applying this technology, anaerobic
and aerobic conditions are produced in two
distinct, hydraulically controlled, saturated
soil zones. Groundwater passes through
each zone as it is recirculated through the
treatment area. The first zone, the anaerobic
zone, is designed to partially dechlorinate
highly chlorinated solvents such as
tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene
(TCE), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane with
natural biological processes. The second
zone, the aerobic zone, is designed to
biologically oxidize the partially
dechlorinated products from the first zone,
as well as other compounds that were not
susceptible to the anaerobic treatment phase.
Anaerobic conditions are produced or
enhanced in the first treatment zone by
introducing a primary carbon source, such as
lactic acid, and mineral nutrients, such as
nitrogen and phosphorus. When proper
anaerobic conditions are attained, the target
contaminants are reduced. For example,
PCE is dechlorinated to TCE, and TCE is
dechlorinated to dichloroethene (DCE) and
vinyl chloride. Under favorable conditions,
this process can completely dechlorinate the
organics to ethene and ethane.
Aerobic conditions are produced or
enhanced in the second treatment zone
by introducing oxygen, mineral nutrients
such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and
possibly an additional carbon source, such
as methane (if an insufficient supply of
methane results from the upstream,
anaerobic zone). When proper aerobic
conditions are attained in this zone, partially
dechlorinated products and other target
CONTAMINANT
SOURCE
/^_ TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
PLUME
SATURATED!
ZONE \_
IMPERMEABLE
LAYER
U—
GROUNDWATER FLOW
Two_Zone, Plume Interception, In Situ Treatment Strategy
-------
compounds from the first zone are oxidized.
For example, less-chlorinated ethenes such
as DCE and vinyl chloride are
cometabolized during the aerobic
microbiological degradation of methane.
The treatment strategy is designed to
biologically remediate subsoils by
enhancing indigenous microorganism
activity. If indigenous bacterial populations
do not provide the adequate anaerobic or
aerobic results, specially adapted cultures
can be introduced to the aquifer. These
cultures are introduced using media-filled
trenches that can support added microbial
growth.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy is designed to treat
groundwater and saturated soils containing
chlorinated and nonchlorinated organic
compounds.
STATUS:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in July
1989. Optimal treatment parameters for
field testing were investigated in
bench_scale soil aquifer simulators. The
objectives of bench-scale testing were to (1)
determine factors affecting the development
of each zone, (2) evaluate indigenous
bacterial communities, (3) demonstrate
treatment of chlorinated and nonchlorinated
solvent mixtures, and (4) develop a model
for the field remediation design. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
95/510), which details the bench-scale
testing results, is available from EPA.
A pilot-scale field demonstration system
was installed at an industrial facility in
Massachusetts. Pilot-scale testing began in
September 1996. Results from this testing
indicate the following:
• The reductive dechlorination of PCE
and TCE to DCE, VC, and ethene has
been accomplished primarily by sulfate-
reducing bacteria.
• A time lag of about 4 months was
required before significant reductive
dechlorination occurred. This
corresponded to the time and lactic acid
dosing required to reduce the redox to
about -100 throughout the treatment cell.
• Sequential anaerobic-aerobic (Two-
Zone) biodegradation of PCE and its
degradation products appear to be a
viable and cost-effective treatment
technology for the enhancement of
natural reductive dechlorination
processes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513_569_7271
Fax: 513-569-7143
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Willard Murray
Harding Lawson Associates
107 Audubon Road, Suite 25
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-6606
Fax: 781-246-5060
e-mail: wmurray@harding.com
-------
ITT NIGHT VISION
(In Situ Enhanced Bioremediation of Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
ITT Night Vision is conducting in situ
enhanced aerobic bioremediation of
contaminated groundwater in fractured
bedrock utilizing technologies developed at
the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah
River Site. This project currently involves
remediation of groundwater in the vicinity of
one contaminant source area as a pilot-scale
operation, with the possibility of applying the
technology elsewhere on site. Contaminants
of concern in on-site groundwater include
chlorinated solvents and their daughter
products, plus acetone and isopropanol. To
accelerate the intrinsic (natural)
biodegradation observed at the site, the
selected remedy involves the subsurface
injection of air, gaseous-phase nutrients
(triethyl phosphate and nitrous oxide), and
methane. The amendments are being added to
stimulate existing microbial populations
(particularly methanotrophs) so that they can
more aggressively break down the
contaminants of concern. Amendment
delivery to the is accomplished through an
injection well, and the injection zone of
influence is confirmed using surrounding
groundwater monitoring wells and soil vapor
monitoring points.
The patented PHOSter™ process for injection
of triethyl phosphate in a gaseous phase was
licensed for use at this site as an integral
element of the enhanced bioremediation
operation. This technology maximizes the
subsurface zone of influence of nutrient
injection as compared to technologies
injecting nutrients in liquid or slurry form.
Monitoring of contaminant (and breakdown
product) concentrations in groundwater and
soil vapor, measurement of microbiological
population density and diversity, and
monitoring of nutrient concentrations and
groundwater geochemical parameters
provides feedback on system effectiveness.
This in turn allows adjustments to be made in
the sequencing and rate of delivery of air,
nutrients, and methane in response to
changing subsurface conditions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This enhanced bioremediation technology
breaks down volatile organic compounds in
groundwater. Compounds which are
amenable to intrinsic (natural) biodegradation
can be degraded more rapidly when the
subsurface microbial populations are
stimulated through the injection of air,
gaseous-phase nutrients, and methane. By
providing an aerobic environment for
contaminant degradation, harmless breakdown
products are produced and toxic daughter
products of anaerobic degradation of
chlorinated solvents (such as vinyl chloride)
can be broken down completely. This in-situ
technology is especially applicable in
situation where subsurface infrastructure (for
example, networks of utilities) limit or
preclude excavation or extraction
technologies.
STATUS:
The enhanced bioremediation system,
currently being used in the ongoing RCRA
corrective action interim measure at the ITT
Night Vision facility, was accepted into the
SITE program in 1997, with system start up
occurring in March of 1998. The technology
had previously been approved by EPA Region
3 as an Interim Measure part of the facility's
ongoing RCRA Corrective Action program.
SITE program participants collected
groundwater quality and microbiological data
prior to system start up (baseline monitoring)
and between the air and nutrient injection
campaigns (interim monitoring). Baseline
monitoring established a statistical reference
point for contaminants of concern in
groundwater. Interim monitoring suggests
that the initial injection campaigns have
successfully stimulated the growth of native
microbial populations based upon the results
of phospholipid fatty acid assays and
methanotroph most probable number plate
-------
counts. Corresponding decreases in
concentrations of contaminants of concern
have also been discernible.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
US EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
ITT NIGHT VISION PROJECT
MANAGER:
Rosann Kryczkowski
Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety
ITT Night Vision
763 5 Plantation Road
Roanoke, VA 24019-3257
540-362-7356
Fax: 540-362-7370
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian B. Looney, Ph.D.
Westinghouse Savannah River Company
Savannah River Technology Center
Aiken, SC 29808
803-725-3692
Fax: 803-725-7673
-------
INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES, INC.
(Dynamic Underground Stripping & Hydrous Pyrolysis Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Dynamic Underground Stripping and Hydrous
Pyrolysis Oxidation are components of a
toolbox of remediation techniques that
mobilize and remove as well as destroy, in
situ, a variety of organic contaminants
including chlorinated solvents (TCE and
PCE), fuels and creosote. Steam is injected
through stainless steel wells, creating a steam-
front that volatilizes the contaminants as it
moves towards groundwater and vapor
extraction wells where contaminants are
brought to the surface for ex situ treatment.
When the site reaches the target temperature,
and for the period afterward while the target
zone remains hot, a portion of the
contaminants will be destroyed in situ by
Hydrous Pyrolysis/Oxidation, producing the
byproducts carbon dioxide, water and, for
chlorinated compounds, a chloride ion.
Toolbox Technologies Defined:
Dynamic Underground Stripping (PUS):
Subsurface heating by steam injection and/or
electrical heating, to volatilize and mobilize
contaminants for removal through vacuum
extraction wells.
Hydrous Pyroly sis/Oxidation (HPO): In situ
physical/chemical destruction process for
organic contaminants involving oxidation.
Contaminants are destroyed in the aquifer
during pulsed steam injection. HPO processes
will continue after steam injection is ceased.
Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT):
Provides nearly real-time tomographic
imaging of thermal distribution within the
subsurface during heating, allowing
modification and fine-tuning of steam
injection and vacuum extraction parameters
for process control and performance review.
In contrast to many existing remediation
technologies, DUS/HPO toolbox technologies
work quickly and efficiently, with site closure
in months to years as opposed to decades. In
addition to free product removal, the
technology can provide treatment of
contaminated aquifers to drinking water
standards. DUS/HPO technology is also less
expensive than many traditional pump and
treat processes, in part due to the dramatically
reduced treatment time. Data from pilot and
full scale projects indicate that full treatment
costs range between $35 and $50 per cubic
yard of contaminated volume.
Stean
injection
Tomography monitors steam movement
•''^xVW^^xT'S^'^^
Condersale
sweeps wasts
Tomography images
£ Steam zore cleared areas
Is dry
7777*3:
(Woll-to-woll strpp ng: approximately 1 3 months,)
app-oximataly 6Q - lOuft.
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
DUS/HPO technology is effective at sites
contaminated by chlorinated solvents
(including TCE, PCE and CC14), fuels,
and creosote. Former Energy Secretary
Richardson stated that these technologies
are applicable to one quarter of the
nation's Superfund Sites.
The technologies are well-suited to
application in a variety of geological
environments, including heterogeneous
aquifers which are typically problematic
for pump-and-treat and related techniques.
DUS/HPO works above and below the
water table and has no practical depth
constraint. DUS/HPO toolbox
technologies may have special advantages
in hydrogeological environments where
existing technologies are known to be
inapplicable or largely ineffectual.
At the proj ect currently underway at Cape
Canaveral Launch Complex 34, in
addition to remediation of both sands and
fine-grained silty clay layers, IWR's
system will remove TCE trapped in
sediments beneath a large building.
STATUS:
The technologies, developed at Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory and UC-
Berkeley, were nationally licensed to IWR
in 1998. Since that time, several large-
scale DUS/HPO projects have been
successfully realized, including one
nearing completion for the U.S. DOE at
the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South
Carolina. Contaminants at this former
solvent storage tank site were removed
from as deep as 165' below ground
surface, the deepest deployment of this
technology to date. Over 55,000 pounds of
PCE and 2,000 pounds of TCE were
removed from the subsurface during eight
months of active operation, more than
twice the maximum estimated
contaminant mass prior to DUS/HPO
deployment.
This technology was accepted into the
Superfund Innovative Technology
Program (SITE) late 1999. The
Interagency DNAPL Consortium,
combining the interests of NASA, the
Departments of Defense and Energy, and
the US EPA, selected IWR to design a
system for removal of TCE from a
contaminated aquifer at Cape Canaveral
Launch Complex 34. The design has
since been approved and construction is
currently underway. Commencement of
active steaming began in July 2001.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Tom Holdsworth
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7676
E-mail: holdsworth.thomas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Roger Aines, Ph.D. or
Robin Newmark, Ph.D.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
P.O. Box 808
Livermore, CA 94550
925-423-7184 (Aines)
Fax: 925-422-0208
E-mail:
aines@llnl.gov
925-423-3644 (Newmark)
Fax: 925-422-3925
E-mail:
newmarkl@llnl.gov
TECHNOLOGY LICENSEE CONTACT:
Norman N. Brown, Ph.D.
Vice President & Chief Science Officer
Integrated Water Resources, Inc.
18 AnacapaSt, 2nd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805-966-7757
Fax: 805-966-7887
www. integratedwater. com
-------
LEWIS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC./
HICKSON CORPORATION
(Chromated Copper Arsenate Soil Leaching Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Lewis Environmental Services, Inc. (Lewis),
has developed a soil leaching process to
remediate soils contaminated with inorganics
and heavy metals including chromium,
copper, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and lead.
The soil leaching process consists of leaching
contaminated soil in a countercurrent stirred
reactor system (see figure below). A screw
feeder delivers the soil into the reactor, where
it is leached with sulfuric acid for 30 to 60
minutes. The sulfuric acid solubilizes the
inorganics and heavy metals into the leaching
solution. Any organic contaminants are
separated and decanted from the leaching
solution, using strong acid leachate, space
separation, and skimming. The processed soil
is then washed with water and air-dried.
The wash water is then treated with Lewis'
ENVIRO-CLEANPROCESS, which consists
of a granulated activated carbon system
followed by an electrolytic recovery system.
The ENVIRO-CLEAN PROCESS recovers
the heavy metals from the leaching solution
and wash water and produces an effluent that
meets EPA discharge limits for heavy metals.
The treated wash water can then be reused in
the soil washing step. The leaching solution
can be returned directly to the stirred reactor
system, depending on its metals
concentration.
Contaminated soil must be properly sized and
screened to facilitate leaching in the stirred
reactor system. Large pieces of debris such as
rocks, wood, and bricks must be removed
before treatment. Standard screening and
classification equipment, such as that used in
municipal waste treatment plants, is suitable
for this purpose.
Soil Contaminated
with Heavy Metals
Leaching
Solution
Countercurrent
Reactor
Processed
Soil
Water Washing Unit
Metal Loaded Leaching Solution
Washed
Soil TV
Low Metal
Water
Recycled/Reuse
Extraction
Solution
Activated
Carbon
Process
ENVIRO-CLEAN
PROCESS —
Reprocessed Activatap
Carbon
Activated
Carbon
Process
Polished!
Wash
Water
TReprpcessed
Activated
Carbon
Treated Leaching Solution
ital
Heavy-Me
By-Produc?
Chromated Copper Arsenate Soil Leaching Process
-------
The soil leaching process does not generate
appreciable quantities of treatment by-
products or waste streams containing heavy
metals. The treated soil meets toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)
criteria and can be either returned to the site
or disposed of at a nonhazardous landfill. The
granular activated carbon requires disposal
after about 20 to 30 treatment cycles and
should also meet TCLP criteria. Heavy
metals recovered by the ENVIRO-CLEAN
process can be reused by industry.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The soil leaching process can treat wastes
generated by the wood preserving and metal
plating industries, battery waste sites, and
urban lead sites.
STATUS:
The soil leaching process was accepted into
the Emerging Technology Program in 1993.
Laboratory-scale tests have shown that the
process successfully treats soil contaminated
with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). The
evaluation of the technology under the SITE
Program was completed in September 1996.
Results from the evaluation will be available
in 1997.
In 1992, Lewis treated a 5-gallon sample of
CCA-contaminated soil from Hickson
Corporation (Hickson), a major CCA
chemical manufacturer. The treated soil met
TCLP criteria, with chromium and arsenic, the
two main leaching solution constituents,
averaging 0.8 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg)
and 0.9 mg/kg, respectively.
Analysis also revealed 3,330 milligrams per
liter (mg/L) of chromium, 13,300 mg/L of
copper, and 22,990 mg/L of iron in the
leaching solution. In addition, analysis
indicated 41.4 mg/L of chromium, 94.8 mg/L
of copper, and 3.0 mg/L of arsenic present in
the wash water. After treatment, the wash
water contained metals levels below 0.01
mg/L for copper and chromium and 0.3 mg/L
for arsenic.
Lewis plans further laboratory-scale testing at
its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania facility, followed
by bench- or pilot-scale testing at Hickson's
facility in Conley, Georgia.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7143
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tom Lewis III
Lewis Environmental Services, Inc.
550 Butler Street
Etna, PA 15223
412-799-0959
Fax:412-799-0958
-------
LOCKHEED MARTIN MISSILES AND SPACE CO.
and GEOKINETICS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Electrokinetic Remediation Process)
The Electrokinetic Remediation (ER) process
removes metals and organic contaminants
from soil, mud, sludge, and marine dredgings.
ER uses electrochemical and electrokinetic
processes to desorb and remove metals and
polar organics. The technology may be
applied in situ or in the batch mode.
The figure below is a flow diagram of the
batch reactor. Waste material is placed into
the batch reactor, between Ebonex® ceramic
electrodes that are divided into a cathode
array and an anode array. A direct current is
then applied, causing ions and water to move
toward the electrodes. Metal ions, ammonium
ions, and positively charged organic
compounds move toward the cathode. Anions
such as chloride, cyanide, fluoride, nitrate,
and negatively charged organic compounds
move toward the anode. Two primary
mechanisms transport contaminants through
the soil: electromigration and electroosmosis.
In electromigration, charged particles are
transported through the substrate. In contrast,
electroosmosis is the movement of a liquid
containing ions relative to a stationary
charged surface. Of the two, electromigration
is much faster and it is the principle
mechanism for the ER process.
The electrodes are positioned inside
permeable casings that are inserted into the
waste material. After the annulus of each
casing is filled with water, the current is
turned on. The water passes from the anode
casing into the waste and toward the cathode.
This procedure (1) supports electrokinetic
movement of the contaminants through the
soil; (2) helps maintain soil moisture, thereby
sustaining the electric field; and (3) enables
various chemicals that enhance contaminant
removal to be added as required.
As the water accumulates in the annulus of the
cathode casing, it is pumped out for
processing. Processing involves removal of
contaminants by electrochemical means,
producing a concentrated contaminant brine
that can be either further processed or
disposed of as hazardous waste. The water is
then returned to the annulus of the anode
casing.
Recovered
Contaminants
Permeable
Electrode
•" Casing \
Contaminated Soil
HSolution Flow [
Anode
Flow Diagram of the Electrokinetic Remediation Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
ER is designed to remove heavy metals,
anions, and polar organics from soil, mud,
sludge, and dredgings. Treatable
concentrations range from a few parts per
million (ppm) to tens of thousands ppm. The
batch technology is most appropriate for sites
with contaminated estuarine and river muds
and dredgings, sewage processing sludges,
and fines remaining after soil washing. The
process can be used with virtually any
substrate. ER's effectiveness is sharply
reduced for wastes with a moisture content of
less than 10 percent.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1994. A
demonstration of the process will be
conducted at the Alameda Naval Air Station
in California.
The ER process has been used successfully at
several European sites (see table below) on
soils contaminated with metals.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Thomas Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7679
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: holdsworth.thoms@ep.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Steven Schwartzkopf
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Co.
Research and Development Divisions
3251 Hanover Street, ORG 93-50/B204
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1191
415-424-3176
Fax: 415-354-5795
-------
MATRIX PHOTOCATALYTIC INC.
(Photocatalytic Air Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. is developing a
titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic air
treatment technology that destroys volatile
organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile
organic compounds in air streams. During
treatment, contaminated air at ambient
temperatures flows through a fixed TiO2
catalyst bed activated by ultraviolet (UV)
light. Typically, organic contaminants are
destroyed in fractions of a second.
Technology advantages include the following:
• Robust equipment
• No residual toxins
• No ignition source
• Unattended operation
• Low direct treatment cost
The technology has been tested on benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene;
trichloroethene; tetrachloroethane; isopropyl
alcohol; acetone; chloroform; methanol; and
methyl ethyl ketone. A field-scale system is
shown in the photograph on the next page.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment
technology can effectively treat dry or moist
air. The technology has been demonstrated to
purify contaminant steam directly, thus
eliminating the need to condense. Systems of
100 cubic feet per minute have been
successfully tested on vapor extraction
operations, air stripper emissions, steam from
desorption processes, and VOC emissions
from manufacturing facilities. Other potential
applications include odor removal, stack
Full-Scale Photocatalytic Air Treatment System
-------
gas treatment, soil venting, and manufacturing
ultra-pure air for residential, automotive,
instrument, and medical needs. Systems of up
to about 1,000 cubic feet per minute can be
cost- competitive with thermal destruction
systems.
STATUS:
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment
technology was accepted into SITE Emerging
Technology Program (ETP) in October 1992;
the evaluation was completed in 1993. Based
on results from the ETP, this technology was
invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program. For further
information about the evaluation under the
ETP, refer to the journal article (EPA/600/A-
93/282), which is available from EPA. A
suitable demonstration site is being sought.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul de Percin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669
Fax: 519-660-8525
-------
PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
(Photolytic Destruction of Vapor-Phase Halogens)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The proprietary, nonthermal technology
developed by Process Technologies
Incorporated (PTI), is a method of
photochemically oxidizing gaseous organic
compounds within a reaction chamber. PTFs
Photolytic Destruction Technology (PDT)
uses low-pressure ultraviolet (UV) lamps,
with UV emissions primarily at wavelengths
in the 185 to 254 nanometer range, located
within the reaction chamber. Photons emitted
from these lamps break apart the chemical
bonds making up the volatile organic
compound (VOC) molecule. The process is
capable of destroying mixtures of chlorinated
and nonchlorinated VOCs.
The PDT system is designed and fabricated in
3- to 12-cubic-feet-per-minute (cfm) modules.
The size of the module applied is dependent
on the gas flow rate and VOC concentrations
in the gas stream. PTI implements a fluid bed
concentrator to allow for the treatment of high
flow gas streams, or those with rates greater
than 1,000 cfm. Significant cost savings can
be realized if the gas flow can be reduced, and
concentration increased prior to destruction.
PTI uses a proprietary reagent that forms a
liner within the process chamber. The reagent
reacts chemically with the gaseous
degradation products formed during the
photolytic destruction of halocarbon
molecules to form solid, stable reaction
products.
Reagent lifetime depends on flow rate,
influent concentrations, and specific chemical
composition of destruction targets. PTI has
performed tests on spent reagent to determine
whether the material would be classified as a
hazardous waste under federal regulations.
Those tests indicated that the spent reagent is
likely nontoxic. The spent reagent is also not
reactive, corrosive, or flammable, and thus
PTI is confident that it is not a hazardous
waste under federal law. PTI accordingly
believes that the spent reagent material can be
disposed of as ordinary solid waste or used as
a feedstock for cement manufacturing. The
PTI process is simple in design and easy to
operate. The system is designed to run
continuously, 24-hours per day.
Cleaned Air
@ 1,000 cfm
Adsorber
Column
Concentrated VOC Vapor
Stream @ 6 cfm
Desorber
Column
VOC Off-Gas
@ 1,000 cfm
Air-Water
Separator
Desorption air
@6cfm
UV Reactor
Cleaned
Air
°iionoiionoiion°
Oi
f~\ •— ' o ^ i"* *— '
oU§lloU°lloU°llo
Treated Air &
HCI @ 6 cfm
6 cfm Acid
Gas Scrubber
Simplified Process Flow Diagram
of Photolytic Destruction
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology was developed to destroy a
number of groups of compounds, including
chlorinated solvents, chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
and halons. Example sources of process off-
gas that contains chlorinated and
nonchlorinated VOCs, CFCs, and HCFCs
include steam vapor extraction, tank vents, air
strippers, steam strippers, and building vent
systems.
The process is capable of destroying as high
as 50,000 parts per million by volume VOC
streams. The system is capable of achieving
greater than 90 percent on-line availability,
inclusive of scheduled maintenance activities.
STATUS:
The PTI technology was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration Program in summer
1994. The demonstration began in September
1994 at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) in
Sacramento, California. The SITE
demonstration was postponed shortly
thereafter. Activities under the SITE Program
were rescheduled in 1997. Additional tests
incorporating an improved design for treating
soil vapor extraction off-gas were successfully
completed at the AFB in January 1996.
PTI completed a four month demonstration of
the combined fluid bed concentrator and PDT
system at the U.S. Navy's North Island Site 9
in February, 1998. This demonstration was
performed to evaluate the effectiveness and
cost to remove and destroy VOC vapor from
an existing SVE system. The results of the
demonstration at the Navy' s North Island Site
9 showed the PTI System was capable of
achieving greater than 95 percent destruction
and removal efficiency of VOCs in the soil
vapor at a 250 standard cfm flow rate.
Furthermore, the Navy determined that the
PTI System provided a 45 percent cost
savings over activated carbon or flameless
thermal oxidation.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul de Percin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-Mail: depercin.paul @epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mike Swan
Process Technologies Incorportated
P.O. Box 476
Boise, ID 83701-0476
TECHNOLOGY USER CONTACT:
Kevin Wong
SM-ALC/EMR
5050 Dudley Boulevard
Suite 3
McClellan AFB, CA 95652-1389
916-643-0830 ext. 327
Fax:916-643-0827
-------
RECYCLING SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Desorption and Vapor Extraction System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The mobile desorption and vapor extraction
system (DAVES) uses a low-temperature
fluidized bed to remove organic and volatile
inorganic compounds from soils, sediments,
and sludges. This system can treat materials
with 85 percent solids at a rate of 10.5 tons
per hour.
Contaminated materials are fed into a
co-current, fluidized bed dryer, where they are
mixed with hot air (about 1,000 to 1,400°F)
from a gas-fired neater. Direct contact
between the waste material and the hot air
forces water and contaminants from the waste
into the gas stream at a relatively low
fluidized-bed temperature (about 320°F). The
heated air, vaporized water and organics, and
entrained particles flow out of the dryer to a
gas treatment system.
The gas treatment system removes solid parti-
cles, vaporized water, and organic vapors
from the air stream. A cyclone separator and
baghouse remove most of the particulates.
Vapors from the cyclone separator are cooled
in a venturi scrubber, countercurrent washer,
and chiller section before they are treated in a
vapor-phase carbon adsorption system. The
liquid residues from the system are
centrifuged, filtered, and passed through two
activated carbon beds arranged in series (see
photograph below).
By-products from the DAVES include
(1) treated, dry solids representing about 96 to
98 percent of the solid waste feed, (2) a small
quantity of centrifuge sludge containing
organics, (3) a small quantity of spent
adsorbent carbon, (4) wastewater that may
need further treatment, and (5) small
quantities of baghouse and cyclone dust that
are recycled through the process.
Desorption and Vapor Extraction System (DAVES)
-------
The centrifuge sludge can be bioremediated,
chemically degraded, or treated in another
manner. Recycling Sciences International,
Inc., has patented an electrochemical
oxidation process (ECO) and is developing
this process as an adjunct to the DAVES. The
ECO is designed to detoxify contaminants
within the DAVES in a closed-loop system.
This technology removes the following
contaminants from soil, sludge, and sediment:
volatile and semivolatile organics, including
polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCB), polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons, pentachlorophenol,
volatile inorganics such as tetraethyl lead, and
some pesticides. In general, the process treats
waste containing less than 10 percent total
organic contaminants and 30 to 95 percent
solids. The presence of nonvolatile inorganic
contaminants (such as metals) in the waste
feed does not inhibit the process; however,
these contaminants are not treated.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Program in April 1995. EPA is selecting a
demonstration site for this process. Preferred
demonstration wastes include harbor or river
sediments containing at least 50 percent solids
contaminated with PCBs and other volatile or
semivolatile organics. Soils with these
characteristics may also be acceptable. About
300 tons of waste is needed for a 2-week test.
Major test objectives are to evaluate feed
handling, decontamination of solids, and
treatment of gases generated by the process.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
William Meenan
Recycling Sciences International, Inc.
175 West Jackson Boulevard
Suite A193 4
Chicago, IL 60604-2601
312-663-4242
Fax:312-663-4269
-------
RKK, LTD.
(CRYOCELL®)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
CRYOCELL® is a barrier system which
provides real-time monitoring capability,
earthquake resiliency, and diffusion-free full
enclosure contaminant isolation. The system
is repairable in situ and removable upon
completion of containment needs.
CRYOCELL® design involves installing an
array of freeze pipes, using standard well-
drilling equipment, which surround the
contaminated source or groundwater plume
much like the ribs of a canoe. Once installed,
the array of freeze pipes is connected to freeze
plants by a distributive manifold and supplied
with cooled brine at a design temperature of-
10°C to -40°C to freeze the volume of soil
between the pipes, resulting in a 12- to 16-
foot barrier.
The barrier's thickness and temperature may
be varied through design to match
containment requirements. If no subsurface
confining impervious layer is present, the
array can be installed using an angled or " V"-
shaped configuration beneath the
contaminated zone, completely enclosing the
site. If additional barrier thickness is a design
requirement, a parallel array of freeze pipes is
installed in staggered spacing outside the first
array. This configuration allows the entire
inner volume of soil between the two arrays to
be frozen, thereby increasing barrier thickness
per design up to 75 feet. The depth of the
containment envelop can be in excess of 500
feet.
CRYOCELL® engineering is site-specific and
considers many cost-related factors, including
waste type, topography, soil conditions,
thermal conductivity, and groundwater
movement. A computer program incorporates
all site characteristics into a three-dimensional
model that engineers use to establish the most
efficient design and estimate the cost of
CRYOCELL® for a specific site.
A thick frozen soil barrier offers a number of
advantages for confining hazardous waste.
The barrier does not degrade or weaken over
time and is repairable in situ. If ground
movement fractures the barrier, the fissures
can be filled and resealed quickly.
Maintenance costs are extremely low,
allowing continued use for extended periods.
In addition, the frozen barrier is
environmentally benign. When the site is
decontaminated, the frozen soil is allowed to
melt and the pipes are removed. The
technique is an alternative to conventional
containment systems using steel, concrete,
MANIFOLD, GALLEYWAY,
AND SURFACE INSULATION
(AS REQUIRED)
REFRIGERATION
PLANTS. TYP.
REFRIGERATION
PLANTS, TYP.
MANIFOLD, GALLEYWAY,
AND SURFACE INSULATION
(AS REQUIRED)
FORMER LANDFILL OR
PROCESS TRENCH
CRYOCELL'
FROZEN SOIL BARRIER
FORMER LANDFILL OR
PROCESS TRENCH
HAZARDOUS WASTE TANK
HAZARDOUS WASTE TANK
Schematic Diagram of CRYOCELL®
-------
slurry walls, or grout curtains. The figure on
the previous page illustrates two typical
containment systems.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
RKK, Ltd. (RKK), reports that CRYOCELL®
can provide subsurface containment for a
variety of sites and waste, including
underground tanks; nuclear waste sites; plume
control; burial trenches, pits, and ponds; in
situ waste treatment areas; chemically-
contaminated sites; and spent fuel storage
ponds. CRYOCELL® is designed to contain
all known biological, chemical, or radioactive
contaminants. Frozen soil barriers are
adaptable to any geometry; drilling
technology presents the only constraint.
RKK reports that the technology can isolate
sensitive areas within large active operations
(for example, sites within chemical and
nuclear facilities), smaller raw material and
waste management units (for example, tank
farms, burial trenches, and waste treatment
lagoons), and operational chemically
contaminated sites, such as chemical plants,
refineries, and substations. The technology
can also contain a site or contamination
during an in situ remediation project. It can
also provide a redundant barrier for cut-off
contamination processes, and reduces flow of
groundwater into a contaminated zone.
Contaminants are contained in situ, with
frozen native soils serving as the containment
medium. Frozen soil barriers are impervious
to chemical attack and are virtually
impermeable at subzero temperatures. In
addition, frozen soil barriers have great
inertia, so they can remain frozen for as long
as two years without refrigeration.
CRYOCELL® is economically favorable for
intermediate- and long-term containment at
large sites, and maintenance costs are
extremely low. CRYOCELL® generates no
waste streams or residues.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994. A
treatability study was completed at the
Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge
National Laboratory in 1995. Results from
the study are documented in a DOE
Innovative Technology Summary Report,
titled Frozen Soil Barrier Technology, and,
Subsurface Contaminants Focus Area
Technology Summary, (DOE/EM-0296),
August 1996.
The RKK technology is being considered by
DOE for use at other hazardous waste sites.
RKK receives academic, technical, and
scientific support through a cooperative and
licensing agreement with the University of
Washington.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ronald Krieg
RKK, Ltd.
16404 Smokey Point Boulevard, Suite 303
Arlington, WA 98223
360-653-4844
Fax:360-653-7456
e-mail: rkk@cryocell.com
Web Site: www.cryocell.com
-------
SELENTEC ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Selentec MAG*SEPSM Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The MAG*SEPSM process uses the principles
of chemical adsorption and magnetism to
selectively bind and remove heavy metals or
radionuclides from aqueous solutions such as
groundwater, wastewater, and drinking water.
Contaminants are adsorbed on specially
formulated particles which have a core made
from magnetic material; these particles are
then separated (along with the adsorbed
contaminants) from the solution using a
magnetic filter or magnetic collector. The
magnetic core has no interaction with the
contaminant.
The proprietary adsorbing particles are made
of a composite of organic polymers and
magnetite. The particles can be manufactured
in two forms: one with an ion exchanger
and/or chelating functional group attached to
the particle surface (amidoxime functionalized
resin), or one with inorganic adsorbers bound
to the surface of the particles (clinoptilolite).
These particles have high surface areas and
rapid adsorption kinetics.
A typical MAG*SEPSM treatment system
consists of:
a particle contact zone
a particle handling system, including
particle injection components, a
magnetic separator, and particle
reclaim components
a particle regeneration system (where
applicable)
The process stream enters a contact zone
(usually a tank - other configurations are used
for particular applications) where
MAG*SEPSMparticles are injected and mixed.
The contact zone provides the necessary
solution flow characteristics and contact time
with the particles to ensure that the
contamination will be adsorbed onto the
active surface sites of the particles. The
mixture then flows through a magnetic
collector, where the contaminated particles are
retained while the treated process stream
passes through (see figure below).
Particle
Injection
Tank
£
1
5
,
[
Particle
Regeneration
Process
Stream
Mixing
Zone
1,
Particle
Reclaim
Tank
J
,
Magnetic
Collector
Treated
Water
Schematic Diagram of the Mag*SEPSM Treatment System
-------
Depending on the application, type of particle,
and contaminant concentration, the particles
may be re-injected into the flow stream,
collected and disposed of, or regenerated and
reused. The regeneration solution is
processed to recover (concentrate and
remove) the contaminants and may be
recycled.
The MAG*SEPSM process is able to
selectively remove (either ex situ or in situ)
the following contaminants from aqueous
solutions: titanium, copper, cadmium,
arsenic, cobalt, molybdenum, platinum,
selenium, chromium, zinc, gold, iodine,
manganese, technetium, mercury, strontium,
iron, ruthenium, thallium, cesium, cobalt,
palladium, lead, radium, nickel, silver,
bismuth, thallium, antimony, zirconium,
radium, cerium, and all actinides. The process
operates at flow rates up to 2,000 gallons per
minute (gpm).
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MAG*SEPSM technology reduces heavy
metal and radionuclide contamination in water
and wastewater. The technology has specific
applications in environmental remediation and
restoration, treatment of acid mine drainage,
resource recovery, and treatment of
commercial industrial wastewater.
MAG*SEPSM particles can be produced to
incorporate any known ion exchanger or
sorbing material. Therefore, MAG*SEPSM
can be applied in any situation where
conventional ion exchange is used.
STATUS:
The MAG*SEPSM technology was accepted
into the SITE Program in 1996 and is also one
of 10 technologies participating in the White
House's Rapid Commercialization Initiative.
In addition, in 1997 the MAG*SEPSM
technology received a Research and
Development (R&D) 100 Award from the
R&D trade publication as one of the 100 Most
Technologically Significant New Products of
1997.
Selentec has completed a demonstration of the
MAG*SEPSM technology at the U.S.
Department of Energy' s Savannah River Site.
Heavy metal concentrations in coal pile runoff
water were significantly reduced to below
drinking water standards. Another
demonstration of the technology is planned
for Savannah River whereby radioactive
cesium will be removed streams. The
technology is also being used to remove
mercury from heavy water drums at Savannah
River.
The first commercial unit of the MAG*SEPSM
technology was put into service on November
18, 1998, at a dairy in Ovruch, Ukraine. For
this application, the unit is removing
radioactive cesium from contaminated milk
produced near the Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor
Plant.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7143
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Steve Wei don
Selentec Environmental Technologies, Inc.
8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 302
Atlanta, GA 30350-2509
770-640-7059
Fax: 770-640-9305
E-Mail: info(S)selentec.com
-------
SIVE SERVICES
(Steam Injection and Vacuum Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Steam Injection and Vacuum Extraction
(SIVE) uses steam injection wells in
conjunction with dual-phase extraction wells
for in situ treatment of contaminated soil and
groundwater. The injected steam strips
volatile and semivolatile organic compounds
as it permeates the contaminated zones. The
steam increases the subsurface temperature,
which increases mass transfer and phase
exchange rates, reduces liquid viscosities, and
accelerates desorption of contaminants from
the matrix. The moisture and warmth
provided by the steam also accelerates
biodegradation of residual contaminants. As
a result, contaminants are extracted or
degraded at increased rates as compared to
conventional isothermal vapor and liquid
extraction systems.
SIVE-LF (Linear Flow) is an enhanced SIVE
method designed for relatively shallow
depths. With the SIVE-LF process, as
illustrated in the figure below, steam is forced
to flow horizontally and uniformly from one
trench, through the contaminant zone, and into
another trench, from which the contaminants
are extracted. The large open area of the
trench faces allow for high injection and
extraction rates, which promote low treatment
duration. The trenches also allow for
installation of an impermeable barrier, such as
a polyethylene liner, against one face of the
open trench before the trench is backfilled,
thus reducing the flow of injected or extracted
fluid outside the area of the targeted zones. A
surface covering for the treatment area
prevents short-circuiting of the flow of
injected steam to the atmosphere, and
prevents atmospheric air from entering the
extraction trench.
Surface equipment for SIVE includes
conventional steam generation and delivery
systems, and the vacuum extraction system.
The vacuum extraction system includes a
vacuum blower, steam condenser, other
cooling components, and air emission control
devices. The condensate generated by the
Injection
Optional Side Wall
Cement
The SIVE-LF Process
-------
process requires further treatment or off-site
disposal. The reliability of the equipment and
automatic controls allows SIVE to operate
without constant direct supervision.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
SIVE may be applied to soil or groundwater
contaminated with fuels, industrial solvents,
oils, and other liquid toxics, and may be
applied at any depth. The SIVE-LF process is
designed to treat to depths of 30 feet. Because
highly volatile contaminants are readily air-
stripped without the added effects of steam,
the steam-stripping effect will be greatest on
the heavier, less volatile contaminants. SIVE
also effectively removes floating non
aqueous-phase liquids from groundwater.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994. A
suitable site for the demonstration is being
sought, although at this time the project is
considered inactive.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Douglas Dieter
SIVE Services
555 Rossi Drive
Dixon, CA 95620
707-678-8358
Fax: 707-678-2202
-------
VORTEC CORPORATION
(Vitrification Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Vortec Corporation (Vortec) has developed an
oxidation and vitrification process for
remediating soils, sediments, sludges, and mill
tailings contaminated with organics,
inorganics, and heavy metals. The process
can vitrify materials introduced as dry
granulated materials or slurries.
The figure below illustrates the Vortec
vitrification process. Its basic elements
include (1) a cyclone melting system (CMSTM);
(2) a material handling, storage, and feeding
subsystem; (4) an air preheater (recuperator);
(5) an air pollution control subsystem; and (6)
a vitrified product handling subsystem.
The Vortec CMS™ is the primary system and
consists of two major assemblies: a
counterrotating vortex (CRV) reactor and a
cyclone melter. First, slurried or dry-
contaminated soil is introduced into the CRV.
The CRV (1) provides a high temperature
environment; (2) preheats the suspended
waste material along with any glass-forming
additives mixed with soil; and (3) destroys
any organic constituents in the soil. The
average temperature of materials leaving the
WASTE
MATERIAL
ADDITIVES
MATERIAL HANDLING
STORAGE & FEEDING
SUBSYSTEM
CRV reactor chamber is between 2,200 and
2,800°F, depending on the melting
characteristics of the processed soils.
The preheated solid materials exist the CRV
and enter the cyclone melter, where they are
dispersed to the chamber walls to form a
molten glass product. The vitrified, molten
glass product and the exhaust gases exist the
cyclone melter through the tangential exit
channel and enter a glass- and gas-separation
chamber.
The exhaust gases then enter an air preheater
to heat the incoming air and are subsequently
delivered to the air pollution control
subsystem for particulate and acid gas
removal. The molten glass product exists the
glass- and gas-separation chamber through the
tap and is delivered to a water quench
assembly for subsequent disposal.
FLUE GAS
CLEANUP
SUBSYSTEM
CRV
VITRIFIED PRODUCT
HANDLING SUBSYSTEM
Vortec Vitrification Process
-------
Unique features of the Vortec vitrification
process include the following:
• Processes solid waste contaminated with
both organic and heavy metal
contaminants
• Handles waste quantities ranging from 5
or more than 400 tons per day
• Recycles particulate residue collected in
the air pollution control subsystem into
the CMS™. These recycled materials are
incorporated into the glass product.
• Produces a vitrified product that is
nontoxic according the EPA toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)
standards. The product has long-term
stability.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Vortec vitrification process treats soils,
sediments, sludges, and mill tailings contained
organic, inorganic, and heavy metal
contamination. Organic materials included
with the waste are successfully destroyed by
the high temperatures in the CRV. The
inorganic constituents in the waste material
determine the amount and type of glass-
forming additives required to produce a
vitrified product. This process can be
modified to produce a glass cullet that
consistently meets TCLP requirements.
STATUS:
The Vortec vitrification process was accepted
into the SITE Emerging Technology Program
in May 1991. Research under the Emerging
Technology Program was completed in winter
1994, and Vortec was invited to participate in
the SITE Demonstration Program.
Construction of a 1.5-ton-per-hour,
transportable system for treating contaminated
soil at a Department of Energy site in
Paducah, Kentucky, was initiated in October
1996. A SITE demonstration was scheduled
to occur in early 1999.
A 50-ton-per-day system has been purchased
by Ormet Aluminum Corporation of
Wheeling, West Virginia for recycling
aluminum spend pot liners, which are
considered cyanide- and fluoride-containing
waste (K088). The recycling system became
operational in 1996. Vortec is offering
commercial systems and licenses for the
CMS™ system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
James Hnat
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426-3158
610-489-2255
Fax:610-489-3185
-------
WESTERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Contained Recovery of Oily Wastes)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The contained recovery of oily wastes
(CROW®) process recovers oily wastes from
the ground by adapting a technology used for
secondary petroleum recovery and primary
production of heavy oil and tar sand bitumen.
Steam or hot water displacement moves
accumulated oily wastes and water to
production wells for aboveground treatment.
Injection and production wells are first
installed in soil contaminated with oily wastes
(see figure below). If contamination has
penetrated into or below the aquifer, low-
quality steam can be injected below the
organic liquids to dislodge and sweep them
upward into the more permeable aquifer soil
regions. Hot water is injected above the
impermeable regions to heat and mobilize the
oily waste accumulation. The mobilized
wastes are then recovered by hot water
displacement.
When the organic wastes are displaced,
organic liquid saturation in the subsurface
pore space increases, forming a free-fluid
bank. The hot water injection displaces the
free-fluid bank to the production well. Behind
the free-fluid bank, the contaminant saturation
is reduced to an immobile residual saturation
in the subsurface pore space. The extracted
contaminant and water are treated for reuse or
discharge.
During treatment, all mobilized organic
liquids and water-soluble contaminants are
contained within the original boundaries of
waste accumulation. Hazardous materials are
contained laterally by groundwater isolation
and vertically by organic liquid flotation.
Excess water is treated in compliance with
discharge regulations.
The CROW® process removes large portions
of contaminant accumulations; stops the
downward and lateral migration of organic
contaminants; immobilizes any remaining
organic wastes as a residual saturation; and
reduces the volume, mobility, and toxicity of
the contaminants. The process can be used
for shallow and deep areas, and can recover
light and dense nonaqueous phase liquids.
The system uses readily available mobile
Steam-Stripped
Water
Injection Well
Production Well
Steam
Injection
CROW® Subsurface Development
-------
equipment. Contaminant removal can be
increased by adding small quantities of
selected biodegradable chemicals in the hot
water injection.
In situ biological treatment may follow the
displacement, which continues until
groundwater contaminants are no longer
detected in water samples from the site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CROW® process can be applied to
manufactured gas plant sites, wood-treating
sites, petroleum-refining facilities, and other
areas with soils and aquifers containing light
to dense organic liquids such as coal tars,
pentachlorophenol (PCP) solutions,
chlorinated solvents, creosote, and petroleum
by-products. Depth to the contamination is
not a limiting factor.
STATUS:
The CROW® process was tested in the
laboratory and at the pilot-scale level under
the SITE Emerging Technology Program
(ETP). The process demonstrated the
effectiveness of hot water displacement and
the benefits of including chemicals with the
hot water. Based on results from the ETP, the
CROW® process was invited to participate in
the SITE Demonstration Program. The
process was demonstrated at the Pennsylvania
Power and Light (PP&L) Brodhead Creek
Superfund site at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
The site contained an area with high
concentrations of by-products from past
operations. The demonstration began in July
1995; field work was completed in June 1996.
Closure of the site was completed in late
1998.
The CROW® process was applied to a tar
holder at a former MGP site in Columbia,
Pennsylvania. The work was complete in
1998 and documentation for site closure has
been submitted to the EPA.
A pilot-scale demonstration was completed at
an active wood treatment site in Minnesota.
Over 80 percent of nonaqueous-phase liquids
were removed in the pilot test, as predicted by
treatability studies, and PCP concentrations
decreased 500%. The full-scale, multiphase
remediation is presently underway. Results
indicate that organic removal is greater than
twice that of pump-and-treat. The project is
operating within the constraints of an active
facility. Treatability studies, pilot testing, and
full-scale projects are planned.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Eugene Harris
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7862
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: harris.eugene@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Lyle Johnson
Western Research Institute
365 North 9th
Laramie, WY 82070-3380
307-721-2281
Fax: 307-721-2233
-------
WHEELABRATOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(WES-PHix® Stabilization Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
WES-PHix® is a patented stabilization process
that significantly reduces the solubility of
certain heavy metals in solid waste streams by
altering the chemical composition of the waste
material. The process does not produce a
solidified mass, unlike most other stabilization
technologies.
The figure below illustrates the process. First,
waste is fed at a controlled rate into a mixing
device, such as a pug mill. The full-scale
WES-PHix® process uses a pug mill with a
capacity of 40 to 200 tons per hour. The
stabilization reagent is then added to and
mixed with the waste for about 1 minute.
Once stabilized, the waste is removed by a
conveyor from the end of the mixer. For
some wastes containing cadmium, small
amounts of lime must also be added. The
WES-PHix® Process uses a proprietary form
of soluble phosphate to form insoluble and
highly stable metal phosphate minerals.
Reaction kinetics are rapid; thus, no curing
step is necessary. As a result, metal
concentrations in the treated waste are less
than toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) regulatory limits. In addition, the use
of small quantities of liquid phosphate reagent
creates only a minimal increase in the weight
of the stabilized waste.
Equipment requirements include a metering
device for feeding the waste stream to the
mixer, and a storage tank for the liquid
reagent. Over-sized items such as boulders or
wood debris require crushing or removal by
screens before treatment. No posttreatment is
necessary with this process. Treated residuals
can be transported for final disposal with
dump trucks or roll-off container vehicles.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process was originally developed to treat
municipal waste combustion ash containing
heavy metals. The commercial-scale process
has treated over 7 million tons of ash.
However, laboratory treatability data indicate
that the technology can also treat
contaminated soils, slags, sludges, foundry
sands, and baghouse dusts. Recent research
indicates that the process is particularly
effective at stabilizing lead, cadmium, copper,
Pump
Heavy
Metal-Bearing
Waste *•
Storage Bin
Mixer
Treated Waste
Discharge
WES-PHix® Stabilization Process
-------
and zinc in a variety of media, as measured by
TCLP and other laboratory leaching tests.
STATUS:
The WES-PHix® process was accepted into
the SITE Demonstration Program in spring
1993. The demonstration, which was
scheduled to occur at the Jack's Creek site in
Maitland, Pennsylvania, has been postponed.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mark Lyons
Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.
4 Liberty Lane West
Hampton, NH 03842
603-929-3403
Fax:603-929-3123
-------
ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly EET, Inc.)
(TechXtract® Decontamination Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The TechXtract® process employs proprietary
chemical formulations in successive steps to
remove polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB),
toxic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and
radionuclides from the subsurface of porous
materials such as concrete, brick, steel, and
wood. Each formulation consists of chemicals
from up to 14 separate chemical groups, and
formulation can be specifically tailored to
individual site.
The process is performed in multiple cycles.
Each cycle consists of three stages: surface
preparation, extraction, and rinsing. Each
stage employs a specific chemical mix.
The surface preparation step uses a solution
that contains buffered organic and inorganic
acids, sequestering agents, wetting agents, and
special hydrotrope chemicals. The extraction
formula includes macro- and microemulsifiers
in addition to electrolyte, flotation, wetting,
and sequestering agents. The rinsing formula
is pH-balanced and contains wetting and
complexing agents. Emulsifiers in all the
formulations help eliminate fugitive releases
of volatile organic compounds or other
vapors.
The chemical formulation in each stage is
sprayed on the contaminated surface as a fine
mist and worked into the surface with a stiff
bristle brush or floor scrubber. The chemicals
are allowed to penetrate into the subsurface
and are then rinsed or vacuumed from the
surface with a wet/dry, barrel-vacuum. No
major capital equipment is required.
Contaminant levels can be reduced from 60 to
90 percent per cycle. The total number of
cycles is determined from initial contaminant
concentrations and final remedial action
objectives.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TechXtract® process is designed to treat
porous solid materials contaminated with
PCBs; toxic hydrocarbons; heavy metals,
including lead and arsenic; and radionuclides.
Because the contaminants are extracted from
the surface, the materials can be left in place,
reused, or recycled. After treatment, the
contaminants are concentrated in a small
1. EET's proprietary
TECH\TRACTT'
blends are applied
in sequence.
Concrete
Metal
Brick
Asphalt
2. Chemicals
penetrate
through pores
and capillaries.
Contaminants
entrained in spent
solution are
vacuumed and
drumed for disposal.
3. Electrochemical bonds holding
contaminants to substrate are
attacked and broken.
4. Contaminants
are released
from substrate
and drawn to
surface.
Process Flow Diagram of the TECHXTRACT® Process
-------
volume of liquid waste. The liquid can be
disposed as is, incinerated, or solidified for
landfill. It will carry the waste characteristics
of the contaminant.
In commercial applications, the process has
reduced PCB concentrations from 1,000,000
micrograms per 100 square centimeters
(jig/100 cm2) to concentrations less than 0.2
jig/100 cm2. The TechXtract® process has
been used on concrete floors, walls, and
ceilings, tools and machine parts, internal
piping, values, and lead shielding. The
TechExtract® process has removed lead,
arsenic, technetium, uranium, cesium, tritium,
andthroium, chrome (+3,+6), gallium, copper,
mercury, plutonium, and strontium.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994.
EAT Demonstrated the TechXtract®
technology from February 26, 1997 to March
6, 1997. During the demonstration, AET
competed 20 TechXtract® 100 cycles and 12
300/200 cycles. Post-treatment samples were
collected on March 6, 1997. In April 1997 a
demonstration project was completed at the
Pearl Harbor Naval Complex.
The technology has been used in over 200
successful decontamination projects for the
U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Department
of Defense; the electric, heavy manufacturing,
steel, and aluminum industries; and other
applications. Further research is underway to
apply the technology to soil, gravel, and other
loose material. AET also plans to study
methods for removing or concentrating metals
in the extracted liquids.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Dennis Timberlake
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7547
Fax: 513-569-7676
E-mail: timberlake.dennis@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Scott Fay
Active Environmental Technologies, Inc.
40 High Street,
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-702-1500
Fax: 609-702-0265
E-mail: scottf@pics.com
-------
ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY/
ZENTOX CORPORATION
(Photocatalytic Oxidation with Air Stripping)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Chlorinated volatile organic compounds
(VOC), such as trichloroethene (TCE) and
tetrachloroethene (PCE), are readily removed
from groundwater and soil using established
methods such as air stripping and vapor
extraction. However, this solution produces a
VOC-contaminated air stream that requires
further treatment.
In gas-solid photocatalytic oxidation (PCO),
the VOC-laden air stream is exposed to a
titania catalyst in near-ultraviolet (UV) light.
The UV light activates the catalyst, producing
oxidizing radicals. The radicals promote
rapid chain reactions that completely destroy
VOCs to carbon dioxide and water; these
oxidation reactions occur at or near room
temperature. The treatment of chlorinated
organics also produces hydrochloric acid.
Arizona State University (ASU) is
investigating an integrated pilot-scale pump-
and-treat system that transfers chlorinated
VOCs to an air stream using air stripping. A
PCO reactor installed downstream of the air
stripping unit treats the contaminated air
stream. The figure below illustrates the
system. The PCO unit incorporates a flow-
through photocatalytic reactor for VOC
destruction and a caustic absorber bed for
removal of hydrochloric acid. The acid is
neutralized to sodium chloride in the absorber
bed.
PCO offers the following advantages over
conventional treatment technologies:
• The photocatalytic process allows VOCs to
be oxidized at or near room temperature.
• Low-temperature operation allows the use
of plastic piping and construction, thereby
reducing costs and minimizing acid
corrosion problems.
• Chemical additives are not required.
The titania catalyst and UV lamps are
inexpensive and commercially available
(modified catalyst formulations are
available for enhanced performance).
• A variety of halogenated and
nonhalogenated organic compounds can
be completely oxidized to innocuous or
easily neutralized products, such as carbon
dioxide and hydrochloric acid.
VOC-LadenAir
VOC-Contaminated
Groundwater
Clean Air
Photocatalytic Oxidation with Air Stripping
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can treat VOC-contaminated
streams generated by air stripping treatment of
contaminated groundwater or soil vapor
extraction of contaminated soil. The
technology is appropriate for dilute VOC
concentrations (such as 500 parts per million
by volume or less) and low to moderate flow
rates. Laboratory data indicate that the PCO
technology can also be adapted for industrial
facilities that emit dilute VOC-contaminated
air streams. Candidates include chemical
process plants, dry cleaners, painting
operations, solvent cleaning operations, and
wastewater and hazardous waste treatment
facilities. Air in closed environments could
also be purified by integrating PCO units with
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
systems.
STATUS:
The PCO technology was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in 1993.
Under the program, ASU has conducted
bench-scale tests to evaluate the integration of
a PCO unit downstream of an existing air
stripping unit. Results of the bench-scale
testing have provided design data for a pilot-
scale test at a Phoenix, Arizona, Superfund
site contaminated with chlorinated VOCs.
ASU's previous laboratory studies indicate
rapid destruction to nondetectable levels (98
to 99 percent removal) for various concen-
trations of TCE and other chlorinated ethenes
in humid air streams.
In 1995, Zentox Corporation (Zentox) fielded
a prototype PCO system for the treatment of
TCE in air. Building on the data gained from
that system, Zentox is fabricating a second
generation system for use at the Phoenix site.
Following tests at the Phoenix site, the 50- to
100-cubic-feet-per-minute pilot plant unit will
be available for trials at other locations.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7665
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: lewis.normal@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Gregory Raupp
Department of Chemical, Biological,
and Materials Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-6006
480-965-3895
Fax: 480-965-0037
e-mail: Raupp@asu.edu
-------
ART INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(formerly ENVIRO-SCIENCES, INC.)
(Low-Energy Extraction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The patented Low-Energy Extraction Process
(LEEP®) uses common organic solvents to
concentrate and extract organic pollutants
from soil, sediments, and sludges. LEEP® can
treat contaminated solids to the stringent
cleanup levels mandated by regulatory
agencies. LEEP® includes pretreatment,
washing, and concentration processes (see
figure below).
During pretreatment, particles measuring up
to 8 inches in diameter are removed in a
gravity settler-floater. The settler-floater
includes a metal detector and remover, a
crusher, and a metering feeder. Floating
material often found at remediation sites, such
as wood chips, grass, or root material, is also
removed.
After pretreatment, the solid matrix is washed
in a unique, dual solvent process that uses
both hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents.
The combination of these proprietary solvents
guarantees efficient contaminant removal.
The extracted pollutants are then concentrated
in a sacrificial solvent by liquid-liquid
extraction or by distillation, before being
removed from the process for off-site disposal
or recycling. The treated solids can be
returned to the site as clean fill.
LEEP® is a low-pressure process operated at
near-ambient conditions. It is designed as a
closed-loop, self-contained, mobile unit
consisting of proven heavy-duty equipment.
The relatively inexpensive solvents used in
the process are recycled internally. The
solvents are applicable to almost every type of
organic contaminant, and their physical
properties enhance clay and silt particle
settling.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
LEEP® can treat most organic contaminants in
soil, sediment, and sludge, including tar,
creosote, chlorinated hydrocarbons,
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons,
pesticides, and wood- preserving
chlorophenol formulations. Bench- and pilot-
scale experiments have shown that LEEP®
effectively treats tar-contaminated solids from
manufactured gas plant sites, soils and
LEEP® Process Flow Diagram
-------
sediments contaminated with poly chlorinated
biphenyls and refinery waste sludges, and
soils contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons.
STATUS:
LEEP® was accepted into the Emerging
Technology Program in July 1989. Bench-
scale studies for process development were
completed in 1994. A draft report that details
the evaluation results has been submitted to
EPA. The final report will be available in
1997.
In addition, ART International, Inc., routinely
conducts bench-scale treatability studies for
government and industrial clients, and it has
obtained Toxic Substances Control Act,
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act,
and air permits for the technology. Other
developments include the following:
• A 200-pound-per-hour pilot-scale unit has
been constructed.
• Tests of the pilot-scale unit indicated that
LEEP® can treat soil from manufactured
gas plant sites containing up to 5 percent
tar.
• Tests to scale up the pilot-scale unit to a
commercial unit are complete.
• Commercial design criteria and a turnkey
bid package are complete.
• Commercialization activities for a full-scale
unit are underway.
• In 1994, Soil Extraction Technologies,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
Public Service Electric & Gas, purchased
a LEEP® license.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 46268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Werner Steiner
ART International, Inc.
100 Ford Road
Denville,NJ 07834
973-627-7601
Fax: 973-627-6524
-------
ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA, LIMITED
(Chemical Treatment and Ultrafiltration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited
(AECL), process uses chemical pretreatment
and ultrafiltration to remove trace
concentrations of dissolved metals from
wastewater, contaminated groundwater, and
leachate. The process selectively removes
metal contaminants and produces a volume-
reduced water stream for further treatment and
disposal.
The installed unit's overall dimensions are 5
feet wide by 7 feet long by 6 feet high. The
skid-mounted unit consists of (1) a bank of 5-
micron cartridge prefilters, (2) a feed
conditioning system with poly electrolytes and
chemicals for pH adjustment, (3) two banks of
hollow-fiber ultrafilters, (4) a backflush
system for cleaning the membrane unit, and
(5) associated tanks and instrumentation.
The figure below illustrates the process.
Wastewater enters the prefilter through the
feed holding tank, where suspended particles
are removed from the feed. The filtered waste
stream is then routed to conditioning tanks
where the solution pH is adjusted. Water-
soluble macromolecular compounds are then
added to the wastewater to form complexes
with heavy metal ions. Next, a relatively high
molecular weight polymer, generally a
commercially available polyelectrolyte, is
added to the wastewater to form selective
metal-polymer complexes at the desired pH
and temperature. The polyelectrolyte
quantities depend on the metal ion con-
centration.
The wastewater then passes through a cross-
flow ultrafiltration membrane system by way
of a recirculation loop. The ultrafiltration
system provides a total membrane surface
area of 265 square feet and a flow rate of
about 6 gallons per minute (gpm). The
membranes retain the metal complexes
(concentrate), while allowing uncomplexed
ions to pass through the membrane with the
filtered water. The filtered water (permeate)
is continuously withdrawn, while the
concentrate stream, containing most of the
contaminants, is recycled through the
recirculation loop until it meets the target
concentration. After reaching the target
concentration, the concentrate stream is
withdrawn for further treatment, such as
solidification. It can then be safely disposed
of, while the clean filtered water is
discharged.
Feed
Holding
Tank
1
Prefiltration
pH Chemical
Addition
* '
PH
Adjustment
Polyelectrolyte
Addition
*"
\
Metal
Complexation
Reaction
Tank
Recirculation Loop
100to150L/min
Circulation
Pump
= 20 L/min
Pump
Ultrafiltration
System
(265 sq ft Bank)
•• 20 L/min
Filter
Water
0.2 to 1.0 L/min
Concentrate
Single-Stage Chemical Treatment and Ultrafiltration Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AECL process treats groundwater,
leachate, and surface runoff contaminated
with trace levels of toxic heavy metals. The
process also treats effluents from (1) industrial
processes, (2) production and processing of
base metals, (3) smelters, (4) electrolysis
operations, and (5) battery manufacturing.
Potential applications include removal of
metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury,
uranium, manganese, nickel, chromium, and
silver.
The process can treat influent with dissolved
metal concentrations from several parts per
million (ppm) up to about 100 ppm. In
addition, the process removes other inorganic
and organic materials present as suspended or
colloidal solids. The sole residue is the
ultrafiltration concentrate, which generally
constitutes 5 to 20 percent of the feed volume.
STATUS:
The AECL process was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in 1988.
During initial bench-scale and pilot-scale
tests, the AECL process successfully removed
cadmium, lead, and mercury. These results
were used to help designers construct the
mobile unit.
The mobile unit has been tested at Chalk
River Laboratories and a uranium mine
tailings site in Ontario, Canada. The field
evaluation indicated that process water
characteristics needed further study;
pretreatment schemes are being evaluated.
The mobile unit, which is capable of treating
influent flows ranging from 1,000 to
5,000 gallons per day, is available for
treatability tests and on-site applications. An
Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-92/002) is available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
John Martin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7758
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: martin.johnf@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Shaun Cotnam and Dr. Shiv Vijayan
Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited
Chalk River Laboratories
Chalk River, Ontario, Canada KOJ 1JO
613-584-3311
Fax: 613-584-1812
-------
ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED
(Ultrasonic-Aided Leachate Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The ultrasonic-aided leachate treatment
process involves enhanced chemical treatment
of acidic soil leachate solutions. These
solutions, also known as acid mine drainage,
are caused by the oxidation and dissolution of
sulfide-bearing wastes that produce sulfuric
acid. The resulting acidic water leaches metal
contaminants from the exposed waste rock
and mine tailings, creating large volumes of
toxic acidic leachates.
The ultrasonic-aided leachate treatment
process uses an ultrasonic field to improve
contaminant removal through precipitation,
coprecipitation, oxidation, ion scavenging,
and sorption (see figure below). These
processes are followed by solid-liquid
separation using a filter press and a cross-flow
microfilter connected in series. The time
required for treatment depends on (1) the
nature of acidic waste to be treated, (2) the
treated water quality with respect to
contaminant concentration, and (3) the rate at
which the physical and chemical processes
occur. The treatable leachate volume is
scalable.
The major difference between this technology
and conventional processes is the use of
ultrasonic mixing instead of mechanical
agitation in large tanks. Research indicates
that an ultrasonic field significantly increases
both the conversion rate of dissolved
contaminants to precipitates and the rate of
oxidation and ion exchange. Earlier studies
by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
revealed that the time required to precipitate
heavy metals from aqueous solutions
decreased by an order of magnitude in the
presence of an ultrasonic field. The
ultrasonic-aided leachate treatment process is
compact, portable, and energy-efficient.
Safety and process controls are built in as
necessary for handling mixed radioactive
solutions. The process also generates minimal
fugitive emissions and produces a treated
effluent that meets applicable discharge limits.
The process may also be able to treat waste
containing small amounts of dissolved or
suspended organics.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ultrasonic-aided leachate treatment
process treats acid mine drainage con-
taminated with heavy metals and
Chemical Reagents Addition
pH Chemical
Oxidant
1 To 2%
Suspended
Precipitant
Concentrate
(1 To 2% Solids)
Filtrate (0.05 To 0.1%
Suspended Solids)
Acidic Soil Leachate Feed
Percent Dissolved Solids:
5,000 to 10,000 ppm
Primary Contaminants:
(Heavy Metals & Radionuclides)
1,000 to 2,000 ppm
Single-Stage Chemical Treatment and Ultrafiltration Process
-------
radionuclides. The process can also be
combined with soil remediation technologies.
STATUS:
The ultrasonic-aided leachate treatment
process was accepted into the SITE Emerging
Technology Program in 1993. Under this
program, AECL is developing and testing a
pilot-scale unit to treat acidic soil leachate
solutions containing low levels of metals and
radionuclides.
The quality assurance and test plan was
approved in October 1994. Laboratory-scale
testing using acidic leachates from the
Berkeley Pit in Butte, Montana, and from
Stanleigh Mines in Elliot Lake, Ontario,
Canada, is complete. The tests were designed
to find optimal single and multistage
treatment regimes to remove from the
leachates a variety of dissolved species (such
as iron, aluminum, manganese, magnesium,
copper, zinc, uranium, radium, and sulfate),
either as contaminants or as reusable
resources.
Given optimum process chemistry, low
energy (less than 5 kilojoules per liter), and
low frequency (20 kilohertz), ultrasonic
cavitation fields were sufficient to remove the
dissolved species to levels meeting discharge
requirements.
The energy input corresponds to a chemical
conditioning time of a few seconds to tens of
seconds. The underlying principles examined
include lime and limestone precipitation,
copper cementation, iron, and uranium
oxidation, ion sorption, and ion scavenging.
A Phase 1 interim report summarizing the
laboratory-scale results was issued in August
1995. A revised Phase 1 report was issued in
February 1996. Testing of the pilot-scale
system was December 1996.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Shaun Cotnam and Dr. Shiv Vijayan
Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited
Chalk River Laboratories
Chalk River, Ontario, Canada KOJ 1JO
613-584-3311, ext. 3220/6057
Fax: 613-584-1812
-------
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
(In Situ Electroacoustic Soil Decontamination)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This patented in situ electroacoustic soil
decontamination (BSD) technology removes
heavy metals from soils through direct current
electrical and acoustic fields. Direct current
facilitates liquid transport through soils. The
technology consists of electrodes, an anode
and a cathode, and an acoustic source (see
figure below).
The double-layer boundary theory is
important when an electric potential is applied
to soils. For soil particles, the double layer
consists of (1) a fixed layer of negative ions
that are firmly held to the solid phase, and (2)
a diffuse layer of more loosely held cations
and anions. Applying an electric potential to
the double layer displaces the loosely held
ions to their respective electrodes. The
cations take water with them as they move
toward the cathode.
Besides water transport through wet soils, the
direct current produces other effects, such as
ion transfer, pH gradients development,
electrolysis, oxidation and reduction, and heat
generation.
Heavy metals present in contaminated soils
can be leached or precipitated out of solution
by electrolysis, oxidation and reduction
reactions, or ionic migration. The soil
contaminants may be (1) cations, such as
cadmium, chromium, and lead; or (2) anions,
such as cyanide, chromate, and dichromate.
The existence of these ions in their respective
oxidation states depends on soil pH and
concentration gradients. Direct current is
expected to increase the leaching rate and
precipitate the heavy metals out of solution by
establishing appropriate pH and osmotic
gradients.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes heavy metals from
soils. When applied in conjunction with an
electric field and water flow, an acoustic field
can enhance waste dewatering or leaching.
This phenomenon is not fully understood.
Another possible application involves the
unclogging of recovery wells. Because
Contaminants
Water (Optional)
Veloci
Profile
In Situ Electroacoustic Soil Decontamination (BSD) Technology
-------
contaminated particles are driven to the
recovery well, the pores and interstitial spaces
in the soil can close. This technology could
be used to clear these clogged spaces.
The technology's potential for improving
nonaqueous phase liquid contaminant
recovery and in situ removal of heavy metals
needs to be tested at the pilot-scale level using
clay soils.
STATUS:
The BSD technology was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in 1988.
Results indicate that ESD is technically
feasible for removing inorganic species such
as zinc and cadmium from clay soils; it is only
marginally effective for hydrocarbon removal.
A modified ESD process for more effective
hydrocarbon removal has been developed but
not tested. The Emerging Technology Report
(EPA/540/5-90/004) describing the 1-year
investigation can be purchased through the
National Technical Information Service, (PB
90-204728/AS). The Emerging Technology
Summary (EPA/540/S5-90/004) is available
from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Satya Chauhan
Battelle Memorial Institute
505 King Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
614-424-4812
Fax: 614-424-3321
-------
BIOTROL®
(Methanotrophic Bioreactor System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioTrol® methanotrophic bioreactor
system is an aboveground remedial
technology for water contaminated with
halogenated hydrocarbons. Trichloroethene
(TCE) and related compounds pose a difficult
challenge to biological treatment. Unlike
aromatic hydrocarbons, for example, TCE
cannot serve as a primary substrate for
bacterial growth. Degradation depends on
cometabolism (see figure below), which is
attributed to the broad substrate specificity of
certain bacterial enzyme systems. Although
many aerobic enzyme systems reportedly
cooxidize TCE and related compounds,
BioTrol® claims that the methane
monooxygenase (MMO) produced by
methanotrophic bacteria is the most
promising.
Methanotrophs are bacteria that can use
methane as a sole source of carbon and
energy. Although certain methanotrophs can
express MMO in either a soluble or
paniculate (membrane-bound) form, BioTrol®
has discovered that the soluble form used in
the BioTrol process induces extremely rapid
TCE degradation rates. Two patents have
been obtained, and an additional patent on the
process is pending. Results from experiments
withMethylosinus trichosporium strain OB3b
indicate that the maximum specific TCE
degradation rate is 1.3 grams of TCE per gram
of cells (dry weight) per hour. This rate is
100 to 1,000 times faster than reported TCE
degradation rates for nonmethanotrophs. This
species of methanotrophic bacteria reportedly
removes various chlorinated aliphatic
compounds by more than 99.9 percent.
BioTrol has also developed a colorimetric
assay that verifies the presence of MMO in
the bioreactor culture.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The bioreactor system can treat water
contaminated with halogenated aliphatic
hydrocarbons, including TCE, dichloroethene
isomers, vinyl chloride, dichloroethane
isomers, chloroform, dichloromethane
(methylene chloride), and others. In the case
of groundwater treatment, bioreactor effluent
can either be reinjected or discharged to a
sanitary sewer or a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide, Chloride
Methane
Trichloroethene
Cometabolism of TCE
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1990.
Both bench- and pilot-scale tests were
conducted using a continuous-flow, dispersed-
growth system. As shown in the figure below,
the pilot-scale reactor displayed first-order
TCE degradation kinetics. The final report on
the demonstration appears in the Journal of
the Air and Waste Management Association,
Volume 45, No. 1, January 1995. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
93/506) and the Emerging Technology
Summary (EPA/540/SR-93/505) are available
from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7175
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Durell Dobbins
BioTrol®
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3546
320-942-8032
Fax: 320-942-8526
2,000
1,500 -
1,000 -
1
o
B
500 —
HRT (min)
Results for Pilot-Scale, Continuous-Flow Reactor
-------
BWX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(an affiliate of BABCOCK & WILCOX CO.)
(Cyclone Furnace)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Babcock & Wilcox Co. (Babcock &
Wilcox) cyclone furnace is designed to
combust coal with high inorganic content
(high-ash). Through cofiring, the cyclone
furnace can also accommodate highly
contaminated wastes containing heavy metals
and organics in soil or sludge. High heat-
release rates of 45,000 British thermal units
(Btu) per cubic foot of coal and high
turbulence in cyclones ensures the high
temperatures required for melting the high-ash
fuels and combusting the organics. The inert
ash exits the cyclone furnace as a vitrified
slag.
The pilot-scale cyclone furnace, shown in the
figure below, is a water cooled, scaled-down
version of a commercial coal-fired cyclone
with a restricted exit (throat). The furnace
geometry is a horizontal cylinder (barrel).
Natural gas and preheated combustion air are
heated to 820 °F and enter tangentially into
the cyclone burner. For dry soil processing,
the soil matrix and natural gas enter
tangentially along the cyclone furnace barrel.
For wet soil processing, an atomizer uses
compressed air to spray the soil slurry directly
into the furnace. The soil or sludge and
inorganics are captured and melted, and
organics are destroyed in the gas phase or in
the molten slag layer. This slag layer is
formed and retained on the furnace barrel wall
by centrifugal action.
The soil melts, exits the cyclone furnace from
the tap at the cyclone throat, and drops into a
water-filled slag tank where it solidifies. A
small quantity of soil also exits as fly ash with
the flue gas from the furnace and is collected
in a baghouse. In principle, this fly ash can be
recycled to the furnace to increase metal
capture and to minimize the volume of the
potentially hazardous waste stream.
The energy requirements for vitrification are
15,000 Btu per pound of soil treated. The
cyclone furnace can be operated with gas, oil,
COMBUSTION
AIR
INSIDE FURI
NATURAL GAS
INJECTORS
NATURAL GAS
SOIL INJECTOR
\
CYCLONE
BARREL
Cyclone Furnace
-------
or coal as the supplemental fuel. If the waste
is high in organic content, it may also supply
a significant portion of the required fuel heat
input.
Particulates are captured by a baghouse. To
maximize the capture of particulate metals, a
heat exchanger is used to cool the stack gases
to approximately 200°F before they enter the
baghouse.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The cyclone furnace can treat highly
contaminated hazardous wastes, sludges, and
soils that contain heavy metals and organic
constituents. The wastes may be solid, a soil
slurry (wet soil), or liquids. To be treated in
the cyclone furnace, the ash or solid matrix
must melt (with or without additives) and
flow at cyclone furnace temperatures (2,400
to 3,000°F). Because the furnace captures
heavy metals in the slag and renders them
nonleachable, it is particularly suited to soils
that contain lower-volatility radionuclides
such as strontium and transuranics.
STATUS:
Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, the cyclone furnace
technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in August 1991. A
demonstration occurred in November 1991 at
the developer's facility in Alliance, Ohio. The
process was demonstrated using an EPA-
supplied, wet synthetic soil matrix (SSM)
spiked with heavy metals (lead, cadmium, and
chromium), organics (anthracene and
dimethylphthalate), and simulated
radionuclides (bismuth, strontium, and
zirconium). Results from the demonstrations
have been published in the Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/520/AR-92/017) and
Technology Evaluation Report, Volumes 1
and 2 (EPA/504/R-92/017A and
EPA/540/R-92/017B); these documents are
available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Vitrified slag teachabilities for the heavy
metals met EPA toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure (TCLP) limits. TCLP
teachabilities were 0.29 milligram per liter
(mg/L) for lead, 0.12 mg/L for cadmium, and
0.30 mg/L for chromium. Almost 95 percent
of the noncombustible SSM was incorporated
into the slag. Greater than 75 percent of the
chromium, 88 percent of the strontium, and
97 percent of the zirconium were captured in
the slag. Dry weight volume was reduced 28
percent. Destruction and removal
efficiencies for anthracene and
dimethylphthalate were greater than
99.997 percent and 99.998 percent,
respectively. Stack particulates were 0.001
grain per dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf) at
7 percent oxygen, which was below the
Resource Conservation Recovery Act limit of
0.08 gr/dscf effective until May 1993.
Carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbons in
the flue gas were 6.0 parts per million (ppm)
and 8.3 ppm, respectively.
An independent cost analysis was performed
as part of the SITE demonstration. The cost
to remediate 20,000 tons of contaminated soil
using a 3.3 -ton-per-hour unit was estimated at
$465 per ton if the unit is on line 80 percent
of the time, and $529 per ton if the unit is on
line 60 percent of the time.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Laurel Staley
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7863 Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: staley.larel@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jerry Maringo
BWX Technologies, Inc.,
20 South Van Buren Avenue
P.O. Box 351
Barberton, OH 44203
330-860-6321
-------
COGNIS, INC.
(Biological/Chemical Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The COGNIS, Inc. biological/chemical
treatment is a two-stage process that treats
soils, sediments, and other media
contaminated with metals and organics.
Metals are first removed from the
contaminated matrix by a chemical leaching
process. Organics are then removed by
bioremediation.
Although metals removal usually occurs in the
first stage, bioremediation may be performed
first if organic contamination levels are found
to inhibit the metals extraction process.
Bioremediation is more effective if the metal
concentrations in the soil are sufficiently low
so as not to inhibit microbial activity.
However, even in the presence of inhibitory
metal concentrations, a microbe population
may be enriched to perform the necessary
bioremediation.
Soil handling requirements for both stages are
similar, so unit operations are fully reversible.
The final treatment products are a recovered
metal or metal salt, biodegraded organic
compounds, and clean soil. Contaminated soil
is first exposed to a leachant solution and
classified by particle size (see figure below).
Size classification allows oversized rock,
gravel, and sand to be quickly cleaned and
separated from the sediment fines (such as
silt, clay, and humus), which require longer
leaching times. Typically, organic pollutants
are also attached to the fines.
After dissolution of the metal compounds,
metal ions such as zinc, lead, and cadmium
are removed from the aqueous leachate by
liquid ion exchange, resin ion exchange, or
reduction. At this point, the aqueous leaching
solution is freed of metals and can be reused
to leach additional metal from the
contaminated soil. If an extraction agent is
used, it is later stripped of the bound metal
and the agent is fully regenerated and
recycled. Heavy metals are recovered in a
saleable, concentrated form as solid metal or
a metal salt. The method of metals recovery
depends on the metals present and their
concentrations.
After metals extract!on is complete, the "mud"
slurry settles and is neutralized. Liquids are
returned to the classifier, and the partially
Leachant
Leachant Recycle
r
ach
Leachate k
1
Metal
Recovery
> Metal
Clean
Soil
Bioremediation
Water Cycle Water
Carbon Dioxide
Metal Leaching and Bioremediation Process
Bioaugment
Fertilizer
pH Adjust
-------
treated soil is transferred to a slurry
bioreactor, a slurry-phase treatment lagoon, or
a closed land treatment cell for
bioremediation. The soil and the residual
leachate solution are treated to maximize
contaminant biodegradation. Nutrients are
added to support microbial growth, and the
most readily biodegradable organic
compounds are aerobically degraded.
Bench-scale tests indicate that this process
can remediate a variety of heavy metals and
organic pollutants. The combined process is
less expensive than separate metals removal
and organic remediation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This remediation process is intended to treat
combined-waste soils contaminated by heavy
metals and organic compounds. The process
can treat contaminants including lead,
cadmium, zinc, and copper, as well as
petroleum hydrocarbons and polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons that are subject to
aerobic microbial degradation. The combined
process can also be modified to extract
mercury and other metals, and to degrade
more recalcitrant halogenated hydrocarbons.
STATUS:
This remediation process was accepted into
the SITE Emerging Technology Program in
August 1992. Bench- and pilot-scale testing
of the bioremediation process is complete. A
full-scale field test of the metals extraction
process was completed under the
Demonstration Program. For further
information on the full-scale process, refer to
the profile in the Demonstration Program
section.
This remediation process is no longer
available through COGNIS, Inc. For further
information about the process, contact the
EPA Project Manager.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45208
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT
Bill Fristad
Cognis Inc.
2331 CircadianWay
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
248-583-9300
-------
COGNIS, INC.
(TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The COGNIS, Inc. (COGNIS), TERRAMET®
soil remediation system leaches and recovers
lead and other metals from contaminated soil,
dust, sludge, or sediment. The system uses a
patented aqueous leachant that is optimized
through treatability tests for the soil and the
target contaminant. The TERRAMET® system
can treat most types of lead contamination,
including metallic lead and lead salts and
oxides. The lead compounds are often tightly
bound by fine soil constituents such as clay,
manganese and iron oxides, and humus.
The figure below illustrates the process. A
pretreatment, physical separation stage may
involve dry screening to remove gross
oversized material. The soil can be separated
into oversized (gravel), sand, and fine (silt,
clay, and humus) fractions. Soil, including
the oversized fraction, is first washed. Most
lead contamination is typically associated
with fines fraction, and this fraction is
subjected to countercurrent leaching to
dissolve the adsorbed lead and other heavy
metal species. The sand fraction may also
contain significant lead, especially if the
contamination is due to particulate lead, such
as that found in battery recycling, ammunition
burning, and scrap yard activities. In this
case, the sand fraction is pretreated to remove
dense metallic or magnetic materials before
subjecting the sand fraction to countercurrent
leaching. Sand and fines can be treated in
separate parallel streams.
After dissolution of the lead and other heavy
metal contaminants, the metal ions are
recovered from the aqueous leachate by a
metal recovery process such as reduction,
liquid ion exchange, resin ion exchange, or
precipitation. The metal recovery technique
depends on the metals to be recovered and the
leachant employed. In most cases, a patented
reduction process is used so that the metals
are recovered in a compact form suitable for
recycling. After the metals are recovered, the
leachant can be reused within the TERRAMET®
system for continued leaching.
Important characteristics of the TERRAMET®
leaching/recovery combination are as follows:
(1) the leachant is tailored to the substrate and
the contaminant; (2) the leachant is fully
Physical Separation Stage
Teeder
TERRAMET® Chemical Leaching Stage
Soil Fines From
Separation Stage
Soil Fines to
Leaching Circuit
*• Organic Material
Sand to
Leaching Circuit
Clean, Dewatered
Neutralized Soil
Sand From-
Separation Stage
Make-up
Chemicals
Lime
Lead Concentrate
to Recycler
TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System
-------
recycled within the treatment plant; (3) treated
soil can be returned on site; (4) all soil
fractions can be treated; (5) end products
include treated soil and recycled metal; and
(6) no waste is generated during processing.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The COGNIS TERRAMET® soil remediation
system can treat soil, sediment, and sludge
contaminated by lead and other heavy metals
or metal mixtures. Appropriate sites include
contaminated ammunition testing areas, firing
ranges, battery recycling centers, scrap yards,
metal plating shops, and chemical
manufacturers. Certain lead compounds, such
as lead sulfide, are not amenable to treatment
because of their exceedingly low solubilities.
The system can be modified to leach and
recover other metals, such as cadmium, zinc,
copper, and mercury, from soils.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in August
1992. Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, the technology was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1994. The demonstration took
place at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition
Plant (TCAAP) Site F during August 1994.
The TERRAMET® system was evaluated during
a full-scale remediation conducted by
COGNIS at TCAAP. The full-scale system
was linked with a soil washing process
developed by Brice Environmental Services
Corporation (BESCORP). The system treated
soil at a rate of 12 to 15 tons per hour. An
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
describing the demonstration and its results
will be available in 1998.
The TERRAMET® system is now available
through Doe Run, Inc. (see contact
information below). For further information
about the development of the system, contact
the Dr. William Fristad (see contact
information below). For further information
on the BESCORP soil washing process, refer
to the profile in the Demonstration Program
section (completed projects).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Lead levels in the feed soil ranged from 380
to 1,800 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
Lead levels in untreated and treated fines
ranged from 210 to 780 mg/kg and from 50 to
190 mg/kg, respectively. Average removal
efficiencies for lead were about 75 percent.
The TERRAMET® and BESCORP processes
operated smoothly at a feed rate of 12 to 15
tons per hour. Size separation using the
BESCORP process proved to be effective and
reduced the lead load to the TERRAMET®
leaching process by 39 to 63 percent.
Leaching solution was recycled, and lead
concentrates were delivered to a lead smelting
facility. The cost of treating contaminated
soil at the TCAAP site using the COGNIS and
BESCORP processes is about $200 per ton of
treated soil, based on treatment of 10,000 tons
of soil. This cost includes the cost of
removing ordnance from the soil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michael Royer
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue, MS-104
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
732-321-6633
Fax: 732-321-6640
E-mail: royer.michael@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY CONTACT
Lou Magdits, TERRAMET® Manager
Doe Run, Inc.
Buick Resource Recycling Facility
HwyKK
HC 1 Box 1395
Boss, MO 65440
573-626-3476
Fax: 573-626-3405
E-mail: lmagdits@misn.com
-------
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
(Constructed Wetlands-Based Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The constructed wetlands-based treatment
technology uses natural geochemical and
microbiological processes inherent in an
artificial wetland ecosystem to accumulate
and remove metals from influent waters. The
treatment system incorporates principal
ecosystem components found in wetlands,
such as organic materials (substrate),
microbial fauna, and algae.
Influent waters with high metal concentrations
flow through the aerobic and anaerobic zones
of the wetland ecosystem. Metals are
removed by ion exchange, adsorption,
absorption, and precipitation through
geochemical and microbial oxidation and
reduction. Ion exchange occurs as metals in
the water contact humic or other organic
substances in the soil medium. Oxidation and
reduction reactions that occur in the aerobic
and anaerobic zones, respectively, precipitate
metals as hydroxides and sulfides.
Precipitated and adsorbed metals settle in
quiescent ponds or are filtered out as the water
percolates through the soil or substrate.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The constructed wetlands-based treatment
process is suitable for acid mine drainage
from metal or coal mining activities. These
wastes typically contain high concentrations
of metals and low pH. Wetlands treatment
has been applied with some success to
wastewater in the eastern United States. The
process may have to be adjusted to account
for differences in geology, terrain, trace metal
composition, and climate in the metal mining
regions of the western United States.
7 oz. GEOFABRIC
GEOGRID
7 oz. GEOFABRI
PERF. EFFLUENT
PIPING TIE TO
GEOGRID
PERF. INFLUENT
PIPING
7 oz. GEOFABRIC
SUBSTRATE
GEONET
HOPE LINER
GEOSYNTHETIC
CLAY LINER
16 oz. GEOFABRIC
SAND
SUBGRADE
Schematic Cross Section of Pilot-Scale Upflow Cell
-------
STATUS:
Based on the results of tests conducted during
the SITE Emerging Technology Program
(ETP), the constructed wetlands-based
treatment process was selected for the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1991. Results
from the ETP tests indicated an average
removal rate of 50 percent for metals. For
further information on the ETP evaluation,
refer to the Emerging Technology Summary
(EPA/540/SR-93/523), the Emerging
Technology Report (EPA/540/R-93/523), or
the Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/
F-92/001), which are available from EPA.
This technology was in operation from 1993
to May 1999. It has been discontinued.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Studies under the Demonstration Program
evaluated process effectiveness, toxicity
reduction, and biogeochemical processes at
the Burleigh Tunnel, near Silver Plume,
Colorado. Treatment of mine discharge from
the Burleigh Tunnel is part of the remedy for
the Clear Creek/Central City Superfund site.
Construction of a pilot-scale treatment system
began in summer 1993 and was completed in
November 1993. The pilot-scale treatment
system covered about 4,200 square feet and
consisted of an upflow cell (see figure on
previous page) and a downflow cell. Each
cell treats about 7 gallons per minute of flow.
Preliminary results indicated high removal
efficiency (between 80 to 90 percent) for zinc,
the primary contaminant in the discharge
during summer operation. Zinc removal
during the first winter of operation ranged
from 60 to 80 percent.
Removal efficiency of dissolved zinc for the
upflow cell between March and September
remained above 90 percent; however, the
removal efficiency between September and
December 1994 declined to 84 percent due to
the reduction in microbial activity in the
winter months. The removal efficiency in the
downflow cell dropped to 68 percent in the
winter months and was between 70 and 80
percent during the summer months. The 1995
removal efficiency of dissolved zinc for the
upflow cell declined from 84 percent to below
50 percent due to substrate hydrologic
problems originating from attempts to
insulate this unit during the summer months.
A dramatic upset event in the spring of 1995
sent about four times the design flow through
the upflow cell, along with a heavy zinc load.
The heavy zinc load was toxic to the upflow
cell and it never recovered to previous
performance levels. Since the upset event,
removal efficiency remained at or near 50
percent.
The 1995 removal efficiency of the downflow
cell declined from 80 percent during the
summer months to 63 percent during winter,
again a result of reduced microbial activity.
The 1996 removal efficiency of dissolved zinc
calculated for the downflow cell increased
from a January low of 63 percent to over 95
percent from May through August. The
increase in the downflow removal efficiency
is related to reduced flow rates through the
downflow substrate, translating to increased
residence time.
The SITE demonstration was completed in
mid-1998, and the cells were decommissioned
in August 1998. An Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report for the demonstration will
be available in 1999. Information on the
technology can be obtained through below-
listed sources.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Edward Bates
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7774 Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
James Lewis
Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
HMWMD-RP-B2
Denver, CO 80220-1530
303-692-3390 Fax: 303-759-5355
-------
CONCURRENT TECHNOLOGIES
(formerly Center for Hazardous Materials Research)
(Acid Extraction Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The acid extraction treatment system (AETS)
uses hydrochloric acid to extract heavy metal
contaminants from soils. Following
treatment, the clean soil may be returned to
the site or used as fill.
A simplified block flow diagram of the AETS
is shown below. First, soils are screened to
remove coarse solids. These solids, typically
greater than 4 millimeters in size, are
relatively clean and require at most a simple
rinse with water or detergent to remove
smaller attached particles.
After coarse particle removal, the remaining
soil is scrubbed in an attrition scrubber to
break up agglomerates and cleanse surfaces.
Hydrochloric acid is then introduced into the
soil in the extraction unit. The residence time
in the unit varies depending on the soil type,
contaminants, and contaminant
concentrations, but generally ranges between
10 and 40 minutes. The soil-extractant
mixture is continuously pumped out of the
mixing tank, and the soil and extractant are
separated using hydrocyclones.
When extraction is complete, the solids are
transferred to the rinse system. The soils are
rinsed with water to remove entrained acid
and metals. The extraction solution and rinse
waters are regenerated using a proprietary
technology that removes the metals and
reforms the acid. The heavy metals are
concentrated in a form potentially suitable for
recovery. During the final step, the soils are
mixed with lime and fertilizer to neutralize
any residual acid. No wastewater streams are
generated by the process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The main application of AETS is extraction of
heavy metals from soils. The system has been
tested using a variety of soils containing one
or more of the following: arsenic, cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. The
treatment capacity is expected to range up to
30 tons per hour. AETS can treat all soil
fractions, including fines.
The major residuals from AETS treatment
include the cleaned soil, which is suitable for
fill or for return to the site, and the heavy
metal concentrate. Depending on the
concentration of heavy metals, the mixtures of
heavy metals found at the site, and the
presence of other compounds (calcium,
sodium) with the metals, heavy metals may be
reclaimed from the concentrate.
CONTAMINATED
SOIL
COARSE SOIL
PARTICLES
HEAVY
TREATED METALS
SOIL
Acid Extraction Treatment System (AETS) Process
-------
STATUS:
Under the Emerging Technology Program,
laboratory-scale and bench-scale tests were
conducted to develop the AETS technology.
The bench-scale pilot system was constructed
to process between 20 and 100 kilograms of
soil per hour. Five soils were tested,
including an EPA synthetic soil matrix (SSM)
and soils from four Superfund sites, including
NL Industries in Pedricktown, New Jersey;
King of Prussia site in Winslow Township,
New Jersey; a smelter site in Butte, Montana;
and Palmerton Zinc site in Palmerton,
Pennsylvania. These soils contained elevated
concentrations of some or all of the following:
arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
nickel, and zinc. The table below summarizes
soil treatability results based on the EPA
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) hazardous waste requirements for
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) and the California standards for total
metal concentrations. The Emerging
Technology Report (EPA/540/R-94/513) and
Emerging Technology Summary (EPA/540/
SR-94/513) are available from EPA.
The results of the study are summarized
below:
• AETS can treat a wide range of soils
containing a wide range of heavy metals to
reduce the TCLP below the RCRA limit.
AETS can also reduce the total metals
concentrations below the California-
mandated total metals limitations.
• In most cases, AETS can treat the entire
soil, without separate stabilization and
disposal for fines or clay particles, to the
required TCLP and total metal limits.
The only exception was the SSM, which
may require separate stabilization and
disposal of 20 percent of the soil to
reduce the total TCLP lead
concentrations appropriately. However,
AETS successfully treated arsenic,
cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and
zinc in the soil.
• Treatment costs under expected process
conditions range from $100 to $180 per
cubic yard of soil, depending on the site
size, soil types, and contaminant
concentrations. Operating costs ranged
from $50 to $80 per cubic yard.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
George Moore
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7991
Fax: 513-569-7276
E-mail: moore.george@epa.gove
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian Bosilovich
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-577-2662, ext. 230
Fax:412-826-5552
-------
-------
CONCURRENT TECHNOLOGIES
(formerly Center for Hazardous Materials Research)
(Organics Destruction and Metals Stabilization)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is designed to destroy
hazardous organics in soils while
simultaneously stabilizing metals and metal
ions (see figure below). The technology
causes contaminated liquids, soils, and
sludges to react with elemental sulfur at
elevated temperatures. All organic
compounds react with sulfur. Hydrocarbons
are converted to an inert carbon-sulfur
powdered residue and hydrogen sulfide gas;
treated chlorinated hydrocarbons also
produce hydrochloric acid gas. These acid
gases are recovered from the off-gases. The
hydrogen sulfide is oxidized in a conventional
acid gas treating unit (such as ARI
Technologies LO-CAT™), recovering the
sulfur for reuse.
In addition to destroying organic compounds,
the technology converts heavy metals to
Treated
Gas
LO-CAT-II
Recovered Sulfur
Makeup
iilfur
Feed
Soil
Treated Solids
Processing
Treated
Soil
Organics Destruction and Metals Stabilization
-------
sulfides, which are rendered less leachable. If
required, the sulfides can be further stabilized
before disposal. Thus, heavy metals can be
stabilized in the same process step as the
organics destruction. The technology's main
process components consist of the following:
• A prereaction mixer where the solid and
reagent are mixed
• An indirectly heated, enclosed reactor that
includes a preheater section to drive off
water, and two integrated reactor sections
to react liquid sulfur with the solids and
further react desorbed organic compounds
with vapor-phase sulfur
• An acid gas treatment system that
removes the acid gases and recovers sulfur
by oxidizing the hydrogen sulfide
• A treated solids processing unit that
recovers excess reagent and prepares the
treated product to comply with on-site
disposal requirements
Initial pilot-scale testing of the technology has
demonstrated that organic contaminants can
be destroyed in the vapor phase with
elemental sulfur. Tetrachloroethene,
trichloroethene, and poly chlorinated biphenyls
were among the organic compounds
destroyed.
Batch treatability tests of contaminated soil
mixtures have demonstrated organics
destruction and immobilization of various
heavy metals. Immobilization of heavy
metals is determined by the concentration of
the metals in leachate compared to EPA
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP) regulatory limits. Following
treatment, cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and
zinc were significantly reduced compared to
TCLP values. In treatability tests with
approximately 700 parts per million of
Aroclor 1260, destruction levels of 99.0 to
99.95 percent were achieved. Destruction of
a pesticide, malathion, was also demonstrated.
The process was also demonstrated to be
effective on soil from manufactured gas
plants, containing a wide range of polynuclear
aromatics
The current tests are providing a more
detailed definition of the process limits, metal
concentrations, and soil types required for
stabilization of various heavy metals to meet
the limits specified by TCLP. In addition,
several process enhancements are being
evaluated to expand the range of applicability.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to soils and
sediments contaminated with both organics
and heavy metals.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in January
1993. Bench-scale testing in batch reactors
was completed in 1993. The pilot-scale
program was directed at integrating the
process concepts and obtaining process data in
a continuous unit. The program was
completed in 1995 and the Emerging
Technology Report was made available in
1997.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian Bosilovich
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-577-2662, ext.230
Fax:412-826-5552
-------
CONCURRENT TECHNOLOGIES
(formerly Center for Hazardous Materials Research)
(Smelting Lead-Containing Waste)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Secondary lead smelting is a proven
technology that reclaims lead from lead-acid
battery waste sites. The Concurrent
Technologies and Exide Corporation (Exide)
have demonstrated the use of secondary lead
smelting to reclaim usable lead from various
types of waste materials from Superfund and
other lead-containing sites. Reclamation of
lead is based on existing lead smelting
procedures and basic pyrometallurgy.
The figure below is a generalized process flow
diagram. Waste material is first excavated
from Superfund sites or collected from other
sources. The waste is then preprocessed to
reduce particle size and to remove rocks, soil,
and other debris. Next, the waste is transported
to the smelter.
At the smelter, waste is fed to reverberatory or
blast furnaces, depending on particle size or
lead content. The two reverberatory furnaces
normally treat lead from waste lead-acid
batteries, as well as other lead-containing
material. The furnaces are periodically tapped
to remove slag, which contains 60 to 70
percent lead, and a soft pure lead product.
The two blast furnaces treat slag generated
from the reverberatory furnaces, as well as
larger- sized lead-containing waste. These
furnaces are tapped continuously for lead and
tapped intermittently to remove slag, which is
transported off site for disposal. The
reverberatory and blast furnace combination
at Exide can reclaim lead from batteries and
waste with greater than 99 percent efficiency.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process has been demonstrated to reclaim
lead from a variety of solid materials,
including rubber battery case material, lead
dross, iron shot abrasive blasting material, and
wood from demolition of houses coated with
lead paint. The technology is applicable to
solid wastes containing more than 2 percent
lead, provided that they do not contain
excessive amounts of calcium, silica,
aluminum, or other similar constituents.
Explosive and flammable liquids cannot be
processed in the furnace. As tested, this
technology is not applicable to soil
remediation.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1991.
Field work for the project was completed in
February 1993.
The process was tested at three Superfund
sites. Materials obtained from two additional
sites were also used for these tests. Results
from the Emerging Technology Program,
presented in the table below, show that the
process is applicable to waste materials at
each site and economically feasible for all but
EXCAVATION OR
COLLECTION
PREPROCESSING
TRANSPORT OF MATERIAL
ROCKS, SOILS, DEBRIS
LEAD TO
BATTERY «*
PLANT
SLAG TO DISPOSAL
•«
SMELTER
V s
^^_
REVERB
FURNACE
LAGl
BLAST
FURNACE
r«
Smelting Lead-Containing Waste Process
-------
demolition material. The Emerging
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-94/510), the
Emerging Technology Summary (EPA/540/
SR-95/504), and the Emerging Technology
Report (EPA/540/R-95/504) are available from
EPA. An article about the technology was also
published by the Journal of Hazardous
Materials in February 1995.
Specific technical problems encountered
included (1) loss of furnace production due to
material buildup within the furnaces, (2)
breakdowns in the feed system due to
mechanical overloads, and (3) increased
oxygen demands inside the furnaces. All of
these problems were solved by adjusting
material feed rates or furnace parameters.
Based on these tests, Concurrent Technologies
has concluded that secondary lead smelting is
an economical method of reclaiming lead from
lead-containing waste material collected at
Superfund sites and other sources.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Bill Fritch
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7659
Fax: 513-569-7105
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian Bosilovich
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-577-2662, ext. 230
Fax: 412-826-5552
Source of Material/
Type of Material Tested
Tonolli Superfund site (PA)/
Battery cases
Hebalka Superfund site (PA)/
Battery cases
Pedricktown Superfund site (NJ)/
Battery cases; lead dross, residue,
and debris
Laurel House Women's Shelter (PA)/
Demolition material contaminated
with lead-based paint.
PennDOTV
Abrasive bridge blasting material
% Lead
3 to 7
10
45
1
3 to 5
Economical*
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Test Results
Lead can be reclaimed in secondary lead smelter;
incorporated into regular blast furnace feed stock.
Lead can be reclaimed in secondary lead smelter;
reduced in size and incorporated into regular
reverberatory furnace feed stock.
Lead can be reclaimed in secondary lead smelter;
screened and incorporated into regular
reverberatory and blast furnace feed stocks.
Lead can be reclaimed in secondary lead smelter;
however, the cost of processing the material was
estimated to be very high.
Lead can be reclaimed in secondary lead smelter;
incorporated into regular blast furnace feed stock.
Compared to stabilization or landfilling
Results from Field Tests of the Smelting Lead-Containing Waste Technology
-------
EBERLINE SERVICES, INC.
(formerly Thermo Nutech, Inc./TMA Thermo Analytical, Inc.)
(Segmented Gate System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Eberline Services, Inc. has conducted many
radiological surveys of soil contaminated with
low and intermediate levels of radioactivity.
Cleanup of these sites is a highly labor-
intensive process requiring numerous
personnel to conduct radiological surveys with
portable handheld instruments. When
contamination is encountered, an attempt is
made to manually excise it. When surveys
disclose larger areas of contamination, heavy
equipment is used to remove the contaminated
material. Since pinpoint excision with
earthmoving equipment is difficult, large
amounts of uncontaminated soil are removed
along with the contaminant. Few sites have
been characterized as uniformly and/or
homogeneously contaminated above release
criteria over the entire site area.
As a result, Eberline Services developed the
Segmented Gate System (SGS) to physically
separate and segregate radioactive material
from otherwise "clean" soil (see figure
below). The SGS removes only a minimal
amount of clean soil with the radioactive
particles, significantly reducing the overall
amount of material requiring disposal. The
SGS works by conveying radiologically
contaminated feed material on moving
conveyor belts under an array of sensitive,
rapidly reacting radiation detectors. The
moving material is assayed, and the
radioactivity content is logged. Copyrighted
computer software tracks the radioactive
material as it is transported by the conveyor
and triggers a diversion by one or more of the
SGS chutes when the material reaches the end
of the conveyor. Clean soil goes in one
direction, and the contaminated material in
another.
EXCAVATE CONTAMINATED SOIL
TRANSPORT
BACKFILL WITH BELOW CRITERIA SOIL
PRE-SCREEN
CONTAMINATED SOIL
IE REQUIRED
BELOW CRITERIA
SEGMENTED GATE SYSTEM
SOIL PREP \ STACKER
REDUCED VOLUME OF ABOVE CRITERIA SOIL TO DISPOSAL
-------
The key advantage to this system is
automation, which affords a much higher
degree of accuracy compared to manual
methods. Contaminants can be isolated and
removed by locating small particles of
radioactive material dispersed throughout the
soil. All of the soil is analyzed continuously
during processing to document the level of
radioactivity in the waste and to demonstrate
that cleaned soil meets release criteria. This
automation and analysis results in a significant
cost reduction for special handling, packaging,
and disposal of the site's radioactive waste.
The SGS locates, analyzes, and removes
gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides from soil,
sand, dry sludge, or any host matrix that can be
transported by conveyor belts. The SGS can
identify hot particles, which are assayed in
units of picoCuries (pCi), and can quantify
distributed radioactivity, which is assayed in
units of pCi per gram (pCi/g) of host material.
The lower limit of detection (LLD) for the
system depends on the ambient radiation
background, conveyor belt speed, thickness of
host material on conveyor, and contaminant
gamma ray energy and abundance. However,
LLDs of 2 pCi/g for americium-241 and
4 pCi/g for radium-226 have been successfully
demonstrated.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994.
Pilot- and field-scale tests using Eberline
Services' mobile equipment were initiated at a
U.S. Department of Energy facility in March
1995.
A field test at the DOE site in Ashtabula, Ohio
was conducted in October 1998. Soil
containing thotium-232, radium-226, and
uranium-238 was processed.
A similar system was operated by Eberline
Services on Johnston Atoll in the mid-Pacific
from January 1992 until November 1999 under
contract to the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction
Agency to process coral soil contaminated with
plutonium and americium. The mobile SGS
used at Ashtabula has also been deployed
under the Department of Energy, Accelerated
Site Technology Demonstration Program at
Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos
National Laboratory, Pantex Plant, Nevada
Test Site-Tonapah Test Range, Idaho National
Engineering and Environmental Laboratory,
and Brookhaven National Laboratory.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo,
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
E-mail: gallardo.vincente@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY CONTACT:
Joseph W. Kimbrell,
Eberline Services, Inc.
4501 Indian School Road, NE, Ste. 105
Albuquerque, NM 87110-3929
505-262-2694
Fax: 505-262-2698
Email: jkimbrell@eberlineservices.com
www.eberlineservices.com
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ELECTROKINETICS, INC.
(In Situ Bioremediation by Electrokinetic Injection)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
In situ bioremediation is the process of
introducing nutrients into biologically active
zones (BAZ). The nutrients are usually
introduced by pumping recirculated
groundwater through the BAZ, relying on
hydraulic gradients or the permeability of the
BAZ. However, heterogeneous aquifers often
hinder the introduction of the nutrients. For
example, areas with higher permeability result
in preferential flow paths, leading to
incomplete biological treatment in other areas.
The inability to uniformly introduce nutrients
and other additives, such as surfactants and
cometabolites, is recognized as a hindrance to
successful implementation of in situ
bioremediation.
Electrokinetics, Inc. (Electrokinetics), has
developed an electrokinetic remediation
technology that stimulates and sustains in situ
bioremediation for the treatment of organics.
The technology involves applying to soil or
groundwater a low-level direct current (DC)
electrical potential difference or an electrical
current using electrodes placed in an open or
closed flow arrangement. Groundwater or an
externally supplied processing fluid is used as
the conductive medium. The low-level DC
causes physical, chemical and hydrological
changes in both the waste and the conductive
medium, thereby enabling uniform transport
of process additives and nutrients into the
BAZ. The process is illustrated in the
diagram below.
Electrokinetic soil processing technologies
were designed to overcome problems
associated with heterogeneous aquifers,
especially those problems that result in
incomplete biological treatment. For
example, the rate of nutrient and additive
transport under electrical gradients is at least
one order of magnitude greater than that
achieved under hydraulic gradients.
Process Control System
Biotreated aquifer
[AQUITARD
Schematic Diagram of In Situ Bioremediation by Electrokinetic Injection
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
In situ electrokinetic injection can be used for
any waste that can be treated by conventional
bioremediation techniques. The
Electrokinetics, Inc. system facilitates in situ
treatment of contaminated subsurface
deposits, sediments, and sludges. The
technology can also be engineered to remove
inorganic compounds through
electromigration and electroosmosis, while
process additives and nutrients are added to
the processing fluids to enhance
bioremediation of organic compounds.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1995.
Pilot-scale studies under the Emerging
Technology Program will be used to develop
operating parameters and to demonstrate the
efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the
technology during a full-scale application.
The SITE evaluation may take place in 1999
at a military base or a U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) site.
In a Phase-I study conducted for DOE,
Electrokinetics, Inc., demonstrated that
nutrient and process additives could be
transported in and across heterogeneous areas
in aquifers at rates that could sustain in-situ
bioremdiation. During the study, ion
migration rates, which were on the order of 8
to 20 centimeters per day, exceeded the
electroosmotic rate, even in a kaolinite clay.
The ion migration also produced a reasonably
uniform distribution of inorganic nitrogen,
sulfur, and phosphorous additives across the
soil mass boundaries. These results are
significant and demonstrate that electrokinetic
injection techniques may potentially be used
for the injection of diverse nutrients in low
permeability soils as well as heterogeneous
media. Electrokinetics, Inc., recently
completed bench- and pilot-scale tests, which
determined the feasibility of enhancing the
bioremediation of trichloroethylene and
toluene by electrokinetic injection. The
process of in situ bioremediation by
electrokinetic injection was inspired by
extensive research work conducted by
Electrokinetics, Inc., using the
electrochemical process to remediate soils
contaminated with heavy metals and
radionuclides. In 1994, Electrokinetics, Inc.,
was commissioned by the U.S. Department of
Defense (DoD) to demonstrate its technology
in a lead-contaminated creek bed at an
inactive firing range in Fort Polk, Louisiana.
The study was supported under the U.S. EPA
SITE Demonstration Program. This pilot-
scale field demonstration represents the first
comprehensive scientific study worldwide for
the application of electrokinetic separation
technology applied to the remediation of
heavy metals in soils. Electrokinetics, Inc.,
successfully removed up to 98 percent of the
lead from the firing range soil and received
the 1996 Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) Phase II Quality Award from DoD for
technical achievement.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Elif Chiasson
President
Electrokinetics, Inc.
11552 Cedar Park Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225-753-8004
Fax: 225-753-0028
E-mail: chiasson@pipeline.com
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ELECTROKINETICS, INC.
(Electrokinetic Soil Processing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetics, Inc.'s, soil processes extract
or remediate heavy metals and organic
contaminants in soils. The process can be
applied in situ or ex situ with suitable
chemical agents to optimize the remediation.
For example, conditioning fluids such as
suitable acids may be used for electrode
(cathode) depolarization to enhance the
electrodeposition of certain heavy metals.
The figure below illustrates the field-
processing scheme and the flow of ions to
respective boreholes (or trenches). The
mechanism of electrokinetic soil remediation
for the removal of toxic metals involves the
application of an electrical field across the soil
mass. An in-situ generated acid causes the
solubilization of metal salts into the pore
fluid. The free ions are then transported
through the soil by electrical migration
towards the electrode of opposing charge.
Metal species with a positive charge are
collected at the cathode, while species with a
negative charge are collected at the anode.
An acid front migrates towards the negative
electrode (cathode), and contaminants are
extracted through electroosmosis (EO) and
electromigration (EM). The concurrent
mobility of the ions and pore fluid
decontaminates the soil mass. Electrokinetic
remediation is extremely effective in fine-
grained soils where other techniques such as
pump and treat are not feasible. This is due to
the fact that the contaminants are transported
under charged electrical fields and not
hydraulic gradients.
Process Control System
Extraction/
Exchange
traction
Exchange
Processing
Processing
- Cathode
BASE FRONT
and/or CATHODIC
PROCESS FLUID
ACID FRONT
and/or ANODIC
PROCESS FLUID
Processed
Media
Electrokinetic Remediation Process
-------
Bench-scale results show that the process
works in both unsaturated and saturated soils.
Pore fluid flow moves from the positive
electrodes (anodes) to the cathodes under the
effect of the EO and EM forces. Electrode
selection is important, since many metal or
carbon anodes rapidly dissolve after contact
with strong oxidants. When the removal of a
contaminant is not feasible, the metal can be
stabilized in-situ by injecting stabilizing
agents or creating an electrokinetic "fence"
(reactive treatment wall) that reacts with and
immobilizes the contaminants.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Electrokinetic soil processing extracts heavy
metals, radionuclides, and other inorganic
contaminants below their solubility limits.
During bench-scale testing, the technology
has removed arsenic, benzene, cadmium,
chromi-um, copper, ethylbenzene, lead,
mercury, nickel, phenol, trichloroethylene,
toluene, xylene, and zinc from soils. Bench-
scale studies under the SITE Emerging
Technology Program demonstrated the
feasibility of removing uranium and thorium
from kaolinite.
Limited pilot-scale field tests resulted in lead
and copper removal from clays and saturated
and unsaturated sandy clay deposits.
Treatment efficiency depended on the specific
chemicals, their concentrations, and the
buffering capacity of the soil. The technique
proved 85 to 95 percent efficient when
removing phenol at concentrations of 500
parts per million (ppm). In addition, removal
efficiencies for lead, chromium, cadmium,
and uranium at levels up to 2,000 micrograms
per gram ranged between 75 and 98 percent.
STATUS:
Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, the electrokinetic
technology was invited in 1994 to participate
in the SITE Demonstration Program. For
further information on the pilot-scale system,
refer to the Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-95/504), which is available from
EPA.The SITE demonstration began in July
1995 at an inactive firing range at the Fort
Polk Army Ammunition Reservation in
Louisiana. The soil at the site is contaminated
with lead, copper, and zinc, which have
accumulated over several decades.
Concentrations of lead in the sandy clay soil
range from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm and are less
than 100 ppm at a 3-foot depth. A 20-foot by
60-foot area was remediated to a depth of
3 feet. This demonstration represents the first
comprehensive study in the United States of
an in situ electrokinetic separation technology
applied to heavy metals in soils.
Electrokinetics Inc. received the 1996 SBIR
Phase II Quality Award from the Department
of Defense for its technical achievement on
this project.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Elif Chiasson
Electrokinetics, Inc.
11552 Cedar Park Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225-753-8004
Fax: 225-753-0028
E-mail: chiasson@pipeline.com
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ENERGIA, INC.
(Reductive Photo-Dechlorination Treatment)
The Reductive Photo-Dechlorination (RPD)
treatment uses ultraviolet (UV) light in a
reducing atmosphere and at moderate
temperatures to treat waste streams containing
chlorinated hydrocarbons (CIHC). Because
CIHCs are destroyed in a reducing
environment, the only products are
hydrocarbons and hydrogen chloride (HC1).
The RPD process is depicted in the figure
below. The process consists of five main
units: (1) input/mixer (2) photo-thermal
chamber (3) HC1 scrubber (4) separator and (5)
products storage and recycling. Chlorinated
wastes may be introduced into the process in
one of three ways: vapor, liquid, or bound to
an adsorbent, such as activated carbon.
Air laden with chlorocarbon vapors is first
passed through a condenser, which removes
chlorinated materials as liquids. Chlorocarbon
liquids are fed into a vaporizer, mixed with a
reducing gas, and passed into the photo-
thermal chamber. Chlorinated contaminants
adsorbed onto activated carbon are purged
with reducing gas and mildly heated to induce
vaporization. The ensuing vapors are then fed
into the photo-thermal chamber.
The photo-thermal chamber is the heart of the
RPD process because all reactions central to
the process occur in this chamber. Saturated,
olefmic, or aromatic chlorocarbons with one or
more carbon-chlorine bonds are exposed to
Reducing Gas
UV light, heat, and a reducing atmosphere,
such as hydrogen gas or methane. According
to ENERGIA, Inc., carbon-chlorine bonds are
broken, resulting in chain-propagating
hydrocarbon reactions. Chlorine atoms are
eventually stabilized as HC1, which is easily
removed in a scrubber. Hydrocarbons may
hold their original structures, rearrange, cleave,
couple, or go through additional
hydrogenation. Hydrocarbons produced from
the dechlorination of wastes include ethane,
acetylene, ethene, and methane. Valuable
hydrocarbon products can be stored, sold, or
recycled as auxiliary fuel to heat the photo-
thermal chamber.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The RPD process is designed specifically to
treat volatile chlorinated wastes in the liquid,
gaseous, or adsorbed states. The RPD process
was tested on methyl chloride,
dichloromethane (DCM), chloroform, carbon
tetrachloride, trichloroethane (TCA),
dichloroethene (PCE), and trichloroethene
(TCE).
Field applications include treatment of organic
wastes discharged from soil vapor extraction
operations, vented from industrial hoods and
stacks, and adsorbed on activated carbon. The
process can be used to (1) treat gas streams
containing chlorinated hydrocarbons, and (2)
pretreat gas streams entering catalytic
Exhaust
Exhaust
Reducing Gas
Make-up
Reductive Photo-Dechlorination (RPD) Treatment
-------
oxidation systems by reducing chlorine content
and protecting the catalyst against poisoning.
successful demonstration, the RPD process
will be ready for full-scale commercialization.
In comparison to other photo-thermal
processes (such as reductive photo-thermal
oxidation [RPTO] and photo-thermal oxidation
[PTO]), the RPD process is mostly applicable
to streams without air and very high
concentrations of contaminants (bulk down to
greater than 1 percent). At very low
concentrations (parts per million) and in the
presence of air, the other photo-thermal
processes may more cos- effective.
STATUS:
Bench-scale experiments were conducted on
several contaminants (such as DCM, DCE,
TCA, and TCE). Measurements of
concentrations of parent compounds and
products as a function of residence time were
obtained at several test conditions. From these
measurements, conversion and dechlorination
efficiencies were determined at optimal
operating conditions.
Experimental results on a representative
chlorocarbon contaminant (TCA) are available
in the Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-94/508). Greater than 99 percent
conversion and dechlorination were
demonstrated with high selectivity towards two
saleable hydrocarbon products, ethane and
methane. Similar favorable results were
obtained for other saturated and unsaturated
chlorocarbons treated by the RPD process.
Results of a cost analysis based on
experimental data indicate that the RPD
process is extremely cost competitive. For
example, the cost of treating TCE
concentrations of 1,000 ppm and 10,000 ppm
is $1.10 and $0.25 per pound treated,
respectively. The cost per 1,000 cubic feet of
contaminated stream with 1,000 ppm is $0.38
and $0.88, respectively.
All technical data have been gathered and
optimization has been completed. Design and
assembly of a pilot-scale prototype are
underway. The field demonstration may take
place during 1999. The developer is seeking
appropriate sites for field demonstration. After
The RPD technology has successfully
completed the bench-scale developmental
stage. Results are documented in the
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
94/508). Experimental results on a
representative chlorocarbon contaminant
(TCA) have demonstrated greater than 99%
conversion and dechlorination, with high
selectivity towards two saleable hydrocarbon
products, ethane and methane. Similar
favorable results have been obtained for other
saturated and unsaturated chlorocarbons
treated by the RPD process. Preliminary cost
analysis shows that the process is extremely
cost-competitive with other remedial
processes; the estimated cost is less than $1 per
pound of treated chlorocarbon. Based on the
bench-scale results, a pilot-scale prototype unit
has been designed and constructed. Currently,
Energia is seeking funds to demonstrate the
RPD technology with the pilot-scale system.
After a successful pilot-scale demonstration
the RPD technology will be available for
commercialization.
These processes will be available for
commercialization after the completion of the
field demonstration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469 Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dr. Moshe Lavid
Energia, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Princeton, NJ 08542-470
609-799-7970 Fax:609-799-0312
e-mail: LavidEnergia@msn.com
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ENERGIA, INC.
(Reductive Thermal and Photo-Thermal Oxidation Processes
for Enhanced Conversion of Chlorocarbons)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Two innovative processes, Reductive Thermal
Oxidation (RTO) and Reductive Photo-
Thermal Oxidation (RPTO), are designed to
safely and cost-effectively convert chlorinated
hydrocarbons (C1HC) into environmentally
benign and useful materials in the presence of
a reducing atmosphere. Both processes have
evolved from Energia, Inc.'s, Reductive
Photo-Dechlorination (RPD) technology,
which does not permit the presence of air
(oxygen).
The RTO/RPTO processes treat air streams
laden with ClHCs. RTO converts ClHCs at
moderate temperatures by cleaving carbon-
chlorine bonds in the absence of ultraviolet
light. RPTO operates under similar conditions
but in the presence of ultraviolet light.
Subsequent reactions between ensuing
radicals and the reducing gas result in chain-
propagation reactions. The presence of air
(oxygen) during the conversion process
accelerates the overall reaction rate without
significant oxidation. The final products are
useful hydrocarbons (HC) and
environmentally safe materials, including
hydrogen chloride, carbon dioxide, and water.
The RTO/RPTO processes are shown in the
figure below. The process consists of six
main units: (1) input/mixer (2) photo-thermal
chamber (3) scrubber (4) separator (5) product
storage/sale and (6) conventional catalytic
oxidation unit. Air laden with ClHCs is
mixed with reducing gas and passed into a
photo-thermal chamber, which is unique to
the RTO/RPTO technology. In this chamber,
the mixture is heated to moderate
temperatures to sustain the radical chain
reactions. Depending on the physical and
chemical characteristics of the particular
ClHCs being treated, conversion can take
place in two ways: the RTO process is purely
thermal, and the RPTO process is photo-
thermal. After suitable residence time, HC1 is
removed by passing the stream through an
aqueous scrubber. The stream can then be
treated in an optional second stage, or it can
be separated and sent to storage.
Excess reducing gas is recycled, and residual
ClHCs, HCs, and CO2 are either exhausted, or
if needed, treated by catalytic oxidation.
Volatile hydrocarbons can also be recycled as
an energy source for process heating, if partial
oxidation at the photo-thermal chamber does
not generate enough heat.
Reducing Gas
Reducing Gas
Make-up
Reductive Thermal Oxidation (RTO)
and Photo-Thermal Oxidation (RPTO) Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is designed to remove
volatile hydrocarbons from air streams. Field
applications include direct treatment of air
streams contaminated with chlorocarbons,
wastes discharged from soil vapor extraction
or vented from industrial hoods and stacks,
and those absorbed on granular activated
carbon. M.L. ENERGIA, Inc., claims that the
process can also be applicable for in situ
treatment of sites containing contaminated
surface waters and groundwaters. The
process has not yet been tested on these sites.
STATUS
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994.
Laboratory-scale tests were conducted on two
saturated CIHCs (dichloromethane and
trichloroethane) and on two representatives of
unsaturated CIHCs (1,2-dichloroethene and
trichloroethene). The RTO/RPTO processes
have demonstrated 99% or more
conversion/dechlorination with high
selectivity towards saleable hydrocarbon
products (methane and ethane). Based on
these results, a pilot-scale prototype has been
designed and constructed. Preliminary pilot-
scale tests have been performed and the
results are very encouraging. Currently, funds
are sought for a comprehensive field
demonstration with the pilot-scale system,
followed by performance evaluation and cost
analysis.
These processes will be available for
commercialization after the completion of the
field demonstration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Michelle Simon
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7469
Fax: 513-569-7676
E-mail: simon.michelle@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. Moshe Lavid
Energia, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Princeton, NJ 08542-470
609-799-7970
Fax:609-799-0312
E-mail: LavidEnergia@msn.com
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ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH CORPORATION
(Reactor Filter System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Energy and Environmental Research
Corporation (EER) Reactor Filter System
(RFS) technology is designed to control
gaseous and entrained particulate matter
emissions from the primary thermal treatment
of sludges, soils, and sediments. Most
Superfund sites are contaminated with toxic
organic chemicals and metals. Currently
available thermal treatment systems for
detoxifying these materials release products of
incomplete combustion (PIC) and volatile
toxic metals. Also, the large air pollution
control devices (APCD) often required to
control PICs and metals are generally not
suitable for transport to remote Superfund
sites. EER designed the RFS to avoid some of
these logistical problems. The RFS uses a
fabric filter installed immediately downstream
of the thermal treatment process to control
toxic metals, particulates, and unburned
organic species.
The RFS involves the following three steps:
• First, solids are thermally treated with a
primary thermal process, such as a rotary
kiln, fluidized bed, or other system
designed for thermal treatment.
• Next, a low-cost, aluminosilicate sorbent,
such as kaolinite, is injected into the flue
gases at temperatures near 1,300°C
(2,370°F). The sorbent reacts with
volatile metal species such as lead,
cadmium, and arsenic in the gas stream
and chemically adsorbs onto the surfaces
of the sorbent particles. This adsorbtion
forms insoluble, nonleachable alumino-
silicate complexes similar to cementitious
species.
• Finally, high-temperature fabric filtration,
operating at temperatures up to 1,000°C
(1,830°F), provides additional residence
time for the sorbent/metal reaction to
produce nonleachable by-products. This
step also provides additional time for
destruction of organic compounds
associated with particulate matter,
reducing ash toxicity. Because of the
Reactor Filter System
Exhaust
ID Fans
Example Application of RFS Equipment
-------
established link between PIC formation
and gas-particle chemistry, this process
can virtually eliminate potential
polychlorinated dioxin formation.
The RFS may improve the performance of
existing thermal treatment systems for
Superfund wastes containing metals and
organics. During incineration, hazardous
organics are often attached to the particulate
matter that escapes burning in the primary
zone. The RFS provides sufficient residence
time at sufficiently high temperatures to
destroy such organics. Also, by increasing
gas-solid contact parameters, the system can
decrease metal emissions by preventing the
release of metals as vapors or retained on
entrained particles.
The figure on the previous page shows the
RFS installed immediately downstream of the
primary thermal treatment zone at EER's
Spouted Bed Combustion Facility. Because
the spouted bed generates a highly particulate-
laden gas stream, a high-temperature cyclone
is used to remove coarse particulate matter
upstream of the RFS. Sorbent is injected into
the flue gas upstream of the high temperature
fabric filter. A conventional baghouse is
available for comparison with RFS
performance during the demonstration.
However, the baghouse is not needed in
typical RFS applications since the high-
temperature filtration medium has shown
similar performance to conventional fabric
filtration media.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The RFS is designed to remove entrained
particulates, volatile toxic metals, and
condensed-phase organics present in high-
temperature (800 to 1,000°C) gas streams
generated from the thermal treatment of
contaminated soils, sludges, and sediments.
Many conventional treatments can be
combined with the RFS technology. Process
residuals will consist of nonleachable
particulates that are essentially free of organic
compounds, thus reducing toxicity, handling
risks, and landfill disposal.
STATUS:
The RFS was accepted into the Emerging
Technology Program in 1993. EER
developed the pilot-scale process through a
series of bench-scale screening studies, which
were completed in September 1994. These
screening studies guided the sorbent selection
and operating conditions for the pilot-scale
demonstration. The tests were completed in
June 1996.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Neil Widmer
Energy and Environmental
Research Corporation
18 Mason Street
Irvine, CA 92618
949-859-8851
Fax:949-859-3194
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ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH CORPORATION
(Hybrid Fluidized Bed System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Hybrid Fluidized Bed (HFB) system
treats contaminated solids and sludges by
incinerating organic compounds and
extracting and detoxifying volatile metals.
The system consists of three stages: a spouted
bed, a fluidized afterburner, and a high-
temperature particulate soil extraction system.
First, the spouted bed rapidly heats solids and
sludges to allow extraction of volatile organic
and inorganic compounds. The spouted bed
retains larger soil clumps until they are
reduced in size but allows fine material to
quickly pass through. This segregation
process is beneficial because organic
contaminants in fine particles vaporize
rapidly. The decontamination time for large
particles is longer due to heat and mass
transfer limitations.
The central spouting region is operated with
an inlet gas velocity of greater than 150 feet
per second. This velocity creates an abrasion
and grinding action, rapidly reducing the size
of the feed materials through attrition. The
spouted bed operates between 1,500 and
1,700°F under oxidizing conditions.
Organic vapors, volatile metals, and fine soil
particles are carried from the spouted bed
through an open-hole type distributor, which
forms the bottom of the second stage, the
fluidized bed afterburner. The afterburner
provides sufficient retention time and mixing
to incinerate the organic compounds that
escape the spouted bed, resulting in a
destruction and removal efficiency of greater
than 99.99 percent. In addition, the
afterburner contains bed materials that absorb
metal vapors, capture fine particles, and
promote formation of insoluble metal
silicates. The bed materials are typically
made of silica-supported bauxite, kaolinite, or
lime.
In the third stage, the high-temperature
particulate soil extraction system removes
clean processed soil from the effluent gas
stream with one or two hot cyclones. The
clean soil is extracted hot to prevent unreacted
volatile metal species from condensing in the
soil. Off-gases are then quenched and passed
through a conventional baghouse to capture
the condensed metal vapors.
Generally, material handling problems create
major operational difficulties for soil cleanup
devices. The HFB system uses a specially
designed auger feed system. Solids and
sludges are dropped through a lock hopper
system into an auger shredder, which is a
rugged, low-revolutions-per-minute, feeding-
grinding device. Standard augers are simple
and reliable, but are susceptible to clogging
from feed compression in the auger. In the
HFB system, the auger shredder is close
coupled to the spouted bed to reduce
compression and clump formation during
feeding. The close-couple arrangement
locates the tip of the auger screw several
inches from the internal surface of the spouted
bed, preventing soil plug formation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to soils and
sludges contaminated with organic and
volatile inorganic contaminants. Nonvolatile
inorganics are not affected.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in January
1990. Design and construction of the
commercial prototype HFB system and a
limited shakedown are complete. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
93/508) is available from EPA.
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FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Richard Koppang
Energy and Environmental Research
Corporation
18 Mason Street
Irvine, CA 92718
949-859-8851
Fax:949-859-3194
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ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Microbial Composting Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are
widespread pollutants found at creosote wood
treatment sites and at manufacturing gas
plants (MGP). Environments contaminated
with these compounds are considered
hazardous due to the potential carcinogenic
effects of specific PAHs.
Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc. (EBT),
investigated the bioremediation of
contaminants associated with former MGP
sites in a program cosponsored by the Electric
Power Research Institute and the EPA.
Initially, EBT screened over 500 fungal
cultures (mostly brown and white rot fungi)
for their ability to degrade PAHs and other
organic pollutants. A group of 30 cultures
were more intensely examined and several
cultures were optimized for use in a soil
composting process.
EBT conducted bench-scale treatability
studies to assess the feasibility of PAH
degradation in soil using a fungal augmented
system designed to enhance the natural
bioprocess. Results of one study are shown in
the figure below. Concentrations of 10 PAHs
were determined over a 59-day treatment
period.
Some states have a soil treatment standard of
100 parts per million for total PAHs. EBT's
fungal treatment process was able to reach
this cleanup standard within a 5- to 6-week
treatment period for one PAH-contaminated
soil, as shown in the figure on the next page.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
One intended environmental application for
this technology is the treatment of soil and
sediment contaminated with coal tar wastes
from former MGP sites. Soils at these sites
are contaminated with PAHs and are difficult
to remediate cost-effectively. EBT's fungal
soil treatment process is projected to cost $66
to $80 per ton, which is more cost-effective
than other technical approaches such as
coburning in utility burners, thermal
desorption, and incineration that are being
considered by utility companies.
STATUS:
EBT was accepted into the SITE Emerging
Technology Program in 1993 and began
laboratory studies in 1994. The project was
completed in 1996. The overall project
objectives were to (1) identify fungal and
bacterial cultures that efficiently degrade coal
tar wastes, and (2) develop and demonstrate a
pilot-scale process that can be commercialized
for utility industry applications.
Time (Days)
Fungal Degradation of Five PAHs in Soil Over A 59-Day Period
-------
EBT initially worked with PAH-spiked water
and soils. EBT then tested, under optimized
conditions, selected soil cultures from several
MGP sites identified by New England Electric
Services, a utility company sponsor. Testing
identified several possibly superior fungal
cultures to degrade PAHs. These cultures
exhibited degradative preferences for either
lower molecular weight or higher molecular
weight PAHs, suggesting a consortia as a
possible best approach. These cultures were
then examined in nutrient-supplemented
systems to determine optimal PAH
degradation rates.
A bench-scale composter system was used to
determine optimal moisture content, soil
amendment requirements, and inoculation
procedures for accelerating degradation of
PAHs. During the second year, small (less
than 1 cubic yard) plots of MGP-site soil were
used to test the optimized process in
laboratory studies before a field
demonstration is conducted. Results from the
evaluation were published by EPA in 1997.
EBT has also conducted a bench-scale
treatability study for a company in France to
determine the feasibility of fungal PAH
degradation in MGP soil. Results
demonstrated an increased rate of
biodegradation in the fungal-augmented
system for all of the measured individual PAH
compounds in the 80-day treatment period,
compared with the natural, unamended
system.
EBT conducted another lab study on oil
refinery wastes which contained PAHs. the
fungal composting process was able to
remove 90% of the PAHs in an 18 week
period. Based on the results obtained during
the Emerging Technology Program stage,
EBT's fungal technology has been accepted
into the U.S. EPA SITE Demonstration
Program.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Douglas Munnecke
Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.
255 South Guild Avenue
Lodi, CA 95240
209-333-4575
Fax: 209-333-4572
E-mail: dmunnecke@e_b_t.com
600
10
20
40
30
Time (days)
Degradation of Total PAHs In Soil
50
60
-------
FERRO CORPORATION
(Waste Vitrification Through Electric Melting)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Vitrification technology converts
contaminated soils, sediments, and sludges
into oxide glasses, chemically rendering them
nontoxic and suitable for landfilling as
nonhazardous materials. Successful
vitrification of soils, sediments, and sludges
requires (1) development of glass
compositions tailored to a specific waste, and
(2) glass melting technology that can convert
the waste and additives into a stable glass
without producing toxic emissions.
In an electric melter, glass — an ionic
conduc-tor of relatively high electrical
resistivity — stays molten with joule heating.
Such melters process waste under a relatively
thick blanket of feed material, which forms a
counterflow scrubber that limits volatile
emissions (see figure below).
GLASS-MAKING
MATERIALS
Commercial electric melters have
significantly reduced the loss of inorganic
volatile constituents such as boric anhydride
(B2O3) or lead oxide (PbO). Because of its
low emission rate and small volume of
exhaust gases, electric melting is a promising
technology for incorporating waste into a
stable glass matrix.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Vitrification stabilizes inorganic components
found in hazardous waste. In addition, the
high temperature involved in glass production
(about 1,500 °C) decomposes organics such as
anthracene, bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate), and
pentachlorophenol in the waste. The
decomposition products can easily be
removed from the low volume of melter
off-gas.
Electrode
MOLTEN GLASS
>1500°C)
Steel
FRIT, MARBLES, etc.
I \
I \ STABLE
1 / GLASS
Electric Furnace Vitrification
DISPOSAL
-------
STATUS:
Under the Emerging Technology Program,
synthetic soil matrix IV (SSM-IV) has been
developed and subjected to toxicity charac-
teristic leaching procedure (TCLP) testing.
Ten independent replicates of the preferred
composition produced the following results:
Metal
As
Cd
Cr
Cu
Pb
Ni
Zn
TCLP analyte concentration,
parts per million
Remediation
Limit
5
1
5
5
5
5
5
Mean of Glass
Replicates
<0.100
<0.010
0.019
0.355
0.130
<0.010
0.293
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Emilio Spinosa
Ferro Corporation
Corporate Research
7500 East Pleasant Valley Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-641-8585 ext. 6657
Fax:216-524-0518
SSM-IV and additives (sand, soda ash, and
other mineral s) required to convert S SM-IV to
the preferred glass composition have been
processed in a laboratory-scale electric melter.
Three separate campaigns have produced
glass at 17 pounds per hour at a fill of 67
percent SSM-IV and 33 percent glass-making
additives. The TCLP mean analyte
concentrations were less than 10 percent of
the remediation limit at a statistical
confidence of 95 percent. Ferro Corporation's
experience indicates that this melting rate
would produce an equivalent rate of 1 ton per
hour in an electric melter used to treat wastes
at a Superfund site. The Emerging
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-95/503) is
available from EPA.
-------
GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
(Chemical and Biological Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) chem-
ical and biological treatment (CBT) process
remediates sludges, soils, groundwater, and
surface water contaminated with organic
pollutants, such as polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated
biphenyls (see photograph below). The
treatment system combines two remedial
techniques: (1) chemical oxidation as
pretreatment, and (2) biological treatment
using aerobic and anaerobic biosystems in
sequence or alone, depending on the waste.
The CBT process uses mild chemical
treatment to produce intermediates that are
biologically degraded, reducing the cost and
risk associated with a more severe treatment
process such as incineration.
During the pretreatment stage, the
contaminated material is treated with a
chemical reagent that degrades the organics to
carbon dioxide, water, and partially oxidized
intermediates. In the second stage of the CBT
process, biological systems degrade the
hazardous residual materials and the partially
oxidized intermediates from the first stage.
Chemically treated wastes are subjected to
cycles of aerobic and anaerobic degradation if
aerobic or anaerobic treatment alone is not
sufficient. Several cycles of chemical and
biological treatment are also used for
extremely recalcitrant contaminants.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CBT process can be applied to soils,
sludges, groundwater, and surface water
containing (1) high waste concentrations that
would typically inhibit bioremediation, or (2)
low waste concentrations for which
bioremediation alone is too slow. The process
is not adversely affected by radionuclides or
heavy metals. Depending on the types of
heavy metals present, these metals will
bioaccumulate in the biomass, complex with
organic or inorganic material in the soil
slurries, or solubilize in the recycled water.
Chemical and Biological Treatment Process
-------
The CBT process can be applied to a wide
range of organic pollutants, including alkenes,
chlorinated alkenes, aromatics, substituted
aromatics, and complex aromatics.
STATUS:
IGT evaluated the CBT process for 2 years
under the SITE Emerging Technology
Program. The Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-94/540), which details results
from the evaluation, is available from EPA.
Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, this technology was
invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program.
Under the SITE Demonstration Program, IGT
plans to conduct a full-scale demonstration of
the CBT process on sediments containing
PAHs. Different operating scenarios will be
used to demonstrate how effectively the CBT
process treats sediments in a bioslurry reactor.
Several sites are being considered for the
demonstration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa..gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tom Hayes
Institute of Gas Technology
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0722
Fax: 847-768-0516
-------
GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
(Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The three-step fluid extraction-biological
degradation (FEED) process removes organic
contaminants from soil (see figure below).
The process combines three distinct tech-
nologies: (1) fluid extraction, which removes
the organics from contaminated solids;
(2) separation, which transfers the pollutants
from the extract to a biologically compatible
solvent or activated carbon carrier; and
(3) biological degradation, which destroys the
pollutants and leaves innocuous end-products.
In the fluid extraction step, excavated soils are
placed in a pressure vessel and extracted with
a recirculated stream of supercritical or near-
supercritical carbon dioxide. An extraction
cosolvent may be added to enhance the
removal of additional contaminants.
During separation, organic contaminants are
transferred to a biologically compatible
separation solvent such as water or a water-
methanol mixture. The separation solvent is
then sent to the final stage of the process,
where bacteria degrade the waste to carbon
dioxide and water. Clean extraction solvent is
then recycled for use in the extraction stage.
Organic contaminants are biodegraded in
aboveground aerobic bioreactors, using
mixtures of bacterial cultures capable of
degrading the contaminants. Selection of
cultures is based on site contaminant
characteristics. For example, if a site is
mainly contaminated with polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), cultures able
to metabolize or cometabolize these
hydrocarbons are used. The bioreactors can
be configured to enhance the rate and extent
of biodegradation.
Research continues on using bound activated
carbon in a carrier system during the
separation step. Bound activated carbon
should allow high- pressure conditions to be
maintained in the fluid extraction step,
Separation
Solvent
Contaminated
Soil
Decontaminated
Soil
Separation Solvents
with Contaminants
Water, Carbon
Dioxide, and
Biomass
Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation Process
-------
enhancing extraction efficiency and
decreasing extraction time. Bound activated
carbon should also limit the loss of carbon
dioxide, thereby decreasing costs. The
activated carbon containing the bound PAHs
could then be treated in the biodegradation
step by converting the carrier system to a
biofilm reactor. These activated carbon
carrier systems could then be recycled into the
high-pressure system of the extraction and
separation steps.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes organic compounds
from contaminated solids. It is more effective
on some classes of organics, such as
hydrocarbons (for example, gasoline and fuel
oils) than on others, such as halogenated
solvents and polychlorinated biphenyls. The
process has also been effective in treating
nonhalogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons and
PAHs.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in June 1990.
The Institute of Gas Technology has evaluated
all three stages of the technology with soils
from a Superfund site and from three town gas
sites. These soils exhibited a variety of
physical and chemical characteristics.
Approximately 85 to 99 percent of detectable
PAHs, including two- to six-ring compounds,
were removed from the soils.
The measurable PAHs were biologically
converted in both batch-fed and continuously
fed, constantly stirred tank reactors. The
conversion rate and removal efficiency were
high in all systems. The PAHs were
biologically removed or transformed at short
hydraulic retention times. All PAHs,
including four- to six-ring compounds, were
susceptible to biological removal.
Results from this project were published in
the Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-94/501), which is available from
EPA. An article was submitted to the Journal
of Air and Waste Management.
Potential users of this technology have
expressed interest in continuing research.
This technology has been invited to
participate in the SITE Demonstration
Program. The technology would be able to
remediate town gas sites, wood treatment
sites, and other contaminated soils and
sediments.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Valdis Kukainis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7955
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: kukainis.valdis@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Robert Paterek
Institute of Gas Technology
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0722
Fax: 847-768-0516
-------
GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
(Fluidized-Bed/Cyclonic Agglomerating Combustor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) has
developed a two-stage, fluidized-bed/cyclonic
agglomerating combustor (AGGCOM) based
on a combination of IGT technologies. In the
combined system, solid, liquid, and gaseous
organic wastes can be efficiently destroyed.
Solid, nonvolatile, inorganic contaminants are
combined within a glassy matrix consisting of
discrete pebble-sized agglomerates that are
suitable for disposal in a landfill or use as an
aggregate.
The first stage of the combustor is an
agglomerating fluidized-bed reactor, which
can operate under substoichiometric
conditions or with excess air. This system can
operate from low temperature (desorption) to
high temperature (agglomeration). This
system can also gasify materials with high
calorific values (for example, municipal solid
wastes). With a unique fuel and air
distribution, most of the fluidized bed is
maintained at 1,500° to 2,000°F, while the
central hot zone temperature can be varied
between 2,000° and 3,000°F.
When contaminated soils and sludges are fed
into the fluidized bed, the combustible
fraction of the waste is rapidly gasified and
combusted. The solid fraction, containing
inorganic and metallic contaminants,
undergoes a chemical transformation in the
hot zone and is agglomerated into glassy
pellets. These pellets are essentially
nonleachable under the conditions of the
toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
(TCLP). The product gas from the fluidized
bed may contain unburned hydrocarbons,
AGGCOM Pilot Plant
-------
furans, dioxins, and carbon monoxide, as well
as carbon dioxide and water, the products of
complete combustion.
The product gas from the fluidized bed is fed
into the second stage of the combustor, where
it is further combusted at a temperature of
1,800° to 2,400°F. The second stage is a
high-intensity cyclonic combustor and
separator that provides sufficient residence
time (0.25 second) to oxidize carbon
monoxide and organic compounds to carbon
dioxide and water vapor. This stage has a
combined destruction and removal efficiency
of greater than 99.99 percent. Volatilized
metals are collected downstream in the flue
gas scrubber condensate.
The two-stage AGGCOM process is based on
IGT's experience with other fluidized-bed and
cyclonic combustion systems. The patented
sloping-grid design and ash discharge port in
this process were initially developed for IGT's
U-GAS coal gasification process. The
cyclonic combustor and separator is a
modification of IGT's low-emissions
combustor.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The two-stage AGGCOM process can destroy
organic contaminants in gaseous, liquid, and
solid wastes, including soils and sludges.
Gaseous wastes can be fired directly into the
cyclonic combustor. Liquid, sludge, and solid
wastes can be co-fired directly into the
fluidized bed. Solid particles must be less
than about 6 millimeters to support fluidized
bed operation; therefore, certain wastes may
require grinding or pulverization prior to
remediation.
Because the solid components in the waste are
heated above fusion temperature during the
agglomeration process, metals and other
inorganic materials are encapsulated and
immobilized within the glassy matrix.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1990.
Tests conducted in the batch, 6-inch-diameter
fluidized bed have demonstrated that
agglomerates can be formed from the soil.
The agglomerates, produced at several
different operating conditions from soil spiked
with lead and chromium compounds, passed
the TCLP test for teachability.
A pilot-scale combustor with a capacity of 6
tons per day has been constructed (see
photograph on previous page), and testing has
produced samples of agglomerated soil.
Future testing will focus on sustained and
continuous operation of the pilot-scale plant
using different types of soil, as well as other
feedstocks. Tests with organic and inorganic
hazardous waste surrogates admixed with the
feed soil will also be conducted. A final
report on the project has been submitted to
EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Valdis Kukanis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7955
Fax: 513-569-7679
e-mail: kukainis.valdis@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Amir Rehmat
Gas Technology Institute
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-544-0588
Fax: 847-544-0501
E-mail: amir.rehmat@gastechnology.org
Michael Mensinger
Endesco Services, Inc.
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-544-0602
Fax: 847-544-0534
E-mail: mensinger@endesco.com
-------
-------
GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
(Supercritical Extraction/Liquid Phase Oxidation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Gas Technology's (IGT)
Supercritical Extraction/Liquid Phase
Oxidation (SELPhOx) process (see figure
below) removes organic contaminants from
soils and sludges and destroys them.
SELPhOx combines two processing steps: (1)
supercritical extraction (SCE) of organic
contaminants, and (2) wet air oxidation
(WAO) of the extracted contaminants. The
two-step process, linked by a contaminant
collection stage, offers great flexibility for
removing and destroying both high and low
concentrations of organic contaminants.
Combining SCE and WAO in a single two-
step process allows development of a highly
efficient and economical process for
remediating contaminated soils. Supercritical
extraction with carbon dioxide (CO2) removes
organic contaminants from the soil while
leaving much of the original soil organic
EXTRACTION
CONTAMINATED
SOIL
collected on activated carbon in a contaminant
collection vessel. The activated carbon with
sorbed contaminants is then transported in an
aqueous stream to a WAO reactor for
destruction. Concentrating the organic
contaminants on activated carbon in water
provides a suitable matrix for the WAO feed
stream and improves process economics by
decreasing WAO reactor size. The activated
carbon is regenerated in the WAO reactor
with minimal carbon loss and can be recycled
to the contaminant collection vessel.
The SELPhOx process requires only water,
air, makeup activated carbon, and the
extractant (CO2). Primary treatment products
include cleaned soil, water, nitrogen (from the
air fed to the WAO step), and CO2. Organic
sulfur, nitrogen, and chloride compounds that
may be present in the original soil or sludge
matrix are transformed to relatively innocuous
compounds in the product water. These
compounds include sulfuric acid and
WET AIR OXIDATION
CO2 & H2O
VESSEL HEATERS
1
Supercritical Extraction/Liquid Phase Oxidation (SELPhOx) Process
matrix in place. The contaminants are hydrogen chloride, or their salts. The treated
-------
soil can be returned to the original site, and
the water can be safely discharged after
thermal energy recovery and minor secondary
treatment. The gas can be depressurized by a
turbo expander for energy recovery and then
vented through a filter.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SELPhOx process removes organic
contaminants from soils and sludges,
including chlorinated and nonchlorinated
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
polychlorinated biphenyls, and other organic
contaminants. The process is targeted toward
sites that are contaminated with high levels of
these organics (hot spots).
The SELPhOx process was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in July
1994. The primary objectives of the project
are to (1) evaluate SCE's contaminant removal
efficiency, (2) determine the potential for CO2
recovery and reuse, and (3) determine destruc-
tion efficiencies of extracted contaminants in
the WAO process. Analytical results from the
proj ect will provide the necessary information
for the full-scale process design.
Laboratory-scale SCE tests have been
completed using soils contaminated with
PAHs. Operating conditions for the SCE
stage and the activated carbon adsorption
stage have been selected. A transportable
field test unit was constructed and tested with
PAH-contaminated soil. The final report has
been submitted by the developer.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Valdis R. Kukainis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7955
Fax: 513-569-7879
e-mail: kukainis.valdis@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Michael Mensinger
ENDESCO Services, Inc.
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-544-0602
Fax: 847-544-0534
e-mail: mensinger @endesco.com
-------
GENERAL ATOMICS,
NUCLEAR REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES DIVISION
(Acoustic Barrier Particulate Separator)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The acoustic barrier separates participates in
a high temperature gas flow. The separator
produces an acoustic waveform directed
against the gas flow, causing particulates to
move opposite the flow. The particulates drift
to the wall of the separator, where they
aggregate with other particulates and
precipitate into a collection hopper. The
acoustic barrier particulate separator differs
from other separators by combining both high
efficiency and high temperature capabilities.
The figure below presents a conceptual
design. High temperature inlet gas flows
through a muffler chamber and an
agglomeration segment before entering the
separation chamber. In the separation
chamber, particulates stagnate due to the
acoustic force and then drift to the chamber
wall, where they collect as a dust cake that
falls into a collection hopper. The solids are
transported from the collection hopper by a
screw-type conveyor against a clean purge gas
counterflow. The purge gas cools the solids
and guards against contamination of
particulates by inlet-gas volatiles in the
process stream.
The gas flows past the acoustic source and
leaves the separation chamber through an exit
port. The gas then passes through another
muffler chamber and flows through sections
where it is allowed to cool and any remaining
gas-borne particulate samples are collected.
Finally, the gas is further scrubbed or filtered
as necessary before it is discharged.
The separator can remove the entire range of
particle sizes; it has a removal efficiency of
greater than 90 percent for submicron
particles and an overall removal efficiency of
greater than 99 percent. Due to the large
diameter of the separator, the system is not
prone to fouling.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can treat off-gas streams
from thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and
incineration of soil, sediment, sludges, other
solid wastes, and liquid wastes. The acoustic
barrier particulate separator is a high-
temperature, high-throughput process with a
high removal efficiency for fine dust and fly
ash. It is particularly suited for thermal
processes where high temperatures must be
maintained to prevent condensation onto
particulates. Applications include removal of
gas-borne solids during thermal treatment of
semivolatile organics, such as poly chlorinated
SCRUBBER
OUTLET
GAS "
::E::
COOLING AND
SAMPLING
LOCATION
GAS
AGGLOMERATION
SEGMENT
SEPARATION
CHAMBER
MUFFLER
"^
PURGE
GAS
SOLIDS
Acoustic Barrier Particulate Separator
-------
biphenyls, and gas-phase separation of
radioactive particles from condensible
hazardous materials.
STATUS:
The acoustic barrier particulate separator was
accepted into the SITE Emerging Technology
Program in 1993. The principal objective of
this project will be to design, construct, and
test a pilot-scale acoustic barrier particulate
separator that is suitable for parallel
arrangement into larger systems. The
separator will be designed for a flow of 300
cubic feet per minute and will be tested using
a simulated flue gas composed of heated gas
and injected dust.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
E-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Anthony Gattuso
General Atomics
Nuclear Remediation Technologies Division
MS 2/633
P.O. Box 85608
San Diego, CA 92186-9784
858-455-3000 ext. 2910
Fax: 858-455-3621
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GEO-MICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Metals Release and Removal from Wastes)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc., has
developed an anaerobic biotreatment
technology to release metals from liquefaction
catalyst wastes. Such wastes are derived from
spent coal and are also contaminated with
complex organic compounds. The anaerobic
metals release (AMR) technology may be
adapted to treat other wastes contaminated
with metals.
Current biohydrometallurgy systems use
aerobic acidophilic bacteria, which oxidize
mineral sulfides while making metals soluble
and forming large amounts of acid. This
aerobic process can result in acidic drainage
from natural sources of metal sulfides. For
example, acidophilic bacteria convert the
pyrite and iron-containing minerals in coal
into oxidized iron and sulfuric acid. The acid
then makes the pyrite and other sulfide
minerals more soluble resulting in stream and
lake contamination due to acidification and an
increase in soluble heavy metals.
The AMR technology operates anaerobically
and at a near-neutral pH, employing anaerobic
Thiobacillus cultures in conjunction with
heterotrophic denitrifying bacterial cultures.
The diverse culture of denitrifying bacteria
consumes and treats multiple carbon sources,
including some organic pollutants.
The anaerobic environment can be adjusted by
introducing low levels of nitrate salts that
function as an electron acceptor in the absence
of oxygen. The nitrate salts provide an
alternate electron acceptor and selectively
enhance the remineralization process of the
inherent denitrifying microflora.
This process increases the population of the
denitrifying bacterial population that releases
the metals. Soils containing the released
metals are then flooded with the dilute nitrate
solutions. The improved anaerobic leaching
solutions permeate the soils, allowing the
microbial activity to make the metals soluble
in the leachate. The nitrate concentration is
adjusted so that the effluent is free of nitrate
and the nitrate concentration is monitored so
that the process operation can be closely con-
trolled. Soluble metals in the leachate are
easily recaptured, and the metal-free effluent
is recycled within the process. The nitrate-
based ecology of the process also has the
added advantage of decreasing levels of
sulfate-reducing bacteria and sulfide
generation.
The versatility and low operating constraints
of the AMR technology offer multiple process
options. The technology can be adapted for in
situ flooding or modified to flood a waste pile
in a heap-leaching operation. The elimination
of any aeration requirement also allows the
process to be designed and considered for
bioslurry applications. As a result, the
technology offers a greater range of treatment
applications for environmental waste
situations that are often considered difficult to
treat.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AMR technology targets toxic metal-
contaminated soils, sludges, and sediments,
which can also be contaminated with other
wastes, including hydrocarbons and organic
pollutants. While metals are the primary
pollutant treated, the biological system is also
designed to degrade and remove associated
organic contaminants.
-------
STATUS: FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994. EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Studies under the Emerging Technology Randy Parker
Program will evaluate how effectively the U.S. EPA
AMR technology removes metals from soil. National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Donald Hitzman
Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
East Main Street
P.O. Box 132
Ochelata, OK 74051
918-535-2281
Fax: 918-535-2564
-------
HARDING ESE, A MACTEC COMPANY
(formerly ABB Environmental Services, Inc.)
(Two-Zone, Plume Interception, In Situ Treatment Strategy)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy is designed to treat
chlorinated and nonchlorinated organic
compounds in saturated soils and
groundwater using a sequence of anaerobic
and aerobic conditions (see figure below).
The in situ anaerobic and aerobic system
constitutes a treatment train that biodegrades
a wide assortment of chlorinated and
nonchlorinated compounds.
When applying this technology, anaerobic
and aerobic conditions are produced in two
distinct, hydraulically controlled, saturated
soil zones. Groundwater passes through
each zone as it is recirculated through the
treatment area. The first zone, the anaerobic
zone, is designed to partially dechlorinate
highly chlorinated solvents such as
tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene
(TCE), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane with
natural biological processes. The second
zone, the aerobic zone, is designed to
biologically oxidize the partially
dechlorinated products from the first zone,
as well as other compounds that were not
susceptible to the anaerobic treatment phase.
Anaerobic conditions are produced or
enhanced in the first treatment zone by
introducing a primary carbon source, such as
lactic acid, and mineral nutrients, such as
nitrogen and phosphorus. When proper
anaerobic conditions are attained, the target
contaminants are reduced. For example,
PCE is dechlorinated to TCE, and TCE is
dechlorinated to dichloroethene (DCE) and
vinyl chloride. Under favorable conditions,
this process can completely dechlorinate the
organics to ethene and ethane.
Aerobic conditions are produced or
enhanced in the second treatment zone
by introducing oxygen, mineral nutrients
such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and
possibly an additional carbon source, such
as methane (if an insufficient supply of
methane results from the upstream,
anaerobic zone). When proper aerobic
conditions are attained in this zone, partially
dechlorinated products and other target
CONTAMINANT
SOURCE
/^_ TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
PLUME
SATURATED!
ZONE \_
IMPERMEABLE
LAYER
U—
GROUNDWATER FLOW
Two_Zone, Plume Interception, In Situ Treatment Strategy
-------
compounds from the first zone are oxidized.
For example, less-chlorinated ethenes such
as DCE and vinyl chloride are
cometabolized during the aerobic
microbiological degradation of methane.
The treatment strategy is designed to
biologically remediate subsoils by
enhancing indigenous microorganism
activity. If indigenous bacterial populations
do not provide the adequate anaerobic or
aerobic results, specially adapted cultures
can be introduced to the aquifer. These
cultures are introduced using media-filled
trenches that can support added microbial
growth.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy is designed to treat
groundwater and saturated soils containing
chlorinated and nonchlorinated organic
compounds.
STATUS:
The two-zone, plume interception, in situ
treatment strategy was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in July
1989. Optimal treatment parameters for
field testing were investigated in
bench_scale soil aquifer simulators. The
objectives of bench-scale testing were to (1)
determine factors affecting the development
of each zone, (2) evaluate indigenous
bacterial communities, (3) demonstrate
treatment of chlorinated and nonchlorinated
solvent mixtures, and (4) develop a model
for the field remediation design. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
95/510), which details the bench-scale
testing results, is available from EPA.
A pilot-scale field demonstration system
was installed at an industrial facility in
Massachusetts. Pilot-scale testing began in
September 1996. Results from this testing
indicate the following:
• The reductive dechlorination of PCE
and TCE to DCE, VC, and ethene has
been accomplished primarily by sulfate-
reducing bacteria.
• A time lag of about 4 months was
required before significant reductive
dechlorination occurred. This
corresponded to the time and lactic acid
dosing required to reduce the redox to
about -100 throughout the treatment cell.
• Sequential anaerobic-aerobic (Two-
Zone) biodegradation of PCE and its
degradation products appear to be a
viable and cost-effective treatment
technology for the enhancement of
natural reductive dechlorination
processes.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513_569_7271
Fax: 513-569-7143
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Willard Murray
Harding Lawson Associates
107 Audubon Road, Suite 25
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-6606
Fax: 781-246-5060
e-mail: wmurray@harding.com
-------
HIGH VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL
APPLICATIONS, INC.
(High-Energy Electron Beam Irradiation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The high-energy electron beam irradiation
technology is a low-temperature method for
destroying complex mixtures of hazardous
organic chemicals in hazardous wastes. These
wastes include slurried soils, river or harbor
sediments, and sludges. The technology can
also treat contaminated soils and groundwater.
The figure below illustrates the mobile
electron beam treatment system. The system
consists of a computer-automated, portable
electron beam accelerator and a delivery
system. The 500-kilovolt electron accelerator
produces a continuously variable beam
current from 0 to 40 milliamperes. At full
power, the system is rated at 20 kilowatts.
The waste feed rate and beam current can be
varied to obtain doses of up to 2,000 kilorads
in a one-pass, flow-through mode.
The system is trailer-mounted and is
completely self-contained, including a 100-
kilowatt generator for remote locations or line
connectors where power is available. The
system requires only a mixing tank to slurry
the treatable solids. The system also includes
all necessary safety checks.
The computerized control system
continuously monitors the waste feed rate,
absorbed dose, accelerator potential, beam
current, and all safety shutdown features. The
feed rate is monitored with a calibrated flow
valve. The absorbed dose is estimated based
on the difference in the temperature of the
waste stream before and after irradiation. The
system is equipped with monitoring devices
that measure the waste stream temperature
before and after irradiation. Both the
accelerating potential and the beam current
are obtained directly from the transformer.
Except for slurrying, this technology does not
require any pretreatment of wastes.
PUMPING SYSTEM ELECTRON ACCELERATOR
CONTROL ROOM
OFFICE/LAB
42'-0" (504")
±i
HVACI
UNIT
LANDING
LEGS
1103/4"
Mobile Electron Beam Treatment System
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology treats a variety of organic
compounds, including wood-treating
chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, petroleum
residues, and polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) in slurried soils, sediments, and
sludges.
STATUS:
High Voltage Environmental Applications,
Inc. (HVEA), was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1993.
Under this program, HVEA will demonstrate
its mobile pilot plant on soils, sediments, or
sludges at various hazardous waste sites.
Candidate sites are being identified. On-site
studies will last up to 2 months.
Initial studies by HVEA have shown that elec-
tron beam irradiation effectively removes
2,4,6-trinitrotoluene from soil slurries.
As part of the Emerging Technology Program,
HVEA has identified 350 tons of soil
contaminated with an average Aroclor 1260
concentration of about 1,000 milligrams per
kilogram. A small 1-ton feasibility study was
conducted in August 1995. After results are
available from the 1-ton study, HVEA plans
to make its mobile unit available for full-scale
remediations.
In a recent bench-scale study, a multisource
hazardous waste leachate containing 1 percent
dense nonaqueous phase liquid was
successfully treated. In another bench-scale
study, a leachate containing a light
nonaqueous phase liquid contaminated with
PCBs was treated to F039 standards.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Frank Alvarez
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7631
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: alvarez.franklin@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
William Cooper
High Voltage Environmental
Applications, Inc.
9562 Doral Boulevard
Miami, FL 33178
305-962-2387
Fax: 305-593-0071
e-mail: CooperW@uncwil.edu
Paul Torantore
Haley & Aldrich Inc.
200 Towncentre Drive
Suite 2
Rochester, NY 14623
716-321-4220
Cell 617-901-8460
-------
IT CORPORATION
(Batch Steam Distillation and Metal Extraction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The batch steam distillation and metal
extraction treatment process is a two-stage
system that treats soils contaminated with
organics and inorganics. This system uses
conventional, readily available process
equipment and does not produce hazardous
combustion products. Hazardous materials
are separated from soils as concentrates,
which can then be disposed of or recycled.
The treated soil can be returned to the site.
During treatment, waste soil is slurried in
water and heated to 100°C. This heat
vaporizes volatile organic compounds (VOC)
and produces an amount of steam equal to 5 to
10 percent of the slurry volume. Resulting
vapors are condensed and decanted to separate
organic contaminants from the aqueous phase.
Condensed water from this step can be
recycled through the system after soluble
organics are removed. The soil is then
transferred as a slurry to the metal extraction
step.
In the metal extraction step, the soil slurry is
washed with hydrochloric acid. Subsequent
countercurrent batch washing with water
removes residual acid from the soil. The
solids are then separated from the final wash
solution by gravimetric sedimentation. Most
heavy metals are converted to chloride salts in
this step. The acid extract stream is then
routed to a batch steam distillation system,
where excess hydrochloric acid is recovered
(see figure below). Bottoms from the still,
which contain heavy metals, are precipitated
as hydroxide salts and drawn off as a sludge
for off-site disposal or recovery.
As a batch process, this treatment technology
is targeted at sites with less than 5,000 tons of
soil requiring treatment. Processing time
depends on equipment size and batch cycle
times; about one batch of soil can be treated
every 4 hours.
Soil slurry to
metal extraction
or dewatering vessel
Batch distillation vessel
Batch Steam Distillation Step
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process may be applied to soils and
sludges contaminated with organics,
inorganics, and heavy metals.
STATUS:
The batch steam distillation and metal
extraction process was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in January
1988. The evaluation was completed in 1992.
The Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-95/509), which details results
from the test, is available from EPA.
Under the program, three pilot-scale tests
have been completed on three soils, for a total
of nine tests. The removal rates for benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were
greater than 99 percent. The removal rates for
chlorinated solvents ranged from 97 percent to
99 percent. One acid extraction and two
water washes resulted in a 95 percent removal
rate for heavy metals. Toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure tests on the treated soils
showed that soils from eight of the nine tests
met leachate criteria. Data were also collected
on the recovery rate for excess acid and the
removal rate for precipitation of heavy metals
into a concentrate.
Estimated treatment costs per ton, including
capital recovery, for the two treatment steps
are as follows:
Batch Steam Distillation
500-ton site
2,500-ton site
$299-393/ton
$266-350/ton
Metals Extraction
(including acid recovery)
500-ton site
2,500-ton site
$447-619/ton
$396-545/ton
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Stuart Shealy
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
865-690-3211
Fax: 865-694-9573
-------
IT CORPORATION
(Chelation/Electrodeposition of Toxic Metals from Soils)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
IT Corporation has conducted laboratory-scale
research on an innovative process that
removes heavy metals from contaminated
soils and sludges by forming a soluble chelate.
The metals and the chelating agent are then
separated from the soils and recovered.
The treatment employs two key steps (see
figure below): (1) a water-soluble chelating
agent, such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic
acid, bonds with heavy metals and forms a
chelate; and (2) an electromembrane reactor
(EMR) recovers the heavy metals from the
chelate and regenerates the chelating agent.
Soils are screened before the chelation step to
remove large particles such as wood, metal
scrap, and large rocks.
The chelated soil is dewatered to separate the
water-soluble chelating agent from the solid
phase. The separated chelating agent, which
contains heavy metals, is then treated in the
EMR. The EMR consists of an electrolytic
Contaminated Soil
cell with a cation transfer membrane
separating the cathode and anode chambers.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is applicable to a wide variety
of metal-contaminated hazardous wastes,
including soils and sludges. To date, IT
Corporation has demonstrated the
technology's effectiveness in removing lead
and cadmium from soils and sludges.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994.
The Jack's Creek site, located near Maitland,
Pennsylvania, was selected as a site for
technology evaluation. The site operated as a
precious and nonprecious metal smelting and
nonferrous metal recycling operation from
1958 to 1977. A portion of the property is
currently operated as a scrap yard. Lead
concentrations in the contaminated soil used
for the evaluation was approximately 2
percent. Toxicity characteristic leaching
Regenerated Chelating Agent
Dewatering
(Phase
Separation)
W "C
(Liquid
Phase;
(Solid Phase)
1 Electromembrane
Reactor (EMR)
Soil
Wai
W
Simplified Process Flow Diagram of Treatment Process
-------
procedure (TCLP) analysis on the
contaminated soil showed lead levels of 7.7
milligrams per liter (mg/L), which exceeds the
regulatory limit of 5 mg/L. During the
project, IT Corporation established
appropriate conditions for lead removal and
recovery from the soil and reduced TCLP
concentrations of lead in the soil to below
regulatory levels.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
George Moore
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7991
Fax: 513-569-7276
e-mail: moore.george@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Radha Krishnan
IT Corporation
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4012
513-782-4700
Fax: 513-782-4663
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IT CORPORATION
(Mixed Waste Treatment Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
IT Corporation's mixed waste treatment
process integrates thermal desorption, gravity
separation, water treatment, and chelant
extraction technologies to treat soils
contaminated with hazardous and radioactive
constituents. The process separates these
contaminants into distinct organic and
inorganic phases that can then be further
minimized, recycled, or destroyed at
commercial disposal facilities. The
decontaminated soil can be returned to the
site. Each technology has been individually
demonstrated on selected contaminated
materials. The process flow diagram below
shows how the technologies have been
integrated to treat mixed waste streams.
During the initial treatment step, feed soil is
prepared using standard techniques, such as
screening, crushing, and grinding to remove
oversized material and provide a consistent
feed material.
Thermal treatment removes volatile and semi-
volatile organics from the soil. Soil is
indirectly heated in a rotating chamber,
volatilizing the organic contaminants and any
moisture in the soil. The soil passes through
the chamber and is collected as a dry solid.
The volatilized organics and water are
condensed into separate liquid phases. The
organic phase is decanted and removed for
disposal. The contaminated aqueous phase is
passed through activated carbon, which
removes soluble organics before combining
with the thermally treated soil.
Inorganic contaminants are removed by three
physical and chemical separation techniques:
(1) gravity separation of high density
particles; (2) chemical precipitation of soluble
metals; and (3) chelant extraction of
chemically bound metals.
Organic Phase
Mixed Waste Treatment Process
-------
Gravity separation is used to separate higher
density particles from common soil.
Radionuclide contaminants are typically
found inthis fraction. The gravity separation
device (shaker table, jig, cone, or spiral)
depends on contaminant distribution and the
physical properties of the thermally treated
soil.
Many radionuclides and other heavy metals
are dissolved or suspended in the aqueous
separation media. These contaminants are
separated from the soils and are precipitated.
A potassium ferrate formulation precipitates
radionuclides. The resulting microcrystalline
precipitant is removed, allowing the aqueous
stream to be recycled.
Some insoluble radionuclides remain with the
soil following the gravity separation process.
These radionuclides are removed by chelant
extraction. The chelant solution then passes
through an ion-exchange resin to remove the
radionuclides and is recycled to the chelant
extraction step.
The contaminants are collected as
concentrates from all waste process streams
for recovery or off-site disposal at commercial
hazardous waste or radiological waste
facilities. The decontaminated soil can be
returned to the site as clean fill.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process treats soils contaminated with
organic, inorganic, and radioactive material.
STATUS:
The mixed waste treatment process was
selected for the SITE Emerging Technology
Program in October 1991. Bench- and pilot-
scale testing was completed in late 1995; a
report detailing evaluation results was made
available from EPA in 1997. Individual
components of the treatment process have
been demonstrated on various wastes from
the U. S. Department of Energy,(DOE), the
U.S. Department of Defense, and commercial
sites. Thermal separation has removed and
recovered poly chlorinated biphenyls from
soils contaminated with uranium and
technetium. These soils were obtained from
two separate DOE gaseous diffusion plants.
Gravity separation of radionuclides has been
demonstrated at pilot scale on Johnston Atoll
in the Pacific. Gravity separation successfully
removed plutonium from native coral soils.
Water treatment using the potassium ferrate
formulations has been demonstrated at several
DOE facilities in laboratory and full-scale
tests. This treatment approach reduced
cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, plutonium,
silver, uranium, and zinc to dischargeable
levels.
Chelant extraction has successfully treated
surface contamination in the nuclear industry
for more than 20 years. Similar results are
expected for subsurface contamination.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Douglas Grosse
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7844
Fax: 513-569-7585
e-mail: grosse.douglas@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ed Alperin
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
865-690-3211
Fax: 865-694-9573
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IT CORPORATION
(formerly OHM Remediation Services Corporation)
(Oxygen Microbubble In Situ Bioremediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The application of in situ microbial
degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC)
has become a common and widespread
practice. The most common factor limiting
the rate of in situ biodegradation of PHCs is
the amount of oxygen available in the
saturated and unsaturated zones. Therefore,
OHM Remediation Services Corporation
(OHM) has focused on developing techniques
for delivering oxygen to the subsurface to
enhance in situ microbial degradation of
PHCs. OHM has extensive experience with
oxygen delivery techniques such as
bioventing and biosparging to enhance
microbial degradation. Injection of oxygen
microbubbles is being investigated by OHM
as an oxygen delivery system for the in situ
biodegradation of PHCs in the unsaturated
and saturated zones. OHM has conducted
laboratory tests and field demonstrations of
the oxygen microbubble technology in
conjunction with the U.S. EPA and the U.S.
Armstrong Laboratories. Oxygen microbubble
technology (see figure below) uses a
continuously generated stream of oxygen and
water solution containing low concentrations
of a surfactant. A water stream containing
about 200 milligrams per liter of surfactant is
mixed with oxygen under pressure. The
resulting oxygen and water mixture is pumped
through a microbubble generator that
produces a zone of high-energy mixing. The
result is a 60 to 80 percent by volume
dispersion of bubbles, with a typical bubble
diameter ranging from 50 to 100 microns.
The microbubble dispersion is then pumped
through an injection well into the treatment
zone. The microbubbles deliver oxygen to
contaminated groundwater, providing an
oxygen source for aerobic biodegradation of
the contaminant by the indigenous microflora.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process has successfully treated
groundwater contaminated with a number of
organic compounds including volatile organic
compounds, semivolatile organic compounds,
and petroleum hydrocarbons.
MICROBUBBLE
INJECTION COLLECTION
POINT TANK
LEGEND
PRESSURE SWITCH
CHECK VALVE
PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE
Si
IOI
SAMPLE PORT
SOLENOID VALVE (NORMALLY CLOSED)
BALL/SHUT OFF VALVE
Oxygen Microbubble In Situ Bioremediation
-------
STATUS:
The Oxygen Microbubble In Situ
Bioremediation process was accepted into the
Emerging Technology Program in summer
1992. This process is being evaluated at a jet
fuel spill site at Tyndall Air Force Base in
Panama City, Florida.
The overall objective of this project is to
evaluate the in situ application of the oxygen
microbubble technology for bioremedation.
The goals are to determine subsurface oxygen
transfer to the groundwater, retention of the
microbubble in the soil matrix, and
biodegradation of the petroleum hydrocarbons
present in the soil and groundwater.
A pilot test was performed at the site in 1995.
The objective of the test was to determine the
rate at which generated microbubbles could be
injected into the surficial aquifer at the site.
In addition, changes in the microbubbles and
the aquifer during injection were monitored.
Specific parameters monitored included the
following:
• Microbubble quality, quantity, and
stability
• Microbubble injection rate and
pressure
• Lateral migration rates of
microbubbles
• Lateral extent of migration of
surfactant in the aquifer
• Lateral changes in dissolved oxygen
concentration in the aquifer
• Rate of migration of tracer gas
(helium) in the vadose zone
• Oxygen in the vadose zone
The pilot test verified that microbubbles can
be injected into a shallow aquifer consisting
of unconsolidated, fine-grained sediments.
The study also verified that aquifer
characteristics allowed the injection of the
microbubble foam at rates of at least 1 gallon
per minute. Continued inj ection of foam after
about 45 minutes resulted in coalescence of
the foam based on pressure measurements.
The microbubble foam was observed to
persist in the aquifer for long periods of time.
This testing supported the use of oxygen
microbubbles as an oxygen delivery system
for in situ bioremediation.
The next testing phase at the site began in fall
1996. During this test, multiple injection
points were used to determine the maximum
rate of foam injection while maintaining foam
stability. Oxygen was used as the gas for
microbubble production. The rentention of
oxygen microbubbles was compared to
sparged air to determine oxygen delivery
efficiency.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7856
Fax: 513-569-7105
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Douglas Jerger
IT Corporation
Technology Applications
304 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
423-690-3211 ext. 2803
Fax: 423-694-9573
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IT CORPORATION
(Photolytic and Biological Soil Detoxification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is a two-stage, in situ
photolytic and biological detoxification
process for shallow soil contamination. The
first step in the process degrades the organic
contaminants with ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The photolytic degradation rate is several
times faster with artificial UV light than with
natural sunlight. The degradation process is
enhanced by adding detergent-like chemicals
(surfactants) to mobilize the contaminants.
Photolysis of the contaminants converts them
to more easily degraded compounds. Periodic
sampling and analysis determines when
photolysis is complete. Biodegradation, the
second step, further destroys organic
contaminants and detoxifies the soil.
When sunlight is used to treat shallow soil
contamination, the soil is first tilled with a
power tiller and sprayed with surfactant. The
soil is tilled frequently to expose new surfaces
and sprayed often. Water may also be added
to maintain soil moisture.
When UV lights are used, parabolic reflectors
suspended over the soil increase the amount
of UV irradiation (see figure below). After
photolysis is complete, biodegradation is
enhanced by adding microorganisms and
nutrients and further tilling the soil.
When these techniques are applied to soils
with deep contamination, soil needs to be
excavated and treated in a specially
constructed shallow treatment basin that
meets Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act requirements. When soil contamination is
shallow, photolysis and housing prevent
contaminants from migrating to groundwater.
The only treatment residuals are soil
contaminated with surfactants and the end
metabolites of the biodegradation processes.
The end metabolites depend on the original
contaminants. The surfactants are common
materials used in agricultural formulations.
Therefore, the soils can be left on site.
Photolytic Degradation Process Using UV Lights
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This photolytic and biological soil
detoxification process destroys organics,
particularly dioxins such as
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD),
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), other
polychlorinated aromatics, and polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1989; the
evaluation was completed in 1992. The
Emerging Technology Report (PB95-159992)
is available for purchase from the National
Technical Information Services. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
94/502) and Emerging Technology Summary
(EPA/540/SR-94/531) are available from
EPA.
Bench-scale tests conducted on dioxin-
contaminated soil showed that the
effectiveness of surface irradiation to degrade
TCDDs orPCBs is strongly influenced by soil
type. Early tests on sandy soils showed
greater than 90 percent removals for both
TCDDs and PCBs. Using a 450-watt mercury
lamp, the irradiation time was more than 20
hours for greater than 90 percent destruction
of TCDD and more than 4 hours for greater
than 90 percent destruction of PCBs.
However, a high humic content decreased the
effectiveness of the UV photolysis. Soil
contaminated with PCBs in the bench-scale
tests had a high clay content. The highest
removal rate for these soils was 30 percent,
measured over a 16-hour irradiation time.
The bench-scale tests used a medium-pressure
mercury UV lamp; sunlight was ineffective.
No significant improvement in PCB
destruction was achieved using a pulsed UV
lamp.
The process was also tested with Fenton's
reagent chemistry as an alternate method of
degrading PCBs to more easily biodegraded
compounds. PCB destruction ranged from
nondetectable to 35 percent. Data indicates
that no significant change in PCB chlorine
level distribution occurred during treatment.
Other studies examined PCB biodegradability
in (1) soil treated with a surfactant and UV
radiation, (2) untreated soil, and (3) soil
known to have PCB-degrading organisms.
Study results were as follows:
• PCB removal in the UV-treated soil,
untreated soil, and soil with known
biological activity was higher when
augmented with an isolated PCB degrader
(mi croorgani sm).
• In the untreated soil, biphenyl was more
efficient at inducing PCB degradation
than 4-bromobiphenyl.
• For the treated soil, surfactant treatment
may have inhibited microbial activity due
to high total organic carbon and low pH.
Isolation and enrichment techniques have
made it possible to isolate microorganisms
capable of biodegrading PCBs in
contaminated soil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Duane Graves
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
865-690-3211
Fax: 865-694-3626
-------
IT CORPORATION
(Tekno Associates Bioslurry Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
IT Corporation (IT) has used the Bioslurry
Reactor (developed by Tekno Associates, Salt
Lake City, Utah) to treat polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil. Traditional
biological treatments, such as landfarming and
in situ bioremediation, may not reduce PAHs
in soil to target levels in a timely manner.
Slurry reactors are more efficient for
bioremediation and more economical than
thermal desorption and incineration.
During the project, IT operated one 10-liter
and two 60-liter bioslurry reactors (see figure
below) in semicontinuous, plug-flow mode.
The first 60-liter reactor received fresh feed
daily and supplements of salicylate and
succinate.
alicylate induces the naphthalene degradation
operon on PAH plasmids in the
microorganisms. This system has been shown
to degrade phenanthrene and anthracene. The
naphthalene pathway may also play a role in
carcinogenic PAH (CPAH) metabolism.
Succinate is a by-product of naphthalene
metabolism and serves as a general carbon
source.
The first 60-liter reactor removed easily
degradable carbon and increased biological
activity against more recalcitrant PAHs
(three-ring compounds and higher).
Effluent from the first reactor overflowed to
the second 60-liter reactor in series, where
Fenton's reagent (hydrogen peroxide and iron
salts) was added to accelerate oxidation for
four- to six-ring PAHs. Fenton's reagent
produces a free radical that can oxidize multi-
ring aromatic hydrocarbons.
MANUAL
ADJUSTMENT
ATMOSPHERE
LEGEND:
(T\ SAMPLE PORT
(PR) PRESSURE REGULATOR
(p7) PRESSURE INDICATOR (ffi) TIMER
FEED
MIXER
CONTAINER
i,
BLOWER
R-1 M-2ABC T-7
AIR BIOREACTOR BIOREACTOR2
ROTAMETER MIXER (SOIL)
p-1 S-1
FEED PUMP AIR
FILTER
T-S T-8
BIOREACTOR 1 BIOREACTOR 3
(SOIL) (SOIL)
Z-1 P-5 Z-2
CARBON EFFLUENT AIR
ADSORPTION PUMP SAMPLING
DEVICE
P-6 T-2 T-5
SLURRY CLARIFIER EFFLUENT
PUMP CONTAINER
(20L)
Tekno Associates Bioslurry Reactor System
-------
The T-8 reactor (third in a series) was used as
a polishing reactor to remove any partially
oxidized contaminants remaining after the
Fenton's reagent treatment. Slurry was
removed from this reactor and clarified using
gravity settling techniques.
Operation of the reactors as described
increased the rate and extent of PAH
biodegradation, making bioslurry treatment of
impacted soils and sludges a more effective
and economical remediation option.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology is applicable to PAH-
contaminated soils and sludges that can be
readily excavated for slurry reactor treatment.
Soils from coal gasification sites, wood-
treating facilities, petrochemical facilities, and
coke plants are typically contaminated with
PAHs.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1993.
Under this program, IT conducted a pilot-
scale investigation of the three slurry reactors
operating in series. A suitable soil for the
pilot-scale test was obtained from a wood-
treating facility in the southeastern U.S.
About 4,000 pounds of PAH-impacted soil
was screened and treated during summer
1994. CPAH and PAH removals were
demonstrated at 84 and 95 percent,
respectively. A final report is available from
EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Valdis R. Kukainis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7955
Fax: 513-569-7879
e-mail: kukainis.valids@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Kandi Brown
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
865-690-3211
Fax: 865-690-3626
-------
KSE, INC.
(Adsorption-Integrated-Reaction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Adsorption-Integrated-Reaction (AIR
2000) process combines two unit operations,
adsorption and chemical reaction, to treat air
streams containing dilute concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (see
photograph below).
The contaminated air stream containing dilute
concentrations of VOCs flows into a
photocatalytic reactor, where chlorinated and
nonchlorinated VOCs are destroyed. The
VOCs are trapped on the surface of a
proprietary catalytic adsorbent. This catalytic
adsorbent is continuously illuminated with
ultraviolet light, destroying the trapped,
concentrated VOCs through enhanced
photocatalytic oxidation. This system design
simultaneously destroys VOCs and
continuously regenerates the catalytic
adsorbent. Only oxygen in the air is needed
as a reactant.
The treated effluent air contains carbon
dioxide and water, which are carried out in the
air stream exiting the reactor. For chlorinated
VOCs, the chlorine atoms are converted to
hydrogen chloride with some chlorine gas. If
needed, these gases can be removed from the
air stream with conventional scrubbers and
adsorbents. The AIR 2000 process offers
advantages over other photocatalytic
technologies because of the high activity,
stability, and selectivity of the photocatalyst.
The photocatalyst, which is not primarily
titanium dioxide, contains a number of
different semiconductors, which allows for
rapid and economical treatment of VOCs in
air. Previous results indicate that the
photocatalyst is highly resistant to
deactivation, even after thousands of hours of
operation in the field.
The particulate-based photocatalyst allows for
more freedom in reactor design and more
economical scale-up than reactors with a
catalyst film coated on a support medium.
Packed beds, radial flow reactors, and
monolithic reactors are all feasible reactor
designs. Because the catalytic adsorbent is
continuously regenerated, it does not require
disposal or removal for regeneration, as
traditional carbon adsorption typically does.
The AIR 2000 process produces no residual
wastes or by-products needing further
treatment or disposal as hazardous waste. The
treatment system is self-contained and mobile,
AIR2000
-------
requires a small amount of space, and requires
less energy than thermal incineration or
catalytic oxidation. In addition, it has lower
total system costs than these traditional
technologies, and can be constructed of
fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) due to the
low operating temperatures.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AIR 2000 process is designed to treat a
wide range of VOCs in air, ranging in
concentration from less than 1 to as many as
thousands of parts per million. The process
can destroy the following VOCs: chlorinated
hydrocarbons, aromatic and aliphatic
hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and
aldehydes.
The AIR 2000 process can be integrated with
existing technologies, such as thermal
desorption, air stripping, or soil vapor
extraction, to treat additional media, including
soils, sludges, and groundwater.
The AIR 2000 process was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in 1995.
Studies under the Emerging Technology
Program are focusing on (1) developing
photocataly sts for a broad range of chlorinated
and nonchlorinated VOCs, and (2) designing
advanced and cost-effective photocataly tic
reactors for remediation and industrial service.
The AIR 2000 Process was initially evaluated
at full-scale operation for treatment of soil
vapor extraction off-gas at Loring Air Force
Base (AFB). Destruction efficiency of
tetrachloroethene exceeded 99.8 percent. The
performance results were presented at the
1996 World Environmental Congress.
The AIR-I process, an earlier version of the
technology, was demonstrated as part of a
groundwater remediation demonstration
project at Dover AFB in Dover, Delaware,
treating effluent air from a groundwater
stripper. Test results showed more than 99
percent removal of dichloroethane (DCA)
from air initially containing about 1 ppm DCA
and saturated with water vapor.
The AIR 2000 Process was accepted into the
SITE Demonstration program in 1998. A
demonstration was completed at a Superfund
site in Rhode Island. A project bulletin was to
be completed in 2001 and other project
reports are still in preparation.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
A 700 SCFM commercial unit is now
operating at a Superfund Site in Rhode Island,
destroying TCE, DCE and vinyl chloride in
the combined off-gas from a SVE system and
a groundwater stripper. Results collected
during August to October 1999 show that the
system is operating at 99.6% destruction
efficiency. The AIR 2000 unit is operating
unattended, with the number of UV lamps
being illuminated changing automatically in
response to changing flow conditions for
maximum performance at minimum cost.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
J.R. Kittrell
KSE, Inc.
P.O. Box 368
Amherst, MA 01004
413-549-5506
Fax: 413-549-5788
e-mail: kseinc@aol.com
-------
KVAERNER ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(formerly Davy International Environmental Division)
(Chemical Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This treatment employs resin-in-pulp (RIP) or
carbon-in-pulp (CIP) technologies to treat
soils, sediments, dredgings, and solid residues
contaminated with organic and inorganic
material. These technologies are based on
resin ion exchange and resin or carbon
adsorption of contaminants from a leached
soil-slurry mixture.
RIP and CIP processes are used on a
commercial scale to recover metals from ores.
The RIP process recovers uranium and uses
anion exchange resins to adsorb uranium ions
leached from ore. The CIP process recovers
precious metals. In this process, activated
carbon adsorbs gold and silver leached as
cyanide complexes.
The figure below illustrates a typical process
for metals and other inorganically
contaminated soils. Incoming material is
screened, and over-sized material is crushed.
The two fractions are then combined and
leached in an agitated tank, where the
contaminants are extracted. The leached
solids are then passed to cyclones that
separate coarse and fine material. The coarse
material is washed free of contaminants, and
the wash liquors containing the contaminants
are passed to the contaminant recovery
section. The leached fine fraction passes to
the RIP or CIP contactor, where ion-exchange
resins or activated carbon remove the
contaminants. The difficult fines washing
step is thereby eliminated.
The resins and carbons are eluted and
recycled in the extraction step, and the
concentrated contaminants in the effluent pass
to the recovery section. In the recovery
section, precipitation recovers contaminants
from the wash and eluate solutions. The
precipitation yields a concentrated solid
material and can be disposed of or treated to
recover metals or other materials. The liquid
effluent from the recovery section can be
recycled to the process.
Contaminated
Soil
Wash
Water
Leach_
Reagent
Decontaminated Fines Fraction
Chemical Treatment Process
-------
For organically contaminated feeds, the in-
pulp or slurry process treats the whole leached
solid. Organic contaminants eluted from the
resin or carbon must be treated appropriately
by a separate technology.
Both the RIP and CIP commercial scale
processes operate in multistage, continuous,
countercurrent contactors arranged
horizontally.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This chemical treatment technology treats
soils and other materials contaminated with
inorganic and organic wastes. Inorganics
include heavy metals such as copper,
chromium, zinc, mercury, and arsenic.
Treatment of materials containing organics
such as chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and
polychlorinated biphenyls requires
appropriate extractant reagents and sorbent
materials.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1991.
Laboratory studies have been underway since
January 1991. Bench-scale tests have
successfully met targets for removal of several
heavy metal contaminants.
Arsenic and mercury have proven more
difficult to remove; however, laboratory tests
have reduced arsenic to below 30 milligrams
per kilogram (mg/kg) in soil and mercury to
0.5 mg/kg in soil in the major fraction of the
soil. Due to the lack of demand for this
technology in the European Market, Davy has
decided to withdraw from the SITE Program.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vincente Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Simon Clarke
Kvaerner Energy & Environment
Ashmore House
Richardson Road
Stockton-on-Tees
Cleveland TS183RE
England
011-44-1642-602221
Fax:011-44-1642-341001
e-mail: simon.clarke(S)kvaerner.com
-------
MATRIX PHOTOCATALYTIC INC.
(Photocatalytic Air Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. is developing a
titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic air
treatment technology that destroys volatile
organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile
organic compounds in air streams. During
treatment, contaminated air at ambient
temperatures flows through a fixed TiO2
catalyst bed activated by ultraviolet (UV)
light. Typically, organic contaminants are
destroyed in fractions of a second.
Technology advantages include the following:
• Robust equipment
• No residual toxins
• No ignition source
• Unattended operation
• Low direct treatment cost
The technology has been tested on benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene;
trichloroethene; tetrachloroethane; isopropyl
alcohol; acetone; chloroform; methanol; and
methyl ethyl ketone. A field-scale system is
shown in the photograph on the next page.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment
technology can effectively treat dry or moist
air. The technology has been demonstrated to
purify contaminant steam directly, thus
eliminating the need to condense. Systems of
100 cubic feet per minute have been
successfully tested on vapor extraction
operations, air stripper emissions, steam from
desorption processes, and VOC emissions
from manufacturing facilities. Other potential
applications include odor removal, stack
Full-Scale Photocatalytic Air Treatment System
-------
gas treatment, soil venting, and manufacturing
ultra-pure air for residential, automotive,
instrument, and medical needs. Systems of up
to about 1,000 cubic feet per minute can be
cost- competitive with thermal destruction
systems.
STATUS:
The TiO2 photocatalytic air treatment
technology was accepted into SITE Emerging
Technology Program (ETP) in October 1992;
the evaluation was completed in 1993. Based
on results from the ETP, this technology was
invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program. For further
information about the evaluation under the
ETP, refer to the journal article (EPA/600/A-
93/282), which is available from EPA. A
suitable demonstration site is being sought.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669
Fax: 519-660-8525
-------
MATRIX PHOTOCATALYTIC INC.
(Photocatalytic Aqueous Phase Organic Destruction)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Matrix Photocatalytic Inc. (Matrix)
photocatalytic oxidation system, shown in the
photograph below, removes dissolved organic
contaminants from water and destroys them in
a continuous flow process at ambient
temperatures. When excited by light, the
titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor
catalyst generates hydroxyl radicals that
oxidatively break the carbon bonds of
hazardous organic compounds.
The Matrix system converts organics such as
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB); phenols;
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene
(BTEX); and others to carbon dioxide,
halides, and water. Efficient destruction
typically occurs between 30 seconds and 2
minutes actual exposure time. Total organic
carbon removal takes longer, depending on
the other organic molecules and their
molecular weights.
The Matrix system was initially designed to
destroy organic pollutants or to remove total
organic carbon from drinking water,
groundwater, and plant process water. The
Matrix system also destroys organic pollutants
such as PCBs, polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated
dibenzofurans, chlorinated alkenes,
chlorinated phenols, chlorinated benzenes,
alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and amines.
Inorganic pollutants such as cyanide, sulphite,
and nitrite ions can be oxidized to cyanate ion,
sulphate ion, and nitrate ion, respectively.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Matrix system can treat a wide range of
concentrations of organic pollutants in
industrial wastewater and can be applied to
the ultrapure water industry and the drinking
water industry. The Matrix system can also
remediate groundwater.
10-Gallon-Per-Minute TiO2 Photocatalytic System Treating BTEX in Water
-------
STATUS:
The system was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program (ETP) in May
1991. Results from the ETP evaluation were
published in a journal article (EPA/540/F-
94/503) available from EPA. Based on results
from the ETP, Matrix was invited to
participate in the Demonstration Program.
During August and September 1995, the
Matrix system was demonstrated at the K-25
site at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge
Reservation in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Reports detailing the results from the
demonstration are available from EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the demonstration are detailed
below:
• In general, high percent removals (up to
99.9 percent) were observed for both
aromatic volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) andunsaturated VOCs. However,
the percent removals for saturated VOCs
were low (between 21 and 40 percent).
• The percent removals for all VOCs
increased with increasing number of path
lengths and oxidant doses. At equivalent
contact times, changing the flow rate did
not appear to impact the treatment system
performance for all aromatic VOCs and
most unsaturated VOCs (except 1,1-
dichloroethene [DCE]). Changing the
flow rate appeared to impact the system
performance for saturated VOCs.
• The effluent met the Safe Drinking Water
Act maximum contaminant levels (MCL)
for benzene; cis-l,2-DCE; and 1,1-DCE at
a significant level of 0.05. However, the
effluent did not meet the MCLs for
tetrachloroethene (PCE); trichloroethene
(TCE); 1,1-dichloroethane (DCA); and
1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) at a
significant level of 0.05. The influent
concentrations for toluene and total
xylenes were below the MCLs.
• In tests performed to evaluate the
effluent's acute toxicity to water fleas and
fathead minnows, more than 50 percent of
the organisms died. Treatment by the
Matrix system did not reduce the
groundwater toxicity for the test
organisms at a significant level of 0.05.
• In general, the percent removals were
reproducible for aromatic and unsaturated
VOCs when the Matrix system was
operated under identical conditions.
However, the percent removals were not
reproducible for saturated VOCs. The
Matrix system's performance was
generally reproducible in (1) meeting the
target effluent levels for benzene; cis-1,2-
DCE; and 1,1-DCE; and (2) not meeting
the target effluent levels for PCE; TCE;
1,1-DCA; and 1,1,1-TCA.
• Purgable organic compounds and total
organic halides results indicated that some
VOCs were mineralized in the Matrix
system. However, formulation of
aldehydes, haloacetic acids, and several
tentatively identified compounds indicated
that not all VOCs were completely
mineralized.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.ricahrd@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada
N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669
Fax: 519-660-8525
-------
MEDIA & PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(formerly Aluminum Company of America and
Alcoa Separation Technology, Inc.)
(Bioscrubber)
This bioscrubber technology digests
hazardous organic emissions generated by
soil, water, and air decontamination processes.
The bioscrubber consists of a filter with an
activated carbon medium that supports
microbial growth. This unique medium, with
increased microbial population and enhanced
bioactivity, converts diluted organics into
carbon dioxide, water, and other
nonhazardous compounds. The filter removes
biomass, supplies nutrients, and adds
moisture. A pilot-scale unit with a 4-cubic-
foot-per-minute capacity is being field-tested
(see figure below).
In addition to efficient degradation, the
bioscrubber provides an effective sink to
mitigate feed fluctuations. During an 11-
month bench-scale test, the bioscrubber
consistently removed contaminants such as
petroleum hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones,
and amines from the waste feed at levels
ranging from less than 5 to 40 parts per
million (ppm).
The bioscrubber provides several advantages
over conventional activated carbon adsorbers.
First, bioregeneration keeps the maximum
adsorption capacity constantly available; thus,
the mass transfer zone remains stationary and
relatively short. The carbon does not require
refrigeration, and the required bed length is
greatly reduced, thereby reducing capital and
operating expenses. Finally, the chro-
matographic effect (premature desorption)
common in an adsorber is eliminated because
the maximum capacity is available constantly.
The bioscrubber's advantages are fully
exploited when the off-gas contains weakly
adsorbed contaminants, such as methylene
chloride, or adsorbates competing with
moisture in the stream. The bioscrubber may
replace activated carbon in some applications.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The bioscrubber technology removes organic
contaminants in air streams from soil, water,
or air decontamination processes. The
T
Bioscrubber Pilot-Scale Unit
-------
technology is especially suited to treat streams
containing aromatic solvents, such as
benzene, toluene, and xylene, as well as
alcohols, ketones, hydrocarbons, and others.
The technology has several applications to
Superfund sites, including (1) organic
emission control for groundwater
decontamination using air strippers, (2)
emission control for biological treatment of
ground and surface water, and (3) emission
control for soil decontamination. These
primary treatment processes have not been
designed to prevent volatile organic
compound discharges into the atmosphere.
The bioscrubber is an ideal posttreatment
component for these processes because it
handles trace organic volatiles economically
and effectively.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1990.
Bench-scale bioscrubbers operated
continuously for more than 11 months to treat
an air stream with trace concentrations of
toluene at about 10 to 20 ppm. The
bioscrubbers accomplished a removal
efficiency of greater than 95 percent. The
filter had a biodegradation efficiency 40 to 80
times greater than existing filters. The proj ect
was completed in June 1993. Based on results
from the Emerging Technology Program, the
bioscrubber technology was invited to
participate in the SITE Demonstration
Program.
Evaluation results have been published in the
report "Bioscrubber for Removing Hazardous
Organic Emissions from Soil, Water and Air
Decontamination Processes" (EPA/540/R-
93/521). This report is available from the
National Technical Information Service. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
93/507) and the Emerging Technology
Summary (EPA/540/SR-93/521) are available
from EPA. An article on the technology was
also published in the Journal of Air and Waste
Management, Volume 44, March 1994, pp.
299-303.
The pilot-scale unit has also been tested on
discharge from an air stripping tower at a flow
rate of 2 standard cubic feet per minute. The
discharge contained from less than 10 to 200
ppm toluene. The unit demonstrated the
effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of its
design. Additional tests are underway to
confirm results at higher flow rates and with
other contaminants.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gove
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Paul Liu
Media and Process Technology, Inc.
1155 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-3711
Fax: 412-826-3720
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MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.
(VaporSep® Membrane Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Membrane Technology and Research,
Inc., VaporSep® system, shown in the figure
below, uses synthetic polymer membranes to
remove organic vapors from contaminated air
streams. The process generates a clean air
stream and a liquid organic stream.
Air laden with organic vapor contacts one side
of a membrane that is 10 to 100 times more
permeable to the organic compound than to
air. The membrane separates the air into two
streams: a permeate stream containing most
of the organic vapor, and a clean residual air
stream. The organic vapor is condensed and
removed as a liquid; the purified air stream
may be vented or recycled.
The VaporSep® system maintains a lower
vapor pressure on the permeate side of the
membrane to drive the permeation process.
This pressure difference can be created by
either compressing the feed stream or using a
vacuum pump on the permeate stream.
The VaporSep® systems built to date range in
capacity from 1 to 700 standard cubic feet per
minute. The systems are significantly smaller
than carbon adsorption systems of similar
capacity and can be configured for a wide
range of feed flow rates and compositions.
The process has been tested on air streams
contaminated with a wide range of organic
compounds at concentrations of 100 to over
100,000 parts per million.
VaporSep® Membrane Organic Vapor Recovery System
-------
The VaporSep® system removes between 90
and 99 percent of the organic vapor,
depending on the class of organic compound
and the system design. The system produces
only a purified air stream and a small volume
of organic condensate. The concentration of
organics in the purified air stream is generally
low enough for discharge to the atmosphere.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
VaporSep® systems can treat most air streams
containing flammable or nonflammable
halogenated and nonhalogenated organic
compounds, including chlorinated
hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC),
and fuel hydrocarbons. Typical applications
include the following:
• Reduction of process vent emissions, such
as those regulated by EPA source perfor-
mance standards for the synthetic organic
chemical manufacturing industry.
• Treatment of air stripper exhaust before
discharge to the atmosphere.
• Recovery of CFCs and hydrochlorofluoro-
carbons.
• Recovery of valuable organic feedstocks
for recycling to the process.
• Recovery of gasoline vapors.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1989; the
proj ect was completed in 1991. The process,
demonstrated at both the bench and pilot
scales, achieved removal efficiencies of over
99.5 percent for selected organic compounds.
The Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/ F-94/503) is available from EPA.
Almost 40 VaporSep® systems have been
supplied to customers in the United States and
overseas for applications such as the
following:
• CFC and halocarbon recovery from
process vents and transfer operations.
• CFC recovery from refrigeration systems.
• Vinyl chloride monomer recovery from
polyvinyl chloride manufacturing
operations.
• CFC-12/ethylene oxide recovery from
sterilizer emissions.
• Recovery of monomers, other
hydrocarbons, and nitrogen in
polyolefin degassing processes.
A VaporSep® system successfully treated an
air stream from a soil vacuum extraction
operation at a U.S. Department of Energy site.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-Mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Marc Jacobs
Doug Gottschlich
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
1360 Willow Road
MenloPark, CA 94025-1516
650-328-2228
Fax: 650-328-6580
e-mail: mjacobs@mtrinc.com
-------
METSO MINERALS INDUSTRIES, INC.
(formerly Svedala Industries, Inc.)
(PYROKILN THERMAL ENCAPSULATION Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PYROKILN THERMAL
ENCAPSULATION process is designed to
improve conventional rotary kiln incineration
of hazardous waste. The process introduces
inorganic additives (fluxing agents) to the
waste to promote incipient slagging or thermal
encapsulating reactions near the kiln
discharge. The thermal encapsulation is
augmented using other additives in either the
kiln or in the air pollution control (APC)
baghouse to stabilize the metals in the fly ash.
The process is designed to (1) immobilize the
metals remaining in the kiln ash, (2) produce
an easily handled nodular form of ash, and
(3) stabilize metals in the fly ash, while
avoiding the problems normally experienced
with higher temperature "slagging kiln"
operations.
The basis of this process is thermal
encapsulation. Thermal encapsulation traps
metals in a controlled melting process
operating in the temperature range between
slagging and nonslagging modes, producing
ash nodules that are 0.25 to 0.75 inch in
diameter.
The figure below illustrates the process.
Wastes containing organic and metallic
contaminants are incinerated in a rotary kiln.
Metals (in particular, those with high melting
points) are trapped in the bottom ash from the
kiln through the use of fluxing agents that
promote agglomeration with controlled
nodulizing.
The PYROKILN THERMAL
ENCAPSULATION process may reduce
leaching of metals to levels below EPA
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
(TCLP) limits for metals. Metals with low
melting and vaporization temperatures, such
as arsenic, lead, and zinc, are expected to
partially volatilize, partitioning between the
bottom ash and the fly ash. Metals
concentrated in the fly ash may be stabilized,
Fuel
Rotary Kiln
Decontaminated
Materials
PYROKILN THERMAL ENCAPSULATION Process
-------
if necessary, by adding reagents to the kiln
and to the APC system to reduce leaching to
below TCLP limits. This process may also
reduce the total dust load to the APC system
and the amount of particulate emissions from
the stack.
The use of fluxing reagents is a key element
in this technology. The fluxing agents are
introduced into the kiln in the proper amount
and type to lower the ash's softening
temperature. Proper kiln design is required to
allow the kiln outlet to function as an ash
agglomerator. Good temperature control is
required to maintain the agglomerates at the
correct particle size, yielding the desired 0.25-
to 0.75-inch nodules. By producing nodules,
rather than a molten slag, the process is
expected to prevent operating problems such
as ash quenching, overheating, and premature
refractory failure. The process should also
simplify cooling, handling, and conveyance of
the ash.
The controlled nodulizing process should
immobilize metals with high boiling points.
Lead, zinc, and other metals with lower
volatilization temperatures tend to exit the
kiln as fine fumes. Reagents can be injected
into the kiln, the APC devices, or a final
solids mixer to aid in the collection of these
metals from the gas stream.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology is intended for soils and
sludges contaminated with organics and
metals. As with other rotary kiln systems, the
process is expected to destroy a broad range
of organic species, including halogenated and
nonhalogenated organics and petroleum
products. Svedala Industries, Inc., claims that
the following metals may be encapsulated or
stabilized: antimony, arsenic, barium,
beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead,
nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in March
1990. A final report has been prepared, and a
technical paper summarizing the project was
presented in 1994 at the Air and Waste
Management Association 87th Annual
Meeting and Exhibition in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The final report was published in the July
1995 issue of the Journal of the Air and Waste
Management Association.
A synthetic soil matrix was created for the
batch rotary kiln tests. Feed preparation was
a key element in nodule production. These
tests yielded nodules with appropriate crush
strength. Test results showed a decrease in
TCLP metal leachate levels with increasing
crush strength.
An analytical method involving microwave-
aided digestion was used to evaluate samples
produced in a second batch kiln test program.
This method provided excellent, consistent
results, indicating teachability below TCLP
limits.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Marta K. Richards
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7692
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: richards.marta@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Bob Faulkner
Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.
350 Railroad Street
Danville, PA 17821
570-275-3050 ext. 7758
Fax: 570-271-7737
-------
MONTANA COLLEGE OF MINERAL
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone)
The air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) was
developed at the University of Utah during the
early 1980s to achieve fast flotation of fine
particles in a centrifugal field. The ASH
consists of two concentric right-vertical tubes
with a conventional cyclone header at the top
and a froth pedestal at the bottom (see figure
below). The inner tube is a porous tube
through which air is sparged. The outer tube
serves as an air jacket to evenly distribute air
through the porous inner tube.
Slurry is fed tangentially through the
conventional cyclone header to develop a
swirl flow of a certain thickness in the radial
direction (the swirl-layer thickness). The
swirl is discharged through an annular
opening between the porous tube wall and the
froth pedestal. Air is sparged through the
porous inner tube wall and is sheared into
small bubbles. These bubbles are then
radially transported, together with attached
hydrophobic particles, into a froth phase that
forms on the cyclone axis. The froth phase is
stabilized and constrained by the froth
pedestal at the underflow, moved toward the
vortex finder of the cyclone header, and
discharged as an overflow product. Water-
wetted hydrophilic particles generally remain
in the slurry phase and are discharged as an
underflow product through the annulus
created by the froth pedestal.
During the past decade, large mechanical
flotation cells, such as aeration-stirred tank
reactors, have been designed, installed, and
operated for mineral processing. In addition,
considerable effort has been made to develop
column flotation technology in the United
States and elsewhere; a number have been
installed in industries. Nevertheless, for both
mechanical and column cells, the specific
flotation capacity is generally limited to 1 to
2 tons per day (tpd) per cubic foot of cell
volume. In contrast, the ASH has a specific
flotation capacity of at least 100 tpd per cubic
foot of cell volume.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Conventional flotation techniques used in
industrial mineral processing are effective
ways of concentrating materials. However,
metal value recovery is never complete. The
valuable material escaping the milling process
is frequently concentrated in the very fine
particle fraction.
Overflow
Vortex Finder
Slurry m
Overflow Froth
Soil Layer
Air
Cylinder
Jacket
. Porous
Underflow Froth Cylinder
Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone
-------
The ASH can remove fine mineral particles
that are not normally amenable to the
conventional froth flotation process. These
particles are generally sulfide minerals, such
as galena (lead sulfide), sphalerite (zinc
sulfide) and chalcopyrite (copper-
iron-sulfide). Finely divided mining wastes
containing these minerals oxidize and release
the metallic elements as dissolved sulfates
into the groundwater. Particularly applicable
are tailings from older operations conducted
before the development of froth flotation.
Earlier operations recovered minerals by
gravity concentration, which did not
effectively capture fine particles and left
tailings with relatively large concentrations of
the environmentally hazardous fine sulfide
minerals.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in June 1990.
The most recent pilot plant trials on tailings
generated by gravity concentration have
confirmed both the technology's ability to
recover sulfide minerals and the high
throughput capacity claimed by proponents of
the ASH. However, results on the economics
of ash processing were inconclusive. Studies
under the SITE Program were completed in
August 1994, and a journal article is pending.
The pilot plant was dismantled after 4 years of
operation.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ed Bates
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7774
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: bates.edward@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Courtney Young
Montana College of Mineral Science
and Technology
West Park Street
Butte, MT 57901
406-496-4158
Fax: 406-496-4133
e-mail: Cyoung@mtech.edu
-------
MONTANA COLLEGE OF MINERAL
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(Campbell Centrifugal Jig)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Campbell Centrifugal Jig (CCJ) is a
mechanical device that uses centrifugal force
to separate fine heavy mineral and metal
particles from waste materials. The CCJ
combines jigging and centrifuging to separate
these particles from a fluid slurry. TransMar,
Inc., owns the patents and rights to the CCJ
technology.
Standard jigs separate solids of different
specific gravities by differential settling in a
pulsating bed and gravitational field. Jigs
operating in this mode can recover solids
larger than about 150 mesh (105 microns).
Centrifuges are effective in separating solids
from liquids but are not effective in separating
solids from solids.
The CCJ, shown in the figure below,
combines the continuous flow and pulsating
bed of the standard jig with the enhanced
acceleration forces of a centrifuge to segregate
and concentrate heavy particles from the
waste. The CCJ can recover particles ranging
in size from 1 to about 500 microns,
depending on whether the particles are suf-
Slurry Inlet
Pulse Water Inlet
Cone Shroud
ficiently disaggregated from the host material.
The disaggregated particle should have a
specific gravity at least 50 percent greater
than the waste material. The CCJ does not
need chemicals to separate the solids.
Appropriately sized, slurried material is fed
into the CCJ through a hollow shaft inlet at
the top of the machine. The slurried material
discharges from the shaft onto a diffuser plate,
which has vanes that distribute the material
radially to the jig bed. The jig bed's surface is
composed of stainless-steel shot ragging that
is slightly coarser than the screen aperture.
The jig bed is pulsated by pressurized water
admitted through a screen by four rotating
pulse blocks. The pulsing water intermittently
fluidizes the bed, causing heavier particles to
move through the ragging and screen to the
concentrate port, while lighter particles
continue across the face of the jig bed to the
tailings port.
The effectiveness of separation depends on
how well the original solids are disaggregated
from the waste material and the specific
gravity of each solid. The slurried feed
material may require grinding to ensure
Bull Wheel
Hutch Area —'
Pulse Water Outlet
- Cone Outlet
Cambell Centrifugal Jig (CCJ)
-------
disaggregation of the heavy metals.
Operating parameters include pulse pressure,
rotation speed or g-load, screen aperture,
ragging type and size, weir height, and feed
percent solids.
The CCJ produces heavy mineral or metal
concentrates which, depending on the waste
material, may be further processed for
extraction or sale. A clean tailings stream
may be returned to the environment.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CCJ can separate and concentrate a wide
variety of materials, ranging from base metals
to fine coal ash and fine (1-micron) gold par-
ticles. Applications include (1) remediation
of heavy metal-contaminated soils, tailings, or
harbor areas containing spilled concentrates;
(2) removal of pyritic sulfur and ash from fine
coal; and (3) treatment of some sandblasting
grit.
STATUS:
The CCJ was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in May 1992.
The CCJ was evaluated at the Montana
College of Mineral Science and Technology
Research Center (Montana Tech). Montana
Tech equipped a pilot plant to evaluate the
Series 12 CCJ, which has a capacity of 1 to 3
tons per hour. Tests were completed in
August 1994 on base-metal mine tailings from
various locations in western Montana. A
report on these tests is pending.
In addition, under the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) Integrated Demonstration
Program, the CCJ was tested on clean Nevada
test site soil spiked with bismuth as a
surrogate for plutonium oxide. These tests
occurred at the University of Nevada, Reno,
during August and September 1994. In the
future, the CCJ will be tested for its ability to
remove radioactive contamination from soils
from several DOE sites.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Courtney Young
Montana College of Mineral Science
and Technology
West Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
406-496-4158
Fax: 406-496-4133
e-mail: Cyoung@mtech.edu
-------
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(GHEA Associates Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The GHEA Associates process applies surfac-
tants and additives to soil washing and waste-
water treatment to make organic and metal
contaminants soluble. In soil washing, soil is
first excavated, washed, and rinsed to produce
clean soil. Wash and rinse liquids are then
combined and treated to separate surfactants
and contaminants from the water. Next,
contaminants are separated from the
surfactants by desorption and isolated as a
concentrate. Desorption regenerates the
surfactants for repeated use in the process.
The liquid treatment consists of a sequence of
steps involving phase separation,
ultrafiltration, and air flotation (see figure
below). The treated water meets all National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
groundwater discharge criteria, allowing it to
be (1) discharged without further treatment,
and (2) reused in the process itself or reused
as a source of high quality water for other
users.
In wastewater treatment applications,
surfactants added to the wastewater adsorb
contaminants. The mixture is then treated in
the same manner as described above for
(1) water purification, (2) separation of the
contaminants, and (3) recovery of the
surfactants. The treatment process yields
clean soil, clean water, and a highly
concentrated fraction of contaminants. No
other residues, effluents, or emissions are
produced. The figure below illustrates the
GHEA process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can be applied to soil,
sludges, sediments, slurries, groundwater,
surface water, end-of-pipe industrial effluents,
and in situ soil flushing. Contaminants that
can be treated include both organics and
Contaminated
Soil *-
Surfactant
Extraction
t
Liquid
Rinse
Clean
Soil
Recycle
Recycle
Water
GHEA Process for Soil Washing
-------
heavy metals, nonvolatile and volatile organic
compounds, and highly toxic refractory
compounds.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in June 1990.
Treatability tests were conducted on various
matrices, including soils with high clay
contents, industrial oily sludges, industrial
wastewater effluents, and contaminated
groundwater (see table below). In situ soil
flushing tests have shown a 20-fold
enhancement of contaminant removal rates.
Tests using a 25-gallon pilot-scale plant have
also been conducted. The Emerging
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-94/509),
which details evaluation results, is available
from EPA. Costs for treatment range from
$50 to $80 per ton.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7697
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Itzhak Gotlieb
GHEA Associates
5 Balsam Court
Newark, NJ 07068
201-226-4642 Fax: 201-703-6805
SUMMARY OF TREATABILITY TEST RESULTS
MATRIX
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): Trichloroethene;
1 ,2-Dichloroethene; Benzene; Toluene
Soil, parts per million (ppm)
Water, parts per billion (ppb)
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH):
Soil, ppm
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB):
Soil, ppm
Water, ppb
Trinitrotoluene in Water, ppm
Coal Tar Contaminated Soil (ppm):
Benzo[a]pyrene
Benzo[k]fluoranthene
Chrysene
Benzanthracene
Pyrene
Anthracene
Phenanthrene
Fluorene
Dibenzofuran
1 -Methylnaphthalene
2-Methylnaphthalene
Heavy Metals In Soil:
Chromium, ppm
Iron (III) in Water, ppm:
UNTREATED
SAMPLE
20.13
109.0
13,600
380.00
6,000.0
180.0
28.8
24.1
48.6
37.6
124.2
83.6
207.8
92.7
58.3
88.3
147.3
21,000
30.8
TREATED SAMPLE
0.05
2.5
80
0.57
<0.1
<.08
<0.1
4.4
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
1.3
<0.1
640
0.3
PERCENT
REMOVAL
99.7%
97.8%
99.4%
99.8%
>99.9%
>99.5%
>99.7%
81.2%
>99.8%
>99.7%
>99.9%
>99.8%
>99.9%
>99.9%
>99.8%
98.5%
>99.9%
96.8%
99.0%
-------
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH CENTER
(formerly Hazardous Substance Management
Research Center at New Jersey
Institute of Technology and
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey)
(Pneumatic Fracturing and Bioremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Hazardous Substance Management
Research Center (HSMRC) has developed a
technology for the in situ remediation of
organic contaminants. The process enhances
in situ bioremediation through pneumatic
fracturing to establish an extended
biodegradation zone supporting aerobic,
denitrifying, and methanogenic populations.
The technique is designed to provide faster
transport of nutrients and electron acceptors
(for example, oxygen and nitrate) to the
microorganisms, particularly in geologic
formations with moderate to low permeability.
An overview of the process is shown in the
figure below. First, the formation is
pneumatically fractured by applying high
pressure air in 2-foot-long, discrete intervals
through a proprietary device known as an HQ
Injector. After the formation has been
fractured with air, nutrients or other chemicals
are introduced into the fracture network to
stimulate biological activity. The carrier gas
and the particular amendments (atomized
liquid or dry media) injected into the
formation can be adjusted according to the
target contaminant and the desired
degradation environment (aerobic,
denitrifying, and anaerobic). The high air-to-
liquid ratio atomizes the liquid supplements
during injection, increasing their ability to
penetrate the fractured formation. In the final
step of the process, the site is operated as an
in situ bioremediation cell to degrade the
contaminants. A continuous, low-level air
flow is maintained through the fracture
network by a vacuum pump to provide oxygen
to the microbial populations. Periodically,
additional injections are made to replenish
nutrients and electron acceptors.
Atomized Liquid
Nutrients
Overview of the Integrated Pneumatic Fracturing and Bioremediation Process
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The integrated process can be applied to a
wide variety of geologic formations. In
geologic formations with low to moderate
permeabilities, such as those containing clay,
silt, or tight bedrock, the process creates
artificial fractures which increase formation
permeability. In formations with higher
permeabilities, the process is still useful for
rapid aeration and delivery of amendments to
the microorganisms.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1991
and was evaluated at a gasoline refinery
located in the Delaware Valley. The soil at
the site was contaminated with benzene,
toluene, and xylene (BTX) at concentrations
up to 1,500 milligrams per kilogram, along
with other hydrocarbons. The evaluation was
completed in May 1994. Contact the EPA
Proj ect Manager for a copy of the results from
the evaluation. A journal article has been
submitted to the Journal of Air and Waste
Management.
Throughout the 50-week pilot-scale,
evaluation off-gases were monitored for BTX,
carbon dioxide, and methane, which served as
indicators of biological activity. Process
effectiveness was evaluated through
comparative analysis of soil samples collected
at the beginning and the end of the evaluation.
Vapor extraction tests revealed postfracture
air flows to be 24 to 105 times higher than
prefracture air flows. Measurements of
ground surface heave and observations of
fractures venting to the ground surface
indicated that the fractures had effective radii
of up to 20 feet from the injection point.
Soil gas data collected at the monitoring wells
show that the indigenous microbial
populations responded favorably to the
injection of the soil amendments. Soil gas
data consistently showed elevated levels of
carbon dioxide immediately following each
injection, indicating increased rates of BTX
mineralization. Correspondingly, BTX
concentration levels in the wells gradually
declined over time after depletion of oxygen
and nitrate, at which time methanogenic
processes began to dominate until the next
subsurface amendment injection.
Comparative analysis of soil samples
extracted from the site before and after the
evaluation period showed that a substantial
amount of BTX was degraded as a result of
the integrated process. Total soil-phase BTX
was reduced from 28 kilograms to 6 kilograms
over the 50-week pilot test, corresponding to
a 79 percent reduction in total BTX mass. An
assessment of pathways of BTX loss from the
formation showed a large proportion of the
mass reduction (85 percent) was attributable
to bioremediation.
Process development for this evaluation was
supported in part by the U.S. Department of
Defense, Advanced Research Projects
Agency, and the Office of Naval Research.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA CONTACT
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
John Schuring
Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights
Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-5849
Fax: 973-802-1946
e-mail: schuring@njit.edu
-------
PHARMACIA CORPORATION
(formerly Monsanto/DuPont)
(Lasagna™ In Situ Soil Remediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Lasagna™ process, so named because of
its treatment layers, combines electroosmosis
with treatment layers which are installed
directly into the contaminated soil to form an
integrated, in-situ remedial process. The
layers may be configured vertically or
horizontally (see figures below). The process
is designed to treat soil and groundwater
contaminants completely in situ, without the
use of injection or extraction wells.
The outer layers consist of either positively or
negatively charged electrodes which create an
electrical potential field. The electrodes
create an electric field which moves
contaminants in soil pore fluids into or
through treatment layers. In the vertical
configuration, rods that are steel or granular
graphite and iron filings can be used as
electrodes. In the horizontal configuration,
the electrodes and treatment zones are
installed by hydraulic fracturing. Granular
graphite is used for the electrodes and the
treatment zones are granular iron (for zero-
A. Horizontal Configuration
electrode wells
;round surface
Electrode
Electroosmotic
and Gravitational
Liquid Flow
valent, metal-enhanced, reductive
dechloronation) or granular activated carbon
(for biodegradation by methanotropic
mi croorgani sms).
The orientation of the electrodes and
treatment zones depends on the characteristics
of the site and the contaminants. In general,
the vertical configuration is probably more
applicable to more shallow contamination,
within 50 feet of the ground surface. The
horizontal configuration, using hydraulic
fracturing or related methods, is uniquely
capable of treating much deeper
contamination.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process is designed for use in fine-
grained soils (clays and silts) where water
movement is slow and it is difficult to move
contaminants to extraction wells. The process
induces water movement to transport
contaminants to the treatment zones so the
contaminants must have a high solubility or
miscibility in water. Solvents
B. Vertical Configuration
ground surface I
Electrode
Treatment Zones
-------
such as trichloroethylene and soluble metal
salts can be treated successfully while low-
solubility compounds such as polychlorinated
biphenyls and polyaromatic hydrocarbons
cannot.
STATUS:
The Lasagna™ process (vertical
configuration) was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1995. Two patents
covering the technology have been granted to
Monsanto, and the term Lasagna™ has also
been trademarked by Monsanto. Developing
the technology so that it can be used with
assurance for site remediation is the overall
objective of the sponsoring consortium.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The vertical configuration demonstration by
Pharmacia at the Gaseous Diffusion Plant in
Paducah, Kentucky, has been completed. The
analysis of trends in TCE contamination of
soil before and after Lasagna™ treatment
indicated that substantial decreases did occur
and the technology can be used to meet action
levels.
The horizontal configuration demonstration
by the University of Cincinnati and EPA at
Rickenbacker ANGB (Columbus, OH) has
been completed and both cells
decommissioned. The cells were installed in
soil containing TCE. The work demonstrated
that horizontal Lasagna™ installations are
feasible and that the installation results in
some treatment of contaminants. The extent
of treatment of the TCE-contaminated soil
was not clear because of the small size of the
cells and transport of TCE into the cells from
adjacent contaminated areas.
In cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, EPA
installed two horizontal configuration
Lasagna™ cells in TCE-contaminated soil at
Offutt AFB (Omaha, ME) in November 1998.
The cells have been in operation since
September 2000. An interim sampling in
December 2000 at the four locations with
highest concentrations in each cell showed
slight decreases in organic chloride in one
cell, but these were not statistically different
from initial (pretreatment) concentrations. A
second interim sampling will be conducted in
June 2001 and the final (posttreatment)
sampling in September 2001.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Wendy Davis-Hoover
Michael Roulier, Ph.D.
EPA Research Team
U.S. EPA National Risk Management
Research Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7206 (Davis-Hoover)
513-569-7796 (Roulier)
Fax: 513-569-7879
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER:
Sa V. Ho, Ph.D.
Monsanto Company
800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63167
314-694-5179
Fax:314-694-1531
-------
PHYTOKINETICS, INC.
(Phytoremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Phytoremediation is the treatment of
contaminated soils, sediments, and
groundwater with higher plants. Several
biological mechanisms are involved in
phytoremediation. The plant's ability to
enhance bacterial and fungal degradative
processes is important in the treatment of
soils. Plant-root exudates, which contain
nutrients, metabolites, and enzymes,
contribute to the stimulation of microbial
activity. In the zone of soil closely associated
with the plant root (rhizosphere), expanded
populations of metabolically active microbes
can biodegrade organic soil contaminants.
The application of phytoremediation involves
characterizing the site and determining the
proper planting strategy to maximize the
interception and degradation of organic
contaminants. Site monitoring ensures that
the planting strategy is proceeding as planned.
The following text discusses (1) using grasses
-."!««..
to remediate surface soils contaminated with
organic chemical wastes (Figure 1), and (2)
planting dense rows of poplar trees to treat
organic contaminants in the saturated
groundwater zone (Figure 2).
Soil Remediation - Phytoremediation is best
suited for surface soils contaminated with
intermediate levels of organic contaminants.
Preliminary soil phytotoxicity tests are
conducted at a range of contaminant
concentrations to select plants which are
tolerant. The contaminants should be
relatively nonleachable, and must be within
the reach of plant roots. Greenhouse-scale
treatability studies are often used to select
appropriate plant species.
Grasses are frequently used because of their
dense fibrous root systems. The selected
species are planted, soil nutrients are added,
and the plots are intensively cultivated. Plant
shoots are cut during the growing season to
maintain vegetative, as opposed to
Phytoremediation of Surface Soil
Phytoremediation of the Saturated Zone
-------
reproductive, growth. Based on the types and
concentrations of contaminants, several
growing seasons may be required to meet the
site's remedial goals.
Groundwater Remediation - The use of poplar
trees for the treatment of groundwater relies in
part on the tree's high rate of water use to
create a hydraulic barrier. This technology
requires the establishment of deep roots that
use water from the saturated zone.
Phytokinetics uses deep-rooted, water-loving
trees such as poplars to intercept groundwater
plumes and reduce contaminant levels.
Poplars are often used because they are
phreatophytic; that is, they have the ability to
use water directly from the saturated zone.
A dense double or triple row of rapidly
growing poplars is planted downgradient from
the plume, perpendicular to the direction of
groundwater flow. Special cultivation
practices are use to induce deep root systems.
The trees can create a zone of depression in
the groundwater during the summer months
because of their high rate of water use.
Groundwater contaminants may tend to be
stopped by the zone of depression, becoming
adsorbed to soil particles in the aerobic
rhizosphere of the trees. Reduced
contaminant levels in the downgradient
groundwater plume would result from the
degradative processes described above.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Phytoremediation is used for soils, sediments,
and groundwater containing intermediate
levels of organic contaminants.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1995. The
demonstration will occur at the former
Chevron Terminal #129-0350 site in Ogden,
Utah. A total of 40 hybrid poplar trees were
planted using a deep rooting techniques in
1996 and data were collected through 1999
growing season.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Water removal rates estimated using a water
use multiplier and leaf area index to adjust a
reference evapo-ranspiration rate was 5
gallons per day per tree in 1998 and 113
gallons per day per tree in 1999. Water
removal rates determined using SAP velocity
measurements done in September and October
of 1998 agreed closely with the estimated
values. Although the trees transpired a
volume of water equivalent to a 10-ft
thickness of the saturated zone, water table
elevation data collected in 1999 did not
indicate a depression in the water table.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Steven Rock
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7149
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: rock.steven@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ari Ferro
Phytokinetics, Inc.
1770 North Research Parkway
Suite 110
North Logan, UT 84341-1941
435-750-0985
Fax: 435-750-6296
-------
PINTAIL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Spent Ore Bioremediation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses microbial detoxification
of cyanide in heap leach processes to reduce
cyanide levels in spent ore and process
solutions. The biotreatment populations of
natural soil bacteria are grown to elevated
concentrations, which are applied to spent ore
by drip or spray irrigation. Process solutions
are treated with bacteria concentrates in
continuous or batch applications. This
method may also enhance metal
remineralization, reducing acid rock drainage
and enhancing precious metal recovery to
offset treatment costs.
Biotreatment of cyanide in spent ore and ore
processing solutions begins by identifying
bacteria that will grow in the waste source and
that use the cyanide for normal cell building
reactions. Native isolates are ideally adapted
to the spent ore environment, the available
nutrient pool, and potential toxic components
of the heap environment. The cyanide-
detoxifying bacteria are typically a small
fraction of the overall population of cyanide-
tolerant species.
For this reason, native bacteria isolates are
extracted from the ore and tested for cyanide
detoxification potential as individual species.
Cyanide-leached spent ore
Carbon circuit
(metal stripping)
Any natural detoxification potentials
demonstrated in flask cyanide decomposition
tests are preserved and submitted for
bioaugmentation. Bioaugmentation of the
cyanide detoxification population eliminates
nonworking species of bacteria and enhances
the natural detoxification potential by growth
in waste infusions and chemically defined
media. Pintail Systems, Inc. (PSI) maintains
a bacterial library of some 2,500 strains of
microorganisms and a database of their
characteristics.
The working population of treatment bacteria
is grown in spent ore infusion broths and
process solutions to adapt to field operating
conditions. The cyanide in the spent ore
serves as the primary carbon or nitrogen
source for bacteria nutrition. Other required
trace nutrients are provided in the chemically
defined broths. The bacterial consortium is
then tested on spent ore in a 6-inch-by-l 0-foot
column in the field or in the laboratory. The
column simulates leach pile conditions, so
that detoxification rates, process completion,
and effluent quality can be verified.
Following column tests, a field test may be
conducted to verify column results.
The spent ore is remediated by first setting up
a stage culturing system to establish working
TCN, WAD CN,
metals
Au, Ag
Spent Ore Bioremediation Process
-------
populations of cyanide-degrading bacteria at
the mine site. Bacterial solutions are then
applied directly to the heap using the same
system originally designed to deliver cyanide
solutions to the heap leach pads (see figure on
previous page). Cyanide concentrations and
teachable metals are then measured in heap
leach solutions. This method of cyanide
degradation in spent ore leach pads degrades
cyanide more quickly than methods which
treat only rinse solutions from the pad. In
addition to cyanide degradation, biological
treatment of heap leach pads has also shown
significantbiomineralization and reduction of
teachable metals in heap leachate solutions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The spent ore bioremediation process can be
applied to treat cyanide contamination, spent
ore heaps, waste rock dumps, mine tailings,
and process water from gold and silver mining
operations.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in May 1994. The
field treatability study was conducted, at the
Echo Bay/McCoy Cover mine site near Battle
Mountain, Nevada, between June 11, 1997
and August 26, 1997.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Results from the study are summarized below:
• The average % WAD CN reduction
attributable to the Biocyanide process was
89.3 during the period from July 23 to
August 26. The mean concentration of the
feed over this period was 233 ppm, while
the treated effluent from the bioreactors
was 25 ppm. A control train, used to
detect abiotic loss of cyanide, revealed no
destruction of cyanide (average control
affluent = 242 ppm).
• Metals that were monitored as part of this
study were As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg,
Ni, Se, Ag, andZn. Significant reductions
were noted fro all metals except Fe and
Mn. Average reduction in metals
concentration after July 23 for all other
metals were 92.7% for As 91.6% for Cd,
61.6% for Co, 81,4% for Cu, 95.6% for
Hg, 65.0% for Ni, 76.3% for Se, 94.6%
for Ag, and 94.6% for Zn. Reductions for
As, Cd, Co, and Se are probably greater
than calculated due to non-detect levels in
some effluent samples. A
biomineralization mechanism is proposed
for the removal of metals for solution.
Biomineralization is a process in which
microbes mediate biochemical reactions
forming novel mineral assemblages on
solid matrices.
• The Aqueous Biocyanide Process was
operated fro two and one-half months.
During the first 42 days (June 11 to July
22) system performance was variable, and
occasional downtimes were encountered.
This was due to greatly higher cyanide
and metals concentration in the feed than
was encountered during benchscale and
design phases of the project. Once
optimized for the more concentrated feed,
the system performed well with
continuous operation for 35 days (July 23
to August 26). The ability to "re-
engineer" the system in the field to
accommodate the new waste stream is a
positive attribute of the system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Patrick Clark
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7561
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: clark.patrick@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Leslie Thompson
Pintail Systems, Inc.
4701 Ironton Street
Denver, CO 80239
303-367-8443
Fax:303-364-2120
-------
PSI TECHNOLOGIES,
A DIVISION OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC.
(Metals Immobilization and Decontamination of Aggregate Solids)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
PSI Technologies has developed a technology
for metals immobilization and
decontamination of aggregate solids
(MelDAS) (see figure below). The
technology involves a modified incineration
process in which high temperatures destroy
organic contaminants in soil and concentrate
metals into fly ash. The bulk of the soil ends
up as bottom ash and is rendered
nonleachable. The fly ash is then treated with
a sorbent to immobilize the metals, as
determined by the toxicity characteristic
leaching procedure. The MelDAS process
requires a sorbent fraction of less than 5
percent by soil weight.
Standard air pollution control devices clean
the effluent gas stream. Hydrogen chloride
and sulfur dioxide, which may be formed
from the oxidation of chlorinated organics and
sulfur compounds in the waste, are cleaned by
alkaline scrubbers. Fly ash is captured by a
particulate removal device, such as an electro-
static precipitator or baghouse. The only solid
residues exiting the process are treated soils,
which no longer contain organics and will not
leach toxic metals.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MelDAS process treats organics and
heavy metals in soils, sediments and sludges.
The process has been effective in treating
arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel,
and zinc.
The MelDAS process is applicable to wastes
contaminated with a combination of volatile
metals and complex organic mixtures of low
volatility. Possible MelDAS process
applications include battery waste sites and
urban sites containing lead paint or leaded
gasoline, or chemical or pesticide manu-
facturing facilities contaminated with
organometallics.
(1) PARTICULATE REMOVAL
(2) ACID-GAS SCRUBBER
BURNER
AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
TREATED
SOIL/FLY ASH
DISCHARGE
MelDAS Process
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1991.
Bench-scale testing under the SITE Program
was completed in July 1992. The testing
showed that organic, lead, and arsenic wastes
could be successfully treated with less sorbent
(1 to 10 percent of the soil by weight) than
previously anticipated. Pilot-scale testing
occurred in October 1992 and was completed
in May 1993. The Emerging Technology
Report has been submitted to EPA for review.
Initial testing, conducted under the EPA Small
Business Innovative Research program, has
demonstrated the feasibility of treating wastes
containing arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mark Meckes
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7348
Fax: 513-569-7328
e-mail: mecks.mark@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joseph Morency
PSI Technologies, A Division of
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
978-689-0003
Fax: 978-689-3232
-------
PULSE SCIENCES, INC.
(X-Ray Treatment of Aqueous Solutions)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
X-ray treatment of organically contaminated
aqueous solutions is based on the in-depth
deposition of ionizing radiation. X-rays
collide with matter, generating a shower of
lower energy secondary electrons within the
contaminated waste material. The secondary
electrons ionize and excite the atomic
electrons, break up the complex contaminant
molecules, and form highly reactive radicals.
These radicals react with the volatile organic
compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC) to form nontoxic by-
products such as water, carbon dioxide, and
oxygen.
An efficient, high-power, high-energy, linear
induction accelerator (LIA) plus X-ray
converter generates the X-rays used in the
treatment process. The LIA energy, which
must be small enough to avoid nuclear
activation and as large as possible to increase
the bremsstrahlung conversion efficiency, will
most likely be in the range of 8 to 10 million
electron volts (MeV). A repetitive pulse of
electrons 50 to 100 nanoseconds long is
directed onto a cooled converter of a high
atomic number metal to efficiently generate
X-rays. The X-rays then penetrate the
container and treat the waste materials
contained within.
Based on coupled electron/photon Monte
Carlo transport code calculations, the effective
penetration depth of X-rays produced by
converting 10-MeV electrons is 32
centimeters in water after passing through the
side of a standard 55-gallon drum. Large
contaminant volumes can be easily treated
without absorbing a significant fraction of the
ionizing radiation in the container walls.
Either flowing waste or contaminated waste in
stationary or rotating containers can be
treated. No additives are required for the
process, and in situ treatment is feasible. The
cost of high throughput X-ray processing is
estimated to be competitive with alternative
processes which decompose the contaminants.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
X-ray processing can treat a large number of
organic contaminants in aqueous solutions
(groundwater, liquids, leachates, or
wastewater) without expensive waste
extraction or preparation. The technology has
successfully treated 17 organic contaminants,
listed in the table on the next page. No
hazardous by-products are predicted to form
or have been observed in the experiments.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in May 1991
and was completed in April 1994. A 1.2-
MeV, 800-ampere, 55-nanosecond LIA gave
a dose rate of 5 to 10 rads per second. Twelve
different VOCs and SVOCs found in
Superfund sites were irradiated in 21 aqueous
matrices prepared with a neat solution of the
contaminant in reagent grade water. The
amount of X-ray dose (1 rad = 10"5 Joules per
gram) required to decompose a particular con-
taminant was a function of its chemical bond
structure and its reaction rate with the
hydroxyl radical. When carbonate and
bicarbonate ions (hydroxyl radical
scavengers) were present in contaminated
well water samples, approximately five times
the X-ray dose was required to decompose
contaminants that react strongly with the
hydroxyl radical. The remediation rate of
carbon tetrachloride, which does not react
with hydroxyl radicals, was not affected.
An X-ray dose of 150 kilorads (krad) reduced
the moderate contamination levels in a well
water sample from a Superfund site at
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
(LLNL) to less than those set by the
California Primary Drinking Water Standards.
For a more highly contaminated LLNL well
water sample, experimental data suggested a
500-krad dose was needed to reduce the
contamination levels to drinking water
standards.
-------
In principle, the rate coefficients determined
from the data can be used to estimate the dose
level required to destroy mixtures of multiple
VOC contaminants and OH- radical
scavengers. However, these estimates should
be applied judiciously. Only the
experimentally determined destruction curves,
based on the remediation of test samples of
the actual mixture, can be used with
confidence at the present. The table below
summarizes the X-ray treatment results from
the SITE evaluation.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vicente Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7676
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Vernon Bailey
Pulse Sciences, Inc.
600 McCormick Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-632-5100, ext. 227 Fax: 510-632-5300
e-mail: vbailey@titan.com
CONTAMINANT
TCE
PCE
Chloroform
Methylene Chloride
Trans- 1,2-Dichloroethene
Cis- 1 ,2-Dichloroethene
1,1, 1-Trichloroethane
Carbon Tetrachloride (CC14)
Benzene
Toluene
Ethylbenzene
Xylene
Benzene/CCl4
Ethylbenzene/CCl4
Ortho-xylene/CCl4
TCE
PCE
1, 1-Dichloroethane
1, 1-Dichloroethene
1,1, 1-Trichloroethane
Cis- 1 ,2-Dichloroethene
TCE
PCE
Chloroform
CC14
1,2-Dichloroethane
1, 1-Dichloroethane
Freon
MATRIX
Deionized Water
Contaminated
Well Water
LLNL Well Water
Sample #\
LLNL Well Water
Sample #2
INITIAL
CONCENTRATION
(ppb)*
9,780
10,500
2,000
270
260
13
590
180
240
150
890
240
262/400
1,000/430
221/430
3,400
500
< 10
25
13
14
5,000
490
250
14
38
11
71
FINAL
CONCENTRATION
(ppb)
< 0.1
< 0.1
4.4
3.1
0.78
< 0.5
54
14
< 0.5
< 0.5
3.6
1.2
< 0.5/196
< 0.5/70.9
< 0.5/85
< 0.5
< 0.5
1
< 1
2.0
< 0.5
< 1.0
1.6
81
4
17
6.8
32
CPDWS"
(ppb)
5
5
5
10
6
200
0.5
1
150
680
1,750
1/0.5
680/0.5
1,750/0.5
5
5
5
6
200
6
5
5
0.5
5
5
-
X-RAY DOSE
(krad)
50.3
69.8
178
145.9
10.6
10.6
207.1
224
8.8
4.83
20.4
5.6
39.9/93.8
33.2/185
20.5/171
99.0
99.0
145.4
49.9
145.4
49.9
291
291
291
291
291
291
291
parts per billion
California Primary Drinking Water Standards
Summary of X-ray Treatment Results
-------
PULSE SCIENCES, INC.
(X-Ray Treatment of Organically Contaminated Soils)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
X-ray treatment of organically contaminated
soils is based on in-depth deposition of
ionizing radiation. Energetic photons (X-
rays) collide with matter to generate a shower
of lower- energy, secondary electrons within
the contaminated waste material. These
secondary electrons ionize and excite the
atomic electrons, break up the complex con-
taminant molecules, and form highly reactive
radicals. These radicals react with
contaminants to form nonhazardous products
such as water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.
Other sources of ionizing radiation, such as
ultraviolet radiation or direct electron beam
processing, do not penetrate the treatable
material deeply enough. Ultraviolet radiation
heats only the surface layer, while a 1.5-
million electron volt (MeV) charge penetrates
about 4 millimeters into the soil. X-rays,
however, penetrate up to 20 centimeters,
allowing treatment of thicker samples. In situ
treatment, which reduces material handling
requirements, may also be possible with X-ray
treatment.
An efficient, high-power, high-energy, linear
induction accelerator (LIA) plus X-ray
converter generates the X-rays used in the
treatment process (see figure below). The
LIA energy usually ranges from 8 to 10 MeV.
A repetitive pulse of electrons 50 to 100
nanoseconds long is directed onto a cooled
converter of high atomic number to efficiently
generate X-rays. The X-rays penetrate and
treat the organically contaminated soils.
The physical mechanism by which volatile
organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile
organic compounds (SVOC) are removed
primarily depends on the specific contaminant
present. Because of the moisture in
contaminated soil, sludge, and sediments, the
shower of secondary electrons resulting from
X-ray deposition produces both highly
oxidizing hydroxyl radicals and highly
reducing aqueous electrons. While hazardous
by-products may form during X-ray treatment,
contaminants and by-products, if found, may
be completely converted at sufficiently high
dose levels without undesirable waste
residuals or air pollution.
X-rays can treat contaminated soil on a
conveyor or contained in disposal barrels.
Because X-rays penetrate about 20
Waste
Treatment Conveyor
"VDi
Waste
LIA
1-10 MeV
Electron
Beam
X-Ray
Converter
(fa)
X-rays
X-Ray Treatment Process
-------
centimeters into soil, large soil volumes can
be treated without losing a significant fraction
of the ionizing radiation in standard container
walls. Pulse Sciences, Inc., estimates that the
cost of high throughput X-ray processing is
competitive with alternative processes that
decompose the contaminants.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
X-ray treatment of organically contaminated
soils has the potential to treat large numbers
of contaminants with minimum waste
handling or preparation. Also, X-ray
treatment can be applied in situ. In situ
treatment may be of significant importance in
cases where it is impossible or impractical to
reconfigure the waste volume for the ionizing
radiation range of electrons or ultraviolet
radiation. Treatable organic contaminants
include benzene, toluene, xylene,
trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, carbon
tetrachl oride, chloroform, and poly chlorinated
biphenyls.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1993. A
1.2-MeV, 800-ampere (amp), 50-watt LIA
and a 10.8-MeV, 0.2-amp, 10,000-watt radio
frequency (RF) linac will be used in the
program. The primary objectives are to (1)
demonstrate that X-ray treatment can
reduce VOC and SVOC levels in soils to
acceptable levels, and (2) determine any
hazardous by-product that may be produced.
Samples with identical initial contaminant
concentration levels will be irradiated at
increasing dose levels to determine (1) the
rate (concentration versus dose) at which the
contaminants are being destroyed, and (2) the
X-ray dose required to reduce organic
contamination to acceptable levels. The 10.8-
MeV RF linac, which produces more
penetrating X-rays, should provide
information on the optimum X-ray energy for
the treatment process. Increasing the
accelerator energy allows a more efficient
conversion from electrons to X-rays in the
converter, but an upper limit (about 10 MeV)
restricts the energy treatment, because higher
energy activates the soil. The experimental
database will be used to develop a conceptual
design and cost estimate for a high throughput
X-ray treatment system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
George Moore
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7991
Fax: 513-569-7276
e-mail: moore.george@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Vernon Bailey
Pulse Sciences, Inc.
600 McCormick Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-632-5100 ext. 227
Fax: 510-632-5300
e-mail: Vbailey@titan.com
-------
RECRA ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
(formerly Electro-Pure Systems, Inc.)
(Alternating Current Electrocoagulation Technology)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The alternating current electrocoagulation
(ACE) technology offers an alternative to the
use of metal salts or polymers and
polyelectrolyte addition for breaking stable
emulsions and suspensions. The technology
removes metals, colloidal solids and particles,
and soluble inorganic pollutants from aqueous
media by introducing highly charged
polymeric aluminum hydroxide species.
These species neutralize the electrostatic
charges on suspended solids and oil droplets
to facilitate agglomeration or coagulation and
resultant separation from the aqueous phase.
The treatment prompts the precipitation of
certain metals and salts.
The figure below depicts the basic ACE
process. Electrocoagulation occurs in either
batch mode, allowing recirculation, or
continuous (one-pass) mode in an ACE
fluidizedbed separator. Electrocoagulation is
conducted by passing the aqueous medium
through the treatment cells in upflow mode.
The electrocoagulation cell(s) consist of
nonconductive piping equipped with
rectilinearly shaped, nonconsumable metal
electrodes between which is maintained a
turbulent, fluidized bed of aluminum alloy
pellets.
Application of the alternating current
electrical charge to the electrodes prompts the
dissolution of the fluidized bed and the
formation of the polymeric hydroxide species.
Charge neutralization is initiated within the
electrocoagulation cell(s) and continues
following effluent discharge. Application of
the electrical field prompts electrolysis of the
water medium and generates minute quantities
of hydrogen gas. The coagulated solids will
often become entrained in the gas, causing
their flotation.
Attrition scrubbing of the fluidized bed pellets
within the cell inhibits the buildup of scale or
coating on the aluminum pellets and the face
of the electrodes. Coagulation and
flocculation occur simultaneously within the
ACE cells as the effluent is exposed to the
electric field and the aluminum dissolves from
the fluidized bed.
The working volume of the fluidized bed cell,
excluding external plumbing, is 5 liters. The
ACE systems have few moving parts and can
easily be integrated into a process treatment
train for effluent, pretreatment, or polishing
treatment. The ACE technology has been
designed into water treatment systems which
include membrane separation, reverse
osmosis, electrofiltration, sludge dewatering,
and thermo-oxidation technologies.
System operating conditions depend on the
chemistry of the aqueous medium, particularly
the conductivity and chloride concentration.
Solid
Alternating Current Electrocoagulation (ACE)
-------
Treatment generally requires application of
low voltage (<135 VAC) and operating
currents of less than 20 amperes. The flow
rate of the aqueous medium through the
treatment cell(s) depends on the solution
chemistry, the nature of the entrained
suspension or emulsion, and the treatment
objectives.
Product separation occurs in conventional
gravity separation devices or filtering systems.
Each phase is removed for reuse, recycling,
additional treatment, or disposal.
Current systems are designed to treat waste
streams of between 10 and 100 gallons per
minute (gpm). RECRA Environmental, Inc.,
maintains a bench-scale unit (1 to 3 gpm) at
its Amherst Laboratory for use in conducting
treatability testing.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ACE technology treats aqueous-based
suspensions and emulsions such as
contaminated groundwater, surface water
runoff, landfill and industrial leachate, wash
and rinse waters, and various solutions and
effluents. The suspensions can include solids
such as inorganic and organic pigments, clays,
metallic powders, metal ores, and colloidal
materials. Treatable emulsions include a
variety of solid and liquid contaminants,
including petroleum-based by-products.
The ACE technology has demonstrated
reductions of clay, latex, and various
hydroxide loadings by over 90 percent.
Chemical oxygen demand and total organic
carbon content of spiked slurries have been
reduced by over 80 percent. The technology
has removed heavy metals at between 55 and
99 percent efficiency. Fluoride and phosphate
have been removed at greater than 95 percent
efficiency. The system has been used to
recover fine-grained products which would
otherwise have been discharged.
STATUS:
The ACE technology was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in July
1988. The laboratory-scale testing was
completed in June 1992. The Emerging
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-92/011) and
Emerging Technology Summary
(EPA/540/S-93/504) are available from EPA.
The research results are described in the
Journal of Air and Waste Management,
Volume 43, May 1993, pp. 784-789,
"Alternating Current Electrocoagulation for
Superfund Site Remediation."
Experiments on metals and complex synthetic
slurries have defined major operating
parameters for broad classes of waste streams.
The technology has been modified to
minimize electrical power consumption and
maximize effluent throughput rates.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Bob Havas
RECRA Environmental, Inc.
10 Hazel wood Drive, Suite 110
Amherst, NY 14228-2298
716-636-1550
Fax: 716-691-2617
-------
REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Biofilm Reactor for Chlorinated Gas Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Remediation Technologies, Inc.,
biological treatment technology uses aerobic
cometabolic organisms in fixed-film
biological reactors to treat gases contaminated
with volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Contaminated gases enter the bottom of the 6-
foot-tall reactor column and flow up through
a medium that has a high surface area and
favorable porosity for gas distribution. Both
methanotrophic and phenol-degrading
organisms have been evaluated within the
reactor. The figure below illustrates a
methanotrophic reactor.
In methanotrophic columns, methane and
nutrients are added to grow the organisms
capable of degrading volatile chlorinated
hydrocarbons.
The organisms degrade these compounds into
acids and chlorides that can be subsequently
degraded to carbon dioxide and chloride.
Because of intermediate toxicity and
competitive inhibition, methane-volatile
organic compound (VOC) feeding strategies
are critical to obtain optimum VOC
degradation over the long term.
Methanotrophic bacteria from various soils
were tested to determine potential VOC com-
pound degradation. The optimal culture from
this testing was isolated and transferred to a
bench-scale biofilm reactor, where substrate
degradation rates per unit of biofilm surface
Gas
Effluent A Nutrients
Column Ht = 6'
Dia = 5"
A
Sample
Taps
3' media
Toxic
Methane Material
Humidified
Air
Y
4" gravel
Drain
Methanotrophic Biofilm Reactor
-------
area were determined. Four pilot-scale
biofilm reactors were then established, with
feeding strategies and retention times based
on earlier testing.
The following issues are investigated in the
methanotrophic biofilm reactors:
• Comparison of different media types
• Trichloroethene (TCE) removal across the
columns
• TCE degradation rates
In addition to studies of the methanotrophic
biofilm reactors, a column was seeded with a
filamentous phenol-degrading consortia that
grows well on phenol in a nitrogen-limited
solution. Phenol also induces enzymes
capable of rapid cometabolic degradation of
TCE.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can treat gaseous streams of
volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons. These
waste streams may result from air stripping of
contaminated groundwater or industrial
process streams, or from vacuum extraction
during in situ site remediation.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in summer
1992; the evaluation was completed in 1995.
The Emerging Technology Report, which
details results from the evaluation, is being
prepared.
TCE degradation rates in the pilot-scale
biofilm reactor were well below those
previously measured in laboratory testing or
those reported in the literature for pure
cultures. The phenol-fed column was started
on a celite medium. TCE removal was
superior to that in the methanotrophic
columns, even with sub-optimal biomass
development.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Dick Brenner
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7657
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: brenner.richard@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Hans Stroo
Remediation Technologies, Inc.
300 Sky crest Drive
Ashland, OR 97520
541-482-1404
Fax: 541-552-1299
e-mail: Hstroo@Retec.com
-------
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & RECOVERY
(formerly Bio-Recovery Systems, Inc.)
(AlgaSORB® Biological Sorption)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The AlgaSORB® sorption process uses algae
to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous
solutions. The process takes advantage of the
natural affinity for heavy metal ions exhibited
by algal cell structures.
The photograph below shows a portable
effluent treatment equipment (PETE) unit,
consisting of two columns operating either in
series or in parallel. Each column contains
0.25 cubic foot of AlgaSORB®, the treatment
medium. The PETE unit shown below can
treat waste at a flow rate of approximately 1
gallon per minute (gpm). Larger systems
have been designed and manufactured to treat
waste at flow rates greater than 100 gpm.
The AlgaSORB® medium consists of dead
algal cells immobilized in a silica gel
polymer. This immobilization serves two
purposes: (1) it protects the algal cells from
decomposition by other microorganisms, and
(2) it produces a hard material that can be
packed into columns that, when pressurized,
still exhibit good flow characteristics.
The AlgaSORB® medium functions as a
biological ion-exchange resin to bind both
metallic cations (positively charged ions, such
as mercury [Hg+2]) and metallic oxoanions
(negatively charged, large, complex, oxygen-
containing ions, such as selenate [SeO4"2]).
Anions such as chlorides or sulfates are only
weakly bound or not bound at all. In contrast
to current ion-exchange technology, divalent
cations typical of hard water, such as calcium
(Ca+2) and magnesium (Mg+2), or monovalent
cations, such as sodium (Na+) and potassium
Portable Effluent Treatment Equipment (PETE) Unit
-------
(K+) do not significantly interfere with the
binding of toxic heavy metal ions to the algae-
silica matrix.
Like ion-exchange resins, AlgaSORB® can be
regenerated. After the AlgaSORB® medium
is saturated, the metals are removed from the
algae with acids, bases, or other suitable
reagents. This regeneration process generates
a small volume of solution containing highly
concentrated metals. This solution must
undergo treatment prior to disposal.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology can remove heavy metal ions
from groundwater or surface leachates that are
"hard" or that contain high levels of dissolved
solids. The process can also treat rinse waters
from electroplating, metal finishing, and
printed circuit board manufacturing
operations. Metals removed by the
technology include aluminum, cadmium,
chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, lead,
manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel,
platinum, selenium, silver, uranium,
vanadium, and zinc.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the
Emerging Technology Program in 1988; the
evaluation was completed in 1990. Under the
Emerging Technology Program, the
AlgaSORB® sorption process was tested on
mercury-contaminated groundwater at a
hazardous waste site in Oakland, California.
Testing was designed to determine optimum
flow rates, binding capacities, and the
efficiency of stripping agents. The Emerging
Technology Report (EPA/540/5-90/005a&b),
Emerging Technology Summary (EPA/540/
S5-90/005), and Emerging Technology
Bulletin (EPA/540/F-92/003) are available
from EPA. An article was also published in
the Journal of Air and Waste Management,
Volume 41, No. 10, October 1991.
Based on results from the Emerging
Technology Program, Resource Management
& Recovery was invited to participate in the
SITE Demonstration Program.
The process is being commercialized for
groundwater treatment and industrial point
source treatment.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Michael Hosea
Resource Management & Recovery
4980 Baylor Canyon Road
LasCruces, NM 88011
505-382-9228
Fax: 505-382-9228
-------
ROY F. WESTON, INC.
(Ambersorb® 563 Adsorbent)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent is a regenerable
adsorbent that treats groundwater con-
taminated with hazardous organics (see figure
below). Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent has 5 to
10 times the capacity of granular activated
carbon (GAC) for low concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Current GAC adsorption techniques require
either disposal or thermal regeneration of the
spent carbon. In these cases, the GAC must
be removed from the site and shipped as a
hazardous material to the disposal or
regeneration facility.
Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent has unique
properties that provide the following benefits:
• Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent can be
regenerated on site using steam, thus
eliminating the liability and cost of off-
site regeneration or disposal associated
with GAC treatment. Condensed
contaminants are recovered through phase
separation.
• Because Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent has a
much higher capacity than GAC for
volatile organics (at low concentrations),
the process can operate for significantly
longer service cycle times before
regeneration is required.
STEAM SUPPLY
REGENERATION
CYCLE)
TREATED WATER
AMBERSORB
• ADSORBENT
COLUMS
FILTER
CONDENSER
CONCENTRATED
ORGANIC PHASE
CONTAMINATED
GROUNDWATER
Ambersorb® 563 Adsorbent
-------
• Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent can operate at
higher flow rate loadings than GAC,
which translates into a smaller, more
compact system.
• Ambersorb® 563 adsorbents are hard,
nondusting, spherical beads with excellent
physical integrity, eliminating handling
problems and attrition losses typically
associated with GAC.
• Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent is not prone to
bacterial fouling.
• Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent has extremely
low ash levels.
In addition, the Ambersorb® 563
carbonaceous adsorbent-based remediation
process can eliminate the need to dispose of
by-products. Organics can be recovered in a
form potentially suitable for immediate reuse.
For example, removed organics could be
burned for energy in a power plant.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Ambersorb 563 adsorbent is applicable to any
water stream containing contaminants that can
be treated with GAC, such as
1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1 -trichloroethane,
tetrachloroethene, vinyl chloride, xylene,
toluene, and other VOCs.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in 1993. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
95/500), the Emerging Technology Summary
(EPA/540/SR-95/516), and the Emerging
Technology Report (EPA/540/R-95/516) are
available from EPA.
The Ambersorb® 563 technology evaluation
was conducted at the former Pease Air Force
Base in Newington, New Hampshire. The
groundwater
contained vinyl chloride, 1,1-dichloroethene,
and trichloroethene. The field study was
conducted over a 12-week period. The tests
included four service cycles and three steam
regenerations. The effluent from the
Ambersorb® adsorbent system consistently
met drinking water standards. On-site steam
regeneration demonstrated that the adsorption
capacity of the Ambersorb® system remained
essentially unchanged following regeneration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Joe Martino
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
1 Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380-1499
610-701-6174
Fax:610-701-5129
Barbara Kinch
Rohm and Haas Company
5000 Richmond Street
Philadelphia, PA 19137
215-537-4060
Fax: 215-943-9467
Note: Ambersorb® is a registered trademark
of Rohm and Haas Company.
-------
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT OSWEGO,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER
(Electrochemical Peroxidation of PCB-Contaminated Sediments
and Waters)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Environmental Research Center at the
State University of New York at Oswego
(SUNY) has developed an electrochemical
peroxidation process widely applicable for the
treatment of liquid wastes and slurries with
low solids content. The process treats mixed
waste by using (1) oxidative free radicals to
attack organic contaminants, and (2)
adsorptive removal of metals from liquid
waste streams. Initial testing indicates
destructive efficiencies greater than 99
percent for a variety of compounds including
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), volatile
organic compounds, benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, xylene, MTBE, organic dyes,
and microbes.
The process involves combining Fenton's
reagent with a small electrical current. In a
batch treatment process, steel electrodes are
submersed into the waste to be treated; solid
particles are suspended by mechanical mixing
or stirring. Hydrogen peroxide and iron are
introduced from the electrodes as a low direct
current is applied.
The iron and hydrogen peroxide
instantaneously react to form free radicals,
which oxidize organic contaminants. Free
radicals are also produced by the reaction of
the peroxide with solvated electrons. The
process can be significantly enhanced by pH
adjustment, periodic current reversal, and use
of proprietary enhancements.
Metals readily adsorb to the iron hydroxide
by-product, and the metals can then be
separated by precipitation or flocculation.
The volume of by-products may be reduced
and the metals may be removed by solids
separation. In specific applications, select
metals may be plated onto electrodes and
recovered.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process is capable of treating liquids and
slurries containing a variety of contaminants,
Contaminated Liquids,
Solids, Slurries (1)
DC Current (2a)
Mixing
Containment
Vessel (2)
Acid (3)
Co-solvent (4)
Zero Valent Iron (5)
Ferrous Iron (6)
Hydrogen Peroxide (7)
Liquid/Solid
Separation (8)
Iron
Hydroxide (9)
Metal
Hydroxides (11)
Solids (10)
Water (12)
Discharge
Pilot-Scale Electrochemical Peroxidation System
-------
including oxidizable organic compounds and
metals. The process may be applied to
industrial process wastes (textiles, pulp and
paper, food industry), landfill leachates,
gasoline- or solvent-contaminated
groundwater, pesticide rinsates, or other liquid
wastes.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in November
1993 to evaluate photochemical methods of
destroying PCBs in water and sediment. The
evaluation was complete in 1995.
During research related to the initial SITE
evaluation, which focused on photocatalytic
processes, a new technology (electrochemical
peroxidation) was discovered.
Electrochemical peroxidation has distinct
advantages over photochemical processes,
and its development was pursued. A pilot-
scale continuous flow treatment system has
been constructed with a local remediation firm
and was tested at a gasoline-contaminated
groundwater site in winter of 1998/99. In situ
application of the process were conducted at
a gasoline spill site during spring, 1999. The
process was used to reduce chlorinated
solvents (TCE, DCE, PCE) and petroleum
hydrocarbons in contaminated groundwater at
a large Air Force Base in 1998.
Since completing the SITE project, they have
developed and are in the process of patenting
a peroxide release system that can be
deployed at remote sites to address
chlorinated and non-chlorinated organic
compounds in situ as well as add oxygen to
the groundwater to affect aerobic degradation.
This process uses a battery operated pump to
inject H2O2 into the groundwater to deliver a
peroxide solution that readily changes a plume
to an aerobic state at a fraction of the cost of
other oxygen release compounds. A pilot
scale demonstration conducted at a Saratoga
Springs site in New York on about 3,000,000
gallons of BTEX and MTBE contaminated
groundwater reduced the contaminant
concentrations to below detect within 6
months and increased the dissolved oxygen
concentration from <0.5 to >9.0.
Because H2O2 is >90% oxygen, the relative
cost of the increased dissolved oxygen is
about 1/3 that of commercially available
oxygen release compounds. Additionally, in
well inserts are now available to be used in
existing 2.6" monitoring and/or recovery
wells to slowly, gravity or pump release a
peroxide solution to the groundwater to affect
inn situ Fenton's Reagent Reactions and alter
the redox of the impacted groundwater. These
products are currently available through EB SI,
a New Jersey based remediation firm.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Randy Parker
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7271
Fax: 513-569-7571
e-mail: parker.randy@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Ronald Scrudato
Jeffrey Chiarenzelli
Environmental Research Center
319PiezHall
State University of New York at Oswego
Oswego,NY 13126
315-341-3639
Fax:315-341-5346
e-mail: scrudato@Oswego.EDU
-------
THERMATRIX, INC.
(formerly PURUS, INC.)
(Photolytic Oxidation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The photolytic oxidation process indirectly
destroys volatile organic compounds (VOC)
in soil and groundwater. The process uses a
xenon pulsed-plasma flash-lamp that emits
short wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light at very
high intensities. The process strips the
contaminants into the vapor phase, and the
UV treatment converts the VOCs into less
hazardous compounds.
Photolysis occurs when contaminants absorb
sufficient UV light energy, transforming
electrons to higher energy states and breaking
molecular bonds (see figure below).
Hydroxyl radicals, however, are not formed.
The process requires the UV light source to
emit wavelengths in the regions absorbed by
the contaminant. An innovative feature of this
technology is its ability to shift the UV
spectral output to optimize the photolysis.
The process uses vacuum extraction or air
stripping to volatilize VOCs from soils or
groundwater, respectively. VOCs then enter
the photolysis reactor, where a xenon
flashlamp generates UV light. The plasma is
produced by pulse discharge of electrical
energy across two electrodes in the lamp.
Ninety-nine percent destruction occurs within
seconds, allowing continuous operation.
Because organics are destroyed in the vapor
phase, the process uses less energy than a
system treating dissolved organics.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The photolytic oxidation process is designed
to destroy VOCs, including dichloroethene
(DCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE),
trichloroethene (TCE), and vinyl chloride
volatilized from soil or groundwater.
Destruction of other VOCs, such as benzene,
carbon tetrachloride, and 1,1,1-trichloro-
ethane, is under investigation.
STATUS:
The photolytic oxidation process was
accepted into the SITE Emerging Technology
Program in March 1991. Field testing of a
full-scale prototype began in October 1991.
The test was conducted at the Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory Superfund site
in California. The site contains soil zones
highly contaminated with TCE.
During the field test, a vacuum extraction
system delivered contaminated air to the unit
at air flows up to 500 cubic feet per minute
(cfm). Initial TCE concentrations in the air
were approximately 250 parts per million by
volume. The contaminant removal goal for
the treatment was 99 percent. Vapor-phase
carbon filters were placed downstream of the
unit to satisfy California Air Quality emission
control requirements during the field test.
Test results are discussed below. The Final
Report (EPA/540/R-93/516), the Summary
Cl
V-r/
.Cl
c=c
Cl/
\
H
TCE
UV
CO,+ HCI
UV Photolysis of TCE
-------
Report (EPA/540/SR-93/516), and the
Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-93/501)
have been published.
The low-wavelength UV emissions allowed
direct photolysis of many VOCs, particularly
chlorinated compounds and freons, that would
not have been possible with commercial
mercury vapor lamps. TCE, PCE, and DCE
were quickly destroyed. To be rapidly
photolyzed, some VOCs require
photosensitization or an even lower-
wavelength light source.
TCE results are shown in the table below.
TCE removal yielded undesirable inter-
mediates. Greater than 85 percent of the TCE
chain photo-oxidation product is
dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC). Further
oxidation of DCAC is about 100 times slower
than TCE photolysis and forms
dichlorocarbonyl (DCC) at about 20 percent
yield. At this treatment level, the DCC
concentration may be excessive, requiring
additional treatment.
Further studies should focus on (1) the
effectiveness of dry or wet scrubbers for
removing acidic photo-oxidation products, (2)
development of thermal or other methods for
posttreatment of products such as DCAC, and
(3) the use of shorter-wavelength UV lamps
or catalysts to treat a broader range of VOCs.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7665
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: lewis.norma@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ed Greene
Thermatrix, Inc.
101 Metro Drive, Suite 248
San Jose, CA 95110
865-593-4606 ext. 3206
Fax: 865-691-7903
-------
TRINITY ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(PCB- and Organochlorine-Contaminated Soil Detoxification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology uses an aprotic solvent, other
reagents, and heat to dehalogenate
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in solids to
inert biphenyl and chloride salts (see figure
below). First, solid material is sized to allow
better contact between the reagents and PCBs.
In a continuous flow reactor, the soils are
heated to drive off excess water. Reagents are
then added to destroy the PCBs.
The reagent, consisting of a solvent and an
inorganic alkali material, completely strips
chlorine from the PCB molecule. Excess
alkali can be easily neutralized and is reusable
in the process. Treated soil can be returned to
the excavation once analytical results show
that PCBs have been destroyed.
Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy
analyses of processed PCB materials show
that the process produces no toxic or
hazardous products.
A chlorine balance confirms that PCBs are
completely dehalogenated. To further
confirm chemical dehalogenation, inorganic
and total organic chloride analyses are also
used. The average total chloride recovery for
treated soils is greater than 90 percent.
The commercial process is expected to be less
costly than incineration but more expensive
than land disposal. Since no stack emissions
are produced, permitting the process for a
remediation would be easier than incineration.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process can treat many different solid and
sludge-type materials contaminated with PCB
Aroclor mixtures, specific PCB congeners,
pentachlorophenol, and individual chlorinated
dioxin isomers. However, other chlorinated
hydrocarbons such as pesticides, herbicides,
and polychlorinated dibenzofurans could also
be treated by this technology.
PCB
Contaminated
Soil
1
Soil Particle
Sizing
1
Particle
Screening
i
k
Alkali
Reagent
1
Soil Heated
to Remove
Moisture
1
PCBs
Removed
From Water
1
PCB Solids
into Process
Aprotic
1
Heat
Maintained
to Promote
Dehalogenation
Reaction
>.
Solvent Purified
to Remove
Any Soil Fines
T
Solvent Excess Alkali
Recovered from in Non-PCB Soil
Non-PCB Soil __> is Neutralized
Water Acidified Water
Acidified > Added to Soil
* k
Acid
PCB Soil Detoxification Process
-------
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1990.
The current system was developed by
researchers in early 1991, after the original
aqueous, caustic-based system proved
ineffective at destroying PCBs.
The SITE project was completed in 1992.
Trinity is investigating further improvements
to the technology. Due to cost limitations, no
commercialization of the investigated process
is expected. A final report will not be
published.
In bench-scale studies, synthetically
contaminated materials have been processed
to eliminate uncertainties in initial PCB
concentration. This chemical process has
reduced PCB concentrations from 2,000 parts
per million (ppm) to less than 2 ppm in about
30 minutes using moderate power input.
Further laboratory experiments are underway
to determine the reaction mechanism and to
enhance PCB destruction. Through additional
experimentation, Trinity Environmental
Technologies, Inc., expects to reduce
processing time through better temperature
control, more efficient mixing, and possibly
more aggressive reagents.
A modular pilot-scale processor has been
planned that uses several heating zones to pre-
heat and dry the contaminated soil, followed
by PCB destruction. The pilot process would
be capable of processing 1 ton per hour initial-
ly. Additional modules could be added to in-
crease process capacity, as needed.
Contaminated soils from actual sites will be
used to test the pilot-scale processor instead of
the synthetically contaminated soils used in
bench-scale testing.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Paul dePercin
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: depercin.paul@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Duane Koszalka
Trinity Environmental Technologies, Inc.
62 East First Street
Mound Valley, KS 67354
316-328-3222
Fax:316-328-2033
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UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY
(formerly AEA Technology Environment)
(Soil Separation and Washing Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
AEA Technology Environment (AEA) has
developed an ex situ soil separation and
washing process that uses mineral processing
technology and hardware. The process can be
used (1) as a volume reduction process to
release clean soil fractions and concentrate
contaminants, or (2) as a pretreatment stage in
a treatment train.
Because each contaminated soil is different,
AEA has developed a custom physical
treatment process for soil using a three-stage
process: laboratory-scale characterization,
separation testing and assessment, and
treatment and data analysis.
AEA is experienced in conducting pilot plant
testing programs on contaminated soil and
mineral ores. In addition, AEA uses computer
software designed to reconcile material flow
data. The results of data processing lead to
recommendations for full-scale continuous
flow sheets with predicted flows of solids,
associated contaminant species, and water.
Contaminant levels and distributions to the
various products can also be estimated. Such
data are required to estimate the cost and
potential success of the full-scale remediation
process plant. Flow sheet configuration is
flexible and can be customized to address the
nature and contamination of each soil or
waste. A typical schematic flow sheet of the
process is shown in the diagram on the
10-50mm
Oversize
1-10mm
(Batched for
Jigging)
Slimes for
Flocculation
and Sedimentation
Magnetics
Contaminant
Concentrate
High Pressure Water
Feed Soil
I I 50mm Screening
> 50mm Debris
Contaminant
Concentrate
1 Alternative option is to use spiral separator.
2 Alternative option is to use multi-gravity separator.
> 0.5mm
Contaminated
Product
< 0.5mm
Generalized Flowsheet for the Physical Treatment of Contaminated Soil
-------
previous page. The flow sheet involves
screening the raw feed at 50 millimeters (mm)
under powerful water jets to deagglomerate
the mass. Debris greater than 50 mm in size
is often decontaminated. Remaining solids
and the water are passed through a drum
scrubber that deagglomerates the mass further
because agitation is more intense. It breaks
down clay lumps and adhering material into
suspension, except for surface coatings of clay
and oil on fine particles. The drum scrubber
discharge is screened at 1 mm, and the
oversize discharge is screened at 10 mm. The
10 to 50 mm size range is often clean debris;
if it is not clean then it can be crushed and
refed to the system. Material from 1 to 10
mm is often contaminated and requires further
treatment.
For all material less than 1 mm, the clay and
water are removed by hydrocycloning. The
fine product, less than 10 micrometers (m), is
flocculated and thickened to recover the
process water for recycling. Thickened clay
product, usually containing concentrated
contaminants, passes to further treatment or
disposal. Sands from the hydrocycloning step
are further dewatered in a classifier before the
third and most intense deagglomeration
operation.
An attrition scrubber removes the remaining
surface contamination and degrades fine
clayballs. Having completed
deagglomeration, the soil is fractionated by
particle size or separated by specific gravity.
A second stream of particles less than 10 mm
is removed by hydrocycloning and joins the
primary product stream. Finer sands and silt
are screened at 500 mm to yield a
contaminated sand for disposal or retreatment.
A 10 to 500 mm fraction can be separated
magnetically, by flotation, by multigravity
separation, or by a combination of these
methods. These stages produce a contaminant
concentrate, leaving the remaining material
relatively contaminant free.
The soil separation and washing process is
designed to remove metals, petroleum
hydrocarbons, and polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons from soil. The process may be
applied to soils from gas and coke works,
petrochemical plants, coal mines, iron and
steel works, foundries, and nonferrous
smelting, refining, and finishing sites. The
process can also treat sediments, dredgings,
sludges, mine tailings, and some industrial
wastes.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1991
and completed in 1994. A Final Report was
delivered to the U.S. EPA in 1994, and work
done with this technology was presented the
same year at the 87th Annual Meeting and
Exhibition of the Air and Waste Management
Association, the 20th Annual RREL Hazardous
Waste Research Symposium, and the 5th
Forum on Innovative Hazardous Waste
Treatment Technologies: Domestic and
International. Pilot trials were conducted on
30 tons of soil at a throughput rate of 0.5 ton
per hour. Several test runs were performed to
evaluate different flow sheet configurations.
Reports on this technology can be obtained
from the U.S. EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Mary Stinson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
MS-104, Building 10
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
723-321-6683
Fax: 723-321-6640
e-mail: stinson.mary@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Mike Pearl
UKAEA
Marshall Building
521 Downsway
Harwell, Didcot
Oxfordshire OX11ORA England
Telephone No.: 011-44-1235-435-377
Fax:011-44-1235-436-930
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UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Photothermal Detoxification Unit)
Photolytic reactions (reactions induced by
exposure to ultraviolet [UV] light) can destroy
certain hazardous organic wastes at relatively
low temperatures. However, most
photochemical processes offer relatively
limited throughput rates and cannot
completely mineralize the targeted wastes.
For aqueous waste streams, these problems
have been partially addressed by using
indirect photochemical reactions involving a
highly reactive photolytic initiator such as
hydrogen peroxide or heterogeneous catalysts.
Recently, the University of Dayton Research
Institute (UDRI) developed a photolytic
detoxification process to treat the gas waste
streams. This process is clean and efficient
and offers the speed and general applicability
of a combustion process.
The photothermal detoxification unit (PDU)
uses photothermal reactions conducted at
temperatures higher than those used in
conventional photochemical processes (200 to
500°C versus 20°C), but lower than
combustion temperatures (typically greater
than 1,000°C). At these elevated
temperatures, photothermal reactions are
energetic enough to destroy many wastes
quickly and efficiently without producing
complex and potentially hazardous by-
products.
The PDU is a relatively simple device,
consisting of an insulated reactor vessel
illuminated with high-intensity UV lamps. As
shown in the figure below, the lamps are
mounted externally for easy maintenance and
inspection. Site remediation technologies that
generate high-temperature gas streams, such
as thermal desorption or in situ steam
stripping, can incorporate the PDU with only
slight equipment modifications. The PDU can
be equipped with a pre-heater for use with soil
vapor extraction (SVE). Furthermore, the
PDU can be equipped with conventional air
pollution control devices for removal of acids
and suspended particulates from the treated
process stream. The PDU shown in the figure
below is also equipped with built-in sampling
ports for monitoring and quality assurance and
quality control.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
According to UDRI, the PDU has proven
extremely effective at destroying the vapors of
polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins, polychlorinated
dibenzofurans, aromatic and aliphatic ketones,
and aromatic and aliphatic chlorinated
solvents, as well as brominated and nitrous
wastes found in soil, sludges, and aqueous
streams. The PDU can be incorporated with
Thermally Insulated
Reactor Vessel
Mounting
Flange
^ C±r*r* Tnlcat
Gas Inlet
Sampling Ports (4)
External UV Lamp
Assemblies (3)
Support/Transportation
Pallet
Exhaust
Sampling Ports (4)
Photothermal Detoxification Unit (PDU)
-------
most existing and proposed remediation
processes for clean, efficient, on-site
destruction of the off-gases. More
specifically, high-temperature processes can
directly incorporate the PDU; SVE can use
the PDU fitted with a preheater; and
groundwater remediation processes can use
the PDU in conjunction with air stripping.
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the
Emerging Technology Program in August
1992, and development work began in
December 1992. The evaluation was
completed in 1994. The Emerging
Technology Report (EPA/540/R-95/526), the
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
95/505) and the Emerging Technology
Summary (EPA/540/SR-95/526) are available
from EPA. An article was also published in
the Journal of Air and Waste Management,
Volume 15, No. 2, 1995.
Emerging Technology Program data indicate
that the technology performs as expected for
chlorinated aromatic wastes, such as
dichlorobenzene and tetrachloro-
dibenzodioxin, and better than expected for
relatively light chlorinated solvents, such as
trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene.
Further tests with selected mixtures, including
benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, xylene, TCE,
dichlorobenzene, and water vapor, show that
the process is effective at treating wastes
typically found at many remediation sites.
Adequate scaling and performance data are
now available to proceed with the design and
development of prototype full-scale units for
field testing and evaluation.
Through prior programs with the U.S.
Department of Energy, technology
effectiveness has been thoroughly investigated
using relatively long wavelength UV light
(concentrated sunlight with wavelengths
greater than 300 nanometers). Limited data
have also been generated at shorter
wavelengths (higher energy) using available
industrial UV illumination systems.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Annette Gatchett
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7955
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gatchett.annett@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
John Graham
Environmental Sciences and
Engineering Group
University of Dayton Research Institute
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-0132
937-229-2846
Fax: 937-229-2503
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UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
(Concentrated Chloride Extraction and Recovery of Lead)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology recovers lead from soils
using an aqueous solvent extraction process
that takes advantage of the high solubility of
chlorocomplexes of lead. The extract solution
contains greater than 4 molar sodium chloride
and operates at a pH of 4. The figure below
depicts a bench-scale model of the three-stage
continuous countercurrent pilot plant used to
study the process.
To operate the pilot plant, soil is sieved to
remove particles greater than 1.12
millimeters in diameter. The soil is then
placed in the first chloride extraction tank
(M1) for extract on with concentrated chl ori de
solution. The resulting soil and solvent slurry
passes into a thickener (SI). The soil and
solvent slurry has an average residence time
of 1 hour in each extraction tank in the
system.
The bottoms of the thickener flow by gravity
to the second chloride extraction tank (M2).
The solution exiting the second chloride
extraction tank flows to the second thickener
(S2). The bottoms of the second thickener
feed the third stage.
The third stage is the last soil stage and the
first solvent stage; fresh solvent enters the
system at stage three. The bottoms of the
third thickener (S3) flow by gravity into the
soil rinse system (VF1) to remove excess salt.
Soil rinsed in VF1 is clean product soil. The
overflows from S3 pass to M2, the overflows
from S2 pass to the Ml, and the overflows
from SI pass to the lead precipitation system
(M4/S4). In M4/S4, lead hydroxide
[(Pb(OH)2] is recovered by simply raising the
pH of the spent extraction solution to 10.
After Pb(OH)2 removal, the spent chloride
solution flows to the solvent makeup unit (T1)
where it is acidified to pH 4 in preparation for
Vacuum tffl VF2
|— Dl Rinse Water
Treated soil
Vacuum =ffl VF1
Concentrated Chloride Extraction and Recovery
of Lead (Bench-Scale Process)
-------
reuse.
This technology produces (1) treated soil,
suitable for replacement on site, and (2)
Pb(OH)2 that may be suitable for reprocessing
to recover pure lead. The ease of solvent
regeneration minimizes waste disposal.
Solvent recycling is very successful, and
pilot-plant tests have required little or no salt
or water makeup.
The pilot plant has treated soil from two lead
battery waste sites (LEWS). One LEWS soil
contained a high percentage of fines (about 50
percent clay and silt), and the other contained
a low percentage of fines (less than 20
percent clay and silt). The pilot plant's
method of transferring soil by gravity eases
much of the soil handling problems typical of
high clay soils. After treatment, both soils
easily passed the Toxicity Characteristic
Leaching Procedure test. The total lead
concentration in the high fines and low fines
soil was reduced from 7 percent to about 0.15
percent and from 1.5 percent to 0.07 percent,
respectively.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes high concentrations
of lead from soil, particularly at LEWS, while
producing a treated soil that can be used as
backfill and a recyclable, concentrated lead
salt.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in September
1994. Batch extraction testing was completed
in 1995. Treatability tests using the pilot
plant to process high and low fines soils were
completed in August 1996. The high fines
soil came from a LEWS located in Houston,
Texas, and the low fines soil came from the
Sapp Battery National Priority List site in
Florida. Future plans include expanding the
applications of the technology by studying its
effect on other wastes in soils. The
technology evaluation was scheduled to be
completed by August 1998.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Terry Lyons
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7589
e-mail: lyons.terry@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Dennis Clifford
Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering
University of Houston
4800 Calhoun Street
Houston, TX 77204-4791
713-743-4266
Fax: 713-743-4260
e-mail: DAClifford(S)uh.edu
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
(In Situ Mitigation of Acid Water)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The in situ acid water mitigation process
addresses the acid drainage problem
associated with exposed sulfide-bearing
minerals from sources including mine waste
rock and abandoned metallic mines. Acid
drainage forms under natural conditions when
iron disulfides are exposed to the atmosphere
and water, spontaneously oxidizing them to
produce a complex of highly soluble iron
sulfates and salts. These salts hydrolyze to
produce an acid-, iron-, and sulfate-enriched
drainage that adversely affects the
environment.
The in situ mitigation strategy modifies the
hydrology and geochemical conditions of the
site through land surface reconstruction and
selective placement of limestone.
Limestone is used as the alkaline source
material because it has long-term availability,
is generally inexpensive, and is safe to handle.
For the chemical balances to be effective, the
site must receive enough rainfall to produce
seeps or drainages that continually contact the
limestone. Rainfall, therefore, helps to
remediate the site, rather than increasing the
acid drainage.
During mine construction, lysimeters and
limestone chimneys are installed to collect
surface runoff and funnel it into the waste
rock dump. Acidic material is capped with
impermeable material to divert water from the
acid cores. This design causes the net acid
load to be lower than the alkaline load,
resulting in benign, nonacid drainage.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The technology mitigates acid drainage from
abandoned waste dumps and mines. It can be
applied to any site in a humid area where
limestone is available.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
r
Overview of Site Lysimeters
-------
Emerging Technology Program in March
1990. Studies under the Emerging
Technology Program are complete. A peer-
reviewed j ournal article has been prepared and
submitted.
For the SITE evaluation, six large-scale
lysimeters (12 feet wide, 8 feet high, and 16
feet deep) were constructed and lined with
20-mil polyvinyl chloride plastic (see
photograph on previous page). The lysimeters
drained through an outlet pipe into 55-gallon
collection barrels. Piezometers in the
lysimeter floor monitored the hydrology and
chemistry of the completed lysimeter. During
June 1991, 50 tons of acid-producing mine
waste rock was packed into each lysimeter.
The effluent from each lysimeter was
monitored for 1 year to establish a quality
baseline. In the second phase of the study,
selected lysimeters were topically treated,
maintaining two lysimeters as controls to
compare the efficacy of the acid abatement
strategy. In addition, a rain gauge was
installed at the site for mass balance
measurements. An ancillary study correlating
laboratory and field results is complete.
In the last phase of the 3-year study, little if
any leachate was collected due to drought
conditions in the southeast U.S. With the
return of normal rainfall, sufficient leachate
was collected to compare the treated
lysimeters against the controls to evaluate the
treatment's effectiveness. The treated
lysimeters, in general, showed a 20 to 25
percent reduction in acid formation. The
acidities measured about 10,000 milligrams
per liter (mg/L) for the untreated lysimeters,
while acidities from the treated lysimeters
measured about 7,000 mg/L. This study was
conducted on a very high acid-producing
waste rock, representing a near worst-case
situation. The process should be more
successful on milder acid sources.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Roger Wilmoth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7509
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: wilmoth.roger@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Gwen Geidel
Department of Environmental Sciences
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-5340
Fax: 803-777-4512
E-mail: Geidel@environ.sc.edu
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UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
(Adsorptive Filtration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Adsorptive filtration removes inorganic
contaminants (metals) from aqueous waste
streams. An adsorbent ferrihydrite is applied
to the surface of an inert substrate such as
sand, which is then placed in one of three
vertical columns (see figure below). The
contaminated waste stream is adjusted to a pH
of 9 to 10 and passed through the column.
The iron-coated sand grains in the column act
simultaneously as a filter and adsorbent.
When the column's filtration capacity is
reached (indicated by particulate breakthrough
or column blockage), the column is
backwashed. When the adsorptive capacity of
the column is reached (indicated by break-
through of soluble metals), the metals are
removed and concentrated for subsequent
recovery with a pH-induced desorption
process.
Sand can be coated by ferrihydrite formed
when either iron nitrate or iron chloride salts
react with sodium hydroxide. The resulting
ferrihydrite-coated sand is insoluble at a pH
greater than 1; thus, acidic solutions can be
used in the regeneration step to ensure
complete metal recovery. The system does
not appear to lose treatment efficiency after
numerous regeneration cycles. Anionic
metals such as arsenate, chromate, and
selenite can be removed from the solution by
treating it at a pH near 4 and regenerating it at
a high pH. The system has an empty bed
retention time of 2 to 5 minutes.
This technology offers several advantages
over conventional treatment technologies.
These advantages are its ability to (1) remove
both dissolved and suspended metals from the
waste stream, (2) remove a variety of metal
complexes, (3) work in the presence of high
concentrations of background ions, and
(4) remove anionic metals.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This adsorptive filtration process removes
inorganic contaminants, consisting mainly of
metals, from aqueous waste streams. It can be
applied to aqueous waste streams with a wide
range of contaminant concentrations and pH
values.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in January
1988; the evaluation was completed in 1992.
The Emerging Technology Report
(EPA/540/R-93/515), Emerging Technology
Summary (EPA/540/SR-93/515), and
Emerging Technology Bulletin (EPA/540/F-
92/008) are available from EPA.
During the SITE evaluation, synthetic
solutions containing cadmium, copper, or lead
at concentrations of 0.5 part per million (ppm)
were treated in packed columns using
2-minute retention times. After
approximately 5,000 bed volumes were
treated, effluent concentrations were about
0.025 ppm for each metal, or a 95 percent
removal efficiency. The tests were stopped,
although the metals were still being removed.
In other experiments, the media were used to
adsorb copper from wastewater containing
about 7,000 milligrams per liter (mg/L)
copper.
The first batch of regenerant solutions
contained cadmium and lead at concentrations
of about 500 ppm. With initial concentrations
of 0.5 ppm, this represents a concentration
factor of about 1,000 to 1. Data for the copper
removal test have not been analyzed. At a
flow rate yielding a 2-minute retention time,
the test would have taken about 7 days of
continuous flow operation to treat 5,000 bed
volumes. Regeneration took about 2 hours.
The system has also been tested for treatment
of rinse waters from a copper-etching process
at a printed circuit board shop. The coated
sand was effective in removing mixtures of
soluble, complexed, and parti culate copper, as
well as zinc and lead, from these waters.
When two columns were used in series, the
treatment system was able to handle
-------
fluctuations in influent copper concentration
from less than 10 mg/L up to several hundred
mg/L.
Groundwater from Western Processing, a
Superfund site near Seattle, Washington, was
treated to remove both soluble and particulate
zinc.
Recent tests have shown that the technology
can be used to remove heavy metals
selectively from waste solutions that contain
orders of magnitude of higher concentrations
of Al, and that it can be used to remove Sr
from highly alkaline wastewater (pH>14, for
example, alkaline nuclear wastes).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Norma Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7665
Fax: 513-569-7787
e-mail: lewis.norma@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mark Benjamin
University of Washington
Department of Civil Engineering
P.O. Box 352700
Seattle, WA 98195-2700
206-543-7645
Fax: 206-685-9185
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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
(Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation and Removal)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-
Madison) is developing a photocatalytic
technology that uses titanium dioxide (TiO2)
suspensions to coat various supporting
materials used in treatment applications. For
this application, the suspensions are used to
coat a conductive metallic or carbon mesh.
Coating the mesh with a suitable thickness of
TiO2 catalyst provides the basis for a
photoreactor that uses most of the available
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An electrical field
can also be applied across the catalyst to
improve its performance.
The figure below shows a possible
photoreactor design that uses a ceramic film.
In this design, the TiO2 coating on the porous
metal acts as a photoanode. An electric
potential can then be placed across the coating
to direct the flow of electrons to a porous
carbon counter-electrode that has a high
surface area and is capable of collecting
collect any heavy metal ions present in the
liquid. In addition, an applied electric
potential can improve the destruction
efficiency of organic contaminants by
reducing electron-hole recombination on the
catalyst surface. This recombination is seen as
a primary reason for the observed inefficiency
of other UV/TiO2 systems used to treat
organics in groundwater. Lastly, the electric
potential has been shown to reduce the
interference of electrolytes on the oxidation
process. Electrolytes such as the bicarbonate
ion are known hydroxyl radical scavengers
and can be problematic in the UV/TiO2
treatment of contaminated groundwater.
This technology represents and improvement
on liquid-phase photocatalytic technologies by
distributing radiation uniformly throughout
the reactor. Also, the technology does not
require additional oxidants, such as peroxide
or ozone, to cause complete mineralization or
Water Outlet
Reference Electrode
Porous Carbon Cathode
TiO £oated
Metal Mesh Photoanode
Water Inlet
U.V. Lamp
Photoreactor Design using Ceramic Film
-------
to improve reaction rates. It also eliminates
the need for an additional unit to separate and
recover the catalyst from the purified water
after the reaction is complete.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This particular technology is designed to treat
groundwater and dilute aqueous waste streams
contaminated with organics and heavy metals.
Organics are completely oxidized to carbon
dioxide, water, and halide ions. Heavy metals
are subsequently stripped from the cathode
and recovered.
STATUS:
The UW-Madison photocatalytic technology
was accepted into the SITE Emerging
Technology Program in 1995. The overall
objective of the Emerging Technology
Program study is to refine the reactor design,
enabling it to treat heavy metals as well as
organic contaminants. Testing of a bench-
scale unit is currently underway.
UW-Madison has tested its photocatalytic
reactor at the laboratory scale on aqueous
solutions of several organic contaminants,
including polychlorinated biphenyls,
chlorosalicylic acid, salicylic acid, and
ethylenediamine tetraacetate. UW-Madison
has also used similar reactors to remove
volatile organic compounds, such as
trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene,
and ethylene from air streams.
Photooxidation of trichloroethene and
tetrachloroethene has been successfully field-
tested at low flow rates (less than 0.1 standard
cubic feet per minute).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo,vincente@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Marc Anderson
Water Chemistry Program
University of Wisconsin-Madison
660 North Park Street
Madison, WI 53706
608-262-2674
Fax: 608-262-0454
Charles Hill, Jr.
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Engineering Hall
1415 Engineering Drive, Room 1004
Madison, WI 53706
608-263-4593
Fax: 608-262-5434
e-mail: Hill@engr.wisc.edu
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UV TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly Energy and Environmental Engineering, Inc.)
(UV CATOX™ Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The UV CATOX™ process photochemically
oxidizes organic compounds in wastewater using
hydrogen peroxide, a chemical oxidant,
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a photocatalyst
The photochemical reaction has the potential to
reduce high concentrations (200,000 or more
parts per million [ppm]) of organics in water to
nondetectable levels. The energy from UV
radiation is predominantly absorbed by the
organic compound and the oxidant, making both
species reactive. The process can be used as a
final treatment step to reduce organic
contamination in industrial wastewater and
groundwater to acceptable discharge limits.
The existing bench-scale system treats solutions
containing up to several thousand ppm of total
organic carbon at a rate of 3 gallons per minute.
The bench-scale system consists of a
photochemical reactor, where oxidation occurs,
and associated tanks, pumps, and controls. The
UV lamps are high-intensity lamps that penetrate
the wastewater more effe cti vely. The portable,
skid-mounted system's design depends on the
chemical composition of the wastewater or
groundwater being treated.
Typically, the contaminated wastewater is
pumped through a filter unit to remove suspended
particles. Next, the filtrate is mixed with
stoichiometric quantities of hydrogen peroxide.
Finally, this mixture is fed to the photochemical
reactor and irradiated.
Reaction products are carbon dioxide, water,
and the appropriate halogen acid. Reaction
kinetics depend on (1) contaminant
concentration, (2) peroxide concentration,
(3) irradiation dose, and (4) radiation spectral
frequency.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The UV CATOX™ process treats industrial
wastewater and groundwater containing organics
at concentrations up to several thousand ppm.
Destruction efficiencies greater than two orders
of magnitude have been obtained for
chlorobenzene, chlorophenol, and phenol, with
low to moderate dose rates and initial
concentrations of 200 ppm. Destruction
efficiencies of three orders of magnitude have
been demonstrated on simulated industrial waste
streams representative of textile dyeing
operations, with higher dose rates and an initial
concentration of 200 ppm.
STATUS:
Studies of the UV CATOX™ process under the
SITE Emerging Technology Program are
complete, and the technology has been invited to
participatein the SITE Demonstration Program.
The Emerging Technology Report
(EPA/540/SR-92/080), Emerging Techno logy
Bulletin (EPA/540/F-92/004), and Emerging
Technology Summary (EPA/540/SR-92/080) are
available from EPA.
Work involving the on-line production of oxidants
and the effectiveness of the photocatalytic
substrate is underway under funding from EPA
Small Business Industry Research Phase n and
Phase I awards.
-------
Representative results from recent trials using the
UV CATOX™ process are summarized in the
table below. Results are shown as the electric
energy dose per gram-mole of initial contaminant
to cause one decade of contaminant destruction.
Dose (kW-hr/
Contaminant1' gmole/decade)2'
Chlorobenzene 7
Trichloroethene 5
Trichloroethane [500] 1
Tetrachloroethene 6
1,1,1 -Trichloroethane 3 3
1,1,1 -Trichloroethene [1,000] 7
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, & xybne 5
Reactive Black Dye 5 26
Direct Yellow Dye 106 103
Direct Red Dye 83 31
Reactive Blue Dye 19 50
1 -Chloronaphthalene [15] 27
Ethylene, diamine, & triacetic acid 17
Methanol 3
Textile waste (sulfur & indigo dyes) [740] 11
Textile waste (fiber reactive dyes) [270] 7
Chemical waste (formaldehyde & thiourea) [8,200] 1
''All are 100 parts per million,
except as noted
2) kilowatt-hour per gram-mole per decade
The technology has been improved since the
EPA reports were published. These
improvements include (1) using the UV lamp as
the energy source; (2) improving the
photochemical reactor design; (3) improving the
lamp design, including lamp intensity and spectral
characteristics; and (4) fixing the catalyst
A cost-competitive UV CATOX™ system can
be designed and built to treat industrial
wastewater with contaminant levels of 10 to
10,000 ppm.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7856
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: lewis.ronald@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Donald Habertroh
UV Technologies, Inc.
27 Tallmadge Avenue
Chattam, NJ 07928
937-635-6067
Fax: 937-635-6067
e-mail: priscill@csnet.net
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VORTEC CORPORATION
(Oxidation and Vitrification Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Vortec Corporation (Vortec) has developed an
oxidation and vitrification process for
remediating soils, sediments, sludges, and
industrial wastes contaminated with organics,
inorganics, and heavy metals. The process
can oxidize and vitrify materials introduced as
dry granulated materials or slurries.
The figure below illustrates the Vortec
oxidation and vitrification process. Its basic
elements include (1) a cyclone melting system
(CMS®); (2) a material handling, storage, and
feeding subsystem; (3) a vitrified product
separation and reservoir assembly; (4) a waste
heat recovery air preheater (recuperator); (5)
an air pollution control subsystem; and (6) a
vitrified product handling subsystem.
The Vortec CMS® is the primary waste
processing system and consists of two major
assemblies: a counterrotating vortex (CRV)
in-flight suspension preheater and a cyclone
melter. First, slurried or dry-contaminated soil
is introduced into the CRV. The CRV (1)
uses the auxiliary fuel introduced directly into
the CRB; (2) preheats the suspended waste
materials along with any glass-forming
additives mixed with soil; and (3) oxidizes
any organic constituents in the soil/waste.
The average temperature of materials leaving
the CRV reactor chamber is between 2,200
and 2,800°F, depending on the melting
characteristics of the processed soils.
The preheated solid materials exit the CRV
and enter the cyclone melter, where they are
dispersed to the chamber walls to form a
molten glass product. The vitrified, molten
glass product and the exhaust gases exit the
cyclone melter through a tangential exit
channel and enter a glass- and gas-separation
chamber.
The exhaust gases then enter an air preheater
for waste heat recovery and are subsequently
delivered to the air pollution control
subsystem for particulate and acid gas
removal. The molten glass product exits the
glass- and gas-separation chamber through the
tap and is delivered to a water quench
assembly for subsequent disposal.
Unique features of the Vortec oxidation and
vitrification process include the following:
WASTE
MATERIAL
U ADDITIVES
MATERIAL HANDLING
STORAGE & FEEDING
SUBSYSTEM
CRV
CMS
VITRIFIED PRODUCT
HANDLING SUBSYSTEM
Vortec Vitrification Process
-------
• Processes solid waste contaminated with
both organic and heavy metal
contaminants
• Uses various fuels, including gas, oil,
coal, and waste
• Handles waste quantities ranging from 5
tons per day to more than 400 tons per day
• Recycles particulate residue collected in
the air pollution control subsystem into
the CMS®. These recycled materials are
incorporated into the glass product,
resulting in zero solid waste discharge.
• Produces a vitrified product that is
nontoxic according to EPA toxicity
characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)
standards. The product also immobilizes
heavy metals and has long-term stability.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Vortec oxidation and vitrification process
treats soils, sediments, sludges, and heavy
metal contamination. The high temperatures
in the CRV successfully oxidize organic
materials included with the waste. The
inorganic constituents in the waste material
determine the amount and type of glass-
forming additives required to produce a
vitrified produce. This process can be
modified to produce a glass cullet that
consistently meets TCLP requirements.
STATUS:
The Vortec oxidation and vitrification process
was accepted into the SITE Emerging
Technology Program in May 1991. Research
under the Emerging Technology Program was
completed in winter 1994, and Vortec was
invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program.
A 50-ton-per-day system has been purchased
by Ormet Aluminum Corporation of
Wheeling, West Virginia for recycling
aluminum spent pot liners, a cyanide- and
fluoride-containing waste (K088). The
recycling system became operational in 1996.
The Vortec CMS® is classified by the U.S.
EPA as Best Demonstrated Available
Technology (BOAT) for the processing of
K088 waste. Additional projects with the
aluminum industry and other industrial waste
generators are in progress.
A 25-ton-per-day, transportable system fro
treating contaminated soil at a Department of
Energy site in Paducah, Kentucky was
delivered in 1999.
Vortec is offering commercial systems and
licenses for the CMS® system.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Teri Richardson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax: 513-569-7105
e-mail: richardson.teri@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
James Hnat
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426-3158
610-489-2255
Fax:610-489-3185
e-mail: jhnat@vortec.org
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WESTERN PRODUCT RECOVERY GROUP, INC.
(Coordinate, Chemical Bonding, and Adsorption Process)
The coordinate, chemical bonding, and
adsorption (CCBA) process converts heavy
metals in soils, sediments, and sludges to
nonleaching silicates. The process can also
oxidize organics in the waste stream and
incorporate the ash into the ceramic pellet
matrix (see figure below). The solid residual
consistency varies from a soil and sand
density and size distribution to a controlled
size distribution ceramic aggregate form. The
residue can be placed back in its original
location or used as a substitute for
conventional aggregate. The process uses
clays with specific cation exchange capacity
as sites for physical and chemical bonding of
heavy metals to the clay.
The process is designed for continuous flow.
The input sludge and soil stream are carefully
ratioed with specific clays and then mixed in
a high-intensity mechanical mixer. The
mixture is then densified and formed into
green or unfired pellets of a desired size. The
green pellets are then direct-fired in a rotary
kiln for approximately 30 minutes. The pellet
temperature slowly rises to 2,000°F,
converting the fired pellet to the ceramic state.
Organics on the pellet's surface are oxidized,
and organics inside the pellet are pyrolyzed as
the temperature rises. As the pellets reach
2,000°F, the available silica sites in the clay
chemically react with the heavy metals in the
soil and sludge to form the final metal silicate
product.
The process residue is an inert ceramic
product, free of organics, with metal silicates
providing a molecular bonding structure that
precludes leaching. The kiln off-gas is
processed in an afterburner and wet scrub
system before it is released into the
atmosphere. Excess scrub solution is recycled
to the front-end mixing process.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CCBA process has been demonstrated
commercially on metal hydroxide sludges at
a throughput of 70 wet tons per month, based
on an 8-hour day, for a 25 percent solid feed.
To Stack
Recycled Scrub
Solution
Phv ^^
Soils/
Sludges/ ^
Sediments
MIXER
>^
PELLET
FORMER
ROTARY
KILN
Residual
Product
Coordinate, Chemical Bonding, and Adsorption (CCBA) Process
-------
This process can treat wastewater sludges,
sediments, and soils contaminated with most
mixed organic and heavy metal wastes.
STATUS:
The CCBA process was accepted into the
SITE Emerging Technology Program in
January 1991. Under this program, the CCBA
technology has been modified to include soils
contaminated with both heavy metals and
most organics. The SITE studies were
completed at a pilot facility with a capacity of
10 pounds per hour. Proof tests using
contaminated soil have been completed. The
Emerging Technology Report, Emerging
Technology Summary, and Emerging
Technology Bulletin are available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Vince Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7620
e-mail: gallardo.vincente@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Donald Kelly
Western Product Recovery Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 79728
Houston, TX 77279
210-602-1743
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WESTERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Contained Recovery of Oily Wastes)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The contained recovery of oily wastes
(CROW®) process recovers oily wastes from
the ground by adapting a technology used for
secondary petroleum recovery and primary
production of heavy oil and tar sand bitumen.
Steam or hot water displacement, with or
without the use of chemicals such as
surfactants or mobility control chemicals,
moves accumulated oily wastes and water to
production wells for aboveground treatment.
Injection and production wells are first
installed in soil contaminated with oily wastes
(see figure below). If contamination has
penetrated into or below the aquifer, low-
quality steam can be injected below the
organic liquids to dislodge and sweep them
upward into the more permeable aquifer soil
regions. Hot water is injected above the
impermeable regions to heat and mobilize the
oily waste accumulation. The mobilized
wastes are then recovered by hot water
displacement.
When the organic wastes are displaced,
organic liquid saturation in the subsurface
pore space increases, forming a free-fluid
bank. The hot water injection displaces the
free-fluid bank to the production well. Behind
the free-fluid bank, the contaminant saturation
is reduced to an immobile residual saturation
in the subsurface pore space. The extracted
contaminant and water are treated for reuse or
discharge.
During treatment, all mobilized organic
liquids and water-soluble contaminants are
contained within the original boundaries of
waste accumulation. Hazardous materials are
contained laterally by groundwater isolation
and vertically by organic liquid flotation.
Excess water is treated in compliance with
discharge regulations.
The CROW® process removes the mobile
portions of contaminant accumulations; stops
the downward and lateral migration of organic
contaminants; immobilizes any remaining
organic wastes as a residual saturation; and
reduces the volume, mobility, and toxicity of
the contaminants. The process can be used
Steam-Stripped
Water
Injection Well
Production Well
Steam
Injection
CROW® Subsurface Development
-------
for shallow and deep areas, and can recover
light and dense nonaqueous phase liquids.
The system uses readily available mobile
equipment. Contaminant removal can be
increased by adding small quantities of
selected biodegradable chemicals in the hot
water injection.
In situ biological treatment may follow the
displacement, which continues until
groundwater contaminants are no longer
detected in water samples from the site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The CROW® process can be applied to
manufactured gas plant sites, wood-treating
sites, petroleum-refining facilities, and other
areas with soils and aquifers containing light
to dense organic liquids such as coal tars,
pentachlorophenol (PCP) solutions,
chlorinated solvents, creosote, and petroleum
by-products. Depth to the contamination is
not a limiting factor.
STATUS:
The CROW® process was tested in the
laboratory and at the pilot-scale level under
the SITE Emerging Technology Program
(ETP). The process demonstrated the
effectiveness of hot water displacement and
the benefits of including chemicals with the
hot water. Based on results from the ETP, the
CROW® process was invited to participate in
the SITE Demonstration Program. The
process was demonstrated at the Pennsylvania
Power and Light (PP&L) Brodhead Creek
Superfund site at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
The site contained an area with high
concentrations of by-products from past
operations. The demonstration began in July
1995; field work was completed in June 1996.
Closure of the site was completed in late
1998.
The CROW® process was applied to a tar
holder at a former MGP site in Columbia,
Pennsylvania. The work was completed in
1998.
A pilot-scale demonstration was completed at
an active wood treatment site in Minnesota.
Over 80 percent of nonaqueous-phase liquids
were removed in the pilot test, as predicted by
treatability studies, and PCP concentrations
decreased 500 percent. The full-scale,
multiphase remediation is presently
underway. Results indicate that organic
removal is greater than twice that of pump-
and-treat. The project is operating within the
constraints of an active facility.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7111
e-mail: eilers.richrd@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Lyle Johnson
Western Research Institute
365 North 9th
Laramie, WY 82070-3380
307-721-2281
Fax: 307-721-2233
e-mail: Lylej@uwyo.edu
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ZENON ENVIRONMENTAL INC.
(Cross-Flow Pervaporation System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The ZENON Environmental Inc. (ZENON),
cross-flow pervaporation technology is a
membrane-based process that removes
volatile organic compounds (VOC) from
aqueous matrices. The technology uses an
organophilic membrane made of nonporous
silicone rubber, which is permeable to organic
compounds, and highly resistant to
degradation.
In a typical field application, contaminated
water is pumped from an equalization tank
through a prefilter to remove debris and silt
particles, and then into a heat exchanger that
raises the water temperature to about 165°F
(75°C). The heated water then flows into a
pervaporation module containing the
organophilic membranes. The composition of
the membranes causes organics in solution to
adsorb to them. A vacuum applied to the
system causes the organics to diffuse through
the membranes and move out of the
pervaporation module. This material is then
passed through a condenser generating a
highly concentrated liquid called permeate.
Treated water exits the pervaporation module
and is discharged from the system. The
permeate separates into aqueous and organic
phases. Aqueous phase permeate is sent back
to the pervaporation module for further
treatment, while the organic phase permeate is
discharged to a receiving vessel.
Because emissions are vented from the system
downstream of the condenser, organics are
kept in solution, thus minimizing air releases.
The condensed organic materials represent
only a small fraction of the initial wastewater
volume and may be subsequently disposed of
at significant cost savings. This process may
also treat industrial waste streams and recover
organics for later use.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Pervaporation can be applied to aqueous
waste streams such as groundwater, lagoons,
leachate, and rinse waters that are
contaminated with VOCs such as solvents,
degreasers, and gasoline. The technology is
applicable to the types of aqueous wastes
treated by carbon adsorption, air stripping,
and steam stripping.
ZENON Cross-Flow Pervaporation System
-------
STATUS:
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program (ETP) in
January 1989. The Emerging Technology
Report (EPA/540/F-93/503), which details
results from the ETP evaluation, is available
from EPA. Based on results from the ETP,
ZENON was invited to demonstrate the
technology in the SITE Demonstration
Program. A pilot-scale pervaporation system,
built by ZENON for Environment Canada's
Emergencies Engineering Division, was tested
over a 2-year period (see photograph on
previous page). During the second year,
testing was carried out over several months at
a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site in
Ontario, Canada.
A full-scale SITE demonstration took place in
February 1995 at a former waste disposal area
at Naval Air Station North Island in San
Diego, California. The demonstration was
conducted as a cooperative effort among EPA,
ZENON, the Naval Environmental Leadership
Program, Environment Canada, and the
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy.
Organics were the primary groundwater
contaminant at the site, and trichloroethene
(TCE) was selected as the contaminant of
concern for the demonstration. The
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/MR-
95/511) and Demonstration Capsule
(EPA/540/R-95/511a) are available from
EPA.
Analysis of demonstration samples indicate
that the ZENON pervaporation system was
about 98 percent effective in removing TCE
from groundwater. The system achieved this
removal efficiency with TCE influent
concentrations of up to 250 parts per million
at a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute (gpm)
or less. Treatment efficiency remained fairly
consistent throughout the demonstration;
however, the treatment efficiency decreased at
various times due to mineral scaling
problems.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Ronald Turner
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7775
Fax: 513-569-7676
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Chris Lipski
ZENON Environmental Inc.
845 Harrington Court
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
L7N 3P3
905-965-3030 ext, 3250
Fax: 905-639-1812
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ANALYTICAL AND REMEDIAL
TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Automated Sampling and Analytical Platform)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Analytical and Remedial Technology, Inc.
(A+RT), produces components that can be
assembled in various configurations to allow
automated sampling and analysis of water
streams. The A+RT components are mounted
in a custom case to produce an automated
sampling and analytical platform (ASAP). A
complete ASAP system consists of the
following basic components:
• An ASAP sampling manifold module
with internal pump
• An optional module to allow the
ASAP to control up to 48 Grundfos 2-
inch submersible pumps
Sampling and Analytical Platform
• One or more ASAP sample
preparation modules
One or more third-party gas or liquid
chromatographs with appropriate
detectors
One or more third-party integrators for
processing raw data and producing
hard copies of chromatograms
• A Windows 3.X-compatible
microcomputer running A+RT
software to control the system, store
results in a database, and provide
telecommunication capabilities.
The photograph below illustrates an ASAP
configured for automated sampling of 29
points using 0.25-inch stainless steel tubing.
The A+RT purge-and-trap concentrator draws
a precise volume of water (selectable from 0.2
to 10 milliliters) from the selected sample
stream and prepares it for volatile organic
compound (VOC) analysis using a gas
chromatograph. The A+RT concentrator
differs from the customary batch purging
approach in that it uses a flow-through,
countercurrent stripping cell.
The A+RT high performance liquid
chromatograph (HPLC) sample preparation
module collects a sample in a fixed volume
loop and delivers it to the HPLC. With
additional components, the module can
support a second channel for HPLC analysis
along with either automated or manual sample
selection. The module can also be configured
to process the samples using solid-phase
extraction. This process concentrates
analytes, which are then backflushed with
solvent and extracted for subsequent HPLC
analysis.
An optional Grundfos pump interface module
(GPIM) allows the ASAP, for a given sample,
to select and operate one of up to 48 Grundfos
RediFlo-2™ 2-inch submersible pumps
connected to the ASAP. Thus, this module
-------
allows automatic sampling of groundwater for
groundwater depths greater than 15 to 20 feet
below surface. Control of up to 48 pumps
requires only one Grundfos MP1 controller
interfaced with the GPEVI.
The A+RT components and software are
designed to allow continuous (24-hour)
monitoring for long periods of time (months
to years) with automated continuing
calibration checks and recalibration when
necessary. The ASAP is designed to be
installed with the other system components
permanently or semipermanently in a secure,
temperature-controlled space on site.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ASAP is designed for automated
sampling and analysis of aqueous samples,
such as those obtained from a treatment or
process stream or from wells emplaced in a
groundwater contaminant plume. The ASAP
can be configured for a wide variety of
contaminants, including VOCs, polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons, ionizable organic
chemicals, and a range of inorganic
substances.
STATUS:
Several commercial ASAP systems have been
purchased by universities for use in
groundwater remediation research at U.S.
Department of Defense facilities. The ASAP
has considerably broader capabilities than the
prototype system (the Automated Volatile
Organics Analytical System, or AVOAS)
evaluated under the SITE Program. The
AVOAS was demonstrated in May 1991 at the
Wells G and H Superfund site in EPA Region
1. The results of the demonstration have been
published by EPA ("Automated On-Site
Measurement of Volatile Organics in Water,
EPA/600/R-93/109, June 1993").
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Doug McKay
Analytical and Remedial Technology, Inc.
473 Gemma Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
415-324-2259
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AQUATIC RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
(Sediment Core Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Russian Peat Borer is a manually driven,
chambered-type, side-filling core sampler
designed to collect discrete, relatively
uncompressed sediment samples. Sampler
components include a stainless-steel core
tube, aluminum extension rods, a stainless-
steel turning handle, and a Delrin core head
and bottom point that support a stainless-steel
cover plate. The cover plate and bottom point
are sharpened to minimize sediment
disturbance during sampler deployment. The
core tube is hinged to the cover plate by two
pivot pins at the top and bottom of the plate.
Support equipment for the sampler may
include a slide-hammer mechanism to aid
sampler deployment and retrieval in
consolidated sediment. To collect a sediment
sample, the Russian Peat Borer is manually
inserted into sediment, and the core tube is
turned 180 degrees clockwise. This procedure
allows the core tube to rotate and its sharp
edge to longitudinally cut through the
sediment, collecting a semi cylindrical
sediment core. While the core tube is
manually turned, the stainless-steel cover
plate provides support so that the collected
material is retained in the core tube.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Russian Peat Borer is a manually driven
core sampler designed to consistently collect
uncompressed samples of bog and marsh
sediment. The sampler is designed to operate
in shallow water (a depth of up to 15 feet) and
to achieve complete sediment profile
collection to a maximum depth of 65 feet bss
(below sediment surface), depending on the
sediment thickness.
STATUS:
In April and May 1999, the EPA conducted a
field demonstration of the Russian Peat Borer
along with one other sediment sampler. It
was demonstrated at sites in EPA Regions 1
and 5. At the Region 1 site, the sampler was
demonstrated in a lake and wetland. At the
Region 5 site, the sampler was demonstrated
in a river mouth and freshwater bay. A
complete description of the demonstration and
a summary of its results are available in the
Innovative Technology Verification Report
(EPA/600/R-01/010).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Mean sample recoveries ranged from 71 to 84
percent for the shallow depth interval, and 75
to 101 percent for the moderate depth interval.
Samples were collected at all depth intervals
and demonstration areas, which contained
various sediment types. Samples were
collected with consistent physical
characteristics from two homogenous layers
of sediment. Samples were collected from a
clean sediment layer below a contaminated
-------
sediment layer at least as well as comparable
technologies. The sampler was able to be
adequately decontaminated. Samples were
collected in a short sampling time.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Dr. Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
944 East Harmon Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Mr. Will Young
Aquatic Research Instruments
1 Hay den Creek Road
Lemhi, ID 83465
208-756-8433
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ART'S MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY
(Sediment Core Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Split Core Sampler is an end-filling
sampler designed to collect undisturbed core
samples of sediment up to a maximum depth of
4 feet below sediment surface (bss). The
sampler collects samples from the sediment
surface downward, not at discrete depth
intervals. Sampler components include one or
more split core tubes, couplings for attachment
to additional split core tubes, a ball check
valve-vented top cap, a coring tip, one or more
extension rods, and a cross handle. All of
these components are made of stainless steel,
carbon-steel extension rods are also available
from the developer. The sampler may be used
with a core tube liner to facilitate removal of
an intact sample from the split core tube. To
collect a sediment sample, the sampler can
either be manually pushed into the sediment
using the cross handle or hammered into the
sediment using a slide hammer or an electric
hammer. The check valve in the sampler's top
cap allows water to exit the sampler during
deployment and creates a vacuum to help
retain a sediment core during sampler retrieval.
The sampler can be retrieved by hand, by
reverse hammering using the slide hammer, or
by using a tripod-mounted winch.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Split Core Sampler is designed to take
virtually undisturbed samples of soils either at
the surface or from the bottom of predrilled
holes. These samples may be used for
geotechnical testing, chemical or physical
analysis.
STATUS:
In April and May 1999, the EPA conducted a
field demonstration of the Split Core Sampler
along with one other sediment sampler. The
performance and cost of the Split Core
Sampler were compared to those of two
conventional samplers (the Hand Corer and
Vibrocorer), which were used as reference
samplers. A complete description of the
demonstration and a summary of its results are
available in the "Innovative Technology
Verification Report: Sediment Sampling
Technology-Art's Manufacturing and Supply
Inc., Split Core Sampler for Submerged
Sediments" (EPA/600/R-01/009).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The Sediment Core Sampler collects partially
compressed samples of both consolidated and
unconsolidated sediments from the sediment
surface downward; sample representiveness
may be questionable because of core
shortening and core compression. Mean
sample recoveries ranged from 89 to 100
percent in the shallow depth interval (0 to 4
inches bss), and 37 to 100 percent for the
moderate depth interval (4 to 32 inches bss).
No samples were able to be collected in the
deep depth interval (4 to 11 ft bss). The Split
Core Sampler's actual core lengths resembled
the target core lengths in 96 percent of the
sampling attempts in the shallow depth
interval, and in 39 percent of the sampling
attempts in the moderate depth interval. The
sampler preserves sediment stratification in
both consolidated and unconsolidated sediment
samples.
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FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian Anderson
Art's Manufacturing and Supply, Inc.
105 Harrison
American Falls, ID 83211
208-226-2017
Fax: 208-226-7280
e-mail: briana@bankpds.com
Internet: www.ams-samplers.com
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ART'S MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY
(AMS™ Dual-Tube Liner Soil Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Art's Manufacturing and Supply (AMS™)
dual tube soil sampler, shown in the figure
below, is designed to work with direct-push
sampling rigs. The sampler consists of two
steel tubes of differing diameters designed so
that the two tubes fit within one another. The
outer tube is equipped with a metal drive tip at
the lower end and threaded at the upper end to
allow additional metal extensions with
increasing sampling depth and the addition of
a drive head adaptor. The lower end of the
inner tube is threaded with a plastic grabber
to allow attachment of a polybutyrate liner
during sampling or a solid-point metal inner
drive tip during sampler advancement. The
inner drive tip fits snugly within the outer
drive tip, and both extensions and drive tips
are held firmly in place by the drive head.
Dual tube sampler extensions are available in
1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-foot lengths with wall
thicknesses of 0.25 or 0.375 inch. The outer
extension serves as a temporary casing so that
continuous or discrete soil samples can be
collected using the inner extension liner and
drive tip assembly. The inner extension by
itself can also be used for sampling.
:" EXTENSION
LINER SAMPLER
THREAD PROTECTOR
CAP
Dual-Tube Liner Soil Sampler
-------
The direct-push drill rig used to mount the
dual tube liner sampler must be a 0.75-ton or
heavier pickup truck supplied by the buyer or
a custom-made truck assembled by AMS.
The dual tube liner sampler decreases the
likelihood of cross-contamination, preserves
sample integrity, collects samples chemically
representative of the target sampling interval,
can collect either discrete or continuous soil
samples of unconsolidated materials, and does
not generate drill cuttings.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AMS™ dual tube liner sampler can be
used to collect unconsolidated, subsurface soil
samples at depths that depend on the
capability of the direct-push advancement
platform. The sampler has been used to
collect samples of sandy and clayey soil
contaminated with high concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOC). It can
also be used to collect samples for
semivolatile organic compound, metals,
general minerals, and pesticides analyses.
STATUS:
The AMS™ dual tube soil sampler was
demonstrated under the Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation (SITE) program in
May and June 1997 at two sites: the Small
Business Administration (SBA) site in Albert
City, Iowa, and the Chemical Sales Company
(CSC) site in Denver, Colorado. Samples
collected during the demonstrations were
analyzed for VOCs to evaluate the
performance of the samplers.
Demonstration results indicate that the dual
tube liner sampler had higher sample
recoveries in the clayey soil present at the
SBA site than the standard methods.
Conversely, the sampler had lower recoveries
than the standard methods in the sandy soil
present at the CSC site. VOC concentrations
in samples collected with the dual tube liner
sampler did not significantly differ
statistically from concentrations in samples
collected using the standard methods. Sample
integrity using the dual tube liner sampler was
preserved in highly contaminated soil. The
sampler's reliability and throughput were
generally as good as those of the standard
methods. Costs for the dual tube liner
sampler were lower than costs related to the
standard sampling methods. According to the
developer, all sampler decontamination was
done using the on-board wash station on the
AMS direct push platform (the AMS
Powerprobe 9600). This significantly reduced
the overall time to sample and decontaminate
its equipment.
Demonstration results are documented in the
"Environmental Technology Verification"
report for the sampler dated August 1998
(EPA/600/R-98/093).
Organics were the primary groundwater
contaminant at the site, and trichloroethene
(TCE) was selected as the contaminant of
concern for the demonstration. The
Demonstration Bulletin
(EPA/540/MR-95/511) and Demonstration
Capsule (EPA/540/R-95/511a) are available
from EPA.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax No.: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Brian Anderson
Art's Manufacturing and Supply
105 Harrison Street
American Falls, ID 83211
800-635-7330
Fax: 208-226-7280
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BIONEBRASKA, INC.
(BiMelyze® Mercury Immunoassay)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The BioNebraska, Inc., BiMelyze® Mercury
Immunoassay technology measures mercury
concentrations in solid matrix samples. The
field-portable immunoassay technology
provides semiquantitative results based on the
activity of mercury-specific monoclonal
antibodies. The technology consists of two
kits: an extraction kit and an assay tube kit.
The kits together can process 16 samples.
The solid matrix samples are first extracted
using a 2:1:1 mixture of hydrochloric acid,
nitric acid, and deionized water. A buffer
solution provided in the extraction kit is then
added to the sample pH to 6 to 8, and the
samples are filtered.
The extracted and filtered samples are then
transferred to mercury assay tubes supplied in
the assay tube kit. These tubes are coated
with sulfhydryl-rich proteins that trap the
mercury ions. After the addition of kit-
supplied antibodies, conjugate, and substrate,
the presence of mercury can be
semiquantitatively determined by comparing
the color of the sample tubes to the color of
tubes of the mercury standards supplied in the
kit. The standards are determined, within
limits, by the customer. The limit of detection
is 0.5 parts per million (ppm) and the
analytical range is 0.5 to 40 ppm. The
absorbance of the sample tubes can be
measured using a spectrophotometer.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The BiMelyze® Mercury Immunoassay
technology has been used to analyze soil and
sediment samples containing mercury. The
technology works best on fine-grained
material because of the larger surface- to-
volume ratio. The effect of moisture content
on the technology's applicability is unknown.
The technology can provide semiquantitative
or sample screening information and has been
found to have a good potential as a Level I
analytical method.
STATUS:
The BiMelyze® Mercury Immunoassay
technology was accepted into the Superfund
Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE)
program in 1994 and was demonstrated in
August 1995 at two sites: the Carson River
Mercury (CRM) site in Reno, Nevada, and the
Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine (SBMM) site in
Clear Lake, California. Samples collected
during the demonstrations were split for
analysis in the field using the BiMelyze7
Mercury Immunoassay technology and for
later confirmatory analysis using standard
inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass
spectrometry (MS). A total of 110 soil and
sediment samples were collected from the
CRM and SBMM sites (55 samples from each
site) and split. The demonstration results
indicate that the BiMelyze® Mercury
Immunoassay technology agreed with ICP MS
results for 66 percent of the samples analyzed.
Demonstration results are documented in the
"Innovative Technology Evaluation Report"
from July 1998.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Randy Carlson
BioNebraska, Inc.
3820N.W. 46th Street
Lincoln, NE 68524
800-786-2580 ext. 221
Fax: 402-470-2345
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BRUKER ANALYTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Mobile Environmental Monitor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Bruker Analytical Systems, Inc. (Bruker),
mobile environmental monitor (see
photograph below) is a field-transportable, gas
chromatography/mass spectrometer (GC/MS)
designed to identify and measure organic
pollutants in various environmental media.
The MS uses a quadruple mass analyzer
similar to most conventional instruments.
Like conventional MSs, this instrument can
identify and quantify organic compounds on
the basis of their retention time, molecular
weight, and characteristic fragment pattern.
The integrated GC allows introduction of
complex extracts for separation into
individual components and subsequent
analysis in the MS.
The Bruker instrument's design and elec-
tronics are specially designed for field use.
The instrument is designed to operate with
battery power and can be used in various
environmental situations with minimum
support requirements.
The mobile environmental monitor was
originally designed for the military to detect
and monitor chemical warfare agents.
Environmental samples may be introduced to
the MS through the direct air sampler or the
GC. Results are collected and stored in a
computer, where data is reduced and
analyzed. The computer provides reports
within minutes of final data acquisition.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Bruker mobile environmental monitor is
designed to detect the full range of volatile
and semivolatile organic compounds directly
in air and in water, soil, sediment, sludge, and
hazardous waste extracts. It provides in-field,
real-time support during the characterization
Bruker Mobile Environmental Laboratory
-------
and remediation phases of cleanup at a
hazardous waste site.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
STATUS:
This technology was demonstrated at the Re-
Solve, Inc., and Westborough Superfund sites
in EPA Region 1. The technology was used
to analyze polychlorinated biphenyls and
polynuclear aromatics in soil and the full
range of Superfund-targeted volatile organic
compounds in water. Splits of all samples
analyzed in the field were shipped to a
laboratory for confirmatory analysis using
standard EPA analytical methods.
The SITE demonstration was completed in
September 1990, and the final report
(EPA/600/X-91/079) is available from EPA.
The results of this study were presented at the
American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Conference in May 1991 and at the Superfund
Hazardous Waste Conference in July 1991. A
recent survey of regional laboratories
identified additional testing of this technology
as a priority need.
Bruker has developed an additional system
that addresses recommendations made in the
project report. This system, designated the
EM640, has increased mass range, decreased
power consumption, faster sample analysis,
and automated report generation. The EM640
was evaluated in July and September 1995
through the U.S. EPA Environmental
Technology Verification Program (ETV).
The evaluation showed that the EM640
provides "useful, cost-effective data for
environmental problem-solving and decision-
making." The Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory-Las Vegas purchased a
Bruker mobile environmental monitor in fiscal
year 1992 to pursue other applications and to
expand the scope of this project.
EPA PROJECT MANAGERS:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Paul Kowalski
Bruker Analytical Systems, Inc.
5303 Emerald Drive
Billerica, MA01821
506-667-9580
Fax: 506-667-5993
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CHEMetrics, Inc.
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Field Soil Test Kit
(RemediAid™)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The RemediAid™ Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbon Test Kit is a rapid, simple field
test for measuring petroleum hydrocarbon
contamination in soil. The patented test is
based upon the Friedel-Crafts Reaction. The
kit responds to all hydrocarbon products as
long as they contain aromatic hydrocarbons;
thus, gasoline, diesel and other petroleum
products heavier than diesel (such as
lubricating oil), can be detected.
RemediAid™ is unique because the colored
reaction product is measured directly in the
solvent by a portable absorbance photometer.
The test kit is administered as follows: A
premeasured sample of soil is added to a
reaction tube that contains anhydrous sodium
sulfate, a drying agent. The soil is extracted
with 20 mL of dichloromethane. Florisil™, is
added to the soil extract to remove any natural
organic material from the extract and
minimize associated interference. A vacuum-
sealed ampoule containing aluminum chloride
is snapped in the soil extract. The
hydrocarbons in the solvent react with the
aluminum chloride to produce a soluble
colored product directly proportional to the
petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in the
sample. The absorbance of the sample is
measured in a portable, battery powered,
LED-based colorimeter at 430 nm and
converted to mg/kg (ppm) hydrocarbon in the
soil by use of a formula. The soil extract can
be diluted to bring absorbance readings in
range in cases where the contamination levels
are high.
-------
Both the dichloromethane and the aluminum
chloride are packaged in vacuum-sealed
ampoules, which help minimize user contact
with reagents. The starter kit includes the
portable photometer, balance, and enough
supplies to complete eight soil analyses.
These come packaged in a portable carrying
case. A replenishment kit includes enough
supplies to perform 16 soil analyses. The
device is designed to be used by those with
basic wet chemistry skills.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
RemediAid™ Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon
Kit can detect petroleum fuels containing
aromatic hydrocarbons in soils.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the RemediAid™ kit
performance was evaluated for a wide range
of performance attributes in a SITE field
demonstration at Port Hueneme, California.
Results were compared to an off-site
laboratory that utilized reference methods
from "Test Methods for Evaluating Solid
Waste" (SW-846) Method 8015B (modified).
Results from the demonstration have been
published in an Innovative Technology
Verification Report (ITVR) (EPA/600/R-
01/082).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The demonstration involved the analysis of 74
soil environmental samples, 89 soil
performance evaluation (PE) samples and 36
liquid PE samples. Collectively, these
samples represented a wide range of matrix
types and contamination. The ITVR report
concluded that RemediAid™ exhibited the
following desirable characteristics of a field
TPH measurement device: (1) good accuracy,
(2) good precision, (3) lack of sensitivity to
interferents that are not petroleum
hydrocarbons (PCE and 1,2,4-
trichlorobenzene), (4) high sample
throughput, (5) low measurement costs, and
(6) ease of use. Despite some of the
limitations observed during the
demonstration, the demonstration findings
collectively indicated that the RemediAid™
kit is a reliable field measurement device for
TPH in soil.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joanne Carpenter
CHEMetrics, Inc.
4295 Catlett Rd.
Calverton, VA 20138
540-788-9026
Fax: 540-788-4856
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CLEMENTS, INC.
(JMC Environmentalist's Subsoil Probe)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
JMC Environmentalist's Subsoil Probe (ESP)
developed by Clements Associates, Inc.,
consists of a sampling tube assembly, the ESP
body, and a jack used to assist in sample
retrieval (see figure below). The sampler can
be advanced using manual or direct-push
methods. The primary component of the ESP
body is a heat-treated, 4130 alloy steel,
nickel-plated sampling tube. The tube has a
uniform 1.125-inch outer diameter and is 36
inches long. The ESP tube comes with three
interchangeable stainless-steel tips (a solid
drive point, a standard cutting tip, and a wet
cutting tip) and inner sample liners that can
also be used for sample storage.
The ESP body serves as a base and guide for
the sampling tube as it is driven into or
retrieved from a borehole. The jack used to
retrieve the sample also allows operators to
smoothly lower the sampler and tool string
into the borehole at a controlled rate, thereby
minimizing borehole disturbance.
According to the developer, the ESP sampler
is simple to operate and requires no special
training to use, is unaffected by variable field
conditions, can collect either discrete or
continuous soil samples of unconsolidated
materials, can be used to characterize
subsurface soil contamination, is easily
transportable, and does not generate drill
cuttings.
JACK FULCRUM
GROUND PAD
SAMPLING TUl
Clements' ESP
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ESP sampler can be used to collect
unconsolidated, subsurface soil samples at
depths of 4 feet below ground surface (bgs);
however, through the use of extensions,
samples from depths of up to 25 feet bgs can
be collected. Physical limitations of ESP
sampler operation depend on the method of
sampler advancement and the nature of the
subsurface matrix. The technology is
primarily restricted to unconsolidated soil free
of large cobbles or boulders. The sampler can
also be used in sediment containing gravel-
sized material supported by a finer-grained
matrix. Originally, the sampler was designed
for sampling agricultural residues containing
radioactive trace elements. The sampler has
been used to collect samples of sandy and
clayey soil contaminated with high
concentrations of volatile organic compounds
(VOC). The sampler can also collect samples
for polychlorinated biphenyl, polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbon, pesticides, and metals
analyses. The ESP sampler was accepted into
the Superfund Innovative Technology
Evaluation (SITE) program in May 1997 and
was demonstrated in May and June 1997 at
two sites: the Small Business Administration
(SBA) site in Albert City, Iowa, and the
Chemical Sales Company (CSC) site in
Denver, Colorado. Samples collected during
the demonstrations were analyzed for VOCs
to evaluate the performance of the samplers.
STATUS:
Demonstration results indicate that the ESP
sampler had higher sample recoveries in both
the clayey soil present at the SBA site and in
the sandy soil present at the CSC site than the
standard methods. VOC concentrations in
samples collected with the ESP sampler from
the SBA site significantly differed statistically
from concentrations in samples collected
using
the standard methods; however, this
difference was not observed for samples
collected from the CSC site. Sample integrity
using the ESP sampler was preserved in
highly contaminated soil. The sampler's
reliability and throughput were generally
better than those of the standard methods.
Costs for the ESP sampler were much lower
than costs related to the standard sampling
methods.
Demonstration results are documented in the
"Environmental Technology Verification"
report for the sampler dated August 1998
(EPA/600/R-98/097).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jim Clements
Clements Associates Inc.
1992 Hunter Avenue
Newton, IA 50208
515-792-8285
Fax: 515-792-1361
e-mail: jmcsoil@netins.com
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DEXSIL CORPORATION
(Environmental Test Kits)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Dexsil Corporation (Dexsil) produces two
test kits that detect polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) in soil: the Dexsil Clor-N-Soil PCB
Screening Kit, and the Dexsil L2000 PCB/
Chloride Analyzer. The Dexsil Clor-N-Soil
PCB Screening Kit, (see photograph below)
extracts PCBs from soil and dissociates the
PCBs with a sodium reagent, freeing chloride
ions. These ions then react with mercuric ions
to form mercuric chloride. The extract is then
treated with diphenylcarbazone, which reacts
with free mercuric ions to form a purple color.
The less purple the color, the greater the
concentration of PCBs in the sample.
The Dexsil L2000 PCB/Chloride Analyzer
(see photograph on next page) also extracts
PCBs from soil and dissociates the PCBs with
a sodium reagent, freeing chloride ions. The
extract is then analyzed with a calibrated,
chloride-specific electrode. The L2000
instrument then translates the output from the
electrode into parts per million (ppm) PCB.
These kits produce analytical results at
different data quality levels. The Dexsil
Clor-N-Soil PCB Screening Kit identifies
samples above or below a single
concentration, which is generally tied to
regulatory action levels. The Dexsil L2000
PCB/Chloride Analyzer quantifies specific
concentrations of PCBs, from 2 to 2,000 ppm,
in a sample. The applicability of these
methods depends on the data quality needs of
a specific project. Both technologies can be
used on site for site characterization or a
removal action.
Dexsil Clor-N-Soil PCB Screening Kit
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Dexsil Clor-N-Soil PCB Screening Kit
and the Dexsil L2000 PCB/Chloride Analyzer
can detect PCBs in soil, sediment, transformer
oils, and water.
These test kits were demonstrated at a PCB-
contaminated facility in EPA Region 7.
About 200 soil samples were collected and
analyzed on site using the Dexsil test kits.
Soil samples were not dried prior to analysis.
Split samples were submitted to an off-site
laboratory for confirmatory analysis by
SW-846 Method 8080. Demonstration data
were used to evaluate the accuracy and
precision of the test kits relative to internal
quality control samples and to formal
laboratory data. These data were also used to
determine operating costs.
The sampling and field analyses for this
technology demonstration were completed in
August 1992. The Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-95/518) is
available from EPA. The Office of Solid
Waste has designated the L2000 Method for
PCB screening of soil as Method 9078, to be
included in the third update to the third
edition of SW-846.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeannette VanEmon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-789-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Ted Lynn
Dexsil Corporation
One Hamden Park Drive
Hamden, CT 06517
203-288-3509
Fax: 203-248-6235
e-mail: dexsil@aol.com
Web Page: http://www.dexsil.com
Dexsil L2000 PCB/Chloride Analyzer
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DEXSIL CORPORATION
(Emulsion Turbidimetry)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PetroFLAG™ System manufactured by
Dexsil is based on emulsion turbidimetry,
which involves measurement of the light
scattered by an emulsion. With the
PetroFLAG™ System, a proprietary,
nonpolar, organic solvent mixture composed
of alcohols, primarily methanol, is used to
extract petroleum hydrocarbons from soil
samples. A proprietary developer solution
that is polar in nature that acts as an
emulsifier is added to a sample extract in
order to precipitate the aromatic and
aliphatic hydrocarbons and form uniformly
sized micelles. Light at a wavelength of 585
nanometers is passed through the emulsion,
and the amount of light scattered by the
emulsion at a 90-degree angle is measured
using a turbidimeter. The total petroleum
hydrocarbon (TPH) concentration in the
emulsion is then determined by comparing
the turbidity reading for the emulsion to a
reference standard or to a standard
calibration curve. The TPH concentration
thus measured is a function of the mean
molecular weight of the hydrocarbons
present in the sample.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The PetroFLAG System is a field portable
method capable of determining total
petroleum hydrocarbons in soil.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the EPA conducted a field
demonstration of the PetroFLAG™ System
and six other field measurement devices for
TPH in soil. The performance and cost of
the PetroFLAG™ System were compared to
those of an off-site laboratory reference
method. A complete description of the
demonstration and summary of its results
are available in the "Innovative Technology
Verification Report: Field Measurement
Devices for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
in Soil-Dexsil® Corporation PetroFLAG™
System " (EPA/600/R-01/092).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The method detection limits for the
PetroFLAG™ System were determined to be
20 millograms per kilogram. Seventy-three
percent of results agreed with those of the
reference method. Of 91 results used to
measure measurement bias, 9 were biased
low, and 82 were biased high. For soil
environmental samples, the results were
statistically the same as the reference
method for one out of four sampling areas.
The PetroFLAG™ System exhibited similar
overall precision to the reference method
(RSD ranges were 6 to 19 percent and 5.5 to
16 percent for the PetroFLAG™ System and
the reference method respectively). The
PetroFLAG™ System showed a mean
response of less than 5 percent for
interferents such as MTBE, PCE, and soil
spiked with humic acid. There were varying
responses for other interferents, such as
Stoddard solvent (42.5 percent), turpentine
(103 percent), and 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene
(16 percent). The PetroFLAG™ System
showed a statistically significant decrease
(17 percent) in TPH results when the soil
moisture content was increased from 9 to 16
percent in weathered gasoline samples. This
effect was not observed in diesel soil
samples. Both the measurement time and
cost compared well with those of the
reference method.
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. Ted B. Lynn
Dexsil Corporation
One Hamden Park Drive
Hamden, CT06517
203-288-3509
Fax: 203-248-6523
e-mail: tblynn@dexsil.com
Internet: www.dexsil.com
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ED AX PORTABLE PRODUCTS DIVISION
(formerly C-Thru Technologies Corporation)
(Metal Analysis Probe [MAP®] Spectrum Assayer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The C-Thru Technologies Corporation (C-
Thru) Metal Analysis Probe Spectrum
Assayer (see photograph below) is a field
portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF)
analyzer. This FPXRF analyzer can
simultaneously analyze for select metals. It is
compact, lightweight, and does not require
liquid nitrogen. A rechargeable battery allows
the FPXRF analyzer to be used at remote sites
where electricity is unavailable.
The instrument is composed of a control
console connected to an ambient scanner with
a cable. The basic MAP® system also
includes a carry pack, rechargeable batteries,
operator's manual, target metal standard, and
a shipping case. The control console contains
a 256-multichannel analyzer with a storage
capacity of 325 spectra and analyses. The
control console with batteries weighs 11
pounds and the ambient scanner weighs about
2.5 pounds.
The MAP® Spectrum Assayer uses a silicon
X-ray detector to provide elemental
resolution. The unit demonstrated under the
SITE Program used a Cadmium-109
radioisotope as the excitation source. Cobalt-
57 and Americium-241 sources are also
available.
The MAP® Spectrum Assayer is capable of
analyzing 9 to 12 samples per hour based on
a 240-second analysis time. The instrument is
empirically calibrated by the developer. C-
Thru requires a 1-day operator training and
radiation safety course prior to obtaining a
specific license to operate the instrument.
The standard MAP 3 Portable Assayer
package used in the demonstration sold for
$32,000.
The MAP® Spectrum Assayer provides high
sample throughput and is reportedly easy to
operate. Analytical results obtained by this
instrument may be comparable to the results
obtained by EPA-approved methods.
MAP® Assayer
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MAP® Spectrum Assayer can detect
select metals in soil and sediment samples and
in filter and wipe samples. It can also detect
lead in paint. The MAP® Portable Assayer
reportedly can quantitate metals at
concentrations ranging from parts per million
to percentage levels.
STATUS:
The MAP® Spectrum Assayer has been used
at a number of Superfund sites across the
country. It was evaluated in April 1995 as
part of a SITE demonstration of FPXRF
instruments. The results are summarized in
Technical Report No. EPA/600/R-97/147,
dated March 1998. The instrument was used
to identify and quantify concentrations of
metals in soils. Evaluation of the results
yielded field-based method detection limits,
accuracy, and precision data from the analysis
of standard reference materials and
performance evaluation samples.
Comparability of the FPXRF results to an
EPA-approved reference analytical method
was also assessed during the demonstration.
The Draft Fourth Update to SW-846 includes
Method 6200, dated January 1998, which is
based on this work.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Therese Howe
Edax Portable Products Division
415 North Quay
Kennewick, WA 99336
800-466-5323
509-783-9850
Fax: 509-735-9696
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ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
(Ultraviolet Fluorescence Spectroscopy)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Synchronous Scanning Luminoscope
(SSL) uses a xenon lamp to produce a
multiwavelength ultraviolet light beam that
passes through an exitation monochromator
before irradiating a sample extract held in a
quartz cuvette. When the sample extract is
irradiated, aromatic hydrocarbons in the
extract emit light at a longer wavelength
than does the light source. The light emitted
from the sample extract passes through
another monochromator, the emission
monochromator, and is detected using a
photomultiplier tube. The photomultiplier
tube detects and amplifies the emitted light
energy and converts it into an electrical
signal. This signal is used to determine the
intensity of the light emitted and generate a
spectrum for the sample.
The components of the SSL are structured to
maintain a constant wavelength interval
between the excitation and emission
monochromators. This modification of
classical fluorescence technology is called
synchronous fluorescence and takes
advantage of the overlap between the
excitation and emission spectra for a sample
to produce more sharply defined spectral
peaks.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SSL gives a quantitative measurement
of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
concentrations in soil samples using
ultraviolet fluorescence spectroscopy.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the EPA conducted a field
demonstration of the SSL and six other field
measurement devices for TPH in soil. The
performance and cost of the SSL were
compared to those of an off-site laboratory
reference method. A complete description
of the demonstration and summary of its
results are available in the "Innovative
Technology Verification Report: Field
Measurement Devices for Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons in Soil-Environmental
Systems Corporation Synchronous Scanning
Luminoscope" (EPA/600/R-01/083).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The method detection limit for the SSL was
determined to be 36 mg/kg. Seventy-five of
108 results used to draw conclusions
regarding whether the TPH concentration in
a given sampling area or sample type
exceeded a specific action level agreed with
those of reference method. There were 10
false positives, and 23 false negatives. Of
102 results used to measure measurement
bias, 64 were biased low, 37 were biased
high, and 1 showed no bias. For soil
environmental samples, the results were
statistically the same as the reference
method for all five sampling areas. The SSL
exhibited greater overall precision than the
reference method (RSD ranges were 8 to 12
percent and 5.5 to 18 percent for the SSL
and the reference method, respectively).
The SSL showed a mean response of less
than 5 percent for interferents such as
MTBE, PCE, Stoddard solvent, turpentine,
1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene, and soil spiked
with humic acid. The SSL TPH results were
unaffected when the moisture content was
-------
increased. Both the measurement time and
cost compared well with those of the
reference method.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. George Hyfantis
200 Tech Center Drive
Knoxville, TN37912
865-688-7900
Fax: 865-687-8977
e-mail: ghyfantis@envirosys.com
Internet: www.envirosys.com
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ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC.
(AirSentry Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This air monitoring system (see photograph
below) is a field-deployable, open-path
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectrometer that measures infrared
absorption by infrared-active molecules. The
spectrometer system transmits an infrared
beam along an open air path to a retroflector
target that returns it to the spectrometer. The
total air path can be up to 1 kilometer long.
Analysis is performed using a quantitative
reference spectrum of known concentration,
together with classical least squares data
fitting software routines. The system does not
require acquisition of an air sample; this
factor assures that sample integrity is not
compromised by interaction between the
sample and the collection and storage system.
A measurement over several hundred meters
requires only a few minutes, which allows
determination of temporal profiles for
pollutant gas concentrations. The
spectrometer requires performance
verification procedures, but does not require
calibration.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The AirSentry FTIR spectrometer can collect
information on spectral absorption from a
number of airborne vapors at one time,
including both organic and inorganic
AirSentry Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
-------
compounds. This information is processed to
obtain the average concentration over the
entire pathlength. The system has been used
to monitor fugitive emissions from industrial
plants and from hazardous waste sites. By
combining these measurements with
measurements of wind speed, emission rates
can be estimated. It can be used to monitor
emissions from hazardous waste sites during
remediation and removal.
STATUS:
The AirSentry FTIR spectrometer was
demonstrated during a 1990 SITE study at
Shaver's Farm, a Superfund site in northwest
Georgia. The purpose of this demonstration
was to test performance during remedial
activities and to develop and test on-site
quality assurance procedures. Results of this
study were published in a paper titled "Use of
a Fourier Transform Spectrometer As a
Remote Sensor at Superfund Sites:
Proceedings of the International Society for
Optical Engineering" --SPIE Vol. 1433, p.
302, Measurement of Atmospheric Gases, Los
Angeles, CA, 21-23 January 1991, presented
at a 1991 conference.
The AirSentry FTIR spectrometer has been
evaluated in several other field studies and has
been proven capable of detecting various
airborne atmospheric vapors. The AirSentry
FTIR gas analysis software, which
automatically identifies and quantifies
compounds in the presence of background
interferences, was evaluated in a 1991 field
study sponsored by EPA Region 7. Results of
this field evaluation are published in an EPA
report entitled "A Field-Based
Intercomparison of the Qualitative and
Quantitative Performance of Multiple Open-
Path FTIR Systems for Measurement of
Selected Toxic Air Pollutants."
Another field evaluation of the AirSentry
FTIR spectrometer was conducted at a
Superfund site in January 1992. During the
field evaluation, the FTIR spectrometer was
compared with gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry techniques using air samples
collected in canisters. Results from this field
evaluation are published in an EPA report
titled "Superfund Innovative Technology
Evaluation, The Delaware SITE Study, 1992"
(EPA/600/A3-91/071).
A guidance document detailing the steps
required for successful field operation of the
FTIR-based open path monitoring systems is
available from EPA and is referred to as
Method TO-16 in the "EPA Compendium of
Methods for Determination of Toxic Organic
Compounds in the Ambient Air". For a copy
of the draft document, contact the EPA
Project Manager listed below.
This technology remains available from the
Environmental Technologies Group, Inc. as
well as other commercial companies. For
further information about the technology,
contact the EPA Project Manager.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
William McClenny
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-3158
Fax: 919-541-3527
e-mail: mcclenny.william@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Orman Simpson
MDA Scientific, Inc.
Norcross, GA 30003
404- 242-0977
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FUGRO GEOSCIENCES, INC.
(formerly LORAL CORPORATION)
(Rapid Optical Screening Tool)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Fugro Rapid Optical Screening Tool
(ROST ™), shown in the figure below, is an
in situ screening sensor used in conjunction
with Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)
systems that provides rapid delineation of
petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC). ROST™
characterizes the PHCs from the
fluorescence response induced in the
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
compounds contained within the
contaminant material. ROST ™
continuously detects separate phase PHCs in
the bulk soil matrix in the vadose, capillary
fringe, and saturated zones and provides a
screening of the relative concentration
present. ROST™ also presents the spectral
signature of the detected PHC, which often
allows identification of the contaminant type
(such as gas, diesel, coal tar, creosote, etc.).
CPT testing is conducted simultaneously
with ROST™ testing and provides real-time,
in situ lithologic data. Fugro can also
deploy ROST™ from percussion-type Direct
Push Technology equipment.
The measurements are performed in situ and
physical sampling during the delineation
phase is not required. However, since
ROST™ is a screening tool, a limited
amount of confirmation soil sampling is
recommended. The list of petroleum
products for which this method is
appropriate includes, but is not limited to:
gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, jet fuel,
heating oil, coal tar, kerosene, lubricating
oils, and creosote.
Rapid Optical Screening Tool
-------
The ROST™ methodology utilizes laser-
induced fluorescence spectroscopy for PHC
screening. Pulsed laser light is used to
excite PAHs and is delivered via a fiber
optic cable to a sub-unit mounted directly
behind the CPT penetrometer probe (cone).
The light is directed through a sapphire
window on the side of the sub-unit and onto
the surface of the soil. PAHs present within
the soil absorb the excitation light and emit
the absorbed energy as fluorescenece. A
portion of this fluorescence is returned by a
collection fiber to the surface and is
analyzed by the ROST™ unit. ROST™
measures and reports the following three
fluorescence parameters in real time:
• Intensity of the fluorescence emitted by
the PHC.
• Spectrum of wavelengths of light
emitted by the PHC.
• Lifetime of duration of the fluorescence
emitted by the PHC.
The fluorescence intensity is generally
proportional to concentration and identifies
the relative PHC concentration present. The
fluorescence intensity is plotted
continuously with depth on a computer
monitor in the CPT rig as testing proceeds
and allows immediate identification of
affected soils. The spectral and temporal
data are also presented on the computer
monitor in real-time and comprise the
spectral signature of the contaminant which
often allows identification of product type.
A log of the fluorescence intensity with
depth and contaminant signatures is plotted
on a printer in the CPT rig immediately
following each test.
WASTE APPLICABIITY:
The Fugro ROST™ system is designed to
qualitatively detect contaminant materials
containing PAH constituents, including, but
not limited to gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil,
jet fuel, heating oil, coal tar, kerosene,
lubricating oils, and creosote.
STAUS:
ROST™ has been commercially available
since September 1994 and was evaluated
under the U.S. EPA's Environmental
Technology Verification (ETV) program.
The final report (EPA/600/R-97/020), dated
February 1997 is available from EPA or
may be downloaded from the EPA's web
site (http://clu-in.com/csct/verstate.htm).
FOR FURTER INFORMATION:
EPA PRO JET MANAGER:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O.Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432
Fas: 702-798-2261
e-maill: koglin.eric@epa.gov
TECHONOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mary Mason
Fugro Geosciences, Inc.
6105 Rookin
Houston, TX 77042
713-778-5580
Fax: 713-778-5501
e-mail: mmason@fugro.com
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GEOPROBE SYSTEMS
(Large Bore Soil Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Large Bore Soil Sampler is a single tube-
type, solid barrel, closed-piston sampler (see
figure below). It is designed to be driven by
the Geoprobe percussion probing machine to
collect discrete interval soil samples but can
be used for continuous coring if needed. This
direct push type sampler is for use in
unconsolidated soils. It is capable of
recovering a soil core 22 inches long by 1-
1/16 inches in diameter (320 millilter (mL)
volume). A liner is inserted inside the
sampler body to retain the sample after
collection and to facilitate removal from the
sampler body. Liner materials are available in
brass, stainless steel, teflon, and clear plastic
(cellulose acetate butyrate).
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Large Bore Soil Sampler can be used to
collect soil samples for both organic and
A
A. Driving the sealed sampler
B. Removing the stop-pin
B
inorganic analytes when appropriate liner
materials are used. The sampler has been
used to collect samples to be analyzed for
herbicides, pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), semivolatile organic
compounds, aromatic and halogenated volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), petroleum fuels,
metals, nitrates, dioxins and furans.
STATUS:
Geoprobe's Large Bore Soil Sampler was
demonstrated under the SITE program during
the early summer of 1997. The demonstration
results indicate that the Large-Bore Soil
Sampler can provide useful, cost-effective
samples for environmental problem solving.
However, in some cases, VOC data collected
using the Large Bore Soil Sampler may be
statistically different from VOC data collected
using the reference sampling method. Also,
the integrity of a lined sample chamber may
not be preserved when the sampler is
advanced through highly contaminated
D
C. Collecting a sample
D. Recovering sample in liner
-------
zones in clay soils. Demonstration results are
documented in the "Environmental
Technology Verification" report for the
sampler dated August 1998 (EPA/600/R-
98/092).
There are several hundred Geoprobe
owner/operators who use the Large Bore Soil
Sampler for geo-environmental investigations.
This soil sampler has been used in all 50
states and several foreign countries to
complete thousands of projects. It is used
primarily for geo-environmental
investigations to define soil types and
delineate contaminant distribution. The Large
Bore Soil Sampler is available in stock from
Geoprobe Systems. Geoprobe has developed
other soil and groundwater sampling tools that
are also widely used in the geo-environmental
field.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Wesley McCall, Geologist
or Tom Omli, Technical Services
Geoprobe Systems
601 North Broadway
Salina, KS 67401
913-825-1842
Fax: 913-825-2097
e-mail: geoprobe@midusa.net
Internet: www.geoprobesystems.com
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GEOPROBE SYSTEMS
(Geoprobe Soil Conductivity Sensor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Geoprobe soil conductivity sensor, shown
in the figure below, identifies lithology and
potential contamination by measuring the
electrical conductivity of soil and
hydrogeologic fluids. Soils vary in their
electrical conductivity depending on particle
size; for example, clays and silts generally
have high conductivities, while sand and
gravels exhibit low conductivities. Overall,
soil and rock are resistant to current. Pore
fluids and the amount of dissolved solids in
these fluids also influence soil conductivity.
The Geoprobe conductivity sensor uses an
isolated array of sensing rings to measure this
conductivity. The sensor is principally
designed to help determine subsurface
stratigraphy. The sensor may also help
characterize subsurface contamination,
especially where high conductivity leachates
or brines are involved.
The principal components of the complete
Geoprobe system are as follows:
• A Geoprobe hydraulic soil probing
machine
Standard sampling rods supplied with the
system
• A cable, threaded through the sampling
rod that introduces the current
The conductivity sensor
• A data receiver connected to a personal
computer to record the sensor's
measurements
The hydraulic probing machine uses a
combination of pushing and hammering to
advance 3-foot-long segments of 2.54-
centimeter-diameter hollow steel sampling
rods. The conductivity sensor is attached to
the lead section of the sampling rod.
String pot
Measures
Depth
Percussion
Probing
Machine
Data Acquisition System
with Real-Time Display of
Conductivity Versus Depth
Sensing Probe
Measures
Conductivity
Schematic Diagram of the Geoprobe Soil Conductivity Sensor
-------
The conductivity sensor consists of four
stainless-steel contact rings fitted around a
central steel shaft. Plastic electronically
isolates the contact rings from the steel shaft.
A hollow steel rod extends above the
uppermost stainless steel ring, housing a
shielded signal cable that connects the contact
rings with an external power source,
measurement system, and data logging
system. The soil conductivity sensor can be
used in a dipole array or a Schlumberger
array. The dipole array is used when greater
resolution is required. The Schlumberger
array is generally used when optimal soil-to-
probe contact cannot be maintained.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Geoprobe conductivity sensor is designed
to determine subsurface stratigraphy. Only
highly conductive contaminants such as oil
field brine can be directly measured by the
sensor.
STATUS:
The Geoprobe conductivity sensor field
demonstration was conducted in September
1994. The report is available.
Improvements to the unit include the
availability of stronger 1.25-inch diameter
probe rods, more durable probes, dipole-type
probes used for dipole measurements, and
expendable probes for use when grouting is
required.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
Wesley McCall
Geoprobe Systems
601 North Broadway Boulevard
Salina, KS 67401
785-825-1842
Fax: 785-825-2097
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GRASEBY IONICS, LTD., and PCP, INC.
(Ion Mobility Spectrometry)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) is a
technique used to detect and characterize
organic vapors in air. IMS involves the
ionization of molecules and their subsequent
temporal drift through an electric field.
Analysis and characterization are based on
analyte separations resulting from ionic
mobilities rather than ionic masses; this
difference distinguishes IMS from mass
spectrometry. IMS operates at atmospheric
pressure, a characteristic that has practical
advantages over mass spectrometry, allowing
a smaller analytical unit, lower power
requirements, lighter weight, and easier use.
These factors may facilitate use of IMS for
mobile, field applications.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The IMS units, which are intended to be used
in a preprogrammed fashion, can monitor
chloroform, ethylbenzene, and other volatile
organic compounds in a defined situation.
IMS units can analyze air, vapor, soil, and
water samples. However, for analysis of
liquid and solid materials, the contaminants
must be introduced to the instrument in the
gas phase, requiring some sample preparation.
STATUS:
Graseby Ionics, Ltd. (Graseby), and PCP, Inc.
(PCP), participated in a laboratory
demonstration in 1990. Graseby used a
commercially available, self-contained
instrument that weighs about 2 kilograms (kg)
(see figure below). PCP used a larger (12 kg)
transportable IMS. This laboratory
demonstration was the first opportunity to test
the instruments on environmental samples.
The demonstration results highlighted that the
following needs must be satisfied before IMS
is ready for field applications:
ENVIRONMENTAL CAP-
NOZZLE PROTECTIVE CAP
(Position when A.V.M. is in use)
Airborne Vapor Monitor for IMS
-------
• Additional development of sampling or
sample preparation strategies for soil and
water analysis.
• Improvements in the design and
performance of IMS inlets, in conjunction
with the development of sampling and
presentation procedures.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: koglin-eric@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
John Brokenshire
Graseby Ionics, Ltd.
Analytical Division
Park Avenue, Bushey
Watford, Hertfordshire
WD22BW
England
Telephone No.: 011-44-1923-816166
Robert Stimac
William Kay
PCP, Inc.
2155 Indian Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33409-3287
561-686-5185
Fax: (561) 683-0507 (call first)
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HANBY ENVIRONMENTAL
LABORATORY PROCEDURES, INC.
(Test Kits for Organic Contaminants in Soil and Water)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Hanby Environmental Laboratory Procedures,
Inc. (H.E.L.P), field test kits for soil and water
(as shown in the figure below) provide rapid,
sensitive analyses for abroad range of organic
contaminants. The kits have been used at spill
and leak sites for petroleum substances
including fuels, solvents, oils, pesticides,
herbicides, and indirectly wood preservatives
such as pentachlorophenols (PCP). The test
kit methods are based on simple extraction
and colorimetric procedures using Friedel-
Crafts (F-C) chemical reactions. During
analyses for PCPs suspended in diesel fuel
carrier solvent, where the actual analyte does
not undergo F-C reactions, it is necessary to
perform other analyses to determine the ratio
of the target compound to the detected carrier
solvent. At locations where the type of
contaminant is known, such as gasoline or
diesel fuel sites, the appropriate calibration
photograph for the substance is used which
provides precise quantitative analytical
information. Alternatively, H.E.L.P. provides
a portable spectrophotometer which reads the
sample results, identifying a wider variety of
chemicals.
The test kits provide the equipment and
reagents to perform 15 soil or water samples.
Soil tests are performed using the following
steps:
• Using the electronic balance, weigh 5
grams of soil into a beaker.
• Empty one solvent ampule into the
beaker.
Stir the sample for 2 minutes (extraction).
• Pour extract from the beaker into one of
the sample test tubes.
Hanby Test Kit
-------
• Empty one catalyst powder vial into the
test tube, cap and shake for 3 minutes.
• Compare the developed color of the
sample to the appropriate calibration
photograph, or insert the test tube into the
spectrophotometer for readout.
Water testing is performed in a similar
manner, except that the extraction procedure
is performed on a 500-milliliter water sample
in a separately funnel which comes with the
water test kit.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
H.E.L.P. field test kits analyze aromatic,
halogenated, and other compounds which
participate in F-C reactions. These
compounds include the complete range of fuel
types such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet
fuel, as well as all types of crude oils. The
test kits are also used for the measurement of
many other types of substances such as new
and used motor oils, transformer oils,
hydraulic fluids, and other types of organic
liquids which contain only small amounts of
F-C reacting compounds. The intense color of
these reactions allows sensitivities of
detection from 1 to 25 parts per million (ppm).
The availability of two solvent types for the
kits provides a range from 1 ppm (with the
lower range solvent) to 100,00 ppm (with the
high range solvent).
The H.E.L.P. test kit was used to indirectly
screen and quantify PCP contamination in
soils for a SITE demonstration in Morrisville,
North Carolina in August 1993, using samples
collected from a wood preserving site in
Winona, Missouri. These samples contained
PCP in a diesel carrier solvent. When the
ratio of carrier solvent to PCP was constant,
the PCP concentration data obtained using the
H.E.L.P. test kit correlated well with sample
splits analyzed at an off-site laboratory.
Results from the demonstration have been
published in an Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-95/514),
which is available from EPA.
The field test kits and the associated
spectrophotometer, the H.E.L.P. MATE 2000,
were selected by the U.S. Department of
Commerce and EPA Rapid
Commercialization Initiative (RCI) as
representative of "best available demonstrated
technology" in March 1996. The technologies
selected for RCI was demonstrated and
assessed by EPA, the U.S. Departments of
Energy, Commerce, and Defense, the
California EPA, the Western Governor's
Association, and the Southern States Energy
Board throughout 1996 and 1997.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Hanby
Hanby Environmental Laboratory
Procedures, Inc.
501 Sandy Point Road
Houston, TX 78676
512-847-1212
Fax: 512-847-1454
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-------
HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY
(via acquisition of MTI Analytical Instruments, Inc.)
(Portable Gas Analyzer/HP Micro GC)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Hewlett-Packard (HP) portable gas
analyzer, shown below, is a multi-channel,
high- speed, portable micro gas
chromatograph (GC) that provides isothermal
analysis of gas-phase samples. The injector
and thermal conductivity detector (TCD) are
micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
That is, they are fabricated from silicon using
micro-machining techniques similar to that
used to produce microprocessors,
microcircuits, etc. As a result these
chromatographic components are extremely
small and exhibit extremely high reliability
and performance. Depending on the analysis
requirements, these two components are
combined with one of a series of high
performance/microbore capillary columns
(ranging from 0.25 to 14 meters in length and
0.150-0.32 mm inside diameter [ID]) into an
individually programmable analysis channel.
Up to four independent, optimized analyses
(separations) of a single gas sample can be
performed simultaneously in a single
instrument.
A gas sample is drawn into a sample loop
with an internal vacuum pump. An aliquot of
the sample is then introduced into the
capillary column using the microvalves
contained within the micro-machine injector.
The maximum analysis time for components
up to CIO is 160 seconds or less, making the
P200 Gas Analyzer
-------
HP Micro kGC one of the fastest
commercially available gas chromatographs.
The HP portable gas analyzer houses an
internal sealed lead acid battery and small
refillable carrier gas cylinder providing up to
8 hours of continuous operation. When
combined with a laptop computer and
instrument control/data analysis software, the
HP portable gas analyzer is fully capable of
field operation.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The HP portable gas analyzer can detect many
volatile organic compounds (VOC) at
concentrations as low as 1 ppm. A heated
sample inlet system enables the gas analyzer
to detect higher boiling compounds like
naphthalene and hexachlorobutadiene. When
combined with an air sampler/pre-
concentrator (ex. Entech, Tekmar/Dohrmann)
detection limits in the range of 1 to 10 parts
per billion for EPA Method TO-14
compounds can be obtained.
The HP portable gas analyzer can be
employed for the analysis of soil gases, VOC
contaminants in groundwater, and, with the
use of an air sampler/pre-concentrator device,
VOCs in ambient air. The micro TCD is
suitable for analyzing many types of organic
and inorganic vapor-phase compounds. The
HP portable gas analyzer can be used as part
of a system to monitor VOC emissions from
hazardous waste sites as part of first site
assessment activities and as part of a
remediation program. Because of its
portability, high analytical speed, and
relatively low detection limit, the gas analyzer
provides results of comparable quality to
laboratory based analysis instruments,
including gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry (GC/MS).
STATUS:
The P200 gas analyzer was evaluated during
a field study in August 1995. During the
study, downwind vapors from an artificial
source generator were analyzed. Preliminary
results of the demonstration were presented in
an article titled "Performance Comparison of
Field-Deployable Gas Chromatographs with
Canister TO-14 Analyses" in the Proceeding
of the 1996 U.S. EPA/Air and Waste
Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-64, 1996.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Hewlett-Packard
Telephone No.: 800-227-9770
OR
Bob Belair
Sr. Product Mgr.-Micro GC
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19707
302-633-8487
Fax: 302-993-5935
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HNU SYSTEMS, INC.
(HNU GC 311D Portable Gas Chromatograph)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The field-deployable HNU GC 31 ID portable
gas chromatograph monitors a wide range of
compound emissions from hazardous waste
sites and other emissions sources before and
during remediation (see photograph below).
It has an internal carrier gas supply, operates
on 110-volt line power, is microprocessor-
controlled, and is temperature programmable.
An internal printer plots chromatograms and
prints data. Data can also be reported to an
external computer, which is connected
through an RS-232 outlet.
The instrument has simultaneous dual-
detector capability and allows the user to
choose from four interchangeable detectors:
photoionization, flame ionization, electron-
capture, and far ultraviolet absorbance.
Capillary columns of all sizes can be installed.
The instrument is capable of autosampling.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The HNU GC 31 ID is applicable to a wide
variety of vapor-phase pollutants. The
photoionization detector is sensitive to
compounds that ionize below 11.7 electron
volts, such as aromatic compounds and
unsaturated halocarbons. The flame
ionization detector is sensitive to
hydrocarbons. The electron-capture detector
is sensitive to halocarbons and
HNU GC 31 ID Portable Gas Chromatograph
-------
polychlorinated biphenyls. The far ultraviolet
absorbance is a universal detector with
characteristics similar to that of a thermal
conductivity detector (TCD).
STATUS:
The instrument was evaluated in January 1992
at a Superfund site under remediation.
Results from the demonstration are presented
in a peer-reviewed article entitled "Evaluation
of Portable Gas Chromatographs" in the
Proceedings of the 1993 U.S. EPA/Air and
Waste Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-33, Volume 2,1993. A final
report will not be prepared.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: koglin-eric@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jennifer Driscoll
HNU Systems, Inc.
160 Charlemont Street
Highlands, MA 02161-9987
617-964-6690
Fax: 617-558-0056
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HNU SYSTEMS, INC.
(HNU Source Excited Fluorescence
Analyzer-Portable [SEFA-P] X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
HNU Systems, Inc. developed the Source
Excited Fluorescence Analyzer - Portable
(SEFA-P), a portable X-ray technology, to
selectively determine metals concentrations
in soils and other media at hazardous waste
sites or industrial locations. Three excitation
sources are offered with the SEFA-P X-ray
fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer: Iron-55,
Cadmium-109, and Americium-241. The
SEFA-P is shown in the photograph below.
The SEFA-P in its most basic form consists of
the following components: one main cabinet
that encloses the sample chamber; the
excitation sources; a liquid nitrogen-cooled
Si(Li) detector; a preamplifier; spectrometer
electronics; a multi-channel analyzer (MCA);
and a battery charger. The internal battery
can power the MCA for 8 hours. The MCA
has an RS-232 interface that allows the
SEFA-P to be externally controlled through a
PC or laptop computer. The SEFA-P weighs
approximately 50 pounds.
Source Excited Fluorescence Analyzer-Portable (SEFA-P) XRF
Analyzer
-------
The SEFA-P can be calibrated empirically or
using the Compton ratio. Quantitative results
for samples are displayed on the PC screen in
units of parts per million. The SEFA-P only
analyzes soil samples in the intrusive mode;
soil samples are placed in sample cups prior to
analysis. After calibrating the unit, analyzing
quality control samples, and preparing
samples, it is possible to analyze 30 to 50
samples in an 8- to 10-hour day.
The SEFA-P is sold with a general license, so
the operator does not have to be specifically
licensed in each state in which it is used. As
of 1995, the SEFA-P retailed for
approximately $45,000, depending on the
options included. This price includes one in-
house operational training course.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SEFA-P can detect elements from
aluminum through uranium in soil or other
media, such as those elements at mining and
smelting sites, drum recycling facilities, or
plating facilities. The instrument can provide
real-time, on-site analytical results during
field screening and remedial operations. XRF
analysis is faster and more cost-effective
compared to conventional laboratory analysis.
STATUS:
The SEPA-A has been used at a number of
Superfund sites across the country. A SITE
demonstration of the SEFA-P was conducted
in February 1995 and summarized in
Technical Report No. EPA/600/R-97/144,
dated March 1998. The instrument was used
to identify and quantify concentrations of
metals in soils. The report gives field-based
method detection limits, accuracy, and
precision data from the analysis of standard
reference materials and performance
evaluation samples. Comparability of the
XRF results to an EPA-approved reference
laboratory method was also assessed. The
draft fourth update to SW-846 includes
Method 6200, dated January 1998, which
incorporates the results of the SITE
demonstration.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jennifer Driscoll
HNU Systems, Inc.
160 Charlemont Street
Highlands, MA 02161-9987
617-964-6690
Fax: 617-558-0056
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HORIBA INSTRUMENTS, INC.
(Infrared Analysis)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The OCMA-350 developed by Horiba
measures the oil content in water samples
using infrared analysis. The OCMA-350
includes a single-beam, fixed-wavelength,
nondispersive infrared filter-based
spectrophotometer. Infrared radiation from
a tungsten lamp is transmitted through a
cylindrical, quartz cuvette containing a
sample extract. The radiation that has
passed through the extract enters a detector
containing a filter that isolates analytical
wavelengths in the 3400- to 3500-nanometer
range.
During the demonstration, Horiba dried soil
by adding anhydrous sodium sulfate.
Extraction of petroleum hydrocarbons in a
given soil sample was typically performed
by adding 20 milliliters of Horiba's
proprietary S-316 extraction solvent to 5
grams of the sample. The mixture was
agitated using an ultrasonic mixer. The
sample extract was decanted into a beaker
through a filter-lined funnel, and then the
filtrate was poured into a quartz cuvette.
The cuvette was placed in the
spectrophotometer, and the TPH
concentration in milligrams per kilogram
was read on the digital display.
Periodically, Horiba recycled the extraction
solvent using its model SR-300 solvent
reclaimer.
-:. *
• * I
•« •
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The OCMA-350 provides an analysis of
the oil content in water samples. It is
also able to evaluate the capabilities of
semiconductor fabrication and precision
machinery cleaning equipment, evaluate
the properties of industrial process oil
and the residual oil of polishing
materials, as well as wastewater that has
been adulterated with silt, sludge, and
other suspended particles.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the EPA conducted a field
demonstration of the OCMA-350 and six
other field measurement devices for
TPH in soil. The performance and cost
of the OCMA-350 were compared to
those of an off-site laboratory reference
method. A complete description of the
demonstration and summary of its
results are available in the "Innovative
Technology Verification Report: Field
Measurement Devices for Total
Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil-Horiba
Instruments Incorporated OCMA-350
Oil Content Analyzer" (EPA/600/R-
01/089).
-------
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The method detection limit for the OCMA-
350 was determined to be 15.2 mg/kg.
Seventy-eight of 107 results used to draw
conclusions regarding whether the TPH
concentration in a given sampling area or
sample type exceeded a specific action level
agreed with those of reference method. Of
102 results used to measure measurement
bias, 64 were biased low, 38 were biased
high. For soil environmental samples, the
results were statistically the same as the
reference method for four of the five
sampling areas. The OCMA-350 exhibited
similar overall precision to the reference
method (RSD ranges were 1.5 to 20 percent
and 5.5 to 18 percent for the OCMA-350
and the reference method, respectively).
The OCMA-350 showed no response for
interferents such as PCE, 1, 2, 4-
trichlorobenzene, and soil spiked with
humic acid. The mean response for MTBE,
Stoddard solvent, and turpentine were 72.5,
86, and 85 percent, respectively. The
OCMA-350 showed a three-fold increase in
TPH results when the moisture content for
weathered gasoline samples was increased,
and a three-fold decrease when the moisture
content of diesel soil samples was increased.
Both the measurement time and cost
compared well with those of the reference
method.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jim Vance
Horiba Instruments Incorporated
17671 Armsrong Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614
800. 4HORIBA, ext. 170
Fax: 949-250-0924
e-mail: jim.vance@horiba.com
Internet: www.horiba.com
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IDETEK, INC.
(formerly BINAX CORPORATION, ANTOX DIVISION)
(Equate® Immunoassay)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Equate® immunoassay (see photograph
below) uses an anti-benzene, toluene, and
xylene (BTX) polyclonal antibody to facilitate
analysis of BTX in water. A hapten-enzyme
conjugate mimics free BTX hydrocarbons and
competes for binding to the polyclonal
antibody immobilized on a test tube. After
the test tube is washed to remove unbound
conjugate, a substrate chromogen mixture is
added and a colored enzymatic reaction
product forms. The enzymatic reaction is
stopped by adding a few drops of sulfuric
acid, which colors the enzymatic product
yellow.
As with other competitive enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assays, the color intensity of
the enzymatic product is inversely
proportional to the sample analyte
concentration. Each sample is run with a
reference sample of deionized water. The
optical density of the colored enzymatic
product is read on a portable digital
colorimeter equipped with a filter that passes
light at a peak wavelength of 450 nanometers.
The ratio of the sample to the reference
optical density values is used to estimate the
aromatic hydrocarbon level in the low parts
per million (ppm) range. The test is sensitive
to about 1 ppm and requires 5 to 10 minutes
per analysis.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Equate® immunoassay is designed to
measure BTX in water.
Equate® Immunoassay Kit
-------
STATUS:
The National Exposure Research Laboratory-
Las Vegas evaluated several versions of the
Equate immunoassay. The evaluation
focused on cross-reactivity and interference
testing and on analysis of benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, and xylene and gasoline
standard curves.
As a preliminary field evaluation, the Equate®
immunoassay was used to analyze in duplicate
five well samples and a creek sample, both in
the field and the laboratory. Confirmatory
analysis was conducted using purge-and-trap
gas chromatography with an electron-capture
detector, in parallel with a photoionization
detector.
A SITE demonstration of the Equate®
immunoassay was conducted in 1992. Results
from this demonstration were published in
June 1994 in an EPA report entitled
"Superfund Innovative Technology
Evaluation (SITE) Program Evaluation Report
for Antox BTX Water Screen (BTX
Immunoassay)" (EPA/540/R-93/518).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Richard Lankow
Idetek, Inc.
1245 Reamwood Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
408-752-1353
Fax: 408-745-0243
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METOREX, INC.
(Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Metorex, Inc. (Metorex), manufactures, sells,
leases, and provides analytical and repair
services for its X-MET line of field portable
X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF) analyzers. The
latest X-MET models in this series of
instruments are the X-MET 920 and X-MET
2000 systems. The X-MET 920 series
includes the X-MET 920-P and 920-MP. The
X-MET analyzers are specifically calibrated
for on-site or in situ hazardous waste analysis.
These analyzers provide rapid, nondestructive
measurements of inorganic contaminants in
soil, thin film such as lead in paint, or water
matrices.
Each X-MET 920 series analyzer is built from
modules into systems based on customers'
analytical and logistical needs. The X-MET
PC System (XPCS) can either be built into the
expansion slot of the computer or is provided
as a standalone, battery-operated XPCS
module for direct interface to a computer's
RS-232 port.
The X-MET 920-P is equipped with either a
solid state Si(Li) gas-filled proportional
counter detector or the other new SIPS
detector contained in a hand-held probe. The
X-MET 920 MP is equipped with a gas-filled
proportional counter detector contained in a
hand-held probe.
The 920 X-MET, equipped with a Si(Li)
detector, dual radioisotope sources, and a
portable sealed computer, sells for $47,950.
The X-MET 920 MP sells for $36,325 and the
X-MET 2000 sells for $62,430. These prices
include factory training for two people at the
Metorex facility. The X-MET can also be
leased from Metorex.
The basic analyzer configuration includes the
PC, XRF software, XPCS, and the analysis
probe with excitation source. The XPCS
contains a 2,048-channel multichannel
analyzer that collects, analyzes, and displays
the X-ray pulse-height spectrum. The high-
resolution Si(Li) detector is liquid-nitrogen
cooled by a 0.5-liter dewar built into the
probe. The gas-filled proportional detector
and SIPS intrinsic silicon pin diode detector
operates at ambient temperatures. Metorex
offers iron-55, cadmium-109, and americium-
241 radioisotope excitation sources. Dual
source configurations are available.
The X-MET 940 was tested as a prototype,
which evolved into the X-MET 2000. It is
essentially the same instrument as the X-MET
920-P but has a smaller, lighter physical
configuration.
The X-MET 2000 is a custom, miniaturized,
field-hardened, battery-operated, DOS-based
computer that is dedicated to field XRF
application. The system uses a flash or
electronic hard disk to provide extreme
durability under field operating conditions. It
is among the smallest, lightest commercially
available FPXRF with the full range of
analytical capabilities.
All software is menu driven. These
instruments are factory-calibrated and can be
field-calibrated using either empirical
calibration (all probes) or standardless-
fundamental parameters (FP). For the Si(Li)
probe, empirical calibration requires a set of
site-typical or analyzed site-specific samples
for the initial calibration. FP calibration
requires one certified standard. Metorex
claims that 50 or more soil samples can be
analyzed in an 8- to 10-hour day with
intrusive sampling, rigorous sample
preparation, and long measurement times (200
to 300 seconds per sample) and up to 200
samples per day with in situ screening and
short (10 to 100 seconds per sample)
measurement times. The 920 X-MET,
equipped with a Si(Li) detector, dual
radioisotope sources, and a portable sealed
computer, sells for $47,950. The X-MET 920
MP sells for $36,325 and the X-MET 2000
sells for $62,430. These prices include
factory training for two people at the Metorex
facility. The X-MET can also be leased from
-------
Metorex.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The X-MET 2000 technology is designed to
identify more than 60 elements in soil or other
matrices, such as those at mining and smelting
sites, drum recycling facilities, or plating
facilities. The instrument can provide real-
time, on-site analytical results during field
screening and remediation operations.
FPXRF analysis is faster and more cost-
effective compared to conventional laboratory
analysis.
STATUS:
The X-MET 920-P, 920-MP, and 940 were
evaluated under the SITE Program in April
1995. The evaluation is summarized in
technical reports EPA/600/R-97/146 for the
920-P and 940 and EPA/600/R-97/151 for the
920-MP, both dated March 1998. The
instruments were used to identify and quantify
concentrations of metals in soils. Evaluation
of the results yielded field-based method
detection limits, accuracy, and precision data
from the analysis of standard reference
materials and performance evaluation
samples. Comparability of the FPXRF results
to an EPA-approved reference laboratory
method was also assessed. The draft fourth
update to SW-846 includes Method 6200,
dated January 1998, which incorporates the
results of the SITE study.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
John Pattersonn
Metorex, Inc.
250 Phillips Blvd.
Ewing, NJ08618
800-229-9209
Fax: 609-530-9055
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MICROSENSOR SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED
(MSI-301A Vapor Monitor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The MSI-301A vapor monitor is a portable,
temperature-controlled gas chromatograph
with a highly selective surface acoustic wave
detector and an on-board computer (see
photograph below). The MSI-301A vapor
monitor performs the following functions:
• Preconcentrates samples and uses
scrubbed ambient air as a carrier gas
• Analyzes a limited group of preselected
compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and
xylenes, at part per billion levels
• Operates by battery and includes an
RS-232 interface
Operates automatically as a stationary
sampler or manually as a mobile unit
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MSI-301A vapor monitor can monitor
many volatile organic compound emissions
from hazardous waste sites and other sources
before and during remediation. Some specific
applications of the microsensor technology
include OSHA compliance monitoring,
environmental ambient air analysis, carbon
bed breakthrough analysis, and industrial
manufacturing area emission monitoring.
MSI-301A Vapor Monitor
-------
STATUS:
In January 1992, the MSI-301A vapor
monitor was evaluated in the field at a
Superfund site. Results from the
demonstration are presented in a peer-
reviewed article entitled "Evaluation of
Portable Gas Chromatographs" in the
Proceedings of the 1993 U.S. EPA/Air and
Waste Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-33, Volume 2, 1993.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Norman Davis
Microsensor Systems, Incorporated
62 Corporate Court
Bowling Green, KY 42103
207-745-0099
Fax: 270-745-0095
e-mail: ndavis@msi.sawtek.com
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MILLIPORE CORPORATION
(EnviroGard™ PCP Immunoassay Test Kit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The EnviroGard™ pentachlorophenol (PCP)
immunoassay test kit, shown in the
photograph below, rapidly analyzes soil and
water samples at sites contaminated with PCP.
The procedure is performed by adding a water
or soil sample extract to test tubes coated with
a specific antibody along with a PCP-enzyme
conjugate. The PCP from the sample and the
enzyme conjugate compete for immobilized
anti-PCP antibody binding sites. After the
initial competitive reaction, any unbound
enzyme conjugate is washed from the tubes
and a clear substrate is added. Any bound
enzyme conjugate colors the clear substrate
blue. A small portable photometer is used to
measure the color intensity, which is inversely
related to the concentration of the PCP in the
original sample or calibrator solution.
The amount of color in the sample tubes is
compared to calibrators corresponding to
either 10 and 100 parts per million (ppm) for
soil samples or 5 and 50 parts per billion
(ppb) for water samples. Different detection
levels can be achieved by diluting either the
soil sample extract or the water sample.
The test kit has been tested for interferences
with humic acids, pH, water content in soil
samples, and oil co-contamination. Humic
acid content in sample extracts greater than
10,000 ppb may cause false positive results.
Samples with pH within the range of 4 to
14 were found to be correctly evaluated. The
test kit correctly evaluated soils containing
water up to 30 percent by weight, as well as
samples containing water up to 10 percent by
weight. Soil samples containing up to 10
percent oil were also correctly evaluated by
the test kit.
-
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The EnviroGard™ PCP test kit measures PCP
in water samples and extracts of soil samples.
Detection limits are 10 ppm for soil samples
and 5 ppb for water samples.
STATUS:
The EnviroGard™ PCP test kit was used to
screen and quantify PCP contamination in soil
and groundwater during a SITE demonstration
in Morrisville, North Carolina in August
1993. The PCP carrier used at this site was a
mixture of isopropyl ether and butane. In
addition, soil and groundwater samples
collected from a wood- preserving site in
Winona, Missouri were tested during the
demonstration. Diesel fuel was used as the
PCP carrier at this site.
The test kit did not meet acceptable accuracy
requirements during the demonstration.
Millipore has since developed a revised
protocol for PCP analysis. Millipore believes
the revised protocol improves the accuracy
and reproducibility of the test.
The Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-95/514), which details results
from the demonstration, is available from
EPA.
The EnviroGard™ PCP test kit has been
accepted by the EPA Office of Solid Waste
for inclusion in SW-846 as Method 4010A.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Barbara Young
Analytical Division
Millipore Corporation
80 Ashby Road
Bedford, MA 01730
617-533-5207
Fax:617-533-3135
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NITON CORPORATION
(XL Spectrum Analyzer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
NITON Corporation (Niton) manufactures
and services the XL Spectrum Analyzer, the
XL-309 Lead Detector, the XL-700 Series
multi-element analyzers, and the XL-800
Series alloy analyzers. All are hand-held,
field portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF)
instruments.
The XL Spectrum Analyzer allows in situ and
prepared-sample, on-site measurement of lead
in paint, soils, dust wipes, coatings and air.
Lead paint analysis is accepted by EPA, and
NIOSH Method 7702 is in place for airborne
lead analysis. The XL-700 Series is the multi-
element analyzer. This instrument analyzes
many elements, including all eight RCRA
metals, in soils, filter media, and coatings (see
photograph below).
The NITON XL-309 lead detector includes a
cadmium-109 radioactive source (up to 40
millicurie) that provides the excitation
energy that produces characteristic fluorescent
X-rays from a sample The XL-700 Series can
be equipped with a cadmium-109 source, an
Iron-5 5 source, an americium-241 source, or
all three. All XL-309 instruments can be
upgraded to any XL-700 Series instrument at
any time. The XL-800 Series alloy analyzers
are designed for rapid sorting and chemical
identification of metal alloys and scrap
metals.
The instrument includes a silicon Pin-diode
detector (or a silicon diode plus cadmium-
zinc-telluride detector for lead paint analysis),
cooled by the thermoelectric Peltier effect.
The instrument also includes (1) a
multichannel analyzer of 1,024 channels, (2)
an RS-232 serial port for data transfer and
printing, (3) an internal memory for storing up
to 1,000 readings with spectra, and (4) aback-
lit graphic liquid crystal display.
XL Spectrum Analyzer
-------
The instrument self-calibrates its energy scale
and uses a Compton backscatter calibration
technique for soil testing. The backscatter
calibration compensates for X-ray absorption
in the soil matrix. Alloy analysis is performed
using fundamental parameters. The
instrument is equipped with a removable
lithium ion rechargeable battery that provides
up to 8 hours of continuous use. It can
analyze 20 to 25 samples per hour, based on a
60-second analysis time and minimal sample
preparation.
The complete instrument, shown in the
photograph above, weighs less than 3 pounds.
NITON requires a 1-day operator training and
radiation safety course which is offered at no
charge. The course awards a certification
maintenance point to Certified Industrial
Hygienists who attend. NITON manufactures
the Spectrum Analyzers under both general
and specific licenses with the State of Rhode
Island.
Instrument costs range between $14,000 and
$37,000, depending on number of applications
and radioactive sources. Prices include two
rechargeable batteries and a charger,
automotive power adapter, cable for serial
data downloading, waterproof carrying case,
operating and safety manual, barcode wand,
personal computer software, all necessary
hardware accessories and calibration check
standards, and a 15-month warranty.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The NITON Spectrum Analyzer can detect
more than 20 elements in soil samples, such as
those obtained from lead-contaminated
residences, mining and smelting sites, drum
recycling facilities, and plating facilities.
The instrument can provide real-time, on-site
analytical results during field screening and
remediation operations. FPXRF analysis is
faster and more cost effective compared to
laboratory analysis.
STATUS:
The NITON Spectrum Analyzer was
demonstrated under the SITE Program in
April 1995. The results are summarized in
Technical Report No. EPA/600/R-97/150,
dated March 1998. The instrument was used
to identify and quantify concentrations of
metals in soils. A preliminary evaluation of
the results yielded field-based method
detection limits, accuracy, and precision data
from the analysis of standard reference
materials and performance evaluation
samples. Detectors have improved, so
detection limits of current instruments are
lower than those determine in the 1995 site
demonstration. Comparability of the FPXRF
results to an EPA-approved reference
laboratory method was also assessed. The
Draft Fourth Update to SW-846 includes
Method 6200, dated January 1998, which is
based on this work.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Jonathan Shein
Executive Vice President, Sales
and Marketing
NITON Corporation
900 Middlesex Turnpike
Building 8
Billerica, MA01821
978-670-7460
Fax: 978-670-7430
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PE PHOTOVAC INTERNATIONAL, INC. (formerly
PHOTOVAC INTERNATIONAL, INC.)
(PE Photovac Voyager Portable Gas Chromatograph)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PE Photovac Voyager Portable Gas
Chromatograph (GC) is a lightweight, battery
powered, isothermal GC (see figure below). The
Voyager GC is designed to replace the Photovac
10S Plus GC and incorporates the following
advanced features:
• A miniature analytical engine containing a
precolumn with backflush capability; three
analytical columns dedicated for "light",
"middle", and "heavy" compounds; an
isothermal oven with an operating
temperature range of 30-80 °C; a miniature
all-stainless steel valve array; and a
syringe/valve injection port. The whole
engine is maintained at the set isothermal
temperature.
• The Voyager photoionization detector (PID)
provides superior sensitivity to volatile
organic compounds (VOC) such as
benzene, toluene, xylenes, and chlorinated
ethylenes.
High sensitivity to chlorinated compounds is
achieved using a Voyager equipped with an
electron capture detector (BCD).
A VOC function acts as a fast screening tool
for pre-GC analysis; the VOC mode
supports either syringe or automatic "sample
injections."
A factory-programmed assay for analysis of
up to 40 VOCs listed in EPA Method 601,
602, 624, and 8260.
A "simplified" operating mode designed to
detect a subset of VOCs selected from the
preprogrammed assay.
A user mode, simple point-and-press
operation, to analyze preselected compounds
from the factory programmed assay.
Total weight with PID is 15 pounds.
PE-Photovac Portable Gas Chromatograph
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Voyager GC can monitor VOC emissions
from hazardous waste sites and other emission
sources before, during, and after remediation.
PC Sitechart LX software provides the user with
data downloading, integration and GC
customization capabilities. This enables a user
to generate data onsite, with confidence.
STATUS:
The Photovac 10S PLUS GC was evaluated in
January 1992 at a Superfund site under
remediation. Results from this demonstration
are presented in a peer-reviewed article entitled
"Evaluation of Portable Gas Chromatographs" in
the Proceedings of the 1993 U.S. EPA/Air and
Waste Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-33, Volume 2, 1993.
The Voyager GC was evaluated during a field
study in August 1995. During the study,
downwind vapors from an artificial source
generator were analyzed. Preliminary results of
the demonstration were presented in an article
titled "Performance Comparison of Field-
Deployable Gas Chromatographs with Canister
TO-14 Analyses" in the Proceeding of the 1996
U.S. EPA/Air and Waste Management
Association International Symposium, VIP-64,
1996.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: koglin.eric@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ed Chaissen
PE Photovac International, Inc.
50 Danbury Road
Shelton, CT 06897
203-925-4600
Fax: 203-761-2892
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QUADREL SERVICES, INC.
(Emflux® Soil-Gas Survey System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Quadrel's EMFLUX® System is a fully
operational, passive, near-surface
investigative technology capable of
identifying buried VOCs and SVOCs at
concentrations in the low parts-per-billion
range.
EMFLUX® exploits the crustal effects of
gravity (generally referred to as "earth tides")
through a predictive computer model. These
geophysical forces dominate vertical soil-gas
velocities, increasing them by three to five
orders of magnitude. The ability to predict
such velocity changes (which dwarf
influences of barometric pressure,
temperature, moisture, and other phenomena)
allows EMFLUX® to take advantage of
maximum gas emissions at ground surface
through simultaneous, cumulative sampling,
thereby enhancing
detection accuracy and survey reliability. As
a result, EMFLUX® survey results are
reproducible in excess of 90 percent of the
time in terms of both correct identification of
individual VOCs and SVOCs and
proportional duplication at ground surface of
changes in subsurface concentrations of
targeted compounds.
Deployment, by individuals or two-person
teams, takes less than two minutes per point
(exclusive of initial sample location
surveying); retrieval requires half that time;
and collectors remain in the field for 72 hours.
Field components of the system (9-inch
stainless steel shells used above ground, or
3.5-inch glass vials for shallow subsurface
placement) are completely portable.
Available analytical methods range from EPA
Methods 8020 and 8021, using gas
chromatography and a variety of detectors, to
Methods 8260 and 8270, using mass
spectrometry.
EMFLUX * COLLECTOR
DEPLOYMENT THROUGH SOILS
DEPLOYMENT THROUGH AN ASPHALT/CONCRETE CAP
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The EMFLUX® System has been employed
with great effectiveness in detecting a broad
range of VOCs and SVOCs (from vinyl
chloride through hexachlorobutadiene) in soil,
groundwater and air. The technology has also
been successful in identifying and mapping
methane, non-methane landfill gases,
mercury, certain types of high explosives, and
chemical surety materials.
STATUS:
Quadrel participated in the SITE Program
(Environmental Technology Verification
Program) in May and June 1997, when
EMFLUX® was deployed at two sites (one in
Colorado, the other in Iowa) to detect, among
other VOCs, vinyl chloride, 1,2-DCE, 1,1-
DCA, 1,1,1-TCA, TCE and PCE. The
demonstration results indicate that the
EMFLUX® system can provide useful, cost-
effective data for environmental problem-
solving. The EMFLUX® system successfully
collected soil gas samples in clay and sandy
soils. The sampler provided positive
identification of target VOCs and may be able
to detect lower concentrations of VOCs in the
soil gas than the reference method. The
results of the demonstration did not indicate
consistent proportional comparability between
the EMFLUX® data and the reference
method's data. Currently, the final report and
verification statement is being completed by
the National Risk Management Research
Laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada. The
EMFLUX® system has been commercially
operational since 1990. EMFLUX® has been
used on 350 major projects in 46 U.S. states,
in Guam, Canada, Great Britain, South
America, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Bruce Tucker or
Paul Henning
Quadrel Services, Inc.
1896 Urbana Pike, Suite 20
Clarksburg, MD 20871
301-874-5510
Fax: 301-874-5567
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RADIOMETER AMERICAN
(Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Mercury in Soil)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: STATUS:
The Radiometer Analytical Group
(Radiometer) anodic stripping voltammetry
(ASV) method is a field-portable technique
that uses a programmed electrochemical
apparatus to measure total mercury in soil and
sediment. The Radiometer method is more
complex than immunoassay methods, but it
can generate quantitative results, while
immunoassay methods generate only
semi quantitative or screening level results.
Each Radiometer ASV apparatus can analyze
up to about 40 samples per day for mercury.
Mercury in soil or sediment samples is first
extracted using a heated 1:6:17 mixture of
hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and deionized
water. The extract is then cooled, buffered,
and centrifuged. The extracted samples are
then analyzed by ASV using a Radiometer
PSU 20 unit.
The ASV method has two steps. In the first
step, mercury ions are plated out of solution
onto a glassy carbon electrode that is coated
with a gold film and placed under a negative
potential. In the second step, the negative
potential is removed and the mercury is
stripped off the electrode. The change in
electrode potential is measured with a high
impedance voltmeter and is proportional to
the mercury concentration.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Radiometer method has been used to
analyze soil and sediment samples containing
mercury. The effect of soil texture on this
method's performance is unknown. Soil
moisture content of up to 31 percent had
minimal to no effect on performance. The
ASV method can measure mercury in soil or
sediment at the parts per million (ppm) level.
The Radiometer ASV method was field
demonstrated in August 1995 at two
southwestern state sites: the Carson River
Mercury site in Reno, Nevada; and the
Sulphur Bank Mercury Mine site in Clear
Lake, California. During the demonstration,
the method was used to analyze 145 samples
(55 samples from each site and 35 archived
samples), 20 field duplicate samples, 17 weak
digestion samples, and 13 performance
evaluation samples. Duplicate samples
underwent confirmatory analysis using
inductively coupled plasma with mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) at an off-site
laboratory. The ASV method provided
reproducible quantitative results comparable
to those generated by ICP-MS down to 2 ppm.
Additional results from the field
demonstration will be available in the
Innovative Technology Evaluation Report.
According to Radiometer, the PSU 20 unit has
been improved to achieve detection limits at
the parts per billion level (Radiometer PSU 22
unit).
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mark Nighman
Radiometer American
810 Sharon Drive
Westlake, OH44145
800-998-8110, Ext. 2664
Fax:440-899-1139
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SCITEC CORPORATION
(Metal Analysis Probe [MAP®] Portable Assayer]
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The SCITEC Corporation MAP® Portable
Assayer (see photograph below) is a field
portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF)
analyzer. This FPXRF analyzer can
simultaneously analyze for select metals. It is
compact, lightweight, and does not require
liquid nitrogen. A rechargeable battery allows
the FPXRF analyzer to be used at remote sites
where electricity is unavailable.
The MAP® Portable Assayer uses a silicon
X-ray detector to provide elemental
resolution. The unit demonstrated under the
SITE Program used a Cadmium-109
radioisotope as the excitation source.
The MAP® Portable Assayer provides high
sample throughput and is reportedly easy to
operate. Analytical results obtained by this
instrument may be comparable to the results
obtained by EPA-approved methods.
The instrument is composed of a control
console connected to an ambient scanner with
a cable. The basic MAP® system also
includes a carry pack, rechargeable batteries,
operator's manual, target metal standard, and
a shipping case. The control console contains
a 256-multichannel analyzer (MCA) with a
storage capacity of 325 spectra and analyses.
The control console weighs 7 pounds and the
ambient scanner weighs about 2.5 pounds.
The MAP® Portable Assayer is capable of
analyzing 70 samples in an 8- to 10-hour day
based on a 240-second analysis time. The
instrument is empirically calibrated by the
developer. SCITEC requires a 1-day operator
training and radiation safety course prior to
obtaining a specific license to operate the
instrument. The standard MAP Portable
Assayer package sells for $15,590.
MAP® Portable Assayer
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The MAP® Portable Assayer can detect select
metals in soil and sediment samples and in
filter and wipe samples. It can also detect
lead in paint. The MAP® Portable Assayer
reportedly can quantitate metals at
concentrations ranging from parts per million
to percentage levels
STATUS:
The MAP® Portable Assayer has been used at
a number of Superfund sites across the
country. It was evaluated in April 1995 as
part of a SITE demonstration of FPXRF
instruments. The instrument was used to
identify and quantify concentrations of metals
in soils. A preliminary evaluation of the
results yielded field-based method detection
limits, accuracy, and precision data from the
analysis of standard reference materials and
performance evaluation samples.
Comparability of the FPXRF results to an
EPA-approved reference analytical method
was also assessed during the demonstration.
An EPA SW-846 method for FPXRF analysis
of soils was published in 1996. A
comprehensive evaluation of all results was
presented in a technical report from EPA in
1997.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Steve Santy
SCITEC Corporation
415 North Quay
Kennewick, WA 99336
800-466-5323 or
509-783-9850
Fax: 509-735-9696
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SENTEX SENSING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
(Scentograph Plus II Portable Gas Chromatograph)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Scentograph Plus II Portable Gas
Chromatograph is designed to monitor
volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
from hazardous waste sites and other emission
sources. It operates by drawing air through a
sorbent bed, followed by rapid thermal
desorption into the carrier stream. The
instrument operates in either Micro Argon
lonization or Micro Electron Capture modes.
The Scentograph Plus II Portable Gas
Chromatograph can operate for several hours
on internal batteries and has internal carrier
gas and calibration tanks. It can be fitted with
capillary columns (up to 105 meters, 0.32 or
0.53 millimeter) or packed columns.
The instrument can be operated isothermally
at temperatures ranging from ambient to
179°C. Oven temperatures can be
programmed at a desired rate. The 11.7-
electron-volt ionization energy allows a
detection limit of about 0.1 part per billion.
The instrument is controlled by a detachable
IBM compatible laptop computer (see
photograph below). Purge and Trap
Accessories enable on-site, on-line
determinations of various VOCs in water.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Scentograph Plus II portable gas
Chromatograph can monitor VOC emissions
from hazardous waste sites and other emission
sources.
Scentograph Plus II Portable Gas Chromatograph
-------
A newly developed situ probe allows in situ
purge and trap operation, which eliminates the
need for water filtration or pre-treatment prior
to analysis. This application is specifically
suited for wastewater.
STATUS:
The Scentograph Plus II portable gas
chromatograph was evaluated in January 1992
at a Superfund site under remediation.
Results from this demonstration are presented
in a peer-reviewed article titled "Evaluation of
Portable Gas Chromatographs" in the
Proceedings of the 1993 U.S. EPA/Air and
Waste Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-33, Volume 2, 1993.
The technology was also evaluated in June
1994 at a landfill adjacent to a residential
area. Results from this demonstration are
presented in a peer-reviewed article titled
"On-Site Monitoring of Vinyl Chloride at
Parts Per Trillion Levels in Air" in the
Proceedings of the 1995 U.S. EPA/Air and
Waste Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-47, Volume 1, 1995.
The Scentograph Plus II portable gas
chromatograph was also evaluated during a
field study in August 1995. During the study,
downwind vapors from an artificial source
generator were analyzed. Preliminary results
of the demonstration were presented in an
article titled "Performance Comparison of
Field-Deployable Gas Chromatographs with
Canister TO-14 Analyses" in the Proceeding
of the 1996 U.S. EPA/Air and Waste
Management Association International
Symposium, VIP-64, 1996. The Scentograph
Plus II was also evaluated under an ETV
program report published in November of
1998 titled "Environmental Technology
Verification Report: Portable Gas
Chromatograph, Sentex Systems, Inc.
Sentograph Plus II." This document can be
obtained from the EPA, technical report
number EPA/600/R-98/145.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Amos Linenberg
Sentex Systems, Inc.
373 US HWY 46
W. Building 3
Fairfield, NJ 07004
201-945-3694
e-mail: www.sentexinc.com
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SIMULPROBE® TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Core Barrel Soil Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The SimulProbe® Technologies, Inc.
(SimulProbe®), core barrel sampler consists of
a split core barrel similar to a split-spoon
sampler, a drive shoe, and a core barrel head.
The sampler is constructed of steel, has a
uniform 2-inch outer diameter, and is 27
inches long. It is capable of recovering a
discrete sample 1.25 inches in diameter and
27 inches long. Multiple 5.25-inch-long
stainless-steel liners or a single full-length
plastic liner can be used inside the sampler to
contain the soil core. The drive shoe of the
sampler is equipped with a slide mechanism
and has an optional drive tip for direct-push,
discrete sampling applications.
The drive tip, known as the SimulProbe®
Latch Activated Tip (SPLAT™), seals the
sample chamber until the target depth is
reached. The SPLAT™ is then released at the
target depth to collect the sample.
The core barrel sampler decreases the
likelihood of cross-contamination, preserves
sample integrity when used with a liner, can
collect either discrete or continuous soil
samples of unconsolidated materials, does not
need specialized training to use, and does not
generate drill cuttings.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SimulProbe® core barrel sampler can be
used to collect unconsolidated, subsurface soil
samples at depths that depend on the
capability of the advancement platform. The
sampler can be advanced into the subsurface
using a direct-push platform, drill rig, or
manual methods. The sampler has been used
to collect samples of sandy and clayey soil
contaminated with high concentrations of
volatile organic compounds (VOC). It can
also be used to collect samples for
semivolatile organic compounds, metals,
general minerals, and pesticides analyses.
STANDARD AW PIN OR AW TO GEOPROBE
CUSTOM THREAD DESIGN AVAILABLE
CORE BARREL HEAD
REED VALVE
(OPTIONAL FOR SATURATED ZONE)
. (NON-ESSENTIAL FOR VADOSE ZONE)
CORE BARREL
COVER
COVER SLEEVE
SPLAT" TIPASSEMBLY
Simulprobe Core Barrel Sampler
-------
STATUS:
The SimulProbe® core barrel sampler was
demonstrated under the Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation (SITE) program in
May and June 1997 at two sites: the Small
Business Administration (SBA) site in Albert
City, Iowa, and the Chemical Sales Company
(CSC) site in Denver, Colorado. Samples
collected during the demonstrations were
analyzed for VOCs to evaluate the
performance of the samplers.
Demonstration results indicate that the core
barrel sampler had higher sample recoveries
and yielded samples with higher VOC
concentrations in the clayey soil present at the
SBA site than the standard methods.
Conversely, the sampler had lower recoveries
and yielded samples with lower VOC
concentrations than the standard methods in
the sandy soil present at the CSC site. Sample
integrity using the core barrel sampler was not
preserved in highly contaminated soil, and the
use of sample liners was found to be required
to preserve sample integrity. The core barrel
sampler's reliability and throughput were not
as good as those of the standard methods;
however, the developer claims that the
sampler used during the demonstrations was
incorrectly manufactured. Costs for the core
barrel sampler were lower than costs related
to the standard sampling method.
Demonstration results are documented in the
"Environmental Technology Verification"
report for the sampler dated August 1998
(EPA/600/R-98/094).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dr. Richard Layton
SimulProbe® Technologies, Inc.
354 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Suite F
Novato, CA 94949
1-800-553-1755
Fax:(415)883-8788
e-mail: sprobe@simulprobe.com
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SITE-LAB CORPORATION
(Ultraviolet Fluorescence Spectrometer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The UVF-3100A includes a portable
fluorometer fitted with excitation and
emission filters that are appropriate for TPH
analysis of soil samples. The fluorometer
uses a mercury vapor lamp as its light source.
Light from the lamp is directed through an
excitation filter before it irradiates a sample
extract held in a quartz cuvette. The UVF-
3100 A can separately measure gasoline range
organic (GRO) and extended diesel range
organic (EDRO) components of sample
extracts. Depending on the analysis being
conducted (for example DRO analysis), the
fluorometer is fitted with an appropriate
emission filter that corresponds to the
wavelength at which the sample extract is
expected to fluoresce. For GRO, an emission
filter with a bandwidth of between 275 and
285 nanometers is used, and for EDRO, an
emission filter with a bandwidth of between
300 and 400 nanometers is used.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Sitelab's portable ultraviolet fluorescence
(UVF) technology specifically measures
aromatic contaminants, including TPH fuel
oils, PAHs, BTEXs and PCBs. Sitelab also
tests aromatic fractions found in Volatile
Petroleum Hydrocarbons (VPH), Gasoline
Range Organics (GRO), Extractable
Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) and Diesel
Range Organics (DRO), required by many
federal and state regulatory agencies for
assessing and cleaning up petroleum sites.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the EPA conducted a field
demonstration of the UVF-3100A and six
other field measurement devices for TPH in
soil. The performance and cost of the UVF-
3100A were compared to those of an off-site
laboratory reference method. A complete
description of the demonstration and summary
of its results are available in the "Innovative
-------
Technology Verification Report: Field
Measurement Devices for Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons in Soil-siteLAB® Corporation
Analytical Test Kit UVF-3100A"
(EPA/600/R-01/080).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The method detection limit for the UVF-
3100A was determined to be 3.4 mg/kg.
Eighty-seven of 108 results used to draw
conclusions regarding whether the TPH
concentration in a given sampling area or
sample type exceeded a specific action level
agreed with those of reference method. Of
102 results used to measure measurement
bias, 69 were biased low, 33 were biased high.
For soil environmental samples, the results
were statistically the same as the reference
method for one of the five sampling areas.
The UVF-3100A exhibited similar overall
precision to the reference method (RSD
ranges were 3 to 16 percent and 5.5 to 18
percent for the UVF-3100A and the reference
method, respectively). The UVF-3100A
showed a mean response of less than 5 percent
for interferents such as MTBE, PCE, Stoddard
solvent, turpentine, 1, 2, 4-trichlorobenzene,
and soil spiked with humic acid. The UVF-
3100A showed a statistically significant
increase in TPH results (15 percent) when the
moisture content was increased. Both the
measurement time and cost compared well
with those of the reference method.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.Stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Steve Greason
Sitelab Corporation
27 Greensboro Road
Hanover, NH 03755
603-643-7800
Fax: 603-643-7900
e-mail: sgreason@site-lab.com
Internet: www.site-lab.com
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SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS CENTER
(SCAPS Cone Penetrometer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Site Characterization and Analysis
Penetrometer System (SCAPS) was developed
by the space and naval warfare systems
center. SCAPS is mounted on a cone
penetrometer testing (CPT) platform for field
use; it can be fitted with a laser-induced
fluorescence (LIF) sensor to provide in situ
field screening of petroleum hydrocarbons in
subsurface soils. CPT technology has been
widely used in the geotechnical industry for
determining soil strength and soil type from
measurements of tip resistance and sleeve
friction on an instrumented probe. The
SCAPS CPT platform equipped with LIF
sensors can provide real-time field screening
of the physical characteristics of soil and
chemical characteristics of petroleum
hydrocarbon contamination at hazardous
waste sites.
SCAPS is primarily designed to quickly and
cost-effectively distinguish hydrocarbon-
contaminated areas from uncontaminated
areas. SCAPS also provides geologic
information and reduces the amount of
investigation-derived waste. This capability
allows further investigation and remediation
decisions to be made more efficiently and
reduces the number of samples that must be
submitted for laboratory analysis.
The LIF system uses a pulsed laser coupled
with an optical detector to measure
fluorescence through optical fibers.
Fluorescence is measured through a sapphire
window on a probe that is pushed into the
ground with a truck-mounted CPT. LIF
provides data on the in situ distribution of
petroleum hydrocarbons, measured by the
fluorescence response induced in the
polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
that comprise the petroleum hydrocarbon.
LIF detects PAHs in the bulk soil matrix
throughout the vadose, capillary fringe, and
saturated zones. LIF also provides a detect-
nondetect field screening capability relative to
a specified detection limit derived for a
specific fuel product on a site-specific soil
matrix. In addition, LIF provides qualitative
data derived from spectrographic data at
depths up to 150 feet.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
SCAPS CPT technology equipped with LIF
sensors can provide real-time qualitative
analysis of subsurface soils. This technology
may be useful in screening soils at oil
refineries, tank farms, and shipyards. The
combined technologies provide substantial
cost savings and quicker analyses compared to
conventional laboratories.
STATUS:
The SCAPS CPT and LIF technologies were
demonstrated at two hydrogeologically
distinct field sites under the SITE
Characterization and Monitoring Program.
The demonstrations were conducted at the
Hydrocarbon National Test Site at the Naval
Construction Battalion Center in Port
Hueneme, California in May 1995, and the
Steam Plant Tank Farm, Sandia National
Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico in
November 1995. An Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (ITER) (EPA/540/R-
95/520) was published by EPA.
The SCAPS project is meeting the Navy's
goals of (1) expedited development and
regulatory acceptance, (2) performance of
urgently needed petroleum, oil, and lubricant
(POL) field screening at Navy facilities, and
(3) technology transfer to industry for
widespread use. The SCAPS LIF technology
is certified and verified. The technology has
matured to become a platform with state-of-
the-art sensor technology and a suite of the
latest CPT tools for sampling and direct push
well installations. On August 5, 1996, the
California EPA Department of Toxic
Substance Control certified the SCAPS LIF as
a site characterization technology for real-
time, in situ subsurface field screening for
POL contaminants, pursuant to California
-------
Health and Safety Code, Section 25200.1.5.
Three SCAPS units are performing POL field
screenings at Navy facilities on a prioritized
basis. These screenings include plume
chasing and plume edge delineation on a finer
scale than has been feasible in the past.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The results of the SCAPS demonstrations at
Port Hueneme and Sandia National
Laboratories were presented in the ITER and
are summarized below:
• SCAPS metthe demonstration objective of
providing real-time screening of the
physical characteristics of soil and
chemical characteristics of petroleum
hydrocarbon contamination.
• SCAPS achieved better than 90 percent
agreement with the discrete soil samples
and analytical results.
• SCAPS is capable of mapping the relative
magnitude and the vertical and horizontal
extent of subsurface fluorescent petroleum
hydrocarbon contaminant plumes in soil
and groundwater.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Bob Lien
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Stephen Lieberman, Ph.D.
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center,
San Diego
53560 Hull St.,D361
San Diego, CA 92152-5001
619-553-2778
Fax: 619-553-6553
email: liebermmma@spawar.navy.mil
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SRI INSTRUMENTS
(Compact Gas Chromatograph)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The SRI Instruments (SRI) line of compact
single- and dual-oven portable gas
chromatographs (GC) are designed for on-site
and laboratory analysis of organic compounds
in soil, water, air, and other matrices. SRI
GCs are equipped with ambient-to-400°C
programmable column ovens and electronic
pressure/pneumatic control (EPC) of all
system gases. These GCs include built-in,
serially interfaced (RS-232) data acquisition
unit that permits use of desktop, notebook,
and palmtop PCs and software versions for
Windows 3.1 I/Windows NT 4.00, and
Windows '95/'98 (Y2K compliant). SRI GCs
are equipped with a standard on-column
injection port that accepts packed and
capillary columns, and systems may be
equipped with multiple inj ectors and detectors
for series or independent operation, as
required by the application. Automated gas
sampling, split/splitless injection, Method
5035/5030 compliant purge-and-trap
concentration, and liquid autosampling
carousels are available as options. SRI also
manufactures external detector units that may
be connected to other host GCs by means of a
heated transfer line (provided), or used in
stand-alone monitoring applications such as
continuous monitoring of stack THC
emissions and chlorinated compounds.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The SRI GCs can monitor airborne emissions
from hazardous waste sites and other emission
sources before, during, and after remediation.
They can also analyze soil, water, and gas
samples for organic contaminants such as
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene,
polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides.
Their performance characteristics in the field
have been proven by a large private,
commercial, and government user base.
STATUS:
The SRI model 8610 GC was evaluated in
January 1992 at a Superfund site under
remediation. Results from this demonstration
are presented in a peer-reviewed article
entitled "Evaluation of Portable Gas
Chromatographs" in the Proceedings of the
1993 U.S. EPA/Air and Waste Management
Association International Symposium., VIP-
33, Volume 2, 1993.
Compact Gas Chromatograph
-------
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Douglas Gavilanes
SRI Instruments
20720 Earl Street
Torrance, CA 90503
310-214-5092
Fax:310-214-5097
e-Mail: site@srigc.com
Internet: http://www.srigc.com
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STRATEGIC DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(formerly ENSYS ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCTS, INC.)
(EnSys Penta Test System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The EnSys Penta Test System is designed to
quickly provide semiquantitative results for
pentachlorophenol (PCP) in soil samples. The
system is shown in the photograph below.
The technology uses immunoassay chemistry
to produce compound-specific reactions that
detect and quantify PCP. Polyclonal
antibodies are fixed to the inside wall of a test
tube, where they offer binding sites for PCP.
An enzyme conjugate containing a PCP
derivative is added to the test tube to compete
with sample PCP for antibody binding sites.
Excess sample and enzyme conjugate are
washed from the test tube. Reagents are then
added to the test tube to react with the enzyme
conjugate, forming a color. After a
designated time period, a solution is added to
the test tube to stop color formation. The
sample color is compared to the color formed
by a PCP standard. A differential photometer
compares the colors. The results obtained
from soil samples are compared against a
standard to determine the detection levels.
The system can be affected by extremes of
naturally occurring matrix effects such as
humic acids, pH, or salinity. Site-specific
matrix effects that can affect the system
include PCP carriers such as petroleum
hydrocarbons or solvents; and other chemicals
used in conjunction with PCP, including
creosote, copper-chromium-arsenate, or
herbicides. Specific chemicals similar in
structure to PCP can provide positive results,
or cross reactivity.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The PCP immunoassay measures PCP
concentrations in soil. For semiquantitative
soil analysis, the concentration ranges are as
follows: greater than 50 parts per million
(ppm), between 50 and 5 ppm, between 5 and
0.5 ppm, and less than 0.5 ppm. These ranges
can be customized to a user's needs.
EnSys Penta Test System
-------
STATUS:
The SITE demonstration occurred in summer
1993 at Morrisville, North Carolina. Samples
collected from Winona, Missouri were
transported to the demonstration location for
testing. Samples from both sites were
analyzed to evaluate the effects of different
sample matrices and of different PCP carriers
such as diesel fuel and isopropyl ether-butane.
During the demonstration, the PENTA RISc
Test System analyzed 112 soil samples and 16
water samples. The Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-95/514),
which details results from the demonstration,
is available from EPA.
The PENTA RISc Test System has been
accepted under Solid Waste Method 4010
(SW-846, third edition, second update). In the
4 years that it has been available, more than
12,000 immunoassay-based tests have been
used on wood preserving sites.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: vanemon.jeanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Tim Lawruk
Strategic Diagnostics, Inc.
Ill Pencader Drive
Newark, DE 19702
800-544-8881 or
302-456-6789
Fax: 302-456-6782
e-mail: techservice@sdix.com
Internet: www.sdix.com
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STRATEGIC DIAGNOSTICS INC.
(EnviroGard™ PCB Immunoassay Test Kit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The EnviroGard™ polychlorinated biphenyl
(PCB) immunoassay test kit rapidly analyzes
for PCB concentrations in samples of soil or
sediment. Soil sample extracts are prepared
using the EnviroGard™ Soil Extraction Kit
and methanol. These extracts and assay
calibration solutions are added to plastic test
tubes coated with antibodies. Thereafter,
PCB-enzyme conjugate is added to each test
tube. The test tubes then stand for
15 minutes. The antibodies in each test tube
bind with either PCB molecules or enzyme
conjugate. Next, the tubes are washed to
remove any material not bound to the
antibodies. A clear substrate/chromogen
solution is then added to each tube, and the
tubes are allowed to stand for 5 minutes. Any
enzyme conjugate bound to the tubes colors
the clear substrate blue. A deeper shade of
blue in the test tube indicates a lower PCB
concentration. The color intensity in the test
tubes is measured at 450 nanometers using a
small portable photometer. The color
intensity is compared to one or more of the
four calibrator solutions included in the kit to
yield data allowing classification above or
below 1, 5, 10, or 50 parts per million (ppm).
Using this technology up to 18 sample
extracts can be analyzed in less than 30
minutes. Millipore Corporation (Millipore)
can provide optional protocols for quantitative
analysis of specific Aroclors or for testing
Principles of the Test
Incubation 1:
Sample and conjugate are added
to the tube and compete for a
limited number of specific
binding sites on the
immobilized antibodies.
Wash:
Unbound Compounds are washed
away, leaving only analyte and
conjugate bound to antibodies.
Incubation 2:
Colorless substrate and chromogen
are converted to color in proportion
to amount of bound enzyme.
Less color means more analyte.
^
HI E-»-
HH »-
HI E-»-
HM »-
.A. = Analyte
V = Anti-Analyte
I Antibody
E-^ = Enzyme
Conjugate
S - Substrate
C = Chromogen
Test Kit Procedure
-------
sediment, water, or soil samples.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The EnviroGard™ PCB test kit measures
PCB concentrations in soil or sediment. The
test is calibrated to screen for Aroclors 1016,
1232, 1242, 1248, 1254, and 1260 at greater
than 95 percent confidence interval.
In 1991, the EnviroGard™ PCB test kit was
used to screen and quantify PCB
contamination in soils at a SITE
demonstration of a solvent extraction system
in Washburn, Maine.
Soil containing over 50 ppm PCB was
required for the demonstration at the
Washburn, Maine site. Calibrators at the 5
and 50 ppm level were used to evaluate the
test kit's potential for segregating soils.
Additional tests were performed on dilutions
of the soil extracts to evaluate quantitative
performance. Highly contaminated soils were
easily identified, and quantitative tests
provided correlation to contaminant levels
obtained by off-site laboratory analysis using
EPA Method 8080. The Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-95/517) for this study is
available from the EPA.
The kit was also demonstrated at a U.S.
Department of Energy (DOE) site in Kansas
City, Missouri. Soils contaminated with
Aroclor 1242 in ranges from nondetectable to
greater than 1,000 ppm were analyzed with
the test kit at the DOE facility. Over 200
assays of environmental samples and
calibrators were performed to evaluate
correlation with both on-site and off-site
laboratory gas chromatograph data. Final
evaluation of the data will be presented in the
Technology Evaluation Report.
The EnviroGard™ PCB test kit has been
accepted by the EPA Office of Solid Waste
for inclusion in SW-846 as Method 4020.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGERS:
Stephen Billets or Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232 or 702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov or
vanemon.j eanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joseph Dautlick
Strategic Diagnostics, Inc.
Ill Pencader Drive
Newark, DE 19702
800-544-8881 ext. 222
Fax: 302-456-6770
e-mail: jdautlick@sdix.com
Internet: www.sdix.com
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STRATEGIC DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(Immunoassay and Colorimetry)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The EnSys Petro Test System manufactured
by SDI is based on a combination of
immunoassay (specifically, enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay) and colorimetry. The
EnSys Petro Test System includes the SDA
Sample Extraction Kit, the EnSys Petro 12T
Soil Test Kit, and the EnSys/EnviroGard®
Common Accessory Kit. With this device,
methanol is used for extraction of petroleum
hydrocarbons from soil samples. Each
sample extract is mixed with an enzyme
conjugate solution. The reaction mixture is
then transferred to an antibody-coated test
tube. The hydrocarbons in the soil extract
and those in the enzyme conjugate
competitively bind to specific antibody sites
on the test tube. The test tube is rinsed with
a dilute detergent solution to remove any
enzyme conjugate and hydrocarbons not
bound to the antibodies. A color developer
solution and hydrogen peroxide are added to
the test tube in order to give yellow color to
the enzymes that remain attached to the test
tube. The color intensity is inversely
proportional to the concentration of
hydrocarbons in the extract. To accomplish
color measurement, the absorbance of the
antibody-coated tube containing the sample
extract and an antibody-coated tube
containing a reference standard (m-xylene)
is compared using a differential photometer.
A positive reading on the photometer
indicates that the total concentration of
petroleum hydrocarbons in the sample
extract is less than that in the reference
standard. Similarly, a negative reading on
the photometer indicates that the total
concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in
the sample extract is greater than that in the
reference standard.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The EnSys Petro Test System qualitatively
measures the concentration of petroleum
hydrocarbons in environmental soil samples.
STATUS:
In June 2000, the EPA conducted a field
demonstration of the EnSys Petro Test
System and six other field measurement
devices for TPH in soil. The performance
and cost of the EnSys Petro Test System
were compared to those of an off-site
laboratory reference method. A complete
description of the demonstration and
summary of its results are available in the
"Innovative Technology Verification
Report: Field Measurement Devices for
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil-
Strategic Diagnostics, Inc., EnSys Petro Test
System" (EPA/600/R-01/084).
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the demonstration, the EnSys Petro
Test System exhibited the following
desirable characteristics of a field TPH
measurement device: (1) good precision and
(2) high sample throughput. In addition, the
EnSys Petro Test System exhibited
moderate measurement costs. However, a
significant number of the EnSys Petro Test
System TPH results were determined to be
inconclusive because the detection levels
used by SDI were not appropriate to address
the demonstration objectives. Overall, the
device's results did not compare well with
those of the reference method; in general,
the device exhibited a high positive bias.
Collectively, the demonstration findings
indicated that the user should exercise
-------
caution when considering the device for
site-specific field TPH measurement
application.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Joseph Dautlick
Strategic Diagnostics, Inc.
Ill Pencader Drive
Newark, DE 19702
800-544-8881, Ext. 222
Fax: 302- 456-6770
e-mail: jdautlick@sdix.com
Internet: www.sdix.com
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STRATEGIC DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
(formerly OHMICRON CORPORATION)
(RaPID Assay®)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The RaPID Assay® kit is designed to quickly
provide quantitative results for
pentachlorophenol (PCP) concentrations in
soil and water samples. The kit uses
immunoassay chemistry to produce detectable
and quantifiable compound-specific reactions
for PCP, as shown in the figure below.
Polyclonal antibodies bound to paramagnetic
particles are introduced into a test tube where
they offer binding sites for PCP. An enzyme
conjugate containing a PCP derivative is
added to the test tube, where it competes with
PCP from samples for antibody binding sites.
A magnetic field is applied to each test tube to
hold the paramagnetic particles containing
PCP and enzyme conjugate, while excess
sample and enzyme conjugate are washed
from the test tube.
Reagents are then added to the test tube,
where they react with the enzyme conjugate
and form a color. The color formed in the
sample is compared to the color formed by
PCP calibration standards. The comparison is
made with a spectrophotometer. Samples
with PCP concentrations above the calibration
range can be diluted and reanalyzed.
The RaPID Assay® kit has several advantages
and limitations when used under field
conditions. The method is field portable, easy
and fast to operate, and inexpensive. The
RaPID Assay® kit is limited in that (1)
electricity is required to operate the
spectrophotometer, (2) the immunoassay
method may be affected by temperature
fluctuations, and (3) cross-reactivity may
occur for compounds similar to PCP.
Legend
O <
< *
A
D
Magnetic Particle with
Antibody Attached
Pentachlorophenol
Enzyme Conjugate
Pentachlorophenol
Chromogen/Substrate
Colored Product
1. Immunological Reaction
3. Color Development
RaPID Assay®
-------
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
The RaPID Assay® kit can be used to identify
and quantify PCP in soil and water samples.
The developer reports the detection limit for
soils at 0.1 part per million and water samples
at 0.06 part per billion.
STATUS:
The RaPID Assay® kit was evaluated during a
SITE field demonstration in Morrisville,
North Carolina in August 1993. A
photograph of the kit is shown below. In
addition, samples collected from a location in
Winona, Missouri were analyzed to evaluate
the effects of different matrices and PCP
carriers. The Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report (EPA/540/R-95/514),
which details results from the demonstration,
is available from EPA.
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
vanemon.j eanette@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Craig Kostyshyn
Strategic Diagnostics,Inc.
128 Sandy Drive
Newark, DEI 9713-1147
302-546-6789
Fax: 302-546-6782
RaPID Assay Used During the SITE Demonstration
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THERMO NORAN
(formerly TN Spectrace)
(TN 9000 and TN Pb X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzers)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The TN 9000 X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Analyzer (see photograph below) is a field
portable unit that simultaneously analyzes
elements ranging from sulfur to uranium. The
TN Pb Analyzer was designed to analyze for
lead in soil, paint and paint chips, and other
matrices. It can also measure arsenic,
chromium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc
in soils. Both instruments are compact,
lightweight, and do not require liquid
nitrogen. A rechargeable battery allows the
XRF analyzers to be used at remote sites
where electricity is unavailable.
The TN 9000 Analyzer and the TN Pb
Analyzer both use a high-resolution mercuric
iodide detector to provide elemental
resolution and low detection limits. The TN
9000 Analyzer is equipped with the
radioisotope sources iron-55, cadmium-109,
and americium-241, which allow for
identification and quantification of 26
elements. The TN Pb Analyzer is equipped
only with the cadmium-109 source, which
allows for the quantification and identification
of the seven elements listed above.
The TN 9000 Analyzer and TN Pb Analyzer
consist of two main components: a probe and
an electronics unit. The probe is connected to
the electronics unit by a flexible cable that
allows analysis of soil samples in the in situ or
intrusive modes. The probe contains the
detector and excitation sources and weighs
approximately 4 pounds. The electronics unit
contains a 2,048-multichannel analyzer for
spectral analysis. A maximum of 300 sets of
results and 120 spectra can be stored in the
TN 9000 before downloading to a personal
computer (PC). A maximum of 600 sets of
results and 100 spectra can be stored in the
TN Pb Analyzer before downloading to a PC.
TN 9000 X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer
-------
All elemental concentrations are displayed in
parts per million on the liquid crystal display
(LCD) of the electronic console. The
electronics unit weighs approximately 15
pounds and can be carried in the field in a
water- repellant carrying case. The electronic
unit is battery-powered and can run up to 8
hours on a full charge.
Both instruments incorporate user-friendly,
menu-driven software to operate the
instrument. The TN 9000 Analyzer and TN
Pb Analyzer are calibrated using fundamental
parameters, which is a standardless calibration
technique. At the time of the SITE
demonstration, the TN 9000 and TN Pb
Analyzers cost $58,000 and $39,500,
respectively. These costs included all
equipment necessary to operate the
instrument. Leasing and rental options are
also available. The TN 9000 Analyzer, using
all three excitation sources, is capable of
analyzing 100 samples per day. The TN Pb
Analyzer is capable of analyzing 20 to 25
samples per hour using a 60-second count
time for the cadmium-109 source.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TN 9000 and TN Pb Analyzers can detect
select elements in soil, sediment, filter, and
wipe samples. The TN Pb Analyzer can also
detect lead in paint. Both units can identify
select elements at concentrations ranging from
parts per million to percentage levels in soil
samples obtained from mining and smelting
sites, drum recycling facilities, and plating
facilities. These instruments can provide real-
time, on-site analytical results during field
screening and remediation operations. XRF
analysis is faster and more cost-effective
compared to conventional laboratory analysis.
STATUS:
The TN 9000 and TN Pb Analyzers were
demonstrated under the SITE Program in
April 1995. The results were summarized in
Technical Report No. EPA/600/R-97/145,
dated March 1998. The instruments were
used to identify and quantify concentrations of
metals in soils. Evaluation of the results
yielded field-based method detection limits,
accuracy, and precision data from the analysis
of standard reference materials and
performance evaluation samples.
Comparability of the XRF results to an EPA-
approved reference laboratory method was
also assessed. The draft fourth update to SW-
846 includes Method 6200, dated January
1998, which is based on this demonstration.
TN Pb - no longer offered.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Dan Polakowski
Thermo Noran
2551 W. BeltlineHWY.
Middleton, WI 53562
815-455-8459
Fax:608-836-6511
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TRI-SERVICES
(Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System [SCAPS])
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Tri-Services Site Characterization and
Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) was
developed by the U.S. Army (U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment
Station [WES] and the Army Environmental
Center [AEC]), Navy (Naval Command,
Control and Ocean Surveillance Center), and
the Air Force (Armstrong Laboratory). The
U.S. Army holds a patent for the application
of laser sensors combined with cone
penetrometry. The laser- induced
fluorescence (LIF) system used in the SCAPS
was modified from a design developed by the
Navy to detect petroleum, oil, and lubricant
fluorescence in seawater.
A complete cone penetrometer (CPT) truck
system consists of a truck, hydraulic rams
andassociated controllers, and the CPT itself
(see photograph below). The weight of the
truck provides a static reaction force, typically
20 tons, to advance the CPT. The hydraulic
system, working against the static reaction
force, advances 1-meter-long,
3.57-centimeter-diameter threaded push rod
segments into the ground. The CPT, which is
mounted on the end of the series of push rods,
contains LIF sensors that continuously log tip
stress and sleeve friction.
The data from these sensors are used to map
subsurface stratigraphy. Conductivity or pore
pressure sensors can be driven into the ground
simultaneously. The 20-ton truck is designed
with protected work spaces.
The SCAPS has been modified to provide
automatic grouting of the penetrometer hole
during retraction of the CPT. It can also
decontaminate the push rods as they are
retracted from the soil. The 20-ton CPT
system is capable of pushing standard push
rods to depths of approximately 50 meters.
The main LIF sensor components are as
follows:
• Nitrogen (N2) laser
• Fiber optic cable
• Monochromator to resolve the
fluorescence emission as a function of
wavelength
• Photodiode array (PDA) to detect the
fluorescence emission spectrum and
transduce the optical signal into an
electrical signal
optical multichannel analyzer (OMA) to
interface between the optic system and the
computer system
Computer system
Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System
(SCAPS)
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To operate the SCAPS LIF sensor, the CPT is
positioned over a designated penetration
point. The LIF sensor response is checked
using a standard rhodamine solution held
against the sapphire window; sensor response
is checked before and after each penetration.
The CPT is then advanced into the soil.
The SCAPS LIF system is operated with a N2
laser. The PDA accumulates the fluorescence
emission response over 10 laser shots, and the
PDA retrieves an emission spectrum of the
soil fluorescence and returns this information
to the OMA and computer system. The LIF
sensor and stratigraphy data collection are
interpreted by the on-board computer system.
The spectral resolution of the LIF system
under these operating conditions is 2
centimeters. The fluorescence intensity at
peak emission wavelength for each stored
spectrum is displayed along with the soil
classification data.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Tri-Services SCAPS was designed to
qualitatively and quantitatively identify
classes of petroleum, polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbon, and volatile organic compound
contamination in subsurface soil samples.
STATUS:
The technology field demonstration was held
in EPA Region 7 during September 1994.
The Innovative Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-95/520) is available from EPA.
Since the SITE demonstration in 1994, the
U.S. Army has developed the SCAPS
Petroleum
Sensor (for detection of fluorescing
petroleum, oil and lubricant contaminants in
groundwater and soil), SCAPS Explosives
Sensor (for detection of nitrogen-based
explosive compounds), SCAPS Hybrid VOC
Sensor/Sampler (for detection of VOCs in
soil), SCAPS Metals Sensor (for in situ
detection of meal contaminants in subsurface
media), and a SCAPS Radionuclide Sensor
(for detection of gamma emitting
radionuclides in groundwater, mixed tank
wastes, and soil). These technologies have
not been demonstrated in the SITE Program.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
e-mail: billets, stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACTS:
George Robitaille
Army Environmental Center
Building 4430
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010
410-612-6865
Fax:410-612-6836
John Ballard
Waterways Experiment Station
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39810
601-634-2446
Fax: 601-634-2732
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
(Field Analytical Screening Program - PCB Method)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The field analytical screening program
(FASP) polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
method uses a temperature-programmable gas
chromatograph (GC) equipped with an
electron-capture detector (BCD) to identify
and quantify PCBs in soil and water. Gas
chromatography is an EPA-approved method
for determining PCB concentrations. The
FASP PCB method is a modified version of
EPA SW-846 Method 8080.
In the FASP PCB method for soil samples,
PCBs are extracted from the samples, injected
into a GC, and identified and quantified with
an ECD. Soil samples must be extracted
before analysis begins. Hexane and sulfuric
acid are used during the extraction process,
which removes potential interferences from
the soil sample. Chromatograms for each
sample are compared to the chromatograms
for PCB standards. Peak patterns and
retention times from the chromatograms are
used to identify and quantify PCBs in the soil
sample extract. In addition to the GC, the
operator may use an autosampler that
automatically injects equal amounts of the
sample extract into the GC column. The
autosampler ensures that the correct amount
of extract is used for each analysis and allows
continual analysis without an operator. The
FASP PCB method quickly provides results
with statistical accuracy and detection limits
comparable to those achieved by formal
laboratories. The method can also identify
individual Aroclors.
Instrumentation and equipment required for
the FASP PCB method are not highly
portable. When mounted in a mobile
laboratory trailer, however, the method can
operate on or near most sites relatively easily.
Use of this method requires electricity, and
Aroclor standards require refrigeration. An
exhaust hood and carrier gases also are
needed.
The FASP PCB method can identify and
quantify PCBs in soil and water samples.
STATUS:
The FASP PCB method was demonstrated
under the SITE Program at a well-
characterized, PCB-contaminated site. During
the demonstration, the method was used to
analyze 112 soil samples, 32 field duplicates,
and two performance evaluation samples.
Split samples were submitted to an off-site
laboratory for confirmatory analysis by SW-
846 Method 8080. Data generated by the
FASP PCB method were directly compared
with the data from the off-site laboratory to
evaluate the method's accuracy and precision.
In addition, the operational characteristics and
performance factors of the FASP PCB method
were evaluated.
The stated detection limit for the FASB PCB
method is 0.4 parts per million (ppm). During
the demonstration, the method achieved a
detection limit as low as 0.1 ppm. In addition,
up to 21 samples were analyzed by the
method in an 8-hour period. The Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report
(EPA/540/R-95/521) contains additional
details on the method's demonstration and
evaluation and is available from EPA.
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FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Howard Fribush
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 5204G
401 M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
703-603-8831
Fax:703-603-9112
Fax: 512-388-9200
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WILKS ENTERPRISE, INC.
(Infrared Analysis)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Infracal® TOG/TPH Analyzer
developed by Wilks is based on infrared
analysis. The device can be operated as
either Model CVH or Model HATR-T
simply by switching sample stages. Model
CVH uses a sample stage that contains a
quartz cuvette, and Model HATR-T uses the
cubic zirconia horizontal attenuated total
reflection sample stage. Model CVH is used
when a sample contains GRO, extended
diesel range organics (EDRO), or both, and
Model HATR-T is used when a sample
contains only EDRO. Because of the
environmental hazards associated with
chlorofluorocarbons, Model HATR-T,
which uses Vertrel® MCA, is preferred over
Model CVH, which uses Freon 113, a
chlorofluorocarbon. However, Model CVH
is more sensitive and can achieve a lower
detection limit than Model HATR-T.
The Infracal® TOG/TPH Analyzer includes
a single-beam, fixed-wavelength,
nondispersive infrared filter-based
spectrophotometer with a dual detector
system. In Model CVH, a pulsed beam of
infrared radiation from a tungsten lamp is
transmitted to a quartz cuvette that contains
a sample extract. In Model HATR-T, which
is an evaporation technique, an extract is
placed directly on the sample stage. The
radiation that passes through the sample
extract enters the dual detector system,
whose filters isolate a reference wavelength
(2,500 nanometers) and an analytical
wavelength (3,400 nanometers) to measure
PHCs present in the extract.
MODEL HATR-T
MODEL CVH
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WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Infracal® TOG/TPH Analyzer measures
total oil and grease or total petroleum
hydrocarbon concentration levels in soil or
water.
STATUS:
Two models of the Infracal® TOG/TPH
Analyzer - the Model HATR-T and CVH -
were demonstrated in June 2000 at an EPA
SITE Study on Field Measurement
Technologies for Total Petroleum
Hydrocarbons in Soil. Over 200 soil
samples were analyzed. Environmental
samples were collected in five areas
contaminated with gasoline, diesel,
lubricating oil and other petroleum products.
Performance evaluation samples were
prepared by a commercial provider. The
performance attributes tested included
method detection limits, accuracy and
precision, effect of interferents, skill and
training required, portability and durability,
and cost and time per sample. The
performance and cost were compared to an
off-site laboratory reference method, (SW-
846) Method 8015 B. The Innovative
Technology Verification Report
(EPA/600/R-XO1/088) is available from the
EPA.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
The method detection limit was determined
to be 76 mg/kg for the Infracal TOG/TPH
Analyzer. Seventy-two of 101 results
agreed with those of reference method.
There were 2 false positives, and 27 false
negatives. Of 105 results used to measure
measurement bias, 78 were biased low, and
27 were biased high. For soil environmental
samples, the results were statistically the
same as the reference method for one out of
five sampling areas. The analyzer exhibited
less overall precision than the reference
method (RSD ranges were 5 to 30 percent
and 5.5 to 18 percent for the device and the
reference method respectively. The
analyzer showed varying mean responses for
interferents such as PCE (1 percent), MTBE
(62 percent), Stoddard solvent (120 percent),
and turpentine (77 percent). Moisture
content had a statistically significant impact
on TPH results for diesel soil samples, but
not for weathered gasoline soil samples.
Both the measurement time and cost
compared well with those of the reference
method.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. EPA
National Exposure Research Laboratory
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-789-2232
Fax: 702-789-2261
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Sandy Rintoul
Wilks Enterprise, Inc.
140 Water Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
203-855-9136
Fax: 203-838-9868
e-mail: info@wilksir.com
Web Page: www.wilksir.com
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W.L. GORE AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
(GORE-SORBER® Screening Survey)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The GORE-SORBER® Screening Survey
employs the use of patented passive soil vapor
sampling devices (GORE-SORBER
Modules), which are made of an inert,
hydrophobic, microporous expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, similar to
Teflon® brand PTFE) membrane. The
membrane transfer of soil and liquid, but
allows the soil gases to move across the
membrane for collection onto engineered
sorbents. These sorbents are designed to
minimize the affects of water vapor and to
detect a broad range of VOCs and SVOCs.
GORE-SORBER® Screening Surveys have
been used successfully at thousands of sites
for determining subsurface areas impacted by
VOCs and SVOCs. Organic compounds
commonly detected include halogenated
solvents, straight- and branched-chain
aliphatics, aromatics, and poly cyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH). Many of these
compounds are associated with a wide range
of petroleum products, including gasoline,
mineral spirits, heating oils, creosotes, and
coal tars. GORE-SORBER® Screening
Surveys have also been used successfully to
screen fornitroaromatic explosives, chemical
warfare agents, precursors, breakdown
products, and pesticides.
The GORE-SORBER® Screening Survey is a
service that includes the manufacturing of the
samplers, the analysis of the samplers
(through thermal desorption, gas
chromatography, and mass selective
detection), and a final report that includes
color contour plots of the compounds
detected.
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WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Common applications of the GORE-
SORBER® Screening Surveys include
detection of compounds to (1) trace soil and
groundwater plumes in porous and fractured
media, (2) monitor progress of subsurface in
situ remedial actions, (3) provide baseline
data for real estate transfer assessments, and
(4) reduce groundwater monitoring costs.
Prudent use of this technology can optimize
and reduce soil and groundwater sampling
efforts, resulting in significant cost savings
over the life of site assessment and remedial
action programs.
The GORE-SORBER® Screening Survey was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in November 1996. The SITE field
demonstration was completed in May 1997.
Since this technology has been accepted into
the SITE program, water quality monitoring
and the design of the GORE-SORBER
Module have been improved.
The SITE demonstration showed that the
GORE-SORBER® Screening Survey is more
sensitive than active soil gas sampling, and
therefore more accurate in terms of detecting
and reporting low concentrations of some
compounds. The technology demonstration
also revealed that this survey is more accurate
when the soil conditions would otherwise
restrict the use of active soil gas methods, for
example, where the soil is very dense or
nearly saturated. Additionally, this sorbent
based method provides a more robust system
for sample collection and analysis for those
projects that have more stringent data quality
objectives.
Demonstration results are documented in the
"Environmental Technology Verification"
report for the sampler dated August 1998
(EPA/600/R-98/095).
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
702-798-2261
Fax: 702-798-2232
e-mail: billets.stephen@epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Mark Wrigley
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
100 Chesapeake Boulevard
Elkton, MD21921
392-7600
Fax: 410-506-4780
e-mail: rfenster@wlgore.com
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XONTECH INCORPORATED
(XonTech Sector Sampler)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The XonTech Incorporated (XonTech) sector
sampler collects time-integrated whole air
samples in Summa™-polished canisters (see
diagram below). The wind sensor directs
whole air, sampled at a constant rate, into
either an "in" sector canister or an "out" sector
canister. When wind velocity exceeds 0.37
meter per second (m/s) from the direction of
the suspected emissions area (the target), the
first canister is filled. When the wind velocity
exceeds 0.37 m/s from any other direction, the
other canister is filled. When the wind
velocity falls below 0.37 m/s, either canister
or neither canister may receive the sample.
Over an extended period of time, a target
sample and a background sample are
collected. This method is analogous to
upwind-downwind sampling but does not
require two distinct sites or manual sampler
control.
The sampler is portable and can be battery- or
AC-powered. The air samples are analyzed
by gas chromatograph (EPA Method TO-14)
for volatile organic compounds (VOC). The
use of sector samplers enables identification
of VOCs originating from the source and
differentiation between other sources in the
vicinity.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The XonTech sector sampler can monitor
VOC emissions from hazardous waste sites
and other emission sources before and during
remediation. Short-term sampling can
determine which high concentration
compounds are emitted from a site.
Long-term monitoring can assess an emission
source's potential effects on the local popu-
lation, providing data to support risk analyses.
OUT SECTOR CANISTER PRESSURE GAUGE.
30" HG VACUUM-30 PSIG
IN SECTOR CANISTER PRESSURE GUAGE.
30" HG VACUUM - 30 PSIG
Schematic Diagram of the XonTech Sector Sampler
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STATUS:
The XonTech sector sampler's usability has
been demonstrated in two short-term field
studies. This technology has been applied to
industrial emissions as well as emissions from
landfill sites. Mathematical methods for
processing data have been developed and
shown to be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
William McClenny
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
919-541-3158
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Matt Young
XonTech Incorporated
6862 Hayvenhurst Avenue
VanNuys, CA 91406
Telephone No.: 818-787-7380
Fax: 818-787-8132
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